From 1182483ea800c057a24ec2a86dd0fcf0418858cb Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: OPSXCQ Date: Tue, 6 Mar 2018 08:43:55 -0300 Subject: [PATCH] update --- textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/pers.trk | 567 + textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/persp.rev | 184 + textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/places.faq | 878 ++ textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/pow_srch.stt | 93 + textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/power.rev | 249 + textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/price.rev | 122 + textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/primitiv.lif | 1232 ++ textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/qanda.tre | 13959 +++++++++++++++++++++++ textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/qlue | 626 + textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/qlue.txt | 616 + textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/qpid.rev | 219 + textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/qr_ds9.txt | 195 + textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/qr_tng.txt | 985 ++ textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/qriosity | 395 + textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/quantumq | 324 + textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/quiz.txt | 152 + textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/qwho.rev | 93 + textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/races.trk | 812 ++ textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/redemp.rev | 250 + textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/redemp2.rev | 321 + textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/reins | 4090 +++++++ textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/rematch | 1383 +++ textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/remember.rev | 259 + textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/reunion.rev | 341 + textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/revenge | 1371 +++ textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/roadless.txt | 2056 ++++ textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/roggalac | 2401 ++++ textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/sarek.rev | 180 + textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/seas4.rev | 131 + textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/season5.rev | 504 + textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/shades.rev | 136 + textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/shadowsi | 181 + textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/ships.faq | 749 ++ textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/ships.trk | 383 + textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/silence | 13418 ++++++++++++++++++++++ textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/silicon.rev | 214 + textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/sins.rev | 139 + textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/smartin.rev | 69 + textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/spacebat.cro | 1253 ++ textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/speculat | 913 ++ textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/st-drink.txt | 140 + textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/st-isop.txt | 147 + textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/st-locat | 2019 ++++ textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/st-satnl.txt | 714 ++ textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/st-thefi.p1- | 921 ++ textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/st-timel | 368 + textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/st_a.txt | 1022 ++ textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/st_b.txt | 1373 +++ textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/st_epi.txt | 627 + textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/st_kzin.txt | 217 + textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/st_nov88.txt | 475 + textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/st_nov89.txt | 471 + textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/st_nov92.txt | 552 + textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/st_pilot.txt | 210 + textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/st_roman.txt | 309 + textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/st_timel.txt | 3633 ++++++ textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/st_tloop.txt | 565 + textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/star-fle.phy | 549 + textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/stardate.txt | 28 + textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/starsand | 945 ++ textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/startrek | 1732 +++ textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/startrek.txt | 327 + textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/startrk.txt | 129 + textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/stmeetsl | 91 + textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/stratege | 1757 +++ textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/stsc.hum | 113 + textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/sttech.txt | 1053 ++ textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/sttng1.hum | 562 + textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/theandor | 924 ++ textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/thegreat.p1- | 4842 ++++++++ textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/theinter | 136 + textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/theory.rev | 203 + textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/theraven | 2689 +++++ textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/theretur | 1848 +++ textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/theunfai | 1685 +++ textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/thewitne | 2913 +++++ textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/tinman.rev | 157 + textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/tms0493.txt | 641 ++ textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/tng-meet | 222 + textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/tng0493.txt | 3254 ++++++ textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/tngdrink.txt | 393 + textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/tos0493.txt | 1495 +++ textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/toys.rev | 145 + textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/transfig.rev | 149 + textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/trek.faq | 827 ++ textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/trek.tng | 114 + textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/trek.vt | 592 + textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/trek_gde.txt | 1552 +++ textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/trekbook.sf | 231 + textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/trekland | 1237 ++ textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/trekmlin.txt | 841 ++ textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/treknolo | 1032 ++ textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/trekscip.hum | 302 + textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/trekwars | 2992 +++++ textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/tselar | 2611 +++++ textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/unify1.rev | 315 + textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/unify2.rev | 399 + textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/vengnc.rev | 110 + textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/violate.rev | 224 + textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/voices.txt | 1179 ++ textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/voyager.rev | 133 + textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/voyages1 | 910 ++ textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/voyages2 | 797 ++ textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/w95_trek.txt | 149 + 104 files changed, 111735 insertions(+) create mode 100644 textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/pers.trk create mode 100644 textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/persp.rev create mode 100644 textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/places.faq create mode 100644 textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/pow_srch.stt create mode 100644 textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/power.rev create mode 100644 textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/price.rev create mode 100644 textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/primitiv.lif create mode 100644 textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/qanda.tre create mode 100644 textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/qlue create mode 100644 textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/qlue.txt create mode 100644 textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/qpid.rev create mode 100644 textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/qr_ds9.txt create mode 100644 textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/qr_tng.txt create mode 100644 textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/qriosity create mode 100644 textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/quantumq create mode 100644 textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/quiz.txt create mode 100644 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b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/pers.trk new file mode 100644 index 00000000..f4128fc3 --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/pers.trk @@ -0,0 +1,567 @@ +STARFLEET PERSONNEL as of Stardate 45944 +compiled by Scott Hollifield + +Rank and/or position given where available. Personnel marked with an +asterisk (*) do NOT serve (and have never been depicted as having +served) aboard the USS Enterprise. + +Personnel marked with a (+) were documented on the Enterprise in the +altered timeline only. + +The "#" sign indicates that information documented about the listed +individual may come in part from a novelization. + + +Aaron, Admiral * + played by Ray Reinhardt ("Coming of Age") +Alans + Science officer, USS Enterprise + played by Whitney Rydbeck ("Pen Pals") +Albert, Cadet Joshua * + Flight cadet, Starfleet Academy, deceased + Killed in a collision with another training ship ("The First Duty") +Albert, Lt. Cmdr. * + played by Ed Lauter ("The First Duty") +Allenby, Ens. + Helm officer, USS Enterprise + played by Mary Kohnert ("Final Mission", "The Loss") +Aniah, Ens. April + Helm officer, USS Enterprise + played by Page Leong ("The Nth Degree") +Anmeder, Lt. + Engineering officer, USS Enterprise, deceased + Killed by physical fusion with corridor floor ("In Theory") +Arden, Jeff * + ("In Theory") +Argyle, Lt. Cmdr. Blake + Former Chief Engineer, USS Enterprise + played by Biff Yeager ("Where No One Has Gone Before", "Datalore") +Aron + played by Peter Neptune ("The Dauphin") +Aster, Lt. Marla + Science officer, USS Enterprise, deceased; killed by Koinoinian bomb + played by Susan Powell ("The Bonding", "Ethics") +Balfus, Dr. + Plant biology specialist, USS Enterprise ("Night Terrors") +Ballard, Lt. + Social sciences/Education officer, USS Enterprise + played by Judyann Elder ("The Offspring") +Barclay, Lt. Reginald + Engineering officer, USS Enterprise + played by Dwight Schultz ("Hollow Pursuits", "The Nth Degree") +Barrett, Lt. (+) + ("Yesterday's Enterprise") +Batesman, Capt. Morgan * + Commanding officer, USS Bozeman + played by Kelsey Grammer ("Cause and Effect") +Bennett, Ens. + Helm officer, USS Enterprise ("Captain's Holiday") +Bernard, Dr. Harry + played by Dierk Torsek ("When the Bough Breaks") +Bogrow, Paul * + Served aboard USS Victory ("Identity Crisis") +Brackett, Adm. Ruah * # + Informed Capt. Picard of Ambassador Spock's disappearance. + played by Karen Hensel ("Unification I") +Brahms, Dr. Leah * + Propulsion engineer, Starfleet Theoretical Propulsion Group + played by Susan Gibney ("Booby Trap", "Galaxy's Child") +Brand, Adm. * + Superintendent, Starfleet Academy + played by Jacqueline Brooke ("The First Duty") +Brevelle, Ens. Anthony * + Served aboard USS Victory; mutated into Tarchannen creature + played by Paul Tomkins ("Identity Crisis") +Brink, Cmdr. * + First officer, USS Brattain, deceased; killed by his insane captain +Brooks, Ens. Janet + Linguistics officer, USS Enterprise + played by Kim Braden ("The Loss") +Brossmer, Chief + Transporter officer, USS Enterprise + played by Shelby Leverington ("The Next Phase") +Brower + Engineering officer, USS Enterprise + played by David Coburn ("The Nth Degree") +Burke, Ens. + Tactial officer, USS Enterprise + played by Glenn Morshower ("Peak Performance") +Carlin, Tom + Science officer, USS Enterprise ("Night Terrors") +Carteno + Tactical officer, USS Enterprise ("The Best of Both Worlds") +Casey + Security officer, USS Enterprise ("Brothers") +Castillo, Lt. Richard + Helm/tactical officer, USS Enterprise (NCC 1701-C) + Missing, presumed casuality in battle with Romulans + played by Christopher MacDonald ("Yesterday's Enterprise") +Chang, Lt. * + played by Robert Ito ("Coming of Age") +Clancy, Ens. + Tactical officer, former Ops officer, USS Enterprise + played by Anne Elizabeth Ramsay ("Elementary Dear Data", "The + Emissary") +Costa, Lt. + Engineering officer, USS Enterprise ("Hollow Pursuits", "In The Mind's + Eye") +Craig, Ens. * + Helm officer, USS Sutherland + played by Clifton James ("Redemption II") +Crusher, (Cmdr.) Dr. Beverly + Chief Medical Officer, USS Enterprise + played by Gates McFadden +Crusher, Lt. Jack * + served on the USS Stargazer, now deceased + played by Jack Wert ("Family", "Violations") +Crusher, Ens. Wesley + currently attending Starfleet Academy + played by Wil Wheaton +Darson, Capt. * + Commanding officer, USS Adelphi, deceased; killed in Ghorusda + disaster + ("Tin Man") +Data, Lt. Cmdr. + Second Officer and Main Bridge Ops, USS Enterprise + Formerly served on USS Trieste + played by Brent Spiner +Davies, Ens. + Science officer, USS Enterprise + played by Nicholas Cascone ("Pen Pals") +Davis + Crewman, USS Enterprise + played by Craig Benton ("Violations") +Dealt, Lt. Cmdr. Hester * + Federation Medical Collection Station trustee + played by Seymour Cassel ("The Child") +Dean, Lt. + played by Dan Kern ("We'll Always Have Paris") +DeSora, Lt. Jenna + Security officer, USS Enterprise + played by Michele Scarabelli ("In Theory") +DeSoto, Capt. Robert * + Commanding officer, USS Hood + played by ("Encounter At Farpoint"; seen in "Tin Man") +Duffy + Engineering officer, USS Enterprise + played by Charley Lang ("Hollow Pursuits") +Dumont, Ens. Suzanne + ("Sarek") +Fang Li + deceased officer, USS Enterprise + ("Ethics") +Flaherty, Cmdr. * + First officer, USS Ares ("The Icarus Factor") +Fletcher, Ens. + Engineering officer, USS Enterprise ("Cause and Effect") +Foley, Lt. + ("Menage A Troi") +Garrett, Capt. Rachel + Commanding officer, USS Enterprise (NCC 1701-C) + Deceased, killed in battle with Klingons in alternate timeline + played by Tricia O'Neill ("Yesterday's Enterprise") +Gibson, Ens. + Ops officer, USS Enterprise + played by Jennifer Barlow ("The Dauphin") +Gillespie, Lt. + played by Duke Moosekian ("Night Terrors") +Gleason, Capt. * + Commanding officer, USS Zhukov ("Hollow Pursuits") +Gleason, Lt. + Ops officer, USS Enterprise ("The Best of Both Worlds") +Gomez, Ens. Sonya + Engineering officer, USS Enterprise + played by Lycia Naff ("Q Who", "Samaritan Snare") +Graham + ("The Icarus Factor") +Graham, Ens. + Helm officer, USS Enterprise + played by Mona Grudt ("Identity Crisis") +Gromek, Adm. * + played by Georgann Johnson ("The Emissary") +Haden, Adm. * + played by John Hancock ("The Defector", "Night Terrors") +Haftel, Adm. Anthony * + played by Nicholas Coster ("The Offspring") +Hahn, Adm. * + ("Menage A Troi") +Hajar, Cadet Jean * + Flight cadet, Starfleet Academy + played by Walker Brandt ("The First Duty") +Hanson, Adm. J.P. * + Starfleet tactical specialist, deceased; killed in battle with the + Borg + played by George Murdock ("The Best of Both Worlds", "The Best of + Both Worlds Part 2") +Haro, Cadet Mitena * + played by Jocelyn O'Brien ("Allegiance") +Haskell + Helm officer, USS Enterprise, deceased; killed by Nagilum + played by Charles Douglass ("Where Silence Has Lease") +Hendrick + Transporter officer, USS Enterprise + played by Dennis Madalone ("Identity Crisis") +Hennessey + ("The Dauphin") +Henry, Adm. Thomas * + Starfleet Command Security officer + played by Earl Billings ("The Drumhead") +Herbert, Ens. + Transporter officer, USS Enterprise + played by Lance Spellerberg ("We'll Always Have Paris", "The Icarus + Factor") +Hickman, Lt. Paul * + Served aboard USS Victory, deceased; killed by flying a shuttle + into a star + played by Amick Byram ("Identity Crisis") +Hildebrandt + Science officer, USS Enterprise + played by Ann H. Gillespie ("Pen Pals") +Hill, Dr. + Medical officer, USS Enterprise ("Remember Me") +Hobson, Lt. Cmdr. Christopher * + Former temporary first officer, USS Sutherland + played by Timothy Carhart ("Redemption II") +Hoy, Ens. + Transporter officer, USS Enterprise ("Who Watches the Watchers") +Imbato, Lt. + ("Data's Day") +Jameson, Adm. Mark * + Former commanding officer, USS Gettysberg; died of a drug overdose + played by Clayton Rohner ("Too Short A Season") +Juarez, Lt. + ("Data's Day") +Kaden, Will * + Served aboard USS Rutledge, deceased; killed at Setlek Three +Keel, Capt. Walker * + Commanding officer, USS Horatio; killed in the Horatio's + destruction + played by Jonathan Farwell ("Conspiracy") +Keith * + Tactical officer, USS Sutherland ("Redemption II") +Keller, Ens. + Engineering officer, USS Enterprise, deceased; killed by radiation + exposure in engine room + ("Violations") +Kelley, Lt. Morgan * + Security chief, USS Essex, deceased; killed in the Essex's + destruction + ("Power Play") +Kellogg, Ens. + Security officer, USS Enterprise ("The Drumhead") +Kenneky + Engineering officer, USS Enterprise ("Night Terrors") +Kennelley, Adm. * + Currently facing criminal hearing + played by Cliff Potts ("Ensign Ro") +Kim, Dr. Joshua (+) + Medical officer, USS Enterprise ("Yesterday's Enterprise") +Kirk, Capt. James T. + Commanding officer, USS Enterprise (NCC-1701, NCC-1701-A) + ("The Naked Now", "Unification II") +Kopf, Ens. + Engineering officer, USS Enterprise + played by James Lashly ("Brothers") +Kosinski, Lt. * + Member of Starfleet Corps of Engineers + played by Stanley Kamel ("Where No One Has Gone Before") +LaForge, Lt. Cmdr. Geordi + Chief Engineer, USS Enterprise; former Helm officer + Formerly served on USS Victory + played by LeVar Burton +Larson, Lt. Linda + Engineering officer, USS Enterprise + played by Saxon Trainor ("The Nth Degree") +Lefler, Ens. Robin + Engineering officer, USS Enterprise + played by Ashley Judd ("Darmok", "The Game") +Leitjen, Lt. Cmdr. Susanna + Former security officer, USS Victory + played by Maryann Plunkett ("Identity Crisis") +Lin, Ens. Kenny + Tactical officer, USS Enterprise + played by Brian Tochi ("Night Terrors") +Locklin, Ens. + Transporter officer, USS Enterprise + ("Clues") +Logan + Former Chief Engineer, USS Enterprise + played by Vyto Ruginis ("The Arsenal of Freedom") +Lokarno, Cadet Nicholas * + Flight cadet, Starfleet Academy + Expelled from the Academy during senior year + played by Robert Duncan O'Neill ("The First Duty") +Louvois, Capt. Philippa * + Senior officer, JAG Starbase 173 + played by Amanda McBroom ("The Measure of a Man") +Lynch, Leland T. + Engineering officer, USS Enterprise + played by Walker Boone ("Skin of Evil") +MacDougal, Lt. Cmdr. Sarah + Associate Chief Engineer, USS Enterprise + played by Brooke Bundy ("The Naked Now") +Maddox, Cmdr. Bruce * + Asst. Chair of Robotics, Daystrom Institute + played by Brian Brophy ("The Measure of a Man") +Mandell, Ens. + Ops officer, USS Enterprise + played by Cameron Arnett ("Disaster") +Marcus, Crewman + Security crewman, USS Enterprise ("The Drumhead") +Martin, Dr. + Medical officer, USS Enterprise + played by Rick Fitts ("Violations") +Martinez + Medical officer, USS Enterprise ("Who Watches the Watchers") +Martoni, Cadet Adam + Student, Starfleet Academy ("The Game") +Maxwell, Capt. Benjamin * + Former commanding officer, USS Phoenix, relieved of command + Former commanding officer, USS Rutledge + played by Bob Gunton ("The Wounded") +McCleckidge, Nurse + ("Imaginary Friend") +McCoy, Adm. Leonard H. + Surgeon-General of Starfleet Command, retired + played by DeForest Kelley ("Encounter At Farpoint") +McDowell, Ens. + Tactical officer, USS Enterprise + played by Kenneth Meseroll ("The Next Phase") +McKinney * + killed in a conspiracy-related accident ("Conspiracy") +McKnight, Ens. + Helm officer, USS Enterprise + played by Pamela Winslow ("In Theory") +Mendez, Ens. * + Formerly served on USS Ares + Formerly served on USS Victory + Mutated into Tarchannen creature ("Identity Crisis") +Mendon, Ens. + Temporary science officer, USS Enterprise + played by John Putch ("A Matter of Honor") +Minnerly, Lt. + ("Skin of Evil") +Monroe, Lt. + Helm officer, USS Enterprise + Killed by explosion caused by collision with a quantum filament + played by Jana Marie Hupp ("Disaster") +Moore, Adm. James * + ("Up the Long Ladder") +Mordock, Cadet * + Benzite entrant into Starfleet Academy ("Coming of Age") +Mullen, Cmdr. Steven * + First officer, USS Essex, deceased; killed in the Essex's + destruction ("Power Play") +Myers + Engineering officer, USS Enterprise ("Hollow Pursuits") +Nagel, Ens. + Tactical officer, USS Enterprise + played by Leslie Neale ("Peak Performance") +Narsu, Adm. Utan * + Deceased ("Power Play") +Nokamura, Adm. * + Base Commander, Starbase 173 + played by Clyde Kusatsu ("The Measure of a Man") +Nsomeka, Adm. * + ("Final Mission") +O'Brien, CPO Miles Edward + Transporter Chief, USS Enterprise + Former temporary tactical officer of Enterprise + former chief tactical officer, USS Rutledge + played by Colm Meaney +Ogawa, Nurse Alissa + played by Patti Yasutake ("Clues", "Identity Crisis", "The Host" + The Game", "Ethics", "Imaginary Friend", "The Inner Light") +Ortiz, Ens. + ("The Ensigns of Command") +Parker + Bridge officer, USS Enterprise (NCC 1701-C) ("Yesterday's + Enterprise") +Paupa, Ens. + Engineering officer, USS Enterprise + played by Jana Marie Hupp ("Galaxy's Child") +Picard, Capt. Jean-Luc + Commanding officer, USS Enterprise + former commanding officer, USS Stargazer + played by Patrick Stewart +Prieto, Ben + played by Raymond Forchion ("Skin of Evil") +Prixis + Science officer, USS Enterprise ("Pen Pals") +Pulaski, Dr. Katherine + Former Chief Medical Officer, USS Enterprise + Former Chief Medical Officer, USS Repulse + played by Diana Muldaur +Quaice, Dr. Dalen * + Medical officer, formerly stationed at Starbase 133 + played by Bill Erwin ("Remember Me") +Quinn, Adm. Gregory * + played by Ward Costello ("Coming of Age", "Conspiracy") +Quinteros, Cmdr. Orfil * + Base Commander of Starbase 74 + played by Gene Dynarski ("11001001") +Ramos + Security officer, USS Enterprise; killed by renegade Klingons + played by Dennis Madalone ("Heart of Glory") +Ramsey, Capt. * + Commanding officer of freightor SS Odin + played by Sam Hennings ("Angel One") +Rayger, Ens. + Helm officer, USS Enterprise + played by Lane Chapman ("Galaxy's Child", "Night Terrors") +Reel, Ens. + Helm officer, USS Enterprise + played by Tom Ormeny ("Redemption") +Remmick, Cmdr. Dexter * + Investigator, Inspector-General's Office, deceased; possesed by + parasites + played by Robert Schenkkan ("Coming of Age", "Conspiracy") +Rice, Capt. Paul * + Commanding officer, USS Drake, deceased; killed on Minos + played by Marco Rodriguez ("The Arsenal of Freedom") +Riker, Cmdr. William T. + First officer, USS Enterprise + Commissioned temporary Captain of the Enterprise + Former first officer, USS Hood + Former tactical officer, USS Potemkin + played by Jonathan Frakes +Rixx, Capt. * + Commanding officer, USS Thomas Paine + played by Michael Berryman ("Conspiracy") +Ro Laren, Ens. + Helm officer, USS Enterprise + Former helm officer, USS Wellington + Formerly incarcerated at Jaros Two + played by Michelle Forbes ("Ensign Ro", "Disaster", "Conundrum", + "Power Play", "Cause and Effect", "The Next Phase") +Robinson, Lt. + Transporter officer, USS Enterprise ("The Outrageous Okona") +Rossa, Adm. Canaught * + played by Barbara Townshend ("Suddenly Human") +Rossa, Connor * + Deceased; killed at Galen Four during Talarian attack ("Suddenly + Human") +Rozhenko, CPO Sergei * + Warp field specialist, retired + Formerly served on USS Intrepid + played by Theodore Bikel ("Family") +Russell + Engineering officer, USS Enterprise ("Tin Man") +Sandival + Served on USS Enterprise, deceased; killed by a disruptor blast + ("Ethics") +Satie, Adm. Norah * + Retired + played by Jean Simmons ("The Drumhead") +Savar, Adm. * + played by Henry Darrow ("Conspiracy") +Scott, Capt. Tryla * + Commanding officer, USS Renegade + played by Ursaline Bryant ("Conspiracy") +Selar, (Lt.) Dr. + Medical officer, USS Enterprise + played by Suzie Plakson ("The Schizoid Man") +Setelk, Capt. * + Senior staff member, Starfleet Academy + played by Richard Fancy ("The First Duty") +Shanthi, Adm. * + Fleet Admiral + played by Fran Bennett ("Redemption II") +Shelby, Cmdr. + Tactical officer, Starfleet Borg Task Force + Former temporary first officer, USS Enterprise + played by Elizabeth Dennehy ("The Best of Both Worlds", "The Best of + Both Worlds Part 2") +Shimoda, Jim + Former Assistant Chief Engineer, USS Enterprise + played by Benjamin W.S. Lum ("The Naked Now") +Shumar, Capt. Bryce * + Commanding officer, USS Essex, deceased; killed in the Essex's + destruction ("Power Play") +Silvestri, Capt. * + Commanding officer, USS Shiku Maru ("Darmok") +Singh + Engineering officer, USS Enterprise, deceased; killed by energy + cloud + played by Kavi Raz ("Lonely Among Us") +Sito, Cadet * + Flight cadet, Starfleet Academy + played by Shannon Fill ("The First Duty") +Solis, Lt. + Helm officer, USS Enterprise + played by George de la Pena ("The Arsenal of Freedom") +Spock, Ambassador + Former captain, USS Enterprise (NCC-1701, NCC-1701-A) + Final rank unknown + Joined diplomatic corps; now working covertly on Romulus + played by Leonard Nimoy ("Unification I", "Unification II") +Standen, Nurse + ("Family") +Sutter, Ens. + Engineering officer, USS Enterprise + played by Jeff Allin ("Imaginary Friend") +Swenson + Science officer, USS Enterprise + ("Skin of Evil") +Sype, Ryan * + killed in conspiracy-related accident ("Conspiracy") +Taggart, Capt. * + Commanding officer, USS Repulse + played by J. Patrick McNamara ("Unnatural Selection") +Taggart, Ens. + Shuttle bay officer, USS Enterprise ("The Host") +Tarses, Crewman Simon + Medical technician, USS Enterprise + played by Spencer Garrett ("The Drumhead") +Temple, Nurse + played by Patti Tippo ("Transfigurations") +Terry * + Engineering officer, USS Sutherland ("Redemption II") +Thomas, Ens. (+) + ("Yesterday's Enterprise") +Thorn, Lt. + Engineering officer, USS Enterprise ("In Theory") +Tolaka, Capt. L. Iso * + Commanding officer, USS Lantree, deceased; killed by genetic + mutagen + ("Unnatural Selection") +Torres, Ens. + played by Jimmy Ortega ("Encounter At Farpoint") +Troi, (Lt. Cmdr.) Counselor Deanne + Ship's Counselor, USS Enterprise + played by Marina Sirtis +T'Su, Ens. Lian + Ops officer, USS Enterprise + played by Julia Nickson ("The Arsenal of Freedom") +Varley, Capt. Donald * + Commanding officer, USS Yamato, deceased; killed in the Yamato's + destruction + played by Thalmus Rasulala ("Contagion") +Vigo * + Foemer weapons officer, USS Stargazer ("The Battle") +Whalen + Historian, USS Enterprise + played by David Selburg ("The Big Goodbye") +Williams, Ens. + ("A Matter of Perspective") +Wong, Lt. + Engineering officer, USS Enterprise ("Angel One") +Worf, Lt. + Chief Security Officer and tactical officer, USS Enterprise + played by Michael Dorn +Wright, Lt. + ("A Matter of Perspective") +Yar, Lt. Natasha + Former Chief Security Officer, USS Enterprise, deceased; killed by + slime creature on Vagra Two + played by Denise Crosby +Youngblood, Ens. + Science specialist, USS Enterprise + played by James Becker +Zaheva, Capt. * + Commanding officer, USS Brattain, deceased + Killed in madness epidemic caused by lack of REM sleep + played by Deborah Taylor ("Night Terrors") +Zembata, Capt. * + Commanding officer, USS Victory ("Elementary, Dear Data") + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/persp.rev b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/persp.rev new file mode 100644 index 00000000..1591eabe --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/persp.rev @@ -0,0 +1,184 @@ +WARNING: This posting contains spoilers for this week's TNG episode, "A Matter +of Perspective". Anyone who doesn't want to know details should stay clear. + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +Hmm. + +Well, it was better than expected, but not by too much. Aside from a few +technical problems, I found the ending a little too cliched. Details after +the synop, to follow right after this blank line here: + +The Enterprise, finding itself in the area, has stopped by a science station +to check up on the progress of Dr. Apgar, who's looking for Kreeger waves. We +come in the morning after their arrival, when Geordi has just come back. He's +a little closemouthed about events down there, but says when pressed that Riker +will explain everything when he beams up. Just then, Riker calls to beam up. +During the transport, there's first a small energy drain, and then the station +blows up. Riker, fortunately, arrives safely, but Dr. Apgar is killed. + +The planetary chief of security immediately comes on board and insists on +taking Riker into custody as chief suspect for Dr. Apgar's murder. Picard +is leery of this step, particularly because this particular planet's legal +system uses the "guilty until proven innocent" rationale. He says that he +would prefer to conduct the preliminary hearings on board ship, and claims +that they can use the holodeck to recreate the sequence of events according to +all the various depositions. The hearing is convened, and the main points of +each witness's testimony are as follows: + +RIKER: He and Geordi arrived, and were greeted somewhat brusquely by Dr. +Apgar. Geordi went off with Apgar's assistant (I forget her name), while +Riker was entertained by a somewhat grumpy Apgar and a much more charming and +interested Manua, also known as Mrs. Apgar. She insisted that he and Geordi +stay on the station with them, rather than down on the planet, and showed Riker +to his room. While there, she tried to seduce him. He attemped to turn her +away, but happened to have his hands on her shoulders when Dr. Apgar walked in +and found them. He slapped Manua away and attempted to punch Riker out, who +easily dodged. The next morning, Apgar said that he'd submit a formal complaint +to Starfleet, but was sure it would create an unfavorable climate for Riker's +report and he would be denied the extra supplies he's been ordering. Riker +claimed it was all just a misunderstanding, and said his report will in no way +be affected by Apgar's complaints. He also, when Apgar said he has explanations +for all the extra material he'd received, said he didn't need any explanations. +He beamed up and found the station was destroyed while he was in transit. End +of story. + +MANUA: Same idea, but Riker asked to stay, and he tried to rape her, rather +than her seducing him. Apgar caught them, and Riker punched him out. When +Apgar claimed he would ruin Riker's career, Riker said that that would be a +very bad mistake. She's certain Riker killed her husband, probably by firing +a phaser at the wave generator just as he beamed out, which is consistent with +the energy readings at the time of the explosion. + +ASSISTANT: (what Apgar told her, which Picard dismisses as hearsay, but must +hear according to planetary law) Apgar came in and found the two of them locked +in a passionate embrace. He punched Riker out, and Riker said, "You're a DEAD +man, Apgar!" Before his final confrontation with Riker, he asked the assistant +to take Manua and head down to the planet, but said he would take care of things +like contacting the authorities. + +Okay. The security chief is certain that Riker killed Apgar. The energy +readings indicate some type of energy, consistent with a phaser blast, origina- +ting from where Riker was standing, emitted just before beam-out. He is confi- +dent that he's established means, motive, and opportunity, and demands to be +allowed to extradite Riker. + +Meanwhile, the Enterprise keeps being hit with some very strange radiation. It +seems to attack random areas of the ship, and can burn its way through corridor +walls. After the second blast, Geordi, Data, and Wesley notice that they were +spaced exactly 5 hours, 20 minutes, and 3 seconds apart, and that the station +was destroyed exactly 4 times that amount previous to the first radiation burst +(plus about a ten-thousandth of a second, which they can't account for). +Curious, isn't it? + +Eventually, what's discovered is this: Dr. Apgar had already made his break- +through, and had managed to create Kreeger waves. Reasoning, however, that he +wouldn't get much prestige, money, etc. just giving it to the Federation as a +new power source, he decided to try to find weaponry uses for it and sell it +to the Romulans, Ferengi, etc. Hence, the extra material he was ordering. When +the Enterprise showed up early, he was worried they were suspicious, and tried +to safeguard his secret. When he caught Riker with his wife (in whatever form), +he went a little crazy, and decided to kill him. What he'd planned to do was +activate the generator, and send Kreeger waves at Riker as he was beaming up, +making it look like a transporter malfunction. However, the waves bounced off +the beam, and hit the generator, blowing up the station (and accounting for the +.00016 second delay). In other words, he killed himself in the attempt to kill +Riker. + +Now, on with the review: + +Near the beginning of the show, I said to those I was watching with, "Oh, God, +I hope they don't fall back on the old cliche of Apgar really having faked his +own death." Not only would it have been dull, it would have been a poor rip-off +of "Court-Martial" when all was said and done. They didn't quite fall that far +wrong, but unfortunately, too much of this was a poor mystery. + +I had the "unknown" radiation pegged as Kreeger waves from the start. I also +had the assistant's testimony down as hearsay, which Picard at least mentioned. +We all knew that Riker didn't really do any of what the security chief claimed +he did, and we knew that somehow Apgar was up to no good. It was pretty plain +to see (at least to me, and I'm not all _that_ much of a mystery buff). +Just not the greatest of ideas. + +Besides, just once, I'd like for a mystery like this to end with the discovery +that it was an accident. Not an accident that happened while someone else was +trying something nasty, but just a good, old-fashioned mistake. Ah, well. +Silly of me. + +Now, I had a few technical quibbles to start, and I've even thought of a few +more while typing this. For example: + +--The use of the .00016-second delay as proof that the beam bounced was abso- +lute gibberish. First of all, if the radiation bursts were EXACTLY 5h20m3s +apart, even when the Enterprise was at a different section of its orbit (which, +by the show's own words, it was), and if that EXACTLY coincided with the +time taken by the field generator down on the surface to warm up after each +burst, you're implying an infinite beam velocity. If you have an infinite +particle velocity, there's no reason for a .00016-second delay in bouncing +another 4 or 5 meters. Poor science. + +Also, I wouldn't accept that delay as a real one in the first place. We're +talking an error of one part in ten to the eighth (work it out for yourself) +in your time measurement. Unless you deliberately have conditions set up so +as to be able to measure things that accurately (some very high-precision +experiments do exist), I would simply take that as experimental error. I saw +no indications that that was a real error. + +Now, normally, I wouldn't quibble that much about this error. However, in this +case, the delay was absolutely essential to prove Riker's innocence, so if it's +invalid, the whole story is invalid. Whoops! + +On another note, characterization was adequate, but no more. It was nice to +see proof that Picard does so have an ego (there's a quick painting scene in +the holodeck to start the show off, complete with nude model (2 nude bodies in +2 stories--gee, is it sweeps month? :-) )). However, Troi didn't have nearly as +big a reaction as I thought she should have, and several of the other charac- +ters (Bev and Worf, as examples) had 60 seconds of screen time, just so the +producers could say they were in the show. All in all, it just seemed half- +hearted. + +Well, perhaps my original estimate was in error. It wasn't really any better +than it looked from the previews. Ah, well. Maybe they're saving it all up +for Tasha's return next week. :-) Time for the final ratings: + +Plot: 4. We've seen well frame-ups before, and this wasn't quite well-put + together enough to give it more points. +Plot Handling: 4. The "mysterious radiation" was far too obvious, for one. +Characterization: 6. Decent...no more. +Technical: 5. It's this high only because I think this was a particularly + GOOD use for the holodeck, which mitigates the rest somewhat. + +TOTAL: 4.8. Is that the worst of the season? Maybe. + +NEXT WEEK: + +Tasha is back! Apparently, she's brought a war with her. This looks like a lot +of fun. + +Tim Lynch (Cornell's first Astronomy Major) +BITNET: H52Y@CRNLVAX5 +INTERNET: H52Y@VAX5.CIT.CORNELL.EDU +UUCP: ...!rochester!cornell!vax5.cit.cornell.edu!h52y +"So, you see, what I told you _was_ true...from a certain point of view." diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/places.faq b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/places.faq new file mode 100644 index 00000000..9dfda89e --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/places.faq @@ -0,0 +1,878 @@ + STAR TREK LOCATIONS + ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ + by: D. Joseph Creighton + Joe_Creighton@UManitoba.CA + + Updated: Mar 13, 1994 Copyright (c) 1992 - 1994 All rights reserved. + You are free to distribute this list in its electronic format provided +that its contents are not changed and this copyright notice remains attached. +----------------------------------------------------------------------------- +- Only information from "Star Trek", "Star Trek: The Next Generation", + "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine", and the feature films will be considered + for use in this list. +- All notations will be listed with their first appearance in any series. +- Numbering (unless noticed as otherwise): + planets->Roman numerals; systems->alphabetic; starbases->Arabic numerals +- Please feel free to notify me of any corrections and/or suggestions. + +* This list is primarily for my personal use and reference. Therefore, any + interpretation of canon material is left up to the reader. +* Updates of this list will be posted monthly (on or around the 13th) and + are available via anonymous ftp from the following sites: + rtfm.mit.edu in /pub/usenet/news.answers/star-trek/locations + ftp.cc.umanitoba.ca in /startrek/locations. +* This list is current up to and including: + TNG "Eye of the Beholder" + DS9 "Playing God" +----------------------------------------------------------------------------- + +--- REGIONS, BODIES, PHENOMENONS --- + +Alpha Quadrant ST VI:TUC +Alwaner Nebula TNG "Rightful Heir" +Amagosa DeAspera Cluster TNG "Schisms" +Andromeda Galaxy TOS "By Any Other Name" +Argolis Cluster (six systems) TNG "I Borg" +Argosian Sector DS9 "Babel" +Argus Sector TNG "Gambit, Part I" +Belati Sector TNG "Ethics" +Beta Quadrant ST VI:TUC +Bajoran Sector TNG "Chain of Command, Part I" +Black Cluster, Sector 97 TNG "Hero Worship" +Borgilus Nebula TNG "Lessons" +Brechtian Cluster TNG "Silicon Avatar" +Cavis Alpha Sector TNG "Evolution" +Chalmra Vortex, Gamma Quadrant DS9 "Vortex" +Crab Nebula TNG "Manhunt" +Delta Quadrant TNG "The Price" +Deltivid Asteroid Belt TNG "Deja Q" +Denorias Belt (charged plasma field) DS9 "Emissary" +Dingkeery Arm, Gamma Quadrant TNG "The Price" +Epsilon 9 Sector TNG "Samaritan Snare" +FGC13 (Cluster) TNG "Schisms" +FGC47 (Nebula) TNG "Imaginary Friend" +Fledka Asteroid Belt DS9 "Rivals" +Galaxy M-33 TNG "Where No One..." +Gamma 7 Sector TNG "Unnatural Selection" +Gamma Quadrant TNG "The Price" +Garamin Sector TNG "Rightful Heir" +Giles Belt TNG "The Most Toys" +Glaceen Sector DS9 "Babel" +Hanoli Rift DS9 "If Wishes Were Horses" +Hekarus Corridor TNG "Force of Nature" +Horami Cluster TNG "The Vengeance Factor" +Hyralan Sector TNG "Gambit, Part II" +Igo Sector TNG "Realm of Fear" +Ikainian Asteroid Belt TNG "Mind's Eye" +Kadasian Sector TNG "The Wounded" +Kaleb Sector TNG "Face of the Enemy" +Karaya Sector TNG "Birthright, Part I" +Klingon Neutral Zone TOS +Latar Nebula DS9 "Q-Less" +Legana Sector TNG "Second Chances" +Lonka Cluster TNG "Allegiance" +Lorenz Cluster TNG "Arsenal of Freedom" +McAlister C5 Nebula (11 LY from Minos Korva) TNG "Chain of Command, Part I" +Mar-Oscura Nebula TNG "In Theory" +Mempa Sector TNG "Redemption" +Mikoria Quazar TNG "The Pegasus" +Mogawna Quadrant TNG "Where Silence Has Lease" +Morab Sector TNG "Time's Arrow" +Murasaki 312 TOS "The Galileo Seven" +Murasaki Quasar TNG "Data's Day" +Mutara Nebula ST II:TWOK +Mutara Sector ST III:TSFS +Nagami Nebula TNG "Clues" +Neutral Zone TOS +NGC321 (Star Cluster) TOS "A Taste of Armageddon" +Onias Sector (near Romulan Neutral Zone) TNG "Future Imperfect" +Outer Cometary Cloud TNG "Sins of the Father" +Paulson Nebula TNG "The Best of Both Worlds" +Pelloris Asteroid Field TNG "Cost of Living" +Phoenix Cluster TNG "The Game" +Phyecus Sector TNG "Up the Long Ladder" +Pleiades Cluster TNG "Home Soil" +Quad L-14 ST:TMP +Quadrant 9 TNG "Heart of Glory" +Quadrant 448 TOS "The Deadly Years" +Romboy Droniger Sector TNG "Samaritan Snare" +Romulan Neutral Zone TOS "Balance of Terror" +Sector 001 TNG "The Best of Both Worlds" +Sector 5 ST IV:TVH +Sector 23 TNG "The Measure of a Man" +Sector 30 TNG "The Neutral Zone" +Sector 31 TNG "The Neutral Zone" +Sector 63 TNG "Conspiracy" +Sector 97 TNG "Hero Worship" +Sector 396 TNG "The Offspring" +Sector 1156 + (over two sectors away from Darcaya System) TNG "Masks" +Sector 1607 TNG "The Pegasus" +Sector 3556, Delta Quadrant TNG "The Price" +Sector 9569 TNG "Transfigurations" +Sector 19658 TNG "Parallels" +Sector 21305 TNG "Ensign Ro" +Sector 21459 TNG "The Chase" +Sector 21503 TNG "The Wounded" +Sector 21505 TNG "The Wounded" +Sector 21527 TNG "Chain of Command, Part II" +Sector 21947 TNG "Suddenly Human" +Selcumby Drama Sector (five systems) TNG "Pen Pals" +Septimus Minor TNG "The Ensigns of Command" +Solarian Sector TNG "The Inner Light" +Staleeby Asteroid Belt, Sector 396 TNG "The Offspring" +Talos Star Group TOS "The Cage" +Telleris Cluster DS9 "Q-Less" +Typhon Expanse TNG "Cause and Effect" +Vega Omicron Sector TNG "The Icarus Factor" +Voltara Nebula TNG "The Chase" +Zed Lapis Sector TNG "Skin of Evil" +Zeta Gellis Cluster TNG "Transfigurations" +, Gamma Quadrant + (located in an uncharted binary system) DS9 "Battle Lines" + + +--- SOLAR/STAR SYSTEMS --- + +Acamar TNG "The Vengeance Factor" +Alpha Centauri TOS "Metamorphosis" +Alpha Leonis TNG "The Vengeance Factor" +Alpha Omicron (seven or more planets) TNG "Galaxy's Child" +Alpha Onias TNG "Future Imperfect" +Altair TOS "Amok Time" +Argaia (near Cardassian border) TNG "Lower Decks" +Argo TNG "Silicon Avatar" +Atalia TNG "The Chase" +Bersallis (three or more planets) TNG "Lessons" +Beta Casius TNG "Haven" +Beta Coupsic TNG "The Icarus Factor" +Beta Magellon TNG "11001001" +Beta Niobe (went nova) TOS "All Our Yesterdays" +Beta Oragae (binary system) TOS "Turnabout Intruder" +Beta Renna TNG "Lonely Among Us" +Beta Stromgrin TNG "Tin Man" +Bilaren TNG "True Q" +Borratis TNG "The Emisarry" +Bras Lota (two or more planets) TNG "Peak Performance" +Cabral TNG "Homeward" +Calder TNG "Gambit, Part I" +Carraya TNG "Rightful Heir" +Clarius DS9 "The Nagus" +Cornelia TNG "Where Silence Has Lease" +Dala TNG "Symbiosis" +Darcaya + (over two sectors away from Sector 1156) TNG "Masks" +Delphi Ardu (eleven planets; unexplored) TNG "The Last Outpost" +Delta Ranna TNG "The Survivors" +Detrian (new born star) TNG "Ship in a Bottle" +Devidia, Morab Sector TNG "Time's Arrow" +Diamidian TNG "Clues" +Dracana TNG "Legacy" +Draycon TNG "Face of the Enemy" +Eladrell TNG "Darmok" +Endicor TNG "Time Squared" +Edron, Gamma Quadrant (twin companions; + ~70,000 LY from Bajor) DS9 "Emissary" +El Orean DS9 "Rivals" +Epsilon Indy TOS "The Enemy Within" +Epsilon Mynos TNG "When the Bough Breaks" +Epsilon One-Nineteen (dead sun; reborn) DS9 "Second Sight" +Epsilon Sola TNG "Conundrum" +40 Eridani A TOS "Amok Time" +Fealin TNG "The Outcast" +Galvon Five TNG "Data's Day" +Gamalon TNG "Final Mission" +Gamma Eradon TNG "Redemption II" +Gamma Hydra TOS "The Deadly Years" +Gamma Oregulon TNG "Reunion" +Garth (neighbouring system to Malkor III) TNG "First Contact" +Gernika TNG "Galaxy's Child" +Halley TNG "Heart of Glory" +Hanoli (destroyed by subspace anomaly expansion + in the mid-23rd century) DS9 "If Wishes Were Horses" +Hekarus TNG "Force of Nature" +Hyashi TNG "Tin Man" +Illicom TNG "We'll Always Have Paris" +Indri TNG "The Chase" +J Two-Five TNG "Q Who" +Karaya, Karaya Sector TNG "Birthright, Part II" +Karrats DS9 "The Siege" +Kataan (six planets; star novaed 1000 yrs ago) TNG "The Inner Light" +Kazeus Binary TNG "The Neutral Zone" +Kerlan TNG "The Chase" +Kilarn TNG "The Nth Degree" +Kleone TNG "The Game" +Korridon TOS "Journey to Babel" +Krios TNG "Mind's Eye" +Lapolis DS9 "Emissary" +L-370 (seven planets; all destroyed) TOS "The Doomsday Machine" +L-374 (at least four planets; two left) TOS "The Doomsday Machine" +Lician TNG "Conundrum" +Lima Sierra (4 planets) TNG "Loud as a Whipser" +Loran TNG "The Chase" +Lygos TNG "Rascals" +Maricor TNG "Ethics" +Maxia Zeta TNG "The Battle" +Meara (six planets) TNG "Conspiracy" +Meldrar I (lunar prison) DS9 "Necessary Evil" +Mesalina TNG "Ethics" +Minos Korva (11 LY from McAlister C5 Nebula) TNG "Chain of Command, Part II" +Moab TNG "The Masterpiece Society" +Modine TNG "Imaginary Friend" +MS TNG "Descent" +M-24 Alpha TOS "The Gamesters..." +Myrichri VII TNG "Interface" +Nelbato TNG "The Most Toys" +Nell (two or more planets) TNG "Violations" +Nelvana, Romulan Neutral Zone TNG "The Defector" +Nequencia TNG "Birthright, Part II" +Ohniaka TNG "Descent" +Omega TOS "Requiem for Methuselah" +Omega Saggita TNG "The Outrageous Okona" +Omicron TNG "Manhunt" +Omicron Pascal TNG "11001001" +Operlyne TNG "Symbiosis" +Orelious Minor DS9 "Paradise" +Oxmal TNG "Power Play" +Paradas (at least four planets) DS9 "Whispers" +Parvenium TNG "The Inner Light" +Pegos Minor TNG "We'll Always Have Paris" +Pelia TNG "The Host" +Pheban TNG "A Matter of Honor" +Praxilla (star destroyed in experiment) TNG "Half a Life" +Quayar TNG "The Wounded" +Ramatis TNG "Loud as a Whipser" +Ramazad TNG "The Chase" +Rechelli TNG "The Child" +Rigel TOS "The Doomsday Machine" +Rua TNG "The Chase" +Rubikin (adjoining Strenab) TNG "Justice" +Selcumby One, Selcumby Drama Sector TNG "Pen Pals" +Selcumby Two, Selcumby Drama Sector TNG "Pen Pals" +Selcumby Three, Selcumby Drama Sector TNG "Pen Pals" +Shelia TNG "The Ensigns of Command" +Sherlaya Six TNG "Cost of Living" +Sigma Draconis TOS "Spock's Brain" +Sigma Erani TNG "The Most Toys" +Sigma Three TNG "Hide and Q" +6-11 TOS "The Return of the Archons" +Sol TOS +Solarian TNG "Ensign Ro" +Space Quadrant 904 TOS "The Squire of Gothos" +Strenab (adjoingin Rubikin) TNG "Justice" +Taleed Beta TNG "The Loss" +Talos (eleven planets) TOS "The Cage" +Tau Cigna TNG "The Ensigns of Command" +Taugus TNG "Gambit, Part II" +Tellun TOS "Elaan of Troyius" +Terlina TNG "Inheritance" +Theta One-Sixteen TNG "The Royale" +Tiarchanon TNG "Identity Crisis" +Triacus TOS "The Enemy Within" +Tycho TOS "Obsession" +Tyran TNG "The Quality of Life" +Valo TNG "Ensign Ro" +Vandor TNG "We'll Always Have Paris" +Veyton TNG "Suspicions" +Vilmoran (seven planets) TNG "The Chase" +Vorath, Gamma Quadrant DS9 "Q-Less" +Wolf 359 TNG "The Best of Both Worlds" +Zairtzi Seven TNG "When the Bough Breaks" +Zendi Sabu TNG "The Battle" + (Dyson Sphere) TNG "Relics" + + +--- PLANETS --- + +Adelphus IV TNG "Data's Day" +Acamar III, Acamar TNG "The Vengenace Factor" +Akrayde VII TNG "Captain's Holiday" +Aldaya, Epsilon Mynos TNG "When the Bough Breaks" +Aldron IV TNG "Coming of Age" +Algeron (planet?) TNG "The Pegasus" +Alpha 177 TOS "The Enemy Within" +Alpha Aradoni II TOS "Wolf in the Fold" +Alpha Corina V TOS "Wolf in the Fold" +Alpha Majoris I TOS "Wolf in the Fold" +Alpha Moon, Peliazel TNG "The Host" +Alpha Onias III, Onias TNG "Future Imperfect" +Altair III TNG "Encounter at Farpoint" +Altair VI TOS "Amok Time" +Altec, Omega Saggita TNG "The Outrageous Okona" +Altoor VII TNG "Birthright, Part I" +Angel One TNG "Angel One" +Angosia III TNG "The Hunted" +Antidi III TNG "Manhunt" +Antos TOS "Whom Gods Destroy" +Antos IV TOS "Whom Gods Destroy" +Arakang VII DS9 "Q-Less" +Archer IV TNG "Yesterday's Enterprise" +Argelius II TOS "Wolf in the Fold" +Argus X TOS "Obsession" +Arianus TOS "Let That Be Your Last..." +Arlof IX TNG "The Neutral Zone" +Armus IX TNG "Angel One" +Arret TOS "Return to Tomorrow" +Atalia VII, Atalia TNG "The Chase" +Atrea IV TNG "Inheritance" +Axanar TOS "Whom Gods Destroy" +Babel (codename) TOS "Journey to Babel" +Bajor (at least five moons) DS9 "Emissary" +Bajor VII (at least three moons) DS9 "Whispers" +Bajor VIII (six colonies) DS9 "Past Prologue" +Balisty DS9 "The Nagus" +Barkon IV TNG "Thyne Own Self" +Barson II TNG "Eye of the Beholder" +Barzaan II TNG "The Price" +Benzar TNG "Coming of Age" +Bersallis III, Bersallis TNG "Lessons" +Beta Agni II TNG "The Most Toys" +Beta Antares TOS "A Piece of the Action" +Beta III, 6-11 TOS "The Return of the Archons" +Beta XII-A TOS "The Day of the Dove" +Beta Moon, Peliazel TNG "The Host" +Beta Thorador (planet?) TNG "Redemption" +Betaline Kel (planet?) TNG "Redemption II" +Betazed TNG +Bilana III (approx. 3 LY from Layma II) TNG "New Ground" +Binus, Beta Magellon TNG "11001001" +Blue Horizon (developed by Gideon Seyetik) DS9 "Second Sight" +Bokara VI TNG "Face of the Enemy" +Boraal II (atmosphere dissapated) TNG "Homeward" +Borratis III, Borratis TNG "The Emissary" +Brax DS9 "Q-Less" +Brayel IV TNG "Deja Q" +Brekka, Dala TNG "Symbiosis" +Brentalya TNG "New Ground" +Browda IV TNG "Allegiance" +Cairn TNG "Dark Page" +Calder II, Calder TNG "Gambit, Part I" +Caldos IV (terraformed) TNG "Sub Rosa" +Caldonia TNG "The Price" +Camus II TOS "Turnabout Intruder" +Capella IV TOS "Friday's Child" +Carraya IV, Carraya TNG "Rightful Heir" +Cardassia TNG "The Chase" +Cardassia IV DS9 "The Homecoming" +Cardassia V DS9 "Shadowplay" +Castel I TNG "Suddenly Human" +Celfala Prime (near Draylon II) DS9 "Sanctuary" +Celtris III TNG "Chain of Command, Part I" +Cestus III TOS "Arena" +Ceti Alpha V TOS "Space Seed" +Ceti Alpha VI (destroyed) ST II:TWOK +Cetlic III DS9 "Emissary" +Chalna TNG "Allegiance" +Chandra V TNG "Tin Man" +Chantil III TNG "Darmok" +Cheron TOS "Let That Be Your Last..." +Chya VII TNG "Booby Trap" +Clauvdia III TNG "The Dauphin" +Colendia IV DS9 "Playing God" +Corcoroli V TNG "Allegiance" +Cosla II DS9 "The Alternate" +Costalane TNG "Cost of Living" +Daled IV TNG "The Dauphin" +Deanius III TNG "Contagion" +Deilos IV TNG "Remember Me" +Delb II TNG "The Drumhead" +Delta IV ST:TMP +Delta Vega TOS "Where No Man..." +Deneb II TOS "Wolf in the Fold" +Deneb IV TNG "Encounter at Farpoint" +Deneb V TOS "I, Mudd" +Deneva TOS "Operation: Annihilate!" +Desica II TNG "Gambit, Part I" +Devidia II, Devidia TNG "Time's Arrow" +Dilicium IV TNG "Unification II" +Dilula II TNG "The Best of Both Worlds 2" +Ditalix B, Meara TNG "Conspiracy" +Dorat I TNG "Unification" +Dracana IV, Dracana TNG "Legacy" +Dracon IV TNG "Gambit, Part I" +Drago IV (within 3 LY of Cardassian space) TNG "Homeward" +Drama IV, Selcumby II TNG "Pen Pals" +Draycon IV, Draycon TNG "Face of the Enemy" +Draylon II (near Celfala Prime) DS9 "Sanctuary" +Dynomicus VII TNG "A Fistful of Datas" +Earth, Sol TOS +Eden TOS "The Way to Eden" +Eden ST V:TFF +892 IV TOS "Bread and Circuses" +Ekos TOS "Patterns of Force" +Elas, Tellun TOS "Elaan of Troyius" +Eladrell IV TNG "Darmok" +Elba II TOS "Whom Gods Destroy" +Emila II TNG "A Matter of Perspective" +Eminiar VII TOS "A Taste of Armageddon" +Enan VI TNG "Time Squared" +Epsilon Canarus IV TOS "Metamorphosis" +Epsilon Hydra VII DS9 "Q-Less" +Excalabia TOS "The Savage Curtain" +Exo III TOS "What Are Little Girls..?" +Filina III DS9 "Dramatis Personae" +Forkis III TNG "Parallels" +Gailen IV (Federation colony) TNG "Suddenly Human" +Galas II TNG "Darmok" +Galor IV TNG "The Offspring" +Galorndon Kor TNG "The Ememy" +Gamalon V, Gamalon TNG "Final Mission" +Gamaras V TNG "Captain's Holiday" +Gamma II TOS "The Gamesters..." +Gamma VII-A (destroyed) TOS "The Immunity Syndrome" +Gamma Canaris N TOS "Metamorphosis" +Gamma Horami II, Horami Cluster TNG "The Vengeance Factor" +Gamma Hydra II, Gamma Hydra TOS "The Deadly Years" +Gamma Hydra IV, Gamma Hydra TOS "The Deadly Years" +Gamma Tauri IV TNG "The Last Outpost" +Gamma Trianguli VI TOS "The Apple" +Gault TNG "Heart of Glory" +Gagaran IV TNG "Unnatural Selelction" +Garadias IV TNG "The Next Phase" +Garon II TNG "Ensign Ro" +Garon IV TNG "The Next Phase" +Garushda TNG "Tin Man" +Genesis, Mutara Sector (destroyed) ST III:TSFS +Germulon V DS9 "Paradise" +Gideon TOS "The Mark of Gideon" +Gon-el IV TNG "Disaster" +Graves' World TNG "The Schizoid Man" +Harrakis V TNG "Clues" +Harrod IV TNG "The Perfect Mate" +Harrok IV, Latar Nebula DS9 "Q-Less" +Haven, Beta Casius TNG "Haven" +Heirata III TNG "Violations" +Hekarus II, Hekarus TNG "Force of Nature" +Hercoze III TNG "The Price" +Hogas II TNG "Brothers" +Holberg 917-G TOS "Requiem for Methuselah" +Hottar II TNG "The Offspring" +Iconia TNG "Contagion" +Indri VIII, Indri (biosphere destroyed) TNG "The Chase" +Iotia TOS "A Piece of the Action" +Iratin V TNG "The Most Toys" +Isis III TNG "Too Short a Season" +Ivadni IV TNG "Clues" +Izar TOS "Whom Gods Destroy" +Janus VI TOS "Devil in the Dark" +Jerido (fifth moon of Bajor) DS9 "Progress" +Juri IV TNG "The Best of Both Worlds" +Kabatris TNG "Angel One" +Kafka IV DS9 "Invasive Procedures" +Kaldra IV TNG "Violations" +Kalon II TNG "Half a Life" +Kanda IV TNG "Darmok" +Kataan, Kataan TNG "The Inner Light" +Kelva, Andromeda TOS "By Any Other Name" +Kendal II TNG "Remember Me" +"Kentanna" DS9 "Sanctuary" +Kerl, Kerlan TNG "The Chase" +Kesprit III TNG "Attached" +Khitomer TNG "Yesterday's Enterprise" +Keeair TNG "The Chase" +Klaestron IV DS9 "Dax" +Kling TNG "Heart of Glory" +Kora II DS9 "Duet" +Koltair IV TNG "We'll Always Have Paris" +Korbin II TNG "New Ground" +Korridon, Korridon TOS "Journey to Babel" +Krios, Krios TNG "Mind's Eye" +Kresalia TNG "The Price" +Kronos ST VI:TUC +Lagobus X DS9 "Second Sight" +Laggon II TNG "Code of Honor" +Lalya IV TNG "Identity Crisis" +Lambda Paz (moon of Pentarus III) TNG "Final Mission" +Landris II TNG "Lessons" +Lapa IV TNG "Me'nage a' Troi" +Largo V DS9 "Babel" +Larieshe IV TNG "Darmok" +Layma II (approx. 3 LY from Bilana III) TNG "New Ground" +Licia, Lician TNG "Conundrum" +Loran III, Loran TNG "The Chase" +LS VI, Gamma Quadrant (6 LY from wormhole) DS9 "The Alternate" +Lyar TNG "Liaisons" +Lygos VII, Lygos TNG "Rascals" +Lunar V (moon of Angosia III) TNG "The Hunted" +Lunar V Base (Bajoran moon) DS9 "The Siege" +M-113 TOS "The Man Trap" +Mabo VI (single moon) TNG "Power Play" +Makus III TOS "The Galileo Seven" +Malena II TNG "Violations" +Malkor III (2000+ LY from Earth) TNG "First Contact" +Malkus IX TNG "Loud as a Whipser" +Malona IV (stripped of life by crystal entity) TNG "Silicon Avatar" +Mariposa, Phyecus Sector TNG "Up the Long Ladder" +Markus II TOS "Requiem for Methuselah" +Markus XII TOS "The Enemy Within" +Marlonia TNG "Rascals" +Mars, Sol TNG "The Best of Both Worlds 2" +Melas II TNG "Ship in a Bottle" +Melindy VII TNG "Darmok" +Melnos IV TNG "Lessons" +Melvala IV TNG "Inheritance" +Memory Alpha TOS "The Lights of Zetar" +Mentaka III TNG "Who Watches the Watchers" +Merak II TOS "The Cloudminders" +Meudo V TNG "Disaster" +Millica III TNG "Tapestry" +Minara TOS "Turnabout Intruder" +Minas V TNG "Tapestry" +Minos TNG "Arsenal of Freedom" +Miradin DS9 "Q-Less" +Miridian VI TNG "Future Imperfect" +Mizarr II TNG "Allegiance" +Moab IV, Moab TNG "The Masterpiece Society" +Mordon IV TNG "Too Short a Season" +Moria IV DS9 "Dramatis Personae" +Moricon VII TNG "Tapestry" +Muendella, Telleris Cluster DS9 "Q-Less" +Narendra III TNG "Yesterday's Enterprise" +Nawme IV TNG "Hollow Persuits" +Neinmen, Zairtzi Seven TNG "When the Bough Breaks" +Nell III, Nell TNG "Violations" +Nelvana III, Nelvana TNG "The Defector" +Nervala IV TNG "Second Chances" +Neural TOS "A Private Little War" +New Halana DS9 "Second Sight" +Neygor TNG "Birthright, Part I" +Nimbus III, Neutral Zone ST V:TFF +Norpin IV TNG "Rascals" +Norpin V TNG "Relics" +Oceanis IV TNG "The Game" +Odet IX TNG "The Child" +Ohniaka Three, Ohniaka TNG "Descent" +Omega IV TOS "The Omega Glory" +Omicron IV TOS "Assignment: Earth" +Omicron Ceti III TOS "This Side of Paradise" +Omicron Theta TNG "Datalore" +Onara III, Dala TNG "Symbiosis" +Ophyicus III TOS "Mudd's Women" +Orealius IX (astroidal) TNG "Booby Trap" +Organia TOS "Errand of Mercy" +Orion TOS "Journey to Babel" +Pacifica TNG "Conspiracy" +Parada II, Paradas DS9 "Whispers" +Parada IV, Paradas (seven moons) DS9 "Whispers" +Pasiphony V TNG "Too Short a Season" +Parliament, Beta Renna TNG "Lonely Among Us" +Peliazel, Pelia TNG "The Host" +Pellius V TNG "11001001" +Pentarus II TNG "Final Mission" +Pentarus III TNG "Final Mission" +Pentarus V TNG "Final Mission" +Penthara IV TNG "A Matter of Time" +Phendouse V TNG "Loud as a Whisper" +Pholar III TNG "Dark Page" +Platonius TOS "Plato's Stepchildren" +Pollux IV TOS "Who Mourns for Adonais?" +Praxis (Klingon moon; over 3/4 destroyed) ST VI:TUC +Proctol II TNG "In Theory" +Psi 2000 TOS "The Naked Time" +Pyris VII TOS "Catspaw" +Pythra V DS9 "Rivals" +Q TOS "Conscience of the King" +Quadra Sigma III, Sigma Three TNG "Hide and Q" +Qualar II TNG "Unification" +Rakhar, Gamma Quadrant DS9 "Vortex" +Ramatis III, Ramatis TNG "Loud as a Whipser" +Ramazad, Ramazad TNG "The Chase" +Ranna IV, Delta Ranna TNG "The Survivors" +Raynas VI TNG "Q Who" +Regula, Mutara Sector ST II:TWOK +Regulus V TOS "Amok Time" +Reina VI TNG "Pen Pals" +Rekok Saronia TNG "Man of the People" +Relva VII TNG "Coming of Age" +Rigel IV TOS "Wolf in the Fold" +Rigel V TOS "Journey to Babel" +Rigel VII TOS "The Cage" +Rigel XII TOS "Mudd's Women" +Rigley's Pleasure Planet TOS "Man Trap" +Rochanie III DS9 "Dramatis Personae" +Romulus TOS +Rua IV, Rua TNG "The Chase" +Rubikin III, Rubikin TNG "Justice" +Ruso V (astroidal) TNG "The Dauphin" +Ruteeya IV TNG "The High Ground" +Rysa TNG "Captain's Holiday" +Sarpeidon, Beta Niobe (destroyed in sun nova) TOS "All Our Yesterdays" +Saturn TNG "The First Duty" +Scalos TOS "Wink of an Eye" +Seary IV TNG "The Most Toys" +Seltic III TNG "The Wounded" +Septal Minor IV TNG "The Best of Both Worlds" +Sherman's Planet TOS "The Trouble with Tribbles" +Signa XIV TOS "Tomorrow is Yesterday" +Solarian IV TNG "Ensign Ro" +Solayas V TNG "Loud as a Whisper" +Sorana VIII TNG "We'll Always Have Paris" +Sorata IV TNG "Shades of Gray" +Sosha III TNG "The Chase" +Stirus IV TNG "Code of Honor" +Straleb, Omega Saggita TNG "The Outrageous Okona" +Suven IV TNG "Rascals" +T'Lani III DS9 "Armageddon Game" +T'Lani Prime DS9 "Armageddon Game" +Tagra IV, Argolis Cluster TNG "True Q" +Takara TNG "Suspicions" +Talos IV TOS "The Cage" +Tanika IV TNG "A Matter of Perspective" +Tantalus Five TOS "Dagger of the Mind" +Tarella TNG "Haven" +Tarsus IV TOS "Conscience of the King" +Tasus III TNG "11001001" +Tataris V DS9 "Q-Less" +Tau Alpha-C TNG "Where No One..." +Tau Ceti III TNG "Conspiracy" +Tau Cigna V, Tau Cigna TNG "The Ensigns of Command" +Taurus II TOS "The Galileo Seven" +Tavila Minor TNG "Imaginary Friend" +Taygus III TNG "Qpid" +Tazna V TNG "Darmok" +Terlina III, Terlina TNG "Inheritance" +Terosa Prime DS9 "Second Sight" +Tessen III TNG "Cost of Living" +Tethis III TNG "Clues" +Thala VII TNG "The Dauphin" +Thanatos VII TNG "Phantasms" +Thasus TOS "Charlie X" +Thelca IV TNG "Lessons" +Theta VII TOS "Obsession" +Theta VIII, Theta One-Sixteen TNG "The Royale" +Theydat IV TNG "When the Bough Breaks" +Tiarchanon III, Tiarchanon TNG "Identity Crisis" +Tiburon TOS "The Savage Curtain" +Tilonus IV TNG "Frame of Mind" +Titan, moon of Saturn TNG "The First Duty" +Titus IV TNG "Realm of Fear" +Tobin III TNG "Chain of Command, Part II" +Tormin V TNG "Chain of Command, Part I" +Triacus TOS "And the Children Shall..." +Triskelion, M-24 Alpha TOS "The Gamesters of..." +Troyius, Tellun TOS "Elaan of Troyius" +Turkana IV TNG "Legacy" +Tycho IV, Tycho TOS "Obsession" +Tyra VII-A, Tyran TNG "The Quality of Life" +Udala Prime TNG "Gambit, Part I" +Ultima Thul DS9 "Dramatis Personae" +Vacca VI, Cabral TNG "Homeward" +Vagris III DS9 "Q-Less" +Valo I (three or more moons) TNG "Ensign Ro" +Valo II TNG "Ensign Ro" +Valo III TNG "Ensign Ro" +Valt Minor TNG "The Perfect Mate" +Vandor IV, Vandor TNG "We'll Always Have Paris" +Vega IX TOS "Mirror, Mirror" +Vegra II, Zed Lapis TNG "Skin of Evil" +Velara III, Pleiades Cluster TNG "Home Soil" +Velos VII DS9 "Babel" +Vendikar TOS "A Taste of Armageddon" +Ventax II TNG "Devil's Due" +Vilmora II, Vilmoran TNG "The Chase" +Volchek Prime DS9 "The Nagus" +Vulcan, 40 Eridani A TOS "Amok Time" +Yadera Prime DS9 "Shadowplay" +Yonada (astroidal body) TOS "For the World is Hollow..." +Zalcon TNG "Transfigurations" +Zeon TOS "Patterns of Force" +Zeta Alpha II TNG "The Best of Both Worlds" + TOS "Requiem for Methuselah" +, Gamma Quadrant + (located in an uncharted binary system) DS9 "Battle Lines" + TNG "Descent" + TNG "Liaisons" + (160 M km from Orelious Minor) DS9 "Paradise" + + +--- COUNTRIES, PROVINCES, STATES, CITIES --- + +Aberdeen, Scotland, Earth TNG "Sub Rosa" +Alameda, California, USA, Earth (20th Cent.) ST IV:TVH +Anchorage, Alaska, Earth TNG "The Icarus Factor" +Australia, Earth (21st Cent.) TNG "Attached" +Bozeman, USA, Earth (19th Cent.) TNG "A Fistful of Datas" +Brussels, European Alliance, Earth TNG "The Price" +Canada, Earth TOS "The Trouble With Tribbles" +Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Earth TNG "The First Duty" +Chicago, Illinois, USA, Earth (20th Cent.) TOS "A Piece of the Action" +Deadwood, USA, Earth (19th Cent.) TNG "A Fistful of Datas" +Edinburgh, Scotland, Earth TNG "Sub Rosa" +First City, Klingon Imperial Empire TNG "Sins of the Father" +France, Earth TNG "We'll Always Have Paris" +Glasgow, Scotland, Earth TNG "Sub Rosa" +Heliopolis, Alpha Aradoni II TOS "Wolf in the Fold" +Hindrics Pool Province, Bajor DS9 "Shadowplay" +India, Earth TOS "Space Seed" +Indianapolis, USA, Earth TNG "The Neutral Zone" +La Barre, France, Earth TNG "Family" +Leningrad, Russia, Earth TOS "I, Mudd" +Marta Community, Southern Continent, Malkor III TNG "First Contact" +Nahalek Province, Rakkar DS9 "Vortex" +New Marteem-vaz, Atlantic Ocean, Earth TNG "The Survivors" +Old Bandi City, Deneb IV TNG "Encounter at Farpoint" +Onkor Village, Prit border TNG "Attached" +Paradise City, Nimbus III ST V:TFF +Paris, France, Earth TNG "We'll Always Have Paris" +Rapid City, USA, Earth (19th Cent.) TNG "A Fistful of Datas" +Resic, Northern Province, Kataan TNG "The Inner Light" +Russia, Earth TOS "I, Mudd" (?) +San Francisco, California, USA, Earth ST:TMP +Sausalito, California, USA, Earth (20th Cent.) ST IV:TVH +Scotland, Earth TOS (?) +Secaucus, New Jersey, USA, Earth TNG "The Neutral Zone" +Tombstone, Arizona, USA, Earth (19th Cent.) TOS "Spectre of the Gun" +United States of America (USA), Earth TOS "The Omega Glory" +Valdez, Alaska, Earth TNG "The Icarus Factor" + + +--- OTHERS --- + +Argus Array (deep space telescope) TNG "The Nth Degree" +Arkaria base TNG "Starship Mine" +Benecia Colony, Beta Oragae TOS "Turnabout Intruder" +Bersallis III Outpost (Federation), Bersallis + (destroyed by firestorm) TNG "Lessons" +Camp Khitomer (near Romulan border) ST VI:TUC +Cardassian Navigation Control Post 24 DS9 "The Homecoming" +Colony Beta Six TOS "The Squire of Gothos" +Comm Station Epsilon 9 (destroyed by V'ger) ST:TMP +Communication Relay Station 47 + (near Klingon border) TNG "Aquiel" +Communication Relay Station 194 TNG "Aquiel" +Crasnar Outpost (massacred by Talarian forces) TNG "Suddenly Human" +Darmok Colony, Melindy VII TNG "Darmok" +Darwin Station, Gagaran TNG "Unnatural Selection" +Deep Space Three Station TNG "Interface" +Deep Space Four Station TNG "The Chase" +Deep Space Five Station (Regula 1 type) TNG "Parallels" +Deep Space Nine Station (Cmdr Benjamin Sisko) DS9 - All + (Cardassian name: Terak Nor) +Earth Colony II Research Station TNG "Tapestry" +Earth Station Babruisk TNG "Family" +Earth Station McKinley TNG "The Best of Both Worlds 2" +Experimental Colony, Gamma Hydra IV TOS "The Deadly Years" +Farpoint Station, Deneb IV (dissolved) TNG "Encounter at Farpoint" +Fastbase Starbase Erheart TNG "Samaritan Snare" +Feloris Colony TNG "The Perfect Mate" +Gallitepp Labour Camp DS9 "Duet" +Hailium Experimental Station TOS "Mudd's Women" +Hanolin Colony DS9 "The Siege" +Jupiter Outpost Nine-Two TNG "The Best of Both Worlds 2" +Khitomer Outpost (destroyed) TNG "Heart of Glory" +Klingon Outpost, Narendra III TNG "Yesterday's Enterprise" +Lician Central Command (15,311 people) TNG "Conundrum" +Lithium Cracking Station, Delta Vega TOS "Where No Man..." +Lya Station Alpha (orbital) TNG "Ensign Ro" +Mars Defence Perimeter TNG "The Best of Both Worlds 2" +Mars Station TNG "Booby Trap" +Martian Colony TOS "Wolf in the Fold" +McKinley Rocket Base, Earth (1968) TOS "Assignment: Earth" +Mimas Station, Mimas of Saturn TNG "The First Duty" +Milona IV Colony (destroyed) TNG "Silicon Avatar" +Morska (Klingon listening post) ST VI:TUC +MS One Colony TNG "Descent" +New Berlin Colony TNG "Descent" +New Paris Colony, Makus III TOS "Galileo Seven" +New Providence Colony, Juri IV (destroyed) TNG "The Best of Both Worlds" +Norcan Outpost TNG "The Defector" +Norpin Colony, Norpin IV TNG "Rascals" +Norpin Colony, Norpin V TNG "Relics" +Outpost 06 TNG "The Defector" +Outpost 23 (location Top Secret) TNG "Future Imperfect" +Outpost MZ 5 TNG "Heart of Glory" +Outpost Seran T-1 TNG "Booby Trap" +Outpost Terra 9 (destroyed) TNG "The Neutral Zone" +Paralex Colony, Sherlaya VI TNG "Cost of Living" +Pellio Station DS9 "Invasive Procedures" +Pentarus Station TNG "Final Mission" +Relageth Refugee Camp, Bajor DS9 "Shadowplay" +Research Station 75 TNG "Face of the Enemy" +Remmler Array TNG "Starship Mine" +Rigel Colony, Rigel TOS "The Doomsday Machine" +Rura Penthe (dilithium mine/penal asteroid) ST VI:TUC +Science Station 402, Kilarn TNG "The Nth Degree" +Science Station Delta 05 (destroyed) TNG "The Neutral Zone" +Science Station Tango Sierra TNG "The Child" +Singa Refugee Camp, Bajor DS9 "Shadowplay" +Solarian IV Colony (destroyed) TNG "Ensign Ro" +Spacedock, Earth (orbital) ST:TMP +Space Station K7 TOS "The Trouble With Tribbles" +Space Station Regula 1, Regula (orbital) ST II:TWOK +Starbase TNG "Home Soil" +Starbase, Hottar II TNG "The Offspring" +Starbase 2 TOS "Turnabout Intruder" +Starbase 4 TOS "The Enemy Within" +Starbase 6 TOS "The Menagerie" +Starbase 9 TOS "Tomorrow is Yesterday" +Starbase 10 TOS "The Deadly Years" +Starbase 11 (Commodore Stone) TOS "Court-Martial" +Starbase 23 TNG "Suspicions" +Starbase 24 TNG "Redemption" +Starbase 35 Sierra TNG "The Neutral Zone" +Starbase 41 DS9 "Playing God" +Starbase 47 TNG "Parallels" +Starbase 55 TNG "Relics" +Starbase 67 TNG "Disaster" +Starbase 73 TNG "Time Squared" +Starbase 74, Tasus III (orbital) TNG "11001001" +Starbase 82 TNG "The Game" +Starbase 83 TNG "Q Who" +Starbase 84 TNG "Heart of Glory" +Starbase 87 TNG "Homeward" +Starbase 105 TNG "Yesterday's Enterprise" +Starbase 112 TNG "Identity Crisis" +Starbase 123 TNG "Tin Man" +Starbase 129 TNG "Parallels" +Starbase 133 (orbital, Earth) TNG "Remember Me" +Starbase 152 TNG "Tin Man" +Starbase 153 TNG "The Emissary" +Starbase 157 TNG "The Best of Both Worlds" +Starbase 173 TNG "The Measure of a Man" +Starbase 179 TNG "A Matter of Honor" +Starbase 185 TNG "Q Who" +Starbase 200 TOS "The Alternative Factor" +Starbase 211 TNG "The Wounded" +Starbase 214 TNG "A Matter of Time" +Starbase 218 TNG "Lessons" +Starbase 219 TNG "Phantasms" +Starbase 220 TNG "Night Terrors" +Starbase 231 TNG "Thyne Own Self" +Starbase 227 TNG "Gambit, Part I" +Starbase 234 TNG "Redemption II" +Starbase 247 TNG "The Pegasus" +Starbase 260 TNG "In Theory" +Starbase 295 TNG "Decent, Part II" +Starbase 301 TNG "Conundrum" +Starbase 313 TNG "Galaxy's Child" +Starbase 324 TNG "The Best of Both Worlds" +Starbase 328 TNG "Eye of the Beholder" +Starbase 336 TNG "The Emissary" +Starbase 343 TNG "The Vengeance Factor" +Starbase 401 DS9 "Whispers" +Starbase 410 TNG "Clues" +Starbase 416 TNG "Brothers" +Starbase 440 TNG "Violations" +Starbase 495 TNG "Interface" +Starbase 514 TNG "Hero Worship" +Starbase 515 TNG "Samaritan Snare" +Starbase 621 TNG "Sub Rosa" +Starbase 718 TNG "The Neutral Zone" +Starbase G-6, Quadra Sigma III TNG "Hide and Q" +Starbase Lyra 3 TNG "The Hunted" +Starbase Montgommery TNG "The Icarus Factor" +Starfleet base, Cestus III (destroyed) TOS "Arena" +Starfleet Headquarters, San Francisco ST:TMP +Star Station India TNG "Unnatural Selection" +Station Lya 4 TNG "The Most Toys" +Station Negala 4 TNG "Deja Q" +Station Salem 1 TNG "The Enemy" +Surplus Depo Z-1-5, Qualar II TNG "Unification" +Tanika IV Research Station (orbital; destroyed) TNG "A Matter of Perspective" +Terenko Colony TNG "Thyne Own Self" +Tyran Partical Fountain, Tyra VII A (orbital) TNG "The Quality of Life" +Utopia Planetia, Mars Station TNG "Booby Trap" +Velos VII Internment Camp (closed s.d. 46302) DS9 "Babel" +Yaderan Colony, Yadera Prime DS9 "Shadowplay" + Federation Outpost, Calder II TNG "Gambit, Part II" + diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/pow_srch.stt b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/pow_srch.stt new file mode 100644 index 00000000..bcf4a767 --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/pow_srch.stt @@ -0,0 +1,93 @@ +****************************************************************************** + STAR TREK: IN SEARCH OF POWER + + + "Sulu, set path to the root directory and install the ram disk for +320k. We're taking her out." + "Aye, sir." + "Scotty, I want full power to the megabit ram chips and to the hard +drives." + "Captain, yer overloadin' her as it is. The power supply just isn't +built to take two hard drrrives." + "Power, Scotty! I want more power! Chekov, install the disk cache. +Spock, any word on the millions of instructions per second?" + "Fascinating, Captain. It seems as if the turbo accelerator board +is overrunning the hard drive, which, due to its poorer response time, +is slowing down the system performance." + "Scotty, where is that power!?" + "Captain, I'm givin ye all she's got. It's that miserable 80986 +with the 512k bit bus multiplexed down to one pin. The wee beastie has +these teeny weeny little segments that can only handle so much. You'll +have to install an extended memory board, do bank switching, and +allocate a huge ram disk if you want to go any faster." + "Chekov, install the EMS board." + "Yes, sir." + "Uhura, any word from mainframe command?" + "Well, Captain, we're received several interrupts from the serial +port, but because we're not multitasking, the data is just sitting +there." + "Scotty, how much longer until we can shift into Unix?" + "Captain, if ye can squeeze another 60 megabytes onto that hard +disk, we might have room for Unix and a couple of system utilities. +Possibly an application. We'll need to increase the clock speed to 28 +gigahertz. I think we can do it, but there are too many unknowns, too +many bugs in the system! We'll have to do a proper shakedown." + "Spock?" + "Unix is a massive system, Captain, and the commands have to be +decoded from hieroglyphics invented back in ancient times. It may be +more than we can handle." + "Sulu, put in the 60 meg hard drive, install Unix for mouse drive. +Prepare to go to Task speed on my signal." + "Mouse drive? ......Aye, Captain." + "Now! Yes, Bones? What do you want?" + "Jim, you just have a little spreadsheet work, mailing labels, and +some word processing. Don't you think you're overdoing it a bit?" + "Sulu?" + "Captain, she's shifting into multitasking. Task one. Task two.... +Captain, I'm losing control at the helm. It looks like we've +encountered a bad sector." + "Put it on visual, Sulu." + "Captain, the VGA is not responding, sir. Shifting resolution into +EGA mode." + "Spock? What's the problem?" + "Unknown, Captain. Unix seems to be rerouting all input to a null +device." Trying 'grep'", now muttering, "whatever that is." + "Scotty, what's happening with those '/dev' subdirectories?" + "Captain, she canna take much morrre.... Another fifteen seconds +and me math chips'll burrrn up for surrre...." + "Scotty, we're not using the math chip." + "Sorry, Captain, but I haven't been able to say that for twenty +minutes." + "Uhura, notify mainframe command." + "Captain, either communications is breaking up, or you're dropping +into Shakespearean stutter mode again." + "Captain, she canna take much morrre.... Another fifteen seconds +and me math chips'll burrrn up for surrre...." + "Enough Scotty!" + "Captain! I'm getting a message from mainframe command...... +Apparently, sir, they're going to time-warp previously forgotten modes +of data handling, it looks like SQL syntax is forming in the language +port now." + "Scotty, quick, pop-up the menu shields. This could be a trick to +get us back to card punching." + "I'm sorry, Captain, but Dbase LCXIX doesn't have pop-ups that work +yet." + "Chekov, we need hardcopy! Fire HP LaserJet!" + "Aye, sir." + "Bones, how do I see which tasks are active?" + "I'm a doctor, Jim, not a command shell!" + "Scotty! Why can't I get a directory on this thing!!?" + "Captain, ye just canna have a mouse driven pull down menu system +with Unix. It's like matter and antimatter, the system's too bogged +down. Yer drainin me quartz crystals." + "Chekov, report." + "Captain, the little arrow is responding, but it gets to the side of +the screen before the windows have a chance to move..." + "Spock? What's happening to our multitasking?" + "It appears as if the needs of the one are outweighing the needs of +the many." + "Captain, she's not even runnin on reserve now. We'll have to do a +cold boot for surrre." + "Bones?" + "It's dead, Jim." +****************************************************************************** diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/power.rev b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/power.rev new file mode 100644 index 00000000..3604d7d7 --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/power.rev @@ -0,0 +1,249 @@ +WARNING: The following post contains spoilers for this week's TNG episode, +"Power Play". Those not wishing to see how PP plays out really ought hang +back right about now... + +Hmm. Something of a mixed bag. Definitely not "Conundrum" level, but I +enjoyed it... + +...to a certain extent. We'll have to see on this one. More after a +synopsis: + +The Enterprise follows a distress signal to a deserted moon. The signal +turns out to be from a 200-year-old starship, the USS Essex; and although the +surface is so unpleasant that no one's likely to be alive, Troi feels the +presence of *something* alive down there. Since transporters can't cut +through the electromagnetic storms on the surface, Riker, Troi and Data take +a shuttle down. The shuttle crashes, however, leaving all shaken and Riker +with a broken arm. As Troi senses the life-forms coming toward them with a +storm front, O'Brien boosts the transporter enough to beam down with a +pattern enhancer; but while there, all are struck down by lightning, and all +but Riker are entered by strange energy. Once they're back aboard, +Beverly makes short work of their injuries and returns them to duty. + +Data, however, strongly suggests that they assume an orbit around the +southern polar region; when Riker demurs, he programs it in anyway. When +discovered, he, O'Brien and Troi attempt to take control of the bridge. +Riker manages to transfer controls to Engineering, however, locking the three +out, and they leave in a turbolift. As those remaining on the bridge (Picard, +Riker, Ro and Worf) attempt to stop them, the three make their way +to Ten-Forward, where they take the entire group inside hostage (including +O'Brien's wife Keiko, and their child). Worf arrives with a security team, +but the team is made short work of, and they become prisoners as well. + +As the threesome quickly cement their position by isolating Ten-Forward from +the rest of the ship, Picard puts Beverly to work on possibly finding out +what happened to them on the moon below. Troi demands a polar orbit +(threatening the hostages' safety if balked), and Picard agrees, but +ordering the helm to do so as slowly as possible. Beverly quickly discovers +traces of extra synaptic activity in the threesome's brainscans, and +theorizes there's a second entity controlling each of them. Riker was +somehow immune; she theorizes that the pain from his arm was the cause, and +further suggests that causing them pain will force them to leave. She works +on a way to contain them, while Geordi and Ro leave for the deck above +Ten-Forward to set up a scanner and a plasma inverter for the rescue attempt. + +To insure the prompt medical treatment of the injured hostages, Picard takes +their place, assuring Riker that he will attempt to offer them another rescue +opportunity if Geordi and Ro fail. "Troi" introduces herself to Picard--as +the captain of the USS Essex. According to her, the bridge was struck by +lightning just as the ship was ripped apart in the atmosphere, and it somehow +trapped them in permanent "spirit" form. Picard quizzes her on details, and +she passes with flying colors, but Picard remains privately skeptical. + +Geordi and Ro arrive above Ten-Forward and begin calibrating the inverter, as +Bev applies the finishing touches to a containment field. As Data's +possessor shows increasing sadism, O'Brien's terrorizes Keiko. Finally, as +the ship reaches the polar region, Troi orders Picard to beam up their bodies +and return them to Earth. Picard refuses to cooperate without the release of +the hostages, and Data threatens to make Picard choose between killing Worf +and killing Keiko. As he does so, however, all three are within range of the +inverter, and Ro fires. The shot is a second too late, however, as Data +leaves the circle, and while the other two writhe in pain, he puts a +stranglehold on Picard and forces the Enterprise to abort the attempt. + +The storms' interference near the Essex is so great that transporters will +not function at the present time; Picard suggests O'Brien work with them, and +offers all three safe passage to cargo bay 4 if they release the hostages. +After ensuring that the transporter cannot be used against them, they agree, +but take one hostage apiece for safety: Picard, Worf, and Keiko. As O'Brien +prepares to beam up the "bodies", however, Picard coaxes the truth from Troi: +they're not from the Essex, they are three out of hundreds of convicted +prisoners, set adrift there five centuries ago as punishment. Riker, +however, having taken the hint from Picard's choice of location, orders the +containment field used just as the other entities beam up. Picard, seizing +the opportunity, convinces Troi that her only options are to give up, or to +die when the bay hatch is blown minutes later. Angrily, Troi agrees, and the +three officers are freed, as all the prisoners are beamed back to the moon. + +Well, that's a lot shorter than *last* time, I must say. Of course, I left +more out. Anyway: + +Y'know, I hate to say it, but the more time I spend thinking about this, the +less attractive it becomes. I enjoyed it, and it had a lot of really good +things about it, but...well...something's missing here. + +The plot was both tighter and looser than that of "Conundrum". I think there +are two types of "holes" one can find in a plot: plausibility holes, i.e. +suspension of disbelief in accepting the premise; and regular holes, which +make one or more characters look daft in missing the obvious. I tend to not +worry much about the first (I've seen and read enough fantasy and SF in my +time that suspending disbelief is not generally a tough thing for me to do), +but the second can rankle. + +The objections I've seen others raise about "Conundrum" are of the first +group, and this really didn't have any of those. "Power Play", however, had +a few of the latter kind, which *is* a problem for me. + +The biggest one that comes to mind is the arrival of Picard in Ten-Forward +with the medical team. The forcefield needed to be dropped to let him in +(and to let the team out a few minutes later with the wounded), and +*everybody* knew it. It's an obvious spot for a rescue attempt. Now, it +makes perfect sense that Riker would decide not to try then (it's TOO +obvious, after all), but it makes *no* sense that the troika would take +absolutely no steps to prepare for or defend against an attack. That's +sloppy. Another one, though much smaller, would be why the bridge didn't +try to use transporters on the troika *before* they reached Ten-Forward. It +should have been tried, but that's heat-of-the-moment enough that I can +overlook it. And one last: um, maybe it's just me, but given all the +banging around Geordi and Ro were doing above Ten-Forward when setting up the +inverter, isn't it just a tad silly and unnecessary for them to then +*whisper* back up to the bridge. Guys, if they could hear you talk, they +already have a bead on you... + +On the other hand, aside from the minor transporter problem, the rest of the +journey from the bridge to Ten-Forward was put together well. (Worf and a +team actually *running* for a change, for example.) And the complaint by +O'Brien that "I said *all* transporter controls, including those in the +shuttles!" was a good attention to a detail that I'd missed entirely. (After +all, we've only seen the shuttle transporter once; it's about time its +presence was acknowledged again.) That part was sharp. + +(Oh...one plausibility argument, I think. I've finally seen the "someone +seizes control of the computer" bit one too many times, I guess, because I +admit to distinct curiosity about how lower officers can completely isolate +the computer from the commanding officer. They probably shouldn't be able to +do that. On the other hand, the same applies to "Brothers", and I managed to +rationalize that one away. :-) ) + +Other things, while sound enough, seemed a little...pointless. While I +thought the Data/Worf interplay was generally marvelous, most of the +O'Brien/Keiko material fell flat for me. One exception was O'Brien's whole +"I gave you that..." scene, up to the attempt to kiss her. *That* disturbed +the hell out of me, and was meant to, I think. Nice. But the rest...well, I +don't know, but it just seemed kinda there. + +Surprisingly, given the writers, a few bits of the dialogue here and there +were downright *grating*. The one thing in particular that finally got to me +was the persistent, and repetitive, use of "our people". It's a fine enough +term, but when Beverly uses it *three times* in a two-minute period, it's +overkill. Please, enough. (Speaking of grating, but in a different vein...I +understand the reason Molly "As Seen Only on Ten-Forward" O'Brien was in the +show, but having a significant amount of screen time devoted to hearing a +crying baby is simply Not a Good Idea [TM]. [Has it been scientifically +proven yet that that's the most annoying sound known to humanity? :-) ]) + +However, as I said, much of it was nice. Characterization was fairly strong, +particularly of the possessed Data and Troi. Troi's been getting better +writing recently, and it appears Marina's honed up her acting skills as well; +when you compare her menacing possession here to that by the Paxons in +"Clues", the difference is impressive. I don't know exactly what Data's +possessor had against Klingons [or maybe just big, strong aliens], but he had +a very consistent, and *very* watchable, character throughout. [Colm +Meaney...well, I think he hit his stride playing the regular O'Brien a ways +back, 'cos this didn't quite grab me. Sigh.) The regular regulars were +fine, although fairly standard. Nothing wrong, just nothing jumping out as +superb either. (Let me backpedal: one line really did something there. +Worf's simple "you have no idea..." [about his forbearance] was priceless, +and wholly in character. Grin.) + +[Aside: all right, what particular group of Norns intervened to ensure that +just as bits of the rec.arts.startrek.* groups started up a conversation on +the Star Wars films almost out of the blue, a show with a *blatant* tribute +to the beginning of the first film airs? I mean, I was expecting to hear +James Earl Jones asking Picard "if this is a consular ship, *where is the +ambassador?*" before that particular chokehold was through...:-) ] + +On to presentation. The direction of the scenes was, for the most part, +amazing. This isn't overly surprising to me, though, since the other show +David Livingston directed was "The Mind's Eye", which is probably one of the +five best-directed shows they've ever had (along with, say, "Q Who", for +starters). Lots of rather bizarre camera angles [can we say "fun with +wide-angle lenses", boys and girls?], nearly all of which worked, and even a +sound trick or two. The hollow echo of voices in the turbolift ride up to +the bridge had to be intentional; and it was strangely effective. Something +tells me Livingston might not be much for directing "a day in the life", +deeply personal shows, but for "something is very wrong here, and we're going +to horribly abuse your senses as much as possible" stories such as this and +TME, he's effective. Keep 'im. + +I'm not sure if this is a directing or a writing quibble, but I had one +problem with a *choice* of scene which really hurt a little. When Troi had +her "they're coming..." line down on the moon, and then they'd all moved back +towards the shuttle by the time O'Brien beamed down, I fully expected them to +have been taken over by the entities by the time he got there. Given the +preview, I should have known better; but that's the impression I got from the +scene. I think it would have been very nice to somehow arrange it that way; +let those who haven't seen the preview *really* wonder what the hell is going +on when the mutiny begins, and slowly add the pieces in later. Remember how +effective showing Riker walking up to Bev in "Conspiracy" was? This could +have been equally so, I think; and I think actually showing the lightning +strike was a bit much. (Actually...hmm. Perhaps showing the four struck by +lightning and flattened, and then cutting back to the bridge getting the +pattern enhancer without any idea who turned it on, and simply having them +beamed up after being hit. Yeah, that might do it...) + +One thing which helped a bit in making up for that IMHO poor choice, however, +was the initial "I'm Captain Bryce Shumar of the USS Essex." Okay, so in +retrospect it's probably not too surprising that they'd choose such a tactic, +and it was fairly transparent (as Picard knew). Regardless, it caught me +flatfooted, and got my attention focused a bit higher. Nice work there. + +On to short points, since I'm rambling. + +--Music: Jay Chattaway's picking up steam again. I don't know if there were +any real, new themes, but the music really heightened the tone of the show +this time around. He managed to jump between heavily foreboding [O'Brien's +move on Keiko, for instance] and heavy action [Worf's run to the turbolift +with the team, for example], and rather nicely. + +--FX: Nothing special, really. The "Tinkerbell" possessors brought back too +many unpleasant memories of "The Child", I guess. (The storm front was nice, +though, particularly since I'd just reread the old Wollheim short story +"Storm Warning". Brr...) + +--Seatbelts on a shuttle? Hey, 'bout time! + +--"Lunchtime, Miles!" This was probably the best line indirectly related to +Molly O'Brien all show. Something about it just rang true. + +--Credits-watching note: someone noticed last week that Susan Sackett, late +of the ST offices, was no longer in the end credits, but that Richard Arnold +was still around. Wait no more; Richard has left the credits as of "Power +Play". [I, for one, shed nary a tear.] + +Well...I think that's about it. 'Twould seem to be most of the bases, +anyway. It was interesting, and I enjoyed it, but I have this nasty feeling +it's not going to age all that well. Ah, well. The numbers, then: + +Plot: 6. An interesting concept, but a little more solidity would help. +Plot Handling: 9.5. Just drop the one explicit "here come the bad guys" + scene on the moon. +Characterization: 7. Lose O'Brien and Keiko, the rest are fine. + +TOTAL: 7.5, after I round up a bit for music. Not bad, but not spectacular +either. + +NEXT WEEK: + +Another delay for me due to travel, and Worf faces the return of the dreaded +Cardinal Center for Cardiac Corrections. (You remember them, from "Samaritan +Snare"...:-) ) + +Tim Lynch (Cornell's first Astronomy B.A.; one of many Caltech grad students) +BITNET: tlynch@citjuliet +INTERNET: tlynch@juliet.caltech.edu +UUCP: ...!ucbvax!tlynch%juliet.caltech.edu@hamlet.caltech.edu +"They're coming. They're coming with the storm..." + --Troi +-- +Copyright 1992, Timothy W. Lynch. All rights reserved, but feel free to ask... diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/price.rev b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/price.rev new file mode 100644 index 00000000..7f9b2db8 --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/price.rev @@ -0,0 +1,122 @@ +WARNING! The following post contains spoiler information on this week's TNG +episode, "The Price". Those who haven't seen the episode yet risk summary +spoilage if they continue. + +Last chance to escape. + +Hmm. + +Well, it was better than I expected. It wasn't even all that bad. It wasn't +GREAT, mind you, but it wasn't bad. + +Unfortunately, it had a number of plots, somewhat intertwined. I'll try to +separat them out here for the synopsis. + +PLOT ONE: + + (Note...owing to sudden brain-death, I've forgotten nearly all the +names of the races and guest characters involved. So sorry.) + +A race which has relied on other races, including many in the Federation, for +help in survival for centuries has finally obtained its own natural resource. +They've discovered a STABLE wormhole. If it's truly stable, it could take +ships to the Gamma quadrant (normal travel time: 90 years or so) in a minute +or two. They plan to hear several offers and then choose. Several different +races are involved in the negotiations, which are taking place aboard the +Enterprise. The Federation, naturally, has a negotiator there. So do one race +of mostly scholars. So do (gasp!) the FERENGI! And then, there are the +Chrysalians. We don't actually see them...just the negotiator acting on their +behalf, one, er...damn. Forgot his name. Something or other Rol. The various +negotiations are quite interesting, particularly because there's no certainty +as to just how stable this beastie is. + +PLOT TWO: + +Counselor Troi falls for this Chrysalian negotiator...hard and fast. A conflict +of interest quickly develops (no surprise there), when she discovers that he's +1/4 Betazoid, and is using his empathic powers to manipulate the other negotia- +tors over to his side. + +Other Plots: + +--Data and Geordi head a shuttle into the wormhole to check its stability. A +Ferengi shuttle comes along as well. It turns out the hole is only stable on +the end originally discovered. The other end is a bitch, and the Ferengi +shuttle actually gets stranded. + +--Riker ends up having to take over negotiations for the Federation when the +regular negotiator is poisoned by the Ferengi, though no one knows about the +poisoning but the Ferengi. (The poison was a collection of DaiMon Gaz's own +body toxins--harmless to him, but inducing a potent allergic reaction to anyone +he shakes hands with.) + +Anyway, enough on the synopsis. Let's have some comments. + +Well, I'm not really sure what to say. It had some very nice scenes, and some +good elements. It also had some horrible scenes, and some stupid bits. Very, +very tricky to rate. + +I despised the "Deanna falls in love" plot itself, but it had some nice side +effects. For example, there's one scene between Deanna and Beverly, occurring +while they're both stretching in some gym or other. Here's as much of it as I +can recall: + +"Sorry I'm late." +"You seem awfully LIMBER this morning." +"Oh, yes. (says whathisname's name)" + +She goes on to say that she's worried about it going too fast. Bev says that +it happened to her once too. + +"It happened that way with you and Jack?" +"No...this was another fella, before Jack. Fell in love in a day, lasted a +week. But what a week." + +Bwahahaha. We always knew Bev had an interesting past. Besides, didn't most of +us always want to see a little "girl talk" between the two of them? This scene +alone brought up Troi's plot considerably. + +God knows Matt McCoy's performance didn't. Ugh. He may well have been attrac- +tive, but how anyone could fall in love with a block of wood is beyond me. + +The negotiations were an interesting change of pace. I thought they could have +been handled better, but it was nice to see something like this. In addition, +it was this type of situation for which the Ferengi were born. They were +splendid. Besides, I've always liked their ships. + +Riker didn't have much to do (albeit more than Picard), but didn't do so badly. +His poker skills came in handy. In fact, early on, when the normal negotiator +talks to him, he's impressed. "Do you play poker, Cmdr. Riker?" "Poker...is +that a game of some sort?" Hee. + +There really isn't all that much to say. In some ways, this episode was vaguely +like a Twinkie: sort of fun going down, but leaves a nasty feeling in the pit +of your stomach. I thought most of the regulars were handled well, but the +episode seemed somewhat...well...purposeless, particularly when the wormhole +turned out to be a pig in a poke. + +I guess that's about all for now. Time for some ratings. + +Plot: 6.5, rounded down. The negotiations themselves get an 8.5, but Troi-in- + love only gets a 5. (And THAT was due mostly to Bev's input...'twas a + 3 earlier.) +Plot Handling: 5.5. The negotiations get a 7, Troi gets a 4. +Characterization: 8. Competent, but no more. I did like Riker's poker in- + stincts at work. +Technical: 9. I didn't find any real fault with the wormhole, and damn, it + looked mighty pretty. + +TOTAL: 29/4---> 7.2, again rounded down. All right. + +NEXT WEEK: + +Not a rerun, as I originally guessed. The Enterprise is trying to settle a +long-running feud between two clans on a planet. Sounds vaguely "Loud As a +Whisper"-like, but doesn't look nearly as good. + +Tim Lynch (Cornell's first Astronomy Major) +BITNET: H52Y@CRNLVAX5 +INTERNET: H52Y@VAX5.CIT.CORNELL.EDU +UUCP: ...!rochester!cornell!vax5.cit.cornell.edu!h52y +"Yes." + --Lisa Colleen Hazard, 11/9/89, 10:37 pm, Ithaca, NY diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/primitiv.lif b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/primitiv.lif new file mode 100644 index 00000000..0c51f905 --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/primitiv.lif @@ -0,0 +1,1232 @@ +Primitive Life +by Barnett C. Hsu, 1990-1 + +Chapter One + + "How are the repairs going, Mr. LaForge?" Captain Jean-Luc Picard +asked. + "Another three hours and we'll be ready, sir." LaForge responded. + "Sir, a distress signal is coming in from the Federation Kyron +outpost." Worf said loudly. + "On main viewer, lieutenant." Picard said as he walked from the +back of the bridge to his usual place in front of the viewer screen. He +watched as the neutral display of stars was replaced by the transmission +from the Kyron outpost. + "Any Federation vessel, this is an emergency. Repeat, this is an +emergency." said the man on the screen. He wore an admiral's uniform. + "This is Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the USS Enterprise. Can you +hear us?" + "Enterprise! This is Admiral McCoy of Starfleet Medical. Contact +Starfleet for me and tell them that there is a meningitis outbreak on the +planet, and the inhabitants are blaming the disease on us. They are +arming to attack us." + "Understood. We will contact you when we have more information +for you. Picard out." + Picard turned around. "Lieutenant, do as the admiral said." He +sat down at his seat, pressed a button, and said, "Senior officers to the +conference room, please." + + The relief personnel, Ensign Bob Mitchell and Ensign Mark Wilhelm, + were both recent graduates of Starfleet Academy, and both the best in +their class. A claim which can be proven by their record achievements in +the Begins simulator, a simulator test required of all students before +graduating from the Academy as of stardate 47516.9. They took their +places at the helm and ops. + + "We're ready to go. All functions normal. Diagnostic checks +clear." LaForge told the rest of the senior officers. + "Starfleet Command has given us permission to delay our current +mission and to head to Kyrona. A medical supply ship is headed this way +from Starbase One Seven Four, but will take several days." Riker said. + "Did the admiral specify what caused the panic and the decision +to blame the malady on the Federation outpost?" Data asked. + "No, he did not. However, he did say that there were several +deaths at the outpost as well. Several of the dead had supposedly been +innoculated against the disease. But they caught it and died. There is +an Ensign Rodriguez among them." + "I remember her. She was a medical supervisor stationed on the +Enterprise in Engineering two years ago. Last I heard, she had been +transferred to a starbase. And yes, she was innoculated. In fact, I did +the innoculation. The innoculation was supposed to last at least five +years." Dr. Crusher said. + "Bad batch of medicine, perhaps, Doctor?" + "Possible, but I don't think so. There were others who were +innoculated on the same day, and they still have the antibodies against +meningitis." + "A strange mystery, indeed." Picard said. "Dismissed." + + + +Chapter 2 + + "Approaching Kyron sector now, Captain." Data announced. + "Standard orbit, Commander." Picard replied. + A minute later, Data announced, "Standard orbit, sir." + "Number One, Data. Prepare to go down to the planet in a +shuttlecraft to see Admiral McCoy. The Kyrons lack transporter +technology." + "Aye, Captain." Riker responded. He was standing next to +LaForge at Science Station One. + The relief, Ensign Bob Mitchell, took over Data's position at ops. +Data headed for the turbolift. Riker followed. + + "Deck Ten." Riker told the computer. + The turbolift began moving. But just as Riker was about to say +something to LaForge, the turbolift stopped and the lights went out. + "Power is now off in all nonessential decks." the computer +announced. A second later, the computer added, "RED ALERT.. INTRUDERS IN +TURBOLIFT TWO." + "Wait a minute! That's us!!" LaForge said. + "Riker to bridge." Riker said into his communicator. There was +no response. LaForge tried his. Also no response. + "Data, is there any way to override from here?" Riker asked. + "No, sir. Any tampering will raise the security alert level." +Data replied. + "Computer, reactivate turbolift two." Riker shouted. + "ALPHA CLEARANCE REQUIRED... RED ALERT... INTRUSION LEVEL TWO IN +TURBOLIFT TWO." the computer announced. + "The computer thinks we are intruders. Our normal security +clearances are invalid now." Data told the others. + LaForge leaned on one of the turbolift walls and said, "I wonder +how long before a security team gets here." + "DANGER! INTRUDER AFFECTING SHIP INTEGRITY. INTRUSION ALERT LEVEL +THREE IN TURBOLIFT TWO." + "We must be careful now. Any further move which the computer +considers dangerous will result in the computer firing bolts of +electricity at us." Data said. + "I know, Data." Riker replied. + "Yes, sir." + + "Sir, intrusion alert in turbolift two." Worf announced. + "Deactivate the sirens. Continue red alert." Picard responded. + "Aye sir." + The red alert klaxon became quiet. The flashing red lights +continued to flash. Picard nodded at Worf. + "I have ordered a security team to go to turbolift two." Worf +said quietly. + + "How could a Kyron get on board without our knowledge?" Ensign +Jimmy Dong asked the lieutenant commander which led the security team. + "I don't know, but we'll find out. Those Kyrons have triggered +every single security alert available. I wonder how long it will take +Engineering to repair the damage to the turbolift." Lieutenant Commander +Johnson replied. + They got off on deck fourteen. As far as they could tell, +the deck was quiet and dark. Johnson realized that this was one of +the decks the computer had selected for deactivation. He remembered +how Picard had reacted when the computer indicated that too much power +had been used up. The computer had activated automatic power shutdown +much to Picard's surprise. + They reached the turbolift where the intruders were located +Johnson looked at Ensign Dong. Dong lifted his tricorder in response +and began keying in clearance codes. The computer was slow to +respond. + "Ensign Pratt and Donalds, have your phasers on stun. Lieutant +King and Taylor, have your phasers on kill. We must be ready for whatever +occurs. Ensign Dong, are you ready to pop open this door?" Johnson asked. + "Aye, sir." Dong responded. + The door opened. The turbolift was halfway on deck fourteen and +halfway on deck fifteen. The four men with the phasers got as close to +the doorway as they could. Dong backed away and stood there. Johnson +moved into a position that allowed him to see the occupants. His mouth +opened wide. + "Commmmmander! We-e-e didnnn't knnow." Johnson stammered. + "It's okay. At ease!!" Riker ordered jovially. + The security officers lowered their phasers and helped the three +senior officers out of the turbolift. As soon as they were out, Dong +entered the codes to temporarily put the turbolift out of service until +Engineering had the time to repair it. + "Should I call Sickbay?" Johnson asked. + "No. We'll go to Shuttlebay One as scheduled. Let the bridge +know we'll be late getting down to the planet." Riker said. + "That kind of malfunction should be impossible." LaForge muttered +to himself. + + "Sir, the security team reports they rescued the away team from +turbolift two." Worf said. + Picard's eyebrows went up. "Thank you, lieutenant." he said +softly. + "Sir, we have a problem. It seems the power shutdown trapped some +people on Ten Forward, and on holodeck two." + "Get them out, lieutenant." + "Sir, the woman on holodeck two is dead." + + +Chapter Three + + An Engineering team headed toward Ten Forward. A security team, +consisting of Lieutenant Commander Johnson, Ensign Dong, and Ensign Pratt +followed. + + As usual Dong was given the task of finding the right codes to +open any doors which required clearance codes. He was one of the few +personnel on the Enterprise who knew the constantly changing codes. +Dong wished he could have a different position, but Starfleet felt that +he was not qualified for anything besides keeping current clearance +codes in a tricorder. He had never been promoted either due to behavioral +problems. + + "Computer, open this door." Johnson said. + "Beta clearance required." + + Dong began entering codes into a tricorder. He then pressed the +transmit button. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief as the door slid open. +Dong entered a command to the computer which kept the door open. Dong +then entered the codes to allow the engineers the necessary access to the +controls which were located in a sealed box inside Ten Forward. The +engineers began their work. + + Dong left Ten Forward and headed for the Engineering team that was +waiting for him in front of holodeck two. A medical team was also there +to take the body away. Just prior to leaving the bridge, Dong had made +sure that holodeck two was inoperable and placed into a permanent "Freeze +Program" state. All of this work would probably best be completed by +Lieutenant Worf, but Worf's shift had already ended. Picard had given +Dong a temporary promotion to lieutenant so that Dong would have enough +security clearance to complete his duty. After this was over, it was back +to the old Ensign Jimmy Dong, who spent most of his time tailing security +teams, and following the orders of his superiors. + + The two teams waiting for him were glad to see him when he arrived. +Dong went to work immediately, and in another minute and a half, the door +slid open. + + They rushed in to find that the holodeck image was of a large +forest. The dead woman was on the ground next to a large oak tree. +Dr. Crusher began examining the body with a medical tricorder. + "This woman was dead before the power shutdown." she said as she +looked up. Picard had just entered. + "Are you saying that her holodeck program killed her?" he asked. + "Yes." + "I want a full investigation into this. Someone run the program +and see what went wrong." Picard said. + "I will do it." Pratt said quickly. + "Make it so. But be careful. And freeze the program if something +goes wrong." + + + "Tell me, Admiral, what caused the Kyrons to suspect the +Federation of causing the malady?" Riker asked. + "One of the first to catch it was a member of one of the +work crews. He spent most of his time outside the outpost." + "Why are the hallways so desolate?" + "Other than me, the only other surviving outpost personnel +is Dr. Ching Tai, a computer scientist." + "Did he catch it or was he innoculated?" + "He was innoculated several years ago. The people he spent his +time with were innoculated more recently." + "What is the current security status?" LaForge asked. + "It is fine now, but rumors are floating around that a rebel +group is planning to attack the outpost soon." + "You aren't part of the regular crew here, are you?" Data asked. + "No. I came here a couple of weeks ago as part of a tour of all +Starfleet medical facilities. After all, I'm a doctor, not a +button-pusher." + "Are the medical facilities at this outpost acceptable?" Data +asked as he began walking around the room with a tricorder. + "Not very recent. The outbreak and the deaths are proof the +facility here is unacceptable." + "Admiral, a medical supply ship will be here in a few days. The +Enterprise has been asked to transport the most severely ill Kyrons to +quarantined quarters on the Enterprise until the medical supply ship +arrives." Riker said. + "Understood. I'll have Dr. Tai search his computers for the names +of persons to transport." + "Good." Riker said. He pushed his insignia/communicator, and +said, "Enterprise. Three to beam up." + "Stand by. Enterprise is on red alert. We are under attack by +Romulans. Stand by." Transporter Chief O'Brien replied. + + + +Chapter Four + + "Status report, ensign!" Picard said as he got up from the ground. + "All decks report only minor injuries." Dong replied. "Shields are +holding at 70%, sir." + "Confirmed, sir." Data said. + "Fire phasers." Picard ordered. + "Firing ... direct hit. 10% damage on flag ship." Dong said. + "Fire torpedos at will." + "Firing ... four hits. minor damage, all Romulan ships." + "Fire phasers." + "Firing ... phaser hit. four torpedo hits." + "Fire all at will." + "Romulan flagship has suffered major damage." Data reported +"We've been hit. Shields holding, sir." + + The Romulan ships continued to fire at the Enterprise as their +flagship retreated. + "Shields holding. Minor damage on all Romulan ships." + Five minutes later, Data reported, "Shield failure in two minutes. +50% damage on all Romulan ships." + "They have just lost their shields and their weapons. They are +retreating, sir." Dong said a minute later. + Worf entered the bridge. He immediately checked the instrument +panel, and nodded to indicate that Dong could leave. He then looked up at +the main viewer, and said, "Lieutenant Worf, reporting for duty, sir." + "Damage report." Picard said as he nodded to Worf. + "Decks reporting in now. No casualties, sir." Worf responded. + "We are very vulnerable to further attacks, sir. It will take at +least four days to make necessary repairs." Data said. + "Understood. Keep me apprised." + + "Shields are down now. You can beam up." Chief O'Brien +transmitted to the away team on the planet. + "Understood, O'Brien. On my signal." Riker turned to McCoy. +"We'll get back to you. O'Brien! Three to beam up... energize." + + Riker entered the bridge two minutes later. He found the captain +had an audio-only communication link with Admiral McCoy. + "Status?" he asked Worf. + "The outpost was attacked immediately after you beamed up, sir. +If you had beamed up any later, your lives would have been in grave +danger." + "The outpost shields will fail any minute." McCoy said. + "We are sending down a security team to assist. However, we need +your shields down before we can use our transporters." + "By then it might be too late." + + Picard looked at Data. "Outpost status?" he asked. + "Outpost shields down to 30% efficiency. Outpost will be incapable +of returning fire in forty seconds." Data responded. + "Worf, send a second security team. Have O'Brien beam them down +immediately behind the Kyron forces." + "Aye, sir." + Data turned around to look at Picard. "Sir, the outpost has just +lost its shields. Kyron fire now penetrating the outer walls of the +outpost. The outpost has switched to emergency environment control." + "Lieutenant, send two audio/visual probes to the surface. I want +to be able to see firsthand what is going on down there." Picard said to +Worf. He turned to Data and said, "Commander Data, continue monitoring +the situation." + "Aye, captain." + + "Inform the bridge that Pratt has entered Holodeck Two, +ensign." Lieutenant Commander Johnson told Dong. + "Excuse me, commander, but Picard has promoted me to lieutenant." +Dong replied. + "Sorry, lieutenant. Just do as you were ordered." + "Everything seems all right so far." said Lieutenant Commander +LaForge, who was looking at the panel next to the doors of Holodeck Two. + "Good." Johnson said. + + There were two persons from Engineering, and five from Security +now standing in front of Holodeck Two. All of them were very tense. +However, no one could come up with a better way to find out what went +wrong with the holodeck. + "Computer, initiate constant report of the number of live sentient +beings in Holodeck Two. Do not include those beings which are computer +generated." LaForge said. + "Working ... one... one ... zero..." + Everyone gasped. Sweat was forming on LaForge's face. The +security personnel drew their phasers. LaForge studied the panel in front +of him. + "Computer, where is Ensign Pratt?" he asked. + "Ensign Pratt is not on board this ship." + "How could this be?" + "What happened?" Johnson asked. + "Computer, allow us entry into this program." LaForge said. + "You may enter when ready." + + LaForge stepped up to the door. Suddenly, it opened and a dozen +Kyrons with weapons drawn appeared. A phaser battle between the Kyrons +and the security personnel began. + + "Sir, deck nine is reporting a disturbance." Worf said anxiously. + "Sir, the Kyrons have now penetrated the outpost." Data said as he +quickly pressed several buttons. + "Lieutenant, send a security team to deck nine. Get me a +communication link to the outpost and to Starfleet Command. I'll take it +in my ready room. Commander Data, you have the bridge. Keep me informed." +said Picard as he entered his ready room. + + LaForge lay on the ground. "I've got to get out of here." he said +to himself. He began to crawl toward the nearest turbolift. He heard +several screams behind him. He entered the turbolift. + "Bridge." he said. + The turbolift began moving. "How in the world did Kyrons get on the +Enterprise? And in a holodeck, too? What happened back there?" he thought +to himself. + He collapsed just as the doors opened. Worf quickly dragged him +out. LaForge looked at him and tried to get up. + "You are badly injured." Worf said. "You are bleeding on the +arms and legs." + "Yeah. I guess I am." LaForge said as he looked at his injuries. + "Sickbay, this is Lieutenant Worf. Emergency on the bridge. +Captain Picard, return to the bridge, please." Worf said as he tapped his +communicator. + Picard ran onto the bridge. Riker was already there. + "LaForge, what happened to you?" Riker asked. + "Kyrons...Ambush...Holodeck Two...No..." LaForge's voice +trailed off as he collapsed again. + Dr. Crusher and two other medical assistants entered the bridge. +They quickly put LaForge onto a stretcher and left the bridge. + "Okay, what's going on here?" Picard said loudly to no one in +particular. + "It seems that some Kyrons have managed to board the Enterprise +and ambushed the people at Holodeck Two. Something may have happened to +Ensign Pratt." Data said. + "Lieutenant Worf, send all of your men to handle the sitaution. +We can not have renegade aliens ambushing everyone on this ship!" + "Captain, I can not locate Ensign Pratt on this ship." Data said. + "Computer!" Picard said. "I need the whereabouts of Ensign Pratt." + "Ensign Pratt is not on this ship." + "Status, lieutenant?" Picard said anxiously. + Everyone turned around as Dr. Crusher reappeared on the bridge. +She immediately walked up to Picard. + "The situation may be worse than you think. Almost the entire +security team that Worf sent to guard Pratt is now in sickbay with phaser +wounds. In Commander Johnson and Lieutenant Dong's case, their injuries +are so bad I have to keep them under sedation." she said. + Behind them, Worf suddenly ran toward the turbolift and quickly +left the bridge. Picard wondered what else could be wrong. + "Captain, our probe is showing the Kyrons have taken Admiral McCoy +and Dr. Tai and placed them in the outpost's holding cell." Data said. A +minute later, he added, "Our security teams on the planet have retreated +and returned to the Enterprise. There are several injuries." + Picard activated the shipwide intercom. "This is Captain Jean-Luc +Picard. In one minute I will be initiating a red alert. It appears that +the enemy has invaded the Enterprise. All personnel are advised to arm +themselves. Non-essential personnel and all families are advised to seal +themselves in their rooms." + The relief at Worf's station pressed a few buttons on the panel. +Immediately the alarm klaxons began sounding and the red lights began +flashing again. + "Captain, the Kyrons have taken over Transporter Room Four. More +Kyrons are being beamed on board, sir." Data said. + "Bridge, this is Lieutenant Worf. We are outnumbered. I have +ordered all security teams to retreat to Shuttlebay Two." + Picard stood up and looked at Riker. His face was pale. "What do +you suggest, Number One." he said. + "If it gets any worse, we might have to evacuate the ship." Riker +replied. + "Agreed, Number One." Picard turned toward Data. "Commander Data, +is the invasion confined to a part of the ship?" + "The saucer section, sir. The stardrive section of the ship has +not been invaded." Data replied. + "Number One, command the battle bridge and take the stardrive +section back to Starbase One Seven Four." + "Yes sir." + "Data, prepare for separation. Prepare for evacuation sequence in +saucer section." + "Aye sir." Data replied. "Entering sequence now... switching to +main viewer..." + "All hands, prepare for saucer separation. Two minutes to saucer +separation." Picard said over the shipwide intercom. + Two minutes later, Data announced, "Retraction has started... +completed. Captain, sensors have picked up several Kyrons who tried to +get into the stardrive section but did not make it." + "Are there any Kyrons in the stardrive section?" Picard asked. + "Negative. We are now far away enough, sir." + "Captain, transmission from Commander Riker." Worf said. + "Main viewer." Picard said. + + "Ready to head for Starbase One Seven Four, sir." Riker said. + "Make it so, Number One." Picard said. As the screen returned to +the neutral stars picture, Picard turned to Data. "Activate evacuation +sequence. Program in coordinates for the safest location on the planet." + + "This is not a drill. Evacuation sequence protocol now in progress. +All personnel head to nearest Transporter Room or Shuttle Bay. Evacuate as +follows..." + Pandemonium broke out throughout the saucer section. Several more +persons were killed by the attacking Kyrons as they stood listening to the +seldom heard computer evacuation announcement. Thirty minutes later, the +ship was deserted except for three bridge officers and a swarm of five +hundred Kyrons roaming the ship. + "Computer, activate self-destruct sequence." Picard said. + "Does first officer concur?" + "Acting First Officer Data here. I concur." Data said. + Working... Accepted... Sequence, Five Minutes...Four Minutes, +Fifty-Nine Seconds... + As the three bridge officers carefully made their way toward the +nearest Transporter Room, they saw Kyrons running by them. Picard wondered +why the Kyrons who were so intent on killing them hours earlier were now +all ignoring them. Picard noticed that Data had taken out a tricorder and +was now pressing several buttons. + "Captain...we must return to the bridge." Data whispered. + "Why, Data?" Picard asked. + "All of the Kyrons are evacuating the Enterprise. They realized +that we were destroying the Enterprise. They have all beamed down to the +Federation outpost." Data whispered. + "Make it so." Picard said as he began running back to the bridge. +Data and Worf followed. + As soon as he arrived on the bridge, Picard said, "Computer, +deactivate self-destruct, no computer feedback on command." + "Acting First Officer Data here. I concur with deactivation +request." Data said. + +Chapter Five + + "Computer, how many beings on board this ship?" Picard asked. + "One Human, One Android, One Klingon." + "No one else?" + "Affirmative." + "Captain, incoming transmission from the Kyrons on the planet, sir." + "Main viewer." Picard said. + An old Kyron appeared. "Enterprise, I would like to know why you +attacked us?" + "You attacked my ship and our outpost at the same time. You have +captured our outpost, and you accuse us of attacking you?" Picard responded +angrily. + "We are at war, Enterprise. The Federation attacked us when the +outpost personnel gave us meningitis." + "We are peaceful peoples. Let us negotiate." + "That reminds me... we have captured all of your crew, +Enterprise. Thank you for giving them to us as hostages." + "I request a negotiation as specified in Kyron law." + "You have two hours to prepare for the negotiations, Enterprise. +When the time comes, we will let you know where to beam down." + "Agreed." Picard turned to Worf and whispered, "End transmission." + + "How much longer before the supply ship will arrive?" Picard asked. + "Two days, sir." Data responded. + "Contact the supply ship and see if they can arrive earlier." +Picard told Worf. "Oh, and contact Commander Riker. Tell him to +bring back the stardrive section." + "Yes, sir." Worf said. A minute later, he said, "The supply +ship is aware of our situation and have increased their speed to warp +two point three seven. Commander Riker is also on his way, warp five." + "The supply ship will arrive in twenty three hours, fifty nine +minutes." Data said. "The stardrive section will arrive in twelve +hours, fourteen minutes." + "Contact the Kyrons and inform them we are ready to negotiate." +Picard ordered. + + + "You won't get away with this!" LaForge fumed. The Kyrons had +placed the Enterprise's crew into four of the outpost's nine holding cells. + "You are hostages. We do with you what we wish." The guard told +him. Another Kyron walked up and the two conversed for several minutes. + "Captain Picard wishes to negotiate. Our leader has agreed to +allow a Lieutenant Commander Geordi LaForge to be present to show our +goodwill." The guard announced. + "Show me the way." LaForge replied. + + + LaForge walked into a large assembly room. On one side was Picard +and Data. On the other side were seven Kyrons. The guard told him to sit +in between. + "Stardate 49275.6. Negotiation with the Kyrons for release of +Federation hostages and a new treaty between the Kyrons and the Federation." +Picard dictated into his portable log. + "This session of the Kyron Council is now in session. The chair +recognizes Federation Starship Enterprise Captain Jean-Luc Picard." Kyron +president Jihx Rah said. + "I petition the Kyron Council to negotiate a new treaty with the +United Federation of Planets to establish peace between the two nations, +and the release of the Enterprise crew." Picard said. + "Your petition has been recorded." Secretary Hyik Wyiq announced. + "I request a pre-negotiation vote as outlined by Code 4.27, Chapter +12." Council member Rol Syir said. + "Agreed." Jihx Rah said. + "Question: Should we negotiate with the Federation?" Hyik Wyiq +said. + "Nay." + "Nay." + "Nay." + "Aye." + "Nay." + "The vote has been recorded. Four Nay, One Aye. Captain Picard, +you may make your opening statement." Hyik Wyiq said. + "Around Stardate 9021.6, the Federation starship Discover found a +new race in the beta sector. The race called themselves Kyrons. Stardate +9743.1, five Kyrons died from a disease known as meningitis. The cause was +determined to be association with a human carrier of the disease. The Kyron +Council decided by vote that the Federation was not at fault, and that they +would innoculate all of their peoples to prevent such occurances again. It +appears, however that a new strain of this disease has appeared on Kyrona. +Today, however, the Kyron Council has decided not to follow precedent, but +to choose the reverse. I will prove today that the Kyron Council does not +have the evidence to make the change in policy. Thank you." Picard said. +He sat down, and drank a cup of water. + Jihx Rah stood up. He nodded at everyone in attendance, and then +said, "I will now make the opening statement for the Council. There is +clear evidence that precedence should not be followed. The Council +believes that Decision One Seven Two, Stardate 9744.5, is wrong. Since +the five died due to a human carrier, it is clear to us that the Federation +was at fault, but the council members on Stardate 9744.5 did not rule that +way. We, the Tenth Council, believe that the First Council, purposely made +an improper ruling on Stardate 9744.5 in order to stay friends with the +Federation. The Tenth Council, in Decision Nine Two Four, makes it clear +that the Federation is at fault. We can not help but take hostages when the +Federation Outpost and the starship Enterprise attacks us. The Council +believes that Decision Nine Two Four, as made by this council this morning +was fair, impartial, and should stand." + As he sat down, Jihx Rah rang the attention buzzer. "We will now +have a ten minute recess." + + As soon as the Kyrons had left the room, Picard turned to Data and +said, "Well, what do you think?" + "The Council will probably argue that the Federation was at fault +for not providing medicine. We must argue that the Kyrons must learn to +make their own medicines, and other essential items for their people, and +that we are not babysitters." + "We must be careful." Worf remarked. + "Agreed. Let's keep our eyes and ears open." + "Captain, may I make a suggestion?" Data asked. When Picard +nodded, he continued. "It seems quite strange that the Kyrons were able to +board the Enterprise, and capture Ensign Pratt, since they have no +transporter capability. May I suggest that the Kyrons may be more +technologically advanced than the Federation has been led to believe?" + "I think the Kyrons are in league with the Romulans. The surprise +Romulan attack is most disturbing." Worf said. + "Let us not accuse them without further evidence. Data, enter the +nearest Kyron village, and check for signs of Romulan activity." Picard +said. + "I will have only five minutes." + "I think we can do without you for an hour. If we need you +desperately, I will contact you by communicator." + "Aye, sir." + + "Will all rise for the Kyron council!" the baliff announced as the +members of the Kyron council entered the chamber once more. + "Captain Picard, the council believes that the Federation never +wanted to help and support Kyrona. If the Federation did, then why did +you contaminate our peoples with a fatal disease?" Jihx Rah asked +menacingly. + + Data entered the Soniak village ten minutes later. Because of +his costume, the villagers did not recognize him as being someone from +Starfleet. Data carried a tricorder in his jacket. The tricorder took +measurements and made recordings which were immediately transmitted to +Data himself. This allowed Data the freedom to move around and not have +to check the tricorder's readings. + The street was full of Kryons. It was "rush hour." The Kryons +were returning home from work. Some of them stopped to talk to merchants +that were still selling their wares. + Data overheard a Kryon mention the word Starfleet. He stopped +to listen. + "Starfleet has a vessel orbiting Kryona this very moment." + A merchant nearby remarked, "Starfleet has no business keeping +a vessel and an outpost here. The council will force them away for +sure now that so many have died." + "Yes. My son was one of those that died. It pains me so that +Starfleet would trick a civilization like ours and we fell for it." + "I hear the council plans to make the hearings public." + "Good. Soniak will be there..." + "I am curious as to why you think that Starfleet tricked you." Data +interrupted. + "Do you have children?" + "No." Data replied. + "Then you don't know how it feels to have an evil organization +like Starfleet do this to us..." + "There have been casualties in Starfleet due to the outbreak +on this planet as well. Why do you think that..." + "Wait a minute... something is strange about you.." the Kryon +paused. "yes... I know. You're a Federation spy!" + A commotion ensued. Kryons from nearby shops ran toward Data. +Cries of "We caught a spy!" could be heard for miles. +Chapter Six + + Picard watched as hundreds of Kryons filed into the council +chambers. He knew that the council was trying to delay a decision +for as long as possible. He also knew that he would have to listen +through hundreds of anti-Federation speeches. He wished he could +find an easy way to convince these peoples that the outbreak was +not "premediated murder" by Starfleet. + Riker came up to him. "Commander Riker reporting, sir. We +still have not been able to contact Commander Data. Worf believes +that foul play is involved and wants to search for him." + "Has the crew been returned to the Enterprise?" + "Yes, sir. Except for the senior officers, all Enterprise +personnel are back on the Enterprise. LaForge is commanding the +Enterprise now." + "Good. Tell Lieutenant Worf to begin his search if Data +does not return in another half-hour." + "Aye, sir. By the way, how did you convince Jihx Rah to +return the Enterprise crew to us?" + "That's not important, Number One. What is important +is that we avoid war with these people. When will the medical +supply ship arrive?" + "In a couple of hours, sir. Dr. Crusher and Admiral +McCoy are standing by in sickbay with a full medical staff." + + "The public hearings will now begin. Representatives +from Soniak, Tarien, and Parenick have received permission from +this council to speak. Each village will have 90 minutes to +present their speeches." + "The council recognizes Parenick." + For the next three hours, the senior officers of the +Enterprise listened as the Parenick and Tarien representatives +described how horrible it was to watch their parents, brothers, +sisters, and children die from the disease. Each advocated +condemning Starfleet. The Parenick representative was bold +enough to suggest that the outpost and Enterprise personnel +should be executed for the "crime." + When Soniak's turn came, twenty Kryons stood up and +approached the speaker's podium. + "Which one of you is the Soniak representative?" + "Oh, Great Tenth Council of Kryon. We regret to give you +this bit of bad news. This is so great that all of us want to +speak." One of the Soniak said. "We have captured a Federation +spy!" + The auditorium became extremely quiet. A dozen of the +Soniak stepped aside to reveal a heavily restrained Data. A large +force field surrounded the andriod. One of the Soniak held an +electronic leash that had been attached to the andriod's neck. + A riot broke out. Fifty Kryons jumped the barricade which +separated the people from the council and the Enterprise bridge +crew. Fighting between the Parenick and the Tarien villagers +broke out as each person tried to get a better view of the "spy." + "Order! Order! The council demands the immediate +restoration of order! The council will now vote on Decision +Nine Eight One, placing the representatives of Starfleet under +arrest for espionage and disruption of public order." + "Aye..." + "Aye..." + "Aye..." + "Aye..." + "Aye..." + + Jihx Rah stood up. "The vote is unanimous. +Under the power given to me by the Kryon Commandments, with +official approval of the Kryon Tenth Council in Decision Nine Eight One, +I am now placing the representatives of Starfleet and the United +Federation of Planets, Captain Jean-Luc Picard, Commander William T. +Riker, Lieutenant Commander Data, Lieutenant Worf, and Counselor +Deanna Troi, under arrest for spying, espionage, and disruption of +public order." + The Kryons attending the event began cheering the decision. +The Soniak representatives became public heros for capturing Data. +The cheering became louder and louder as Kryon police officers +placed electronic handcuffs and leashes on the Enterprise bridge +crew and led them out of the council auditorium. + The Kryon president heard a voice from the dark shadows of the +auditorium. The words were "War is inevitable, and we shall be +victorious ...." + Chapter Seven + + + "Sir, there is a subspace disturbance at the edge of our +long range sensors." + "Can you determine the source of the disturbance?" asked LaForge. + "It may be cloaked Romulan ships." + "Yellow alert, lieutenant." + "Aye, sir. Yellow Alert... Sir, the medical supply ship U.S.S. +Illinois has arrived." + "Inform Dr. Crusher and the Admiral to go to Cargo Bay Two. +Instruct the U.S.S. Illinois to prepare to beam the supplies directly +into Cargo Bay Two." + "Aye, sir." + + + "It is a great pleasure to work with the famous Doctor McCoy." +Dr. Crusher said. + "Same to you. What made you leave the Chief Medical Officer +position at Starfleet Medical?" + "It's personal." + An attention signal came from the intercom. "Lieutenant Dong +to Dr. Crusher and Admiral McCoy, proceed to Cargo Bay Two. The +supplies have arrived." + "Acknowledged. On my way." + The two doctors plus two medical technicians ran toward Cargo +Bay Two. The faster they get the supplies to sickbay the faster +they would be able to handle the sick, and the faster they would +be able to complete the mission. + Just as they completed placing the supplies on a cargo sled +for transport back to sickbay, a medical technican approached them. + "Doctor Crusher, we have three cases of meningitis on the +ship now." + "When did this happen?" + "I don't know. We found the virus during routine medical +examination. It is a mutated strain. It doesn't respond to +normal treatment." + "Crusher to Transporter Room Two. I need emergency +deck-to-deck transport. I need these medical supplies in +sickbay now!" + "Energizing..." + + + "Sir, seven Romulan warbirds decloaking, 214 mark 14." + "Red Alert! Gomez, how long before we have shields." + "Sorry, sir. System is down. We'll need another day." + "We don't have another day, ensign. We need it now." LaForge +stood up from the captain's seat. "Ensign Wilhelm, evasive +manuevers, 104 mark 25." + "104 mark 25, acknowledged." + "Increase to full impulse." + "Full impulse." + "Sir, the warbirds are following us at warp two. They'll +be in firing range in ten seconds." + "Lock phasers and torpedoes. Prepare to fire on my mark." + "Phasers locked. Sir, they're firing..." + "Return fire, lieutenant!" + "We've been hit, sir. Damage on Decks Twenty through Thirty." + "Minimal shields and warp engines on line..." + "Evasive manuevers, 74 mark 284." + "Deck Nine hit. Shields and engines off line..." + "One warbird destroyed, another has decloaked..." + "Sir, transmission from Kryona. The senior officers have +been arrested by the Kryon military." + "Standby, lieutenant. Continue firing. Emergency evasive manuever +protocol now in effect." + "WARNING: OUTER HULL BREACH, DECK TWENTY FIVE." announced +the computer. + "Minimal deflectors. We can not take another hit..." + "WARNING: OUTER HULL BREACH, DECK THIRTY." + "Two warbirds destroyed. Five to go..." + "Sir, it's a miracle! The warbirds are self-destructing." + "Evasive manuevers 90 mark 0, ensign. We don't want to be +hit." + "Danger has ended, sir." + "Why did they self-destruct?" LaForge wondered. He didn't +have to wait long for an answer. + "Sir, just before the warbirds self-destructed, I detected +an electronic transmission from somewhere on the Enterprise to +the warbirds." + "Can you determine where?" + "Doctor Tai's quarters, sir." + + + Picard looked up as the guards let in a visitor. + "Admiral! How is the Enterprise?" + McCoy looked at him. "She's hurt, Jean-Luc. The Romulans +almost got her." + "I am confused by what you have said." Data said inquisitively. + "Seven Romulan warbirds attacked the Enterprise. The Enterprise +was not yet repaired. Without Dr. Tai's help, the Enterprise would +have been no longer." + "Has the Kryons done anything about it?" Riker asked. + "They haven't done a thing. They don't seem to care that +Romulans entered the sector." Dr. Crusher said as she entered. She +walked up to each holding cell and ran a medical check on the +imprisoned members of the Enterprise with a medical tricorder. + "What brings you down to the planet, Doctor?" + "We've begun treatment for the ill Kryons. It took hours to +come up with the right vaccine. The planet is infected with a +never before seen mutation of meningitis. We've also had three +cases of the mutation on the Enterprise. Condition critical." + "We're also working on getting you free, Captain. The Enterprise +needs you." + "Thank you, Admiral." + + + Ensign Mark Wilhelm awoke suddenly. Someone was asking for him. +He turned on the viewscreen. When he saw who it was, he checked his +old-fashioned watch and realized he was late for his shift. With +a quick apology to LaForge, he got up, changed, and headed for the +bridge. + Long ago while in college he had planned on becoming a history +teacher, but he became tired of all of the questions he got from +his students but could not answer because the answers weren't in the +teacher's manual. He decided to join Starfleet to learn about +how to think. Somehow, he managed to get through the first 21 +years of his life without learning that simple little thing. He +had believed that everything he ever needed in order to teach +others would be provided for him in a book. + "Ensign Mark Wilhelm, reporting, sir." + "Your station, ensign." + "Aye, sir." + "Status, Lieutenant Dong?" + "Sorry, sir. It'll take a minute while I program that +command into the LCARS system." + "Worf doesn't take that long..." + "I am not Worf, sir. I have the report now. We had seventy +casualties during the battle with the Romulans. The U.S.S. Illinois +was destroyed by one of the warbirds. We should have impulse in +two hours, warp in twenty. Shields won't be available for another +three days. Minimal computer functions available." + "Thank you, lieutenant." LaForge turned to the conn. "Ensign +Wilhelm, new heading, 127 mark 40. Engage quarter impulse +on my mark." + "Course laid in and plotted. Standing by..." + + + Jihx Rah sat at his desk, working on signing the latest batch +of decisions and resolutions. He stopped as thoughts of watching +the death of ill Kryons came to his mind. Hatred flooded his +thoughts. He had spent so many years trying to improve Kryon +society, and now the Federation was threatening that improvement. +They secretly already had transporter technology, with assistance +from the Romulans. According to the Minister of Space, they +would need only another month before their first starship would +be ready. But all of that had fallen apart with the events of +the last four days. He had planned on going to Federation +headquarters with the ship plans and requesting dilithium +crystals. But now that the Federation had committed genoicide, +there was no way that the council would approve of going to the +Federation for the much needed crystals. + Most of their research, technology borrowing, and planning +were done in the Soniak village. After the Enterprise bridge +personnel had been arrested, he immediately ordered the Space +branch to move everything from Soniak to another village. He +was afraid that the Federation might have found out about the +secret goings-on and didn't want evidence lying around. + His doorbell rang. + "Come in." he said. + An old man and a woman walked in. They were dressed in +Starfleet uniforms. Jihx recognized the type of uniform. One +of them was an admiral, and one was a medical officer. Were +these the people the Federation sent to negotitate the freedom +of the Enterprise's bridge crew? + "May I help you?" + "We have received the medical supplies that we requested +when we first came to your planet. I have created a vaccine +based on the antibodies of the three Enterprise crew members +who caught the disease from your invasion force. Dr. Ching +Tai has prepared a list of your ill people and we are ready +to treat them. I would like permission to do so." + "What guarentees do I have that it will work?" + "I can't make any guarentees." + "What if this is all a trick to kill more of our people?" + "I can give it to you first. If you die you would be +a martyr to your people. If you live, by allowing us to treat +your people, you become a hero." + "All right. Proceed." + + An hour later, Jihx contacted the Enterprise. "I give +you permission to treat my people." + "Thank you. Oh, may we see Captain Picard?" + "Let me think about that." Chapter Eight + + + Data pulled out the tricorder he had hidden in his uniform. He +checked a few settings. He turned to Picard. + "The guards did not find the tricorder. Would you like to +see the recording, captain?" + "Of course, Data." + Data handed the tricorder to him. Picard played back the +two hours of recordings. + "Notice, sir, that building. It is large enough to contain +an experimental space vessel. It may also contain experimental +transporter equipment. I was able to determine that the Kryons +that beamed aboard the Enterprise came from that building." + "Were you able to determine the contents of the building?" + "No, sir. I overheard someone say 'Starfleet', and I stopped +to listen. That was when I was captured." + "You might have something. Perhaps we can get Admiral McCoy +to look around." + "Yes, sir. But we are unable to contact the Enterprise +without our communicators." + "Does anyone here have any comments?" + "They don't seem to care too much about us, do they? My +neck is so sore from those leashes they used." Riker interjected. + "I sensed nothing but the desire to do their duty. But +I think Jihx Rah is hiding something." Troi said. + "There are a lot of questions I want to ask that false +warrior." Worf stood up from his seat. + "I believe I have located a weak point in the force field +surrounding this prison cell." Data announced. + "Can you shut it down, Data?" + "I believe I can. Working..." + + + "We are receiving a transmission forwarded from Starbase +One Seven Four, sir." + "On screen, lieutenant." + The Starfleet Command emblem flashed for a second. A conference +room appeared on the screen. LaForge could see Admiral James T. +Kirk at the head of the table. + "Lieutenant Commander LaForge, Starship Enterprise. This is +Admiral James T. Kirk." + "Yes, sir." + "A negotiation team is being sent to you from Starbase One +Seven Four. Do you think you can handle being the leader of this +negotiation team?" + "I'll try my best, sir." + At that moment, McCoy walked in. Kirk reacted with much +surprise. + "Bones! What are you doing there?" + "Treating a bunch of terrorists." + "I order you to return to Earth. The U.S.S. Toyota will be +arriving at your present location in one week. I want you on +that vessel, heading home." + "But, Jim..." + "No buts, doc. I want you back here. You are too valuable +to Starfleet to be in such a volatile location." + "All right Jim. I'll get ready right away." + + + The force field dissipated. The Enterprise's senior +officers slowly and carefully walked into the hallway. They could +see two guards in the distance. + "I believe I have found what appears to be a cache of weapons." +Data whispered. + "Good work, Data." + "Follow me." + Data led them to a reinforced metal door. A computer code was +required to open it. Data tried several combinations on his tricorder. +Ten minutes later, the door opened. They found not only weapons, +but Kryon military uniforms as well. Each one of them put on +a uniform, and a helmet, and grabbed a laser rifle. + Data looked outside and then came back into the room. "The +two guards we saw earlier are approaching." + A minute later, the two guards looked in. "You're not supposed +to be lounging in here! Move to your assignments." one of them +yelled. + "Yes, sir." Data replied. After the two guards left, Data +took out his tricorder. "Captain, I believe the exit to be at +this location." He pointed to a spot on the map on the tricorder +screen. + "We'll head that way then." + Halfway there, a siren sounded. They heard an announcement +from a hidden speaker system. The words filled them with dread. + "The Federation prisoners have escaped. All forces begin +massive search. Split up in two-person teams. Use invasion +search protocol alpha. Your orders are to shoot to kill the +prisoners once found." + Chapter Nine + + "You don't understand, sir." LaForge told Jihx Rah. "We +did not trick you, and we did not purposefully use the virus +to commit genocide on your people." + "You have shown me no evidence to the contrary. Without such +evidence, the council will not release the prisoners, and will not +negotiate with you for a new treaty." + "We do not want war. Can't we negotiate for a treaty +at the same time we try to prove that we are not guilty of genocide?" + "I will discuss it with the council. However, I do not +believe the council will approve. Large groups of protestors +are forming against the Federation. In their view, I should not +even be talking to you now. There are very influential people +among the protestors." + "Will you allow me and some Federation negotiators to speak +to the council?" + "Be at tonight's council meeting. Now, leave me." + + Jihx Rah looked up. A Romulan stood before him. He hoped +LaForge and the negotiators had not seen the Romulan. + "What are you doing here? Federation representatives were +here not five minutes ago." + "I know. I would like to make you an offer you can not +refuse." + "This better not be a waste of my time." + "You will convince the council to start a war against the +Federation. We will provide you with super-efficient weapons +and enough dilithium crystals to power two dozen starships for +two years." + "How much do you want? Your offer is too good to be true." + "We only ask that you give us seventy-five percent of the +Federation once you have defeated them." + "I will talk to the council. I am sure they would be most +pleased to hear your offer." + + An ensign from Engineering walked onto the bridge. The ensign +proceeded to LaForge and saluted. + "Engineering reporting, sir. All systems on-line. Communications +should be restored within the hour." + "Thank you ensign." LaForge turned around. "Ensign Wilhelm, +move to standard orbit around Kryona, warp two." + "Aye sir. Engaged." + The red alert klaxon sounded. Terror filled Ensign Dong's face. +The Enterprise stopped moving. + "Engineering has exploded, sir." + + + "Data, Number One. Go down this corridor. Deanna, Worf. Go +down the west corridor. I will travel alone down the east corridor. +Mingle with the military patrols if you have to. Pretend to be +looking for us. If we are lucky, at least one of us will make it." + "But sir. I think this is too dangerous." + "Number One, we don't have time. Hurry." + Data and Riker continued toward the exit to the compound. +Several teams of military police passed by them without incident. +They turned the last corner before freedom. + Riker's hopes at escape fell at what appeared before them. +A blockade guarded by two patrols was between them and the +exit. He and Data walked up to the blockade. + One of the guards signalled for them to place their ID +badges in a card reader. They complied. The guard looked +at the output produced by the card reader. + The guard looked at Riker. "You are supposed to be with +Seargent Inka searching the north corridors, lieutenant." He +turned toward Data. "Miss Kaya, you are supposed to be searching +the restrooms." + One of the other guards grimaced. "Why are you two not +with your patrol partners? Why are you here?" + "Sir, our patrol partners have been killed by the enemy. +We received orders to search outside of the prison for the +enemy." Riker said. + The guard picked up a phone, and began a conversation +with someone in the Kryon native language. A minute later, +he hung up and turned toward Riker. + "You received no such orders. I will allow you to search +outside though. Those criminals must be killed." + "Thank you, sir." Riker said as he and Data walked out +of the prison. + + + "Evacuate whoever's left and seal off Engineering!" LaForge +yelled. + "Aye, sir. Evacuation procedure has started. Engineering +will be sealed in ten seconds. Containment field at 70%. We +have a small radiation leak." + "Sickbay, prepare anti-radiation treatments. We have +a radiation leak." + "Sir, the containment field is weakening." + "Prepare to dump engine core, ensign." + "Engineering sealed. Fifty casualties. Attempting to +stabilize containment field. Engine core dump on stand by." + "WARNING!! RADIATION LEVEL TWENTY PERCENT ABOVE SAFETY +MARGIN. LETHAL DOSAGE IN FIVE MINUTES." + "Contact Starbase One Seven Four and the U.S.S. Toyota. +Inform them of our situation." + "Aye, sir." + "Computer. Captain's log. Stardate 49290.3. Lieutenant +Commander Geordi LaForge commanding. While awaiting the start +of negotiations for a new Kryon-Federation treaty and for the +release of five Enterprise senior officers, a critical part +of Engineering has exploded. Unless we can stabilize the +containment field, I will be forced to dump the Enterprise's +engine core to prevent severe casualties..." + "Sir, communications are still down. We can't call +for help." + "WARNING!! RADIATION LEVEL FORTY PERCENT ABOVE SAFETY +MARGIN. LETHAL DOSAGE IN TWO MINUTES." + "Sir, the U.S.S. Toyota has arrived. We are being hailed." + "Open frequencies." + "Communications still down." + "Shutdown nonessential decks. Create force field around +containment unit. Divert excess power to force field." + "Aye, sir. Engaged." + "Prepare evacuation lifeboats. Power on emergency transporters." + "Aye, sir." + + "Sir, communications have been restored. The U.S.S. Toyota is +aware of our situation and is prepared to receive us if we evacuate +the Enterprise." + "Good." + "Sir, Security has arrested a Kryon and a Kryon spy." + "Good work, lieutenant." + "WARNING!! RADIATION LEVELS CRITICAL. LETHAL DOSAGE IN +ONE MINUTE, TEN SECONDS." + + LaForge went to the Engineering station on the bridge. He +keyed up a diagram of the Enterprise. He thought of something. + "Computer, overlay power circuity on this diagram." + "WORKING..., DONE. WARNING!! RADIATION LEVELS CRITICAL..." + "No, nothing there..." LaForge said to himself softly. Out +loud, he ordered the lower fifteen decks abandoned. + Suddenly he noticed the source of the problem - a blockade +in a power conduit and the destruction of a lot of circuitry. He +hailed Transporter Room Two and had Chief O'Brien beam him directly +into a clean room on Deck 36. + He quickly put on a radiation suit. Only 40 seconds left... +He entered the radioactive chamber and located the power conduit. +He pulled out large chunks of debris that had entered the conduit +during the explosion. Only 20 seconds left... + He ran to a panel and began overriding everything. He rerouted +stuff away from the severed circuitry. With seconds left, the +engine core returned to a stable state. LaForge breathed a sigh +of relief. + + + The route Worf and Deanna was taking was the long way. They +saw strange looks from patrol teams passing by. A member of another +patrol team stopped them. + "Where do you think you are going?" + "To find the escapees." + "You are in the wrong quadrant. You are supposed to be searching +the south side. Now move it!!" + Worf and Deanna began walking back the way they came. Right behind +them, the man whom Worf guessed to be a Kryon sergeant followed. After +walking about ten yards, another Kryon approached them. + The Kryon gestured at Deanna. "Inek, there you are. Come along, +we have to catch those murderers." + Deanna nodded and followed. After some hesitation, Worf also +followed. The Kryon sergeant grabbed him. + "And where do you think you're going? You're with me, remember?" + The Kryon that had called Deanna "Inek" turned around. "No. He +can come with me if he wants." + The sergeant relunctantly let them go. + + Deanna and Worf followed the Kryon through a maze of passageways. +When they were at a desolate location, the Kryon stopped. He removed +his helmet. + "Captain! How did you get a general's uniform?" Worf asked. + Picard put the helmet back on. "Not now. We must find Jihx +Rah's quarters." + "What do we do when we get there?" + "Force the truth out of him." + Chapter Ten + + "Captain's Log. Stardate 49305.6. Lieutenant Commander Geordi +LaForge commanding. In ten minutes a negotiation team and I will be +beaming down to Kryona to negotiate a new treaty and to find out the +truth about what has been going on the past few days. The Kryons so +far refuse to answer our hails. Work is proceeding well. The +Enterprise should be repaired in two months." + + LaForge and the team walked into the council chambers. From the +looks of things, it was another public session. The Tenth Council +walked in. + + "This council is now in session." said Jihx Rah. "Mr. LaForge, +representative of the United Federation of Planets, San Francisco, +Earth, I have the unfortunate duty of informing you that the five +we arrested have now escaped. Under the laws of Kryona, this is +punishable by death. I have ordered our police and military forces +to shoot to kill if they find any of the five escapees." + "Sir, I have information that Kryona is not what it seems. +We have captured one of your people. He tried to destroy the Enterprise. +He is under the jurisdiction of Starfleet and will be court martialed." + "Congratulations. You have captured one of our greatest +military strategists. We want him back." + "You give us our people." + "You underestimate us, Mister LaForge." + + LaForge's communicator beeped. He tapped it. + "Enterprise to LaForge. Seven unidentified warbirds have +uncloaked." + "Estimate strategic strength, ensign." + "Odds in enemy's favor, sir, if we engage in battle." + Jihx Rah smiled. "So Mister LaForge, what say you we deal on +my terms?" + "What are your terms?" + "We will give you your bridge officers in exchange for our +military strategist and the Federation leaves us alone for the next +fifty years." + "I don't know. Let me think about it." + "But LaForge, your ensign said my ships were stronger than +yours. You dare refuse my offer? I am not a fool, LaForge. I +know how weak your Enterprise is. The seven of my ships can +easily destroy it." + "Let me talk to Starfleet Command." + "You have one day, mister." + + LaForge and the team beamed back onto the Enterprise. LaForge's +mind was in complete turmoil. Here was an engineer that had to do +something beyond what he was trained for. + On the way to the turbolift to the bridge, he ran into Dr. Ching +Tai. Tai was typing on a personal access display device. + "Doctor, how are you doing today?" + "All right. I've got work to do. I'll see you later." + "Sure, doc." + + + LaForge entered the bridge. What he saw both suprised him +and shocked him at the same time. + "Captain..." + "Geordi, nice to have you back." + "But how did you get back? I thought the Kryons had you." + "The five of us split up and we managed to escape alive." Riker +interjected. CONCLUSION: PRIMITIVE LIFE +Chapter 11 + + "Captain's Log, stardate 49310.6. The Enterprise is now on +its way to Starbase One Seven Four for major repairs and overhaul. +After my return to the Enterprise, it was decided that Kryona was +not yet ready to resume inclusion in the Federation. Although it +had achieved a high level of technology, the people of Kryona have +not yet learned the need for cooperation, nor have they learned how +to handle discussions and negotiations. The two terrorist attacks +on the Enterprise, and the mock trials only prove that. Because +of that, Starfleet has decided to take the risk of the Kryons being +our enemies forever." + + "I have the final report for you, sir." Worf announced. + "Yes, lieutenant?" + "Lieutenant Dong and Commander Johnson have died. Ensigns +Wilhelm and Mitchell have been promoted to lieutenant, and ordered +to return to Starfleet Command. Starfleet has given Lieutenant +LaForge and Doctor Ching Tai the job of repairing the Enterprise. +All other personnel have been given shore leave until the Enterprise +is repaired." + "Sir, I estimate the Enterprise will not be repaired until +stardate 51043.7." Data said. + "Really? Mister Data, slow to quarter impulse, heading +074 mark 315. Let me know when we are docked." + +---------------------------The End--------------------------------- diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/qanda.tre b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/qanda.tre new file mode 100644 index 00000000..c324b841 --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/qanda.tre @@ -0,0 +1,13959 @@ + Page 1 + + +Q and A : The new Star Trek : The Next Generation Novel by Doug Geiger + + + Chapter 1 + + + Captain's Log - Stardate 42765.5 + After the Enterprise's latest encoun- + ter with Q, which resulted in 18 deaths + and some structural damage to the saucer + section, we are enroute to Starbase 197. + Our encounter with the Borg will be added + to Starfleet records for future reference. + Starfleet Command has given extended shore + leave to the entire Enterprise crew while + repairs are made to the saucer section. + + + + "Mister Data, ETA at Starbase 197," asked + + Captain Picard, an imposing, bald man who sat in the + + center seat of the Bridge. + + + + "At our present speed of Warp 6 we will + + arrive in 6.43321 hours, sir," reported Lieutenant + + Commander Data from the navigator's station at the + + front of the Bridge. Data's gold eyes and pale + + skin told everyone that he was an android. + + + + "6.4 hours would have sufficed, Lieutenant, + + thank you. Status report, Mister Worf." + + + + "All departments report maximum efficiency. + + Hull sensors indicate that the damage to the saucer + + section will not be structurally dangerous unless + + we exceed Warp 8," replied the Klingon communica- + + tions officer and Security chief from the Upper + + Bridge. + Page 2 + + + + + + "Thank you, Mister Worf. Keep me informed + + of any changes." + + "Picard to Engineering," said Picard, tap- + + ping his combadge, "Mister LaForge, any problems + + to report?" + + + + "Nothing new to report, Captain," said the + + blind Chief Engineer, the pulsating light from the + + Warp engines glinting off the VISOR that allows + + him to "see." + + + + "Will the damage caused by Q effect our + + phasers in any way?" asked the Captain. + + + + "When Q removed the cylinder from the + + Enterprise some major systems were disrupted, + + including weapons, but we've been able to reroute + + most of them. I have the Engineering staff pulling + + double shifts running diagnostics on each system. + + So far nothing's been encountered to prevent us + + from restoring all systems to their original paths. + + I just want to be sure so that nothing happens to + + damage the saucer section even more. + + "But to answer your question, Captain, + + since we'll be at Starbase 197 soon, I've taken + + the phasers off-line until full scale repairs can + + be made. Q didn't touch the phaser rings but he + Page 3 + + + + came awfully close," reported Geordi. + + + + "In that case, I sincerely hope the phasers + + won't be needed, Lieutenant. Picard out. + + "Counselor, what is the crew's mood?" asked + + Picard as he turned to his left to consult Deanna + + Troi, the empathic Ship's Counselor. + + + + "They are tired, both mentally and + + physically, but that is understandable. They are + + also saddened by the deaths of the crewmembers. + + All in all, Captain, I don't think the crew could + + stand the stress of another mission. You should + + request a shore leave for the entire crew, yourself + + included," said the beautiful Betazoid. + + + + "Deanna, you know how I hate to be away + + from the Enterprise, even for a short time. But + + I have a surprise for you. + + "Mister Worf, open a shipwide channel," + + requested Picard. + + + + "Channel open, sir." + + + + "This is Captain Picard. Due to the + + stresses placed upon both ship and crew by the time + + vortex and our encounter with Q, Starfleet Command + + has granted shore leave to all crewmembers upon + Page 4 + + + + our arrival at Starbase 197. Please refer to the + + schedules posted by the department heads as to your + + beam-down time. Enjoy yourselves. As the best + + crew in Starfleet, you deserve this vacation. + + Picard out." + + + + From throughout the ship, cheers could be + + heard. Smiles even broke out among the Bridge + + Crew, except for Worf and Data. Data because he + + was an android and the purpose of some human + + expressions eluded him. Worf because he was a + + Klingon and they just don't do that kind of thing. + + + + "That's great news, Captain, but why'd + + you keep it a secret?" asked William Riker, the + + bearded First Officer seated on Picard's right. + + + + "Well, Number One, the message came through + + just before I came on the Bridge. How are you + + going to spend shore leave, Will?" + + + + "There are some new holodeck simulations + + I've been wanting to try out," said Riker. + + + + "Ah, you mean the survival games," said + + Worf with appreciation. "I too want to see those." + + + + "No, Worf, I meant the historic recreations. + Page 5 + + + + I've heard they're extremely detailed." + + "What about you, Captain?" + + + + "Oh, I don't know. I have some reading to + + catch up on. I'd also like to work on my painting," + + said Picard. + + + + For awhile, they flew on in silence. Fin- + + ally Picard said, "Mister Crusher, steady on course. + + I'll be in my Ready Room. You have the Bridge, + + Number One." And Picard left the Bridge. + + + + "Was that not unusual?" asked Data. + + + + "I'm not sure, Data. The Captain has been + + pretty angry about our inability to deal effectively + + with Q and the Borg," said Riker. + + + + "There is that, but I sense something else. + + He doubts his ability to command. I've talked with + + him and his mental condition has improved somewhat. + + He just needs time. The deaths of the crew aren't + + helping either. He feels personally responsible. + + Combined with the stress of informing their + + families, it all adds up to a great deal of strain. + + He will get through it because he is strong. He + + just has to understand that it's not his fault," + + analyzed Deanna. + Page 6 + + + + + + Suddenly, the Enterprise shook violently. + + The shocked exclamations of the Bridge Crew were + + lost amid the red alert klaxons. + + + + "Data, shields up. Ensign Crusher, take + + us out of warp. Worf, damage report," ordered + + Riker. + + + + Picard emerged from his Ready Room looking + + shaken, blood from a large cut on his forehead + + flowing down his face. "Wh-what hit us?" + + + + "We're working on it, sir. Worf, where is + + that damage report?" asked Riker. + + + + "Communications throughout the ship were + + damaged. In addition, the damaged section of the + + saucer has been stressed to the limit. Any more + + shocks like that and the hull could rupture," + + reported Worf. + + + + "Mister Data, why didn't our sensors + + register anything?" asked Picard. "And shut off + + that damn noise!" The red alert klaxons fell + + silent. + + + + "Unknown ,sir, but an unidentified ship + Page 7 + + + + has just come within sensor range." + + + + "On visual." + + + + + The viewscreen changed from an empty star- + + field to a crystalline ship approaching quickly. + + It was the shape and color of a huge, multifaceted + + diamond. Spires and antennae projected from + + numerous points on the hull. A huge weapons pod + + was slung on its underside. + + + + "Intruder slowing to sublight," reported + + Data. + + + + "Mister LaForge, why didn't sensors register + + the intruder?" inquired Riker, tapping his combadge. + + + + "We were in the process of restoring the + + sensors to their original paths." + + + + "Mister Worf, open hailing frequencies, + + universal translator on," ordered Picard. + + + + "Hailing frequencies open." + + + + "This is Captain Jean-Luc Picard commanding + + the Federation starship Enterprise. You are + + Page 8 + + + intruding into Federation space. Please state your + + business peacefully or we will be forced to take + + action against you." + + + + "Captain Picard," sneered a hissing voice + + as an insectoid appeared on the viewscreen, "why + + should we fear you? This one vessel could + + obliterate any ten of your Federation vessels. I am + + Skon of the Xin and I question your right to exist, + + just as you question my right to be here." + + + + A low growl emanated from Worf and Picard + + shot him a warning glance. + + + + "Now see here, Skon. We want no trouble. + + Our mission is to explore the galaxy and make + + peaceful contact with new races. We have no quarrel + + with the Xin. In fact, we've never heard of you + + before." + + + + "What! The Xin control seven galaxies. + + Our technology is far more advanced over yours. + + We are superior in every way." + + + + "It would appear not, as the Enterprise + + still exists," retorted Picard. + + + + "Ha! That was merely our weapons system + + Page 9 + + + on its lowest setting. What you would call a + + warning shot. I assure you, at their highest + + setting, they are capable of shattering planets. + + Do not anger me, Picard," warned Skon. + + + + "I wouldn't dream of it, Skon. I just want + + to know what you're doing in Federation space." + + + + "I don't have to answer to you, Captain. + + But if you must know, my orders are to collect + + specimens from the various galactic powers in order + + for the Xin to formulate a plan for Universal + + domination. You, Captain, have the honor of being + + the first Federation starship captured on the Xin + + road to glory. Prepare to be boarded and relinquish + + command to me." + + + + The screen reverted to a view of the Xin + + ship. + + + + "We're not caught yet. Worf, send a + + distress call to all Federation ships." + + + + "All frequencies are being jammed, Captain." + + + + "Damn. Mister Crusher, lay in an escape + + course away from Federation space and engage at + + Warp 3," ordered Picard. "Mister Data, scan the + + Page 10 + + + computer banks for any reference to the Xin." + + The blood from his wound still flowed freely, + + staining his uniform a darker red. + + + "Aye, sir," Data acknowledged, walking aft + + to the science station as the Enterprise leapt into + + Warp. Worf moved forward to take Data's place at + + the Ops station. The stars on the viewscreen + + lengthened into streaks as the Enterprise broke the + + lightspeed barrier. + + + + "Captain, should I call Dr. Pulaski to look + + at your injury? It looks serious," said Riker, the + + concern in his voice was evident. + + + + "Not now, Number One. I don't have time + + to get my head examined. I'm fine," grumbled the + + Captain, his eyes locked on the viewscreen. + + + + "Captain, the Xin ship is closing on us at + + Warp 3.5," the Klingon reported. + + + + "Mister Crusher, Warp 5," ordered the + + Captain. The stars on the viewscreen grew into + + even longer streaks as the Enterprise accelerated. + + + + "Reverse angle on the viewscreen. Let's + + see the Xin ship," said Riker. The view changed + + from one of stars accelerating towards them to one + Page 11 + + + + of stars accelerating away from them. In the center, + + a white speck slowly increased in size. + + + + "The Xin ship has increased to Warp 4..... + + Warp 5.....Warp 6," said Worf, astonished. + + + + "Mister Crusher, increase speed to Warp 8." + + + + "Sir the hull cannot take the stress caused + + by such high speeds. We must slow down." + + + + "I am aware of that, Worf. As Captain of + + this vessel, I take full responsibility." + + + + The vibration of the deck, nearly + + imperceptible before, had become quite evident. + + The red alert klaxons went off again and the + + computer's voice warned "Due to extreme speed, hull + + rupture imminent." + + + + "Mister Worf, raise maximum strength + + deflector screens around the damaged portion of + + the saucer section. As close to the hull as + + possible." + + + + "Aye, sir. Deflector screens up." + + + + On the screen, the white speck had begun + Page 12 + + + + to grow in size again. + + + + "Sir, Xin ship gaining on us again. It's + + speed is Warp 9.5," Worf nearly yelled. + + + + "Picard to Engineering. Mister LaForge, + + can we accelerate to maximum Warp with the ship in + + its present condition?" + + + + "Possibly, but I wouldn't advise it. The + + hull could go at any moment. I have a team working + + on reinforcing the damaged section of the saucer, + + but we're talking about nearly every deck of the + + primary hull," reported the Chief Engineer. + + + + "So noted, Lieutenant. Picard out. Worf, + + raise shields around the damaged section. Mister + + Crusher, increase speed to maximum. Warp 10." + + + + "Sir, are you serious? You heard what + + LaForge said. Warp 10 could destroy the Enterprise!" + + objected Riker. + + + + "Number One, if that was just a warning + + shot, we will need help. Since frequencies are + + jammed we must try to find it ourselves. Mister + + Crusher, our speed." + + + Page 13 + + + + "Warp 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.8, 9.85, + + 9.9," Wes read off the speed in ten second + + intervals. "Holding at Warp 9.9." + + + + "Picard to Engineering. Why are we holding + + at Warp 9.9?" + + + + "Because of the energy being diverted to + + the shields and deflector screens. We can't go any + + faster unless we lower them. But if we do that, + + the ship will tear itself apart." In the + + background could be heard the pulsing throb of the + + Warp engines. They sounded like a human heartbeat + + accelerated to the bursting point. "Also, there's + + a slight flaw in the matter/antimatter containment + + field. Maximum Warp would destroy the field totally + + and the Enterprise would be obliterated, along with + + most of the rest of this sector of space." + + + + "Very well. Thank you, Lieutenant. Picard + + out. Worf, what is the Xin's speed?" + + + + "Warp 12, sir. It is gaining rapidly." + + + + Worf was right. The image on the viewscreen + + had almost blotted out the rest of the starfield. + + + + "We have no choice then, unless you've + Page 14 + + + + found something, Mister Data?" + + + + "I am sorry, Captain, but there is no + + information regarding the Xin in either my own or the + + ship's memory banks," replied Data apologetically. + + + + Worf relinquished the Ops station to Data + + and went back to his Communications console. + + + + "Worf, try to call for help again." + + + + "Sorry, Captain. We are still being + + jammed," reported the Klingon irritably. He did + + not like feeling useless. So far his advice had + + gone unheeded and his attempts to send any message + + at all had been ineffectual. On top of that, the + + Enterprise, Starfleet's best ship, was running away. + + Finally he said, "Captain, I recommend that we turn + + and fight. We will soon be overtaken and will be + + forced to fight anyway." + + + + "Mister Worf, as much as I value your + + recommendations, this is my Bridge and I will not + + have people telling me how to run my ship!" + + + + Before Worf could reply, however, the + + Enterprise was hit by a blast from the Xin ship. + + The stars on the screen shortened. + Page 15 + + + + + + "Mister Crusher, why are we slowing?" + + + + "They hit our Warp nacelles, Captain. + + Warp drive is nearly destroyed." + + + + "Captain, the Xin ship is slowing to match + + our speed," reported Data. + + + + "Mister Worf, scan the Xin ship for some + + vulnerable location. It appears we'll have to make + + a fight of it after all." + + + + "Captain, unable to scan the Xin ship. + + Sensors do not register anything." + + + + "It's an awfully powerful nothing then," + + said Riker. + + + + "Let's give them a taste of their own + + medicine, shall we. Slow to impulse power, Mister + + Crusher." + + + + The Xin ship also slowed to match the speed + + of Enterprise. + + + + "Shields at maximum," ordered Picard. + + "Mister LaForge, I need those phasers now!" + Page 16 + + + + + + "Way ahead of you, Captain. Phasers will + + be on-line in 45 seconds." + + + + "Mister Crusher, evasive maneuvers. Mister + + Worf, try sending a distress message on all channels + + again." + + + + "Aye, Captain," Ensign Crusher and + + Lieutenant Worf replied in unison. + + + + After a few seconds, Worf said, "Captain, + + communications are still being jammed. Unable to + + send the distress message." + + + + "Damn. Well, we'll just have to do the best + + we can. Mister Data, have Weapons load the Bridge + + logs into a disarmed photon torpedo and launch it + + in the direction of Starbase 197. Include a + + warning about the Xin." + + + + "Torpedo away, sir," replied Data after + + a brief pause. "You do of course realize that it + + will not arrive at Starbase 197 for over eight + + months." + + + + "It's the best we can do with no + + Communications. How long until we have full phaser + Page 17 + + + + power?" asked Picard. + + + + Data's board beeped and he reported, "We + + now have full phaser power." + + + + "Mister Data, arm all photon torpedoes and + + prepare to fire all phaser banks simultaneously on + + my command." + + + + But before the order could be given, the + + Enterprise rocked under another barrage from the + + Xin ship. Warning lights began flashing at all + + Bridge stations and the Bridge lights flickered. + + + + "Captain, our shields are down to 38%. + + We cannot withstand another hit of such strength," + + reported Data. + + + + "Thank you, Mister Data. Damage report, + + Mister Worf." + + + + "Minor damage to most systems. Warp drive + + is irreparable. Shield control damaged. The hull + + has begun to rupture along the edges of the damage + + that Q caused. There are four dead and twenty + + people injured," reported Worf. "Doctor Pulaski + + is on her way with a medical team. More technicians + + are enroute to repair the damage." + Page 18 + + + + + + "Let's give the Xin something to think + + about. Fire phasers and ten rapid fire photon + + torpedoes. Geordi, what shape are the engines in?" + + + + "I'm afraid the Warp engines are gone and + + impulse power is in nearly the same shape. Our + + maximum speed now is one half impulse power and + + that's pushing it." + + + + The viewscreen lit up with the combined + + flare of phasers striking home and the detonation + + of ten photon torpedoes. When the pyrotechnics + + dissipated, the Xin ship was still there, unharmed. + + + + "Captain, they are preparing to fire + + again," warned Data. + + + + "Divert all power to shields. Mister + + LaForge, prepare to drop the containment field on + + the matter/antimatter intermix chamber. Commander, + + get down to the battle bridge in the stardrive + + section and set a course that will take it directly + + into the Xin ship. Mister Worf, advise all personnel + + in the secondary hull to evacuate to the saucer + + section immediately." + + + + As everyone went about their assigned + Page 19 + + + + duties, the Enterprise shook again. + + + + "Our shields are gone, Captain. We are + + now defenseless," reported Data. + + + + "Picard to Riker. You'd better hurry, + + Number One. We are out of options." + + + + "Almost finished. Separate the ship and + + beam me over on my signal." + + + + "Did you hear that, Chief O'Brien?" + + + + "Aye, Captain. Transporters are ready. + + When you give the word, I'll lock on to all life- + + signs in the engineering hull and beam them over." + + + + "Do it. Use the cargo transporters if you + + have to, I don't want to lose any more of my crew. + + Energize! Mister Data, disengage locking clamps + + and power up the impulse engines on the rear of + + the saucer," and tapping his combadge he said, + + "Number One, you're out of time." + + + + "Done, Captain. Ready to beam over." + + + + "Mister O'Brien, how many people left in + + the secondary hull?" + Page 20 + + + + + + "Only Commander Riker. I'll beam him + + directly to the Bridge." + + + + "Thank you, Mister O'Brien. Picard out." + + + + With a high whine, a tall blue column of + + light appeared and slowly coalesced into the form + + of Commander Riker. + + + + "Captain, the Xin captain again orders us + + to surrender," reported Worf. + + + + "Ignore him, Lieutenant. Mister Data, + + secure for saucer separation. Activate the + + secondary hull's course programming once the + + saucer is free," ordered Picard. + + + + Slowly, majestically, the Enterprise's + + saucer section lifted up and away from the neck of + + the engineering hull. The impulse engines activated + + and the saucer section began to move away from the + + Xin ship. The secondary hull turned and headed + + directly for it. + + + + By this time, Geordi LaForge had rushed + + out of the Turbolift to the Engineering station + + on the Bridge. "Transferring Engineering to the + Page 21 + + + + Bridge. Ready to drop matter/antimatter shielding + + on your command." + + + + "Much as I hate to say this, detonate, + + Mister LaForge, for the sake of the Federation," + + ordered Picard. + + + + As the engineering hull neared the Xin + + ship, Picard said, "Damn that Q. If we were at + + full strength we might have had a chance!" + + + + The engineering hull blossomed into a + + gigantic explosion as the full fury of a matter/anti-matter + + explosion was vented on the Xin ship. + + + Page 22 + + + + Chapter 2 + + + The blast from the Engineering hull bloomed + + yellow and orange against the blackness of the + + surrounding space. Blossomed and -- stopped. The explosion + + just hung there in space. + + + + "Captain, I cannot explain it, but all + + chronometers have stopped," reported Data. + + + + "Captain, I sense a presence," said Deanna + + Troi, who had been silent during the entire encounter + + with the Xin. "It is not so much malevolent as + + mischievous." + + + + "No, it couldn't be...Not so soon after + + last time. It's just not possible," said Picard. + + + + "And why not, Jean-Luc? I've grown quite + + accustomed to bailing you out of trouble," said + + a man in Vulcan religious robes. He had just + + appeared between Wesley Crusher's and Lieutenant + + Commander Data's control consoles. + + + + All of the Bridge Crew recognized him + + instantly and groaned in unison "Q!" Everyone + + except Worf, who just growled fiercely. + + "What, you're not happy to see me?" + + Page 23 + + + + + "Why should we be, Q. You've done nothing + + but taunt us since we first encountered you!" + + shouted Picard. By now, it was all Picard could + + do to sit up straight in his chair. + + + + "Yeah, why don't you get lost?" added + + Riker. + + + + Worf's growl turned into a roar as he + + launched himself from the Bridge's upper level. + + A phaser appeared in his hand. He landed in a + + crouch between Picard and Q and raised his phaser + + to fire. An incandescent blue light erupted from + + the phaser's muzzle and struck Q. The beam hit Q + + full in the chest, causing his body to be enveloped + + in a brilliant halo. + + + + "Really, Worf, haven't you learned anything + + from our past encounters? You know that won't work. + + In fact, I'm insulted that I don't rate higher than + + heavy stun." With a flick of his finger, more for + + effect than because it was required, Q sent Worf's + + phaser blast arcing back to its source. The + + phaser couldn't handle the added energy so it + + overloaded, sending Worf flying across the Bridge + + to smash into the wall next to the Turbolift, + + unconscious. + + Page 24 + + + + + "Really, mon capitan, I expected anger + + from Worf, but not from you. And you, Will. I'm + + omnipotent, I can't get lost." + + + + From behind him, Q could sense rapid + + movement from Data's station. + + + + "And just what do you think you're doing, + + android? You of all peop-, uh, beings should know + + that nothing you do can effect me," said Q. + + + + "I was merely summoning Dr. Pulaski from + + Sickbay to attend to Lieutenant Worf," replied + + Data. + + + + "Come now, Data, I find you and your + + friends too amusing to allow you to be seriously + + injured. Worf will be all right, but you'd better + + summon the good doctor anyway. Your captain looks + + ill. Probably overexcitement at seeing me or else + + the accumulated nausea of seeing Worf everyday for + + the past two years. Take your pick." + + + + Picard had by now lost a lot of blood from + + his head wound and was looking paler. He had been + + trying not to show how weak he felt but it wasn't + + working very well. He rose shakily to his feet + + Page 25 + + + and confronted Q. + + + + "I have had about enough of you and your + + insults, Q," Picard said in a low, dangerous + + whisper. "Surely, you in your INFINITE wisdom can + + find something better to do than annoy me and my + + crew." + + + + "Okay, Picard, have it your way. I'll + + just go blow up some stars or something. I'm sure + + the inhabitants of the orbiting planets won't + + mind. I'll tell them Jean-Luc Picard sent me." + + And Q started to disappear in a column of rainbow + + sparkles, an obvious exaggeration of the Enterprise + + transporters. + + + + "Wait! Stop, Q! I already have twenty + + two deaths on my conscience because of you, I + + don't need any more," Picard yelled. + + + + "Oh, how quaint. I do believe that you're + + jealous. You don't want me to play with anyone + + else but you." + + + + "It's not that, Q. Obviously you're here + + for some reason and I'd like to know what it is." + + + + "Very well. I've come to stop you from + + Page 26 + + + making a terrible mistake. If you look at the + + viewscreen very carefully, you'll see that the Xin + + ship was not destroyed. All the pyrotechnics + + you've been throwing around have just made them + + mad," explained Q. "And one of you science types, + + especially the android or the boy," he said + + indicating Data and Wesley Crusher, "should have + + realized that since the ship is crystalline in + + nature, any energy you expend on it is magnified + + and stored until it is needed. The Xin captain + + lied, Picard. This is no mere specimen collecting + + mission, but an advanced raiding scout. Even now, + + a fleet of over five hundred Xin ships is massing + + at the edge of Federation space. This brings me + + to the reason for my visit. I will help you + + defeat the Xin." + + + + "Why? Why help us? Every time you appear, + + you torment us," said Riker. + + + + "Because, if the Xin take over the galaxy, + + most of Starfleet will be destroyed in the battle. + + That includes the Enterprise. I've grown quite + + fond of you. I like visiting with you. Besides, + + I, too, hate to see the Enterprise in pieces. It + + just doesn't seem right somehow. I will restore + + the Enterprise if you promise to allow me to help + + you defeat the Xin." + + Page 27 + + + + + At this point, Captain Picard, who had + + been looking worse by the second, collapsed into + + a heap on the floor at Troi's feet. All of the + + Bridge Crew, those who were still conscious at + + least, rushed to the Captain's side. + + + + "Look's like you're finally first in + + command, Number One," laughed Q. "I've disabled + + the Turbolift carrying Dr. Pulaski and cut the + + Bridge off from the rest of the ship. Your + + captain will die soon. Agree to my terms and I'll + + let the doctor save the Captain and I'll tell you + + how to defeat the Xin. Do we have a deal, Riker?" + + + + "Yes, though I'll probably regret this, + + damn it, but yes, I agree," said Riker, reluctantly. + + + + "I knew you'd see it my way. Okay, I'm a + + being of my word. Zap!" With a flash, all the + + Bridge personnel except Worf and Picard were + + returned instantaneously to their proper stations. + + In addition, Dr. Pulaski appeared in the center + + of the Bridge, fists raised as if pounding on + + something. "Let me out--What? Not you again, Q?" + + + + "Just attend to your Captain, if you + + please, Doctor, so that we may get on with our + + Page 28 + + + business." + + + + "Excuse me, Commander, but my control + + panel indicates that we have warp power available + + to us, even though the secondary hull was + + destroyed," reported Data. + + + + "How is that possible, Data?" asked + + Wesley. + + + + "Simple, I undestroyed it. Matter is so + + easy to manipulate if you know how. Don't worry, + + the Enterprise is now fully repaired. No hull + + stress, nothing," explained Q. + + + + "Q, we must get the Captain to Sickbay + + immediately. If we don't act now, he will die," + + said Pulaski urgently. + + + + "Oh, I don't think so, Doctor. I have + + faith in you. But if you insist." With a wave + + of his hand, Q made Picard and Pulaski disappear. + + + + "What have you done with them, Q?" asked + + Deanna. + + + + "Yes, where are they, and what about + + Worf?" Riker queried. + + Page 29 + + + + + "Why, they're in Sickbay, of course. And + + as for Worf, he's thick skulled. He'll survive. + + Besides, I like him better this way. The mighty + + warrior, reduced to a helpless pile of flesh. + + Still, to earn your trust, I guess I'll have to + + remove him to Sickbay, as well." + + + + Worf vanished. + + + + "There. Satisfied?" + + + + "No, but I guess I'll have to live with + + it," said Riker. + + + + "Yes, you do, don't you," said Q. + + + + "Alright, Q, what do we have to do now? + + You've humiliated all of us on many occasions. + + Just tell us what comes next." + + + + By this time Riker was standing toe-to-toe + + with Q and staring him straight in the face. + + + + "Patience, my son," said Q, now dressed + + in the raiments of a priest from Old Earth. "All + + shall be revealed in the Good Lord's (mine + + actually) own time." + + Page 30 + + + + + In a flash, Q was clothed in the garb of a + + big game hunter from Ancient Earth's African + + continent. + + + + "I propose a great hunt for a rare, + + magnificent beast. One the Universe has not seen + + the likes of for over half a century." + + + + "Enough with the fashion show, Q. Out + + with it! What do we have to do to save the + + Federation?" Riker shouted. + + + + "Temper, temper. All right, since you + + insist on the truth, here it is. Fifty three + + years ago, the last of a race of giant energy + + absorbing creatures died. They were similar in + + nature to the probe that nearly destroyed Earth + + around Stardate 8000. I'm sure you have a record + + of it in your memory banks. You must capture one + + of these creatures and use it to attack the Xin + + ships. It's really not so hard, now is it?" + + + + "Hold it, Q. If these creatures have been + + extinct for fifty three years, how are we supposed + + to capture one?" asked Riker. + + + + "Obviously, you must go back in time and + + Page 31 + + + bring one back to the present. Come on, Will, + + use the brain all non-Klingon Starfleet officers + + are supposed to have." + + + + "Q, I admit that on rare occasions, time + + travel has been successfully achieved, but never + + with a ship the size of the Enterprise. Our + + chance of success is only one in six million, + + three hundred forty five thousand, eight hundred + + sixty three," analyzed Data. + + + + "I know of no way, short of a miracle, + + that we could even have a hope of success," + + protested Wes. + + + + "That's where I come in," said Q. "Just + + as with the Borg, you need me. I will handle all + + time travel. You need only concern yourselves with + + hunting down and capturing the creature. That seems + + a fair division of labor. Very equitable, I think," + + said Q. + + + + "If I agree, will you give us time to + + prepare?" asked Riker. + + + + "Of course, as much time as you need. + + Just remember, time is stopped only locally. The + + Xin fleet is still gathering. Your time is running + + Page 32 + + + out. Decide, Riker!" + + + + "Alright, Q. I agree, God help me, but I + + must agree," declared Riker. + + + + "Fine. Call me when you're ready and we + + can get to work," said Q, fading away. + + + + "You heard him. Let's get to work," said + + Riker. + + + + Behind him, on the viewscreen, the explosion + + had disappeared when the Enterprise was reconstituted + + and the Xin ship could be seen clearly. Slowly, + + imperceptibly, and unnoticed by the crew, it moved. + + Just a meter, but it moved nonetheless. + + + Page 33 + + + + CHAPTER 3 + + Captain's Log - Stardate 8051.2 + + The Enterprise has just completed a mission + taking her dangerously deep into Klingon space. + Due to the delicacy of the mission, the details + must remain classified. Commendations to all crew + members, especially Commanders Sulu, Chekov, and + Scott, Captain Spock, and Doctor McCoy for bravery + in the face of life-threatening danger during a + beam-down mission. These commendations will be + forwarded to Starfleet Command upon our arrival at + Starbase 43 for debriefing. + + + + "Captain, nearing the edge of Federation + + space," reported Commander Sulu. + + + + "Mister Chekov, any pursuers?" + + + + "No, Keptin. Sensors detect no wessels + + following us out of Klingon space," reported the + + Russian navigator. + + + + "Kirk to Engineering. Scotty, are you + + there?" asked Kirk, depressing the intraship + + communications switch on the arm of his command + + chair. + + + + "Aye, I'm here," replied the burly Scotsman. + + In the background, Kirk could hear the deep, + + rhythmic pulsations of the Warp engines. + + + + "What shape are the engines in, Scotty? + + Page 34 + + + Did they sustain much damage? They did take a + + lot of punishment." + + + + "Don't ye worry, sir. Between you and the + + Klingons, they've been takin' quite a poundin' + + lately, but they're a lot tougher than I make out. + + They'll work at their usual 110%, just like always." + + + + "That's good to hear, Mr. Scott. Kirk out. + + Anyone have anything to report?" Kirk asked the + + Bridge Crew. When no one answered, he said + + "I'll be down in Sickbay if you need me. You have + + the Bridge, Spock." + + + + Kirk entered the Turbolift as Spock left + + his Science Station and sat in the center seat. + + + + "Sickbay," Kirk said as the Turbolift doors + + closed behind him. The Turbolift moved both + + horizontally and vertically in order to reach + + Sickbay. At one point, his Turbolift car had to + + pause for a few seconds in order to avoid a + + collision with another car. + + + + When he finally left the Turbolift, he + + walked slowly to Sickbay. As the doors slid open, + + he heard Doctor Leonard "Bones" McCoy say + + "Dammit! Every time things calm down and I try to + + Page 35 + + + get my equipment operating properly, Jim goes and + + tries to get us killed!" + + + + "Problems, Doctor?" Kirk asked. + + + + "Hell yes, Jim! We're none of us getting + + any younger, of course we won't get any older if + + you don't calm down! You're not a Captain any more. + + Go back to your job with Starfleet Intelligence. + + As your doctor and your friend, I'm telling you + + to --" + + + + "Bones, calm down. What's this all + + about?" + + + + "I'm sorry, Jim. It's just that I lost + + five patients, all of them fresh out of the + + Academy." + + + + "Bones, it's not your fault. They were in + + pretty rough shape to begin with. They never + + should have tried to complete the mission on their + + own. We were too busy to notice their departure. + + Next thing I knew, they were in a crossfire between + + us and the Klingons. We were lucky to beam them + + aboard just before the shuttlecraft exploded. + + They were pretty far gone when they were brought + + back. Don't blame yourself," said Kirk + + Page 36 + + + sympathetically. + + + + "I just can't believe that, Jim. I'm a + + doctor. I should have been able to save them." + + + + "Bones, listen to yourself. You've never + + been like this before. Remember, like you would + + say, you're a doctor, not a miracle worker. Have + + a drink to calm down. My job is harder. I have + + to tell their families why their sons and daughters + + aren't coming home." + + + + "Jim, a drink won't change anything. And + + you think your job's tough? I have to live with + + the fact that they might have been saved if I + + could have begun treating them 30 seconds sooner. + + If you don't mind, Jim, I'd like to work through + + this by myself." + + + + "Of course, Bones. I'll be in my + + quarters." + + + + "Jim, before you go -- I'm sorry I snapped + + at you. It wasn't really anyone's fault. I just + + need time to convince myself of that fact." + + + + "I understand, Bones," said Kirk, who left + + Sickbay feeling very depressed. He entered the + + Page 37 + + + Turbolift at the end of the corridor and said, + + "Captain's quarters." + + + + The Turbolift went up and over from G deck + + to E deck. As Kirk entered his quarters, the ship + + shook violently. Kirk ran to the communications + + panel on the wall and anxiously asked, "Kirk to + + Bridge. Spock, what's going on?" + + + + "My apologies, Captain, but our navigational + + deflector was damaged. A small meteor came too + + close to ensure that we would miss it. I ordered + + Commander Chekov to destroy it with a photon + + torpedo as it was too close to use the phasers. + + Fortunately, the shields came up in time to absorb + + the majority of the blast. No damage to the + + Enterprise occurred," reported the Vulcan First + + Officer in his typically emotionless voice. + + + + "Be careful, Spock. McCoy's on the + + warpath. Any more incidents like this and he's + + liable to lead a mutiny and force us all to walk + + the plank," Kirk said, laughter in his voice. + + + + "Captain, could you please explain your + + last remark. I do not think such a revolution + + would be successful and I see no significance in + + Doctor McCoy's forcing us to walk along narrow + + Page 38 + + + pieces of wood," Spock said in a tone approaching + + confusion. + + + + "Never mind, Spock, never mind. Kirk + + out," said Jim, closing the channel. + + "I've got to find a way to make him loosen + + up. A project I'll give Bones when he's feeling + + up to it," he thought to himself. + + + + Kirk took off his red uniform shirt and + + slung it over a chair. He sat down on his bed, + + rubbing both hands over his eyes. Jim Kirk + + realized that he was more tired than he had + + thought. He lay down and after awhile fell into + + a troubled sleep, haunted by the faces of the + + five dead cadets. He felt guilty over their loss, + + too. For an hour he tossed and turned then settled + + down into a peaceful slumber. + + + + + + + "Bridge to Captain Kirk. Bridge to Captain + + Kirk." Uhura's voice woke him from a deep sleep. + + + + "Kirk here," he answered groggily. "What + + is it, Uhura?" + + + + "Sorry to wake you, Captain, but I have a + + message for you from Starfleet Command." + Page 39 + + + + + + Kirk walked over to his personal viewscreen + + and was welcomed by the words "Starfleet Command - + + Highest Priority" superimposed over the United + + Federation of Planets insignia. + + + + "Computer, this is Kirk, Admiral James T." + + + + "Voice pattern match. Prepare for retina + + scan," said the female voice of the ship's computer. + + A circle of white light lit up Kirk's right eye. + + After a few seconds the computer said "Identity + + confirmed." + + + + The computer terminal's viewscreen changed + + to show Admiral Nogura, supreme head of Starfleet. + + "Admiral Kirk, I have some good news for you. + + Please sit down, as this may come as a shock to you. + + "Firstly, the Enterprise is to return to + + Earth immediately, where she will repaired and + + become a training vessel for Academy cadets. + + "Secondly, you will be reinstated as head + + of Starfleet Intelligence with the same powers and + + responsibilities you had before the V'GER incident. + + "Thirdly, inform Commander Pavel Chekov + + that he has been assigned to the Reliant, where he + + will be the Science/First Officer. + + "Lastly, the rest of your Bridge staff will + Page 40 + + + + become instructors at the Academy because of their + + wealth of experiences under your command. + + "Please inform your crew. Congratulations, + + Admiral. Nogura out." + + + + The viewscreen went blank, but Kirk sat + + there. He stared, disbelieving, at the viewscreen. + + Kirk was unable to accept the reality of Nogura's + + orders, even though they came from a man second + + only to God as far as most people were concerned. + + + + It was thirty minutes later that he + + arrived on the Bridge. Spock vacated the command + + chair and reported "All systems running normally." + + + + "Thank you, Spock," Kirk said flatly as he + + sat down heavily in the center seat. + + + + "Is something troubling you, Captain?" + + Spock asked. + + + + "That obvious is it? I had hoped to tell + + you this later, but as long as you're all here... + + That message was from Admiral Nogura. This will + + be our last mission together." + + + + Everyone on the Bridge was startled and + + showed it. Most by gasping, but Spock very + Page 41 + + + + eloquently raised an eyebrow sharply. + + + + "Let me explain. I am resuming my post + + as head of Starfleet Intelligence. The rest of + + you, including Mr. Scott and Dr.McCoy will be + + instructors at Starfleet Academy. The Enterprise + + herself will be used as a training ship for + + Starfleet cadets," explained Kirk. + + + + Kirk rose from his chair and walked + + around in front of Chekov's control station. + + "Congratulations, Pavel. You are the new science + + officer and second-in-command on the Reliant. + + You'll be serving under Captain Terrell." + + + + "You mean it, Keptin?" + + + + "Yes, Chekov, I mean it." Returning to + + his command chair, he said, "These orders take + + effect immediately upon our return to Earth. + + Uhura, please inform Scotty. I'll talk to the + + good doctor myself." + + + + Everyone waited until the end of the duty + + shift to congratulate each other. Once off-duty, + + Kirk went down to Sickbay to talk to McCoy. As he + + walked through the doors, Kirk called, "Bones, + + it's Jim. Where are you?" + Page 42 + + + + + + "I'm in my office, Jim. Come on in." + + + + Jim stood in the threshold and asked "Is + + it okay to come in or do I need to call Security + + for a bodyguard?" + + + + "Everything's fine. Sit down and have a + + drink." + + + As McCoy poured himself a glass of blue + + Romulan ale, illegal in the Federation, Kirk said, + + "You certainly sound better, Bones." + + + + "All it took was a look through my records, + + Jim." + + + + "I don't follow you." + + + + "I saw the list of all the people I'd + + saved while on the Enterprise. The list was so + + long, I lost count. Then I looked at the list of + + people who died under my care. It didn't even fill + + up one screen on the computer. I must be doing + + something right, Jim." + + + + "I'm glad you have high spirits. You'll + + need them once I've told you our new orders." + + Page 43 + + + And Kirk told him. + + + + McCoy was outraged. "They can't do that, + + Jim. You're the best damn captain in Starfleet. + + Reinstating your command of the Enterprise was the + + best thing they ever did." + + + + "But you said--" + + + + "I know what I said, but I didn't really + + mean it. I was 'letting my human emotions get the + + best of me.'" He said the last sentence in a + + toneless voice, one eyebrow raised. This brought + + a smile to Kirk's face. + + + + "I hope you're going to fight this, Jim. + + I'll make a recommendation in my Medical Log if + + you think it'll help. I can say that a desk job + + would be detrimental to your physical and mental + + health." + + + + "Thanks, Bones, but there's no way to + + fight Nogura and win. He IS Starfleet, after + + all." + + + + "I guess you're right, Jim. I don't + + like it, that's all." + + + + Page 44 + + + "You're still mad at him for forcing you + + out of retirement." By now, Kirk had finished + + his drink so he bid McCoy good night and went back + + to his quarters. He cleaned up his breakfast + + dishes and ate dinner. When he was done, he + + worked on some of the paperwork involved with + + commanding a starship. Funny, he thought, that in + + this day and age of computer tablets, it's still + + called paperwork, even though no paper is involved. + + + + Kirk worked for a couple of hours, until + + his vision started to blur. He noticed that he + + was only about half done. + + + + "Maybe Bones was right," he said to + + himself. "Maybe I am getting old. Used to be, + + I could get through a pile of paperwork this size + + in one night. Oh well, there's always tomorrow." + + + + He rose slowly and began getting ready for + + bed. Then he sat on the edge of his bed and + + thought about his experiences aboard the Enterprise. + + Countless battles with the Klingons and Romulans. + + The discovery of Khan after centuries adrift in + + space. First peaceful contact with the Horta and + + the Fifth Empire. Redjac. The salt vampire. + + Harcourt Fenton Mudd. The Gorn. Tribbles. V'Ger. + + + + Page 45 + + + He'd had a full career, boldly going + + where no man had gone before, but it was all over + + now. + + + + He called up to the Bridge but nothing had + + changed, so he went to bed. For the second night, + + his sleep was troubled, this time by a nightmare. + + Admiral Nogura was laughing at him. Then he + + dissipated and coalesced into Redjac and enveloped + + Kirk in a bright red mist. Kirk collapsed to the + + ground and Redjac became a single tribble which + + fell on his chest and began reproducing. Soon he + + was buried under an infinite number of tribbles, + + their ever increasing weight pushing him deeper + + into the ground, suffocating. + + + + Kirk awoke in a cold sweat to find himself + + tangled tightly in his blankets. He unwrapped + + himself and went over to his mirror. He looked + + terrible, his face pale and covered in sweat. He + + knew immediately that retirement from the command + + of a starship would not agree with him. + + + + Kirk went back and lay down, staring at the + + ceiling above his bed. Other than his vast + + experience, he could see no reason that he should + + remain in command of the Enterprise. Besides, + + Nogura would say that that experience was why he + + Page 46 + + + should head Starfleet Intelligence. Eventually + + he fell into a half-sleep. + + + + The red alert klaxon brought him abruptly + + awake. He hurriedly dressed and ran for the + + Turbolift. He burst onto the Bridge and Spock + + immediately filled him in. + + + + "Captain, Starfleet has picked up an + + intruder well within Federation space, headed + + for Klingon territory. Starships of the + + Enterprise and Reliant classes are giving chase. + + We, also, have been ordered to intercept. Our + + course is laid in and we are awaiting your command + + to initiate pursuit," reported the Vulcan. + + + + "By all means. Mister Sulu, maximum warp. + + Make any necessary course changes to intercept the + + intruder." + + + + "Aye, sir. Accelerating to Warp 12," + + replied Sulu. + + + + "Kirk to Engineering. Scotty, can the + + engines maintain Warp 12 for any length of time?" + + + + "Scott here. Yes, sir. The engines will + + be able to take it." + + Page 47 + + + + + "Thanks, Scotty. Kirk out." + + + + For hours the Enterprise gave chase, Uhura + + relaying sensor readings from the other pursuit + + ships to Sulu, who made the appropriate course + + changes. Finally Uhura reported, "Captain, the + + other ships report that they have lost track of + + the intruder." + + + + "Do not be alarmed, Captain," spoke up + + Spock. "The intruder is now within our sensor + + range. The vessel has slowed to a stop. + + Scanning. There are over 1,000 lifesigns aboard, + + predominately human, but many Vulcans. + + Fascinating." + + + + "What is it, Spock?" + + + + "There is at least one Klingon aboard." + + + + "Not Klingons again. We just got through + + dealing with the Klingons. Scan their energy + + levels and weapons systems." + + + + "Jim, their power levels are so high that + + they don't register on my scanners. As for + + weapons systems, they outgun us nearly thirty to + + Page 48 + + + one. In addition, their ship is of a design + + similar to ours, but eight times our mass. A + + confrontation would not be advisable." + + + + "Thank you, Spock. Recommendation noted. + + Mister Sulu, bring us out of Warp when we're in + + visual range. Mister Chekov, as soon as we drop + + out of Warp put out shields and deflectors at + + maximum." + + + + "Aye, sir," both helmsman and weapons + + officer acknowledged in unison. + + + + As the Enterprise dropped out of Warp, + + the stars on the viewscreen shortened from streaks + + to pinpoints of light. In the center of the + + viewscreen sat an alien vessel that bore an uncanny + + resemblance to the Enterprise. It looked as if + + someone had taken Kirk's ship, enlarged it to + + four times the height and twice the length and + + then squished the saucer, engeneering section, and + + engine nacelles flat. + + + + "Commander Uhura, open hailing frequencies, + + visual communication." + + + + "Frequencies open, Captain." + + + + Page 49 + + + "This is Admiral James T. Kirk commanding + + the United Starship Enterprise. Intruder, please + + identify yourself within five minutes or we will + + open fire with all weapons." + + + Page 50 + + + + Chapter 4 + + Captain's Log - Stardate 42767.3 + First Officer William T. Riker reporting + + Since Q's departure, all crew member's in + all departments have been working around the clock, + checking all Enterprise systems for any defects + left when Q reintegrated the secondary hull. So + far, none have been found. The checks must be + completed soon. The Xin ship we've confronted + has moved over forty meters since Q left and is + picking up speed. Lieutenant Commander Data has + been researching the probe Q spoke of and has + nothing to report as yet. + Captain Picard has slipped into a coma. + But there is good news. Lieutenant Worf has + recovered and is back on duty. + + + + "Commander, I have completed the research + + you ordered. Details concerning the probe itself + + are sketchy, as the probe rendered all technology + + within range powerless. Upon reaching Earth, the + + probe sent powerful signals into the oceans, trying + + to communicate with Earth's whale population. As + + the whales had been hunted to extinction two + + centuries earlier, the officers of the original + + Enterprise went back in time to the late 20th + + century. Two whales were brought back to the 23rd + + century. The probe communicated with the whales + + and left Earth, restoring power to all stations and + + vehicles it had rendered powerless. No subsequent + + contact with the probe or its creators has occurred. + + "I hope this information is sufficient, + + sir," said Data. + + + + Page 51 + + + "More than sufficient, Data. Thank you. + + Mister Worf, have all stations reported ready yet?" + + asked Riker. + + + + "Yes, Commander. There is no measurable + + effect of the Enterprise's destruction and + + reassembly." + + + + "Then we're almost ready. Riker to + + Sickbay," he said, tapping his combadge. "Has the + + Captain's condition changed?" + + + + "Pulaski here. I'm sorry, Commander. His + + lifesigns remain strong but he's still comatose. + + I will notify you of any changes, though." + + + + "Thank you, Doctor. Riker out. + + "Bridge to LaForge. We're ready to go, + + Geordi. Can you transfer Engineering control to + + the Bridge and join us up here?" + + + + "I'm on my way. I don't trust Q with the + + Enterprise and I'd like to be where I can see him, + + not that it matters with someone of his raw power," + + said Geordi. + + + + "I'm sure everyone shares your sentiments, + + Geordi. Riker out. + + Page 52 + + + "Mister Crusher, what's the problem?" asked + + Riker. + + + + Wes had been involved in a whispered + + discussion with Data for several minutes. + + + + "It's nothing, Commander. I'm just nervous + + about letting Q try something as tricky as time + + travel with the Enterprise," said Wesley. + + + + "There's nothing we could do about it even + + if we didn't want Q to send us back through time. + + He's just too strong. Besides we have no choice. + + The survival of the Federation rests with us. The + + outcome of this mission determines the future of + + the galaxy," explained Riker. + + "Deanna, what feelings do you get from the + + crew? How do they feel about this mission?" + + Riker had told the crew what they were doing and + + why and now wondered if he had made the right + + decision. + + + + "The crew are fearful of such a great + + undertaking, but that is understandable. They have + + confidence in the Bridge personnel and in them- + + selves," said the ship's counselor. + + + + "In that case, I guess we can call --" + + Page 53 + + + + + There was a flash of light and everyone + + on the Bridge finished Riker's sentence for him: + + "Q!" + + + + "Always punctual, at least when it suits + + me. Now, shall we begin? Very well. I have + + modified the warp nacelles to facilitate time + + travel. + + "Don't worry, Mr. LaForge," said Q, + + anticipating the Chief Engineer's protest, "they + + will function normally as long as you follow my + + instructions. Listen carefully." + + + + With a flash, a large toggle switch + + appeared in the center of Worf's control board. + + + + "I'll explain it so that even you can + + understand it, Klingon." A growl emanated from + + deep within Worf's throat. "In order to travel + + through time, the Enterprise must achieve Warp 8.8. + + Then simply pull the switch back to travel back- + + wards through time. You will automatically stop + + somewhere near the middle of the 23rd century. + + Once you have captured the creature in a tractor + + beam, simply accelerate to Warp 8.8 and push the + + switch forward to return to the present. + + "And now I bid you adieu." So saying, Q + + Page 54 + + + vanished. + + + + "Let's get started, people. Geordi, Data, + + gradually bring our speed up to Warp 8.8. Worf, + + pull the switch on my signal. Mister Crusher, + + plot a course to the creatures' most probable + + location, using 23rd century starcharts." + + "Mister Worf, shipwide communications. + + This is First Officer William T. Riker speaking + + for Captain Jean-Luc Picard. We are about to + + attempt time travel. Hang on, I don't have to tell + + you how dangerous this is. Riker out." + + "Mister Data, what's our speed?" asked + + Riker. + + + + "Warp 4.5 and increasing." + + + + "Commander, I don't know if the tractor + + beam can handle the stress of moving something at + + Warp 8.8. It could overload or rip the Enterprise + + apart," worried Geordi. + + + + "We'll worry about that when we get that + + far. Mister Data, our speed?" + + + + "Warp 7 and accelerating," replied Data. + + + + "Keep me informed in one-tenth Warp + + Page 55 + + + intervals once we reach Warp 8," said Riker. + + + + "Warp 8 ... Warp 8.1 ... Warp 8.2 ... + + Warp 8.3 ... 8.4 ... 8.5 ... 8.6 ... 8.7 ... + + Warp 8.8" + + + + "Worf, the switch!" shouted Riker. + + + + Worf slammed the switch to the rear position + + and nothing happened, at least on board the + + Enterprise. Outside, however, the Enterprise + + shimmered amid a ball of coruscating blue + + lightning streaks and vanished. All Enterprise + + systems continued to function normally except for + + the chronometers, which ran backwards. + + + + "Mister Data, what's going on? I sense no + + change in our movement," said Riker. + + + + "Unknown, sir, but the chronometers are + + running backwards. Stardate 20000 and decreasing. + + Our velocity is constant at Warp 8.8." + + + + "Any damage to report, Mister Worf?" + + + + "None, Commander. It would appear that Q + + knows what he's doing. But why use technology to + + send us back? Why not just wave his hand or snap + + Page 56 + + + his fingers? I do not trust him." + + + + "I don't know, Worf. Maybe he just wants + + to show us how 'inferior' our technology is. + + Perhaps he's not truly omnipotent. Q is an enigma, + + we'll probably never know for sure," said Riker. + + + + "Commander Riker?" + + + + "Yes, Data, what is it?" + + + + "We are at Stardate 8053.1, traveling at + + one-half impulse power." + + + + "Thank you, Mister Data. Now what? Where + + do we go to find the creature?" + + + + "Q fed a course into the navcomp before he + + left. It will take us to the Vexis Corinhi + + system," spoke up Wes. + + + + "The star went supernova on Stardate 33071, + + destroying all planets in the system," added Data. + + + + "Well, unless someone has a better idea, + + engage course at Warp 5. Mister Data, ETA to the + + Corinhi system?" asked Riker. + + + + Page 57 + + + "16.7 hours at present speed." + + + + "Mister Worf, any transmissions?" + + + + "I'm picking up various subspace messages. + + It appears that we are nearing the edge of 23rd + + century Federation space. Many of the trans- + + missions concern an energy surge at the location + + where we entered this time zone. All available + + ships have been sent to investigate." + + + + "Specifically, what are their orders?" asked + + Riker. + + + + "They are under orders to investigate and + + return to their assigned patrol areas. It appears + + that tensions are escalating between the Federation + + and the ... Klingons?!" He shouted the last word + + in disbelief. + + + + "Lieutenant Worf, the peace treaty between + + the Federation and the Klingon Empire was not + + signed until 20 years before we left, or over 50 + + years into the future, using this time as a + + referent," explained Data. + + + + "I'm sorry, I had forgotten," rumbled the + + Klingon by way of apology. + + Page 58 + + + + + "Don't worry about it. How many ships, + + Worf? What classes do they represent?" asked Riker. + + + + "There are 10 ships, maybe more. Some are + + still beyond sensor range. Most of the ships in + + range are from the original Enterprise class. + + There are a few Reliant class vessels as well," + + reported Worf. + + + + "Mister Crusher, evasive action. We most + + avoid contact with those ships at all costs or + + risk changing the future." + + "Mister Data, call up the schematics on the + + main viewer. Let's see what we're up against," + + said Riker. + + + + The first schematic appeared on the main + + viewscreen almost immediately after Data reached + + Science Station 1 at the rear of the raised Bridge. + + It showed the standard top, front, and side views, + + with important areas marked. This particular + + schematic was of an Enterprise class vessel. It + + showed a large saucer section connected to the + + Engineering hull by a thin neck. The two warp + + engine struts jutted out at a 45 degree angle + + from amidships. The long warp nacelles themselves + + sat higher than the exposed bridge in the center + + Page 59 + + + of the saucer section. The nacelles seemed + + extremely vulnerable compared to the design of the + + Galaxy class starships, whose short warp nacelles + + were slung lower to the Engineering hull, tucked + + away beneath the saucer. + + + + "As you can see, Commander, these ships + + are vulnerable compared to us. The shields are not + + strong enough to defend against a sustained attack. + + Despite the fact that these ships have what was for + + this time state-of-the-art Leeding FWG-1 engines, + + their maximum sake speed is equivalent to our Warp + + 1.65," explained Data. + + + + The Enterprise class starship was replaced + + by a Reliant class vessel. It consisted of a + + saucer section with Warp nacelles slung under- + + neath on very short engine struts. The Bridge + + was on top of the saucer section. + + + + "The design is more compact. As with the + + Enterprise class, the impulse engines on the rear + + of the saucer are only slightly less vulnerable + + than the Bridge and Warp nacelles. Also, the + + photon torpedo array on the top rear of the saucer + + is always open to attack. As with the Enterprise + + class, this design has a top speed of Warp 1.65, in + + terms of our UltraWarp capabilities." + + Page 60 + + + "Avoiding these ships should not be + + difficult," finished Data. + + + + "Thank you, Lieutenant. Worf, are there + + any ships following us?" + + + + "Yes, Commander," Worf answered as Data + + returned to his station. "Two of the ships have + + remained at the point of our arrival, leaving + + eight to trail us and more are closing on opposite + + headings." + + + + "You mean there are ships coming out of + + Klingon territory?" + + + + "At least one. Others are closing on + + courses tangential to the Klingon-Federation + + Neutral Zone." + + + + "Mister Crusher, initiate a spiral + + course. Evasion is our top priority. Mister + + Data, what is our present speed?" + + + + "Warp 2, sir, due to the stresses involved + + in our tight spiral course." + + + + After a while, Riker said, "Ensign Crusher, + + change course. Come up through the center of our + + Page 61 + + + spiral. Warp 6. Mister Worf, are any ships + + persisting?" + + + + "Yes, Commander. The ships are relaying + + information between themselves. As long as one + + ship knows where we are, they will all continue to + + follow us." + + + + "All right then. Geordi, can the engines + + handle a full 180' turn at Warp 6?" + + + + "Based on the tests we've run, the + + Enterprise is in peak operating condition. No + + faults in any systems, including Warp drive. + + Reduce speed to Warp 3, just in case there's some + + hidden defects we haven't discovered yet." + + + + "Got it, Geordi. You heard him, Mister + + Crusher, reduce speed to Warp 3 and initiate a + + 180' turn. Bring our speed up to Warp 6 again as + + soon as possible. Mister Data, where will our + + pursuers expect to meet us?" + + + + "Logic would indicate that we should alter + + course mid-way down the spiral. They will converge + + there." + + + + "When we reach 25% of the way down the + + Page 62 + + + spiral, put us back on our original course to the + + Corinhi system, Mister Crusher." + + + + "Aye, Commander." + + + + The Enterprise lurched slightly as the + + inertial dampers strove to absorb the shock of a + + 90' turn at Warp 6. + + + + "Mister Worf, any pursuers now?" + + + + "Not exactly. No pursuers but there is + + still a ship coming in our general direction from + + out of Klingon space." + + + + "Can you identify whose side it's on, + + Klingon or Federation? Any name you can put to it?" + + asked Riker. + + + + "It's undoubtedly Federation, an Enterprise + + class vessel. Still waiting for the computer to + + decode identification beacon." After a pause, Worf + + continued, "Commander, I now have the name and + + registry of the approaching vessel. Registry: + + NCC - 1701. It is the ... Enterprise." + + + + Expressions of surprise circulated around + + the Bridge. + + Page 63 + + + + + "Mister Data, how long until they are in + + visual range if we drop out of Warp now?" + + + + "Forty-five minutes, Commander." + + Uncharacteristically, Data kept it at that, + + fighting his urge to be more precise. For some + + reason the humans seemed to prefer the inaccuracy + + of round numbers. + + + + "Ensign Crusher, one-quarter impulse. + + Data, I want all pertinent details concerning the + + original Enterprise and her present complement of + + officers." + + + + "Aye, Commander. I will begin immediately." + + Data left his station at Ops to walk to the Research + + station at the rear of the Bridge. He was + + intrigued at the possibility of meeting the crew + + of the Enterprise. The ship was the most famous + + in Starfleet history and had spawned a whole series + + of ships with her name. Something must have made + + the original Enterprise special and he was + + determined to find out what it was. + + + + After Commander Riker informed the crew + + of the situation, a silence fell over the Bridge + + as each member of the Bridge crew contemplated + + Page 64 + + + their upcoming contact with the Enterprise. After + + thirty minutes had expired, Data reported that he + + had finished his research and was ready to report + + his findings. + + + + "Proceed, Mister Data," said Riker. + + + + "This Enterprise was refit circa Stardate + + 7500. All her systems were updated and her hull + + redesigned. She successfully dealt with V'GER's + + attack on Earth and was assigned to another 5-year + + mission. Afterwards, she became a training vessel + + for Starfleet Academy cadets. On one such training + + voyage, the Enterprise was forced to battle the + + evil 20th century madman, Khan Noonian Singh. Khan + + threatened Starfleet with the Genesis device, the + + details of which are still classified. During this + + mission, the Vulcan First Officer, Spock, was killed + + saving the Enterprise from the detonation of the + + Genesis device, but not before passing his katra + + on to the ship's doctor. When trying to rescue the + + First Officer's body, the captain of the Enterprise + + was forced to initiate the self-destruct sequence + + to keep her from being captured by the Klingons." + + This brought a low growl from Worf. "We are + + currently within the time period of the + + Enterprise's 5-year mission, immediately preceding + + their encounter with Khan." + + Page 65 + + + + + "What's the Captain's name, Data?" inquired + + Riker. + + + + "Jean-Luc Picard," answered the android, + + giving Riker a quizzical look. + + + + This seemed to lighten the mood on the + + Bridge, eliciting smiles and chuckles from nearly + + everyone. + + + + "No, Data," said Geordi. "Who was the + + Captain of this eras Enterprise?" + + + + "Ah ... James Tiberius Kirk." + + + + "Kirk ... Kirk ... That name sounds + + familiar," said Riker. "I remember now. He beat + + the Kobayashi Maru simulation at the Academy. + + Wasn't it also his distinctive style of leading + + away teams that caused Starfleet to dissuade all + + starship captains from leading away teams into + + dangerous or questionable situations? Something + + about a risk to the chain of command and a loss + + of Starfleet security if anything happened to + + him." + + + + "Affirmative, Commander. Although I must + + Page 66 + + + say that it still takes a considerable amount of + + persuasion for captains to adhere to Starfleet's + + directive. Many of them prefer to be on-site + + during away team missions," added Data. + + + + "Mister Data, I thank you for your insights. + + Lieutenant Worf, range of the Enterprise." + + + + "Still beyond visual range but closing + + rapidly," replied the Klingon. + + + + "Thank you, Worf." + + "Due to the state of Federation/Klingon + + relations, when we communicate with the Enterprise + + from this time, you shouldn't be on the Bridge, + + Worf. I'm sorry," said Riker. + + + + "I understand, Commander. I wouldn't want + + to jeopardize the mission," said Worf. + + + + "Worf, take Mister Data with you. The 23rd + + century isn't ready for an android on a starship. + + Call for replacements before you go. Best personnel + + in your department. You, too, Worf," ordered Riker. + + + + "Aye, Commander. Ensign Gawron is on his + + way." + + + + Page 67 + + + "My replacement is coming, as well, sir. + + Ensign Harris is the most promising member of the + + Ops department," reported Data. + + + + "Riker to Sickbay. How is the Captain?" + + + + "Pulaski here. He has come out of his coma + + but he's still unconscious." + + + + "That's good to news. At least his + + condition has improved somewhat. Keep us informed. + + Bridge out." + + + + As the Turbolift doors opened to admit Worf + + and Data, out walked Ensign Christopher Gawron. + + He was tall, a little over six feet in height, and + + had average length, wavy brown hair. He had the + + light complexion of the Northeastern United States + + of Old Earth. He went immediately to Worf's station + + and stood at attention, awaiting his orders. + + + + "Ensign Gawron, have you been briefed on + + the details of this mission?" asked Riker. + + + + "Yes, sir. And I must say that it is a + + dream come true. I am something of an expert on + + the exploits of the original Enterprise. But to + + finally meet Captain James T. Kirk --" + + Page 68 + + + + + "Try to curb your enthusiasm, Ensign. We'll + + try to keep all communications to a minimum. Just + + try to prove that we are no harm to the Federation + + and complete our mission." + + + + "Aye, sir. Commander, the Enterprise has + + dropped out of Warp and is closing on impulse power, + + shields raised," reported Gawron. + + + + "Raise our shields, too, and go to yellow + + alert. Geordi, better get down to Engineering, + + just in case." + + + + "Aye, sir." And Geordi LaForge started + + toward the Turbolift just as the doors opened to + + allow Ensign Margaret Harris onto the Bridge. + + + + "Sir," started Ensign Gawron. Riker + + acknowledged him and he continued, "The Enterprise + + is within visual range." + + + + "On screen," said Riker. + + + + As Ensign Harris took her seat, the view- + + screen lit up to show the cutting edge of Starfleet + + technology at that time: A flat saucer section with + + a raised Bridge on top, two Warp nacelles rising + + Page 69 + + + above the saucer, held up by engine struts projecting + + from the top of the Engineering hull at 75 degrees + + above the horizontal. The Enterprise gleamed a + + brilliant white, reflecting the light from distant + + stars. The navigational deflector glowed a bright, + + light blue. It truly looked the part of the flagship + + of Starfleet. + + + + "Ensign Harris, I assume that you know what + + this is all about," said Riker. + + + + "Yes, sir. We have gone into the Federation's + + past to capture a creature that will allow us to + + stop the Xin warships. After trying to avoid all + + contact with vessels from this era, we are slowing + + to confront the original Enterprise, in order to + + show our non-hostility." As she spoke, she + + unconsciously played with her long, curly brown + + hair. She was of average height for an Earth woman + + and looked like she came from the same area of + + Earth as Ensign Gawron. + + + + "Very good. I think Data made a good choice. + + Mister Gawron, any communications from the Enterprise?" + + + + "None yet, Commander Riker," he replied. + + + + "Sickbay to Bridge. Pulaski here." + + Page 70 + + + + + "Riker here. Go ahead, Doctor." + + + + "Commander, the Captain has just regained + + consciousness and wants to know why we're under a + + yellow alert. Shall I tell him? He's very + + insistent," queried the ship's Chief Medical Officer. + + + + "Do you think it's wise? One of his dreams + + has been to speak with the crew of the original + + Enterprise and it could come as a shock that we + + are in a situation where that is required," replied + + the First Officer. + + + + "You're right, Will. He's in no shape for + + such a shock. I'll give him a sedative, just to + + force him to get his rest. Pulaski out." + + + + "Sir, the Enterprise is hailing us," + + reported Ensign Gawron. + + + + "On screen." + + + + On the viewscreen appeared a boyish face, + + made older by deep lines of stress, topped by close- + + cropped brown hair. He was dressed in the old style + + uniform of a Starfleet admiral. + + "This is Admiral James T. Kirk commanding + + Page 71 + + + the United Starship Enterprise. Intruder, please + + identify yourself within five minutes or we will + + open fire with all weapons." + + + Page 72 + + + + Chapter 5 + + Amused expressions made the rounds of the + + Bridge as Riker ordered "Screen off." + + + + "Is he serious? Our shields can absorb + + all the power he's got and still operate at peak + + efficiency," said Ensign Harris. + + + + "I don't know, Ensign. Deanna, any + + impressions?" + + + + "Commander, I sense that he is serious. + + Admiral Kirk sees us as a threat that he must deal + + with," replied the Counselor. + + + + "Excuse me, sir, may I say something?" + + + + "Is it relevant, Mister Gawron?" + + + + "I think so, Commander. About this time, + + the Federation experienced a series of border raids. + + Many people blamed the Klingons and Romulans but + + nothing was ever proven. Starfleet's main computer + + was even broken into once and some information + + about Starship design stolen. Captain Kirk may + + think that we are actually a Klingon or Romulan + + attempt at a Federation Starship." + + + Page 73 + + + + "Thank you, Ensign. Now all we have to do + + is prove that we are members of the Federation. + + Hmm ... Ensign Gawron, I've got a job for you. + + Get down to Holodeck 3 and program it for a 23rd + + century Starship Bridge. Better make it one grade + + higher than this time's Enterprise, just to be + + convincing." + + + + "Aye, sir, I'm on my way," said Gawron, + + running to the Turbolift. + + + + "Not so fast, Chris. Ensign Harris, you + + go with him. Use the replicators to make appropriate + + uniforms for all members of the Bridge Crew. + + Hurry or Kirk may call for reinforcements." + + + + "Yes, sir. I'll model them after Admiral + + Kirk's," she said, swinging her Ops console out of + + the way. She walked up the ramp and left the + + Bridge with Ensign Gawron. + + + + "Mister Crusher, have you had any luck in + + your experiments to export Holodeck matter into + + the external environment?" + + + + "Uh, yeah. Well, sort of. I can produce + + holograms outside of the Holodeck, but they have + + no substance," answered the Helmsman hesitantly. + Page 74 + + + + + + "Could you channel the images through + + shield control and use them as a sort of cloaking + + device?" + + + + "Probably, Commander," said Wes. + + + + "Get on it now. Use Holodeck 1 and get + + Geordi to help you. Move it." Wes left the + + Bridge. + + + + "Ensign Ferrar, summon the replacement + + Bridge Crew up here. You remain here as well," + + Riker ordered Ensign Gawron's replacement. + + + + "Okay, Deanna, down to Holodeck 3." + + + + The Counselor and First Officer entered + + the Turbolift and went down to Holodeck 3, where + + they joined the rest of the Bridge Crew, already + + in their 23rd century uniforms. Riker and Deanna + + accepted their uniforms from Ensign Harris and + + entered the changing room. They soon emerged, + + Riker as a Captain and Deanna as a Science + + Officer. + + Riker ran down the corridor to where Wes + + and Geordi were working at the wall panel outside + + Holodeck 1. + Page 75 + + + + + + "Commander, I was just about to contact + + you," said Geordi. "We need to know what design + + to use for our shields. What should we turn the + + Enterprise into?" + + + + "Change us into the same configuration as + + the Hood from our time, hull registry NQ - 3000. + + Make sure you center the 'Bridge' on Holodeck 3." + + + + "Aye, sir. But NQ?" asked Geordi with a + + puzzled frown. + + + + "He is the reason that we're here, after + + all," Riker said as he turned and jogged back to + + Holodeck 3. + + + + "Well, now we just need a name," said Geordi. + + + + "I have an idea, Geordi, from my Ancient + + Earth history class," said Wes. + + + + They set to work. + + In the meantime, the others had taken their + + places. + + + + Riker turned his chair in Ensign Gawron's + + direction. "Good job, Chris. Only one thing left + Page 76 + + + + to do. Link Communications from here to the real + + Bridge. It must appear that this is a fully + + functioning Bridge." + + + + "Way ahead of you, Commander, uh, I mean + + Captain. The computer will mirror the main view- + + screen on this viewscreen. All communications will + + appear to originate from here. In addition, there + + is a hole in your armrest to accommodate your combadge + + so that you can talk intraship normally." + + + + "I hope you're right because we're out of + + time. Mister Crusher, Geordi, are you ready?" + + Riker asked, tapping the combadge in his chair arm. + + + + "Yes, Commander, just finished," they + + answered. + + + + "Will your illusion interfere with the + + transporters in any way?" asked Riker. + + + + "No, sir," answered Wes, "it's just a + + sophisticated light show." + + + + "Then on my signal: 'Lower shields', be + + ready with your illusion. Riker out." + + + + "Aye, sir." + Page 77 + + + + + + "Captain, we are being hailed again," + + reported Ensign Gawron. + + + + "On screen." + + + + "Please identify yourself. This is your + + last chance," warned Admiral Kirk from the screen. + + + + "Mister Gawron, visual channels open. + + Admiral Kirk, this is Captain William Riker of + + the experimental vessel NQ-3000. Welcome back to + + Federation space." + + "I know this is somewhat unusual, but we're + + the good guys. Allow me to explain our presence." + + + + "By all means, proceed," allowed Kirk. + + + + "This vessel was built in secrecy because + + of recent security breaches. We were on a testing + + mission when we were ordered to meet you in case + + you were chased across the Neutral Zone by the + + Klingons. My orders are to ensure that you reach + + Earth in one piece, so you can begin your next + + assignment." + + + + "They don't look like any Federation ship + + I've ever seen," said a grouchy voice somewhere + Page 78 + + + + behind Kirk. + + + + "Quiet, Bones!" Kirk whispered over his + + shoulder. Turning back to the screen he said, + + "I'll need some proof, Captain Riker." + + + + "Certainly, Admiral. This ship utilizes + + a cloaking device which both shields and disguises + + the ship at the same time. I will now put an end + + to this illusion. Lower shields," Riker ordered, + + leaning toward his armrest. + + + + In the hall, Wesley Crusher tapped a touch + + sensitive wall panel. + + + + + + + On the Enterprise, Kirk's Enterprise, the + + viewscreen shifted from a picture of Riker to a + + view of the other Enterprise, which shimmered and + + appeared to disintegrate. It then reformed into + + a 23rd century vessel of advanced design: NQ-3000, + + the USS Houdini. + + + + "Isn't that amazing, Doctor? I had no + + idea that Starfleet technology had advanced that + + far." + + + + Page 79 + + + "Jim, I'm still not convinced that we were + + talking to a Federation starship. There have been + + no clues as to where this ship has come from and no + + evidence that shields can be used as they suggest. + + Scotty could have done that already if it was + + possible. And why did the markings on her hull + + read NCC-1701-D, USS ENTERPRISE? I don't like + + this, Jim." + + + + "Doctor, we have been absent from Earth + + for quite awhile, in which time there may have been + + a great increase in the sophistication of Starfleet + + technology. As to your question, however, I do not + + possess enough data to speculate," said Spock from + + his science station. + + + + "A ruse, perhaps, to scare off any foes + + it might encounter," spoke up Sulu. "Many animals + + employ the same idea." + + + + "Hmm ... Maybe, but I think we'd better + + see for ourselves. Uhura, get me Captain Riker." + + + + "Aye, sir. On the screen." + + + + "Captain Riker, that display was impressive, + + but forgive me if I'm still doubtful of your + + authenticity. May I beam over with a small party + + Page 80 + + + to tour the ship?" + + + + "Of course, Admiral Kirk," said Riker's + + image. "I'll relay the coordinates of our Bridge + + to your Transporter Room. Riker out." + + + + The viewscreen reverted to a dark star- + + field, at it's center hung the Enterprise, reflecting + + the light of a million stars. + + + + Ensign Harris looked up in horror. "They + + can't beam through our shields. We can't even do + + that. They'll be scattered all over this sector + + of space!" + + + + "Calm down, Ensign. Riker to LaForge. + + Geordi, monitor the other ship's power levels. + + When they're ready to beam over, drop our cloaking + + field momentarily, just enough for them to slip + + through. Can you handle that?" + + + + "Got it, Commander," came Geordi's voice + + from the arm of Riker's chair. "No trouble at + + all." + + + + + + + "Jim, you're not seriously thinking about + + going over there, are you?" asked Doctor McCoy, + Page 81 + + + + incredulously. + + + + "We must be sure that they are non-hostile + + and that they really are members of the Federation," + + Spock said impassively. + + + + "Are you out of your Vulcan mind, Spock. + + We're still here, aren't we. If their power levels + + were as high as you said, they could have blasted + + us out of the sky by now. Our continued existence + + is proof enough that they're non-hostile. Why does + + it matter whether or not they're Federation?" + + asked McCoy irritably. + + + + "Because, Doctor, if they are non-Federation, + + they still occupy a Starfleet vessel. Either they + + are from Starfleet, there is a security leak some- + + where from which they obtained starship plans, or + + they have stolen a Federation starship." + + "As none are reported missing, we can + + eliminate this last possibility." + + + + "But, Spock, --" began McCoy. + + + + "Gentlemen, gentlemen, please," interrupted + + Kirk. "We can settle this later. For now, let's + + get down to the Transporter Room. Come on, Spock. + + Coming, Doctor?" + Page 82 + + + + + + "Of course, Captain. I have to make sure + + you don't break your fool neck in some adolescent + + stunt while trying to save the universe singlehanded," + + said the Doctor grumpily as he, Kirk, and Spock + + entered the lift. The Doctor's grumblings could + + still be heard for a few seconds after he had left + + the Bridge. + + + + + + "Do you think that's such a good idea, + + Commander? I mean, we can't let them out of here + + to see the rest of the Enterprise," objected Ensign + + Harris. + + + + "On the contrary, Ensign. That's exactly + + what we're going to do." Everyone on the 'Bridge' + + looked at Riker, shocked. They awaited his + + explanation. + + "All the other Holodecks except Holodeck 1 + + have been programmed to be various areas of the ship. + + We can use the intraship transporters to move + + from Holodeck to Holodeck. There should be no problem + + as long as no one tries to enter the Holodeck that + + we're in at any given moment. If we had refused + + to let them beam over, they would have become + + suspicious. By giving them a guided tour, we'll + + allay those suspicions." + Page 83 + + + + "Mister Gawron, make sure you send the correct + + 'Bridge' coordinates. It wouldn't do for the most + + famous captain in Starfleet to end up in a wall or + + on the real Bridge," warned Riker. "Better make + + sure that you drop our shields long enough to beam + + them over. Cut it as close as possible to avoid any + + problems. Better jam their sensors just in case." + + + + "I verified the coordinates by computer before + + I sent them. They will arrive in the area in front + + of the command chair. Our computer is tied in to + + their transporter and will drop shields for a + + split-second during transport and block their + + sensors," reassured Gawron. + + + + No sooner had he said that, than three + + columns of light appeared and coalesced into the + + forms of Kirk, Spock, and McCoy. + + + + "Welcome, Captain, Mister Spock, Doctor." + + Riker shook hands and gave the Vulcan salute where + + applicable. "I'd like you to meet my Bridge Crew. + + Science Officer Deanna Troi, Communications Officer + + Lieutenant Christopher Gawron, Helmsman Lieutenant + + Margaret Harris, and Navigator Lieutenant David + + Callari." Riker pointed to each in turn. + + Fortunately, he had had the foresight to temporarily + + promote the members of the Bridge Crew. Captain + Page 84 + + + + Kirk would have been skeptical of a Bridge full of + + ensigns. David Callari was filling in for Wes, who + + was monitoring his cloaking device. + + + + Kirk and Spock were looking around the + + Bridge attentively, McCoy was looking bored. + + + + "Doctor McCoy, would you like to see our + + Sickbay?" asked Riker. + + + + "I'd rather see my own Sickbay right now, + + but as long as I'm here, why not?" + + + + Riker surreptitiously hit his combadge and + + said, "Doctor Pulaski, teleport to the Bridge + + immediately." + + + + "Aye, Captain, I'm on my way." Doctor + + Pulaski shimmered into existence next to Riker's + + command chair. "How may I be of assistance?" + + + + "Please beam over to Sickbay with Doctor + + McCoy and give him a guided tour," said Riker. + + + + "Sure thing, Captain. Come along, Doctor. + + We're off to Sickbay," she said as McCoy moved to + + stand next to her. + + + Page 85 + + + + "What do you mean 'beam over to Sickbay?' + + What ever happened to walking?" McCoy asked + + hesitantly. + + + + "We use transporters to travel throughout + + the ship. It's much faster that way and cuts down + + on the need for turbolifts so we can have more room + + for equipment," answered Pulaski. + + + + McCoy had grown noticeably paler by the + + time the transporter took effect. They both + + dematerialized into their component atoms, to be + + reconstituted in the bogus Sickbay located in + + Holodeck 4. + + + + By now, Kirk and Spock had completed their + + tour of the Bridge. + + + + "Well, gentlemen," said Riker, "are you + + ready to see the rest of my ship?" + + + + "By all means, Captain, lead the way," said + + Kirk, moving toward what appeared to be a Turbolift, + + but was actually the port side head. + + + + "Wait, Captain. We don't use Turbolifts + + to get around any more. As Doctor Pulaski said, we use + + intraship transporters. It's much more efficient than walking. + Page 86 + + + + Mister Gawron, if you'd please send us to Engineering." + + + + "Aye, sir," said Gawron, his hands flying + + over his control panel. Most of it was for show. + + All he did that mattered was to send a pre-recorded + + message to Transporter Chief O'Brien that told him + + what to do. + + + + Riker, Kirk, and Spock became columns of + + light and faded to nothingness as they were beamed + + to Holodeck 5 to see the fictional Warp Intermix + + Chamber. After a thorough tour of 'Engineering,' + + they went to see the Rec Deck, Computer Center, + + Mess Hall, Conservatory, Gym, and Weapons Control + + Room. Finally, they went to Sickbay to pick up + + Doctor McCoy. + + + + The four of them beamed back to the Bridge, + + leaving Doctor Pulaski in Sickbay. + + + + "Well, Captain, are you satisfied that we + + are who we say we are?" + + + + "Definitely, Captain Riker. I'm sorry I + + ever doubted you," replied Kirk. "Any problems, + + gentlemen?" + + + + "Yeah, Jim. I'm a Doctor, not a ping-pong + Page 87 + + + + ball. I'm tired of being bounced all over the place + + by that transporter beam. Let's just get back to + + the Enterprise and go home." + + + + "As you wish, Doctor. Well, it appears + + that we must bid you farewell, Captain Riker. I + + hope we meet again soon." + + + + "Me too, Captain Kirk, me too. Goodbye, + + Captain, Commander Spock, Doctor McCoy." + + + + The three Enterprise senior officers + + dematerialized on Kirk's command to Scotty: "Three + + to beam up." + + + + "Well, that's that. Computer, discontinue + + programs in all Holodecks except Holodeck 1," + + ordered Riker. + + + + The Bridge disappeared to be replaced by + + a small room with a yellow grid etched into the + + ebony walls. + + + + "Come on, everyone, back to the Bridge." + + + + All of the crewmembers left through the + + door in the far wall. The Holodeck lights went + + out as the doors closed behind Riker, the last + Page 88 + + + + person to leave. As everyone else went to the + + Turbolift, Riker walked the other way to congratulate + + Wes and Geordi who still stood outside Holodeck 1. + + + + "Good work, gentlemen. Your illusion appeared to be + + very convincing. May I ask just what this ship looked like?" + + + + "See for yourself, Commander," said Geordi. + + + + "What do you mean 'see for yourself'? How can I see + + for myself? Our cloaking device was just a computer generated + + image, wasn't it?" + + + + "Not exactly, sir. We needed a physical model to + + project onto the outer hull of the Enterprise. That's why + + I've been using the Holodeck as the basis for my experiments," + + explained Wes. + + + + "What we've done is in effect to turn the Holodeck + + inside-out. Rather than modeling something from the outside + + world in the Holodeck, we've projected something from the + + Holodeck into the outside world. We still have the image in + + the Holodeck. Come on in," urged Geordi. + + + + The doors slid open and Wes, Geordi, and Riker entered + + Holodeck 1. They appeared to be walking on nothingness. The + + walls, ceiling, and floor had become starfields, stretching + + away to infinity. As the door slid closed behind them with + Page 89 + + + + a faint grinding sound, the illusion became complete, if a + + little disorienting. Directly ahead of the trio hung a long, + + low starship. It had an almost flat saucer with immense + + impulse engines at the rear. A short neck connected the + + saucer to a long, graceful secondary hull. The warp nacelles, + + almost double the length of the secondary hull, rose just + + above the top of the saucer. They were connected to the top + + of the engineering section by narrow, right-angled warp + + engine struts. + + + + Riker walked around the ship and whistled + + appreciatively. "I'm impressed. I just have one question: + + What would have happened if we needed to fire phasers or + + photon torpedos?" + + + + "No problem, Commander," answered Wes. "We lined up + + the forward torpedo tubes on the Houdini with those on the + + Enterprise. We lined up the phaser banks on both ships as + + closely as possible, too. Watch." + + "Computer," he said, raising his voice. "Superimpose + + Galaxy class Enterprise onto existing image of the Houdini." + + + + The light blue image of the Enterprise shimmered into + + existence around the Houdini. The Enterprise's saucer section + + dwarfed the Houdini's. The bridge of the Houdini was located + + in the center of the Enterprise's saucer. As Wes had said, the + + photon torpedo tubes lined up, as did many of the phaser banks. + + The ships were the same length, but the Enterprise was much + Page 90 + + + + wider, yet still the more graceful of the two. + + + + After studying the ships for awhile, Riker said, + + "Come on you two, we've got a job to do." + + + + As the doors shut behind them, the Holodeck went dark. + + + Page 91 + + + + Chapter 6 + + "You don't mean to tell me that you actually + + believed that?" + + + + "Now, now, Doctor. We have no reason to doubt them," + + said Kirk. + + + + "Indeed, Doctor, your attitude is not logical. They + + have shown us their ship and have not acted in any way + + hostile toward us." + + + + "But Spock, can your damn green-blooded Vulcan logic + + explain away the Klingon lifesign your sensors registered?" + + + + "Obviously the sensors had a malfunction or there is + + indeed a Klingon on the Houdini as a prisoner," said the + + Vulcan. + + + + "Alright Spock, what about their power levels? You + + said that they didn't register on your scanners. Don't you + + think that if Starfleet had come up with a ship like that + + that somehow we would have heard of it?" + + + + "Please, Doctor, even you must be familiar with the + + department of Starfleet entitled `Security.' One of their + + main jobs would have been to keep this ship a secret. Their + + energy levels may merely be a ruse to intimidate their + + enemies, just as their cloaking device is. All the data on + Page 92 + + + + hand point to this conclusion," finished Spock. + + + + Chekov turned from his console long enough to whisper + + to Sulu, "I bet the technology was inwented by Russians." + + Sulu just rolled his eyes and concentrated on his own + + console. + + + + "Captain Kirk, the Houdini is hailing us," said Uhura. + + + + "On screen." + + + + "Audio only, sir," said Uhura apologetically. + + + + "Okay, let me hear it." + + + + "Captain Kirk, this is Captain Riker. I regret to + + report that we must leave you now. Starfleet has ordered + + us to investigate reports of a Klingon secret weapon in + + the Vexis Corinhi system. The Enterprise is to return to + + Earth as per instructions. Riker out." + + + + "You heard the man, Sulu. Let's go home. Warp + + factor 5." + + + + "Aye, Captain, warp 5." + + + + "The Enterprise slowly moved away from the Houdini + + and, trailing a bright rainbow of colors, accelerated to + Page 93 + + + + Warp 5 and was gone. + + + + + + + "Mister Gawron, did your plan work?" + + + + "I think so, Commander. The subliminal message that + + Lieutenant Commander Data and I worked on was broadcast with + + your farewell message. Every time their communications system + + is used, it will be broadcast ship-wide. Soon no one on their + + Enterprise will remember that they ever met us," answered + + Ensign Gawron. + + + + "And you say that it works like a computer virus, + + only in this case, the message will stop being transmitted + + after a few months?" + + + + "That is essentially correct, sir. Like a + + computer virus, it will move onto any communication system + + that comes in contact with an infected one. It will not only + + transmit a message erasing the memories of us from organic + + beings, but will also destroy any records of us in the ship's + + computer banks," answered Data, standing with Gawron and + + Riker at the Communications station. + + + + "Good work, Data." + + + + "On the contrary, Commander. Ensign Gawron came up + + Page 94 + + + with the idea. I merely wrote the software," corrected Data. + + + + "I'm sorry. Ensign Gawron, good work." + + + + The Turbolift doors opened to allow Worf onto the + + Bridge. He walked to the Communications station and relieved + + Gawron. + + + + "I yield to your experience and skill, Lieutenant + + Worf, and am honored to have been given the opportunity to + + serve in your place." + + + + Gawron entered the Turbolift after Riker dismissed + + him. Data walked down the ramp to the lower Bridge. He + + took the place of Ensign Harris, who entered the Turbolift + + with Gawron. As an afterthought, Riker tapped his combadge + + and said, "Bridge to Ensigns Gawron and Harris. Be ready, + + we may require your services again before we're done with + + this mission. Bridge out." + + "Mister Data, status report." + + + + "All systems operating within acceptable limits. + + Shields are not yet functional because of our cloaking + + device. Commander LaForge is working on it now and + + estimates full defensive capabilities within 10 minutes." + + + + "Alright, Mister Crusher, resume course and speed + + to the Corinhi system." + + Page 95 + + + "Riker to Sickbay. Doctor Pulaski, how's the + + Captain doing?" + + + + "He's awake and asking questions again. What should + + I do?" + + + + "If you think he's strong enough, fill him in on + + what's happened up to this point." + + + + "I think he can handle it, Will. I'll take the + + chance. Pulaski out." + + + + "Now entering Klingon space. Sensors show no + + vessels within range," reported Data as the connection to + + Sickbay closed. + + + + For hours they flew on. From time to time Riker + + asked for status reports from the various department heads + + including Geordi in Engineering and Pulaski in Sickbay. + + Everything was working normally on the Enterprise, all + + systems running at or near peak efficiency. In addition, + + Captain Picard's condition was improving. + + In short, things where looking up for the Enterprise, + + when, true to form the ship was struck by a barrage of phaser + + fire. Once again, the red alert klaxons filled the Bridge + + with their grating blare. + + + + Riker leapt into action immediately. "Worf, damage + + Page 96 + + + report. Data, shields up. Full sensor sweep of the area. + + Mister Crusher, full stop." + + + + "All decks reporting in. No damage, sir," reported + + Worf. + + + + "Full sensor scan reveals no ships in the area other + + than ourselves. Shields at full strength," said Data. + + + + "Pulaski to Bridge. Can you stop all that knocking + + around up there, Commander? I have some patients in critical + + condition and your bouncing around is not improving their + + health! Pulaski out!" snapped the Doctor. + + + + On the viewscreen, the empty starfield shimmered to + + reveal six Klingon Birds of Prey as they decloaked. The + + Enterprise was surrounded. + + + + "Commander, the Captain of one of the Klingon vessels + + is hailing us," Worf rumbled from the rear of the Bridge. + + + + "One-way visual. Don't let him see us," responded + + Riker. + + + + The viewscreen lit up to show the dark, mist filled + + Bridge of one of the Klingon ships. In the center seat sat + + an imposing Klingon, heavily armored for battle as was the + + custom among Klingons. His black hair fell about his + + Page 97 + + + shoulders, moving as if infested with vermin, which it + + probably was. + + + + "Federation vessel, if that is what you are, your + + ship is new to me, but I recognize the name Enterprise. It + + shall be a pleasure to destroy our hated enemy, Captain + + James T. Kirk. Respond, Kirk. I will hear your pleas for + + mercy before I open fire," the Klingon commander said in a + + deep, rasping voice. + + + + "Worf, change into some Klingon battle armor. Wesley, + + help Worf in programming the replicators for this era," + + ordered Riker. + + + + As Worf and Wesley left, Deanna said, "Something + + doesn't feel right, Commander. I did not feel any emotions + + from the Klingon commander. No hate, no curiosity, nothing." + + + + + Tapping his combadge, Riker urged, "Get a move on + + Worf, Wesley." Then to Troi, "What do you mean, the Klingon + + Commander had no emotions? He sounded excited enough." + + + + "It is as if nothing was there. I can sense the + + emotions of the Enterprise personnel, but I get nothing from + + the Klingons. At this range I should be able to sense + + something," insisted the Counselor. + + + + "Mister Data, scan the Klingon ships for lifesigns, + Page 98 + + + + power sources, anything," said Riker. + + + + After a momentary pause, the android reported, + + "Sensors do not register any ships other than the Enterprise + + in this sector. As far as the computer is concerned, there + + are no Klingon ships." + + + + "In that case, lock phasers on the Klingon ship in + + front of us and fire when ready." + + + + "Phasers will not lock on target, Commander. Firing + + phasers manually," informed Data. + + + + On the viewscreen, a bolt of searing red light shot + + out of the lower collimator ring of the Enterprise. It + + lanced toward the nearest Klingon ship and passed through it. + + All six Klingon ships shrank to nothingness and disappeared. + + + + "Commander, sensors register an immense energy source + + approaching from behind us. It is on an intercept course." + + + + "Thank you, Data. Lieutenant Worf, Ensign Crusher, + + to the Bridge immediately," Riker said into the overhead + + Bridge speaker. "Mister Data, reverse angle on the screen + + and magnify." + + + + The viewscreen changed to show a blue and orange + + sphere approaching rapidly. All of the Bridge crew knew + Page 99 + + + + what this meant, so no one had to tell Worf and Wesley what + + was happening when they arrived on the Bridge. Inevitably, + + the red mesh of a giant forcefield surrounded the Enterprise. + + + + In a flash of light, Q appeared on the Bridge, this + + time dressed in the ceremonial gown and mortarboard of a + + college professor from Old Earth. + + + + "You have done well, students. You have passed two + + of the tests that I have set for you. I must admit that you + + humans are very resourceful. Especially you, Riker. I didn't + + think you were capable of the level of deceit you used on + + Captain Kirk and were about to use on the Klingons. I'm + + really very impressed," said Q, in a tone of voice that + + passed for sincerity. + + + + "Just what do you want, Q? Why have you come back + + in time to bother us?" demanded Picard as he strode from the + + Turbolift. The only sign of his injury was a small patch of + + synthoskin covering the wound on his temple. He stopped + + directly in front of Q. + + + + "Ah, Jean-Luc. I'm glad to see you again. To tell + + you the truth, Riker is no where near as much fun to deal + + with as you are," said Q. + + + + "You mean humiliate and mock!" snapped Picard. + + + Page 100 + + + + "By no means. I find humans fascinating, and since + + you've been one nearly twice as long as Riker, I find you + + twice as fascinating," explained Q smugly. + + + + "Enough, Q. Why are you here?" + + + + "Patience, mon capitaine. I'm here to tell you + + about the next phase of your quest, if you'll allow me a + + word in edge-wise," said Q sarcastically. + + "In order to complete your mission, one of you must + + go on a quest. There will be many perils and great danger. + + I will choose the questor myself. Let's see...your Tin Man + + and microbrain are too strong, Riker has too much experience, + + Picard is too old, and the boy and the Counsellor would never + + stand a chance." + + + + "Q, why not let Lieutenant LaForge go. He is as + + close as any of us to average human physical condition," + + suggested Picard. + + + + "No, Captain. His blindness would be too great a + + handicap. The questor must have a chance to complete the + + quest if this is to be a fair challenge," said Q. + + + + "A fair challenge?!? You've eliminated all of the + + Bridge crew from contention. Who's left?" asked Riker. + + + + "I never said it had to be an officer, did I? You + Page 101 + + + + forget that there are over 1000 people on this ship to chose + + from, not just you seven. My choice is Ensign Cristopher + + Gawron. I like him for some reason. He appears to be the + + least pretentious of the Bridge crew." + + + + With a flash, Ensign Gawron appeared on the Bridge, + + dressed in his gold uniform and fitted with a tricorder and + + hand phaser. He looked disoriented until he realized where + + he was. + + + + "What happened? How did I get here? I was playing + + billiards on the Rec Deck and then ZAP..." he asked, + + looking confused. + + + + "I am of the Q and you have been chosen to undertake + + a quest. The rules are simple. Usig only your phaser and + + your wits you must find the ships dilithium crystals." The + + ship's entire supply of dilithium crystals suddenly appeared + + in a pile in the center of the Bridge. "They will all be + + located in one spot. Just touch them and you will be + + instantly transported back here and the crystals replaced. + + "There will be no pressure placed upon you to under- + + take this quest. Just know that the lives of the Enterprise + + crew and consequently the future of the Federation depend + + upon you." + + + + "You can't be serious, Q. This man is just an ensign. + + He has no experience in this type of thing and you have no + Page 102 + + + + right to subject him to it." + + + + "Alright, Picard, let me put it this way. Would + + all the omnipotent beings present raise their right hand? + + There, see. I only see one hand up, and oh look, it's mine. + + Can you beat that? It looks like you've been outvoted." + + "Be careful, Picard, or I may just decide to leave + + you here in the past. No one tells me what I can or can't + + do. Are you ready, Ensign?" + + + + Before he could answer, both Gawron and Q vanished. + + Q's head reappeared a moment later to say: "I will allow you + + to watch Mister Gawron's progress on the viewscreen. Good- + + bye, crew." Q's head winked out of existence. + + + + "Captain, the Enterprise has been transported into + + orbit around a large planet," reported Data. + + + + As soon as Q had vanished, the energy field on the + + screen was replaced by a huge brown planet. + + + + "Sensors show what appears, at one time, to have been + + a small town or village. Reading one human lifesign, and + + many large, primitive animals," reported Worf. + + + + "Thank you Worf, Data," Picard said. "Now all we + + have to do is watch and wait." + + + Page 103 + + + + "LaForge to Bridge." + + + + "Go ahead, Geordi," acknowledged Riker. + + + + "Commander, I don't know how, but the dilithium + + crystals are missing. Both Warp and impulse engines are + + down. We have no maneuvering capabilities whatsoever," + + warned the Chief Engineer. + + + + "Captain," interjected Data, "Our orbit is decaying. + + Estimate 8 hours until we enter the atmosphere, and an + + additional 3 hours until planetfall." + + + + "Can our shields handle the atmospheric friction," + + asked Picard. + + + + "Captain, we have no shields. If we enter the + + atmosphere, we'll most likely burn up," cam Geordi's voice + + over the intercom channel. + + + + "And if we don't burn up, we will be travelling at + + an estimated 200 meters per second upon planetfall. The + + Enterprise will not survive," said Data somberly. + + + + The viewscreen changed yet again. This time it + + showed Ensign Gawron at the edge of an old, tumbled down + + town. He entered, cautiously. + + + Page 104 + + + + + + Page 105 + + + + Chapter 7 + + Slowly, Chris started toward the nearest building + + in the town. Inside, it was dark. As he crossed the threshold, + + he noticed a dank, mouldering smell. Most of the furniture + + was rotted through with age and dampness. A few of the pieces + + still appeared to be in good shape. He rested his hand on + + the nearest chair and jumped back, startled, as it disintegrated + + into a pile of soft, rotten wood. In the far corner, Chris + + noticed a pile of what he thought were tattered blankets. + + Upon closer inspection, though, it turned out to be the former + + occupant of the house. The bones had yellowed and grown + + brittle over the years. + + + + Since there wasn't anything of use here, he moved + + on to the next building to find an almost identical scene. + + Chris moved on, finding each building as dilapidated as the + + last, until, finally, he came to what appeared to have been + + some kind of store. + + + + As he looked through the various shelves, Chris + + found little of use. There were, however, a strong coil of + + rope and a long, sharp knife. The rope was in surprisingly + + good condition, compared with its surroundings, and the knife + + showed some signs of corrosion but looked as if it could be + + used adequately as a cutting tool, and for defense if + + absolutely necessary. + + + + Slipping the knife into his belt and looping the + Page 106 + + + + rope over his shoulder, Ensign Gawron left the tumble-down + + shop to explore the rest of the town. Other than the + + decaying bones of the natives and a few rusted through cooking + + utensils, there was nothing to see. + + + + By the time he had reached the last house, Chris had + + given up much hope of finding anything that could help him on + + his quest, particularly because he didn't know what his quest + + would entail. As he entered the last building, he noticed + + that it was the only one to have any kind of floor covering, + + this in the form of an ancient rug. The tattered cloth lay + + incongruously in the center of the room. He tried to move + + it, but found that it was firmly secured to the ground and + + would not rip, despite its obvious age. Gawron drew his + + phaser and fired. The carpet burned away to reveal a + + weathered door, made of some metal he didn't recognize. There + + didn't seem to be any way of lifting it, as the surface was + + completely featureless. + + + + "Oh well, time to get to work," Chris said to himself + + and inserted the knife into the nearly imperceptible seam + + between the door and the floor around it. He pushed down with + + all his strength until the door was up just high enough for + + him to kick a rock into the gap. + + + + He returned the knife to his belt and sat down until + + he caught his breath. He noticed that it took longer than + + usual and realized that Q hadn't warned him about this + Page 107 + + + + planets thin atmosphere. Then, rising, Chris hefted the door + + back and it landed on the floor with a resounding thud. + + There was now a dark, gaping hole in the floor. The rock + + that had been propping the door open now fell in and Chris + + counted the seconds before he heard the rock hit bottom. + + After an eternity, that was really only seven seconds, the + + small crack of rock on rock was heard. He estimated that + + the pit was at least 250 meters deep. + + + + Ensign Gawron hurriedly grabbed some cloth scraps + + off of one of the corpses in the corner, but couldn't bring + + himself to wrench off a femur. Instead he found a reasonably + + sound chair leg, tied the cloth scraps to it, and lit it with + + a low intensity burst from his phaser. Tying a knot in one + + end of his rope, he lifted the door just enough to slide the + + rope under it, the knot preventing, he hoped, the rope from + + sliding down with him once he put his full weight on it. + + The other end of the rope was tossed into the pit. Grabbing + + the torch with one hand, he started down the rope into the + + hole. It took about fifteen minutes to reach the floor below. + + + + Slowly, Chris surveyed the situation. He was in a large + + cavern with a vaulted ceiling. Rocks and bones of various + + shapes and sizes littered the cave floor. Three tunnels + + branched off in front of him. + + + + Since he couldn't think of anything better to do, + + Chris arbitrarily chose the rightmost tunnel and started to + Page 108 + + + + explore. He had barely gone around the first bend when he + + was forced to stop abruptly at the edge of a yawning chasm. + + He tossed a rather large stone down into the darkness. Soon + + it was lost from torchlight. He waited five seconds for it + + to hit bottom ... ten seconds ... fifteen seconds ... twenty + + seconds passed and still he heard no sound from below. A + + rocky outcropping projected out over the pit, about halfway + + across, well out of Chris' reach. + + + + Looking beside him, Ensign Gawron saw a broad- + + leafed plant. Curious, he broke off a leaf and examined it. + + Some fluid, sap he assumed, ran out of the leaf onto his + + hands. It was thick and extremely sticky. Suddenly, he had + + an idea. + + + + Dropping the leaf, Chris ran back to the cavern and + + cut off as much of his rope as he could reach. He estimated + + that he had twelve or thirteen feet, as the rope had been just + + two meters longer than the depth of the pit. He scooped up a + + handful of rocks and ran back to the edge of the pit, careful + + not to get too close for fear of falling in. + + + + + + + Back on the Enterprise, a confused look came over + + Riker's face as Chris, on the viewscreen, split one end of the + + rope lengthwise, coated the strands with sap, and then wrapped + + them around the stones he had picked up. + + Page 109 + + + + + "What the hell does he think he's doing? This is no + + time for arts and crafts!" asked Riker. + + + + Data, sitting at Ops turned and said, "I believe his + + purpose will become clear in a moment, sir." + + + + On the screen, Chris dried the sap with flames from + + his torch, all the while, careful not to set the rope itself + + ablaze. Then, swinging it in wide circles, he let it fly out + + over the pit. The heavy end wrapped itself around the rocky + + outcropping a few times and Chris pulled on the rope to make + + sure it would hold. Confident in its strength, he picked up + + his torch and swung out across the abyss. The torchlight + + danced eerily on the walls, making Chris unsure where the + + other side of the pit really was. He tossed the torch as + + far as he could toward the other side of the pit and it + + landed about 2 meters from the edge and bounced to a halt. + + The light steadied and Chris readied himself for his leap + + off the rope. As his swing reached its greatest length + + toward the far side, he jumped off the rope. + + + + Troi gasped in horror as Chris mistimed his leap and + + slammed into the edge of the pit. + + + + + + + His hands clawing furiously for some purchase on the + + hard ground, Chris slowly slid farther over the edge. Finally, + Page 110 + + + + just as he was about to fall to his death, he found a handhold + + and he hoisted himself away from the edge and lay flat on his + + back, trying to regain the strength in his arms. When they + + were no longer throbbing from the exertion, he got to his + + feet, retrieved his torch, and set off down the tunnel. + + Eventually, Chris came upon an underground lake. It was the + + width of the tunnel and swallowed his torchlight, providing no + + view of the bottom, if indeed there was one. Chris decided to + + swim out a little way to see how far he could proceed. He walked + + in the cold water, torch held high above his head to prevent it + + from accidentally being extinguished. Soon, when the water + + became to deep to wade any further, he began to swim. For + + a few hundred meters, he swam along easily until the tunnel + + roof sloped down to meet the water, blocking his advance. + + + + He weighed his options. He could return to the + + original junction and try a different tunnel or he could + + press on. He decided to keep going, since the other two + + tunnels could be false leads and he'd end up back here anyway. + + Unfortunately, he'd have to give up his torch. In order to + + provide as much light as possible, at least for awhile, he + + jammed the torch into a depression in the rocky wall before + + him. Then, taking a few deep breaths to hyperoxygenate his + + blood, Ensign Gawron slipped below the obsidian surface of the + + lake. Luckily, the water was clear, if a little dark, and the + + torch provided ample illumination. Swimming quickly, looking + + everywhere for a tunnel or some other way to proceed, he went + + deeper and deeper. Finally, as he approached the lake bottom, + Page 111 + + + + Gawron found what he was looking for: a tunnel, more than wide + + enough for him to swim through. He was so excited about his + + find that he entered the tunnel without noticing the bones of + + various other explorers, half buried in the ooze. + + + + At the other end of the tunnel, he could see a dim + + light. Eagerly Chris swam on. Ahead, a dark shape separated + + itself from the tunnel floor. There was some kind of + + phosphorescence in the tunnel walls which allowed Chris to see, + + barely. Soon the shape revealed itself to be an alien fish, + + mouth open, teeth glinting in the dim light, headed directly + + towards him. It had a long, muscular neck, stream-lined body, + + and powerful tail. Its two forward flippers were spade shaped + + and propelled it along at at least ten knots. On its head + + were two short, horn-shaped projections that Chris assumed + + were sense organs, the creature being nearly blind living in + + the shadowy depths as it did. + + + + All of these observations were made while Chris struggled + + to slip the knife out of his belt. Too late he realized it + + was futile. The creature was on him, twining its neck around + + him, trying to squeeze the life out of him. Sharp teeth gnashed + + at him. + + + + Chris knew that he was running out of both time and + + options. His lungs already ached for clean air and what oxygen + + was left was being slowly forced out by the creature's reptilian + + embrace. + Page 112 + + + + + + As darkness fought for control of his peripheral vision, + + he remembered his phaser. The water would diffuse the beam, + + but that would work to his advantage if the creature had even + + rudimentary vision. Slipping the phaser out of its holster + + on his belt, he set it for wide dispersal and fired it directly + + into the creature's eyes. He noted with satisfaction that the + + creature's sensory horns suffered slight burns, as did most + + of the thing's face. Shocked and in pain, the creature + + loosened its grip and Chris kicked free, swimming as hard as + + he could to the end of the tunnel. He broke the surface of + + the water into the cool, sweet air just as the blackness which + + had battled for the periphery of his vision had won and was + + creeping inward. + + + + After catching his breath, he gave himself a quick + + once-over looking for any injuries. The dull pain in his + + side told him that he had bruised some ribs, but that seemed + + the worst of his injuries. + + + + Gathering himself, he started off down the tunnel. + + Again he noted the phosphorescence in the walls and assumed + + that it was some kind of light emitting mineral indigenous + + to this planet. As time was of the essence, he gave it only + + a cursory examination and continued off down the passage. + + + + Eventually, the tunnel widened and Chris found himself + + in a sort of room, carved out of the rock. The floor was + Page 113 + + + + covered in a mosaic of different sized tiles, many of which + + were covered with soot and what looked like grease. In the + + wall to his left he noticed several small holes surrounded by + + black, oily patches of rock. Between the holes were larger, + + dark patches of soot and ash. Curious, Chris looked across + + at the other wall. Opposite the larger patches were holes, + + similar to those on the near wall. In addition, the holes + + on the near wall were directly across from large, oily stains + + identical to those he had just examined. + + + + Moving forward to investigate, Chris tripped over + + a loose piece of tile and fell, his hand striking a piece of + + the mosaic floor. The tile disappeared into the floor as + + flames shot from the apertures in both walls. After a few + + seconds they extinguished themselves and Chris stood up. He + + had felt the heat from the flames on his back. He took out + + his knife and tossed it further across the floor. Immediately + + flames shot forth. Chris waited for them to die down and then + + ran as fast as he could, feet barely touching the ground. + + Fortunately, when he did touch the ground, he seemed to land + + only on safe tiles, because the flamethrowers remained inactive, + + at least until he was three quarters of the way across. He + + felt rather than saw the flames spring forward to envelope + + him. With a last, desperate burst of speed, Ensign Gawron + + launched himself through the far doorway. He landed, slapping + + at his clothes, rolling to smother the flames. He had been + + lucky, his wet clothes had protected him for the most part. + + Now his clothes were dry and he was ready to continue. He + Page 114 + + + + thought about retrieving the knife, but when he saw how far + + into the room it was, he changed his mind. He walked around + + a bend in the tunnel and came upon a blank wall. + + + + Just as he was about to give up and turn back, he + + noticed a button below a sign that read "PRESS ME." Figuring + + he had nothing to lose, Chris reached toward the button and + + as his finger touched it...he felt his body slowly dissolve. + + + + + + + + On the Bridge, all was confusion. Worf was fuming + + about what he perceived to be duplicity on Q's part. Picard + + and Riker were talking anxiously among themselves, Troi + + occasionally interjecting a comment. Wesley was scanning the + + planet's surface for any sign of human life readings. Data + + was the only one who did not show any outward signs of emotion. + + Instead, he merely looked at the viewscreen, analyzing what + + had happened, occasionally glancing at his control panel, where + + the time left to them was counting down. + + + + "We have only seven hours, forty-three minutes, and + + fifteen seconds before we impact with the planet," read off + + Data. Immediately silence reigned. + + + + "Let's hope that both Q and Gawron know what they're + + doing," said Riker hopefully. + + + Page 115 + + + + "Gawron has confidence in himself," said Troi. "Q, as + + always, is an unknown. We must treat him with caution." + + + + "Agreed. I have no wish to spend the rest of my + + existence trapped in the past," said Picard. + + + + "Especially since we may cease to exist if we change + + the past sufficiently. It would be a life of constant paranoia + + and dread that our actions may endanger our continued + + existence and that of our history as we know it," informed + + Data. + + + + On the viewscreen, Gawron had reappeared in the + + original junction. + + + + + + + Assuming that it was Q's work, Chris wasted no time + + and set off down the middle tunnel. As he did, he noticed + + that the knife had been replaced in his belt. "I guess Q + + wants me to have some kind of a chance," he thought to + + himself. + + + + Soon, the tunnel narrowed and Ensign Gawron noticed + + that it was littered with thick, green tendrils. Not paying + + them much mind, he forged ahead. But as soon as his foot + + touched one of them, they all came to life, twisting around + + his legs. Instantly, the phaser appeared in one hand, the + + Page 116 + + + knife in the other. Simultaneously firing and slashing, he + + slowly forced his way ahead. Soon the tunnel behind him was + + filled with burned or bleeding tentacles, many still writhing + + spasmodically. The air was thick with the smell of charred + + plants. Still Chris fought on, swinging away with the knife + + and firing left and right. He had slipped into a fighting + + frenzy, firing and slashing wildly, when he noticed that the + + charge on his phaser was low. Deciding to preserve as much + + as possible, he stopped firing and forced himself to calm + + down. He cut his way through the remaining tendrils. + + + + Finally he was through and, looking ahead, Chris saw + + a shimmering pool and realized for the first time how thirsty + + he had become. Slipping his weapons back into their storage + + areas on his belt, Chris ran forward and fell at the edge of + + the pool. As he bent to take a drink, he noticed the skeleton + + of an alien warrior, half in and half out of the pool. His + + lips were almost touching the surface of the pool when he + + sensed that something was wrong with the skeleton. It simply + + wasn't there below the pool's surface. Chris kicked the rest + + of the creature into the pool. It sank slowly and then the + + corpse bubbled away. Soon nothing remained of the alien but + + a greasy spot, which soon dispersed. + + + + "Acid," Gawron thought. "I have to be more careful. + + Oh well, no sense killing myself over a drink." Still thirsty, + + he continued on. After walking for what he estimated to be + + an hour, he felt a slight breeze on his cheek and heard a low + + Page 117 + + + whirring sound, as if something was rushing past his ear. + + Drawing his knife, he held it up in front of him. It was + + immediately snatched from his grasp and broken in two by a + + seemingly invisible force. Upon closer examination, however, + + Chris saw a razor thin blade spinning at eye level, so thin + + as to be invisible in the dim light to any unsuspecting + + traveler. + + + + "Gives new meaning to the phrase `a little off the + + top,'" Chris thought out loud. Ducking, he quickly moved + + past the blade. Again he reached a dead end tunnel. This + + time when he tried to move, he found he couldn't. Looking + + down, he saw that he was trapped in some sort of sticky ooze. + + Just out of reach was the button that said "PRESS ME." He + + dared not try to stretch further. If he fell, Chris doubted + + that he could get back up off the floor. Drawing his phaser, + + he tried to melt the glue to no avail. Finding only one option + + open to him, Gawron threw the phaser as hard as he could at + + the "PRESS ME" button. + + + + As soon as the phaser made contact, he found himself + + at the familiar junction. Directly ahead of him, the phaser + + clattered to the floor a short distance into the middle tunnel. + + Chris retrieved it, noticing that it was now his only weapon, + + as the knife had not been replaced this time. Remarkably, + + the tricorder which hung over his should had survived unscathed + + so far. + + + + Page 118 + + + Returning to the junction, Ensign Gawron set off down + + the third, and he hoped final, tunnel. Before he had gotten + + far, however, he heard a low rumbling and turned just in time + + to see the cavern roof collapse, blocking off any hopes of + + retreat. + + + + + + Page 119 + + + + Chapter 8 + + Chris dodged out of the way of the still falling + + ceiling and ran down the tunnel. After the rumbling had + + finally ceased, he went back just far enough to pick up a + + piece of the rubble that exhibited the peculiar phosphorescence, + + intending to study it further after his return to the + + Enterprise. "That is, if I return," he reminded himself. + + + + Continuing down the passage, Chris observed no + + remains of any kind. He found this surprising, until he + + realized that Q probably constructed the whole labyrinth. + + If Q didn't want it to seem that others had gotten this far, + + it was up to him. + + + + Lost in thought, Chris panicked as the floor fell + + out from under him. Although surprised, he still managed to + + leap onto more solid ground. He rolled and came up facing + + the direction he had come, phaser in hand. Where there had + + been ground moments before, was just a large hole. Inside, + + Gawron could see the phosphorescence glinting off sharp + + sticks covered with liquid that tricorder analysis proved to + + be poison. + + + + "Maybe Q isn't as fond of the Enterprise crew as he + + says. I don't think I was meant to survive." Resigning + + himself to his fate, he ventured on. Soon, the walls became + + less craggy and resolved themselves into a series of sharp + + outcroppings. Chris's foot came down with a sharper click + Page 120 + + + + than his boots had been making. Suspiciously he looked + + around and saw that the walls had begun to come together, + + narrowing the passage. He could just make out the forward + + edge of the sliding walls. He glanced behind him and saw + + that he had not quite come halfway. Deciding quickly, he + + ran down the tunnel towards the far end, occasionally checking + + his progress. When the passageway, not very wide to begin + + with, had shrunk to half its width, Chris put his head down + + in an all-out sprint toward the end of the passage. + + + + He emerged from the closing walls, panting, and + + turned in time to see them close to eighteen inches and slam + + shut. By now, Gawron's uniform shirt was all but destroyed + + and his pants hung in tatters below his knees. + + + + Looking ahead, Chris noticed a strange glow, stronger + + than the walls' natural phosphorescence, emanating from around + + a bend in the cave wall. Approaching warily, he rounded the + + bend and saw where the bluish light was coming from: the + + ceiling. + + + + + + "Captain, sensors indicate a source of hard radiation + + has just appeared on the planet," reported Data. + + + + "Location in relation to Mister Gawron." + + + + "The radiation is distorting the readings, but he + Page 121 + + + + appears to be standing within it." + + + + "Must be coming from the ceiling," said Riker. "How + + long can he be safely exposed to it, Data?" + + + + "Any exposure to radiation is unsafe, Commander, but + + there will be no irreparable damage for at least forty-five + + minutes. I cannot be more precise." + + + + "Great he has forty-five minutes, and we have two + + and a half hours," muttered Riker. + + + + "Engineering to Bridge, LaForge here." + + + + "What is it, Geordi?" asked Picard. + + + + "Captain, we've been in the planet's atmosphere for + + thirty-two minutes and the hull temperature has already + + reached 200 degrees Centigrade. Without shields, we don't + + have as long as we normally would," came the voice from the + + intercom. + + + + "Acknowledged, Lieutenant. Do what you can. Bridge + + out," snapped Riker, upset at his inability to do anything + + useful. + + + + "Take it easy, Number One. We have Q trying to kill + + us already. We don't need anyone else's help to do it for + Page 122 + + + + him," said Picard warningly. + + + + "Aye, sir," said Riker, a little too loudly, a little + + too formally. + + + + + + + Taking out his tricorder, Chris aimed it upwards. + + After scanning the tunnel roof for a few seconds, he read the + + results of the analysis. The ceiling was coated with nearly + + pure, energized dilithium. Prolonged exposure would result + + in a horrible death from radiation poisoning causing rapid + + decay and massive systems disfunctions. As he put the tricorder + + away, his rock sample fell from his belt and bounced. The + + stone leapt up to shoulder height, where Chris caught it, + + startled. He put it back into his belt. + + + + "Reduced gravity. Sure, why should Q make anything + + simple." + + + + Laying down on his stomach, Chris began a slow, + + relaxed crawl through the anti-grav field, careful not to + + make any sudden, violent movements which would result in his + + being thrown at least partly to the tunnel roof. + + + + After nearly thirty minutes, Ensign Gawron had made + + his way under the fifty foot stretch of dilithium. Gratefully, + + he stood, his uniform shirt falling in shreds to the ground to + + Page 123 + + + reveal his chest, covered in lacerations, both large and small. + + His back was covered with bruises and burns. + + + + Deciding to talk to Captain Picard about combat pay + + upon his return to the ship, he proceeded around another bend + + and was confronted by a blank wall of rock. He search + + exhaustively for the familiar button that would return him to + + the junction, but could not find it. + + + + Finally defeated, with no retreat possible, Chris + + slumped against the dead end wall -- and fell through it. + + He found himself in a large chamber. There, on a stone + + pedestal, sat the pile of dilithium crystals. Rising quickly, + + footsteps echoing loudly, he grabbed the dilithium crystals. + + In a flash, his rocky surroundings were replaced by the + + familiar environs of the Enterprise. + + + + Riker was talking to LaForge over the intercom. + + "... don't care what you have to do. Get out and push if you + + have to. We've been in the atmosphere for nearly an hour." + + + + "Commander, hull temperature is increasing. Fifteen + + hundred degrees Celsius and rising. Estimated survival time + + of the Enterprise, assuming temperature increase continues + + at this rate is one hour, thirty-eight minutes, fourteen point + + eight three five six ni--" + + + + "Commander Data," spoke up Chris from the back of the + + Page 124 + + + Bridge, no one having noticed him, "I've got the crystals. + + How long will it take to install them and power up the + + engines?" + + + + The channel to Engineering still open, Geordi + + answered: "Installation will take about ten minutes. Restart + + will take an hour and a half." + + + + "Two minutes too long. What happens if you bypass + + the safety checks?" asked Picard, anxiously. While he waited + + for the answer he turned to Data and Gawron. "Get down to + + Engineering as fast as possible." Data and Chris left the + + Bridge. + + + + "Under present circumstances, I was going to bypass + + the safety sequence anyway. That gains us about forty-five + + minutes," came the answer from the Bridge speaker. + + + + "Do it, Geordi. As quickly as possible," ordered + + Picard. "Bridge out." + + + + Picard noticed that he was sweating and turned to + + survey the Bridge. Everyone there had a sheen of perspiration + + on their faces. The humans were red-faced from the heat. + + Picard knew that the environmental controls were suffering + + from the heat of the atmospheric friction. + + He flicked on the intraship communicator. "This + + is your captain speaking. We have entered the atmosphere + + Page 125 + + + of an unknown world. The increased heat is from the + + atmospheric friction. Steps are being taken to remove the + + Enterprise from danger. In the meantime, all non-duty + + personnel and civilians, remain in your quarters and keep + + your physical activity to a minimum. Picard out." + + + + The Bridge was silent. Periodically reports came in + + from Engineering. There were no major problems and the restart + + process was nearly complete when the red-alert sirens blared. + + "Warning! Maximum safe temperature exceeded! Total systems + + failure imminent!" warned the computer. + + + + "Bridge to Engineering. You better have some good + + news!" yelled Riker into the intercom. + + + + "I need more time, Commander," pleaded Geordi. "The + + engines will be back on-line in three minutes. You have + + shields now." + + + + "Not good enough, Geordi. This ship can't hold + + together for much longer. Bridge out." Riker slapped the + + channel shut before Geordi could respond. + + + + Wesley turned quickly, an idea forming in his mind. + + "Worf, what's the minimum safe distance for the Enterprise + + to survive the detonation of a photon torpedo?" + + + + "Two kilometers. Why?" growled the warrior, his bony + + Page 126 + + + brow wrinkling in confusion. + + + + "Captain, I recommend that we fire a photon torpedo + + and set it to detonate two kilometers in front of our predicted + + position." + + + + "Ensign Crusher, what purpose would it ser--" Picard's + + expression changed as he saw where this was leading. Turning + + to Lieutenant Aures at Ops, he said "Transfer all available + + power to forward shields." As she moved to raise the shields, + + Picard turned to Worf and ordered him to "Fire two photon + + torpedos. Set one to detonate two kilometers in front of + + us and the other to detonate two seconds after, same position." + + + + All eyes on the Bridge turned to Picard, wondering + + what he could be planning. The whoosh of escaping air + + could be heard as the torpedos were launched. As the first + + one detonated, the blast forced the Enterprise's bow up so + + that the lower hull was absorbing the friction of the + + atmosphere. + + + + "Now, Ensign, transfer all power to lower shields!" + + + + No sooner had her hands stopped moving, than Aures + + was thrown from her chair, as were most of the Bridge crew, + + by the second explosion. The Enterprise was lifted up and + + pushed back, out of the planets atmosphere. It settled into + + a high, loose orbit. Seconds later, the warp nacelles lit + + Page 127 + + + up red and blue. + + + + "Warp power is now available, Captain," reported + + Wesley. + + + + "Resume course and speed," said Picard, and, tapping + + his combadge, "Ensign Gawron to Sickbay, then meet me in my + + Ready Room. You have the Bridge, Number One." + + + + Picard left the Bridge through the portside doors + + into his Ready Room. + + + + + + + As Chris entered Sickbay, Pulaski rushed over. + + "It's about time you got here. Here, sit down," she said, + + indicating a diagnostic bed. "What happened to you, have a + + disagreement with Worf?" + + + + "No, Q," replied Chris. "I think I won." + + + + "I'm impressed. Now lie down." + + + Chris lay back slowly, trying not to aggravate his + + injuries, especially those on his back. The scanners in the + + bed went to work automatically, displaying their results on + + the wall panel beside the bed. + + + + "Life signs appear to be normal. Just surface + + Page 128 + + + injuries," diagnosed Pulaski. + + + + "You mean I'll live, Doc," inquired Chris, only half + + jokingly. + + + + "I'm afraid so." + + + + Pulaski wheeled over a healing ray: a low power laser + + used to graft synthiskin over wounds. She set to work and + + after about twenty minutes, Chris looked, if not felt, as good + + as new. Except for the burns on his back. For these, and as + + a treatment for his cuts, Pulaski bathed him in a different + + ray, one that would help to regenerate his skin. + + + + "Unfortunately, this will have the side effect of + + making you tired and stiff. I suggest you take it easy for + + twenty-four to thirty-six hours. Consider yourself relieved + + of duty, Mister ..." she trailed off, not knowing his name. + + + + "Gawron. Ensign Chris Gawron." + + + + "Pleased to meet you, Chris. Anyone who can beat + + Q is certainly a good person to know. I'm Doctor Katherine + + Pulaski," she said, reaching out to shake Chris' hand, + + careful not to reopen any of his injuries. + + + + + + + + Page 129 + + + The door to Picard's Ready Room chimed. He switched + + off his desk terminal and said, "Come." + + + + The doors parted and Chris entered. + + + + "Tell me, Ensign, just what happened to you down + + there?" + + + + Slowly, carefully, not wanting to omit any details, + + Chris told Picard about his adventure. When he finished, + + Picard went over to the food dispenser in the corner and + + ordered "Tea, Earl Grey, Hot." As he returned to his chair, + + sipping his tea thoughtfully, he said, "Most impressive. + + You exhibit tremendous stamina and resilience." + + + + "I can't really take all the credit for it myself, + + sir. I owe part of it to an old friend," Gawron admitted. + + + + "He trained you?" + + + + "No," Chris laughed. "Putting up with him over the + + years convinced me I could do anything. He was a little hard + + to take for an extended period of time. Had a terrible sense + + of humor, too." + + + + "You mean he took everything seriously?" asked Picard. + + + + "Just the opposite. There was nothing that he took + + Page 130 + + + seriously. Nothing except his friends," he said wistfully. + + + + "What happened to him? He sounds like an interesting + + personality," said Picard, curiously. + + + + "Had the wrong psych profile for Starfleet. He had + + what some people call 'spontaneous genius;' brief, unexplained, + + unpredictable flashes of brilliance. Jumped to too many + + conclusions, too many times. Even though he was right the + + majority of the time, he was considered too much of a risk + + for Starfleet Sciences. Wouldn't have lasted long, anyway. + + He had no use for authority of any kind," finished Chris. + + + + "I know the type. As much as I'd like to continue + + reminiscing with you, we have a mission to complete. You, + + however, are confined to the civilian areas of the Enterprise + + until Doctor Pulaski or myself tell you otherwise," said + + Picard, in a tone heavy with tension, but with relief evident. + + + + "I see no problem with those orders," replied Gawron. + + + + "Glad to hear it. Dismissed." + + + + Chris exited, followed by Picard. As Chris walked + + toward the Turbolift, Riker turned and said sternly, "Ensign, + + is that uniform regulation?" + + + + Chris stopped and looked down at the sorry state of + + Page 131 + + + what used to be his uniform. His shirt was gone and not much + + was left of his pants. His boots were ripped and scorched. + + "I think it used to be. I wonder if this look will catch on." + + Almost as an after thought, Chris added, "Sorry, sir. I didn't + + have time to change." + + + + "That's alright," said Riker, breaking into a wide + + grin. "I just hope it doesn't catch on. Carry on, Ensign." + + + + The Turbolift doors closed with a soft his behind + + Chris as he sped away from the Bridge. + + + + Picard took over the command chair from Commander + + Riker. + + + + "Status, Number One." + + + + "Still orbiting the planet, Captain. Sensors + + register nothing down there. No city, no lifesigns at all," + + reported Riker. + + + + "Strange. From what I understand of Ensign Gawron's + + story, there was a good-sized village and an extensive series + + of tunnels on the planet, as well as at least one species of + + large water lizard and a carnivorous plant. I can see Q's + + hand in this. I wish he'd stay in the Continuum or do + + something useful, rather than continually bothering us." + + + + Page 132 + + + Riker turned to look at Picard, eyes bright. + + "I know you won't believe this, but after being part of the + + Q for a few hours, I think I understand him. At least a + + little. Being omnipotent there's not much that challenges + + him. Humans do because we are stubborn." + + + + "I agree, Captain," said Counselor Troi. "He sees us + + as both superior and inferior at the same time. He envies us + + our mortality and our ability to love others. Because of the + + Q's immortality and their power, they must always be careful. + + We have no such responsibility." + + + + "Captain, if I may remind you, we have a mission to + + perform," reminded Worf from above. + + + + "Yes, quite right, Lieutenant. Mister Crusher, + + compute and execute a new course to the Vexis Corinhi system." + + + + "Aye, Captain," acknowledged the Ensign. "Course + + computed and laid in." + + + + "Warp 5, engage." + + + + "Warp 5, sir," replied Wes. + + + + "Mister Data, ETA to the Corinhi system." + + + + "Three hours, barring any further interruptions," + + Page 133 + + + answered the android. + + + + "Counselor, how are the crew faring?" asked the + + Captain. + + + + "For a time they were nervous, but now that the + + Enterprise is no longer in immediate danger, they are again + + confident in our ability to succeed," reported the Betazoid. + + + + "I hope so, Deanna. But where Q is involved, we're + + always in immediate danger," said Riker somberly. + + + + "I sincerely hope that you're wrong this time, + + Number One," said Picard grimly. "I don't care about Q's + + assurances. Neither the crew nor the ship can take much + + more." + + + + "I agree, Captain. Mister Data, dig up any + + information you can on the Vexis Corinhi system. We might + + as well know as much as possible about our destination," + + ordered Riker. + + + + "Accessing, Commander." Data cocked his head slightly + + to one side as he searched his internal memory banks for the + + requested information. + + + + "The Vexis Corinhi system contains fourteen planets + + orbiting a G class star. The fourth and fifth planets are + + Page 134 + + + marginally class M. The inner three planets revolve around + + the sun in very tight orbits and are little more than molten + + lava. The sixth through ninth planets are solid, but + + inhospitable by human standards. They are home to perpetual + + geothermal and electrical disturbances. The remaining planets + + are lifeless pieces of rock, barely large enough to be + + classified as planets. At this time, the Klingons have + + peripherally scanned the system but have not explored it or + + established any outposts. In our time period, the fourth + + planet is known as --" Data stopped, unsure of whether to + + continue. + + + + "What is it, Data? What do we call it in our time?" + + demanded Picard. + + + + "In our time period," continued Data, after a + + worried glance at Worf, "the fourth planet is known as + + Khitomer." + + + + Worf looked up, startled. "Khitomer," he said + + under his breath, and more loudly, "My family! Captain, we + + must warn the Klingon high command of the attack on Khitomer." + + + + "You know we can't, Worf. If we were to change + + everything that we think went wrong with history, we may + + not continue to exist. I can sympathize with you, though. + + With our knowledge we could prevent the destruction of the + + original Enterprise and the death of Tasha Yar, but we can't." + + Page 135 + + + Picard turned back to Data, obviously saddened at his + + inability to change things for the better. "Where will we + + most likely find these creatures?" + + + + "If the creatures we are looking for energy to absorb + + as a nutrient, the sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth planets + + would be the logical choice," answered Data. + + + + "Ensign Crusher, when we enter the Corinhi system, + + plot a course for the sixth planet at one-half impulse power." + + "Worf, a want a full sensor sweep of the area. Check + + for any potential surprises," ordered Picard. + + + + As Wesley started his computations, Worf protested, + + "Captain, if Commander Data is correct, we will be unable to + + scan the planets because of the prescence of so much energy. + + I recommend a shuttlecraft survey of each planet." + + + + "Make it so, Lieutenant. When we enter orbit around + + Vexis Corinhi VI, take ten shuttles and perform a routine + + search. Once you find something, return to the Enterprise + + and we'll take it from there," said Picard. + + + + "Aye, sir. I will select ten shuttle crews and make + + the necessary preparations," said the Klingon. As he moved + + to the Turbolift his replacement moved to take his place. + + + + "Good luck, Worf." + + Page 136 + + + + + "Thank you, Commander Riker, but Klingons do not + + believe in luck." + + + + The Turbolift doors closed and he was gone. + + + + + + + Page 137 + + + + + CHAPTER 9 + + Chris entered the gym looking for something to do. + + Looking around, he saw a volleyball game in progress. In + + other areas, people were lifting weights, jogging, and doing + + exercises, but most of the people there were gathered near + + the volleyball court. Many because they were unfamiliar with + + the game, not being native to Earth. Others because their + + friends were playing. Still others stood there because they + + had nothing better to do. Among the crowd, Chris recognized + + many familiar faces. + + + + As he entered, they elbowed their way out of the + + crowd to surround him. They all began talking at once, + + asking him what had happened. + + + + Chris chose not to answer until they had all quieted + + down. J'ff, a Tellarite male, bellowed happily, "I'm glad + + you're back, you rotten space scum." Insults were the way + + Tellarites expressed friendship. + + + + "I'm glad, too, J'ff, you mangy hairball," Chris + + tried feebly. He didn't sound it. + + + + "You should be happy. Chris, you're a hero!" said + + someone from the back of the crowd. + + + + "No, I'm not. I just did what anyone else would have + + Page 138 + + + done in the same situation," he protested. + + + + "Sure, anyone else would have done it, but you're the + + one who actually DID it. You saved the ship and everyone + + owes you a debt of gratitude," J'ff said, trying to convince + + him. + + + + "Captain Picard already thanked me and Doctor Pulaski + + says she respects me for outwitting Q. That's way more than I + + needed or expected." + + + + "Well, we're proud of you, if it means anything," + + snorted J'ff, de facto spokesman for the group. + + + + "That's all I wanted to hear. See, I'm happy now." + + True, Chris' mood had brightened alot since he first entered + + the Rec deck. + + + + Together, they walked over to the volleyball court. + + The game had broken up by now, but several people were + + playfully hitting the ball back and forth over the net. + + Chris and J'ff joined in, the others preferring to watch. + + Soon, ten people were on the court. A game was soon + + organized. Chris' team consisted of himself, J'ff, Sonya + + Gomez from Engineering, the Andorian Theltok, and Mark + + Bentley, a Rec deck attendant. Their opponents were Bill + + and Ted Kelso, the twin maintenance cadets, Ray Smith, a + + civilian student, and Steve Bennett and Larry Howard, + + Page 139 + + + computer technicians. Despite a valiant effort, one which + + left Chris in serious doubt about his decision to play, his + + team lost 19 - 17. The teams shook hands and left the court + + to let others use it. Chris headed off for 10-Forward for + + dinner. + + + + + + + "Mister Data, what is our current ETA?" asked Picard. + + + + "1.75 hours, sir." + + + + "Mister Worf, status." + + + + Worf had returned from making the preparations for + + his shuttle mission. "All ship's systems are functioning at + + normal levels. Sensors detect no ships in our vicinity," + + replied the Klingon. + + + + "I have serious doubts about my perception of normalcy, + + Mister Worf. Keep me informed of any changes," ordered Picard. + + + + On the screen, three ships shimmered into existence + + and solidified. Their green hulls and stylized markings were + + unmistakable. + + + + "Captain, three Klingon battlecruisers have just + + decloaked and are powering up their disruptors and photon + + torpedoes! Point blank range," shouted Worf. + Page 140 + + + + + + "I think we can all see that, Worf," snapped Picard. + + "Red alert. Shields up, Data. Worf, ready phasers and load + + torpedo bays. Wait for my order to fire." + + + + "Shields up, Captain." + + + + On the screen, a sparkling ball of red fire erupted + + from the nose of each battlecruiser and sped toward the + + Enterprise. The ship rocked with each hit. + + + + "Shields holding at 54% efficiency. Minor hull + + damage. Shields rebuilding," reported Data. + + + + "Worf, fire phasers at their engine pods. Disable + + them," ordered Picard.. + + + + Worf hesitated for a moment, then stepped back from + + his station. He stood looking straight ahead. "I cannot, + + sir." + + + + "Lieutenant, I gave you a direct order," said Picard + + dangerously. + + + + "Captain, these are my people. I will not fire on + + them," Worf said defiantly. + + + + On the screen, sizzling disruptor beams lanced out + Page 141 + + + + at the Enterprise. Again the ship shook. "Shields down to + + 14%," reported Data. + + + + "Mister Worf, fire those phasers or get off my Bridge!" + + + + "I am sorry, sir. But I will not fire." + + + + "Mister Worf, you are relieved from duty. Report + + to the brig. I'm sure you know the way." + + + + "Yes, Captain," said Worf sullenly as he left the + + Bridge. Riker jumped over the railing part way up the aft + + ramp and took Worf's position at Tactical. He immediately + + fired tight beam blasts at their attackers. The Klingons' + + engine pods burst open amid the flash of vaporized metal, + + leaving behind the sparking arcs of fused electrical circuits. + + + + "The Klingons have been disabled, sir. I read their + + power levels at 11% nominal. They have only life support + + and limited subspace communications range," reported Data. + + + + "Thank you, Mister Data," said Picard. "Damage + + report." + + + + "Minimal damage to forward saucer decks. Shields at + + 38% and holding. Engineering crews are at work trying to + + increase power to the shields," stated Riker, reading the + + information off of Worf's console. + Page 142 + + + + + + "Open hailing fre--" Picard was cut off as the + + ship rocked as a blinding light emanated from the viewscreen. + + The Enterprise pitched back and forth under the force of the + + colliding debris left from the exploding Klingon ships. + + + + "They must have done that deliberately. In order to + + prevent us from capturing them," thought Riker out loud. + + + + "Perhaps they hoped to destroy us in the process," + + hypothesized Data. "They did succeed in rendering us + + defenseless. Our shields are down." + + + + "You are both correct. I sensed great fear and + + hatred from those three ships. They were afraid of us and + + of what we might do to them should they be captured," spoke + + up Troi. + + + + "The Klingons used anti-Federation propaganda to + + make their people fear and loathe humans. The Federation + + was made out to be a group of bloodthirsty monsters set on + + galactic domination. In addition, they were trained to kill + + themselves, rather than be taken alive," informed Data. + + + + "That's all very well, Data, but we still have a + + mission to perform. I have a feeling that the Federation's + + time is running out, if the information you gave me was + + correct, Number One," said Picard. + Page 143 + + + + + + "It was as correct as anything concerning Q can be, + + sir. But the fact that Q can travel through time makes me + + nervous. He could pop up at any time," worried Riker. + + + + "It's something we'll have to live with, Number One. + + Mister Crusher, resume course and speed to Vexis Corihni VI," + + ordered Picard wearily, tired of having to repeat himself, + + tired of the interruptions, and, most of all, tired of Q. + + + + "Aye, sir. Warp 5 to Vexis Corihni VI," answered + + Wesley. + + + + After an hour and forty-five minutes had passed, + + Wes reported, "Slowing to one-half impulse power." + + + + "Full range sensor sweep initiated," said Ensign + + Ferrar from Tactical. "No sign of anything out of the + + ordinary." + + + + "Commander Data, launch a Class-1 probe to Vexis + + Corihni VI. Full instrumentation. I want as much information + + as is humanly possible to get," said Picard. + + + + "But, Captain, regrettably, I am not hu--" One look + + at Picard silenced the android before he could finish his + + lament: "human." "Probe launched, sir," he reported instead. + + + Page 144 + + + + "Ensign Ferrar, anything registering on your scans?" + + asked Riker. + + + + "Nothing, sir. As far as I can tell, everything is + + as it should be," replied the tall Andorian in the sibilant + + whisper peculiar to his race. + + + + "Mister Crusher, assume a standard orbit. Commander + + Riker, get a survey team together and use a shuttlecraft to + + search the planet for these creatures," said Picard. "Just + + locate them, nothing else." + + + + "Aye, sir. Data, come with me." Tapping his combadge, + + Riker said, "Lieutenants LaForge, Rubino, and Aures, report + + to Shuttlebay 1 for a reconnaisance mission. Riker out." + + + + Riker and Data left the Bridge together, planning the + + mission. As they left, Ensign Harris arrived on the Bridge + + and slid into Data's chair, swinging the control panel into + + position in front of her. After a few seconds, she reported + + to Picard. "Information from the probe, sir: Surface + + temperature sixty degrees Centigrade, wind speed ninety + + kilometers per hour, visibility five feet. The planet is + + just like Earth in it's early history. Numerous volcanic + + eruptions, seas of boiling mud, no lifesigns, immense + + electromagnetic storms." + + + + "Thank you, Ensign," acknowledged Picard. "Maybe + Page 145 + + + + Commander Riker can find some of these non-existent creatures," + + he said to himself thoughtfully. + + + + + + + + In Shuttle Bay 1, Riker's survey team was gathering. + + Data, of course, had come with Riker. Lieutenant LaForge was + + waiting for them when they arrived, followed soon by Rubino + + and Aures. + + + + "I assume you all know what you're here for," stated + + Riker. When no one said anything, he said, "Good, let's get + + started." + + + + As the five officers approached shuttlecraft 3, DaVinci, + + Lieutenant Phyllis Rubino, her black hair brushing the shoulders + + of her science uniform, asked, "Commander, if the sensor readings + + are correct, won't the electrical storms interfere with + + communications?" + + + + Riker looked at Data, signaling him to reply. "Yes, + + Lieutenant, you are partially correct. We will not be able to + + contact the Enterprise, but they will be able to contact us. + + The ship's communications equipment is much more powerful than + + any of our shuttlecrafts'." + + + + "In addition, we'll have to watch out for those volcanoes. + + Molten rock is shot nearly to the outer edge of the atmosphere + Page 146 + + + + and then falls back, superheating in the process," added Jill + + Aures. The geophysicist was short by human standards. She had + + a full head of jet black hair and a slim figure. + + + + "How dangerous are they to the shuttlecraft?" asked + + Riker. + + + + "On the way up, they could blast a hole through the + + hull. On the way down, they're hot enough to melt through + + the exterior plates of the Enterprise like a laser through + + butter. The small ones will only shake us up a bit. I don't + + even want to think about what the large one's could do!" + + answered Geordi worriedly. + + + + "See that we don't find out, Geordi," said Riker. + + "You'll be our pilot, as well as using your VISOR to analyze + + the planet's atmosphere. Data will assist you. Rubino, + + you're our xenobiologist. You'll be in charge of getting as + + much information as possible about these creatures, as well + + as trying to classify them. Aures, this is our big chance + + to study a planet in its infancy. See that we don't miss + + anything important." + + + + With that they boarded the DaVinci, Riker in the lead, + + and completed the pre-flight checks. Riker signaled the Bridge, + + "Shuttle 3 ready for departure." + + + + Picard's voice came back "Acknowledged. Bon voyage, + Page 147 + + + + Number One." + + + + "Thank you, sir. DaVinci out. Okay, Geordi, let's + + go." + + + + "Aye, Commander." LaForge's hands moved over the + + control panel with grace and precision. The shuttle slowly + + slid forward, picking up speed as the doors to Shuttle Bay 3 + + parted and the warning signal sounded. The DaVinci flew out + + of the neck of the Enterprise, between its hulking warp + + nacelles. As the DaVinci passed, their blue light briefly + + illuminated the cockpit, glinting off Geordi's VISOR as they + + dipped down toward the planet's surface. + + + + "Hang on, folks. Things get bumpy from here on in," + + warned Geordi. It proved to be something of an understatement, + + as the shuttlecraft lurched violently from side to side. + + "I'll try to find a more moderate climate," shouted Geordi + + through clenched teeth. + + + + All around them rocks leapt and fell. Sending off + + sparks and trailing by streaks of flame, the were almost as + + bright as the lightning that burst everywhere, arcing across + + the dark sky. + + + + To Geordi, it appeared beautiful. He could see the + + magnetic fields and thermal radiation of everything + + surrounding the shuttle. It took all his effort to take in + Page 148 + + + + the sights around him while fighting to keep the shuttle airborn. + + Finally, after many tense minutes, the buffeting died down to a + + mild rocking. + + + + "Good work, Lieutenant. Everyone alright back here?" + + Riker turned to look at Rubino and Aures. Both were nearly as + + pale as Data, but nodded to indicate that they felt up to the + + task at hand. + + + + Geordi pilotted the shuttle as Data, Rubino, and Aures + + went about their tasks. After awhile, Riker took over the + + controls from LaForge, so that he could join in the analysis. + + + + Suddenly, Rubino looked up. "Commander, I think I've + + got something. Come around to course 103 mark 330." + + + + The shuttle turned as it made the 30 degree dive below + + the horizontal. A flash of lightning pierced the roiling clouds + + around them, allowing them to see the creature for the first time. + + + + "It resembles as Earth sea creature known as a jellyfish. + + Its tentacles absorb energy and channel it to the sac on top + + where it is converted into some form of nutrients," reported + + Rubino. + + + + "I don't know if you can see this, but there's more + + to that thing than just tentacles and a body/bag," cautioned + + LaForge. + Page 149 + + + + + + "What do you see, Geordi?" asked Data. + + + + "It looks like...I don't know exactly what it looks + + like. It keeps changing shape and shifting up and down + + through the entire electromagnetic spectrum. Everything except + + visible light." + + + + The creature drifted towards the DaVinci, as if + + curious about the strange intruder into its world. A + + tentacle snaked out in the direction of the shuttle. As it + + made contact with the DaVinci's outer skin, a brilliant flare + + of lightning struck the port engine nacelle. A blinding + + flash lit up the inside of the shuttle, and the creature + + recoiled and fled in pain. Inside alarms sounded and consoles + + sparked and sputtered. Everyone except Geordi and Data had + + their hands tightly clasped over their eyes, moaning in pain. + + + + "Can anyone see?" Riker managed to gasp, voice weak + + with pain. + + + + "I can, Commander," answered Geordi. "My VISOR + + protected me from the flare." + + + + "What about you, Data?" + + + + "Regrettably, my optic sensors were damaged in much + + the same way as yours. My vision will return eventually, due + Page 150 + + + + to my self-repair functions, sir." + + + + "Geordi, can you get us back to the ship?" + + + + "I'll try, Commander. The port nacelle took quite + + a hit. No guarantees," answered the Chief Engineer, with + + unaccustomed pessimism. The old saying about the blind + + leading the blind crossed his mind, but he didn't speak it. + + + + Slowly, ponderously, the shuttle spun on its + + horizontal axis. It limped in the general direction of space, + + struggling to gain altitude and at the same time avoid the + + omnipresent showers and fountains of molten rock. Just as + + it seemed they were safe, a rock the size of a man's fist + + rocketted upwards, through the port nacelle, sending the + + shuttle into a violent end over end tumble. As Geordi's + + hands moved rapidly over his control board, trying to + + reestablish control of the shuttle, Aures screamed in alarm + + as her station exploded in a shower of sparks and plastic + + shrapnel. Rubino and Riker felt their way over to her. + + Aures was unconscious and Rubino's hands encountered a warm, + + sticky wetness wherever she touched Aures. Still unable to + + see, Riker felt his way down Aures' arm until he found her + + wrist. He desperately felt for a pulse. It was there, though + + barely perceptible. Her breathing was so shallow as to be + + nearly unnoticeable. + + + + "LaForge!" Riker shouted through the acrid smoke that + Page 151 + + + + was rapidly filling the cabin. "Get us back to the ship now! + + Aures is dying!" + + + + "I'm trying, sir, but we only have one functioning + + engine and everything that's not destroyed is barely + + functional." + + + + "Are the shields still up?" asked Data. + + + + "Shields 1, 2, and 4 are at 53%, 3 and 5 are down. + + Shield 6, in the rear, is at 89%. Why?" A look of puzzlement + + settled onto Geordi's face. + + + + "At what distance would an 89% effective deflector + + screen absorb and reflect the force of a small matter/anti- + + matter explosion?" inquired the android. + + + + "That depends on the size of the explosion. If we + + detonate one of our engines..." A look of understanding lit + + up LaForge's face. "Yes, Data! Of course! If we jettison + + our port nacelle and drop it's containment field, we can bounce + + the force of the explosion off our aft deflector and launch + + ourselves out of here. Brilliant!" + + + + Geordi set to work on the necessary calculations and + + then told Data, "If we channel all power to the aft deflector, + + we can survive the nacelle's explosion at a range of 3.738 + + kilometers. If it hits us squarely, that is." + Page 152 + + + + + + "What happens if we're too close or it doesn't hit + + us squarely?" Rubino asked anxiously. + + + + "You remember the story of Icarus?" + + + + "Yes, he flew too close to the sun and his wings of + + wax melted. He --" she broke off dejectedly, face paling. + + + + "He fell to Earth. That's us if this doesn't work," + + finished Geordi. "I've programmed the computer to drop the + + nacelle's containment field at .4 kilometers just in case. + + Before we get started, anyone who doesn't want to do this, I + + suggest you get off now." No one moved or spoke. "Here + + goes. Ejecting port-side engine nacelle." The shuttlecraft's + + tumble shifted slightly as its weight became uneven. Geordi + + channeled all power except minimal life support to the aft + + shield. Aures was strapped into a chair by Riker and Rubino + + before they belted themselves in. Geordi made sure both he + + and Data were buckled in as he read off the nacelle's distance + + from the drifting shuttle. "100 meters, 200 meters, 300 + + meters, 350 meters, 390 meters, brace yourselves! Four hun--" + + His words were knocked out of him by the force of the + + explosion. Everyone was pressed back into their seats as they + + accelerated. The last thing Geordi remembered seeing before + + he passed out was the Enterprise shining in the sky. Then + + darkness closed in. + + + Page 153 + + + + + + + "Captain!" shouted Maggie Harris. "Sensors detect + + something approaching at Warp 1.2. It's Commander Riker's + + shuttle and its heading straight for the lower surface of + + our saucer." + + + + Page 154 + + + + + Chapter 10 + + + "What the hell! They can't go that fast. Their + + shuttle was designed for impulse speeds only," pondered + + Picard. "Ensign Ferrar, lock on tractor beam. Grab them + + before they put a hole in my ship!" + + + + "Tractor beam locked on, sir. The shuttle is + + slowing down," answered Ferrar. "It's being pushed toward + + the outer edge of the saucer." + + + + "Speed down to Warp 1 and decreasing," reported + + Harris. + + + + "They're too close," warned Wesley. + + + + "A few more seconds and they'll be clear of the + + saucer, Captain," said Ferrar. + + + + "I hope so, Ensign. Open hailing frequencies to + + the shuttle," ordered Picard. + + + + "Frequencies open." + + + + "Picard to shuttle. What the hell is going on, + + Commander Riker?" A pause. "Riker, are you there? Will, + + answer me!" No response. + + + Page 155 + + + + "Ensign Harris, life readings on the shuttle." + + + + "I read four humans, one android. The humans are + + all unconscious," she answered. + + + + "Speed and range of the shuttlecraft," asked Picard. + + + + ".05 impulse and closing from 500 meters," answered + + Wesley. + + + + "Sir, the shuttle has passed out of tractor beam range. + + The lower engineering hull is in the way," reported Ferrar + + anxiously. + + + + A slight jarring rang through the hull. A red alert + + sounded as the computer calmly reported "Warning. Hull breach + + on level 14. Loss of atmosphere. Isolating effected areas." + + At one of the rear science stations, a diagram of the Enterprise + + appeared, the damaged areas flashing a brilliant orange. + + + + Picard tapped his combadge. "Damage control and + + repair teams to deck 14. Chief O'Brien, beam all five shuttle + + occupants directly to Sickbay. Doctor Pulaski, prepare for + + incoming wounded." + + + + + + + In Sickbay, five shapes sparkled and materialized + + Page 156 + + + into Riker, Rubino, Data, LaForge, and Aures. Pulaski and + + her staff went to work immediately. + + + + + + "Damage report, Mister Ferrar," said Picard. + + + + "Five compartments were opened to space, as well as + + many bulkheads being damaged. There were no casualties." + + + + "Begin repairs immediately. Picard to Sickbay. + + Doctor Pulaski, what is the condition of the survey team?" + + + + "Everyone is suffering from mild exposure to space. + + Commanders Riker and Data and Lieutenant Rubino are suffering + + from temporary blindness. Lieutenant Aures caught the brunt of + + an exploding console. She seems to have shielded the others + + from the blast. She's lost a lot of blood and is chock full + + of plastic shards, but has a good chance of pulling through." + + + + "May I speak to Data, please, Doctor?" + + + + "Of course, Captain," Pulaski acquiesced. + + + + "Data here, sir. What do you require?" + + + + "Please tell me what happened down there," said + + Picard. + + + + Page 157 + + + Data related their experiences in a condensed form. + + When he had finished, Picard asked, "How long until you'll + + be fully functional?" + + + + "My optical sensors are currently functioning at 38% + + efficiency. I estimate one hour until I can safely return to + + duty." + + + + "While you're waiting, formulate a plan to capture + + one of these creatures with the tractor beam, keeping in mind + + the interference generated by the planet's atmosphere," said + + Picard. + + + + "Yes, sir. Data out." The channel to Sickbay closed. + + + + "Captain, sensors register a large object rising + + towards us from the planet," reported Ferrar. + + + + "Shields up. Ensign Harris, analysis." + + + + "The entity is unscannable, sir. It absorbs any + + sensor beams directed at it. Range ten kilometers and closing," + + she said. + + + + "Ensign Ferrar, lock on with a tractor beam as soon as + + the creature comes into range," ordered Picard. + + + + "Tractor lock established." + + Page 158 + + + + + "Sir, we're being pulled toward the creature and + + power to the tractor beam has increased," reported Wesley. + + + + "It's eating the tractor beam; forcing it to use + + more power," said Picard in wonder. Then, remembering the + + situation, he ordered "Disengage tractor beam." + + + + "Sir, I sense intense curiosity and great longing," + + spoke up Troi. + + + + "It's probably never encountered a starship before, + + and certainly nothing as powerful as the Enterprise," said + + Picard. + + + + "To a creature such as this, we represent a pure food + + source. It must sense our great power and see it as a constant + + supply of nutrients," Troi analyzed. + + + + "No one treats me as lunch if I can help it," stated + + Picard emphatically. "Mister Data, I trust you've been + + monitoring our situation on the Bridge." + + + + "Affirmative, Captain, but I require additional + + information in order to complete my plan." + + + + "You'll certainly get your additional data, + + Commander. I intend to use all our resources against this + + Page 159 + + + thing to ensure we survive this misson. Picard out." + + + + "Power drain on the forward shields," reported Harris. + + "Down eight percent." + + + + "Picard to Engineering." + + + + "Gomez here," came back Lieutenant Sonya Gomez's + + husky voice. + + + + "We have a power drain on the forward shields. An + + alien being is siphoning off our power. Is there anything + + you can do down there to limit the power drain?" + + + + "Nothing I can suggest offhand, other than shutting + + everything down, sir. If there's no power, that creature + + won't have anything to absorb," she answered. + + + + "Captain, if we shut down everything except 10-Forward, + + the creature would be drawn to that," suggested Wesley. + + + + "Your point, Ensign," prompted Picard irritably. + + Annoyed that things were not going as planned. + + + + "If we then brought up shields and hit it with phasers, + + photon torpedos, sensor scans, and the tractor beam maybe we + + could knock it out, or at least keep it from stealing any more + + of our power." + + Page 160 + + + + + "Like when a human overeats," came Gomez's voice from + + the Bridge speaker. + + + + "Make it so," said Picard. + + + + "Aye, Captain. Blocking power feeds to all ship areas + + except 10-Forward," reported Gomez. + + + + The Bridge stations' consoles went dark one by one. + + Finally, the viewscreen faded to black and the Bridge lights + + went out, only to be replaced after a brief delay by the red + + emergency lights. + + + + In Sickbay, Pulaski looked around franticly as Aures' + + life monitors winked out. The hum of the stasis field which + + had been surrounding her open chest cavity faded and disappeared. + + As she was enveloped in near darkness, Pulaski tapped her + + combadge. "Pulaski to Bridge. What's going on up there?" + + + + Picard answered her call and told her what was + + happening. + + + + "I don't care, Captain! I need power down here. Aures + + has massive internal injuries that require immediate attention." + + + + "I sympathize with you, Doctor, but I must weigh the + + safety of the entire ship against the life of one crewman. + + Page 161 + + + Power will be restored momentarily. Bridge out." + + + + 'Damn that man,' she thought to herself, 'I'm just + + trying to do my job.' + + + + While this was happening, the Sickbay staff had been + + scrambling around Aures' diagnostic bed under the direction + + of the Vulcan doctor, Selar. They set up portable stasis + + field generators and were running medical scanners up and down + + the comatose geophysicist. As the stasis field came back up + + the medical scanners began to report life readings. They were + + dangerously low, even nearer death than before. + + + + Pulaski came back to the bed. She didn't like what + + she saw. "Okay, Selar, prepare to operate. We'll need + + to replace her heart and probably her lungs as well. We + + haven't got time to match the replacements to her physiology + + so we'll use full prosthetics." + + + + The Vulcan turned to her with a subdued look of + + alarm. "Doctor, is that wise under these conditions?" + + + + "I don't like these conditions any better than you, + + but we don't have much choice. Aures has the same chances of + + dying, one way or the other. Let's get to work." + + + + + + On the Bridge, things were going according to plan. + + Page 162 + + + Since the viewscreen was unpowered, Wesley had gone down to + + 10-Forward to report the range of the creature. Data, his + + vision nearly returned to normal, was sitting in Riker's + + chair. As none of the Bridge stations worked now, everyone + + was sitting back, tensely listening to Wesley's periodic + + reports. "The creature's just coming into range now." + + + + "Ensign Ferrar, fire phasers, photon torpedos, and + + lock on with a tractor beam. Ensign Harris, full sensor + + scan of the creature. Raise shields." + + + + As Picard finished speaking, blue power lanced out + + from the Enterprise as the phasers hit and a tractor lock + + was established. The whoosh of photon torpedos leaving their + + tubes could be heard on the Bridge. When Ferrar had fired + + all available torpedos, he restored power to the viewscreen + + so that the Bridge crew could see what was transpiring. + + White light washed over the faces of the Bridge crew as the + + photon torpedos detonated, causing them to look ghostly in the + + subdued light. + + + + After several additional phaser beam followed the + + initial volley, the creature began to expand. It's glow + + increased to a painful incandescence, accompanied by a high + + pitched whining that forced itself over the Bridge speakers. + + + + "Shut that off, Ensign!" shouted Picard as the entire + + Bridge crew, excluding Data, covered their ears. + + Page 163 + + + + + "I can't, sir. This isn't coming over subspace + + radio or any intraship channels. This is a real-time + + transmission from the alien." + + + + On the screen, the alien had stopped expanding and + + its tentacles were slowly being drawn against its underside. + + It was no longer moving, just drifting under its former + + momentum. + + + + "Troi, can you sense anything from it? Is it dead?" + + asked Picard. + + + + "No, not dead. It appears to have gone into + + hibernation. It will remain in this state until threatened + + or it burns off all the energy it has just consumed," she + + replied. + + + + "Picard to Engineering. Who's in charge down there?" + + + + "Scott here, Captain. How did yer plan work?" came + + back the heavily accented voice. + + + + "All went as planned. You can return power to the + + rest of the ship," replied Picard. "And Scotty, I'm glad + + you're our Chief Engineer. Otherwise, we might not have made + + it." + + + + Page 164 + + + "Och, 'twas nothing, sir. Just doin' me job. Scott + + out." + + + + The channel to Engineering closed. + + + + + + + + + + + + + Page 165 + + + + + Chapter 11 + + + The cubic ship floated through space, slowly + + rotating. The damage had been repaired and the light + + at its center pulsed blue-green. Having no other purpose, + + it had continued on its course even after the inferior + + ship had vanished. Trying to catch it, perhaps. Even + + the cubic ships occupants didn't know for sure. Connected + + together via subspace net as they were, they were presently + + trying to figure out how a ship of inferior design crewed + + by an inferior species could suddenly exceed all measure + + of velocities. It had certainly gone faster than its + + engines were designed for. + + + + The current thread of contemplation across the + + subspace net was why the ship had allowed itself to be + + damaged, almost destroyed before escaping. Was it to + + analyze the cubic ships capabilities, or was this species so + + superior that they can afford to play games with their lives. + + + + "Energy reading on course 115.54,320.41," echoed + + across the interior of the ship. After a due nanosecond of + + consideration, the ship changed course. + + + + "Reading similar to last scan of Enterprise Warp + + envelope," came the eerie mechanical voice. + + + + As a red, gridlike forcefield surrounded the cube, + Page 166 + + + + a face appeared on the screen. "I can take you to the + + Federation starship Enterprise," said the face without + + preamble. "I was responsible for bringing them here in + + the first place. Allow me to help you and I'll take you + + to a place where there are many lifeforms you can convert + + as well as technology you can absorb." + + + + "Identify yourself," they echoed in unison, after + + probing the forcefield for weakness and finding none. Even + + they could not escape. + + + + "I am from the Q Continuum. To me, you are + + insignificant. You cannot escape. Follow me or be + + destroyed." + + + + Never having been faced with their destruction + + before, the semi-organic beings on the cube echoed back + + "We accept your offer, you of the Q Continuum." + + + + "Not you, Q. Oh well, never mind. Prepare for + + time travel." Q was gone, followed moments later by the + + disappearance of the cube. + + + + The Borg were again hunting the Enterprise. + + + + + + + + "Geordi, are you alright?" + Page 167 + + + + + + At the sound of the strange, but familiar voice + + Geordi opened his eyes. Still unable to see, he felt to + + both sides of himself for his VISOR. + + + + "Here," said the voice again and Geordi could feel + + someone press the VISOR into his left hand. He put it on + + and immediately wished he hadn't. His head began to throb + + even more painfully than it had been for the past several + + seconds since waking. After a great deal of concentration + + to tune out most of the extraneous information he turned to + + who he assumed was a doctor. + + + + "Where am I and who are you?" he questioned shakily. + + + + "You're in Sickbay on the Enterprise, Lieutenant. + + I'm not surprised you're having trouble remembering. The way + + I hear it, you had a nasty fall out of a Jeffries tube. + + Something about an explosion in Engineering..." broke off the + + gruff voice as someone else, also familiar entered Sickbay. + + + + "How is he, Bones? When will I get my Chief Engineer + + back?" asked the newcomer. + + + + "How the hell should I know? I'm a Doctor, not a + + prophet! Lietenant LaForge here took a nasty fall and hit + + his head. He's having difficulty remembering." Then, + + looking thoughtful for a moment and examining the readouts + Page 168 + + + + on the diagnostic panel on the wall, "I'd say about 24 hours. + + IF he can get some rest. You know. No performing minor + + miracles for a day, doctor's orders." + + + + "Good enough, Doctor." And to Geordi, "I'll check + + in on you later, okay Geordi?" + + + + "Fine. Maybe I'll remember something by then," + + LaForge said as he lay back on the diagnostic bed and closed + + his eyes. + + + + Both Kirk and McCoy left him to rest and entered McCoy's + + office. + + + + As the door closed behind them, Kirk asked anxiously, + + "What's really wrong with him, Bones? A little fall like that + + shouldn't have put him in Sickbay." + + + + "I don't know, Jim. This just doesn't feel right. + + I mean, ever since the two of us and Spock beamed aboard that + + other ship, something has just been out of synch," answered + + McCoy, taking a seat behind his desk. He leaned back tiredly. + + + + "What do you mean: 'that other ship?' We haven't + + been on another ship for at least two months. I think you + + need a break, Bones. You've been working too hard," said + + Kirk with concern. + + + Page 169 + + + + "Touche, Jim? That sounds awfully like what I tell + + you all the time. But I can't believe you don't remember + + the Houdini. Your physical yesterday showed no mental + + abberations, other than a death wish," McCoy responded + + sarcastically. "Are you sure you don't remember the Houdini?" + + + + "Positive, Bones. Maybe you should talk to Spock, + + see what he has to say." + + + + "Thanks, Jim, I'll do that," said McCoy as Kirk got + + up to leave. He called Spock on the Bridge, but he knew + + nothing of any Houdini except for 'a minor conjuror of little + + note from Earth's early 20th century.' + + + + McCoy began to doubt his own sanity when both the + + computer and Captain's Logs showed nothing of the Houdini. + + In fact, all they listed were routine patrol missions along + + the Federation-Klingon border. + + + + McCoy poured himself a large glass of Saurian + + brandy and vowed to find out what was going on. + + + + + + + "Captain, who was that?" Data had turned in his chair + + to stare inquiringly at Picard. + + + + "That was Chief Engineer Scott, Commander. Who did + + Page 170 + + + you think it was," answered the Captain. + + + + Data considered for a moment, his gaze seeming to turn + + inward as he searched his internal memory banks. "I know of + + no one calling themselves Scott who is also a Chief Engineer + + currently serving in Starfleet. I thought that Geordi + + LaForge would be in Engineering, as he has always been." + + + + "Who?" asked Riker, entering the Bridge from the + + Turbolift. "Computer...search records for any mention of a + + 'Geordi LaForge' serving on this ship at any time." + + + + The computer beeped in acknowledgement and after a + + few seconds, its female voice answered: "No record of any + + person by the name of 'Geordi LaForge' known to have served + + on the Enterprise at any time." + + + + "Check for any reference to a 'Geordi LaForge' + + anywhere in the Enterprise memory banks," ordered Picard. + + + + Another pause, longer this time, as the computer + + sifted through every piece of information in its possession, + + working backwards from the most recent records. "There is + + record of someone named 'Geordi LaForge.' He served aboard + + the original Enterprise, NCC-1701, from stardate 1510.3 to + + stardate 8130.3 when it was destroyed. He is listed as the + + ship's Chief Engineer." + + + + Page 171 + + + "Thank you, Computer," acknowledged Picard. "There, + + you see Mister Data, I think that the stress of this situation + + has been too much for you. Some of your positronic pathways + + may have been fused together so that you're confusing events + + from this time with events from our time." + + + + "Impossible, sir. My brain is protected from surges + + of the magnitude required to cause the damage you suggest," + + responded the android calmly. + + + + "Still, at least report to Sickbay and have Doctor + + Pulaski examine you," said Riker. + + + + "Aye, sir, but may I first stop in to see Worf in + + the Brig?" inquired Data. + + + + "Of course, Data. Just be sure you have yourself + + checked out," said Picard. + + + + As Data left the Bridge, everyone left exchanged + + worried glances. To think that someone with such strength, + + such knowledge, had for all intents and purposes lost their + + mind...The fact that Data was a construct made it no easier + + to accept. + + + + + + + As Data entered the Brig, he noticed that the force + + field covering the doorway to Worf's cell was not in place. + Page 172 + + + + Yet Worf still sat in the cell. He looked up upon Data's + + entrance. + + + + "What happened, sir?" he grumbled. + + + + "We have captured one of the creatures, mostly + + through the good work of Chief Engineer Scott. The Captain + + is preparing to return to our own time with it," replied Data. + + + + "Who did you say? What happened to Geordi?" asked + + Worf. Data could see his curiosity straining alongside his + + concern for his friend. + + + + "You mean you never heard of anyone named 'Scott' + + serving aboard the Enterprise, either. The Captain says + + that no one named Geordi LaForge has ever served on this + + ship." + + + + "We must DO something. Geordi may be in danger. + + What does the computer say about Geordi?" queried the Klingon. + + + + "Computer records show a Geordi LaForge serving aboard + + the original Enterprise in this time period. It is my belief + + that Q somehow caused Geordi and Scott to change places, + + modifying all computer records and people's memories. I was + + not affected for some reason. You were not either. Perhaps + + it was Q's disdain for your race, or some peculiar physiological + + trait of the Klingons." + Page 173 + + + + + + "It does not matter 'why.' What we must do is + + recover Geordi and return Scott to his proper place," + + rumbled the warrior. + + + + "Do you have any plans for doing this, Lieutenant?" + + asked the android. + + + + "If we separated the Stardrive section and followed + + the other Enterprise, the saucer would have to follow us. + + Perhaps, when everyone is back in their proper place, every + + thing will return to normal," said Worf. + + + + "An interesting theory, but how could we get everyone + + except Scott out of the Stardrive section long enough for us + + to separate?" + + + + "Leave that to me," said the Klingon, coming as close + + to smiling as he ever had. "You secure the Battle Bridge. + + I will signal you when I am ready to separate the saucer." + + + + "Agreed." Worf and Data walked side-by-side to the + + Brig doors and then parted company, each going their own way. + + + + + + Data had gone to Sickbay, per the Captain's orders, + + but Pulaski had been unable to find anything physically + + wrong with the android. She reported her findings, such as + Page 174 + + + + they were to the Captain. Data had been on his way to the + + Battle Bridge on Deck 8 when Picard paged him. + + + + "You are hereby removed from duty until some solution + + to your problem presents itself" was all Picard had said. + + Data wondered if whoever or whatever had changed everyone's + + memories hadn't also put everyone's personalities ever so + + slightly off-kilter as well. + + + + By now, Data had entered the Battle Bridge and set + + about all possible preperations for saucer separation that + + wouldn't be readily detected on the Main Bridge. All he + + had to do now was sit back and wait for Worf's signal. Data + + sat in the command chair, with a slightly less than straight + + posture, his form of physical relaxation. + + + + + + + Fortunately for Worf, it was near the middle of the + + night shift when he entered Engineering. He waited until + + there was no one in sight, then he stealthily crept over to + + the main engineering console. He punched in his special + + security codes in order to gain access to the collection + + of disaster simulations that were normally used to train + + his security force on the Holodeck. + + + + "Computer, run program 'Security8Alpha'," he whispered, + + just loud enough for the computer's audio pickup to hear. + + Page 175 + + + + + "Proper clearance provided. Running program + + 'Security8Alpha'," responded the computer, much too loudly + + for Worf's liking. + + + + + + + On the Bridge, Wesley turned anxiously to Picard + + as the Red Alert klaxons went off yet again. "Captain, the + + magnetic containment fields around the ship's matter/anti- + + matter core have begun to dissipate. Approximately 45 seconds + + until uncontrolled matter/anti-matter collision." + + + + "Thank you, Ensign. Picard to Engineering, is there + + any chance of you getting the problem under control?" + + + + "Scott here, Cap'n. There IS no problem...well, + + at least no' a one I kin find, sir. I recommend entering + + Warp and separating the saucer. That way, if she does blow, + + most o' ye'll not be in any danger," reported the Chief + + Engineer. + + + + "Prepare for emergency saucer separation. All hands + + to emergency stations," ordered Picard. "Ensign, how long?" + + + + "Twenty seconds, Captain." + + + + "Warp 8, Ensign. Any heading. Engage!" shouted + + Picard. + Page 176 + + + + + + Wesley hurriedly punched in a course that would take + + the Enterprise into deep space, away from any possibly + + inhabited planets. + + + + "Moving to course 90 mark 136. Speed currently Warp + + 4 and increasing. Fifteen seconds to detonation," said the + + Ensign, somehow finding enough self-control to remain calm. + + + + "Seperate saucer...NOW!" ordered Picard. + + + + On the Bridge viewscreen, the saucer appeared to lift + + up and away as the larger, faster Stardrive section shot out + + from under them. Wesley counted down the time to detonation. + + + + "12 seconds...10...9...8...7...6...5 seconds...4...3 + + ...2...1...detonation!" + + + + Everyone present covered their eyes in preparation + + for the blinding flash they knew would soon follow. It never + + did. + + + + "Captain, I don't understand," began Troi. + + + + "The Stardrive section never was in any danger, + + fools." + + + + "Q, what do you have to do with this," asked Picard, + Page 177 + + + + rather more loudly than he would have liked. + + + + "Tut, tut, Jean-Luc. I had nothing to do with the + + false alarm on the Stardrive section. You owe that to + + Microbrain and the Incredible Toaster Man." The voice + + came out of nowhere, Q not deigning himself to become solid. + + + + "Worf and Data? Impossible," said Picard. + + "Computer, location of Lieutenant Worf and Commander Data." + + + + "Lieutenant Worf and Commander Data are not on the + + saucer at this time. Last known positions were in Main + + Engineering and the Battle Bridge, respectively," answered + + the feminine voice. + + + + "You see, Jean-Luc. If I was one to say 'I told you + + so'," he trailed off. + + + + "But you are, Q," muttered Riker, irritated with the + + whole situation. + + + + "Quite right, William. Quite right. So I'll say it. + + I told you so. There much, much better," said Q smugly. + + + + "Get out of here, Q. Unless you're going to help us." + + + + "An ultimatum, Picard. So unbecoming. I'm not going + + to help you. Not yet, anyway. There's nothing in it for me. + Page 178 + + + + Bye now." + + + + Since Q was not visible, there was no indication that + + he had left, other than a slight whoosh of air and the sound + + like someone snapping there fingers. + + + + "Ensign," said Picard. "Trail the saucer at maximum + + impulse power. I want to know what's going on." + + + + "But we'll never catch them," protested Wesley. + + + + "Just do it, Ensign!" Picard glowered at the boy. + + + + Meekly, Wesley obeyed. + + + + + + + Worf entered the Battle Bridge, carrying an unconscious + + Montgomery Scott over his shoulder. Data looked up as he + + entered. + + + + "Were you successful, Lieutenant?" asked the android. + + + + "Yes. People began evacuating the Stardrive section + + as soon as I implemented my simulation. Only Scott and a few + + others were present. Everyone except us has been rendered + + unconscious by my phaser set on stun." + + + + Page 179 + + + "Good. I have laid in a course that will parallel + + that of the original Enterprise's back to Earth. We should + + catch up with them within the next forty-eight hours." + + + + + + + On the saucer section, Pulaski was furious. It seemed + + that whenever she really needed the ship to hold steady so + + that she could work on a patient, was the time that the Bridge + + Crew decided to run the ship as rough as possible. The power + + drain, momentary though it was, when the ship separated, + + almost proved deadly to Aures. The operation had been at a + + critical stage when the ship separated and Pulaski had almost + + lost her. She wasted no time bringing this to the attention + + of the Bridge Crew. Picard said, however, that if Aures was + + still alive to stop worrying about it and get back to work. + + This only made Pulaski madder. + + + + She was now in the process of removing the stasis + + field from Aures' body. Most bodily functions had returned + + to normal, the only major problem being the heart, which + + beat almost tentatively in her chest. Pulaski's prognosis + + was that she'd almost fully recover, if she ever regained + + consciousness. + + + + "Selar," she said, removing the last stasis field. + + "Watch her. I'm going up to the Bridge to find out exactly + + what's going on. I'll be back shortly." + + + Page 180 + + + + "Of course, Doctor," the Vulcan said to Pulaski's + + back as the physician left Sickbay. 'Humans,' Selar thought + + to herself. 'Sometimes I don't understand their desire to + + become involved in thing they can't change.' The Vulcan + + continued on about her work, occasionally glancing up at + + Aures' readouts. + + + + + + + "Alright, Captain," said Pulaski, stepping out of + + the Turbolift onto the Bridge. "What's so important that + + you feel you must constantly endanger the safety of my + + patients?" + + + + It had taken her only a few seconds to realize that + + Picard was not at his customary place in the center of the + + Bridge activity, but that didn't stop her from asking the + + question. + + + + "He's in the Ready Room. He doesn't want to be + + disturbed," answered Riker, turning in his seat to face her. + + + + "Well, that's too damn bad, because I'm going to + + disturb him," Pulaski said resolutely as she headed for the + + Ready Room door. + + + + The door chimed, but Picard just ignored it. It + + chimed a few more times, but he didn't look up, concentrating + + Page 181 + + + on the information on his desk computer terminal. + + + + Finally, exasperated, Pulaski told the computer: + + "Emergency medical overide. Authorization: Pulaski-Alpha." + + The door slid open immediately. + + + + "What the hell--," Picard started, but Pulaski cut + + him off. + + + + "Captain, what is going on up here? I've got a lot + + of injured people in Sickbay, three of them critical. Why + + do you keep knocking the ship around, cutting power to + + Sickbay, and otherwise trying to kill us?" + + + + "Please, Doctor. This doesn't concern you," he + + answered. + + + + "Yes it does! I'm the one who has to put everyone + + back together again," Pulaski said. + + + + "Very well. Data and Worf are missing. They took + + control of the Stardrive section after simulating a Warp + + core breech. They took Scotty with them." + + + + "Who?" Pulaski asked. + + + + "Not you, too, Doctor," said Picard resignedly. + + + + Page 182 + + + "Data told me that he didn't know this Scotty, either. + + At the time, it seemed that he was wrong. Now, though, I have + + no memory at all of this Scotty. What happened to Geordi?" + + + + "I don't know what you're talking about, Doctor. + + Data was ranting about this Geordi, also. Give yourself a + + psych exam. Compare your brainwave profile now with the one + + on record. Let's see if we can't get to the bottom of this." + + Picard turned back to his terminal screen, signaling that + + this meeting was at an end. + + + + Pulaski left, her mood hardly having improved since + + finding out the reason for the problems in Sickbay. + + + + + + + On the rotating viewscreen, a white ship was just + + becoming visible. It was traveling at Warp 1. Slowly, its + + image increased in size. + + + + "Analysis of structure and registry indicate that + + this is the Enterprise," the mechanical voice echoed. + + + + "Error! This ship is extremely primitive compared + + to the Enterprise," another voice echoed back. + + + + "Confirm that this is the Enterprise," echoed yet + + another voice. + + + Page 183 + + + + "Initiating individual Borg sub-processes," echoed + + the first voice. + + + + Slowly, the Borg stepped from their cubicles, full + + powered, with only one thought on their group mind. The + + capture of the Enterprise. + + Page 184 + + + + CHAPTER 12 + + + + "How long until we rendezvous with the Enterprise?" + + rumbled Worf, from the chair beside Data. + + + + Data turned to him, looking away from the viewscreen + + for the first time in what Worf judged to be hours. "I + + estimate, assuming they remained on their last known course + + and speed, that we will overtake them in 1.342 hours." Data + + turned back to the screen, assuming their conversation over. + + + + Worf merely grunted, thinking how easy it would be to + + just draw his phaser and incapacitate the android. The way + + would then be open to warn the Klingon Council of the attack + + on Khitomer. To do so would, of course, impugn his honor as + + a warrior, but Worf felt it would nearly be worth it. Instead + + of drawing his phaser, Worf turned back to Data and asked, + + "Is there any sign of the Saucer Section?" + + + + Data turned again from the Ops console and said, + + "They began to pursue us as soon as they realized out + + deception. Their progress is hampered by the fact that they + + are towing the energy creature behind them. We will have + + sufficient time to rescue Geordi before they can catch up." + + + + Worf decided, rather than prolong the conversation, + + to busy himself analyzing the warp engine traces left by the + + Enterprise. It was these miniscule bits of matter/antimatter + Page 185 + + + + and microscopic dilithium shards that allowed them to be + + reasonably certain of the Enterprise's path. As long as these + + short-lived clues were present, their lifetime measured in + + hours, they knew they were on the right track. + + + + In the corner Scott, who had been feigning + + unconsciousness for the last several minutes, began to stir. + + He knew that his chances against an android and a Klingon + + were slim at best. But if he could only activate a + + communications beam without their knowledge... + + + + Slowly, Scott moved toward the communications panel. + + He took care not to make any sound whatsoever which might + + alert the android's sensitive hearing. As he was about to + + press the Emergency Beacon control/cell on the comm board, + + Data turned around. + + + + "Ah, I am glad to see that you are awake, Engineer. + + You will be glad to know that you are being returned to your + + rightful place on the correct Enterprise." + + + + "Ah'll be wontin' none o' that. My rightful place + + is servin' Cap'n Picard. I don' know if he approves o' this, + + but I'll wager he doesn't. Now turn this ship around or I'll + + alert every vessel wi' in range and ye'll probably be kicked + + out o' Starfleet," said Scotty bravely. He was trying to + + bluff the android, as he knew Riker could from their many + + poker/drinking sessions. + Page 186 + + + + + + "You have no hold over us," said Worf, drawing his + + phaser and advancing on Scott. He made sure that the + + Engineer saw him raise the setting on his phaser from light + + stun, up through heavy stun, and finally to kill. Knowing + + that such a situation was possible, but not expecting it, + + Worf had nonetheless activate the Bridge safeguards that + + would not allow a phaser blast greater than heavy stun. He + + hoped that Scott did not know this. + + + + Scott slowly backed away, toward the Turbolift. + + "Worf, me friend. What d'you mean, holdin' me at phaser + + point? Wha' have I done to deserve treatment like this from + + me two closest friends in th' universe?" + + + + By this time, Scotty was on the threshold of the + + Turbolift. He dove inside before the doors had completely + + opened and shouted "Emergency close!" The doors obediently + + snapped shut. "Main Engineering, please, and hurry!" + + + + "All Turbolifts move at a constant speed" was all + + the Turbolift said by way of reply as it started its journey + + through the great starship. + + + + + + + Back on the Battle Bridge, Worf was trying to open + + the doors to the Turbolift shift, without much success. Data + + Page 187 + + + motioned him out of the way and easily slid the doors apart. + + Worf rushed forward, expecting a Turbolift car to be waiting. + + + + "Worf!" Data exclaimed as he grabbed the Klingons thick + + gold sash, the only thing keeping Worf from plunging to the + + bottom of the Turbolift shaft, some thirty decks below. + + + + After being returned to solid ground, Worf turned + + thankfully to Data and started to thank him before he realized + + that neither he nor the android expected or required such + + sentiments. Instead, Worf went to the far wall of the Bridge, + + saying as he went, "He has shut down all Turbolift activity. + + We must climb down to Main Engineering. He will soon + + activate the self-destruct mechanism." + + + + As Worf opened a recessed hatch revealing a narrow + + ladder, Data asked "How do you know he will activate the self- + + destruct mechanism?" + + + + "Because, it is what I would do in a similar situation." + + + + Worf started down the ladder, followed by Data. + + Unbeknownst to either of them, the security console had + + begun to register three lifesigns and one android aboard. + + Seconds later, another reading appeared, then another. Soon, + + there were close to twenty lifeforms present aboard the + + Enterprise. They were all moving to join the one life-reading + + located in Main Engineering. + + Page 188 + + + + + + + + "Captain, sensors are picking up a ship approaching + + from behind us. Their readings are like nothing I've seen + + before." Spock's face was bathed in the blue/green light + + from the Science Station viewer. + + + + "Isn't that what you said about the Houdini, Spock?" + + asked McCoy. + + + + Spock gave McCoy a puzzled look. "Doctor, if you + + persist in these childish delusions about a mystery ship + + which no one, including the computer, can remember, you will + + be declared unfit for duty." + + + + "That's enough, you two. If Bones thinks he saw a + + ship, then he saw a ship." Kirk tried to ease the tension + + on the Bridge. "Mister Sulu, slow to Impulse power. Uhura, + + hail that ship on all frequencies." + + + + McCoy looked hard at Kirk. "Don't patronize me, Jim. + + I know what I saw." Kirk didn't hear McCoy storm off the Bridge. + + He was too engrossed in the image on the viewscreen. A gigantic + + ship, cubic in shape, slowly rotated as it followed them. + + Its surface was covered with a lattice work of pipes and + + conduits. + + + + "No response to our hails, Captain," reported Uhura. + Page 189 + + + + She turned back to her console, in order to keep trying, when + + a face appeared on the viewscreen. It had a pale-white, + + deathly pallor to it. The visible part of it, that is, + + because most of it was covered be glossy black implants and + + wiring. One eye was gone, replaced by a camera-like appliance. + + What could be seen of the body looked to be covered by coal- + + black battle armor. + + + + The face spoke, and yet didn't speak. The 'voice' + + seemed to be coming from all points on the alien ship. + + + + "Federation Starship Enterprise, prepare to be + + boarded. All technology and personnel will be absorbed into + + the Borg." + + + + "Who, or what, are the Borg?" asked Kirk. + + + + "We are the Borg." + + + + "Fascinating. A race of techno/biological beings." + + Spock had turned from his Science Station to stand next to + + Kirk. The faint whirring of the automatic sensors could be + + heard from deep within it. + + + + "Where do you come from? What do you want?" Kirk + + hoped he could stall long enough to come up with a plan. + + + + "Many of your years ago, we evolved at the outer + Page 190 + + + + edge of this galaxy. We were created. Our creators were + + absorbed and we continue to absorb and evolve. During + + a great catastrophe, many of the Borg were destroyed. + + Those remaining were left without purpose...Until the coming + + of Khan." + + + + Kirk was nearly speechless. He managed to croak out + + "Khan? As in Khan Noonian Singh?" + + + + "The Khan came to us badly damaged. He told us of + + the Genesis device and of how it joined him with Reliant. + + They are both of the Borg now. They have become one with + + us as you shall. The past is irrelevant, damage is irrelevant, + + you are irrelevant. Prepare to be assimilated." + + + + + The screen went dark and there was a noticeable THUNK + + as the Borg tractor beam locked on. + + + + "Borg tractor beam locking on," reported Chekov. + + + + "Mister Sulu, get us out of here, Emergency Warp!" + + shouted Kirk. + + + + Spock, who had gone back to his console, was soon + + joined by Kirk. + + + + "Spock, have you got anything?" + + Page 191 + + + + + "I believe so, Captain. The Borg ship seems to be + + sending out a signal. It appears to be a combination of + + Khan's brainwaves and the U.S.S. Reliant's signaling beacon." + + + + "But, Spock, Khan's on Ceti Alpha V and the Reliant's + + only been out of drydock for a month," said Kirk. If he had + + heard this from anyone else, he wouldn't believe it, but coming + + from Spock, he had no choice. + + + + "Engineering to Bridge." + + + + "Bridge here," answered Kirk. "Go ahead, Geordi." + + + + "What's going on up there? I read shield power at + + 17% and Warp power at 12%." LaForge's voice, still a little + + shaky from his ordeal, held a note of both curiosity and fear. + + + + "A race called the Borg have locked a tractor beam + + on us and are draining our power," answered Kirk. After he + + got no response from below, he said, "Geordi, are you there? + + Geordi?" + + + + No response. Kirk just assumed that Geordi had + + rushed away to get more power for the engines and shields. + + + + + + + In Engineering, Geordi had blacked out as soon as + Page 192 + + + + Kirk mentioned the Borg. He was only now regaining his + + senses as the channel to the Bridge closed. + + + + Geordi looked around at the unfamiliar setting. He + + had seen engine rooms like this in his Academy classes, but + + had never really been in the Engineering Section of a + + Constitution Class Heavy Cruiser before. He took it all + + in, his mind racing with the nostalgia, the sense of history. + + + + "Chief, what's wrong?" asked Ensign Sumners, new to + + Engineering himself, he had never seen anyone react to a + + comm conversation the way LaForge was. + + + + "Oh, uh, nothing. Nothing. I'll, uh, be right + + back." Geordi headed for the nearest Turbolift at a run. + + He had to try to at least stall the Borg until the Enterprise, + + HIS Enterprise, got here. He had no idea where he should even + + start. + + + + + + + "Shields are down. Warp drive is inoperable. Jim, + + we are powerless," reported Spock from the rear of the Bridge. + + + + "Well, I guess we'll have to fight then. Chekov, arm + + all phasers and load torpedo bays. Sulu, bring us about. + + Uhura, contact Starfleet. We need reinforcments!" Kirk felt + + the adrenaline rushing through his system, heightening his + + Page 193 + + + perceptions. + + + + "Captain, communications are jammed. Unable to send + + distress call," reported Uhura from her console. + + + + "Phasers armed, torpedoes loaded," said Chekov from + + the Weapons/Defense Station. The red alert klaxons and tracer + + lights had started as soon as the computer noted the weapons' + + activation. + + + + "Direct heading for Borg ship. They are still closing," + + informed Sulu. + + + + "Chekov, fire when they are within 10 kilometers. + + Sulu, be prepared to get us out of here, maximum possible + + speed," ordered Kirk. + + + + Sulu and Chekov exchanged worried glances. Ten + + kilometers did not leave much room for error, on either + + of their parts. "Aye, sir," they answered in unison. + + + + His back turned, leaning over his science viewer, + + Spock read off the distance between the Enterprise and the + + Borg. "10,000 kilometers, 8,500 kilometers, 5,000 kilo- + + meters, 1,000 kilometers...100 kilometers, 75 kilometers..." + + + + Everyone on the Bridge watched as the Borg got + + closer and closer. Kirk hoped that his plan of playing + + Page 194 + + + possum would work. Everyone else hoped he was right. + + + + "25 kilometers, 20 kilometers, 15 kilometers, + + 12 kilometers. Borg tractor beams and weaponry powering up, + + 10 kilometers. Borg tractor beam locking on." The ship + + trembled as the tractor beam latched on directly to the hull, + + no shields intervening this time. + + + + The Borg cutting beam, fully energized, began slicing + + a swathe of destruction across the wide saucer of the Enterprise, + + just above her registry numbers. + + + + "Chekov, Sulu, what are you waiting for? Fire, get + + us out of here!" shouted Kirk. + + + Chekov looked worried. "Sir, I vas about to fire, + + when control vas diwerted to somevhere else on the ship. + + The veapons cannot be fired from the Bridge." + + + + Sulu spoke up, "Same here, Captain. The course and + + speed were laid in and then nothing." + + + + The ship shook again and damage reports started coming + + in from all areas of the ship, especially the saucer. The + + Bridge lights flickered and went dark, as did the viewscreen. + + + + A Borg soldier appeared on the Bridge and started + + advancing toward Kirk, followed by another, and another. + + Soon, the entire Bridge crew was being advanced upon by a + Page 195 + + + + small army of Borg. Then, they stopped. + + + + "We are under attack. Return to Borg ship." + + They all seemed to echo it and at the same time none of + + them made a sound. They vanished in that swirling pattern + + peculiar to the Borg transporters. + + + + The viewscreen had come back to life, albeit dimly, + + as had the Bridge lighting. On the screen, they saw a strange + + looking ship attacking the Borg. Then they saw their own + + phasers and photon torpedoes firing. The other ship, closely + + resembling a duck, wove a complex, seemingly random, pattern + + around the Borg, firing as it went. Both the Borg tractor + + beam and cutting beam lanced out, but to no effect. The new + + ship just was not where the Borg had aimed, no matter how fast + + they retargeted the beams. + + + + Kirk and the rest of the Bridge crew just stood and + + watched the fight, powerless to do anything. Just as it + + appeared the Borg were finished, the blue/green glow at their + + center pulsing feebly, two things happened in close succession. + + First, the new ship stopped moving and firing and hung dead in + + space. This proved insignificant compared to what happened + + next. The Borg ship split in two pieces, both smaller than + + the original, but no less deadly. + + + + As Kirk watched in horror, the Borg ship closest to + + the new ship oozed completely around it, absorbing it and its + Page 196 + + + + crew. Then both Borg ships advanced on the Enterprise. + + + + + + + On the Battle Bridge of the Stardrive Section, + + Data was instructing the computer as to how and where to + + fly the ship, while he, Worf, and Scotty, stood with their + + backs to each other, surrounded by an ever growing number + + of Borg. Each of the Enterprise crewmen had a phaser in + + each hand, held at the ready. As the Borg advanced, Scotty + + began firing wildly, while Data and Worf each fired controlled, + + accurate bursts into the advancing wall. + + + + "Lieutenant Commander Scott, you must be careful + + what you shoot. You may hit something..." Worf paused + + wearily as a console exploded in flames. "...important," + + he finished. + + + + "Och, sorry," the Scotsman replied sheepishly. + + He turned to fire at another advancing Borg, but it was too + + late. The Borg were upon them. They were dragged over to + + an Engineering monitor that had been hooked up to the Bridge + + viewscreen. + + + + The view was of the Borg ship, tractor beam firmly + + holding the gleaming white hull of the Enterprise. As Data + + watched in fascination, and Worf and Scott in fear, the Borg + + ship split into two roughly equal sections, the nearer of the + + Page 197 + + + two advancing on the Enterprise. It opened up, like a great, + + ragged maw, Borg soldiers in their cubicles clearly visible, + + and engulfed the Stardrive Section. The viewscreen went + + blank as the Borg herded the three Starfleet officers to the + + nearest airlock, and away from the useless Starship. + + + + + + Page 198 + + + + CHAPTER 13 + + Captain's Log, Stardate: the past. + We are in pursuit of the Stardrive section of the + Enterprise, after it was commandeered by Lieutenant Commander + Data, Lieutenant Worf, and Chief Engineer Scott. To add to + the problem, we are being slowed down by towing the energy + creature behind us, but it is necessary. Engineer's + Assistant Gomez assures me that we will be able to make the + time jump as soon as we reconnect the sections of the + Enterprise. On a more ominous note, more and more of my + crew are either unable or unwilling to remember that Scott + is Chief Engineer. They remember someone named Geordi + LaForge at that post. I am going to look into the matter. + + + + Picard got up from behind the desk in his Ready + + Room. He was disturbed by everyone's insistence that they + + had never heard of anyone by the name of Montgomery Scott. + + And now Pulaski was becoming more and more convinced that + + he was the head of a conspiracy to deceive everyone on this + + ship. His supposed purpose for this conspiracy eluded + + him. Wearily, he stepped out onto the Bridge. + + + + No one seemed to notice him enter. All eyes were + + on the forward viewscreen. On the screen, this era's + + Enterprise hung motionless in space, flanked by not one, + + but two Borg ships. One ship was larger than the other by + + about a half. Even from this distance, Borg were visible + + walking along the hull of the Enterprise, stopping every + + so often to remove a section of the hull for further + + analysis. + + + + 'Not again,' thought Picard. 'Now I have to deal + + with the loss of the Stardrive, the Borg, and possibly the + + Page 199 + + + death of every lifeform from this era.' + + + + Riker was about to tap his combadge to signal Picard + + when he noticed the Captain standing just outside the Ready + + Room doors. "Captain, the Borg just came into range. Sensors + + indicate that the dilithium trail left by the Stardrive Section + + ends right where the large Borg ship is. There are no traces + + of either the ships destruction, or damage to the Borg." + + + + "I sense Q's hand in this," said Picard gravely. + + "Is it possible, that he pulled a switch?" + + + + "'A switch.' I don't understand." Riker's + + puzzlement was evident, due to the lack of his ever present + + grin. Picard sympathized with him. He didn't quite + + understand either, it was just a dimly formed idea in the + + back of his mind. + + + + "What I mean is, do you think it possible that Q + + switched the Stardrive Section with the Borg ships, sending + + the Enterprise home to our time?" + + + + "Knowing Q, anything's possible. I would say that it's + + probable, considering that the Saucer can't reach Warp speeds + + and we'd have no way to get back without his help," answered + + Riker. + + + + By now, the distance between the Enterprise and the + + Page 200 + + + Borg had decreased to less than 10,000 kilometers. "Arm all + + weapons," ordered Picard, even though he knew that only + + phasers were available. He also knew, as did most of the + + Bridge crew, that they would have to be extremely lucky with + + the few phaser shots available to them before the Borg fully + + adapted. 'Not the most promising of situations,' Picard + + thought to himself. + + + + + + + Aboard the Enterprise, Geordi had already expended + + all photon torpedoes and drained all the phaser banks into + + the smaller Borg ship. Nothing worthwhile had happened. + + Most of the firing had been due to a feeling of revenge + + over the fate of the Stardrive Section. He knew that there + + was no hope left for any of its occupants. + + + + He just sat there, staring blankly ahead, not noticing + + when the Borg soldiers walked into view of the camera. He + + couldn't help but think that it was all his fault, somehow. + + 'If only I had been on the Enterprise...' Then the more + + realistic part of him answered, 'You'd be a Borg by now. + + Besides, this is the Enterprise.' The fact that it was an + + inferior design to the one he knew didn't matter. The name + + meant something, and he had watched the most recent bearer + + of that name be destroyed. + + + + Slowly, in the back of his mind, an idea took shape. + + It was, admittedly, a long shot. And, he'd need some help to + Page 201 + + + + pull it off, but at least it was something to do. He only + + hoped that there was someone left alive on the Stardrive + + Section, and that it had not yet been incorporated into the + + Borg. + + + + + + + On the Bridge of the Enterprise, Kirk stared at the + + viewscreen, speechless. If a ship of that size could so + + easily be captured by the Borg, how could his ship, his crew, + + hope to do any better. + + + + If he was unprepared for the absorption of the + + Stardrive, he was definitely surprised by the face that + + appeared next on the viewscreen. It stared out at him + + with the cold, steely malevolence that he remembered over + + fourteen long years. The face was a computer reconstruction, + + he realized, by the way the image wavered and the mouth + + refused to move when it spoke. + + + + "Kirk. I have waited nearly a century to defeat + + you, to punish you for what you did. My crew are all gone, + + destroyed by your treachery, but I still have life, of a + + sort. On two occasions have you sentenced me to death, + + but I have survived. I now impose sentence on you." + + + + "Khan, what do you want. And what do you mean, a + + century. It's only been 14 years." + + Page 202 + + + + + "Jim, sensors indicate that the transmission is being + + broadcast from the Borg ship, but not from one specific + + location. It is as if the entire ship were hailing us," + + Spock reported. + + + + Kirk turned back to the screen as the voice spoke + + again. "To you it has been years, but to me, to me it has + + been a century. First Marla, my wife, then Joachim, then, + + nearly, myself, Kirk. But no, I held on and now, you die." + + The transmission cut off and Kirk looked at Spock. + + + + "Clearly insane, Captain. His years of isolation + + must have effected his mind." + + + + "I hope you're right, Spock. I also hope that he's + + powerless to carry out his threat." + + + + Kirk's only answer was a shudder running through the + + ship, as two tractor beams locked onto the twin engine nacelles + + and began pulling them off. The Borg did not engage their + + cutting beam, just pulling the engines closer and closer. + + Kirk at first wondered how only one ship could do that, without + + just pulling the Enterprise closer. Then he realized that the + + larger ship had locked onto the Enterprise's forward hull while + + the other ship pulled at the rear. + + + + 'Like an interstellar game of 'Tug-o'-War',' thought + + Page 203 + + + Sulu to himself, unable to do anything to prevent the + + destruction of the Enterprise which would ensue, should the + + hull rupture when the nacelles were removed. + + + + "Any suggestions," asked Kirk. + + + + No one said a word. + + + + + + Geordi ran along the corridors of the Enterprise, + + but everyone was concentrating on finding a solution to the + + Borg so no one noticed him. He ran into the Transporter + + Room and began to reprogram the console. The Transporter + + Operator turned from where he had been recalibrating one + + of the wall panels, but was phasered before he could raise + + the alarm. + + + + Finished, Geordi stepped onto the platform and + + prepared to beam out. The console was locked and his would + + be the last normal beam-out. Further, the console could only + + be reactivated by his voice command. No one else would be + + able to get it to function correctly, anyway, after Geordi's + + reprogramming. + + + + The Transporter Room shimmered around him, and was + + replaced by the familiar confines of the Engineering Deck, + + deep within the Stardrive Section. He cautiously checked + + to be sure that there were no Borg anywhere near Engineering + + Page 204 + + + before he set to work. + + + + He had accessed the ship's computer and set to work + + rerouting a myriad of control circuits before he heard it. + + At first he thought he had imagined it, but then he heard it + + again. The dull thud of a footstep. It echoed hollowly in + + the empty ship. + + + + 'Empty except for me and who, or what?' wondered + + Geordi in the back of his mind, as he hurriedly tried to + + finish what he was doing and get into hiding. + + + + He was more than three quarters of the way done + + when the next footstep came, unnervingly close. Geordi + + worked faster. + + + + He was about to press home the final modification + + when behind him, he heard the whisper of a movement, the + + soft padding of a footstep on carpeting, and a large + + shadow fell over Geordi's shoulder and across the panel + + where he was working. + + + + Without thinking, Geordi turned, drawing his phaser, + + and fired. + + + + + + + Kirk's spirits had been buoyed somewhat by the + + arrival of the other ship, the one McCoy kept calling the + Page 205 + + + + Houdini. Then he saw how ineffectual the other ship was + + against the Borg. Its phaser bursts lit up space and its + + photon torpedoes created dazzling explosions, but did + + nothing to even slow the Borg down. The Borg ship that had + + swallowed the first Starship had now begun to advance upon + + the disc-shaped newcomer. + + + + "Captain, sensors show what may be a power build-up + + on the larger Borg ship," reported Spock, looking into his + + viewer. + + + + "Can't you tell for sure, Spock?" asked Kirk. + + + + "Impossible at this time. The Borg on our hull have + + damaged some of the primary sensor equipment and their + + individual readings are interfering with what sensors are + + still available to us." + + + + "We've GOT to DO something!" shouted Kirk. He was + + used to fighting machine intelligences, having done so on + + many occasions in the past, but they had been nothing like + + the Borg. If something did not conform to their purposes, it + + was either assimilated or termed 'irrelevant' and ignored. + + He had a feeling that most of his ship and crew, unfortunately, + + fell into the former category. + + + + "Keptin," Chekov spoke up, trying to get Kirk's + + attention. "One of the transporters has just been actiwated. + Page 206 + + + + Internal scans also show that vun of the shuttlecraft has + + been transported somevhere else, not vithin current scanner + + range. Vait! There goes another vun." + + + + The lights on the Bridge began to dim. + + + + "Spock, what's going on?" + + + + "Captain, main power has been diverted to Transporter + + Room 3. Also, life support and 75% of emergency power. + + Total Warp energy is now being beamed somewhere. The power + + output is too high to register on my scans. I would estimate + + that it is in the 1,000 to 2,000 GigaWatt range," reported + + Spock, calmly. + + + + "Spock, do you know what you're saying?" McCoy's ice + + blue eyes seemed to pierce through the Vulcan. + + + + "Indeed I do, Doctor. Someone in this vicinity is + + using 97% of ship's power for an unknown and presumably + + hostile purpose." + + + + Kirk was concentrating so hard on finding a solution + + to this latest threat, that he just let McCoy and Spock go on + + verbally sparring, barely registering in the back of his + + mind. + + + + + Page 207 + + + + + Ensign Gawron dove out of the way of the phaser blast. + + Geordi, seeing who it was, had tryed to throw his aim off at + + the last second. He succeeded in moving the phaser beam just + + above where Chris's head used to be. By now, Chris was + + peering out from behind an Engineering console, phaser in + + hand. + + + + "Sorry, Chris. Just a little jumpy I guess," said + + Geordi, trying to force a laugh. "What are you doing here, + + anyway? I thought the Borg would have rounded everybody up + + to make ready for the assimilation process." + + + + "They did. I was hiding in the auxiliary dilithium + + store. Between the radiation and the shielding in my rad + + suit, they couldn't detect me. What are you doing here?" + + + + "I've come up with a plan to defeat the Borg, or + + at least the Borg ship that has us trapped." Geordi went + + on to explain his plan to the young Ensign, who volunteered + + to do what he could to help. + + + + Geordi put him to work, rerouting the power couplings + + on the Warp Drive circuits, while he crawled into a Jeffries + + tube to check the actual power conduits. After working for + + twenty minutes, the modifications were complete. + + + + They looked at each other in apprehension when Chris + + Page 208 + + + asked, "But will it work?" + + + + Geordi answered, "Cross your fingers, just in case, + + 'cause here goes nothing." + + + + Geordi slammed home the button that would send out + + the pre-recorded signal to the original Enterprise and + + start siphoning off its power. Behind them, as they studied + + the control readouts, the Warp Core began to grow brighter. + + Along with the brightness, came the high whine of power. + + Soon, the Warp Core was pulsing with the combined power of + + two Starships, the pulses coming so fast, that the eye could + + barely discern them from a solid, incandescent glow. + + + + The monitor screens began to change. + + + + + + + On the Saucer, Picard was giving what may be his + + last order. "All hands to stations. Prepare for collision + + course! All non-essential personnel to the escape pods. + + Disengage tractor beam from the creature and jettison the + + log buoy." + + + + Riker, like the rest of the Bridge Crew, looked at + + Picard in astonishment. 'He can't be giving up,' he thought + + in disbelief. "Sir, are you sure? I mean, couldn't the + + creature just eat the Borg's energy like it did to us, + + rendering them powerless?" + Page 209 + + + + + + "We could, Number One, if the creature was + + conscious. It is not. It appears to be hibernating now, + + while it 'digests' our energy," Picard said with resignation. + + + + "Course laid in, Captain," stated Wesley Crusher. + + "Maximum speed at an angle of 45 degrees to the closer Borg + + ship." Picard had told him to lay in the course that would + + damage the Borg the most, giving no regard to the safety of + + what was left of the Enterprise-D. + + + + "Why 45 degrees, Wes?" asked Riker. + + + + "Because of the orientation of the Borg ships, a + + collision at 45 degrees with the nearer of the two, will send + + us directly into the other Borg ship, currently dissecting + + the original Enterprise," he answered matter-of-factly, as + + if it were apparent, or should be, to everyone. + + + + "Captain," said the Lieutenant at Ops. "Reading a + + power surge from the closer Borg ship. Its center is the + + exact geometric center of the Borg ship, and it radiates + + outward from there. There is also a subspace link of some + + sort with the original Enterprise." + + + + On the viewscreen, the Borg ship had stopped moving. + + Impossibly, it was still growing larger, expanding as its + + surface began to split and tear. Glimpses of bluish-grey + Page 210 + + + + metal could be seen fleetingly through the crackling of + + static and the flare of explosions. + + + + The disturbance on the screen was so bright, so + + violent, that the viewscreen shorted out, filling with + + static. + + + + + + + On the Borg ship itself, all was in a well-order, + + cybernetic panic. The loss of atmosphere did not concern + + the Borg, whose self-contained life support systems made + + the need for air unnecessary. The major concern was the + + immense power being generated. It wreaked havoc with the + + Borg subspace net, cutting off communications within the + + Borg mind itself. Only the occasional, half-completed + + thought made it anywhere, usually not where it was intended, + + however. + + + + The three Enterprise crewmen were running through the + + Borg ship, Data directing them back along the path they had + + come while escorted by the Borg. The Borg were paying no + + attention to them now, and they took full advantage of the + + fact. Many times, their path back to the Enterprise was + + blocked by airless regions which had been sealed off. The + + group lost valuable time by retracing their steps and going + + around the damaged areas. + + + + Page 211 + + + Occasionally, the local light dimmed, or flared + + brilliantly as an explosion blasted a section of the + + Borg ship, or a Borg soldier, into hundreds of component + + parts, not all of them inorganic. + + + + With the Enterprise in sight, however, their progress + + was halted by a wall of solid energy. It advanced on them + + slowly, backing them up against a section of the Borg ship. + + Immediately, the wall started to flow around them, trying to + + assimilate them. It had been the group-mind's last coherent + + order and the ship still tryed to obey. + + + + The trio could feel metallic probes plunging through + + their skin, examining their internal structure. The wall + + released Data immediately, convinced by his robotic workings + + that he was already a Borg. + + + + Realizing that someone in the Stardrive Section was + + responsible for their predicament, he tapped his combadge, + + the only one the trio had left. + + + + "Data to Enterprise. Do you read, Enterprise. + + Three to beam up immediately, these coordinates." + + + + Someone on the ship heard him, because just as the + + wall of energy began to singe the front of Data's uniform, + + the wall disappeared and a transporter beam yanked them + + aboard. A split second later, the wall was back in place, + + Page 212 + + + advancing outward, forcing the ship to retreat before it. + + + + The Borg ship exploded. + + + Page 213 + + + + Chapter 14 + + + + From out of the midst of the explosion, came the + + Enterprise's Stardrive hull, shields flaring brightly where + + debris from the Borg ship passed through them. Even more + + surprising, the shields were clearly visible, pulsing with + + energy. + + + + On board the Stardrive module, Geordi was hurriedly + + explaining his plan to Data, Worf, and Scotty. "...So I had + + the Enterprise transporters lock onto anything in the + + cargo bay or the raw material store for the replicator and + + beamed the energy directly into the Warp chamber, without + + materializing it into matter. This energy was fed directly + + into the shields and used to push the Borg ship apart around + + us." + + + + Scott and Data were listening intently, but Worf was + + ready to fight. "How much power is left for the weapons?" the + + Klingon asked. + + + + As they entered Engineering, Chris looked up and + + answered, "Enough for you to indulge yourself, Lieutenant." + + + + This brought a slow smile to Worf's face, and he + + turned to Data, "Permission to attack the Borg, sir." + + + + Data tilted his head to the side as he thought it + Page 214 + + + + over, gold eyes reflecting the energy surges in the Warp + + core. "Granted, Lieutenant, but only until we reconnect the + + sections." + + + + "Aye, sir." Worf turned and hurried to the Battle + + Bridge. + + + + "Data, I have a plan," said Gawron. "And I'd like + + to see what you think of it." + + + + "Proceed, Ensign." + + + + "Since our shields are still at excess power levels," + + he looked at Geordi, questioningly, who nodded, then continued, + + "why don't we execute a series of suicide runs at the Borg + + ship?" + + + + "Ensign, why should we wish to kill ourselves?" asked + + the android. + + + + "No, Data," said Geordi. "What he means is to fly over + + the Borg ship so that the lower part of the shields is actually + + inside the Borg ship, ripping it away. If Worf fires phasers + + simultaneously, we could do a lot of damage before they can + + adapt." + + + + "Very well, Geordi, implement this plan. You also, + + Ensign." + Page 215 + + + + + + As they left, Scott turned to Data. "An' what about + + me? I dinna belong here." + + + + "You mean you remember where you belong, now?" + + + + "Yes, sir. I belong on the Enterprise, but not + + this one. At least not yet," he finished hopefully. + + + + "We will return you to your ship at the earliest + + possible convenience," replied Data. + + + + "Kin I at least have a look around, first?" + + + + "Of course, Commander," Data nodded. "Be my guest." + + + + Scott gleefully ran from station to station, examining + + readouts. + + + + + + + On the Bridge of the Saucer, Picard was thrown off + + his feet and everyone else was knocked off their feet by the + + force of the explosion. + + + + + + + In Sickbay, Doctors Pulaski and Selar were just + + helping Aures out of her bed, to walk around Sickbay, when + Page 216 + + + + the explosion came. The diagnostic panel above the bed + + ripped free from the wall and crashed down on Aures. Sparks + + danced across the back of the unit, and the smell of burnt + + flesh and melted hair came from beneath the medical scanner. + + + + Because of the free electricity, neither Pulaski nor + + Selar could get near enough to check Aures' life signs. Not + + that it would have mattered anyway. If she had been at the + + best hospital in the Federation, with the best surgeons, it + + wouldn't have mattered. Aures' body was little more than a + + piece of charcoal. + + + + As they both knew that Aures was done for, Pulaski + + and Selar left her where she was for the moment, and began + + making preparations for the wounded they knew would soon + + arrive. Unseen by them, a brief flash of electricity arced + + up one of the electrical pathways that was still connected + + and disappeared into the wall. + + + + + + + "Spock, what in the hell do they think they're + + doing," screamed Kirk, as the Stardrive roared low over the + + Borg, apparently headed directly for the Enterprise. + + + + As the Stardrive passed over the Borg, a layer twenty + + meters thick appeared to dissolve. Large pits were created + + by the withering phaser fire, every one of which found its + + Page 217 + + + mark at such great power, that for now at least, the Borg's + + adaptational abilities were useless. + + + + "It would appear, Captain, that that ship is on our + + side, and making an attempt to free us from the Borg tractor + + beam," answered the Vulcan calmly. + + + + "Captain, Warp engines back online and under helm + + control," Sulu reported, surprised, as his console returned + + to life. + + + + "Veapons fully functional, as vell, Keptin," reported + + Chekov. + + + + "Whoever took control from the Bridge, must have set + + a time delay before he beamed out," mused Kirk, out loud. + + Then to Sulu, "Lay in course 90 mark 174, get us above the + + action as quickly as possible, Mister Sulu." + + + + "Aye, sir," the Asian replied. "Course laid in, + + maximum speed." + + + + + + + The Enterprise limped and struggled to rise. Slowly + + it picked up speed, faltering because of the Borg damage. + + Although the Warp engines were online, the engine nacelles + + themselves were so damaged and out of alignment, that Warp + + speed would have been impossible. + Page 218 + + + + + + The Stardrive section turned to make another pass, but + + this time, the Borg erected a force field and the Enterprise + + shields dropped down to 50% of normal as the ship passed through + + it. Worf's phaser barrage was now shrugged off, as well. + + + + + + + On the Battle Bridge, Data was opening a channel to + + the Saucer Section. "Data to Picard. I suggest we reconnect + + the Enterprise." + + + + "Agreed," came Picard's voice over the comm-channel. + + "Rendezvous with the Saucer at 176 mark 265 in 60 seconds." + + + + "Aye, sir. Data out." + + + + "Course 118 mark 53, speed .2 impulse," reported + + Ensign Gawron, anticipating Data's orders. + + + + "Lieutenant Worf, cease fire. Damage report of + + Stardrive Section and Borg ship." + + + + "Aye, Commander. Minor damage to lower four decks + + of Stardrive Section. Shield power increasing to normal. + + Scanning the Borg now... Energy levels down 15%, subspace + + activity 56% of normal," reported the Klingon calmly. Then, + + with some surprise, "Sir, the Borg ship has been reduced in + + Page 219 + + + size by 12%. Reading no atmosphere...wait, they are rebuilding. + + Reading minimal atmosphere." + + + + "Acknowledged, Lieutenant," said Data. "Prepare to + + reconnect the Enterprise." Data tapped out all his commands + + on the control pad mounted into the Command Chair's armrests. + + The Saucer grew larger as it seemed to drift across, then be + + centered in the forward viewscreen. + + + + "Distance 250 meters and closing," Data counted off. + + "200 meters...decreasing speed to 10 meters per second...100 + + meters...50 meters...decreasing speed to 5 meters per sec--" + + + + The saucer spun crazily on the viewscreen, as the + + Borg ship pummeled it under a disastrous barrage. All + + occupants of the Stardrive and Saucer had been so intent on + + reconnecting the Enterprise, that they forgot the Borg's + + ability to fight while they heal themselves. + + + + The Bridge exhaust fans began to clear the smoke + + from the sparking, smoldering consoles. On the Enterprise + + schematic on the rear wall, large sections of the Stardrive + + section flashed read, damaged. + + + + "Warning! Hull breached on decks 14 through 19, and + + decks 25 through 31! Severe structural damage on decks 12 + + through 33!" The computer's voice could be heard over the + + red alert klaxons. + + Page 220 + + + + + "Computer, projected time until total structural + + failure," requested Data. + + + + "Five minutes and 14 seconds, if no further damage + + is incurred," the computer responded, matter-of-factly. + + + + "Chief Engineer," said Data, activating his combadge. + + + + "Yes," answered Geordi and Scott simultaneously from + + Engineering. + + + + "I require the Enterprise shields to be reconfigured + + to 'form-fit' the Enterprise. Use all available power, except + + life support and weapons." + + + + "Aye, sir." Again, they both answered in unison, as + + the link closed. + + + + "Ensign Gawron, plot a course to the nearest planet + + with an atmosphere within 10% of Earth's," ordered Data. + + + + "Yes, sir. Wolf 359C is within 5 minutes of our + + present position at Warp 2," Gawron answered. + + + + "Lay in a course and engage. Also contact the Saucer + + and have them follow us." + + + + Page 221 + + + "Aye, sir." + + + + + + + The Stardrive section turned and entered Warp space, + + followed, on impulse power, by the Saucer and its burden. + + Seeing the Stardrive section as the main threat, the Borg + + decided to chase the Engineering hull and to destroy the + + Saucer later. Soon all was quiet, except for the Enterprise's + + emergency beacon: "Help. U.S.S. Enterprise, to any ships in + + range. This is Captain James T. Kirk. Need assistance. + + Hurry." + + + + + + + "The shield is reinforcing the hull, but I still + + don't think it will withstand the strain of entering a planet's + + atmosphere," said Geordi concernedly over the intercom from + + Engineering. He had heard what Data had in mind, and even + + though it would in all likelyhood destroy the Borg, it could + + do the same to the ship. + + + + "Understood, Geordi. Your objection is noted. + + Proceed with modifications to the navigational deflector + + as per my specifications," answered the android from the + + Battle Bridge. + + + + Chris turned from the navigator's station, looking + + questioningly at Data. He had never heard of the android + + Page 222 + + + so cavalierly disregarding such a strong warning as Geordi + + had first expressed. Still, his was not to question, but for + + now, to fly the ship. + + + + Worf was once again manning tactical, even though he + + had nothing to do for the moment. Data sat in the command + + chair, concentrating his thoughts on Captain Picard. 'Why + + hadn't he said anything about my freeing Worf and stealing + + the Stardrive Section? Did he now remember who Geordi was?' + + He knew none of the answers for certain, which to Data was + + as good as not knowing the answers at all. + + + + "Now entering orbit around Wolf 359C," reported + + Gawron. The planet on the viewscreen, third from the red + + star, was mostly brown mottled with a sickly grey/green. + + Small oceans or lakes of molten rock dotted the surface. + + What water there was, evaporated into the atmosphere as + + soon as it fell on the still boiling surface. The planet + + may have had an Earth-like atmosphere, but it was the + + Earth of three and a half billion years ago. + + + + "Geordi," Data called down to Engineering. "How + + long until we will be ready to implement?" + + + + "Give me one more minute to fine tune my adjustments," + + the Engineer replied. In the background, Scott could be heard + + cursing loudly. Helping Geordi, he had reversed the polarity + + on the shield bypass circuit. Final result, a set of scorched + + Page 223 + + + fingers and jangled nerves. + + + + "Mister Gawron, plot a course to insert us into the + + planet's atmosphere at 75 degrees to the surface." + + + + "Aye, Commander Data," the young man replied. + + + + "Mister Worf, status of Borg ship?" + + + + "Sensors show they will arrive in 35 seconds. + + Energy readings are 89% of normal. No exterior damage + + evident," the Klingon said simply. Of all the foes he + + had faced, the Borg scared him the most. He did not like + + to admit it, but he was terrified by their emotionless + + natures. + + + + "Mister Gawron, is course laid in?" asked Data. The + + android was nervous, if such a thing was possible. He alone, + + after much analysis, knew the Borg's full potential for + + destruction. + + + + "Course computed and laid in. Ready on your command." + + + + On the arm of Data's chair, a light flashed, + + indicating that Geordi, also, was ready. + + + + In a ripple of space, the Borg ship appeared, dropping + + out of Warp space less than 5 kilometers. As it rotated, + + Page 224 + + + everyone saw the truth of Worf's sensor scans. They could + + see no damage. In fact, the Borg ship looked more powerful + + than before it was damaged. Slowly, almost warily, it + + advanced on the Enterprise. + + + + The tractor beam lashed out, but the Enterprise was + + no longer there. It had retreated into the planet's atmosphere. + + The Borg fired again, seemingly reluctant to follow the + + Stardrive Section. Another clean miss. This time, however, + + the Enterprise's tractor beam fired, locking on dead center + + to the face of the Borg cube nearest it. + + + + The Borg entered the atmosphere, having no choice + + other than to enter Warp again and risk losing the Enterprise. + + As the two ships moved deeper into the cloud of swirling + + gases, the glow of the Enterprise's tractor beam dimmed, + + atmospheric particles interfering with its intensity. + + + + + + + On the Bridge, Data watched with satisfaction as the + + Borg were drawn ever deeper toward the planet. Geordi's + + status report had not been encouraging and the computer + + kept reminding them that the Enterprise would experience + + fatal structural failure if they did not leave the planet's + + atmosphere. Data thought back to his plan. It seemed + + foolish now, but in theory it would work. + + + + Data had reasoned that if the Borg could adapt to + Page 225 + + + + a purely energy attack, then what was needed was a more + + physical approach. Unfortunately, in space, such a physical + + assault would be impossible, short of colliding the Enterprise + + with the Borg. No, instead he had opted for a different + + approach. He theorized that if some kind of connector + + between the Borg and the Enterprise could be set up, and + + the correct vibrational frequency found, that the Borg + + could be destroyed. The best connector he could think of + + that was nearby, was a planetary atmosphere. And, because + + of it's content of water vapor, an Earth-like atmosphere was + + sufficiently thick to conduct the sound vibrations he intended + + to use. + + + + When Gawron reported that the Borg were fifteen + + kilometers from the surface, Data press the control studs on + + the right chair arm without looking, eyes intent on the + + viewscreen. The image on the viewscreen, the Borg ship in + + pursuit, swung quickly sideways and had to be reoriented to + + face forward once the spinning had stopped. The Enterprise + + was now facing the Borg at a range of one kilometer. + + + + "Mister Worf, fire," ordered Data. + + + + A deep, basso rumbling filled the Bridge, deafening + + all on it. Data knew that it must be worse for those in + + Engineering, closer to the deflector. The power continued + + to build up, threatening to tear the ship asunder. + + + Page 226 + + + + Geordi lost consciousness first, then Scott. Gawron + + was next, followed quickly be Worf. They just slumped over + + where they were sitting or standing, dead to the world. + + + + Data did not notice however. He, too, was suffering + + under the onslaught from the sound waves. Although more + + resilient than the others, his hearing, so much more + + sensitive, went first. Then his optic and vocal circuits + + were interrupted. Finally darkness closed in and Data's + + last thought to himself, trying to speak and failing, + + "So, this is death. Intriguing." Then Data slumped over + + sideways, too soon to hear the computer. + + + + "Warning, forward progress not abated. Planetary + + collision imminent. Five minutes to impact." + + + + These warnings joined the ones about structural + + failure, the computer talking to itself in stereo, yet + + with the same voice. + + + + The Enterprise continued its descent, followed by + + the Borg cube, until, sufficient power built up, a beam of + + solid sound erupted from the navigational deflector dish and + + slammed into the Borg ship. + + + + + + + "Mister Callari, how long until we reach Wolf 359?" + + Page 227 + + + asked Picard. + + + + "About five minutes, sir," the young officer replied. + + + + "Preliminary sensor scans?" queried Riker. + + + + The young blond lieutenant at Ops spoke without + + turning, "Sensors show a massive energy discharge deep + + within Wolf 359C's atmosphere. Sensors unable to detect + + any ships in the area." + + + + "None whatsoever? That does not bode well, Number + + One. Surely, after the saucer, we're next. All hands to + + emergency battlestations. Red Alert." + + + + The red tracer lights flashed and the klaxon + + sounded as Picard grimly sat down in the command chair, + + contemplating what was almost certainly to be a battle to + + the death, with his side coming up short. + + + + + + + "Captain, life support falling below minimum," + + Spock reported calmly, face neutral. If Spock feared + + death, he did not show it. + + + + "Dammit, Spock, show some emotion for a change!" + + shouted McCoy from his customary position behind the + + Captain's chair. He was perhaps a bit more irritable than + Page 228 + + + + usual because, now that Geordi LaForge was no longer on the + + Enterprise, McCoy was the only one who remembered him. He + + knew Scotty belonged on the Enterprise, but he had vanished. + + + + "Calm down, you two," Kirk said wearily from where + + he had been pacing up and down in front of the viewscreen. + + Spock raised an eyebrow, not realizing he had shown any + + emotion, because he indeed had not. + + + + McCoy continued to bluster. "But, Jim, if we don't + + do something soon --" + + + + Kirk interrupted, "I understand, Bones. I've got + + Spock working on the Science angle and Kyle and Leslie + + working in Engineering to get us up and running." + + + + Kirk seemed pleased with himself, but McCoy would + + not be distracted and finished his proclamation, "We're + + dead, Jim. Or as good as dead." + + + + "Thank you, Doctor." Kirk realized, too late, his + + unintentional and exagerrated emphasis on the last word. + + + + McCoy turned on his heel and stormed off the Bridge. + + + + "The good Doctor's concern is overly emotional, but + + it is also logical, Jim," said Spock, for once siding with + + McCoy. Spock felt fortunate that McCoy would never learn + Page 229 + + + + of it, or he would chide Spock about it for the rest of their + + days. As they only had four hours left, however, it would be + + barely tolerable. + + + + "I know, Spock, but I had to get McCoy off the Bridge + + so that we could concentrate. Uhura, have all off-duty personnel + + return to their quarters and tell them to take it easy, conserve + + as many resources as possible. Also, have someone distribute + + the oxygen tanks from the space suits to all on-duty crewmen." + + + + "Aye, sir," Uhura answered and went to work at her + + console, giving the appropriate orders to the appropriate + + people. + + + + "Mister Sulu, get us as close as possible to an M class + + planet. Mister Chekov, prepare to abandon ship." Kirk turned + + to Spock. "Spock, I'll need your help, when the time comes, + + with the self-destruct command." + + + + "Unwise, Captain, but I will assist." + + + + The crew set about their given assignments, trying + + to ignore the steadily decreasing readouts on the life support + + monitors. + + Page 230 + + + + Chapter 15 + + Captain's Log, Stardate 8062.5: + We are towing the energy creature through + space in pursuit of the Stardrive Section. Commander Data + has come up with a plan to defeat the Borg, and I have + given him my permission to implement it. For some reason, + I find myself with an uneasy feeling concerning Data and + Worf, and how they came to be on the Stardrive Section by + themselves, but no one can remember how they got there. + I am assuming Q's involvement. + + + + The Saucer dropped came to a slow stop just outside + + of the Wolf-359 star system, the tractor beam glowing brightly, + + connecting the Enterprise and the energy leech. + + + + "No contact with the Stardrive Section or the Borg," + + reported Ensign Callari. "Sensors do, however, register a + + tremendous power discharge well within the Wolf-359C's + + atmosphere." + + + + "Thank you, Ensign," acknowledged Picard. + + Picard turned to Riker. "If there is no sign of the + + Stardrive hull soon, we must at least return to the future + + with the energy creature." + + + + "What about Geordi, Worf, and Data?" asked Troi, + + concerned. + + + + "We have no choice. If we cannot contact Data, we + + must assume that they have been destroyed by the Borg." + + Then, speaking to the ceiling of the Bridge, "Picard to + + Engineering." + Page 231 + + + + + + "Gomez here, sir," came the reply. + + + + "Prepare impulse engines for the slingshot effect, + + using Wolf-359 as the center of the orbit," said Picard + + gravely. + + + + "But, sir--" Gomez began, and was cut off. + + + + "I don't like the idea any more than you do, Mister + + Gomez, but the safety of the Federation must take precedence + + over any three officers," the Captain almost whispered. + + + + "Understood, sir." + + + + The connection was broken. + + + + "One question, Captain." + + + + "Go ahead, Number One." + + + + "What if the Borg did destroy the Stardrive, but + + still survived? What if, by traveling into the future, + + we condemn the Federation in the past?" Riker asked pointedly. + + + + Picard thought a moment. "A chance I'm willing to + + take, Will. We are here, we exist. That, at least, makes + + me think that the Federation of this era does indeed survive. + Page 232 + + + + We have no such knowledge of the future." + + + + "Still, I would like my objections logged, sir," + + Riker requested stiffly. + + + + "Of course, Number One. But if we don't succeed, + + there will be no one to hear them. Ensign Callari, lay in + + an elliptical course for Wolf-359. Distance, 1 AU," Picard + + ordered. + + + + "You do realize how close we'll come to the star's + + surface, don't you sir?" asked Callari. + + + + "Affirmative. Plot the course. Our maximum speed + + with the creature in tow is three quarters the speed of light, + + so calculate distances accordingly." + + + + "Aye, sir." Then, after a brief pause, "Course + + plotted and laid in." + + + + "Very good." And, with a flick of the wrist, Picard + + ordered, "Engage." + + + + The Saucer moved off in its wide, but ever-decreasing + + orbit of Wolf-359. + + + + + + + Page 233 + + + The beam of solid sound shook the Enterprise, which + + was shielded from the brunt of the force. It was infinitely + + worse for the Borg. The beam pummeled its way through the + + leading face of the cube, disintegrating the ship at the + + molecular level. The beam continued through to the other + + side of the Borg ship, erupting out the far side of the + + cube and out into space, where the absence of an atmosphere + + soon rendered it powerless. + + + + The Borg, unable to adapt to the strength of the + + invisible onslaught, were helpless before it. As the cube + + still continued to rotate, more and more of the ship was + + eaten away by the sonic disruption. After being subjected + + to it for nearly three minutes, the Borg ship was sliced + + in half, the upper and lower forty meters floating freely + + in the planets atmosphere, the contents of the Borg ship + + falling out to land on the planet's surface or being + + dispersed by the Enterprise's weapon. + + + + Soon, the upper portion of the cube was gone, + + fallen into the deadly vibrations emitted by the Enterprise. + + The remaining pieces of the Borg ship landed in the liquid + + rock surface of Wolf-359C. + + + + + + + Data regained consciousness just as the computer + + announced "Warning! Imminent planetfall! Altitude 100 + + meters and decreasing!" + Page 234 + + + + + + Data hurriedly rose from the Captain's chair and + + rushed to the navigator's position, shoving Ensign Gawron's + + comatose form out of the way. His hands played a surreal, + + staccato rhythm over the navigational console. + + + + The great warp engines once again became illuminated + + internally as the catastrophic power of the matter/antimatter + + anhilation once again powered the ship. + + + + The ship slowed its descent, stopping just as the + + downward facing end became embedded in the roiling surface. + + The warp engines throbbed and the Enterprise was torn free + + of the rocky embrace, sprinting for open space. + + + + Behind them, the few remaining Borg soldiers stirred, + + dragging themselves out of the magma slowly, painfully, and + + moving toward the remaining section of their ship, now + + scarcely visible. + + + + With what little conscious thought was left to them, + + the Borg communicated among themselves "Enterprise will be + + destroyed" "Time" "Patience" "Patience is irrelevant" + + "Predicted time to repair: 80 Earth years" + + + + The Borg mind faded into silence, its many disparate + + parts employed in the long task of rebuilding the great ship + + from the exstant ores that could be extracted. + Page 235 + + + + + + + + "Computer, estimated time of repair," Data queried. + + + + "Three hours and twelve minutes," came the concise + + answer, the computer already devoting its energy to the + + automated repair systems. + + + + Gawron stirred, followed by Worf. Each sat up + + groggily, head in hands. Moaning softly, they returned to + + their stations and began running diagnostic programs. + + + + "Engineering to Bridge. Is everyone alright up + + there?" came Geordi's voice over the comm channel. + + + + Data looked from one to the other, receiving curt + + nods of affirmation. "Yes, Geordi, we are all functional. + + And yourself and Commander Scott?" + + + + "We're okay down here. We've begun repairs to the + + Warp engines. Should be completed in about an hour." + + + + "What is the top safe Warp speed we can use, Geordi?" + + asked the android. + + + + "Uh, Warp Four," the Engineer replied slowly. "Why?" + + + + "We must return Commander Scott to his rightful + Page 236 + + + + place on board the Enterprise of this time." + + + + "Oh. Yeah, forgot about that. Engineering out." + + + + "Ensign Gawron, lay in a course for the Enterprise, + + Warp four," instructed Data. + + + + "Aye, sir. Course laid in," Gawron replied shakily, + + still suffering from the sound blast. + + + + "Execute." + + + + Data sat back in his chair as the stars on the + + viewscreen elongated into streaks, flashing by. Fifteen + + minutes later, the stars compressed to their normal size + + as the Enterprise dropped out of Warp. + + + + There before them lay what was left of the Enterprise. + + Its hull pierced, plating pealed back, it looked as if it + + were rotting. Electrical arcs were visible through the + + gaping holes. + + + + The Enterprise moved slowly, its engine struts + + twisted, Warp nacelles mangled. The glow of power in the + + engines was barely detectable, as was the light coming from + + the portholes in the ship's side. + + + + The Stardrive section moved in closely, sending as + Page 237 + + + + greeting the communications worm that had worked so well + + before. An audio only signal was transmitted, telling + + Kirk that help was on the way. Data also said that Scott + + was beaming over, fresh from monitoring the shakedown + + cruise of the new U.S.S. Excelsior. + + + + Memories of this shakedown cruise had been implanted + + into Scott's mind, obscuring any thought of the Stardrive + + Section and it's technological advancements. + + + + Reporting that "A maximum speed trial is yet required," + + Data closed the connection and the Stardrive Section left the + + Enterprise behind. Out of range, Data did not see the four + + Federation ships shimmer into existence, dropping out of Warp + + just as the Enterprise entered it. + + + + + + + "Set course one one three mark two five, Ensign," + + ordered Data. + + + + "Aye, sir. Course laid in," responded the young + + officer. + + + + "Very well. Engage, Warp 8.6." + + + + "Commander, Q told us that we must travel Warp 8.8 + + to achieve time travel," argued Worf. + + Page 238 + + + + + "I have recomputed the necessary equations and have + + found that we need travel only Warp 8.6 because we now lack + + the mass of the Saucer Section," Data rattled on, talking + + about mass/density relationships in 4th dimensional space + + as opposed to 3rd and 5th dimensional space. He had just + + started in on 6th dimensional space when Gawron reported: + + "Warp 8.6, sir." + + + + "Worf, pull the switch," ordered Data. + + + + When Q had 'installed' the first switch on the Bridge, + + he had also put one here, on the Battle Bridge. Worf eyed + + it suspiciously, but pulled it as ordered. + + + + The Enterprise leapt forward, as with triple the + + acceleration, attaining relative speeds of Warp 19. The + + Enterprise left it's present time continuum at Warp 10 and + + moved forward through time, faster and faster. + + + + When it finally dropped out of Warp, it was presented + + with a startling view. On the viewscreen, they watched as + + the Enterprise, somehow whole again, separated, the Stardrive + + Section floating toward the Xin ship and detonating. They + + watched as it was resurrected and propelled through time. + + + + As the Enterprise left this timestream, the Xin ship + + began moving. In the three hours between the Enterprise's + + Page 239 + + + departure and the Saucer's reappearance, Data, Worf, LaForge, + + and Gawron watched as the Xin ship crept through space. + + + + It had traveled no more than 1000 kilometers when + + the Saucer appeared, dragging the energy leech behind it. + + + + On the Main Bridge of the Saucer, everyone had been + + knocked unconscious by the trip through the ages. All that + + could be heard was the faint whisper of breathing and the + + computer's voice. + + + + "Re-entry into proper era established," it spoke + + mechanically. "Disengaging tractor beam." + + + + The energy leech, already awakening from it's + + artificially induced hibernation, hovered confusedly in + + space. Finally, rather than attacking the Xin ship, it + + advanced on the food source closest at hand, the Saucer. + + + + + + + "Mister Worf, fire a single photon torpedo between + + the energy creature and the Xin ship. Set it to detonate + + at one hundred kilometers from the creature," ordered Data. + + + + "Aye, sir," Worf responded reluctantly. He would + + much rather have fired at the Xin himself, pointless as it + + was, than waste a photon torpedo as bait. + + + Page 240 + + + + As the photon torpedo flared to life, it's explosion + + illuminating the scene, the creature hesitated. It sensed + + more power, more food, from the explosion. But that was far + + away and this food source was close at hand. + + + + Finally, it opted for quantity over ease of access + + and moved off toward what radiation was left from the explosion. + + + + Worf fired eleven torpedoes in all to lure the creature + + after the Xin. The Xin ship had never regained full temporal + + motion and, to the Xin, the action seemed to move at well over + + ten times it's normal rate. + + + + The energy leech sidled up to the Xin ship, + + investigating. Then it began feeding, siphoning off all + + the Xin's energy. + + + + The crystal surface became cracked and dull, the + + soaring antennas crumbled away, interior lights dimming, + + as the Xin ship died. Nothing the occupants did mattered. + + The weakened hull ruptured as the energy leech disengaged + + it's tentacles. The Xin crewmembers were sucked out into + + space, along with any equipment that was not tightly + + fastened down. + + + + The Xin's bony carapaces helped to protect them from + + exposure to the hard vacuum of space, but could not prevent + + the rupturing of their internal structures. They bled from + Page 241 + + + + joints and oozed crushed organs from orifices. + + + + Finally, the Xin ship disintegrated, it's molecules + + joining the vast population of interstellar matter. + + + + Still hungry, the energy leech now turned on the + + Stardrive Section. Worf launched more torpedoes, but the + + creature was not fooled this time. It continued it's + + advance. + + + + "Lock on tractor beam, Geordi," Data ordered into + + the intercom. + + + + "Tractor beam locked on. The creature's leeching + + our energy again, Data. Better make this fast." + + + + "Affirmative, Lieutenant. Ensign Gawron, plot course + + two one six mark four seven," said Data, consulting a read out + + on the arm of the command chair. + + + + "But that'll take us into the heart of Star 452M5," + + protested Gawron. + + + + "We will not be entering the star, but stopping + + just short of it, Ensign. Engage course at Warp three." + + + + "Aye, sir. Warp three," Chris replied dubiously. + + + Page 242 + + + + "Arrival at Star 452M5 in fifteen seconds," reported + + Worf, from his station at the rear of the Bridge. + + + + "Drop out of Warp .1 seconds before entering the heart + + of the star and release tractor beam," Data ordered. + + + + "Aye, sir. Whatever you say." + + + + "Carefully, Ensign Gawron. You must not overshoot," + + warned Data. + + + + "Dropping out of Warp...NOW. Tractor beam disengaging." + + Then with surprise, Gawron reported, "The creature is moving + + away, toward the sun. Distance 123 meters and falling, 100 + + meters...90...60...15...2...it has entered the sun. No longer + + reading any lifesigns." + + + + With what could have been sadness, Data ordered, + + "Return to the Saucer and reconnect." Then Data just sat + + there, neither responding to his friends, nor noticing that + + they were even there. + + + Page 243 + + + + CHAPTER 16 + + Captain's Log, Supplemental: + We have returned to our own time and Mister Data + assures me that the Xin ship has been destroyed and also + that we have had no noticeable impact on our own past. I + only hope that he is correct and that our interference has + not caused some difficulty that will come back to haunt us + in the future. + As far as Commander LaForge's defeat of the Borg, + he reports that such a weapon is not now, nor ever has + been physically possible. I feel that Q planted the idea + in his head and then allowed the weapon to be implemented. + Data and Worf have explained to me why they stole + the Stardrive Section, and I believe them, even if no one + except them has any memory of the events leading up to it. + I have also dropped all charges against Worf for refusing + to fire on the Klingon ships, citing as my reason that + he was displaced in time, and as such, may have reverted + to the behavior of Klingons at that time. + We are currently proceeding to Starbase + Andreievitch for repairs and debriefing. + + + + Picard looked up from his computer terminal, feeling + + a tingle at the base of his skull, as if he were being + + watched. + + + + "Come on out, Q. I know you're here." + + + + "Indeed, Captain. I'm everywhere," said Q, as he + + appeared, now wearing the uniform of a Starfleet Fleet + + Admiral. "You've done remarkably well, Jean-Luc, but + + remember, I can always come back." + + + + "I think not, Q. You see, the Borg know of you now. + + They know of the Continuum and your powers. They'll find a + + way to adapt, Q. Then they will come looking for you and + + maybe you will be absorbed into the Borg." + + Page 244 + + + + + Q, a look of terror on his face, pleaded, "No! It + + can't be true. I don't look at all good in plastic and steel. + + You've got to help me." + + + + "No, Q. It is because of you that the Borg know of + + us. It seems fitting that they know of you for the same + + reason." + + + + "Alright then, if you're not going to help, I'll just + + have to have my fellow Q help me." + + + + "If they don't kick you out before you get a chance + + to explain it to them," Picard retorted ominously. + + + + "What do you know, Picard? Now it's my turn to give + + out bad news. You remember that Borg ship at Wolf-359C. + + Well, it wasn't destroyed. Heavily damaged, perhaps, but + + not destroyed. It will be fully repaired in little more + + than a year, but don't think of warning anyone. Your + + memory is now blocked. You have the knowledge but are + + unable to give it to anyone in any form. + + "Ariva derci, Jean-Luc." Q vanished from sight. + + + + + + + In 10-Forward, Geordi and Data were discussing their + + experiences in the past. + + + Page 245 + + + + "Now I understand some of the things Admiral McCoy + + said to me when he was aboard. We were in orbit over Farpoint + + Station, and he said that he had lobbied heavily for the + + construction of the Galaxy Class series of starships. He + + also said that he had a vague memory of you and I, but did + + not know from where." + + + + Geordi turned to look intently at Data, the subdued + + light glinting off his VISOR. "You don't mean--" + + + + "Yes, Geordi, the amnesia program did not work. Out + + of all his shipmates, he is the only one who remembers us." + + + + + "And he never said a word, keeping it to himself for + + over eighty years. Unbelievable," whispered Geordi, in awe. + + + + "I shall have to meet with him again and discuss our + + experiences on the Enterprise and the," Data faltered, + + "Enterprise," he finished. + + + + Geordi turned back to his drink, thinking ahead to + + the shore leave that they had once again been promised and + + knowing that something would come up to keep them from + + getting it. + + + + + + + And on Wolf-359C, the vague outline of a cube + Page 246 + + + + dragged itself free from the hardened rock encasing it. + + It was by no means repaired yet, but a signal had been + + received. Another Borg ship was on it's way to Federation + + space, and this ship wanted to be ready. + + + + A year, perhaps, was a good estimate. After 79 years + + of repairs, what was one more, when the heart of the + + Federation lay open to it? + + + + + Appendix + + Author's Note: Explanations + + + Some of you may be concerned about Worf's behavior, Re: Not attacking +the Klingons. This behavioral change is not unprecedented in Star Trek and +is of the same form as Spock's abnormal behavior in "All Our Yesterdays," where +he reverts back to the behavior of Vulcans of that time period. Klingons of +the time period Worf and crew were in would not, in my opinion, fight against +someone who they saw as doing their duty. + + McCoy's advocacy of the Galaxy class starships stems from his not +knowing what time period (stardate) the "Houdini" comes from. He knew it was +really named the Enterprise and wanted to speed up development of it so that +it could go back in time to destroy the Borg. (See below.) This is the reason +for the lack of an extensive testing program. (Captain of the "Yamato," +"Contagion.") + + The Borg were included in the book to put an extension on Khan, add +something about the effect of the Genesis wave, and fix something I found +hard to believe about "Best of Both Worlds Part II." I did not think that +one Borg ship alone could defeat 40 Federation starships. It made sense to me +that their was another Borg ship somewhere. This ship, stranded for many years +on Wolf-359C, beamed Locutus aboard just as the other Borg ship was destroyed, +finished off the Federation fleet, and then headed for Earth. By this time, +Khan's personality had been purged by the Borg. + + And that's all I wrote, but before I go, thanks to friends and family +members for their support, and to everyone who consented to appear in this +work: Chris Gawron, Jill Aures, Maggie Harris, Dave Callari, Phyllis Rubino, +and any others I may have forgotten over the past year of writing. + + Hailing frequencies closed. Live long and prosper, as we watch the +human adventure continue into the 23rd century and beyond. + diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/qlue b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/qlue new file mode 100644 index 00000000..147af6ff --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/qlue @@ -0,0 +1,626 @@ +Path: moe.ksu.ksu.edu!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!sdd.hp.com!mips!darwin.sura.net!jvnc.net!rutgers!ub!acsu.buffalo.edu!ubvmsb.cc.buffalo.edu!v130qh57 +From: v130qh57@ubvmsb.cc.buffalo.edu (sandra guzdek) +Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative +Subject: NEW STORY: Qlue (or, ....) +Message-ID: +Date: 14 Aug 92 17:16:00 GMT +Sender: nntp@acsu.buffalo.edu +Organization: University at Buffalo +Lines: 613 +News-Software: VAX/VMS VNEWS 1.41 +Nntp-Posting-Host: ubvmsb.cc.buffalo.edu + +well, here it is, the last thing that i shall submit for the approval of all +of you (well, unless i go back to school). it is a semi-parody. + at the risk of being flamed for wasting bandwidth/ +being sappy, it's been a good time and i shall miss this newsgroup dearly. +anyone so inclined may write to me at the below address... i would love if +those so inclined could post me (snail mail) the latest and greatest fiction +on this newsgroup... bye! :'( + + + + + sandra guzdek + username: v130qh57@ubvmsb.cc.buffalo.edu + til 28 Aug 1992 + 6037 Devlin Avenue + Niagara Falls, NY + 14304 + after 28 Aug 1992 + "Higher emotions are what separate us from the lower orders of life... + Higher emotions, and table manners." + --- Deanna Troi, _Imzadi_ + +Qlue (or, Man, Do I Ever Need A Vacation!) * Copyright 1992 by Sandra Guzdek +_______________________________________________________________________________ + There was nothing in the world Jean-Luc Picard wanted more at that +moment than to reach his quarters. To be more specific and more accurate, to +the novel he had acquired at the last starbase stop the Enterprise had made, +but hadn't had time to sink his teeth into. As he turned the corner, his +pace quickened. Sinking into a chair, lights high enough to read, low enough +to soothe... he smiled in anticipation. Just a few more steps. Just a few... +more... steps... + His door whooshed open under the swift, light touch of his fingertips, +and he stepped in, deeply drawing in air as if breathing for the first time. He +smiled and nodded. _Finally, alone._ + He changed out of the restrictive uniform and stretched out along the +couch, reaching for the book that he had set on the table beside the statue +he had brought back with him from Risa. _Ariadne's Web_ was its title, +the latest offering by a proliferative young Terran author called Roth +Vandalay, whose rather interesting series of mystery books never failed to +surprise the captain. Before he flipped open the cover, the horgon caught his +eye; a fleeting thought of the devilishly delightful Vash passed through his +mind as quickly as the smile that played on his lips. He settled back as he +read the first line. + + + They found her lying face up on a deserted beach, her auburn hair + tangled artfully with the deep forest green of the seaweed, her pale limbs + twisted painfully, her blue eyes questioning the clouded sky. + + + Picard smiled... until he heard a voice come out of nowhere to comment +on his apparent amusement: + "Tut, tut, Captain. Surely you don't smile at the thought of *murder*." + Picard did not even have to look up at this annoyance to know who it +was. Impeccable timing as always, to interrupt such well-deserved relaxation. +The captain slapped shut the text, and let out a huff that would have sent +any one of his subordinates fleeing. He looked up glaringly. "Q." + Q was insultingly dressed in a Starfleet captain's uniform, and he +pouted when he perceived a building anger in Picard. He gestured an +exaggerated bow. "Always a pleasure to see you as well, Picard." + "What are you doing on my ship?" he asked with remarkable restrain, +standing, fists clenched at his sides. + "Ah, but you have not as yet answered my subtle query. *Does* murder +please you?" + Picard held the book up and shook it, as if to emphasize what he was to +say next. "*Reading* pleases me. That this book happens to involve a murder is +irrelevant." + Q took a seat, and shook his finger at the captain. "Au contraire, +mon capitan. I think the subject is of *extreme* relevance. The circumstances +surrounding the murder interest you to no end, don't dare deny it. I will tell +you now, her twin sister did it. Not very creative at all." + Disgusted, Picard threw down the book. "Get off of this ship!" + "Poor sport!" Q said. "But do you deny that murder does not fascinate +you?" Picard opened his mouth to retort but Q continued, "For example, if +your *beloved* Vash turned up on a deserted beach, her pale limbs twisted +painfully, do you mean to tell me that it would not interest you to know how +it happened?" + Picard had blanched a shade three times lighter that white. "If +you've hurt her, Q --" + Q laughed, enjoying that the mighty captain was brought to such +struggle. "Of course not. I did give you my word, didn't I? She is... *safe*. +-- But what of murder? What if Riker confided in you that he had murdered? +Does not the human race have some morbid fascination with the mystery of +murder? The success of Dame Agatha Christie and your Roth Vandalay, among +*countless* others, seems to support this without refute." + Picard's anger was mounting. Not only had Q spoiled his night of +relaxation, but he had ruined the end of the book before Picard had even +gotten through the first paragraph, and now Q was broadly supposing something +yet again about the human race. "This is absurd." Jean-Luc decided he needed +some tea and went over to the replicator, where Q was already waiting for +him. "Murder mystery books are purely escapism. If there were only some +escape from *you*." He grabbed the tea and made for his desk. Some spilled on +his hand, adding to his frustration, and he cursed under his breath. + The captain turned to Q and said, "In reality, murder is a very +serious business. In these times, murder is a rare thing, cold and ruthless. +Most people, if not all, are able to separate the fiction from the reality. +Certainly Starfleet officers will know the difference, especially upper rank +officers. To suppose Will Riker of all people could murder is preposterous. He +could never." + Q rose from his seat behind the desk, both hands squarely supporting +him. "And *I* say he would, given the opportunity, means and motive. *No* +human is beyind this instinct. Not even 'upper rank officers'." + "How wrong you are, Q. I would stake my life on the fact that none of +my senior staff would ever commit cold-blooded murder." As soon as he said the +words he wished he could take them back, because to Q this would be nothing +more than an invitation. + "*I* think you are a fool to suppose anything of the sort!" He smiled +that charming yet menacing smile. "'Stake your life,' eh? We shall see. We +shall see." + He was gone in a flash of blinding light, and Picard was right behind +him. + ++++ + + Howling wind circled in his ears, and nearly took the fedora off of his +head, as the rain came down blindingly. He looked around himself from under +the edge of a wide black umbrella. It was dark, but in the brief, illuminating +flashes of lightning, he could see he was on a short path leading towards an +ivy-covered estate, surrounded on all sides by acres of lush, manicured land. +Behind him, in the crescent driveway, sat a large black sedan that he supposed +he must have 'driven' all the way out here, to the country. He could only +think that he was to go to the house and knock on the large wooden doors, which +he did after folding the umbrella closed. + As Picard waited for a reply, he looked down at his clothing. He had +on a trenchcoat, and on his feet fine dress shoes. The lower pantlegs +suggested a tailored suit made from the best linen. Picard smiled, satisfied +in knowing what Q had done -- thrown him into a Dixon Hill scenario, a big +mistake on Q's part. Picard knew everything there was to know about Hill. + Finally the doors creaked opened, and what he saw next almost made +him laugh. It was Worf, unceremoniously stuffed into the stiffest butler's +uniform he had ever seen. "Mr. Hill. We have been -- expecting you," said +Worf in his usual low, almost subaudible tone. Picard smiled, stepping in from +under the awning. + "Thank you, Mr. --" + "Jeeves. Just call me Jeeves, sir." Worf was stone serious, standing +at an obscenely motionless attention. + Picard blinked. He had a feeling that this was real, for it was not a +situation he was familiar with in the holodeck. He felt thrown for a loop. What +did Q have planned, after all? + As Worf turned, he said, "This way, sir." + They went into what appeared to be a library, Picard was brought face +to face with a roomful of familiarity that was not reciprocated. "Let me +introduce you, sir. -- Excuse me, but Mr. Dixon Hill has arrived." + Someone murmured, "Thank God. We can finally get this cleared up," +catching the captain's ear. It was... Geordi? + "Would someone kindly explain what this is all about?" Picard asked, +not wanting to blow his cover, but confused nonetheless. + Worf turned to him with a look of surprise. "I thought it had all been +explained over the phone, sir. Mr. Boddy has been murdered." + The crowd in the room came closer. Beverly, Riker, Deanna... they +were all here. But evidently they were not themselves, in the strictest +sense. + "Murdered, you say?" Picard turned to face Worf. As he did he caught +a glance of his own face in a large mirror. Apparently he was not himself, +either: Q had changed his face. The basic features were the same, but the nose +was thinner, the eyes more cynical, the cheeks more prominent. And the hair! +His hairline looked as if it had only recently begun to recede. What the hell +was going on? + "Murdered. And one of these... guests has done it." + Protests buzzed around the room. + "Quiet all of you!" The man who looked like Riker stepped forward, +harrumphing boisterously. "Mr. Hill, my name is Colonel Mustard, and I can +most assuredly say that I am *not* the murderer." He was dressed in a military +style suit of drab brown, with insignia on his chest that indicated that this +man was indeed in the armed forces. "I have more important things to do than +waste time on such... *trivial* pursuits." + "Oh, and I suppose if all of us come forward like you, we all *must* be +innocent?" This from the mouth of Ro Larren, who was in a slinky white skirt +with a matching suit jacket, her head topped with a white pillbox hat. Her +feet were clothed in heels of white patent leather. + "If anything is to be accomplished, we must have order." Picard said +this, and it calmed the crowd at once. "Let me have your names. I will also +need to see the body." He swallowed hard at the last word. He pulled out the +notebook in his pocket, and prepared to take notes with the pencil in his hand. + Ro came forth boldly. "I am Mrs. White." + "I am Professor Plum," said Data: he had a mustard brown tweed suit on +with a suffocating bow tie at his neck that was the perfect shade of... well, +plum. + Beverly wore a deep blue-green A-line dress that plunged dangerously +low in the front, and her shapely legs ended with satin pumps of the same +colour. Her hair was pulled up at the crown, and tumbled over her shoulders in +auburn curls. "My name is Mrs. Peacock," she said in a deep, resonant tone, +her smile indicating at once both shyness and invitation. Picard's eyes +lingered on her longer than necessary. + "Miss Scarlet." Picard turned his eyes to Troi upon hearing her +voice. She was in a red satin dress that clung to her like a second skin, a +showcase for her ample features. Her high-heeled shoes were a little bit taller +than Beverly's were and matched Troi's dress perfectly. Deanna's black hair was +swept off of her neck and into a french twist, with a few curls escaping and +clinging to her face and neck. She smiled at him with ruby red lips, her +intentions towards him and all other of his gender more than obvious. + From beside her came a meek voice. It was Geordi, dressed in a plain +blue wool suit, straight tie, and dress shoes. "Mr. Green here." He offered a +nervous smile and waved. + As he jotted down the last of his notes they looked a little like this: + + Mr. Worf ---> butler - Jeeves ___ + Riker, Colonel Mustard. / \ + Ro Larren = Mrs. White, _/ + Mr. Data is Professor Plum. | + Beverly ------> Mrs. Peacock | + Counselor Troi, Miss Scarlet. + LaForge is Mr. Green. O + + He looked at those names, and looked again. Somehow the fact that +they were all colours was significant and somehow familiar. And what was the +victim's name again? Mr. Boddy? That was surely a strange occurrance. + He heard the voice of Q, seemingly emanating from a round, blue +painting that very much resembled the earth's sky on a sunny day. "Oh, it's no +coincedence, Captain. If you were the big history buff you claim to be, you +would know exactly what this is you're involved with." Picard looked around for +Q and saw him sitting on a bookshelf near where Beverly was standing. Q's face +scowled. "Don't worry, they can't hear me. I'm here for your benefit, you might +say." + Just then he realized why the names had sounded so familiar. A 20th +century board game. "Clue." + "What's that? Did you find a clue?" asked Geordi. + He all but ignored him to hear Q's reply. "I've underestimated your +knowledge of the past. Very well, you're right. Can you believe it? A *board +game* that revolves around *murder*!" Q laughed; Picard just seethed. "Well? +Go take a look at the body!" Q disappeared again. + As Picard came out of his apparent reverie, he realized all eyes were +upon him. He suggested the very thing Q had recommended -- to go look at the +body. Data, in his most professorial voice, informed him that it was in the +study. + As Picard approached the room he saw the body lying on the floor, limbs +askew, face down, in the center of the floor. He motioned that they should +remain at the door as he entered. Worf said, "We haven't moved it since we +found it." + "*Who* found it specifically?" he addressed the crowd. + "The maid." + "And where is she?" + "Right here." From behind him came the voice of Vash. As he turned +back towards the crowd, she made her way through it, looking at him through +her lashes, a smile playing on the corner of her lips. It did not help that she +was dressed in a short black and white French maid's outfit, her bosom pushed +up for display. Her brown hair was piled on top of her head, ringlets framing +her pretty face. She cocked one delicate eyebrow upon making eye contact with +the captain. + Picard cleared his throat, forcing himself to turn his eyes from her, +and back to the body on the floor. "Are there any other people in this house +that I should be aware of?" + Worf said, "The cook... and Mr. O'Brien." + *Chief* O'Brien? "What does this O'Brien do?" + "Isn't he the chauffeur?" asked Ro. + "I thought he was the gardener," Data offered. + "He told me he was the stable master," Geordi said, puzzled. + Worf said, "Officially, he has no title. He just works around the +house." Picard thought about this, his fingers to his chin, staring some +more at the notes he was accumulating. + "And what are you all doing here?" + "We all received invitations to spend the weekend here at the Boddy +Estate," offered Geordi, who pushed on the edge of his VISOR as if it were +the arm of a pair of eyeglasses. + "We all arrived last night for dinner," concluded Troi, sipping from +her brandy. "This morning, the maid finds our host as dead as a doornail. +Some host," she tried to joke. Picard ignored it. + "Did you all know each other before last night?" asked Picard. At +this prompt, nervous glances crossed the room. Some answered "yes," some +answered "no." Picard made note of this as well. + "And how did you all know Mr. Boddy?" + Again, intimidated looks went back and forth between them. + Riker, as Colonel Mustard, said, "We just did." He raised his chin and +struck a determined pose. Picard knew that was as much as he was going to get +from them at that moment. + "Let's examine the body, shall we?" said Picard, changing the subject. +He dropped to a squat and turned the body over. + Only to see the spitting image of himself. + ++++ + + He nearly fainted. He wanted to scream. He wanted to strangle the +life out of Q. Instead he looked with a morbid revulsion for any signs of the +cause of death. There was a large wound on his temple and a bruise that had +begun to turn purple around the front of his neck. He felt nauseous and could +look no more. + "One of them has killed *you*, Picard!" came Q's grating voice. "I'll +bet you can't guess who." + Q materialized next to the body, looking up at the captain from a +reclining position. Picard quickly stood and said to the crowd, "Excuse me, I +need a moment to myself. I'll join you in the library in a short while. If +you'd please..." They abandoned the study's threshhold, and Picard closed the +doors behind them. + When he turned back to Q, Picard was wearing a completely different +face, a mask of rage and ill-temper. "Q! What is the purpose of this charade? +These people are just mockeries of my crew! And to involve Vash, how dare you!" + "Temper, temper!" scolded Q. "These people are most certainly your +crew. They all have plenty of motive to kill you without me changing a thing. +I have just seen to it that they know you, well, *him*--" he indicated the +body on the floor "--and each other, for different reasons. They are merely... +shall we say, *enhanced* versions of themselves." + "What does this all mean, 'enhanced versions'? Have you altered their +minds?" Picard was not aware that Q had that type of power. + "Let's just say that they *believe* they are the characters they are, +and as sure as you and I are here, one of them has killed you. Vash included." +Q smiled again, and patted Picard's shoulder. "Don't look so down, Mr. Brown! +Their motives will all become apparent in due time!" + Q left him alone again, and Picard was filled with a profound hatred +for the impish entity. But he quelled it, smoothed down his suit, and surveyed +the study. His mind was filled with turbulent questions. Who did it? Why? + They were all capable. Data had superhuman strength. Worf was strong +as well. Beverly had expert knowledge of the human anatomy. And any one of +them could use a revolver. + This thought was spurred by the fact that he found a bullet hole in +the dark leather chair behind the desk. Could he have missed a bullet wound? + He dashed to the body again and noticed that there was a patch of +blood staining the shirt covering the abdomen, but it hadn't gone through to +the jacket. Was he shot before or after he was bludgeoned? And when exactly +was he strangled? Did he die where he was found, or was that another ploy to +throw him off the track? God did he need Beverly's expertise. How frightening +that he doubted his trust for her. + Suddenly he thought: what if these wounds were three separate attempts +on the life of Mr. Boddy? Which one succeeded? + Trust or not, he needed Beverly. + He left the study, closing the doors behind him. Nervous pacing filled +the room that he crossed the hallway for. When he entered, all motion stopped +and all eyes turned to Picard. + "Well, Mr. Hill? What's the verdict?" asked Riker. + Picard decided to play it cool. He walked over to the bar and poured +himself a drink, took a swig of the amber liquid and set it down. He looked +directly to the doctor. "I understand you have medical training, Mrs. Peacock." + Beverly was taken aback, but covered for herself sufficiently. "How did +you know?" Her voice was sultrier than he could ever remember. + Picard's smile oozed charm. "I have my sources," he said enigmatically. +"Right now I need some answers, before I can tell any of you anything. Mrs. +Peacock, please come with me." + ++++ + + "Well, as far as I can tell, bruising occured before death, as did +the shot, and the head wound. The direction of blood flow suggests that he +was upright when shot, and possibly upright when he died. It's hard to tell +without more sophisticated equipment exactly how long he has been dead. The +rate of rigor mortis does suggest, however, that not more than 18 hours has +passed, placing the time of death at about one o'clock this morning in this +very room." Her tone was thoroughly professional. She rose to her feet and +looked him squarely in the eye; they were very close in height. "It's +difficult to say which occurred first, though. It could be that all were +delivered within a short period of each other." + Unbelievably he felt uncomfortable under her gaze, and turned away, +making a note in his pad. "Do you think they were all committed by the same +person?" + "I'd have to say yes. The injuries were delivered, I believe, one +right after another. If it's by more than one person, these persons would +have incredible coordination." + Picard put the pencil's eraser to his lips, thinking about all she +had just told him. If she was the murderer, then this was probably all +misinformation. Dammit! "Someone certainly wanted m-- Mr. Boddy dead. They +certainly tried hard enough." + "Well. They succeeded." She came up behind him and touched his arm. +Whether or not she was really looking at the notes or only pretending to, he +couldn't tell, but he put the notes out of view. She smiled, catching his eye +again. "Tell me," she said, her voice smooth, "who do *you* think did it?" + _And what would a Dixon Hill scenario be without a gorgeous gal +falling all over him?_ he thought quickly. "I'm afraid I don't have enough +evidence yet." + "Come on, Dixon. Can't you even guess?" she cooed, her arms leisurely +entwining him. + His brain shouted, _Trust her! Trust her!_ Luckily, though, his +reason kicked in and he pulled away from her. "No, I can't even guess, Mrs. +Peacock." She was highly disappointed, and sighed. + "Come on, back to the others. We all have a lot to talk about." He +headed for the door and turned back to make sure she was following. She looked +breathtaking. Did she always look that way? He never noticed. On a daily +basis she was just part of the well-oiled machinery, even though she was a +dear and trusted friend. He made a mental note to pay her more attention. + At that moment the doors swung opened. It was the maid. More +specifically, it was Vash. She gave him a cold, hard look. For a moment, it +seemed that she knew who he really was. Not knowing if he and Beverly had been +locked in a mental embrace for seconds, minutes or hours, he smiled and hoped +that it would be enough. She was unchanging. "Dinner is ready." + She left. But she said volumes more without words -- the look exchanged +between the two women could have frozen nitrogen. + ++++ + + After a delicious yet tension-filled dinner they all gathered in the +library for after dinner drinks. Jean-Luc had mentioned at dinner that he +needed to speak to all of them regarding the case. Now they each in their own +way acted nervously: Geordi twiddled his fingers, Deanna twisted her hair, +Riker hovered the bar in a geo-synchronous orbit. He even called for the butler, +the cook, the maid and O'Brien. When they all seemed quite settled, Picard +engaged their eyes one pair at a time. "I want to know, and I want to know +now, how each of you know Mr. Boddy. I assume that all of you worked under +him?" + They nodded, though it was like pulling teeth to get them to do so. + At that moment the cook walked in with Mr. O'Brien. It was Guinan. +Picard stared for a moment, then brought down the first victim with a +piercing gaze. "Colonel Mustard," he began, "how did *you* know him?" + Undaunted, Riker said bravely, "He was my commanding officer in the +Armed Forces." And the snowball began rolling from there. + Troi laughed. "And he never let you forget it." Riker shot her a look +of pure evil. + "And the old coot was on to you, Miss Scarlet, or should I say Agent +Fembot, of the international espionage association Bimb--" + She shrieked: "I could *sense* that you were going to use that against +me, you traitor! Yes, he knew as well, but that does not mean I wanted him +dead!" She looked to be on the verge of tears. + Beverly spoke up. "*I'm* not ashamed to admit, I'm glad that he's gone. +He was, after all, responsible for the death of my husband, rest poor Jack's +soul." She was totally cool and confident as she said this. + "How can you say that?" It was Vash's voice. "No wait, let me guess! +You're jealous that he never gave you the attention I got. How could he have? +*You're* nothing but a cold medical *robot*!" + "And he knew about your son!" chimed in Troi, or Scarlet, or Agent +Fembot. "He knew that he was your son's real father!" Even Picard was +surprised at this revelation. Hopefully, like the Fembot claim, this was Q's +idea of a joke. + Beverly turned with a look that could frighten the dead. Picard was +surprised at the hatred in her always kind eyes. "We all know the only thing +*you* were ever good for," she said, addressing the both of them, really. + "Yeah, the one thing he couldn't get from *you* any more!" Vash +retorted angrily, raising her chin in victory. Picard also noticed Troi's +angry look had found its way to Vash, and it didn't seem like it was going to +be leaving any time soon. + Beverly rose to her feet, and for a moment there was a tangible +tension in the air. Picard said, "Ladies, please control yourselves!" + Bev sat back down, unflustered, but said under her breath, "Cow." + Ro's voice was small by comparison. "He never did give me the +promotions I deserved, that old windbag." + "When did you deserve any promotions?" Geordi muttered. "The phaser +tester is more useful than you are." + "I could say the same about you," she returned coolly, folding her +arms and staring him down. "You're no better than any of the people he put +you in charge of. You are incompetent, and he full well knew it... He was +going to get you transferred, with a sizeable demotion!" + The look on Geordi's face told that he knew, but did not know anyone +else had known. "Why you little-- " + "My son," Worf's voice cut through soberly. "He sent my son out of this +house. He has *no* honour." He looked restrained, like he wanted to beat +*someone* up, but knew not who. + Riker stood. "And you, Professor! He knew of your trysts with a certain +Head of Security, and was prepared to spill the beans on it now that she's +dead!" Data's normally impassive face became enraged. Well, enraged for Data. + "That is true, but everyone knew about that!" + "But not everybody knows about the night that you used your detachable +arm to--" + "*COLONEL*!" + And through all of this he made notes. + So far, all of them except Guinan and O'Brien had all but volunteered +a motive. Jealousy, revenge, hatred. They were all there. The thought of any +one of them striking him down sent shivers along his spine. + Picard tugged down on his jacket subconsciously as his voice +attempted to slice through the chaotic chorus of shouting. "MAY I HAVE +QUIET?!?!?!" + The noise rumbled down, and finally all was still. Picard smiled. +"Now *that* is more like it. I can see I'm getting nowhere talking to all of +you like this. Go on to your rooms, I'll be around for personal interviews." +He swept out of the room with the air of authority he always did. But as Dixon +Hill, he wondered if it was appropriate. + ++++ + + Luckily, the butler had prepared a room for the private investigator, +which Picard went to after this outburst amongst his senior officers. He +noticed with some sort of irony that he, too, had a round, blue painting on +his wall, that looked rather like the sunny blue sky of earth. From a carafe +of water he poured himself a drink and sat on the bed, his head in his hands. +He was exhausted, and needed sleep desperately. He seriously contemplated +heading for bed at this "early" hour when he heard a knock on his door. He +sighed for the umpteenth time that day. "Who is it?" he called. + "It's me," called the familiar voice of Vash in a low, secretive tone, +"the maid. I have a message for you." + Opening the door to her might have proved fatal to his libido, so he +merely called back, "What do you want?" + "Miss Scarlet would like to see you." + _I'll bet she would,_ he thought wryly. + "I'll be right there." + He headed for her room; the door was slightly ajar. He pushed it +opened. It was smoky and dark. "Hello?" he called softly. Strange... on her +wall was, again, the blue, round painting. Must have been a series. Or at the +very least, a discount sale. + A voice called from deep within, "Come in, make yourself comfortable." +He imagined she was doing the same, and when she emerged, he knew he had been +right: she was dressed in a lacy red peignoir, her ebony hair unbound and +falling around her shoulders. She smiled. "You're probably wondering why I +called you here." + He stood up to leave. "I think I have a pretty good idea, Scarlet. I +don't have time for that." + She grabbed his sleeve. "That wasn't the only reason, love. You may +have heard Mustard mention that I am an agent of Bimbo, an international +espionage agency. He was correct. But what I didn't want to say in front of +all of them is that I believe our agency has vital information to implicate +one of our guests in the murder of not only Mr. Boddy but--" + At that moment she doubled over, her hands at her temples. "Oh, the +PAIN! The PAIN!" She sobbed and screamed this over and over again. Finally +she collapsed onto the floor, unconscious. He tried to pick her up and put +her into the nearby bed, but she was heavier than she looked, heavier than +Picard could manage, absolutlely dead weight. + Undoubtedly, this was the work of the murderer. He thought for the +moment, then left the room in search of more clues. + ++++ + + Picard headed for the study where the body had been found. He'd called +O'Brien and had him take the body down to the meat freezer in the kitchen +until he this had been solved. Had this been a holodeck scenario, he would +have abandoned it long ago. He sighed as he entered the room and closed the +door behind him. + With his hands on his hips, he looked around himself. What was that +vital something that he had overlooked before? With that he noticed that the +walls were covered with the finest of paintings -- Monet, Matisse, Cassatt. +Look there, another one of those round, blue, sky paintings! That it was in +every room had to be more than just a coincedence. He stepped closer, letting +his eyes roll over the beautiful and subtle clouds, its landscape, almost. +Coming nearer he became lost in it. Serene, beautiful... safe. + Safe. + He reached out his fingers and ran them along the right side of the +curve and smiled as it came forward on a hinge to reveal a slate-coloured iron +wall safe. "Damn," he muttered to himself, an amused smile on his face, "if +only I was a safecracker." + Dressed as a black cat-burglar complete with the tools of the trade, +Q was beside him in an instant. "Did I hear the word 'safecracker'?" This +was actually one instant that Picard actually welcomed Q's appearance. Q +pushed his head through the wall of the safe and a muffled voice echoed from +within, "Oh! Well, this could certainly be helpful to your case!" + Picard didn't like to beg, but in this instant he came very close to +it. "Can you open it, Q? More importantly -- *will* you open it?" + Q made a pouty face. "You didn't say 'Pretty please with sugar on +top'!" + The anger on Picard's face told Q that the fuse had come to its +end. "Here you are." As Q snapped his fingers, the lock was released and the +door slid smoothly open. "Have fun, my little P.I.!" + Again, Q was gone. For that Picard was grateful. Perhaps the entity +had finally learned the limits of human patience. + As Picard opened the door, his eyes became as wide as saucers. At +least now he had somewhere to begin. + ++++ + + He approached Professor Plum's door, passing Mrs. White's and hearing +sounds coming from behind that made him glad he didn't have to interrupt her +and her paramour-du-jour, undoubtedly the dashing Colonel Mustard/Will Riker. +He at first knocked delicately. From behind Data's door, the sound of drilling +permeated the air almost at the same time, just as from under the door came +flashes of bright blue light. What in the world was he doing in there? Picard +banged with his fist and the drilling ceased. + The door opened and there stood Data -- Professor Plum -- with +smudges on his face and a sweat just beginning to bead on his brow. "May I +help you, Mr. Hill?" His head tilted as he said this like a marionette's string +had just been snipped. + The captain forgot for a moment what he was there for and strained to +look around the android-become-academic. "What's going on in there?" + Data was immovable. "I am an inventor." + "What are you... inventing?" + The android, looking particularly silly in the tweed suit, finally +stepped aside. On the table sat a large, flat, electronic looking metallic +device, a blue beam connecting the components that stood up from its surface. +Wires ran down from it to an anvil that sat on the ground, dirty and rusted. +Data pulled out a flat, flaccid object and placed it in the beam's path, +singeing it to a dark golden brown. + "It," Data began, "is a device to change the outermost layers of a +cross-section of a starchy lattice structure to being darker, crispier, and +warmer; in essence, baking it." + "A *toaster*? You've built a toaster?" + As always, Data did not understand the confusion. "That is what I +said." + Picard rolled his eyes impatiently, and remembered the task at hand. +"Tell me, Mr. D--uh, Professor Plum, what can you tell me about... *THIS*?" +He held up a brown bag and reached inside for its contents. + It was Data's head, wide eyed and rather wrinkly. + Data was obviously surprised. "Where did you get that?!?" + Picard smirked. "Found it in Mr. Boddy's safe. What else did he have on +you?" + Data just lunged for it, and being superhuman in strength, he took it +and had it in the path of the blue beam before you could say "temporal +distortion." + "There can be only one!" he yelled, as the head incinerated to a black, +smoldering ball, filling the room with the smell of burning plastic. + Picard was aghast. "What was the meaning of that?!" Picard demanded. + "He was using this head against me, threatened to tell the world that +there was more than one operable positronic brain. Now no one has that kind +of leverage against me!" He cackled with a robust laugh. "I killed my +brother, took his place... no one knew, except Mr. Boddy!!!" Realizing that +this whole scenario was moving farther and farther away from reality, it dawned +on Picard who was standing before him. + "LORE!" + Lore smirked. "You got it, pal. Now with that insufferable brother of +mine and his boss out of the way.... heh heh heh..." + In a split second Lore was on top of Picard, pummeling the life out +of him. "Now I shall see to it that no one else can ruin my plan!!! There can +BE only one! There CAN be only ONE!" + All hope was fading away, until the door opened and Worf stood there, +growling, ready to kick some android butt. Lore abandoned the wilting captain +for fresh blood. + Within moments, Worf was flat on his back, paralyzed, cursing to +himself about being a warrior and other such nonsense. Picard was to become +the prey again when the threshold was filled by another, more powerful being. +Lore went pale, and backed off from Jean-Luc. "Uh, uh... um..." he tripped +over his own tongue. She stuck her arm out and he fell over. Finally, his +circuits overloaded and he shut down once and for all. + Picard turned a swollen eye to see the cook standing there. "Guinan," +he managed. + "No, I'm not Guinan. I am Whoopi Goldberg, actress and comedienne, +and proud leader of the Men Against Bodacious Baldies, of which Lore here was +our renegade field operative. He was supposed to kill Boddy... just to get Mr. +Dixon Hill here." From behind her came other members of MABB; the likes of +Will Smith, Luke Perry, A Martinez and Burt Reynolds. "But we know that you are +not really Mr. Dixon Hill at all. Dixon Hill doesn't exist anywhere." The men +behind her came forward more menacingly, looking to finish him off. + Picard turned his head towards Worf, who said apologetically, "Oh, did +I forget to mention that these ten or so men were here as well? Oh, man, I'm +really sorry." + _Typical murder mystery,_ he thought, rolling his eyes. + "Yes, we know who you really are --- MR. PATRICK STEWART!!!!" + ++++ + + As the horde of men were about to land on his chest to crush the life +out of him, Patrick Stewart's steely eyes flew opened in a panic, only to see +the sun coming in through the blinds on this, a beautiful Sunday morning in +the hills just outside of Los Angeles. He sighed, picking the book up from off +of his chest. Fell asleep reading again. Whew. It was all a dream, after all. +_____________________________________________________________________________ +..a tribute to the Net and to the inane discussions on r.a.s.* that i enjoy + so! i'll really miss it, sniff, sniff... +_____________________________________________________________________________ + Copyright 1992 by Sandra Guzdek + standard disclaimers about Paramount, and threats of death for plagiarism, + apply. +_____________________________________________________________________________ + diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/qlue.txt b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/qlue.txt new file mode 100644 index 00000000..e372163f --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/qlue.txt @@ -0,0 +1,616 @@ +NEW STORY: Qlue (or, ....) + +well, here it is, the last thing that i shall submit for the approval of all +of you (well, unless i go back to school). it is a semi-parody. + at the risk of being flamed for wasting bandwidth/ +being sappy, it's been a good time and i shall miss this newsgroup dearly. +anyone so inclined may write to me at the below address... i would love if +those so inclined could post me (snail mail) the latest and greatest fiction +on this newsgroup... bye! :'( + + + + + sandra guzdek + username: v130qh57@ubvmsb.cc.buffalo.edu + til 28 Aug 1992 + 6037 Devlin Avenue + Niagara Falls, NY + 14304 + after 28 Aug 1992 + "Higher emotions are what separate us from the lower orders of life... + Higher emotions, and table manners." + --- Deanna Troi, _Imzadi_ + +Qlue (or, Man, Do I Ever Need A Vacation!) * Copyright 1992 by Sandra Guzdek +_______________________________________________________________________________ + There was nothing in the world Jean-Luc Picard wanted more at that +moment than to reach his quarters. To be more specific and more accurate, to +the novel he had acquired at the last starbase stop the Enterprise had made, +but hadn't had time to sink his teeth into. As he turned the corner, his +pace quickened. Sinking into a chair, lights high enough to read, low enough +to soothe... he smiled in anticipation. Just a few more steps. Just a few... +more... steps... + His door whooshed open under the swift, light touch of his fingertips, +and he stepped in, deeply drawing in air as if breathing for the first time. He +smiled and nodded. _Finally, alone._ + He changed out of the restrictive uniform and stretched out along the +couch, reaching for the book that he had set on the table beside the statue +he had brought back with him from Risa. _Ariadne's Web_ was its title, +the latest offering by a proliferative young Terran author called Roth +Vandalay, whose rather interesting series of mystery books never failed to +surprise the captain. Before he flipped open the cover, the horgon caught his +eye; a fleeting thought of the devilishly delightful Vash passed through his +mind as quickly as the smile that played on his lips. He settled back as he +read the first line. + + + They found her lying face up on a deserted beach, her auburn hair + tangled artfully with the deep forest green of the seaweed, her pale limbs + twisted painfully, her blue eyes questioning the clouded sky. + + + Picard smiled... until he heard a voice come out of nowhere to comment +on his apparent amusement: + "Tut, tut, Captain. Surely you don't smile at the thought of *murder*." + Picard did not even have to look up at this annoyance to know who it +was. Impeccable timing as always, to interrupt such well-deserved relaxation. +The captain slapped shut the text, and let out a huff that would have sent +any one of his subordinates fleeing. He looked up glaringly. "Q." + Q was insultingly dressed in a Starfleet captain's uniform, and he +pouted when he perceived a building anger in Picard. He gestured an +exaggerated bow. "Always a pleasure to see you as well, Picard." + "What are you doing on my ship?" he asked with remarkable restrain, +standing, fists clenched at his sides. + "Ah, but you have not as yet answered my subtle query. *Does* murder +please you?" + Picard held the book up and shook it, as if to emphasize what he was to +say next. "*Reading* pleases me. That this book happens to involve a murder is +irrelevant." + Q took a seat, and shook his finger at the captain. "Au contraire, +mon capitan. I think the subject is of *extreme* relevance. The circumstances +surrounding the murder interest you to no end, don't dare deny it. I will tell +you now, her twin sister did it. Not very creative at all." + Disgusted, Picard threw down the book. "Get off of this ship!" + "Poor sport!" Q said. "But do you deny that murder does not fascinate +you?" Picard opened his mouth to retort but Q continued, "For example, if +your *beloved* Vash turned up on a deserted beach, her pale limbs twisted +painfully, do you mean to tell me that it would not interest you to know how +it happened?" + Picard had blanched a shade three times lighter that white. "If +you've hurt her, Q --" + Q laughed, enjoying that the mighty captain was brought to such +struggle. "Of course not. I did give you my word, didn't I? She is... *safe*. +-- But what of murder? What if Riker confided in you that he had murdered? +Does not the human race have some morbid fascination with the mystery of +murder? The success of Dame Agatha Christie and your Roth Vandalay, among +*countless* others, seems to support this without refute." + Picard's anger was mounting. Not only had Q spoiled his night of +relaxation, but he had ruined the end of the book before Picard had even +gotten through the first paragraph, and now Q was broadly supposing something +yet again about the human race. "This is absurd." Jean-Luc decided he needed +some tea and went over to the replicator, where Q was already waiting for +him. "Murder mystery books are purely escapism. If there were only some +escape from *you*." He grabbed the tea and made for his desk. Some spilled on +his hand, adding to his frustration, and he cursed under his breath. + The captain turned to Q and said, "In reality, murder is a very +serious business. In these times, murder is a rare thing, cold and ruthless. +Most people, if not all, are able to separate the fiction from the reality. +Certainly Starfleet officers will know the difference, especially upper rank +officers. To suppose Will Riker of all people could murder is preposterous. He +could never." + Q rose from his seat behind the desk, both hands squarely supporting +him. "And *I* say he would, given the opportunity, means and motive. *No* +human is beyind this instinct. Not even 'upper rank officers'." + "How wrong you are, Q. I would stake my life on the fact that none of +my senior staff would ever commit cold-blooded murder." As soon as he said the +words he wished he could take them back, because to Q this would be nothing +more than an invitation. + "*I* think you are a fool to suppose anything of the sort!" He smiled +that charming yet menacing smile. "'Stake your life,' eh? We shall see. We +shall see." + He was gone in a flash of blinding light, and Picard was right behind +him. + ++++ + + Howling wind circled in his ears, and nearly took the fedora off of his +head, as the rain came down blindingly. He looked around himself from under +the edge of a wide black umbrella. It was dark, but in the brief, illuminating +flashes of lightning, he could see he was on a short path leading towards an +ivy-covered estate, surrounded on all sides by acres of lush, manicured land. +Behind him, in the crescent driveway, sat a large black sedan that he supposed +he must have 'driven' all the way out here, to the country. He could only +think that he was to go to the house and knock on the large wooden doors, which +he did after folding the umbrella closed. + As Picard waited for a reply, he looked down at his clothing. He had +on a trenchcoat, and on his feet fine dress shoes. The lower pantlegs +suggested a tailored suit made from the best linen. Picard smiled, satisfied +in knowing what Q had done -- thrown him into a Dixon Hill scenario, a big +mistake on Q's part. Picard knew everything there was to know about Hill. + Finally the doors creaked opened, and what he saw next almost made +him laugh. It was Worf, unceremoniously stuffed into the stiffest butler's +uniform he had ever seen. "Mr. Hill. We have been -- expecting you," said +Worf in his usual low, almost subaudible tone. Picard smiled, stepping in from +under the awning. + "Thank you, Mr. --" + "Jeeves. Just call me Jeeves, sir." Worf was stone serious, standing +at an obscenely motionless attention. + Picard blinked. He had a feeling that this was real, for it was not a +situation he was familiar with in the holodeck. He felt thrown for a loop. What +did Q have planned, after all? + As Worf turned, he said, "This way, sir." + They went into what appeared to be a library, Picard was brought face +to face with a roomful of familiarity that was not reciprocated. "Let me +introduce you, sir. -- Excuse me, but Mr. Dixon Hill has arrived." + Someone murmured, "Thank God. We can finally get this cleared up," +catching the captain's ear. It was... Geordi? + "Would someone kindly explain what this is all about?" Picard asked, +not wanting to blow his cover, but confused nonetheless. + Worf turned to him with a look of surprise. "I thought it had all been +explained over the phone, sir. Mr. Boddy has been murdered." + The crowd in the room came closer. Beverly, Riker, Deanna... they +were all here. But evidently they were not themselves, in the strictest +sense. + "Murdered, you say?" Picard turned to face Worf. As he did he caught +a glance of his own face in a large mirror. Apparently he was not himself, +either: Q had changed his face. The basic features were the same, but the nose +was thinner, the eyes more cynical, the cheeks more prominent. And the hair! +His hairline looked as if it had only recently begun to recede. What the hell +was going on? + "Murdered. And one of these... guests has done it." + Protests buzzed around the room. + "Quiet all of you!" The man who looked like Riker stepped forward, +harrumphing boisterously. "Mr. Hill, my name is Colonel Mustard, and I can +most assuredly say that I am *not* the murderer." He was dressed in a military +style suit of drab brown, with insignia on his chest that indicated that this +man was indeed in the armed forces. "I have more important things to do than +waste time on such... *trivial* pursuits." + "Oh, and I suppose if all of us come forward like you, we all *must* be +innocent?" This from the mouth of Ro Larren, who was in a slinky white skirt +with a matching suit jacket, her head topped with a white pillbox hat. Her +feet were clothed in heels of white patent leather. + "If anything is to be accomplished, we must have order." Picard said +this, and it calmed the crowd at once. "Let me have your names. I will also +need to see the body." He swallowed hard at the last word. He pulled out the +notebook in his pocket, and prepared to take notes with the pencil in his hand. + Ro came forth boldly. "I am Mrs. White." + "I am Professor Plum," said Data: he had a mustard brown tweed suit on +with a suffocating bow tie at his neck that was the perfect shade of... well, +plum. + Beverly wore a deep blue-green A-line dress that plunged dangerously +low in the front, and her shapely legs ended with satin pumps of the same +colour. Her hair was pulled up at the crown, and tumbled over her shoulders in +auburn curls. "My name is Mrs. Peacock," she said in a deep, resonant tone, +her smile indicating at once both shyness and invitation. Picard's eyes +lingered on her longer than necessary. + "Miss Scarlet." Picard turned his eyes to Troi upon hearing her +voice. She was in a red satin dress that clung to her like a second skin, a +showcase for her ample features. Her high-heeled shoes were a little bit taller +than Beverly's were and matched Troi's dress perfectly. Deanna's black hair was +swept off of her neck and into a french twist, with a few curls escaping and +clinging to her face and neck. She smiled at him with ruby red lips, her +intentions towards him and all other of his gender more than obvious. + From beside her came a meek voice. It was Geordi, dressed in a plain +blue wool suit, straight tie, and dress shoes. "Mr. Green here." He offered a +nervous smile and waved. + As he jotted down the last of his notes they looked a little like this: +^L + Mr. Worf ---> butler - Jeeves ___ + Riker, Colonel Mustard. / \ + Ro Larren = Mrs. White, _/ + Mr. Data is Professor Plum. | + Beverly ------> Mrs. Peacock | + Counselor Troi, Miss Scarlet. + LaForge is Mr. Green. O + + He looked at those names, and looked again. Somehow the fact that +they were all colours was significant and somehow familiar. And what was the +victim's name again? Mr. Boddy? That was surely a strange occurrance. + He heard the voice of Q, seemingly emanating from a round, blue +painting that very much resembled the earth's sky on a sunny day. "Oh, it's no +coincedence, Captain. If you were the big history buff you claim to be, you +would know exactly what this is you're involved with." Picard looked around for +Q and saw him sitting on a bookshelf near where Beverly was standing. Q's face +scowled. "Don't worry, they can't hear me. I'm here for your benefit, you might +say." + Just then he realized why the names had sounded so familiar. A 20th +century board game. "Clue." + "What's that? Did you find a clue?" asked Geordi. + He all but ignored him to hear Q's reply. "I've underestimated your +knowledge of the past. Very well, you're right. Can you believe it? A *board +game* that revolves around *murder*!" Q laughed; Picard just seethed. "Well? +Go take a look at the body!" Q disappeared again. + As Picard came out of his apparent reverie, he realized all eyes were +upon him. He suggested the very thing Q had recommended -- to go look at the +body. Data, in his most professorial voice, informed him that it was in the +study. + As Picard approached the room he saw the body lying on the floor, limbs +askew, face down, in the center of the floor. He motioned that they should +remain at the door as he entered. Worf said, "We haven't moved it since we +found it." + "*Who* found it specifically?" he addressed the crowd. + "The maid." + "And where is she?" + "Right here." From behind him came the voice of Vash. As he turned +back towards the crowd, she made her way through it, looking at him through +her lashes, a smile playing on the corner of her lips. It did not help that she +was dressed in a short black and white French maid's outfit, her bosom pushed +up for display. Her brown hair was piled on top of her head, ringlets framing +her pretty face. She cocked one delicate eyebrow upon making eye contact with +the captain. + Picard cleared his throat, forcing himself to turn his eyes from her, +and back to the body on the floor. "Are there any other people in this house +that I should be aware of?" + Worf said, "The cook... and Mr. O'Brien." + *Chief* O'Brien? "What does this O'Brien do?" + "Isn't he the chauffeur?" asked Ro. + "I thought he was the gardener," Data offered. + "He told me he was the stable master," Geordi said, puzzled. + Worf said, "Officially, he has no title. He just works around the +house." Picard thought about this, his fingers to his chin, staring some +more at the notes he was accumulating. + "And what are you all doing here?" + "We all received invitations to spend the weekend here at the Boddy +Estate," offered Geordi, who pushed on the edge of his VISOR as if it were +the arm of a pair of eyeglasses. + "We all arrived last night for dinner," concluded Troi, sipping from +her brandy. "This morning, the maid finds our host as dead as a doornail. +Some host," she tried to joke. Picard ignored it. + "Did you all know each other before last night?" asked Picard. At +this prompt, nervous glances crossed the room. Some answered "yes," some +answered "no." Picard made note of this as well. + "And how did you all know Mr. Boddy?" + Again, intimidated looks went back and forth between them. + Riker, as Colonel Mustard, said, "We just did." He raised his chin and +struck a determined pose. Picard knew that was as much as he was going to get +from them at that moment. + "Let's examine the body, shall we?" said Picard, changing the subject. +He dropped to a squat and turned the body over. + Only to see the spitting image of himself. + ++++ + + He nearly fainted. He wanted to scream. He wanted to strangle the +life out of Q. Instead he looked with a morbid revulsion for any signs of the +cause of death. There was a large wound on his temple and a bruise that had +begun to turn purple around the front of his neck. He felt nauseous and could +look no more. + "One of them has killed *you*, Picard!" came Q's grating voice. "I'll +bet you can't guess who." + Q materialized next to the body, looking up at the captain from a +reclining position. Picard quickly stood and said to the crowd, "Excuse me, I +need a moment to myself. I'll join you in the library in a short while. If +you'd please..." They abandoned the study's threshhold, and Picard closed the +doors behind them. + When he turned back to Q, Picard was wearing a completely different +face, a mask of rage and ill-temper. "Q! What is the purpose of this charade? +These people are just mockeries of my crew! And to involve Vash, how dare you!" + "Temper, temper!" scolded Q. "These people are most certainly your +crew. They all have plenty of motive to kill you without me changing a thing. +I have just seen to it that they know you, well, *him*--" he indicated the +body on the floor "--and each other, for different reasons. They are merely... +shall we say, *enhanced* versions of themselves." + "What does this all mean, 'enhanced versions'? Have you altered their +minds?" Picard was not aware that Q had that type of power. + "Let's just say that they *believe* they are the characters they are, +and as sure as you and I are here, one of them has killed you. Vash included." +Q smiled again, and patted Picard's shoulder. "Don't look so down, Mr. Brown! +Their motives will all become apparent in due time!" + Q left him alone again, and Picard was filled with a profound hatred +for the impish entity. But he quelled it, smoothed down his suit, and surveyed +the study. His mind was filled with turbulent questions. Who did it? Why? + They were all capable. Data had superhuman strength. Worf was strong +as well. Beverly had expert knowledge of the human anatomy. And any one of +them could use a revolver. + This thought was spurred by the fact that he found a bullet hole in +the dark leather chair behind the desk. Could he have missed a bullet wound? + He dashed to the body again and noticed that there was a patch of +blood staining the shirt covering the abdomen, but it hadn't gone through to +the jacket. Was he shot before or after he was bludgeoned? And when exactly +was he strangled? Did he die where he was found, or was that another ploy to +throw him off the track? God did he need Beverly's expertise. How frightening +that he doubted his trust for her. + Suddenly he thought: what if these wounds were three separate attempts +on the life of Mr. Boddy? Which one succeeded? + Trust or not, he needed Beverly. + He left the study, closing the doors behind him. Nervous pacing filled +the room that he crossed the hallway for. When he entered, all motion stopped +and all eyes turned to Picard. + "Well, Mr. Hill? What's the verdict?" asked Riker. + Picard decided to play it cool. He walked over to the bar and poured +himself a drink, took a swig of the amber liquid and set it down. He looked +directly to the doctor. "I understand you have medical training, Mrs. Peacock." + Beverly was taken aback, but covered for herself sufficiently. "How did +you know?" Her voice was sultrier than he could ever remember. + Picard's smile oozed charm. "I have my sources," he said enigmatically. +"Right now I need some answers, before I can tell any of you anything. Mrs. +Peacock, please come with me." + ++++ + + "Well, as far as I can tell, bruising occured before death, as did +the shot, and the head wound. The direction of blood flow suggests that he +was upright when shot, and possibly upright when he died. It's hard to tell +without more sophisticated equipment exactly how long he has been dead. The +rate of rigor mortis does suggest, however, that not more than 18 hours has +passed, placing the time of death at about one o'clock this morning in this +very room." Her tone was thoroughly professional. She rose to her feet and +looked him squarely in the eye; they were very close in height. "It's +difficult to say which occurred first, though. It could be that all were +delivered within a short period of each other." + Unbelievably he felt uncomfortable under her gaze, and turned away, +making a note in his pad. "Do you think they were all committed by the same +person?" + "I'd have to say yes. The injuries were delivered, I believe, one +right after another. If it's by more than one person, these persons would +have incredible coordination." + Picard put the pencil's eraser to his lips, thinking about all she +had just told him. If she was the murderer, then this was probably all +misinformation. Dammit! "Someone certainly wanted m-- Mr. Boddy dead. They +certainly tried hard enough." + "Well. They succeeded." She came up behind him and touched his arm. +Whether or not she was really looking at the notes or only pretending to, he +couldn't tell, but he put the notes out of view. She smiled, catching his eye +again. "Tell me," she said, her voice smooth, "who do *you* think did it?" + _And what would a Dixon Hill scenario be without a gorgeous gal +falling all over him?_ he thought quickly. "I'm afraid I don't have enough +evidence yet." + "Come on, Dixon. Can't you even guess?" she cooed, her arms leisurely +entwining him. + His brain shouted, _Trust her! Trust her!_ Luckily, though, his +reason kicked in and he pulled away from her. "No, I can't even guess, Mrs. +Peacock." She was highly disappointed, and sighed. + "Come on, back to the others. We all have a lot to talk about." He +headed for the door and turned back to make sure she was following. She looked +breathtaking. Did she always look that way? He never noticed. On a daily +basis she was just part of the well-oiled machinery, even though she was a +dear and trusted friend. He made a mental note to pay her more attention. + At that moment the doors swung opened. It was the maid. More +specifically, it was Vash. She gave him a cold, hard look. For a moment, it +seemed that she knew who he really was. Not knowing if he and Beverly had been +locked in a mental embrace for seconds, minutes or hours, he smiled and hoped +that it would be enough. She was unchanging. "Dinner is ready." + She left. But she said volumes more without words -- the look exchanged +between the two women could have frozen nitrogen. + ++++ + + After a delicious yet tension-filled dinner they all gathered in the +library for after dinner drinks. Jean-Luc had mentioned at dinner that he +needed to speak to all of them regarding the case. Now they each in their own +way acted nervously: Geordi twiddled his fingers, Deanna twisted her hair, +Riker hovered the bar in a geo-synchronous orbit. He even called for the butler, +the cook, the maid and O'Brien. When they all seemed quite settled, Picard +engaged their eyes one pair at a time. "I want to know, and I want to know +now, how each of you know Mr. Boddy. I assume that all of you worked under +him?" + They nodded, though it was like pulling teeth to get them to do so. + At that moment the cook walked in with Mr. O'Brien. It was Guinan. +Picard stared for a moment, then brought down the first victim with a +piercing gaze. "Colonel Mustard," he began, "how did *you* know him?" + Undaunted, Riker said bravely, "He was my commanding officer in the +Armed Forces." And the snowball began rolling from there. + Troi laughed. "And he never let you forget it." Riker shot her a look +of pure evil. + "And the old coot was on to you, Miss Scarlet, or should I say Agent +Fembot, of the international espionage association Bimb--" + She shrieked: "I could *sense* that you were going to use that against +me, you traitor! Yes, he knew as well, but that does not mean I wanted him +dead!" She looked to be on the verge of tears. + Beverly spoke up. "*I'm* not ashamed to admit, I'm glad that he's gone. +He was, after all, responsible for the death of my husband, rest poor Jack's +soul." She was totally cool and confident as she said this. + "How can you say that?" It was Vash's voice. "No wait, let me guess! +You're jealous that he never gave you the attention I got. How could he have? +*You're* nothing but a cold medical *robot*!" + "And he knew about your son!" chimed in Troi, or Scarlet, or Agent +Fembot. "He knew that he was your son's real father!" Even Picard was +surprised at this revelation. Hopefully, like the Fembot claim, this was Q's +idea of a joke. + Beverly turned with a look that could frighten the dead. Picard was +surprised at the hatred in her always kind eyes. "We all know the only thing +*you* were ever good for," she said, addressing the both of them, really. + "Yeah, the one thing he couldn't get from *you* any more!" Vash +retorted angrily, raising her chin in victory. Picard also noticed Troi's +angry look had found its way to Vash, and it didn't seem like it was going to +be leaving any time soon. + Beverly rose to her feet, and for a moment there was a tangible +tension in the air. Picard said, "Ladies, please control yourselves!" + Bev sat back down, unflustered, but said under her breath, "Cow." + Ro's voice was small by comparison. "He never did give me the +promotions I deserved, that old windbag." + "When did you deserve any promotions?" Geordi muttered. "The phaser +tester is more useful than you are." + "I could say the same about you," she returned coolly, folding her +arms and staring him down. "You're no better than any of the people he put +you in charge of. You are incompetent, and he full well knew it... He was +going to get you transferred, with a sizeable demotion!" + The look on Geordi's face told that he knew, but did not know anyone +else had known. "Why you little-- " + "My son," Worf's voice cut through soberly. "He sent my son out of this +house. He has *no* honour." He looked restrained, like he wanted to beat +*someone* up, but knew not who. + Riker stood. "And you, Professor! He knew of your trysts with a certain +Head of Security, and was prepared to spill the beans on it now that she's +dead!" Data's normally impassive face became enraged. Well, enraged for Data. + "That is true, but everyone knew about that!" + "But not everybody knows about the night that you used your detachable +arm to--" + "*COLONEL*!" + And through all of this he made notes. + So far, all of them except Guinan and O'Brien had all but volunteered +a motive. Jealousy, revenge, hatred. They were all there. The thought of any +one of them striking him down sent shivers along his spine. + Picard tugged down on his jacket subconsciously as his voice +attempted to slice through the chaotic chorus of shouting. "MAY I HAVE +QUIET?!?!?!" + The noise rumbled down, and finally all was still. Picard smiled. +"Now *that* is more like it. I can see I'm getting nowhere talking to all of +you like this. Go on to your rooms, I'll be around for personal interviews." +He swept out of the room with the air of authority he always did. But as Dixon +Hill, he wondered if it was appropriate. + ++++ + + Luckily, the butler had prepared a room for the private investigator, +which Picard went to after this outburst amongst his senior officers. He +noticed with some sort of irony that he, too, had a round, blue painting on +his wall, that looked rather like the sunny blue sky of earth. From a carafe +of water he poured himself a drink and sat on the bed, his head in his hands. +He was exhausted, and needed sleep desperately. He seriously contemplated +heading for bed at this "early" hour when he heard a knock on his door. He +sighed for the umpteenth time that day. "Who is it?" he called. + "It's me," called the familiar voice of Vash in a low, secretive tone, +"the maid. I have a message for you." + Opening the door to her might have proved fatal to his libido, so he +merely called back, "What do you want?" + "Miss Scarlet would like to see you." + _I'll bet she would,_ he thought wryly. + "I'll be right there." + He headed for her room; the door was slightly ajar. He pushed it +opened. It was smoky and dark. "Hello?" he called softly. Strange... on her +wall was, again, the blue, round painting. Must have been a series. Or at the +very least, a discount sale. + A voice called from deep within, "Come in, make yourself comfortable." +He imagined she was doing the same, and when she emerged, he knew he had been +right: she was dressed in a lacy red peignoir, her ebony hair unbound and +falling around her shoulders. She smiled. "You're probably wondering why I +called you here." + He stood up to leave. "I think I have a pretty good idea, Scarlet. I +don't have time for that." + She grabbed his sleeve. "That wasn't the only reason, love. You may +have heard Mustard mention that I am an agent of Bimbo, an international +espionage agency. He was correct. But what I didn't want to say in front of +all of them is that I believe our agency has vital information to implicate +one of our guests in the murder of not only Mr. Boddy but--" + At that moment she doubled over, her hands at her temples. "Oh, the +PAIN! The PAIN!" She sobbed and screamed this over and over again. Finally +she collapsed onto the floor, unconscious. He tried to pick her up and put +her into the nearby bed, but she was heavier than she looked, heavier than +Picard could manage, absolutlely dead weight. + Undoubtedly, this was the work of the murderer. He thought for the +moment, then left the room in search of more clues. + ++++ + + Picard headed for the study where the body had been found. He'd called +O'Brien and had him take the body down to the meat freezer in the kitchen +until he this had been solved. Had this been a holodeck scenario, he would +have abandoned it long ago. He sighed as he entered the room and closed the +door behind him. + With his hands on his hips, he looked around himself. What was that +vital something that he had overlooked before? With that he noticed that the +walls were covered with the finest of paintings -- Monet, Matisse, Cassatt. +Look there, another one of those round, blue, sky paintings! That it was in +every room had to be more than just a coincedence. He stepped closer, letting +his eyes roll over the beautiful and subtle clouds, its landscape, almost. +Coming nearer he became lost in it. Serene, beautiful... safe. + Safe. + He reached out his fingers and ran them along the right side of the +curve and smiled as it came forward on a hinge to reveal a slate-coloured iron +wall safe. "Damn," he muttered to himself, an amused smile on his face, "if +only I was a safecracker." + Dressed as a black cat-burglar complete with the tools of the trade, +Q was beside him in an instant. "Did I hear the word 'safecracker'?" This +was actually one instant that Picard actually welcomed Q's appearance. Q +pushed his head through the wall of the safe and a muffled voice echoed from +within, "Oh! Well, this could certainly be helpful to your case!" + Picard didn't like to beg, but in this instant he came very close to +it. "Can you open it, Q? More importantly -- *will* you open it?" + Q made a pouty face. "You didn't say 'Pretty please with sugar on +top'!" + The anger on Picard's face told Q that the fuse had come to its +end. "Here you are." As Q snapped his fingers, the lock was released and the +door slid smoothly open. "Have fun, my little P.I.!" + Again, Q was gone. For that Picard was grateful. Perhaps the entity +had finally learned the limits of human patience. + As Picard opened the door, his eyes became as wide as saucers. At +least now he had somewhere to begin. + ++++ + + He approached Professor Plum's door, passing Mrs. White's and hearing +sounds coming from behind that made him glad he didn't have to interrupt her +and her paramour-du-jour, undoubtedly the dashing Colonel Mustard/Will Riker. +He at first knocked delicately. From behind Data's door, the sound of drilling +permeated the air almost at the same time, just as from under the door came +flashes of bright blue light. What in the world was he doing in there? Picard +banged with his fist and the drilling ceased. + The door opened and there stood Data -- Professor Plum -- with +smudges on his face and a sweat just beginning to bead on his brow. "May I +help you, Mr. Hill?" His head tilted as he said this like a marionette's string +had just been snipped. + The captain forgot for a moment what he was there for and strained to +look around the android-become-academic. "What's going on in there?" + Data was immovable. "I am an inventor." + "What are you... inventing?" + The android, looking particularly silly in the tweed suit, finally +stepped aside. On the table sat a large, flat, electronic looking metallic +device, a blue beam connecting the components that stood up from its surface. +Wires ran down from it to an anvil that sat on the ground, dirty and rusted. +Data pulled out a flat, flaccid object and placed it in the beam's path, +singeing it to a dark golden brown. + "It," Data began, "is a device to change the outermost layers of a +cross-section of a starchy lattice structure to being darker, crispier, and +warmer; in essence, baking it." + "A *toaster*? You've built a toaster?" + As always, Data did not understand the confusion. "That is what I +said." + Picard rolled his eyes impatiently, and remembered the task at hand. +"Tell me, Mr. D--uh, Professor Plum, what can you tell me about... *THIS*?" +He held up a brown bag and reached inside for its contents. + It was Data's head, wide eyed and rather wrinkly. + Data was obviously surprised. "Where did you get that?!?" + Picard smirked. "Found it in Mr. Boddy's safe. What else did he have on +you?" + Data just lunged for it, and being superhuman in strength, he took it +and had it in the path of the blue beam before you could say "temporal +distortion." + "There can be only one!" he yelled, as the head incinerated to a black, +smoldering ball, filling the room with the smell of burning plastic. + Picard was aghast. "What was the meaning of that?!" Picard demanded. + "He was using this head against me, threatened to tell the world that +there was more than one operable positronic brain. Now no one has that kind +of leverage against me!" He cackled with a robust laugh. "I killed my +brother, took his place... no one knew, except Mr. Boddy!!!" Realizing that +this whole scenario was moving farther and farther away from reality, it dawned +on Picard who was standing before him. + "LORE!" + Lore smirked. "You got it, pal. Now with that insufferable brother of +mine and his boss out of the way.... heh heh heh..." + In a split second Lore was on top of Picard, pummeling the life out +of him. "Now I shall see to it that no one else can ruin my plan!!! There can +BE only one! There CAN be only ONE!" + All hope was fading away, until the door opened and Worf stood there, +growling, ready to kick some android butt. Lore abandoned the wilting captain +for fresh blood. + Within moments, Worf was flat on his back, paralyzed, cursing to +himself about being a warrior and other such nonsense. Picard was to become +the prey again when the threshold was filled by another, more powerful being. +Lore went pale, and backed off from Jean-Luc. "Uh, uh... um..." he tripped +over his own tongue. She stuck her arm out and he fell over. Finally, his +circuits overloaded and he shut down once and for all. + Picard turned a swollen eye to see the cook standing there. "Guinan," +he managed. + "No, I'm not Guinan. I am Whoopi Goldberg, actress and comedienne, +and proud leader of the Men Against Bodacious Baldies, of which Lore here was +our renegade field operative. He was supposed to kill Boddy... just to get Mr. +Dixon Hill here." From behind her came other members of MABB; the likes of +Will Smith, Luke Perry, A Martinez and Burt Reynolds. "But we know that you are +not really Mr. Dixon Hill at all. Dixon Hill doesn't exist anywhere." The men +behind her came forward more menacingly, looking to finish him off. + Picard turned his head towards Worf, who said apologetically, "Oh, did +I forget to mention that these ten or so men were here as well? Oh, man, I'm +really sorry." + _Typical murder mystery,_ he thought, rolling his eyes. + "Yes, we know who you really are --- MR. PATRICK STEWART!!!!" + ++++ + + As the horde of men were about to land on his chest to crush the life +out of him, Patrick Stewart's steely eyes flew opened in a panic, only to see +the sun coming in through the blinds on this, a beautiful Sunday morning in +the hills just outside of Los Angeles. He sighed, picking the book up from off +of his chest. Fell asleep reading again. Whew. It was all a dream, after all. +_____________________________________________________________________________ +..a tribute to the Net and to the inane discussions on r.a.s.* that i enjoy + so! i'll really miss it, sniff, sniff... +_____________________________________________________________________________ + Copyright 1992 by Sandra Guzdek + standard disclaimers about Paramount, and threats of death for plagiarism, + apply. +_____________________________________________________________________________ + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/qpid.rev b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/qpid.rev new file mode 100644 index 00000000..5c16f495 --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/qpid.rev @@ -0,0 +1,219 @@ +WARNING: The following article contains spoiler information about this week's +TNG episode, "Qpid". So if you don't want spoilers, don't read it until +they're not spoilers anymore...:-) + +They didn't really mean to make this one, did they? + +Yech. Not a pleasant experience for the most part. They've finally made a Q +episode I dislike. Damn. But anyway, before I rant on too much, here's a +synop: + +After working for hours on a keynote address to the Federation Archaeology +Council symposium that he must deliver, Picard goes to his quarters to get +some rest, but finds a surprise waiting for him--flowers, a card, a horgon, +and Vash. + +Everything seems fine at first, but Vash soon discovers that Picard plans to +keep his public dealings with her strictly platonic, and further finds that he +has never mentioned her or their adventures together to any of the bridge +crew. Eventually, at the pre-conference reception, she confronts him about +this. When he tells her that he feels it would have been "inappropriate" to +mention her, she nastily apologizes for causing him so much embarrassment, and +stalks off. Picard, already in a lousy mood, goes to his ready room--where he +finds Q sitting in his chair, and grinning from ear to ear. + +Q has returned, or so he says, to repay an old debt. Picard's attempt to +rescue Q last time they met left him owing Picard something, and he wants to +do something nice in return. Picard, however, will have none of it, and +refuses his every offer. Q, annoyed, leaves. + +After another fight with Vash, Picard is not happy, and becomes even less so +when Q arrives later that evening and taunts him about having been made so +vulnerable by a woman. He says that his gift should be to remove this +weakness, but Picard angrily refuses. When Picard says that yes, he would +have Q stand idly by while Vash "led him to his destruction", Q smirks and +vanishes. + +Q's plan becomes apparent, however, when during Picard's speech, the entire +bridge crew vanishes, only to reappear in Sherwood Forest, appropriately +garbed. Riker is cast as Little John, Data as Friar Tuck, Picard as Robin +Hood...and as Q (as the Sheriff of Nottingham) gleefully comments, Vash, or +Maid Marian, is to be put to death in Nottingham Castle at midday the next +day. Picard is faced with a choice: risk his bridge crew or live with Vash's +death. + +Although Vash, confused by her situation, tries to salvage it by agreeing to +marry Sir Guy, Picard soon appears (having come alone by his own choice) to +save her. When she hears he has come alone, however, she refuses to go with +him, and their bickering continues until guards burst into "Marian"'s tower. +Before Picard can begin to fight, Vash takes his sword and captures "Robin" +herself, giving him as a wedding gift to Sir Guy. (She too, however, ends up +under a death sentence when Q discovers and calls attention to her hurried +note to Riker and the Merry Men asking them to come save Picard.) + +Riker and the others, not willing to stand idly by under any circumstances, +show up in the nick of time to save Picard and Vash from the chopping block. +"Robin" kills Sir Guy and rescues Maid Marian, and after Q observes that +love brings out the worst in Picard (a statement Vash angrily protests), he +sends everyone back except Vash. A short time later, though, Vash appears to +say goodbye: she's taken on Q as a partner, and they'll explore the universe +together. + +There we are. Now, on to commentary: + +I've thought about it, and hours later, I've _still_ to see the point behind +this show. It doesn't seem to have had anything to say, or indeed any +coherence whatsoever. That's not a good sign. There really were very few +good signs here at all, in fact. + +One objection of mine was that this show put Q in a rut. One big reason I've +enjoyed every Q episode to date (excepting "Encounter at Farpoint") is that +each time, the spin on the character has been different. In "Hide and Q", we +first got a glimpse that he wasn't the only one of his kind, and gained a hint +of his devious nature. "Q Who" showed a terrifying Q, representing precisely +those unknowns that are most dangerous. "Deja Q", on the other hand, showed +the absurd side of Q and his existence, and also a hint of his vulnerability +when turned mortal. "Qpid" didn't do anything new with the character, and in +fact reversed his development significantly in my opinion. ("Deja Q" showed +that perhaps Q had matured just a little, from early adolescence in Farpoint +to late adolescence. "Qpid" had him back to around age 10, I +think...certainly still in the "girls have cooties" stage. Blech.) + +A related objection there is that Q *has a past*, and it was pretty much +ignored entirely. Remember, Q was in a way indirectly responsible for +Picard's alteration by the Borg, since he is the one that brought the two +cultures together in the first place. For Picard to see Q and not immediately +think "you bastard, you nearly managed to steal away my SOUL!" is hard to +believe. For Picard to not think that at ALL is stupid beyond belief. (Given +the really poor handling of Q here, I found it very difficult to believe that +this character was the same one who once told Picard "the auditorium's been +rented, the orchestra engaged...it's now time to see if you can _dance.") +I mourn the complete mangling of a previously enjoyable character. (It's not +beyond redemption--just take us to the Qontinuum next time, dammit!) + +I have no such mournful sentiments toward Vash, because I never liked her in +the first place. I loathed her in "Captain's Holiday", and I loathed her +here. If they'd given her an actual character and stuck to it, it _might_ +have had some chance of working, but to give her this pool of disjointed +scenes and actions to play with was a really rotten move. Yech. + +In addition, as long as we're on the subject, I thought that this show was +schizophrenic in a way. It was allegedly about Picard and about his dealings +with Q and Vash, right? Then why did we see so much of Vash: why was every +scene with her in it carefully arranged to show us just what a "stunning babe" +Jennifer Hetrick is, and not to actually do little things like tell us +anything? Her slinking into the captain's chair, the direction as "Robin" +picked up "Marian" then swiveled a full 360 degrees as the guards came in, and +so on--all of them seemed to me to be little more than showing off various +features of Ms. Hetrick. Sorry, but that's not what I'm watching the show +for, guys. + +The really depressing thing is that the show didn't HAVE to be as bad as it +was. There were several different occasions where the show might have +redeemed itself, if only it had followed little scene X up, or had had +character Y do something that wasn't 100% formulaic. For several zillion +examples: + +--The show COULD have been played straight, dealing with the problems that +happen when a shorebound fling comes back demanding attention. It looked for +a few minutes (during Vash's initial argument with Picard) like they were +going to do that, but it was not to be. Instead, they made it a mix of +bickering between the two of them which I could not possibly see Picard doing +unless drugged and of meaningless playing around with costumes. Yech. (The +only good thing about this point is that it means there's still room for a +decent story which does deal with the above problems, which a friend of mine +is currently writing.) + +--It's been shown enough times that Q really doesn't know how the hell humans +think. They could have made Vash's abrupt agreement to marry Guy _really_ +throw him, which at least might have changed something for the better. + +--They could have had the guts to make Vash completely unscrupulous (which is +how I saw her in "Captain's Holiday". They could have set it up so that she +really DIDN'T care all that much for Picard, and made her capture of "Robin" a +sincere one. But no--she's got to deep down be a decent person who really +does care for Picard. Give me a break. + +--They could have actually had Vash go with Picard the first time he tried to +rescue her. It would've changed things a lot, but even a long, not all that +interesting chase sequence would've been miles better than what we were fed. + +--It looked like Bev and Vash were getting along so well, we could have had +fun with the two of them teaming up against Picard. That would've been +strictly for laughs, but it could have been fun. + +That should do for starters. Other negative points: + +--Sexism at Paramount strikes again. In the final battle sequence, Riker, +Geordi, Worf, and Data (and Picard, of course) draw swords and come out +swinging. What do the women do? Vash gets taken to the tower and squeaks a +lot, and Bev and Deanna get to bash people on the heads with vases. Spare me. + +--A few alleged "comic relief" scenes that quite honestly rank up there with +the STUPIDEST scenes I've ever seen on TNG. First, we had Worf's smashing of +Geordi's mandolin, complete with "Sorry." right afterwards. Sorry to break it +to Ira Steven Behr (the guy who wrote the teleplay--and he also did the one +for "Yesterday's Enterprise", so he should KNOW better!), but "Animal House" +has already done that, and far better than here. Then, we had Deanna shooting +Data with an arrow. Bo-ring; and also dead wrong, since it's been established +way back since "The Naked Now" that he will at the very least LEAK. + +--Just about everybody acted way too stereotypical. Sure, Picard's sometimes +stiff, but I have NEVER seen him as brusque as he was in the early parts of +the show. (Nor have I ever seen him to be so ignorantly trusting as to take +Vash's appearance at face value--I think Stewart just wanted to arrange it so +he had as many chances to lip-mash with Hetrick as possible.) Worf was lousy +as well--he managed to be funny in "Deja Q" without going out of character, so +why did he have to have horrible lines like "I am NOT a MERRY MAN!" and "Nice +legs. [...] For a human."? Yech. The only character who seemed decently +done was Riker, and that's because he only had about 5 lines. + +--Although I enjoyed the big climactic sword-fight well enough, I thought the +dialogue was pretty atrocious. + +There were a few minor good points, however. While most of the one-liners +were ones I didn't care for in the least, there were a couple of good moments, +such as: + +--Riker's attempt to hit on Vash. So Picard does a good Riker-imitation, huh? +THAT I would have liked to see...:-) + +--Picard's exchange with Riker right after Q first leaves. This was the high +point of the show for me: "Q? Any idea what he was up to?" "He wants to do +something _nice_ for me." "I'll alert the crew." That was great fun. :-) + +--One really nice, sort of technical effect: the galloping of Q's horse is +heard long before Q and the horse actually flash into existence. That was +nice. (The flash was used entirely too many times, though, and I thought Q's +poking his head through Vash's wall was useless.) + +--As I said, I enjoyed the sword-fight. It wasn't on "Princess Bride" level +or anything, but it'll do well enough, and it did look like an excuse for most +of the regular cast to run around and have the time of their lives, which +should be worth something. :-) + +That's about it, though. I'm sure there are some people who are going to like +this; I suspect it will be the same people who laughed uproariously at +"Captain's Holiday" and "Menage a Troi". I loathed both, and this is no +exception. Sigh. Anyway, here's the wrapup: + +Plot: 1. A little bit of potential, but not much more. +Plot Handling: 0. COMPLETELY bungled. +Characterization: 1. Riker was fine, everyone else was crap. +Technical: 4. It's that high for the gallop--I didn't find the medieval +setting believable or interesting, and the Q-effects are growing tiresome. + +TOTAL: 1.5. Now *that*'s poor. Easily the worst of this season, and +probably in my bottom 5. Yech. + +NEXT WEEK: + +Sabotage on the Enterprise, and Picard caught in the ensuing witch-hunt. +Could be interesting... + +Tim Lynch (Cornell's first Astronomy B.A.; one of many Caltech grad students) +BITNET: tlynch@citjuliet +INTERNET: tlynch@juliet.caltech.edu +UUCP: ...!ucbvax!tlynch%juliet.caltech.edu@hamlet.caltech.edu +"He wants to do something nice for me." +"I'll alert the crew." diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/qr_ds9.txt b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/qr_ds9.txt new file mode 100644 index 00000000..c0e61524 --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/qr_ds9.txt @@ -0,0 +1,195 @@ +From: brown@vidiot.UUCP (Vidiot) +Date: 10 Nov 93 06:15:47 GMT +Newsgroups: rec.arts.startrek.misc +Subject: Quick Reference Guide - DS9 - Season 1 + + + + STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE + QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE + FIRST SEASON + + +1/2. 1/02/93 721 46379.1 Emissary + + On a distant outpost at the edge of the final frontier, an untested + crew embarks on an unprecedented journey in the two-hour series + premiere of STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE. + + 3. 1/09/93 404 not given Past Prologue + + A reunion with a member of the Bajoran underground forces Kira to + choose between her people and her duty as a Federation officer. + + 4. 1/16/93 403 46421.5 A Man Alone + + Odo must prove his innocence when a known enemy of his is found + brutally murdered in a Holosuite. + + 5. 1/23/93 405 46423.7 Babel + + The residents of Deep Space Nine fall victim to a mysterious and fatal + virus--will Kira find an antidote in time? + + 6. 1/30/93 406 not given Captive Pursuit + + O'Brien befriends the "prey" in an otherworldly hunting game--can he + and the rest of the officers save the being from a life in captivity? + + 7. 2/06/93 407 46531.2 Q-Less + + The irrepressible Q and the adventuress Vash arrive at Deep Space + Nine -- just as strange, destructive forces begin threatening the + space station. + + 8. 2/13/93 408 46910.1 Dax + + Lieutenant Dax's former self is accused of murder. + + 9. 2/20/93 409 not given The Passenger + + A sinister alien criminal hides his consciousness in the brain of + someone aboard the station. + + 10. 3/13/93 410 not given Move Along Home (was Sore Losers) + + Quark's attempt at deception toward a newly-encountered alien race + places the space station's senior officers in a labrinth of danger. + + 11. 3/20/93 411 not given The Nagus (was Friends and Foes) + + Quark is suddenly named leader of the Ferengi financial empire, + and discovers that he's not only popular -- he's now a target for death. + + 12. 4/17/93 412 not given Vortex + + An alien criminal from the other side of the wormhole tempts Odo by + telling the shape-shifter he can put the changeling in contact with + others like himself. + + 13. 4/24/93 413 not given Battle Lines + + Sisko, Kira, and Bashir are stranded on a war-torn world where it is + impossible for the combatants to die. + + 14. 5/01/93 414 46729.1 The Storyteller + + Against his will, O'Brien becomes spiritual leader of a Bajoran + village -- and the only one who can save them from a destructive + energy force. + + 15. 5/08/93 415 46844.3 Progress + + A stubborn old Bajoran farmer forces Kira to take a good look at how + much she has changed since her alliance with the Federation. + + 16. 5/15/93 416 not given If Wishes Were Horses + + When Members of the station find their fantasies coming to life, it + becomes the prelude to a very real danger which threatens everyone. + + 17. 5/22/93 417 46925.1 The Forsaken + + While an alien entity wreaks havoc with the station's computer, the + irrepressible Lwaxana Troi sets her sights for romance -- with Odo! + + 18. 5/29/93 418 46922.3 Dramatis Personae + + Odo is caught in the middle when an alien influence pits Kira against + Sisko in a deadly power struggle. + + 19. 6/12/93 419 not given Duet + + Kira discovers that a Cardassian visiting the station could actually + be a notorious war criminal. + + 20. 6/19/93 420 not given In the Hands of the Prophets + + When a Bajoran spititual leader objects to Keiko's secular teachings, + she threatens to destroy the alliance between Bajor and the Federation. + + +The date is the first date of satellite uplink. Paramount's official +'week of' is two days later. +-- + harvard\ spool.cs.wisc.edu!astroatc!vidiot!brown +Vidiot ucbvax!uwvax!astroatc!vidiot!brown + rutgers/ INTERNET:vidiot!brown%astroatc.UUCP@spool.cs.wisc.edu + brown@wi.extrel.com + +From: brown@vidiot.UUCP (Vidiot) +Date: 10 Nov 93 06:16:24 GMT +Newsgroups: rec.arts.startrek.misc +Subject: Quick Reference Guide - DS9 - Season 2 + + + + STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE + QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE + SECOND SEASON + + + 21. 9/25/93 421 not given Homecoming + + Kira risks her life, and war with the Cardassians, to rescue a + mythical Bajoran hero from a distant prison colony. + + 22. 10/02/93 422 not given The Circle + + Relieved of her post and exiled back to Bajor, Kira helps to reveal + the hidden force behind The Circle -- and a greater secret that could + destroy them all. + + 23. 10/09/93 423 not given The Siege + + While Sisko leads a daring last stand against the Bajoran takeover + forces, Kira ans Dax embark on a desperate mission to reveal the truth + about the coup. + + 24. 10/16/93 424 47182.1 Invasive Procedures + + The crew must fight for Jadzia's life when a desperate Trill takes + the group hostage and steals the Dax symbiont. + + 25. 10/23/93 425 not given Cardassians + + A young Cardassians, orphaned in the war and raised by Bajorans, + causes turmoil on the station when his people attempt to reclaim him. + + 26. 10/30/93 426 47229.1 Melora + + After falling in love with a woman whose species is unable to walk in + "normal" gravity, Bashir develops a technology that could free her of + her wheelchair forever. + + 27. 11/06/93 427 Rules of Aquisition + + A Ferengi female who has defied the law and disguised herself as a + male risks it all when she falls in love with Quark. + + 28. 11/13/93 428 Necessary Evil + + An attack on Quark's life brings Odo face to face with a five-year-old + unsolved murder -- for which Kira was a prime suspect. + + 29. 11/20/93 429 Second Sight + + Sisko falls in love for the first time since his wife's death, + but the object of his affections may not be all that she seems. + + 30. 11/27/93 430 Sanctuary + + Kira is torn when a displaced alien race arrives on Deep Space Nine + and claims Bajor as its people's legendary homeland. + + +Note: Acquisition is spelled incorrectly on the episode's title screen. + +The date is the first date of satellite uplink. Paramount's official +'week of' is two days later. +-- + harvard\ spool.cs.wisc.edu!astroatc!vidiot!brown +Vidiot ucbvax!uwvax!astroatc!vidiot!brown + rutgers/ INTERNET:vidiot!brown%astroatc.UUCP@spool.cs.wisc.edu + brown@wi.extrel.com + diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/qr_tng.txt b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/qr_tng.txt new file mode 100644 index 00000000..4c0218b9 --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/qr_tng.txt @@ -0,0 +1,985 @@ +From: brown@vidiot.UUCP (Vidiot) +Date: 10 Nov 93 05:42:31 GMT +Newsgroups: rec.arts.startrek.misc +Subject: Quick Reference Guide - TNG - Season 1 + + + + STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION + QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE + FIRST SEASON + + + 1/2. 9/26/87 721 41153.7 Encounter at Farpoint + + The crew of the Enterprise is put on trial by a mysterious force + called ``Q'' for all the crimes of mankind. + + 3. 10/03/87 103 41209.2 The Naked Now + + Romance, danger and chaos result when a mysterious contaminant + renders the crew of the Enterprise intoxicated. + + 4. 10/10/87 104 41235.25 Code of Honor + + Kidnapped by aliens known as Ligonians, Lieutenant Tasha Yar battles + for her freedom and the welfare of a diseased Federation planet. + + 5. 10/18/87 107 41386.4 The Last Outpost + + Held captive over an unknown planet, the away teams of the U.S.S. + Enterprise and Ferengi starships must pass an important inquisition by + a mysterious life form known as Portal, before they are allowed to + continue their journeys through space. + + 6. 10/24/87 106 41263.1 Where No One Has Gone Before + + Teenager Wesley Crusher and a dying alien are the crew's only hope + for escape from a bizarre galaxy where thoughts become real. + + 7. 10/31/87 108 41249.3 Lonely Among Us + + Passing through a series of complex energy patterns, the + Enterprise crew find themselves trying to solve the mystery + surrounding the murder of Assistant Chief Engineer Singh and + the altered personalities of Lt. Worf, Dr. Crusher and the Captain. + + 8. 11/07/87 109 41255.6 Justice + + When Wesley is sentenced to death for innocently violating a foreign + planet's customs, Captain Picard is forced to chose between negotiating + for Wesley's life or adhering to the Federation's prime directive which + prohibits interfering with another civilization's way of life. + + 9. 11/14/87 110 41723.9 The Battle + + A thought altering device, controlled by a Ferengi Captain seeking + revenge on Picard for his son's death, threatens the life of the + Captain and the safety of the Enterprise. + + 10. 11/21/87 111 41590.5 Hide And Q + + The Enterprise is once again challenged by the dangerous and powerful + "Q" who offers Riker god-like powers in exchange for Riker's + membership in the "Q" continuum. + + 11. 11/28/87 105 41294.5 Haven + + Deanna Troi is caught between her feelings for Riker and her devotion + to family customs when she faces a prearranged marriage. + + 12. 1/09/88 113 41997.7 The Big Goodbye + + When the holodecks malfunction, the Captain and two crew members become + trapped in San Francisco, 1941, where they are held hostage by + murderous gangsters. + + 13. 1/16/88 114 41242.4 Datalore + + Data's android look-alike formulates an evil masterplan that could + destroy the Enterprise. + + 14. 1/23/88 115 41636.9 Angel One + + While the away team struggles to save male fugitives on a planet run by + women, the Enterprise is ravaged by a highly infectious virus. + + 15. 1/30/88 116 41365.9 11001001 + + The Enterprise is hijacked by an alien species who need the ship's + computer to regenerate the one damages on their own planet. + + 16. 2/06/88 112 41309.5 Too Short A Season + + The Enterprise escorts a Federation admiral to a planet to negotiate the + release of hostages, but the planet governor wants to kill him in + revenge for a previous hostage crisis that ended in tragedy. + + 17. 2/13/88 118 41509.1 When The Bough Breaks + + Wesley and several children from the Enterprise are kidnapped by a + sterile civilization which hopes to use them to rebuild their race. + + 18. 2/20/88 117 41463.9 Home Soil + + A powerful microscopic life form declares war on humans, takes + over the Enterprise's lab and computers and threatens to destroy + the ship. + + 19. 3/12/88 119 41416.2 Coming Of Age + + While Wesley endures the grueling Starfleet Academy entrance exam, + Captain Picard faces an investigation into his competency as a + commander. + + 20. 3/19/88 120 41503.7 Heart of Glory + + Lt. Worf is torn between his loyalty to the Enterprise and his fierce + Klingon heritage when two Klingon fugitives take over the ship. + + 21. 4/09/88 121 41798.2 The Arsenal of Freedom + + Picard and the away team fight for their lives on a planet run by a + computerized weapons system. + + 22. 4/16/88 123 not given Symbiosis + + The Enterprise is caught in the middle when two alien races wage a + bitter battle over cargo which one of them needs for survival. + + 23. 4/23/88 122 41601.3 Skin of Evil + + A rescue mission turns the tragedy when one of the Enterprise officers + is killed by an evil alien. + + 24. 4/30/88 124 41697.9 We'll Always Have Paris + + Captain Picard is unexpectedly reunited with his first love in the midst + of an investigation into lethal time warp experiments. + + 25. 5/07/88 125 41775.5 Conspiracy + + Captain Picard and Commander Riker travel to Earth to investigate a + conspiracy in the highest ranks of Starfleet command. + + 26. 5/14/88 126 41986.0 The Neutral Zone + + While traveling to a meeting with hostile Romulans, the crew discovers + a ship containing three frozen Americans from the 20th century. + +The date is the first date of satellite uplink. Paramount's official +'week of' is two days later. +-- + harvard\ spool.cs.wisc.edu!astroatc!vidiot!brown +Vidiot ucbvax!uwvax!astroatc!vidiot!brown + rutgers/ INTERNET:vidiot!brown%astroatc.UUCP@spool.cs.wisc.edu + brown@wi.extrel.com + +From: brown@vidiot.UUCP (Vidiot) +Date: 10 Nov 93 05:43:05 GMT +Newsgroups: rec.arts.startrek.misc +Subject: Quick Reference Guide - TNG - Season 2 + + + + STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION + QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE + SECOND SEASON + + + 27. 11/19/88 127 42073.1 The Child + + While preparing to transport a deadly plague to a research lab, the crew + is stunned by the announcement of Counselor Troi's pregnancy. + + 28. 11/26/88 128 42193.6 Where Silence Has Lease + + The crew is held hostage in a mysterious void by a being who wishes to + observe the many ways in which humans die. + + 29. 12/03/88 129 42286.3 Elementary, Dear Data + + Pretending to be Sherlock Holmes, Data uses the holodeck to solve a + mystery that threatens Dr. Pulaski's life. + + 30. 12/10/88 130 42402.7 The Outrageous Okona + + While the Enterprise crew play host to a witty renegade captain, Data + struggles to acquire a sense of humor. + + 31. 1/07/89 132 42477.2 Loud As A Whisper + + The future of a warring planet depends on a deaf mediator, who + suddenly loses his ability to commmunicate. + + 32. 1/21/89 131 42437.5 The Schizoid Man + + A brilliant but terminally ill scientist seeks eternal life by + transferring his mind into Data's body. + + 33. 1/28/89 133 42494.8 Unnatural Selection + + The crew grapples with a mysterious disease which accelerates the aging + process, causing humans to die of old age within a matter of days. + + 34. 2/04/89 134 42506.5 A Matter Of Honor + + Riker's loyalties are put to the test when he is assigned to a Klingon + vessel which plans to attack the Enterprise. + + 35. 2/11/89 135 42523.7 The Measure Of A Man + + When Data refuses to be disassembled for research purposes, Picard is + enlisted to defend his rights in court. + + 36. 2/18/89 136 42568.8 The Dauphin + + Wesley finds romance with the beautiful young ruler of Daled Four + whose secret power could destroy the Enterprise and her crew. + + 37. 3/18/89 137 42609.1 Contagion + + The Enterprise's computer system falls prey to a mysterious electronic + "virus" which program the ship to self destruct. + + 38. 3/25/89 138 42625.4 The Royale + + Investigating the discovery of a piece of metal bearing a United States + Air Force insignia, the Away Team finds itself trapped in the world of + "The Hotel Royale", a novel come to life. + + 39. 4/01/89 139 42679.2 Time Squared + + The U.S.S. Enterprise discovers a Federation shuttle containing an exact + double of Captain Picard from six hours in the future. + + 40. 4/22/89 140 42686.4 The Icarus Factor + + Riker's long-lost father reappears on the eve of his departure to + become captain on a new starship. + + 41. 4/29/89 141 42695.3 Pen Pals + + Data races against time to save the life a little alien girl on a planet + doomed for destruction. + + 42. 5/06/89 142 42761.3 Q Who + + The crew is hurled into the future by the malevolent Q, who sets them + up for destruction by a race of half-human, half-robot aliens known as + the Borgs. + + 43. 5/13/89 143 42779.1 Samaritan Snare + + While Picard fights for his life in surgery, Geordi is held hostage by + the leaders of an alien race. + + 44. 5/20/89 144 42823.2 Up The Long Ladder + + The crew's rescue of a missing earth colony leads to the discovery of a + civilization composed entirely of clones. + + 45. 6/17/89 145 42859.2 Manhunt + + In her search for the perfect mate, Troi's mother beams aboard the + Enterprise--and sets her sights on Captain Picard. + + 46. 6/24/89 146 42901.3 The Emissary + + An official mission becomes a personal matter when Worf's former love is + sent to the Enterprise to mediate a dispute between Klingons and the + Federation. + + 47. 7/08/89 147 42923.4 Peak Performance + + A simulated war game turns deadly when the crew is ambushed by a Ferengi + battleship. + + 48. 7/15/89 148 42976.1 Shades Of Gray + + Commander Riker is struck down by a deadly microbe which invades his + central nervous system and attacks his brain. + +The date is the first date of satellite uplink. Paramount's official +'week of' is two days later. +-- + harvard\ spool.cs.wisc.edu!astroatc!vidiot!brown +Vidiot ucbvax!uwvax!astroatc!vidiot!brown + rutgers/ INTERNET:vidiot!brown%astroatc.UUCP@spool.cs.wisc.edu + brown@wi.extrel.com + +From: brown@vidiot.UUCP (Vidiot) +Date: 10 Nov 93 05:43:36 GMT +Newsgroups: rec.arts.startrek.misc +Subject: Quick Reference Guide - TNG - Season 3 + + + + STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION + QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE + THIRD SEASON + + + 49. 9/23/89 150 43125.8 Evolution + + The crew fights for survival when a mysterious force attacks the ship's + life support systems. + + 50. 9/30/89 149 not given The Ensigns of Command + + Data races against time to save a human colony that's been marked for + death by aliens. + + 51. 10/07/89 151 43142.4 The Survivors + + The crew travels to Rana IV, a remote colony where just two of its + 11,000 inhabitants have miraculously survived a devastating attack. + + 52. 10/14/89 152 43173.5 Who Watches The Watchers + + Mistakenly believing Captain Picard to be a god, the members of a + primitive culture seize Troi and prepare to sacrifice her to him. + + 53. 10/21/89 153 43198.7 The Bonding + + When the ship's archeologist is killed on a mission led by Worf, the + Klingon feel responsible for the son she left behind. + + 54. 10/28/89 154 43205.6 Booby Trap + + The Enterprise is caught in a booby trap that captures the ship and + converts its energy into lethal levels of radiation. + + 55. 11/04/89 155 43349.2 The Enemy + + After Geordi is stranded on a storm-ravaged planet, the crew's + attempts to rescue him are hindered by an aggressive Romulan + warship. + + 56. 11/11/89 156 43385.6 The Price + + Counselor Troi is swept off her feet by a dashing delegate + who uses unethical methods to conduct his business on board + the U.S.S. Enterprise. + + 57. 11/18/89 157 43421.9 The Vengeance Factor + + The crew's attempts to mediate a violent dispute between + warring clans is sabotaged by a mysterious assassin. + + 58. 12/30/89 158 43462.5 The Defector + + A Romulan defector leads the crew into a showdown that could + erupt into a full scale war. + + 59. 1/06/90 159 43489.2 The Hunted + + The Enterprise is bombarded by a soldier who is the victim of + government mind control which turns him into a violent killer. + + 60. 1/27/90 160 43510.7 The High Ground + + Doctor Crusher's abduction by a radical terrorist group + thrusts the crew into an explosive civil war on Rutia Four. + + 61. 2/03/90 161 43539.1 Deja Q + + The crew is surprised by the appearance of their mischievous + nemesis, Q. + + 62. 2/10/90 162 43610.4 A Matter of Perspective + + Riker is suspected of murdering a respected scientist who had + accused the Enterprise officer of seducing his wife. + + 63. 2/17/90 163 43625.2 Yesterday's Enterprise + + The course of history is altered when a time rift brings a + starship Enterprise from the past into the present with a crew + which includes Tasha Yar. + + 64. 3/10/90 164 43657.0 The Offspring + + Data becomes a father when he creates an android using a + transfer of his own neural programming. + + 65. 3/17/90 165 43685.2 Sins of the Father + + When his long-lost brother appears on the Enterprise, Worf is + thrust into a life-or-death battle for his family's honor. + + 66. 3/24/90 166 43714.1 Allegiance + + Without the crew's knowledge, Captain Picard is kidnapped and + replaced by an evil imposter. + + 67. 3/31/90 167 43745.2 Captain's Holiday + + While on vacation, Picard becomes entangled in the search for + a missing weapon from the future. + + 68. 4/21/90 168 43779.3 Tin Man + + The crew is thrust into a deadly showdown with the Romulans over a + newly discovered life-form in a remote star system. + + 69. 4/28/90 169 43807.4 Hollow Pursuits + + The crew struggles to help a young engineer who's obsession + with the fantasy world Holodeck is endangering the ship. + + 70. 5/05/90 170 43872.2 The Most Toys + + The crew leave Data for dead when his shuttle craft explodes + during a dangerous mission. + + 71. 5/12/90 171 43917.4 Sarek + + The Enterprise is plagued by an outbreak of violence when it + is visited by a renowned Vulcan ambassador. + + 72. 5/26/90 172 43930.7 Menage A Troi + + The Enterprise is thrown into chaos when Counsellor Troi + and her mother are kidnapped by the Ferengi. + + 73. 6/02/90 173 43957.2 Transfigurations + + The Enterprise rescues a mysterious humanoid whose remarkable + powers affect the entire crew. + + 74. 6/16/90 174 43989.1 The Best of Both Worlds + + The evil Borg capture Picard in an attempt to conquer the + human race. + +The date is the first date of satellite uplink. Paramount's official +'week of' is two days later. +-- + harvard\ spool.cs.wisc.edu!astroatc!vidiot!brown +Vidiot ucbvax!uwvax!astroatc!vidiot!brown + rutgers/ INTERNET:vidiot!brown%astroatc.UUCP@spool.cs.wisc.edu + brown@wi.extrel.com + +From: brown@vidiot.UUCP (Vidiot) +Date: 10 Nov 93 05:44:06 GMT +Newsgroups: rec.arts.startrek.misc +Subject: Quick Reference Guide - TNG - Season 4 + + + + STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION + QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE + FOURTH SEASON + + + 75. 9/22/90 175 44001.4 Best of Both Worlds Part II + + Riker must choose between saving Picard and saving humanity + when the Borg use the kidnapped captain as part of their plan + to destroy Earth. + + 76. 9/29/90 178 44012.3 Family + + While the Enterprise undergoes repairs on Earth, crew members + reunite with family as Picard comes face to face with his + jealous brother. + + 77. 10/06/90 177 44085.7 Brothers + + After being summond home by his elderly creator, Data clashes + with his evil brother, Lore. + + 78. 10/13/90 176 44143.7 Suddenly Human + + Picard risks war when he refuses to return a human boy to the alien + father who raised him, and may have abused him. + + 79. 10/20/90 179 44161.2 Remember Me + + Wesley's experiment with warp fields result in the mysterious + disappearance of the crew. + + 80. 10/27/90 180 44215.2 Legacy + + A rescue mission leads the crew to the birthplace of their late + comrade Tasha Yar, where they encounter her mysterious sister. + + 81. 11/03/90 181 44246.3 Reunion + + When Picard is chosen to mediate a Klingon power struggle, + Worf confronts the Klingon who disgraced him. + + 82. 11/10/90 182 44286.5 Future Imperfect + + After an Away Team mission fails, Riker awakens in sickbay to + discover sixteen years have passed and he now commands the + Enterprise. + + 83. 11/17/90 183 44307.3 Final Mission + + After being accepted to Starfleet Academy, Wesley accompanies + Picard on a final mission, only to find himself struggling to + keep the captain alive. + + 84. 12/29/90 184 44356.9 The Loss + + Counselor Troi resigns her post after experiencing a + mysterious loss of her empathetic powers. + + 85. 1/05/91 185 44390.1 Data's Day + + A friend's impending wedding compounds Data's confusion about + the nuances of human feelings. + + 86. 1/26/91 186 44429.6 The Wounded + + Picard must stop a renegade Federation starship which is + making unprovoked attacks on a former enemy's ship. + + 87. 2/02/91 187 44474.5 Devil's Due + + Picard fights to save a terrorist planet from a powerful woman who + claims to be the devil. + + 88. 2/09/91 188 44502.7 Clues + + Picard and the crew are shocked to discover that Data is lying to them. + + 89. 2/16/91 189 not given First Contact + + Critically wounded during a first contact mission, Riker is mistaken + for a hostile alien. + + 90. 3/09/91 190 44614.6 Galaxy's Child + + The Enterprise becomes surrogate mother to a huge alien creature after + Picard is forced to destroy its real mother. + + 91. 3/16/91 191 44631.2 Night Terrors + + Trapped in a rift in space, the crew of the Enterprise are palgued by + unexplained paranoia and hallucinations. + + 92. 3/23/91 192 44664.5 Identity Crisis + + Dr. Crusher races against time to locate a parasite that threatens + to transform Geordi into an alien creature. + + 93. 3/30/91 193 44704.2 The Nth Degree + + When a crew member is endowed with super human intelligence by an + alien probe, he threatens the fate of the Enterprise. + + 94. 4/20/91 194 44741.9 Qpid + + The mischievous Q turns Picard into Robin Hood and sends him on a + quest designed to force him to prove his love for an old flame. + + 95. 4/27/91 195 44769.2 The Drumhead + + A search for a spy aboard the Enterprise turns into a witch hunt in + which Picard is implicated as a traitor. + + 96. 5/04/91 196 44805.3 Half a Life + + Picard risks war when he offers asylum to a visiting scientist who + wishes to escape the ritual suicide mandated by his society. + + 97. 5/11/91 197 44821.3 The Host + + Dr. Crusher's love is put to the test when she falls for an alien + who exists in different "host bodies" in order to survive. + + 98. 5/25/91 198 44885.5 The Mind's Eye + + Romulan forces kidnap Geordi and turn him into a killing machine. + + 99. 6/01/91 199 44923.3 In Theory + + Data experiments with love by pursuing a romantic relationship with + a fellow crew member. + +100. 6/15/91 200 44995.3 Redemption + + As civil war threatens the Klingon Empire, Worf's loyalties are torn + between the Federation and his people. + +The date is the first date of satellite uplink. Paramount's official +'week of' is two days later. +-- + harvard\ spool.cs.wisc.edu!astroatc!vidiot!brown +Vidiot ucbvax!uwvax!astroatc!vidiot!brown + rutgers/ INTERNET:vidiot!brown%astroatc.UUCP@spool.cs.wisc.edu + brown@wi.extrel.com + +From: brown@vidiot.UUCP (Vidiot) +Date: 10 Nov 93 05:44:36 GMT +Newsgroups: rec.arts.startrek.misc +Subject: Quick Reference Guide - TNG - Season 5 + + + + STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION + QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE + FIFTH SEASON + + +101. 9/21/91 201 45020.4 Redemption II + + Picard risks all-out war with the Romulans when he involves + Starfleet in a Klingon civil war. + +102. 9/28/91 202 45047.2 Darmok + + The crew is rendered helpless when Picard is kidnapped and + forced to go to war with an alien captain. + +103. 10/05/91 203 45076.3 Ensign Ro + + Picard suspects a high-level Federation conspiracy when the + crew is ordered to locate the terrorist leader of a renegade race. + +104. 10/12/91 204 45122.3 Silicon Avatar + + Picard struggles to communicate with a mysterious, destructive + force before a visiting scientist can destroy it. + +105. 10/19/91 205 45156.1 Disaster + + The lives of the crew are in Troi's hands when a natural disaster + forces her to take over as captain of the seriously damaged Enterprise. + +106. 10/26/91 206 45208.2 The Game + + The fate of the Federation is in Wesley Crusher's hands when he + returns to find the crew of the Enterprise addicted to a dangerous + new game. + +107. 11/02/91 208 45233.1 Unification: Part I + + Picard and Data travel to Romulus to investigate an unauthorized + mission undertaken by the Federation's legendary Mr. Spock + +108. 11/09/91 207 45245.8 Unification: Part II + + Picard and Mr. Spock clash over over a proposed reunification of + the Romulans and the Vulcans. + +109. 11/16/91 209 45349.1 A Matter of Time + + Picard's quest to save an endangered planet leads him to violate a + Prime Directive when he seeks advice from a visitor from the future. + +110. 1/04/92 210 45376.3 New Ground + + Worf learns some painful lessons about parenting when his son + Alexander arrives to join his father on the Enterprise. + +111. 1/25/92 211 45397.3 Hero Worship + + A Young boy who is the sole survivor of a devastated ship becomes + obsessed with simulating Data. + +112. 2/01/92 212 45429.3 Violations + + Troi, Riker and Dr. Crusher fall into unexplained comas while the + Enterprise plays host to an alien race. + +113. 2/08/92 213 45470.1 The Masterpiece Society + + Picar's efforts to save a genetically engineered society from a + natural disaster threatens to destroy it. + +114. 2/15/92 214 45494.2 Conundrum + + While suffering an unexplained case of amnesia, the crew finds + themselves fighting a war they do not remember or understand. + +115. 2/22/92 215 45571.2 Power Play + + Inhabited by alien spirits, Data and Troi overthrow the Bridge + of the Enterprise. + +116. 2/29/92 216 45587.3 Ethics + + Loyalty and ethics clash when a paralyzed Worf asks Riker + to help him commit suicide. + +117. 3/14/92 217 45614.6 The Outcast + + A rescue mission leads to a dangerous romance between Riker + and a rebellious member of an androgynous race. + +118. 3/21/92 218 45652.1 Cause And Effect + + The Enterprise is trapped in a time warp that forces the crew + to endlessly repeat the same experiences. + +119. 3/28/92 219 45703.9 The First Duty + + Caught between loyalty to his friends and the need to tell + the truth, Wesley becomes involved in a cover-up when his + Starfleet Acadamy squadron suffers a deadly collision. + +120. 4/18/92 220 45733.6 Cost Of Living + + Preparing for her wedding aboard the Enterprise, Troi's free-thinking + mother causes trouble btween Worf and his son. + +121. 4/25/92 221 45761.3 The Perfect Mate + + A beautiful woman, chosen by her people to serve as a peace offering + to end a centuries-long war, falls in love with Picard. + +122. 5/02/92 222 45852.1 Imaginary Friend + + A little girl's imaginary friend becomes a frightening reality for + the crew when she threatens to destroy the Enterprise. + +123. 5/09/92 223 45854.2 I Borg + + Picard and the crew suffer from conflicting emotions when the + Enterprise rescues a critically-injured Borg. + +124. 5/16/92 224 not given The Next Phase + + Geordi and Ro are pronounced dead after a transporting maneuver from + a distressed Romulan ship goes awry. + +125. 5/30/92 225 45944.1 Inner Light + + After a mysterious accident, Picard awakes up living the life of + another person on a faraway planet + +126. 6/13/92 226 45959.1 Time's Arrow + + After Data learns of his own death in late-19th-century San Francisco, + a freak accident transports him back to that period. + +The date is the first date of satellite uplink. Paramount's official +'week of' is two days later. +-- + harvard\ spool.cs.wisc.edu!astroatc!vidiot!brown +Vidiot ucbvax!uwvax!astroatc!vidiot!brown + rutgers/ INTERNET:vidiot!brown%astroatc.UUCP@spool.cs.wisc.edu + brown@wi.extrel.com + +From: brown@vidiot.UUCP (Vidiot) +Date: 10 Nov 93 05:45:20 GMT +Newsgroups: rec.arts.startrek.misc +Subject: Quick Reference Guide - TNG - Season 6 + + + + STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION + QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE + SIXTH SEASON + + +127. 9/19/92 227 46001.3 Time's Arrow, Part II + + The Enterprise crew travels between the 19th and 24th centuries in an + attempt to prevent Data's death in the 19th century San Francisco. + +128. 9/26/92 228 46041.1 Realm Of Fear + + A young Enterprise engineer is forced to confront his paralyzing fear + of being transported. + +129. 10/03/92 229 46071.6 Man Of The People + + Troi is drastically transformed when a visiting ambassador secretly + uses her to achieve his aims. + +130. 10/10/92 230 46125.3 Relics + + Trapped in limbo for 75 years, "Star Trek's" Scotty awakens to join + the "Next Generation" in the 24th century. + +131. 10/17/92 231 46154.2 Schisms + + The Enterprise crew suffers bizarre consequences following a secret, + unwelcome alien visit. + +132. 10/24/92 232 46192.3 True Q + + A gifted young intern learns of her true heritage and must face the + question, "To Q or not to Q?" + +133. 10/31/92 233 46235.7 Rascals + + A bizarre transporter mishap transform Picard and three other staff + members into children just as Ferengis invade and disable the ship. + +134. 11/07/92 234 46271.5 A Fistful of Datas + + A holodeck fantasy goes awry, sending Worf and his son into a Wild + West showdown with a villain who's a dead ringer for Data. + +135. 11/14/92 235 46307.2 The Quality of Life + + Data risks Picard and Geordi's lives in order to protect + another "living" machine. + +136. 12/12/92 236 46357.4 Chain of Command, Part I + + After resigning his command to participate in a dangerous secret + mission, Captain Picard is taken hostage by the Cardassians. + +137. 12/19/92 237 46360.8 Chain of Command, Part II + + While under the command of an unfeeling new captain, the Enterprise + attempts to rescue Picard from the Cardassians. + +138 1/23/93 238 46424.1 Ship In A Bottle + + A calculating Sherlock Holmesian character traps Picard and others + in a holodeck simulation. + +139 1/30/93 239 46461.3 Aquiel + + Geordi is enamored with a beautiful and mysterious Starfleet + lieutenant accused of murder. + +140 2/06/93 240 46519.1 Face Of The Enemy + + Forced to impersonate a Romulan Intelligence officer, + Counselor Troi becomes a pivotal part of an elaborate defection scheme. + +141 2/13/93 241 not given Tapestry + + After Picard loses his life in a surprise attack, + Q gives him the chance to change his destiny. + +142 2/20/93 242 46578.4 Birthright, Part I + + Worf and Data embark on unusual journeys to seek out their fathers. + +143 2/27/93 243 46579.2 Birthright, Part II + + Imprisioned in a society of peaceful Klingons and Romulans, + Worf risks his life to show the younger Klingons their lost heritage + and inspire them to claim their honor. + +144 3/27/93 244 46682.4 Starship Mine + + While the Enterprise is bombarded with lethal rays, + Picard is trapped on board with a band of interstellar thieves. + +145 4/03/93 245 46693.1 Lessons + + Picard is torn between love and duty when he is forced to send the + woman he loves on a potentially deadly mission. + +146 4/24/93 246 46731.5 The Chase + + Picard finds himself in a race with Cardassians, Klingons, and Romulans + to solve a four-billion-year old genetic puzzle. + +147 5/01/93 247 46778.1 Frame of Mind + + Trapped in an alien mental hospital, with little memory of the past, + Riker is convinced he is going insane. + +148 5/08/93 248 46830.1 Suspicions + + A pioneering Ferengi scientist is found dead, and Beverly risks her + career to prove he was murdered. + +149 5/15/93 249 46852.2 Rightful Heir + + Worf finds his faith sorely tested when it appears that the greatest + Klingon warrior of all time has returned from the dead to reclaim + the empire. + +150 5/22/93 250 46915.2 Second Chances + + Returning to the site of an eight-year-old mission, Riker encounters + an identical double of himself, who tries to rekindle a relationship + with Troi. + +151 6/12/93 251 46944.2 Timescape + + The Enterprise is frozen in time on the brink of total annihilation, + and Picard must figure out how to rescue it without destroying it. + +152 6/19/93 252 46982.1 Descent + + When the Borg return to do battle with the Federation, they boast a + new individuality -- and tempt Data when they help him feel his first + emotion. + + +The date is the first date of satellite uplink. Paramount's official +'week of' is two days later. +-- + harvard\ spool.cs.wisc.edu!astroatc!vidiot!brown +Vidiot ucbvax!uwvax!astroatc!vidiot!brown + rutgers/ INTERNET:vidiot!brown%astroatc.UUCP@spool.cs.wisc.edu + brown@wi.extrel.com + +From: brown@vidiot.UUCP (Vidiot) +Date: 10 Nov 93 05:46:39 GMT +Newsgroups: rec.arts.startrek.misc +Subject: Quick Reference Guide - TNG - Season 7 + + + + STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION + QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE + SEVENTH SEASON + + +153 9/18/93 253 47025.4 Descent, Part II + + Picard, Troi, and Geordi are help prisoner by Data, who has left the + Enterprise to join his evil brother Lore as leaders of the Borg. + +154 9/25/93 254 not given Liaisons + + While the crew plays host to ambassadors from an alien race, Picard is + stranded on a barren planet with a woman who falls depserately in love + with him. + +155 10/02/93 255 47215.5 Interface + + Geordi defies Picard's commands and risks his life in what appears to + be a futile attempt to rescue his missing mother. + +156 10/09/93 256 47135.2 Gambit, Part I + + Riker is shocked to find Picard, who has been missing and presumed dead, + posing as a mercenary on an alien ship. + +157 10/16/93 257 47160.1 Gambit, Part II + + Picard and Riker masquerade as mercenaries in order to retrieve a + potentially lethal Vulcan artifact. + +158 10/23/93 258 47225.7 Phantasms + + Data's first bad dream turns into a real-life nightmare for the rest + of the Enterprise crew. + +159 10/30/93 259 47254.1 Dark Page + + Troi must probe her mother's psyche when a traumatic secret causes a + psychic breakdown that threatens Lwaxana's life. + +160 11/06/93 260 Attached + + Imprisoned and telepathically joined by an alien race, Picard and + Beverly are forced to face the feelings they have always had for each + other. + +161 11/13/93 261 Force of Nature + + An alien brother and sister resort to desperate measures to prove + their theory that warp drive is destroying the universe. + +162 11/20/93 262 Inheritance + + A routine mission to save an endangered planet brings Data face-to-face + with a woman who claims to be his mother. + +163 11/27/93 263 Parallels + + Returning to the Enterprise from a competition, Worf finds reality + changing, and is troubled when no one else seems to notice. + +164 1/08/94 264 The Pegasus + +165 1/15/94 265 Homeward + +166 1/29/94 266 Sub Rosa + + +The date is the first date of satellite uplink. Paramount's official +'week of' is two days later. +-- + harvard\ spool.cs.wisc.edu!astroatc!vidiot!brown +Vidiot ucbvax!uwvax!astroatc!vidiot!brown + rutgers/ INTERNET:vidiot!brown%astroatc.UUCP@spool.cs.wisc.edu + brown@wi.extrel.com + diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/qriosity b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/qriosity new file mode 100644 index 00000000..d9a2bd58 --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/qriosity @@ -0,0 +1,395 @@ +Path: tivoli.tivoli.com!geraldo.cc.utexas.edu!cs.utexas.edu!uwm.edu!spool.mu.edu!sgiblab!sgigate.sgi.com!olivea!charnel.ecst.csuchico.edu!csusac!csus.edu!netcom.com!ix.netcom.com!netnews +From: pal310@ix.netcom.com (Patricia Ann La Ferrara) +Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative +Subject: New Story: Q'riosity +Date: 15 Oct 1994 01:53:31 GMT +Organization: Netcom +Lines: 383 +Distribution: world +Message-ID: <37ncmr$dfh@ixnews1.ix.netcom.com> +NNTP-Posting-Host: ix-nwk4-19.ix.netcom.com + +ALL STANDARD DISCLAIMERS APPLY. STAR TREK AND ITS CHARACTERS ARE REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF PARAMOUNT, INC. AND NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT IS INTENDED. +PATRICIA ANN LA FERRARA COPYRIGHT APRIL 1994 + + Q'riosity by Patricia Ann La Ferrara + + Amanda watched Q's behavior with growing disdain. She had grown close to Doctor Beverly +Crusher and Q's condescending attitude towards her friend irritated Amanda. After leaving the Enterprise, +she decided to show Q the extraordinary woman Beverly Crusher was. Amanda dutifully endured all of +Q's lessons in learning her abilities. After a time, she felt confident enough to question him. + "Q, why do you treat Doctor Crusher so condescendingly?" Amanda floated serenely amongst the +clouds. This was her favorite time of day...when her lessons were finished and she could relax. + "What brought her to mind?" + "She's my friend. I miss her." Q scoffed at the comments. + "You are a Q. You have no friends!" + "Doctor Crusher is a kind, caring person who gave me understanding and support," replied +Amanda harshly. "Even though she knew I could turn into YOU!" Q simply smiled as she continued. +"Why don't you like her?" + "She is human. She is irritating. She is so-o-o goody-goody....so conventional." + "You don't know anything about her!" argued Amanda. Then a thought occurred to her. "It's +because she stands up to you, isn't it? She knows you have the power to do whatever you want to her and +she still stands up to you. You admire that." + "Really....let's not get carried away." + "All right, I'll make you a deal. Let me show you Doctor Crusher's life. You can see for yourself +why I think she is remarkable. If, after seeing what she has experienced, you still don't agree with me, +then I won't bring it up again. Deal?" + "All right! All right! If it will shut you up." In a flash, a much younger Beverly Crusher appeared +before them. Smiling and laughing, she reached up to a man who shared her laugh. + "Who is that?" asked Q, quickly adding, "Not that I care." + "Of course not," grinned Amanda. "That is her father." + Images began to appear before them. Images that revealed a little girl's harsh introduction to +death and despair. Q watched with growing interest. + "Where is this place?" he asked as he watched a young Beverly deal with the death of her brother. + "Arveda III," whispered Amanda in deference to the little girl's obvious pain. "The colony was +devastated by a quake and a dealt virus. Doctor Crusher herself contracted it." + "But she obviously survived." + "No, she died. Somehow, her grandmother brought her back." + "How? She wasn't Q!" + "Through love and faith," smiled Amanda. "Two things more powerful than even a Q." + "Oh come now," he scoffed, "let's not get carried away." He was about to admonish her more +when an image caught his eye. He watched as Beverly sat at her father's bedside, her hand in his. Beverly +was talking softly to the man as he died. Q saw the little girl's anguish. But even more he felt her pain. + The images jumped to a different period and a much different Beverly. 16 years old, confident, +strong and beautiful, she exuded sensuality. Beverly's love for the young man with her was apparent. As +was her sexual desire for him. Despite himself, Q found this Beverly to be intriguing....and arousing. Even +a Q has some needs! + "Enough!" he shouted after a particularly erotic episode between Beverly and her lover. + "But there is so much more!" protested Amanda. + "I have seen enough!" + "And?" + "And..." he admitted grudgingly, "You are correct." Amanda leapt up and hugged him. "Stop +that!" he ordered. "Now, I have to go. + "Where are you going?" she asked suspiciously. + "Where do you think?" he grinned. With a flash, he was gone. + "Q!" shouted Amanda. She had seen Q's reaction to the teen-aged Beverly but she also felt his +arousal. Amanda surmised where he was going and quickly followed. + + + The senior staff of the Enterprise gathered in the conference room. They were tired but relieved +their last mission was over. It had been one of their most frustrating to date. + The inhabitants of Kerian V were suffering from a mysterious ailment that affected only part of +the population. For generations, no one had been able to determine the problem. Beverly Crusher and +Geordi La Forge worked diligently to track down a common denominator...any link as to why only those +in the cities were affected. It was Crusher who realized the problems lie in the way their water was +purified. + The water flowed into the city's reservoir from the neighboring mountain streams. However, the +water remained stagnant until it was filtered through the distillery. During the stagnancy, a bacterium +developed. Not even the filtering systems were able to affect its potency. The residents of the cities had +been drinking the contaminated water for decades. As time passed, there were fewer deaths. Beverly +attributed the decrease in fatalities to each new generation building an immunity to the bacteria. But the +death toll still affected half the population as more and more inhabitants moved to the cities. Crusher +knew about contaminated water all too well. She devised a treatment for the ill while Geordi helped +develop a better water purification system. + Now the crew of the Enterprise was looking forward to some well-deserved shore leave. Their +destination was Epcot 7, a well-known resort in the galaxy. + "Governor Taiman once again expresses his heartfelt gratitude for your assistance." Picard was +speaking to the entire staff but they knew it was meant, deservedly so, for Crusher and LaForge. "You'll be +happy to hear, doctor, that the ill are responding to your treatment at a remarkable recovery rate." + "I'm glad," replied Beverly softly. The mission had stirred memories long buried deep into her +soul. Picard and Troi had tried to comfort her but Crusher merely brushed their concerns aside. + "I hear Epcot 7 is known for it's night life," added Geordi. Data was about to regale them with +more specific details when Q appeared. Loud groans were heard from around the table. + "And it is a pleasure to see all of you also," grinned Q. + "What do you want now, Q?" asked the captain, his irritation apparent in the tone of his voice. Q +ignored Picard and moved to Beverly's side. + "I have come to give you what you want most in this world." Q smiled at the amused look on the +doctor's face. Beverly, for her part, refrains from laughing. + "And what might that be?" she asked. + "Come with me and find out." Crusher had dealt enough with Q to know he could not be trusted. + "What game are you playing now, Q?" demanded Picard. Q's attention to Beverly annoyed the +captain. + "No game. I will give Doctor Crusher the one thing she desires most if..." Q's grin broadened as +he turned back to Beverly. + "There's always a condition, isn't there?" she mused. + "Q! Enough of this!" ordered the captain. Q glared at Picard. + "I am not talking to you, Jean-Luc. This is between the good doctor and myself." + "If what?" prompted Crusher. + "Beverly!" cried Troi, "You're not serious?" Beverly simply shrugged. She hated to admit it but Q +had piqued her curiosity. 'The one thing I want most in this world?' she thought. + Q dramatically dropped to one knee in front of her. He took her hand and said, "If you will give +yourself to me." He smiled as Beverly's expression changed to surprise. The fact that the others in the +room gasped at his suggestion, and that Picard was turning deep red, added to his fun. Crusher stared at Q +then burst out laughing. He looked at her curiously. + "Now, I know you're joking!" she breathed. + "You wound me, madam," moaned Q. Just then, Amanda joined the group. + "Doctor Crusher, Q is quite serious," she stated softly. Leaning closer to Beverly, Amanda +revealed what had led up to this moment. Q waited patiently...well, as patiently as Q could be. Beverly +looked from Amanda to Q. 'Her and Q...together?' It was unthinkable. 'Still,' she thought, 'the idea of +being with an omnipotent being intrigued her.' She brushed the thought from her mind. + Picard watched Beverly closely. He saw her expression change from amusement to shock to one +he knew well...curiosity. It was a look he had never felt uncomfortable with...until now. + "Doctor, may I speak to you?" He stood and waited for Crusher to follow. + "Really, Jean-Luc, this is none of your concern!" chastised Q. "You've had your chance with the +good doctor and have obviously blown it...as they say. It is my turn." + "Excuse me, but I have something to say about this!" injected Beverly indignantly. Amanda +placed a gentle hand on the doctor's shoulder before leading Q to a corner of the room. + "If this is to happen," started Amanda, "Beverly has to agree. It's her decision, Q. Not the +captain's and not yours." Q started to protest but she waved him silent. "She must agree or it doesn't mean +anything...to either of you." Q reluctantly nodded his agreement. Suddenly, everyone disappears leaving +Beverly and Jean-Luc alone. The silence between them is awkward. + "Beverly, you can't seriously be considering his offer?" asked Picard a bit more harshly than he +intended. Lately their relationship had become strained. The reason neither of them would admit to. +Crusher turned towards him, her intense blue eyes flashing. + "Why not? It's the only offer I've had in a long time!" Crusher waited, hoping Picard would +suggest a different proposition. + "You have to do what is best for you," was all he offered. Angry and frustrated, Beverly pushed +past him and onto the bridge. Picard followed closely. He wanted to stop her from doing anything foolish +but did know how. + "One question Q!" demanded Beverly. "Did you ever have sex with Vash?" + "No, I..." Beverly cut him off. + "Then you have a deal!" No one was more surprised by her decision than Beverly. With a smile, +Q bowed and took her hand. Picard paled as he watched them disappear. + + Beverly suspected she made a mistake when they reappeared in a large room occupied by a single +piece of furniture...a bed. + "Shall we start?" grinned Q as he moved towards her. She quickly sidestepped him. + "Just like that?" she mused. "Wham! Bam! Thank you ma'm? I don't think so!" + "Really, Doctor, this is no time for games. We have an agreement..." + "That's right, we do," challenged Beverly. "You said you would give me what I wanted most in +this world. You haven't delivered your part of the bargain, then neither will I!" She folded her arms and +stood defiantly in front of him. Her face mere inches from his. + He had underestimated this woman. Q was tempted to use his powers to make her subject to him. +But Amanda's words played through his mind. She was right. It would not mean anything if Beverly did +not give herself freely. For some reason, he wanted it to mean something. + "All right, Doctor, you win," grumbled Q, "for now." Crusher simply smiled. She hated to admit +it but she was enjoying herself. "Are you ready to fulfill your most inner desire?" Once again they +disappeared. Beverly could not imagine what Q was referring to. Suddenly they appeared on the colony of +Arveda III. Before the tragedy. + She started to question Q but he simply smiles and points to the scene before them. Beverly +watches silently as a much younger version of herself ran into the arms of the one person she loved more +than any one else in her life...her father. Crusher struggled to calm the emotions churning inside her. Her +father looked so young, so vibrant...so alive. + "Q, if this is some kind of a joke," swore Beverly, "it's a cruel one!" + "I assure you, Doctor, this is no joke." Suddenly, they were no longer on Arveda but in her +quarters on the Enterprise. + "Q, what is going on?" demanded Crusher. "Why tease me with a glimpse of my past, then return +me to the ship?" + "Ah, good Doctor, but we are not on the Enterprise. I simply thought you would be more +comfortable here to speak with him." + "Him? Who?" The color drained from Beverly's face as a familiar voice came from behind her. + "Pups? Is that you?" Crusher turned slowly and searched the face she had only been able to see in +her dreams. + "Daddy?" Paul Howard smiled and held his arms open. She hesitated a moment before rushing +into his embrace. Beverly clung to her father, afraid he'd disappear if she loosened her grip. After a while, +she turned to Q. + "Why?" she whispered. + "Because, Beverly," he responded softly, "you never had the chance to say good-bye." Then Q +was gone. + "Who was that, Pups?" asked Paul still staring at the space Q had just vanished from. + "That's Q, Daddy. He's an omnipotent being." Paul turned back to the woman before him. He +gazed lovingly at the face that was so different, yet so familiar. + "You are beautiful," he whispered as he brushed strands of red from her face. "You always were. +You look like your mother." Beverly winced at his comment. "But you also favor me." Paul laughed as the +smile returned to his daughter's face. + "I gather your relationship with your mother did not improve with time?" + "If anything, it got worse after you..." Beverly caught herself. + "Before I died?" She nodded slowly. "It's all right, Pups, I know I'm not suppose to be here. I +gather your friend Q had something to do with it?" Beverly chuckled. It was the first time anyone had +called Q her friend. + "Yes, he said he was going to fulfill my most secret desire. I had no idea what he meant but..." +she took her father's hand and led him to the sofa. "I guess he knew what was in my heart better than I +did." + "I don't know how much time we have, Pups, but I want to hear everything. What you've done. +Obviously, you did join Starfleet." He motioned to her uniform. "Are you happy?" + "I'm happy with my life...for the most part. I'm a doctor, Daddy. Chief Medical Officer of the +Federation Starship Enterprise." She waved her hand around the room. "These are my quarters. Well, at +least a replica of them." + "Chief Medical Officer," smiled Paul proudly. "A doctor. I guess your grandmother won out after +all. How is she?" + "Gram died a few months ago, Daddy," whispered Beverly. The pain in his eyes reflected her +own. + "Was she all right? She didn't blame herself for what happened on Arveda, did she?" Beverly +nodded. + "Yes, she did...we all did." + "It was no one's fault, Pups. Not mine. Not your grandmother's and certainly not yours." He +wrapped his arms around Beverly and pulled her close. She snuggled in his embrace like she use to when +she was little. "Will you tell me what happened after I, well, you know." + Beverly rarely, if ever, talked about what happened on Arveda but she found herself revealing +every detail to her father. Paul listened quietly, comforting his daughter when he felt her body tremble at +the memories. When she finished, they sat silently, each lost in their own thoughts. + "I'm sorry you had to experience that, Pups. But I am not surprised at your strength or your +determination. You always were independent and strong." Beverly raised her head and returned her +father's smile. + "Who taught me to be?" Paul kissed her forehead lightly. + "You didn't have to learn so well, did you?" he laughed. Beverly sighed and laid her head back +onto his shoulder. She had missed him more than she could say. It felt good to talk to him again. To hold +him. + "So, tell me what happened after Arveda." Beverly told him about Starfleet Medical and how she +became a research project. Then she told him about Damien and her wild teenage years. + "Damien Medina? Lawrence's son? Didn't he run away?" + "Lawrence used to abuse him, Daddy. That's why he left. Damien is gentle and caring and he +loved me, Daddy. He protected me from Mother!" Paul lifted her head. + "What is it, Pups?" + "Everyone always assumed the worst of Damien. But they were wrong! Gram understood that I +needed to have to people I loved close to me. That's why she allowed Damien to live with me." + "You and Damien..." gulped Paul. "Shared a bed?" + "Yes," she replied softly. "I loved him, Daddy." Paul knew his little girl would eventually learn +about sex but he didn't expect her to learn so young. + "What happened to Damien?" he asked softly. + "We were together for four years. But when I was accepted in the academy, he believed he would +be a hindrance to my career. so he walked away. We are still friends and occasionally lovers. I know he +will always be there for me as I will be for him." + "If you love him, Pups, he must be special. Tell me more." + Beverly told him about her academy days and her dearest friend Katie. She told him about +marrying Jack Crusher, giving birth to their son and becoming a widow all within five years. She told him +about Paul and his family. She told him of her Starfleet career, her medical accomplishments and her brief +tenure as captain of the Enterprise. + "That's quite a life, Pups," he whispered. + "Not quite what we mapped out though." + "No, but then life doesn't always cater to our plans. I had planned to watch you grow up. Go on +your first date. Smile proudly at your academy graduation. Give you away at your wedding. Hold my +grand-children..." His voice, filled with sadness, trailed off. + "So was I," she whispered. + "Tell me, Pups, tell me what's in your heart." Beverly smiled. He always knew when something +was wrong. She realized she needed to say what had been in her heart since he died. With a sigh, she +began. + "You promised you would take care of everything and then you went away. I was angry with +you, Daddy. Angry you died and left me alone. Angry you weren't there to protect me. Weren't there to +love me. I used to imagine what life would have been like if you hadn't died. We were happy and +together...all of us...except Mother of course. But that was only a fantasy. And I had to live with the reality +of you're not being there. For a long time, I didn't talk about you. It hurt too much. I know you didn't want +to die. I know you didn't want to leave us. but I was eleven years old and you were the most important +person in my life! It just hurt too much." Beverly clung to Paul as she finished. She had been angry with +her father. It seemed wrong. But she had come to realize, over the years, that it was normal. And that she +wasn't a bad person to feel that way. + "I'm sorry, Pups," whispered Paul, his voice heavy with emotion. + "You have nothing to be sorry for, Daddy." She placed her hands on his face and turned him +towards her. "Remember Gram's creed? You deal with what comes. That's all any of us can do. You gave +me a foundation of love and security and strength. It was up to me to follow through." + "And that you have, my baby. You have grown into an extraordinary woman. He was smiling +again. "But then, you were an extraordinary child." + "Not that you are at all biased?" + "Of course not." They laughed easily now. + "So, tell me about him." + "Who?" + "The man you're in love with." Beverly was surprised. "Come on, Pups. I could always tell when +you had a crush!" teased her father. "Who is he?" + "His name is Jean-Luc Picard and he's my captain." + "I suspect he's more than that." Beverly nodded and told her father about her relationship with +Jean-Luc. + "It sounds complicated," observed Paul when she finished. + "It is. I get so tired of it all." + "Don't give up, baby. It sounds like you both are afraid of a commitment." + "Maybe but it's frustrating." + "Love usually is." Paul thought a moment then offered some advice. "Time is precious, Pups. You +better than anyone knows that. If you love this man, tell him. If he doesn't give you what you need, move +on. You deserve to be happy, baby. Go after it." He kissed her cheek softly. "Promise me." + "I promise, Daddy," she whispered. "I promise." She leaned back into his embrace as they talked +long into the night. What seemed like a few hours to Beverly were in reality several days. Father and +daughter were sharing a laugh when Q returned. + "It is time." Paul nodded and started to rise. Beverly did not want to let him go. Her father took +her hands and gently pulled her to her feet. He took her face lovingly in his hands. + "I have always been proud of you, my baby. And I am proud of the woman you have become. +Always remember how much I love you. I will be with you forever...in your heart and in your mind." + "I love you, Daddy," she breathed. A hug, a kiss and then he was gone. + Her tears flowed easily for the first time in thirty-five years. Saying good-bye to her father this +time was much more difficult. As the emotions she had buried deep within her soul flowed through her, +Beverly collapsed on the bed. + Q was taken aback by her vulnerability. Cautiously he approached her and offered his support. +Beverly welcomed his comfort and held onto him as she slowly regained her control. + "Thank you, Q," she whispered. "It was the greatest gift anyone has ever given me." + "You are welcome," was all he could say. His growing feelings for this woman surprised him. He +knew he could not hold her to their bargain. "If you are ready, I will take you back now." Beverly looked +up at him confused. Her eyes glistened with tears. + "I haven't fulfilled my end of the bargain." + "You don't need to." Crusher straightened to look him in the eye. She saw a tender side to Q that +she never imagined existed. It was a gentleness that aroused. Silently, she placed her hand on his cheek +and turned his face towards her. + "I want to." With a smile, she leaned in and kissed him. Gently at first, then more passionately. +Q hesitated. "What's wrong?" she breathed, her face pressed next to his. + "I don't want you just because you feel obligated." He couldn't believe those words came out of his +mouth. + "There is something you have to learn about me, Q," she smiled. "I never do anything I don't +want to." She kissed him again and this time Q did not resist. He pulled her to him, his hands caressing +her back. + Their need outweighed their senses as they clumsily removed each other's clothing. Q nearly +gasped at the sight of her naked body. Feelings were new to him and he was struggling to maintain some +semblance of Q. Beverly, for her part, was enjoying the feeling of spontaneity. + She ran her hands along his chest and smiled when he jumped as she went lower. Taking his +growing hardness in her hand, she gently massaged him. Q was overcome by the sensations her touch +triggered. + "Q, have you ever had sex before?" she asked softly, her hand stroking him gently. + "Of course!" he replied indignantly. "I..." He faltered when he saw the amusement in her eyes. +Then he shook his head slowly. + "Men! Omnipotent, human...it doesn't matter. You all have such egos!" teased Beverly. Pressing +him down on the bed, she straddled his thighs. "Let me introduce you to the pleasure." + Q moaned as Beverly expertly massaged his thighs, his abdomen, his chest. She followed her +hands with light kisses that shot electricity through his body. His need for her was growing and she +tenderly encouraged him to his peak. With a smile, she lowered herself onto him. Q never imagined the +shock waves that went through his body as she took him inside her. + Beverly slowly drew herself up, then back down on top of him. The motion was maddening to +both of them. Q matched her movement and soon they were near their climax. Q came first, the power of +his orgasm overrode his senses. In the distance he heard Beverly's voice and realized she also had +climaxed. She collapsed on top of him and he cradled her in his arms. Q decided he liked sex. + They laid together for a long while. Neither one knew what to say. Their joining had been +passionate and exciting but they both knew Crusher's heart belonged to another. At that moment, Q +envied that man more than he ever had. + "It's time to go back," he said softly, his hand playing with the strands of red on his pillow. + "Why?" sighed Beverly, her eyes still closed. "Why should I go back?" + "Because it's where you belong." Q regretted saying those words no matter how true he knew +them to be. "You belong with him." Crusher looked at him, an amused grin on her face. + "Who do you mean?" Q's grin mirrored her own. + "That bald fellow...the irritating one." + "Oh him!" laughed Beverly. Her smile faded as she thought about Picard. She used to think they +belonged together but lately there had been such tension...such anger. + "Beverly?" She glanced at Q. "You love him." It wasn't a question. It was a statement of fact. + "Yes," she replied, her voice low. "But it doesn't matter. Not to him." Q laughed heartily. Beverly +glared at him, her anger reflecting in her cheeks. "What is so damn funny?" + "You are alike, you and Jean-Luc. He tries so desperately to hide his desire for you and yet you +are the only one who doesn't see it." He deflected a well-aimed fist. "The man paled when you agreed to +go with me. Not to mention he tried, rather unsuccessfully, to draw my attention from you." + "He is very protective..." + "Of the people he cares about. Yes, I know. He cares about all the galaxies but he loves you." +Crusher sighed. She was tired of arguing. "And I will prove it." + "How?" In a flash, Picard was unceremoniously dumped alongside the bed. Beverly looked from +Q to Picard and back. She didn't know whether to laugh or slide under the covers. + "What is the meaning of this, Q?" growled a very irate captain. The sight of Beverly Crusher in +bed with Q inflamed Picard. Q appeared, fully clothed, standing over Jean-Luc. + "Ah, mon ami, you will have to discover that for yourself." Turning to Beverly, he bowed. "Good +Doctor, the next time you make a deal, it would be wise to hold up your end of the bargain. Another might +not be so lenient." He smiled at the look of surprise on her face. Then he leaned towards her so the captain +could not hear. "I leave the truth up to you." With a smile, Q disappeared, + Beverly was touched by his gesture. She turned to Picard who looked relieved by Q's "revelation." +She suddenly remembered she was naked but, on a hunch, checked under the covers. She found herself +dressed in Starfleet's finest. + "Are you all right?" Picard sat beside her on the bed. "He didn't hurt you?" + "No, Jean-Luc, Q did not hurt me. I'm fine." + "Beverly, there's something..." + "No, there's something I have to tell you." With a sigh, she revealed the events of her adventure +with Q...including their night of passion. Picard listened quietly. His hope that Q had not known Beverly +in the way he wanted to most were dashed. He did not notice when she stopped talking until he felt her +hand on his arm. He turned slowly to look at her. She was shocked by the sadness in his eyes. + "Jean-Luc, I'm sorry if you are disappointed with me but I don't regret what's happened." + "Are you saying you're in love with Q?" The words sounded ridiculous...to both of them. + "No, I am not in love with Q." + "But you slept with him!?" His tone was angry and accusing. Beverly struggled not to let her own +anger flare. + "And you have never had sex with someone you were simply attracted to? Or need I remind you +of Vash?" She forced him to look at her and saw the understanding in his eyes. He smiled then and his +face softened. Without a word, he leaned down and kissed her. Softly. Tenderly. Lovingly. + "You said you had sex," he breathed into her hair, his hands pulling her to him. "You didn't say +you made love." + "You can only make love with someone you're in love with," whispered Beverly as she savored +his touch. "The rest is just sex." He lifted her chin and gazed into the rich blueness of her eyes. + "And with me?" + "It could never be just sex with you." She smiled as he pulled her closer and claimed her mouth. +She reached to pull his uniform shirt from his pants, her hands eagerly caressing the warm skin beneath. +Jean-Luc unfastened her uniform and slowly trailed it down her body. Soft kisses followed the uniform's +trail. Beverly shivered at the feel of his lips on her breasts. With a light touch, he traced the outline of her +nipples and casually moved down her stomach. His hand found its way between her legs and his fingers +delighted in her wetness. Gently he played with her sensitive point as Beverly moaned with pleasure. His +mouth replaced his hand and he let his tongue dance playfully inside her. + "Jean-Luc," she gasped, one hand clutching the sheet, the other caressing the back of his head. +His own arousal was growing with each moment. He brought her close to her climax before he entered +her. + "I love you, Beverly," he whispered. "I always have." + "I love you, Jean-Luc," she breathed. "With all my heart." + Their passions mounted as they were swept away by desires long denied. Neither noticed the +figure watching from the darkness of the other room. Q watched a moment and considered sending the +captain to another galaxy. He sensed Amanda's presence and turned to face her. + "It was a thought," he whispered just before he vanished. "Just a thought!" + + + THE END + diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/quantumq b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/quantumq new file mode 100644 index 00000000..41f69236 --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/quantumq @@ -0,0 +1,324 @@ +Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative +Path: tivoli.tivoli.com!geraldo.cc.utexas.edu!cs.utexas.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!torn!nott!cunews!freenet.carleton.ca!FreeNet.Carleton.CA!bb106 +From: bb106@FreeNet.Carleton.CA (JoAnne Soper-Cook) +Subject: Q Stories +Message-ID: +Sender: bb106@freenet.carleton.ca (JoAnne Soper-Cook) +Organization: The National Capital FreeNet, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada +Date: Sat, 4 Feb 1995 14:30:08 GMT +Lines: 312 +Xref: tivoli.tivoli.com alt.startrek.creative:5619 + +Quantum Q May 28, 1994 + + Emily Tarrant turned over in her bed and wished she could go +to sleep. It had been a long day, she ought to be tired enough. +Still, there was a nagging insomnia pulling at her, something +beckoning that there were other things to be doing, other +interests to pursue. She just wanted to sleep. + It had been bad enough being stuck all morning rerouting +circuit pathways on one of the shuttlecraft. She would have +though that might have filled the boredom quota for the day. +Then, after lunch, Counselor Troi had cornered her in Ten- +Foreward and demanded that she come right then to the Psych lab +for her quarterly testing. Long overdue, Troi had said, pulling +her insistently along the corridor. Better to get it done and +over with. So she'd whiled the rest of the day away in the Psych +lab looking at holograms and indicating if she was (a) mildly +happy, (b) moderately happy, or (c) markedly happy. It had been +a colossal waste of time. And after spending a fretful evening +in her quarters trying to read a holo-book, placating herself +with warm milk and boozy jazz tunes, she had given up in disgust +and gone early to bed. Most of her friends (the techie ones, she +thought sourly) had gone to an Engineering convention on Rigel, +and the bulk of her colleagues from Exobiology were at some +seminar somewhere. There was nobody she could talk to, nobody to +go to the holodeck with...she'd run into Commander Data in one of +the corridors, but it was too awkward: both of them, +unfortunately, remembered only too well their attempts at a +relationship, and how badly it had ended. She had muttered a +quick greeting and bolted. + So now she was utterly bored, and her bed seemed to be +getting harder and harder, her pillow turning into cement. No +matter which way she turned, she became more and more +uncomfortable. Finally, she sat up in frustration. "God damn +it!" + "Tut, tut, my dear!" A sensuous male voice slid out of the +wall and coiled around her. "Blasphemy! Just because you're a +little bored...." + Tarrant watched as Q followed his voice into her quarters, +gazing in dismay as he seemed to coalesce out of the bulkhead, +forming his normal appearence in front of her. + "What's the matter? No excitement in Chez Picard?" Q +grinned at her, sitting on the end of her bed. + "Q!" Tarrant frowned. She wondered what he wanted, wondered +if she wanted him to stay or leave. Q had visited her before, +this wasn't the first time. And his visits were always +stimulating, in many ways. The only trouble was, Tarrant wasn't +sure if it was good protocol to be running around the galaxy with +an omnipotent being who got a kick out of needling Starfleet. +"What are you doing here?" She watched as one of his hands rose +to shoulder height, a bright red apple appearing in his palm. +The apple hadn't been there before. + "I heard you complaining--decided to see what I could do." +He bit into the apple with a loud crunch, chewed thoughtfully as +he gazed at her. "How can I help?" He leaned forward. "Just +you come and sit on Uncle Q's lap...." + Tarrant shivered. She had definite visions of sitting on +Q's lap, and none of them were even remotely avuncular in nature. +Oh, she'd like to sit on his lap, alright-- + She pushed it from her head. "I've had an awful day." + He looked suitably sympathetic, or as sympathetic as he +could with a mouthful of Red Delicious. "Oh...so let's have some +fun!" He got that tell-tale twinkle in his dark eyes, the one +that Tarrant knew so well, the one that took her to the Festival +of Masques on Saturn three, and Comet-Skating near the Devarae +Nebula, and that one time that she'd gotten drunk on Dronogan +neisroi at the New Moon Ball and had found herself kissing Q in a +corner of the crowded ballroom, while his warm, long-fingered +hands had held her close to him, and... + Damn! Tarrant shook her head to loosen the thought. Where +the hell had that come from? She cast a look at Q, who was still +innocently eating the apple he'd conjured out of nowhere. "Where +did you get that apple?" she asked, to change the subject. + "Canada--the Annapolis Valley, to be exact." He took +another bite, examined it closely. "Want some?" + "No--how can you get apples from Canada, Q?" + He finished the fruit, and the core disappeared into +nothingness. "Can I stay here for awhile?" He asked, apparently +apropros of nothing. "Some of the other Q's are looking for me." +His gaze was guileless, betraying nothing. + Tarrant sighed, loudly. "What have you done now?" + "Nothing." he sounded disgruntled that she would even ask. +"I was just having some fun with the Mayor-Emeritus of Pamre +Five." Suddenly, Q's fingers were intensely interesting to him. + "What did you do to him?" Tarrant resisted the urge to +giggle--now that Q was here, her bad day had vanished like a +mist. + "I just let the air out of his ritual phallic-enhancement +trousers." Q's face was poised to laugh, Tarrant could see that. + "Q!" She composed herself. "You know how +important...er...size is to those people. Especially for their +ruler--it's necessary for the people to think he has the biggest- +-you know--" + "I know all about it." Q was trying to look chastened, +without much success. "I just think it's a ridiculous custom-- +and the pants were bright yellow--" + "What color was the phallic enhancement unit?" Tarrant +couldn't look him in the eye. + Q's composure was beginning to show signs of wear. +"Green...a sort of really putrid--" He caught Tarrant's gaze and +started to laugh, slowly at first, like a valve releasing +pressure, then building in intensity until he was lying across +Tarrant's bed, holding his sides. "--a really horrible cucumber +green, with these little brass bells--at least, I think they were +brass, which would ring every time he moved...." He laughed for +a few moments longer, pausing to wipe his eyes with the corner of +the bedsheets. "So, I need somewhere to hide--can I stay here for +a week?" + "No." + "A couple of days, then--just until the Mayor-Emeritus cools +off--" + Tarrant shook her head. "No way." + "A day--" + "No!" + He was getting desperate. "Just for tonight then--I promise, +I'll behave myself--" + "Out of the question--Captain Picard doesn't want you +anywhere near this ship!" + "Please--I'm begging you--just for tonight--" + Tarrant sighed. "Alright, but--" + "Gee, thanks!" The air rippled for a moment, and Q's +uniform disappeared, was replaced with silk pajamas. "What side +of the bed do you want? I like to sleep near the wall, myself, +what with all that stellar drift near the windows--" + "Shut up, Q." + "Yes, Ma'am. Your wish is my command." Q pulled the covers +over himself. + "That's what I'm afraid of," Tarrant confessed, wearily. +There was silence for a few moments. + "Remember that time on Lrawner Two when I convinced that +Paklid senator that you were the long-lost Regent Of Vicaria? We +had him conned into calling you 'Majesty' and everything--it was +priceless!" Q sounded positively gleeful, Tarrant couldn't tell +for sure: it was completely dark. "We had him eating out of our +hands--" + Tarrant hit him with a pillow. + + She was awakened some time later by her computer chime. She +sat up in the eerie darkness, the total blackness of space, her +room formless around her. "Tarrant here." + "Just wanted to inform you that we're on possible alert +status," Jackson, the officer on night-watch, sounded tired. "The +remote sensor array spotted three Romulan Warbirds uncloaking +near the edge of the neutral zone. Captain wants a ship-wide +alert." + Tarrant struggled to concentrate...she'd been dreaming about +something, floating somewhere... "Alright--thanks Commander +Jackson." Since she was one of the ship's tactical officers, +Jackson had been correct in notifying her. + "Romulans--interesting." Q sat up beside her, an oblique +shape in the bed. His voice sounded less alert than usual, and +Tarrant wondered if he'd been caught sleeping. If he was in +human form, he could sleep, couldn't he? + "Don't get any ideas," Tarrant warned. "The last thing I +need--" + "Shh." Q touched her lips gently. "I wouldn't dare--do you +think I want every Q in this sector trampling all over each +other? If they find out where I am, I'm in big trouble." He was +silent for a brief moment. "It seems I forgot to thank you for +taking me in." + "Were you asleep just now?" Tarrant was suddenly curious. + "Not in the way you think about sleeping--I was simply +elsewhere." + "But I woke up, you were here in the bed, right where you'd +been when I turned off the lights. I don't remember you going +anywhere." + He shook his head. "Precisely--my body was still here, or +this human configuration of it." + "What do you really look like?" Tarrant asked him. "In your +natural state, I mean?" Her eyes were getting used to the +darkness, she could make out his features a little. For once, he +wasn't smirking. + "There is no 'natural state' for a Q--not one that anybody +remembers. Each of us has the option, of course, of taking +whatever physical configuration we desire. I could appear to you +as anything you can think of, or as nothing you've even +envisioned, even in your wildest dreams." He smiled. "Is there +any particular configuration you would like me to take?" + "You don't have to do that for me," Tarrant demurred. + "No, seriously--I can appear as anything you wish." + Tarrant hesitated. "I like the way you look right now best +of all." + Q laughed. "What do you mean, 'best of all'--you haven't +seen any of the other choices!" He seemed quite amused. "I can +be anything--the perfect quantum Q." + "I don't want you to be anything other than what you are +right now," Tarrant affirmed quietly. + "So you like this?" He indicated, with a gesture, his +present form. + Tarrant nodded. "Do you guys--Qs, I mean--get to choose how +you want to look if you appear humanoid?" + Q frowned, a little ruefully, Tarrant thought. +"Unfortunately, no--there are limited combinations of humanoid +appearence. And there are some..." He paused, seeming to look +inward, "...prerequisites." He laughed shortly, an unpleasant +sound. "I had to take what they were giving out." + "You don't like the way you look?" Tarrant readjusted her +pillow so that she could lie on her side and talk to him at the +same time. + "Well--I'm not exactly the stuff of holo-vids, now am I?" + "You can't be serious!" Tarrant was both amazed and amused. +"You'd want to look like Dack Liu-Desmia? Or gar-Shish Melnack? +Why?" + Q fidgited. "I...would rather not discuss it." + "You're insecure!" + "I am not--that's a human quality. One that, thankfully, I +am without." Q sounded miffed. + "Vulnerable, then--Oh, come on, Q! I know you like humans, +and I know how lonely you get sometimes. Being omnipotent isn't +all bread and circuses, now is it?" + "I've never been lonely in my life." + "No--that's why you're always here, on this ship. Because +you don't get lonely. I know how lonely you get, when you've seen +it all and done it all, because you see and do it all alone!" + "You know? How do you know?" Q was beginning to get angry, +Tarrant could feel it; his anger pulsed between them, a living +thing. + She touched his silk-clothed forearm. "Because of how you +kissed me on Dronogar Seven...." + Dronogar Seven....standing under the arches of the ballroom, +a glass in her hand, Tarrant had turned to survey the crowd of +wise, peaceful Dronogans calling in their new year. When she had +turned again, she raised her glass to Q, standing beside her, +resplendant in the requisite Dronogan ritual robes. "To the +angry gods, that they might be appeased," she had intoned, as was +the custom. + "And to you, my dear--" He had smiled at her. "I must +confess, you look absolutely stunning." + "Thank you for bringing me." Tarrant touched his arm, +feeling the warm skin so close underneath. Her fingers moved up +his arm, and then around his neck, as her other hand joined the +first. She stood for a long moment, simply looking at him. + "What are you doing?" His voice had been hushed, expectant. + And then she had kissed him: pressing her opened mouth to +his, feeling the impulsive, beating life underneath her hands, +the silkiness of his dark hair when she slid her fingers into it. +She had pulled away for a moment, to stare at him, and then he +pulled her again into his embrace, returning the caress she had +offered, his hands holding her face to his as his tongue gently, +so gently, coaxed her lips open. She had felt the shocking, +intense desire leap from his body to hers, scorching her like +sheet lightning, and where she was pressed so tightly to him, she +could feel the unmistakable physical signs. She had wanted him +so badly, it was a physical pain.... + "I don't know what you're talking about," Q said. + "I think you do know--I think you know and you're afraid to +admit it, because if you do, you won't seem as all-powerful as +you'd like me to think." + "Oh thank you Counselor Troi for that very entertaining +spate of meaningless psychobabble," he spat, angrily. He threw +back the covers and got out of the bed. "I have never asked you +for help in all the time I've known you, and when I do--" + Tarrant got out of the bed and faced him across the floor. +"I told you--you could stay here with me, at least until the +Mayor Emeritus calms down a bit! What are you getting all upset +about?" + Q was silent for a moment. When Tarrant had gotten out of +her bed, the computer had sensed the movement of her body's heat +signature and had turned up the lights a little. She could see Q +standing across from her in those silk pajamas. The fabric was +very fine and soft, the cut of the garment relaxed, and she could +discern the outline of his body underneath the cloth. His +shoulders looked broad and hard, and she was sure that his belly +was flat, muscular. + "I have never met a more infuriating humanoid in all of my +lengthy and considerable existence," Q was saying slowly, as he +crossed the room and took her into his arms. "I do not know why +you continue to irritate me so much--" + "--malice is the other side of love," Tarrant pointed out. + "I'm not capable of love," Q countered. His hands were on +her waist, his long fingers holding her close to him. "I'm far +too jaded for that!" + "You are capable of it--" Tarrant assured him, running her +hand through his hair and down his face. "--of that and much +more. When I think of all the covert help you've given this +ship, times you've gotten us out of situations when it seemed +hopeless--" + "Stop saying those things," Q said. "You'll ruin my +reputation." He kissed her, a long, deep kiss that lit fire in +her belly. Tarrant clutched his shoulders and pulled him tighter +against her; she wanted to crawl inside him, stay there. + "You know, for an omnipotent being, you really are a good +kisser," Tarrant told him, brazenly nipping his bottom lip with +her teeth. "And you know, I would very much like to take you to +bed now, if you're ready for that sort of thing." + "Oh, I don't know," he said, teasing her. "I don't know if +my omnipotent self could stand the strain." + But then there was nothing else to say, for they were +clasped in each others' arms, moving blissfully together, Tarrant +exploring every inch of him to see what kinds of things he liked, +and how much he liked them, and when he begged her to stop. He +was surprisingly human in his desires and his needs, but his +skill at these particular pleasures were definitely otherworldly. +He relished making Tarrant feel things she would have previously +thought impossible. + Much later, lying in each others' embrace, Tarrant lazily +smoothed his chest with the palm of her hand. "I didn't know you +could do that sort of thing," she teased. + Q turned to look at her. "Oh, really?" One of his eyebrows +went up. "What do you think we Qs do all day? Play chess and +misplace galaxies?" + "What's it like?" Tarrant wanted to know, "Between two Qs, +I mean?" + Q smirked. "I don't know--I never had a relationship with +any of them--you, on the other hand--" + Computer dimmed the lights. + + THE END +-- +JoAnne +("Oh night that was my guide, oh night! more loving than + the rising sun..." + St. John of the Cross) + diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/quiz.txt b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/quiz.txt new file mode 100644 index 00000000..d88d5bfe --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/quiz.txt @@ -0,0 +1,152 @@ + + STAR TREK TRIVIA QUIZ + +It's multiple choice, so feel free to make multiple choices. + +SCORE: 5 points for each question answered (correctly or incorrectly), + 10 bonus points for reading the instructions. + + 0-4: You're not trying! + 5-9: Better luck next time! + 10-14: Pretty good! I guess you've watched the show once! + 15-19: Excellent! + 20-infinity: Expert! Now you're ready for Wheel of Fortune! + +WARNING: There may be spoilers, but you won't be able to tell if I'm + just being facetious. +(Rats!! How do you type "^L" on a Macintosh?) + +xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx + +(1) Tripoli is + (a) the ship that discovered Data + (b) a city with as many shores as Montezuma had halls + (c) Dolly Parton's bra cup size +(2) James T. Kirk is/was/will be + (a) in command of the Enterprise + (b) a real fun guy + (c) a real fungi +(3) When did Captain Picard surrender? + (a) The Captain never surrenders, you pig! + (b) That wimp surrenders every chance he gets! + (c) I thought Kirk was Captain! +(4) Identify the first ship named Enterprise. + (a) It was Capt. Kirk's ship, NCC-1701. + (b) No way, the aircraft carrier was eons before that! + (c) Wait, wasn't there some old wooden ship with that name? + (d) The only ship name I remember is "Galactica." +(5) Where is the alien origin of Mr. Spock? + (a) The planet Vulcan. + (b) The planet Epsilon Eridani 2. + (c) 'E's from America, mate! +(6) Leonard McCoy is + (a) a doctor, not an engineer! + (b) a doctor, not a brick layer! + (c) a doctor, not an escalator! + (d) sick and tired of your damn logic, Mr. Spock! +(7) Mr. Spock is + (a) the best first officer in the fleet + (b) a pointy-eared hobgoblin + (c) a Chinese who, as a child, caught his ears in an automatic + rice-picker +(8) Natasha Yar is + (a) dead, twice + (b) a crybaby chief of security + (c) Pavel Chekov's love child + (d) Boris Badenov's partner +(9) Deanna Troi is + (a) in great pain + (b) a great pain + (c) the face that launched a thousand starships + (d) She has a face, too? +(10) Lieutenant Uhura is + (a) Kirk's receptionist + (b) Kirk's secret lover + (c) the token black woman on the show, replacing the black guy in + the pilot + (d) smarter and better-looking than Troi, or at least not as much of + a nag +(11) Wesley Crusher is + (a) a brilliant young man who saved the Enterprise zillions of times + and deserves more respect (right, Mom?) + (b) a precocious child + (c) an obnoxious little twit + (d) Don't EVER mention that name to me again! +(12) A tribble is + (a) really cute and cuddly + (b) a pest + (c) delicious + (d) Wesley Crusher in his larval stage +(13) In "The Deadly Years," the Enterprise was in orbit around + (a) Gamma Hydra 3 + (b) Gamma Hydra 4 + (c) It doesn't matter, because Kirk's a better man now than you'll + ever be! +(14) Vulcans have sex + (a) never + (b) once every 10 years + (c) only when they go back in time, are under control of alien + orga(ni)sms, or on a spy mission + (d) telepathically, so you can't tell (watch the eyebrows) +(15) Klingons like + (a) red meat + (b) laxatives + (c) sex and violence, simultaneously + (d) growling and howling + (e) cute little boys +(16) Klingons hate + (a) diplomacy + (b) funerals + (c) dentists + (d) toupees +(17) Betazeds like + (a) nudity + (b) pain + (c) seducing Vulcans telepathically +(18) Androids like + (a) bad jokes + (b) petty bickering + (c) naked wiring +(19) Khan's full name is + (a) Genghis Khan + (b) Khan Noonian Singh + (c) Khan Noonian Soong + (d) Star Trek Khan '90 +(20) A Romulan's personality can best be described as + (a) mean + (b) arrogant + (c) acting like he had Wesley for a son +(21) A Klingon's personality can best be described as + (a) honorable + (b) constipated + (c) acting like he had Wesley for a lover +(22) At maximum warp, how long would it take the Enterprise to reach + the edge of the Galaxy? + (a) They haven't even gotten to the Borg under their own power, + so it must take centuries. + (b) They got there in the pilot, so it couldn't take more than an + episode. + (c) They haven't even figured out that the Galaxy is a lot thinner + in the direction perpendicular to its plane, so forget it! +(23) When the transporter creates a copy of a person down on a planet, + where does the original in the transporter chamber go? + (a) It's the same one, dummy! He gets transmitted 1 atom at a + time to save postage! + (b) He gets disintegrated, then reintegrated from pure energy + down on the planet. Transporter chiefs have the same + privileges as executioners, so they can disintegrate people + with impunity. + (c) The originals wind up on that same planet with all the lost pens + and socks. They are then used as extras in other series, or + become those doppelgangers from alternate universes. +(24) How can I get on an episode of Star Trek? + (a) Dress up as an alien at every Star Trek Con until you get + discovered. + (b) Send Gene threatening letters. + (c) Put yourself in suspended animation, and then just wait until + the 24th century! +(25) All answers to this quiz should be directed to + (a) /dev/null + (b) the Vulcan Science Academy + (c) Gene Roddenberry + (d) rec.arts.drwho diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/qwho.rev b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/qwho.rev new file mode 100644 index 00000000..4e5e80b7 --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/qwho.rev @@ -0,0 +1,93 @@ +WARNING! The following posting contains spoilers for "Q-Who", this week's +upcoming TNG episode. Not maybe, not probably--it's got 'em. If you don't +want to know details, get out. NOW. + +Oh, a live one, huh? + +In the words of Nigel Tufnel, lead guitarist for Spinal Tap, "But this goes to +eleven." + +Or, in other words: YA-HOOO!!! + +I loved it. Some humor, the return of Q, some wonderful bits of continuity, a +little personal abuse, and the Enterprise almost going foom. Beautiful. + +With that gushing aside out of the way, here's a hopefully-quick (but probably +not) synopsis: + +Picard, on his way to change his uniform after having hot chocolate spilled on +it by a young ensign (bwa ha ha), steps out of a turbolift (oh no, not again) to +find himself in a shuttle, out of the Enterprise's scanner range, with Q at the +controls. + +Evnetually, Q brings him back...to Ten-Forward, which he apparently cleared of +all personnel. All, that is, except for Guinan, who's had dealings with Q +before...TWO CENTURIES before. Q's been kicked out of the Q-Continuum, and has +decided that he really likes it on the Enterprise. So, he'd like to join the +crew. Picard, naturally, has other ideas. Q gets a bit upset at Picard's +assertion that they don't need him, that they're adequate to the tasks that +await them, and decides to give them a taste of what's out beyond the space +they've explored. He snaps his fingers, and Boom!, the ship's two years out +from the most outer-rim starbase. + +I won't give too many details beyond that, except that the race they meet is +called the Borg, they're a race of cyborgs, they're exceptionally nasty, and +that the ending's probably not what you expect. (In some ways, it resembles +"Conspiracy"--not a "oh, everything's wonderful now" ending at all.) + +Now, for my usual ramblings: + +Continuity ho! Remember those outposts that got wiped out (literally) in +"The Neutral Zone"? Well, it appears that the Borg were responsible for it. +It took them nearly a season, but they actually mentioned it. Yippee! (One +thought, though; does this mean that the truce with the Romulans is now over? +As I recall, the truce covered that one issue only.) + +I hereby take back every last qualm I had about Whoopi Goldberg's acting +ability before the season started. Guinan lent a wonderful air of mystery +to the episode that I don't think could have been done otherwise, and I +eagerly await more details about her and her people. + +John DeLancie was his usual wonderful self. It's nice to have a recurring +villain; gives the show a certain texture. And if they have to have one +specific person come back, Q is it; but only when DeLancie plays him. Who +else could get away with saying to the newly arrived (to Ten-Forward) Riker +and Worf, "Ah, Commander Riker. And Micro-Brain! So nice to drop in. Give me +a growl so I know you still care." Got to love him. + +I've said that in some ways, the show resembled "Conspiracy". (Actually, it +was lots of ways: the ending, the superior enemy, the possibility of a coming +invasion, etc.) Certain bits of it also resembled "Encounter at Farpoint", but +only in good ways. I'm referring specifically to the ship being chased by the +Borg craft, when they're going as fast as they can, but it isn't enough. A good +chase now and then is nice to see. + +Lastly, the teaser was quite nice, albeit irrelevant until the last twenty +seconds. I don't remember who played Ens. Sonia Gomez, but she was fun. It's +not everyone who can boast about spilling hot chocolate on the captain and +surviving, after all. Tee-hee. + +Well, my summing up is sort of a foregone conclusion, but I'll do it anyway. + +Plot: 9.9. A tenth off for murky logic after they wounded the other ship, but +that's all. + +Plot Handling: 10. 'nuff said. +Characterization: 10. Between Picard, Q, and Guinan, I don't think I could +have given it anything else. + +Technical: 10. Beautiful shields on the Borg, among other things. + +TOTAL: 9.9975---> 10. Very, very nice. + +Next week: + +Picard undergoes a dangerous operation while Geordi is held hostage by +terrorists. Could go either way. + +Tim Lynch (Cornell's first Astronomy Major) +BITNET: H52Y@CRNLVAX5 +INTERNET: H52Y@VAX5.CIT.CORNELL.EDU +UUCP: ...!rochester!cornell!vax5.cit.cornell.edu!h52y +"Frightened? You are talking to one who has laughed in the face of death, +sneered at doom, and chuckled at catastrophe. (I was petrified.)" diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/races.trk b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/races.trk new file mode 100644 index 00000000..7bbce76f --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/races.trk @@ -0,0 +1,812 @@ + ---- PEOPLES OF TNG ---- + +compiled by Scott Hollifield +updated through the end of Season 5 + + +This is an index which I recently completed which makes an attempt to +catalog all of the various races of sentient beings seen or referenced +in Star Trek The Next Generation. First of all, a cursory glance at +this index will reveal that many of these are not distinct races, but +merely human(oid) colonies or similiar groupings. I include these for +completist's sake, because there are many "races" which have been +referenced to vaguely (is the Arcanian diplomat mentioned in "In The +Mind's Eye" a human or not? for instance), so I decided to lump them all +in. (That's why I prefer to refer to this index as a list of "peoples", +not "races".) This was fairly easy to do, but there are some exceptions. +For instance, I omitted any references which did not clearly describe a +distint group of sentient beings. Examples: the show drops names all the +time like "Arcturian fizz" and "Thelusian flu" (in addition to a litany +of languages like Stroierian and Denasian), but there is no evidence +that there are Arcturians, Thelusians, etc. to go along with them. + +Under each listing, you'll see three obligatory lines with a potential +fourth one: Type, Origin, Representatives (or Reps) if applicable, and +a line for the appropriate episode title(s). "Type" is usually Human, +Humanoid, or Unknown. What's the difference between Human and Humanoid? +Good question. First, a Human is Homo sapiens sapiens. A Humanoid is a +being who has two arms and two legs (or an acceptable other combination +thereof), but differs from a Human in at least one of the following +ways: (1) Possessing some physiological distinction which no human has +(like forehead ridges); (2) Possessing some unique ability which humans +generally don't have (like the Betazoids' telepathy); (3) Having +evidently been around in outer space since before Earthlings began +interstellar travel. The bottom line is, Humans, ultimately, come from +Earth. If there's no evidence to the contrary that a particular people +came from Earth, I'm going to assume they're human (like in the case of +the Edo from "Justice", for example). Also, you might wonder at some of +the more unique Type classifications; if a particular race suggests a +more descriptive Type, I'll use it, like with the dog-like Anticans from +"Lonely Among Us", who are technically Humanoid, but I list as +"Caninoid". + +Origin indicates the planet, star system, etc. that the people is either +originally from or currently makes their base on, depending on the +nature of the people. Ex.: There's a whole section of space for the +Romulans, yet I only list "Romulus". + +Representatives are members of that particular people who have been +named on the show, whether in dialogue or in credits (although I don't +think that there are any examples exclusive to the latter). I have +omitted any obvious political titles - Marouk, instead of Sovereign +Marouk; Tog, instead of Daimon Tog, etc. The exception is the case of +the Cardassians, for whom I'm not sure if "Gul" - as in Gul Macet and +Gul Galac - is merely a title or actually part of the personal name. + +The episode listings detail episodes in which the people are mentioned +and/or shown. This varies according to scope of the entry. I didn't +list every episode in which the word "Klingon" was said aloud (let alone +every one where Worf appears), merely the ones in which we actually see +Klingons (other than Worf). (For the record, future episodes with +Alexander will not be listed unless they add significantly to Klingon +continuity.) On the other hand, "Brothers" is listed for the Pakleds, +even though they were merely mentioned in that episode. + +As with all my indexes, the spellings of the names are occasionally +unverified beginning with the fourth season. If you have any VERIFIED +spelling corrections, please let me know. Similiarly, if you want to +correct or debate the usage of a particular entry or reference, leave me +a public message. + +(June 1992) Note: This is, like the Actors index, just a simple barebones +reference designed to be used in conjunction with the other files. When I +have the time, I'll set about creating a new expanded version of this +index, with a bit more information on each race, so watch for it. + +------ + + +Acamarians + Type: Human + Origin: Acamar Three + Reps: Marouk, Yuta (see also Gatherers) + ("The Vengeance Factor") +Actosians + Type: Unknown + Origin: Actos Four + ("Manhunt") +Alassomorphs + Type: Shapeshifters + Origin: Daled Four + Reps: Salia, Anya + ("The Dauphin") +Alcyonans + Type: Human + Origin: Alcyone + ("Haven") +Aldeans + Type: Human + Origin: Aldea, Epsilon Mynos system + Reps: Radue, Rashella, Accolan, Aran, Duana, Leda, Lettian, Zena + ("When The Bough Breaks") +Alpha Centaurians + Type: Humanoid + Origin: Alpha Centauri + Reps: Zefrem Cochrane + ("Elementary, Dear Data", "New Ground") +Andorians + Type: Humanoid + Origin: Andor, Epsilon Indi system + (passim) +Androids + Type: Artificial life + Origin: --- + Reps: Data, Lore, Lal + ("Datalore", "The Schizoid Man", "The Offspring", + "Brothers") +Angelites + Type: Human + Origin: Angel One + Reps: Beate, Ariel, Trent + ("Angel One") +Angosians + Type: Human + Origin: Angosia + Reps: Nayrok, Roga Danar, Zayner, Wagnor + ("The Hunted") +Ansata + --- see Rutians +Antedians + Type: Marinoid + Origin: Antede Three + ("Manhunt") +Anticans + Type: Caninoid + Origin: Antica, Beta Renner system + Reps: Badar N'D'D' + ("Lonely Among Us") +Arcanians + Type: Unknown + Origin: Unknown + ("The Drumhead") +Armusians + Type: Unknown + Origin: Armus Nine + ("Angel One") +Atlek + --- see Madinans +Avedans + Type: Human + Origin: Aveda Three + Reps: Beverly Crusher + ("The Arsenal of Freedom") +Bajorans + (also called "Bajora") + Type: Humanoid + Origin: Nomadic (based in Valo system) + Reps: Ro Laren, Keeve Falor, Jas Holza, Orta, Sito + ("Ensign Ro", "The First Duty", "The Next Phase") +Balduk warriors + Type: Unknown + Origin: Unknown + ("New Ground") +Bandi + Type: Human + Origin: Farpoint (also known as Deneb Four) + Reps: Zorn + ("Encounter At Farpoint") +Barolians + Type: Humanoid + Origin: Unknown + ("Unification I", "Unification II") +Barzans + Type: Humanoid + Origin: Barzan Two + Reps: Bhavani + ("The Price") +Benzites + Type: Humanoid + Origin: Benzar + Reps: Mordock, Mendon + ("Coming of Age", "A Matter of Honor") +Berusians + Type: Unknown + Origin: Berusian cluster + ("Devil's Due") +Betazoids + Type: Humanoid + Origin: Betazed + Reps: Deanna Troi, Lwaxana Troi, Tam Elbrun, Reittan Grax, Sabin + Jenestra, Anders Hagan + ("Haven", "Manhunt", "Tin Man", "Menage A Troi", "Night + Terrors", "The Drumhead", "Half A Life") +Bolians + Type: Humanoid + Origin: Bolius Nine + Reps: Rixx, Mitena Haro + ("Conspiracy", "Allegiance") +Borg + Type: Organic/cybernetic hybrid + Origin: Unknown + Reps: Locutus, Hugh + ("Q Who", "The Best of Both Worlds, Part 1", "The Best of + Both Worlds, Part 2", "I, Borg") +Brectians + Type: Unknown + Origin: Brectian cluster + ("Silicon Avatar") +Bre'ellians + Type: Humanoid + Origin: Bre'el Four + Reps: Garin + ("Deja Q") +Breen + Type: Unknown + Origin: Unknown + ("The Loss", "Hero Worship") +Brekkans + Type: Human + Origin: Brekka (also known as Delos Four) + Reps: Langor, Sobi + ("Symbiosis") +Bringloidi + Type: Human + Origin: Bringloid, Ficus sector + Reps: Brenna O'Dell, Danilo O'Dell + ("Up The Long Ladder") +Burellians + Type: Unknown + Origin: Unknown + ("Redemption II") +Bynars + Type: Humanoid + Origin: Bynaus, Beta Magellan system + Reps: 11, 00, 10, 01 + ("11001001") +Calamarain + Type: Gaseous/energy life + Origin: Unknown + ("Deja Q") +Caldonians + Type: Humanoid + Origin: Unknown + Reps: Leyor + ("The Price") +Cardassians + Type: Humanoid + Origin: Cardassian sector + Reps: Gul Macet, Glen Telle, Glen Dara, Gul Dolek + ("The Wounded", "Ensign Ro", "Unification I", "Ethics") +Cerberans + Type: Humanoid + Origin: Cerberus Two + ("Too Short A Season") +Cetaceans + Type: Cetacean + Origin: Earth + ("Yesterday's Enterprise", "The Perfect Mate") +Chalnoth + Type: Humanoid + Origin: Chalna + Reps: Esoqq + ("Allegiance") +Chandrans + Type: Unknown + Origin: Chandra Five + ("Tin Man") +Chrysalians + Type: Unknown + Origin: Unknown + ("The Price") +Constellanes + Type: Human + Origin: Constellane + Reps: Campio, Erko + ("Cost of Living") +Coridans + Type: Unknown + Origin: Coridan + ("Sarek") +Creosians + Type: Humanoid + Origin: Creos + Reps: Briam, Kamala + ("The Perfect Mate") +Crystal Entities + Type: Unique + Origin: Unknown + ("Datalore", "Brothers", "Silicon Avatar") +Cytherians + Type: Unknown + Origin: Cytherian system + ("The Nth Degree") +Dachlyds + Type: Unknown + Origin: Gemaris system + ("Captain's Holiday") +Darwin children + Type: Humanoid + Origin: Darwin Station + Reps: David + ("Unnatural Selection") +Delbans + Type: Human + Origin: Delb Two + Reps: Nellen Tor + ("The Drumhead") +Douwd + Type: Unique + Origin: Unknown + Reps: Kevin Uxbridge + ("The Survivors") +Drellians + Type: Unknown + Origin: Unknown + ("Devil's Due") +Dremans + Type: Humanoid + Origin: Drema Four + Reps: Sarjenka + ("Pen Pals") +Edo + Type: Human + Origin: Rubicam Three + Reps: Liator, Rivan + ("Justice") +Energy beings + Type: Plasma-based life + Origin: FGC-47 + Reps: Isabella + ("Imaginary Friend") +Ferengi + Type: Humanoid + Origin: Unknown + Reps: Taar, Letek, Mordoc, Kayron, Bok, Kazago, Rata, Bractor + Goss, Arridor, Kol, Sovak, Tog, Farek, Nibor, Omag, Lenor + ("The Last Outpost", "The Battle", "Peak Performance", "The + Price", "Captain's Holiday", "Menage A Troi", "Unification + II", "The Perfect Mate") +Galenians + Type: Human + Origin: Galen Four + Reps: Connor Rossa, Moira Rossa + ("Suddenly Human") +Galvanians + Type: Unknown + Origin: Galvan Five + ("Data's Day") +Gamalons + Type: Humanoid + Origin: Gamalon Five + Reps: Sonji + ("Final Mission") +Gatherers + Type: Human + Origin: Nomadic (originally Acamar Three) + Reps: Brull, Chorgon, Temarek, Volnoth, Mallon, Penthor-Mul + ("The Vengeance Factor") +Gemarians + Type: Unknown + Origin: Gemaris Five + ("Captain's Holiday") +Genom + Type: Human + Origin: Moab Four + Reps: Aaron Conor, Hannah Bates, Martin Benbeck, Matthew + ("The Masterpiece Society") +Ghorusdans + Type: Unknown + Origin: Ghorusda + ("Tin Man") +Gomtuu + Type: Unique + Origin: Unknown + Reps: Gomtuu + ("Tin Man") +Havenites + Type: Human + Origin: Haven, Beta Cassius system + Reps: Valeda Innis + ("Haven") +Humans + Type: Human + Origin: Earth; other extraterrestrial colonies + (passim) +Husnock + Type: Unknown + Origin: Unknown + ("The Survivors") +Iconians + Type: Unknown + Origin: Iconia + ("Contagion") +Jarada + Type: Insectoid + Origin: Torona Four, Jarada sector + ("The Big Goodbye", "Samaritan Sector") +Jentons + Type: Unknown + Origin: Unknown + ("Violations") +J'naii + Type: Humanoid + Origin: J'naii + Reps: Soren, Krite, Noor + ("The Outcast") +Kabatrisians + Type: Unknown + Origin: Kabatris + ("Angel One") +Kaelons + Type: Humanoid + Origin: Kaelon Two + Reps: Timicin, Dara, B'Tardat + ("Half A Life") +Kanarians + Type: Unknown + Origin: Unknown + ("In The Mind's Eye") +Klingons + Type: Humanoid + Origin: Klingon homeworld; Klingon space + Reps: Worf, K'Nera, Korris, Konmel, Kunivas, Kargan, Klag, Vekma, + K'Ehleyr (1/2), K'Temoc, Duras, Ja'rod, Kahlest, K'mpec, + Kurn, Lorgh, Mogh, Alexander (3/4), Gowron, Emrel, Lursa + B'Etor, K'Tal, J'Ddan, Kell, Vagh, Toral, Larg, Kluge, + Bijek, K'Vada, Kahless, Morof + ("Heart of Glory", "A Matter of Honor", "The Emissary", + "Sins of the Father", "The Defector", "Yesterday's + Enterprise", "Reunion", "In The Mind's Eye", "Redemption", + "Redemption II", "Unification I", "Unification II", + "New Ground") +Koinoinians + Type: I: Humanoid; II: Energy-based life + Origin: Koinoinia + Reps: II: Marla Aster replicant + ("The Bonding") +Kriosians + Type: Klingon + Origin: Krios system + Reps: Vagh + ("In The Mind's Eye") +K'tanians + Type: Humanoid + Origin: K'tan, Solarian sector + Reps: Caiman, Eline, Batai, Meribor, Young Batai, Danik, Administrator + ("The Inner Light") +Ktarians + Type: Humanoid + Origin: Unknown + Reps: Etana + ("The Game") +Lairons + Type: Unknown + Origin: Malkis Nine + ("Loud As A Whisper") +Legarans + Type: Unknown + Origin: Legara Four + ("Sarek") +Ligonians + Type: Human + Origin: Ligon Two + Reps: Lutan, Hagon, Yareena + ("Code of Honor", "The First Duty") +Lornack + --- see Gatherers +Lycians + Type: Unknown + Origin: Lycian system + ("Conundrum") +Madinans + Type: Human + Origin: Coalition of Madina (Atlek & Streleb) + Reps: Debin, Yanar (Atlek); Kushell, Benzan (Streleb) + ("The Outrageous Okona") +Malcorians + Type: Humanoid + Origin: Malcor Three + Reps: Avil Durkin, Mirasta Yale, Krola, Berel, Nilrem, Tava, + Lanel + ("First Contact") +Malthusians + Type: Unknown + Origin: Unknown + Reps: Bella Tiken + ("Night Terrors") +Mariposans + Type: Human clones + Origin: Mariposa + Reps: Wilson Granger, Victor Granger + ("Up The Long Ladder") +Martians + Type: Human + Origin: Mars colony + Reps: Simon Tarses + ("The Drumhead") +Melonans + Type: Human + Origin: Melona Four + Reps: Carmen Davila + ("Silicon Avatar") +Menthars + Type: Unknown + Origin: Unknown + ("Booby Trap") +Metamorphs + Type: Creosian-humanoid + Origin: Creos + Reps: Kamala + ("The Perfect Mate") +Mikulaks + Type: Unknown + Origin: Unknown + ("Hollow Pursuits") +Minosians + Type: Humanoid + Origin: Minos, Lorenze cluster + Reps: Peddler (holographic image) + ("The Arsenal of Freedom") +Mintakans + Type: Humanoid + Origin: Mintaka Three + Reps: Liko, Nuria, Oji, Fento, Hali, Rabo, Haki, Yari + ("Who Watches The Watchers") +Mizarans + Type: Humanoid + Origin: Mizar Two + Reps: Kova Tholl + ("Allegiance") +Moab colonists + --- see Genom +Mordanites + Type: Human + Origin: Mordan Four + Reps: Karnas, Peretor Sain, Ardan, Gilnor + ("Too Short A Season") +Moropa + Type: Unknown + Origin: Unknown + ("Allegiance") +Nanites + Type: Microscopic robots + Origin: Dakar, Senagal, Earth + ("Evolution", "The Best of Both Worlds, Part 2") +Neufians + Type: Unknown + Origin: Unknown + ("Brothers") +Norsicans + Type: Unknown + Origin: Unknown + ("Samaritan Snare") +Ofidian + Type: Reptilian + Origin: Unknown, perhaps Devidia Two + ("Time's Arrow") +Omicron Thetans + Type: Human + Origin: Omicron Theta Four + Reps: Noonian Soong, Tom Handy, Dr. Klendening, Renny Marr, + Janeena, the Wellesses + ("Datalore", "Brothers", "Silicon Avatar") +Ornarans + Type: Human + Origin: Ornara (also known as Delos Three) + Reps: T'Jon, Romas, Margan + ("Symbiosis") +Pacificans + Type: Unknown + Origin: Pacifica + Reps: Dylaplane + ("Conspiracy", "Manhunt") +Pakleds + Type: Humanoid + Origin: Unknown + Reps: Grebnedlog, Reginod + ("Samaritan Snare", "Brothers") +Parasites + Type: Unique + Origin: Unknown + ("Conspiracy") +Paxons + Type: Unknown + Origin: T-Tauri system + ("Clues") +Peliar Zellians + Type: Humanoid + Origin: Peliar Zel & moons + Reps: Leka Trion, Kalin Trose, Lathel Bine + ("The Host") +Pentarans + Type: Unknown + Origin: Pentarus system + ("Final Mission") +Pentharans + Type: Human + Origin: Penthara Four + Reps: Moseley + ("A Matter of Time") +Progenitors + Type: Unknown + Origin: Aldea's past + ("When The Bough Breaks") +Promellians + Type: Humanoid + Origin: Unknown + Reps: Galek Sar + ("Booby Trap") +Proto-Vulcans + --- see Mintakans +Q Continuum + Type: Unique + Origin: Unknown + Reps: Q, Q2 + ("Encounter At Farpoint", "Hide & Q", "Q Who", "Deja Q", + "Devil's Due", "Qpid") +Qualorians + Type: Humanoid + Origin: Qualor Two + Reps: Amarie + ("Unification II") +Ramatans + Type: Human + Origin: Ramatis Three + Reps: Riva + ("Loud As A Whisper") +Ranans + Type: Human + Origin: Rana Four + Reps: Rishan Uxbridge + ("The Survivors") +Raynans + Type: Human + Origin: Rayna Six + Reps: Sonya Gomez + ("Q Who") +Risans + Type: Human + Origin: Risa + Reps: Joval + ("Captain's Holiday") +Romulans + Type: Humanoid + Origin: Romulus; Romulan space + Reps: T'Bok, Thei, Taras, Tomalak, Bochra, Patakh, Jarok, Mendak, + Selok, V'Sal, Movar, Taibak, Sela (1/2), Pardek, Neral, + D'Tan, Mirok, Varel, Parem + ("The Neutral Zone", "Contagion", "The Enemy", "The + Defector", "Future Imperfect", "Data's Day", "In The + Mind's Eye", "Redemption", "Redemption II", "Unification + I", "Unification II", "The Next Phase") +Rutians + Type: Human + Origin: Rutia Four + Reps: Alexana Devos, Kyril Finn, Katik Shaw + ("The High Ground") +Sarthongians + Type: Unknown + Origin: Sarthong Five + ("Captain's Holiday", "Qpid") +Selayans + Type: Reptiloid + Origin: Selay, Beta Renner system + Reps: Ssestar + ("Lonely Among Us") +Sheliak + Type: Crystiloid + Origin: Shelios + ("The Ensigns of Command") +Solari + Type: Humanoid + Origin: Soleis Five + ("Loud As A Whisper") +Streleb + --- see Madinans +Sutterans + Type: Humanoid + Origin: Unknown + Reps: Kieran MacDuff + ("Conundrum") +Tagans + Type: Unknown + Origin: Tagus Three + ("Qpid") +Talarians + Type: Humanoid + Origin: Unknown + Reps: Endar, Jono (adopted) + ("Heart of Glory", "Suddenly Human") +Tamarians + Type: Humanoid + Origin: Tama + Reps: Dathon + ("Darmok") +Tanugans + Type: Humanoid + Origin: Tanuga Four + Reps: Nel Apgar, Manua Apgar, Tayna, Krag + ("A Matter of Perspective") +Tarellans + Type: Human + Origin: Tarella + Reps: Ariana, Wrenn + ("Haven") +Tarchannens + Type: Unique + Origin: Tarchannen Three + ("Identity Crisis") +Tau Alphans + --- see Travellers +Tau Cygnans + Type: Human + Origin: Tau Cygna Five + Reps: Gosheven, Ard'rian MacKenzie, Kentor, Haritath + ("The Ensigns of Command") +Telepathic beings + Type: Unknown + Origin: Unknown + ("Night Terrors") +Thandausians + Type: Unknown + Origin: Thanduas Five + ("Loud As A Whisper") +Tholians + Type: Unknown + Origin: Unknown + ("The Icarus Factor", "Peak Performance", "Reunion) +Tkon + Type: Unknown + Origin: Delphi Ardru + Reps: Portal + ("The Last Outpost") +Tralestas + --- see Acamarians +Travellers + Type: Unique + Origin: Tau Alpha C (?) + Reps: Traveller + ("Where No One Has Gone Before", "Time Squared", "Remember + Me") +Trill + Type: Parasitic/humanoid symbiosis + Origin: Unknown + Reps: Odan, Kareel + ("The Host") +Turkanans + Type: Human + Origin: Turkana Four + Reps: Tasha Yar, Ishara Yar, Hayne + ("Legacy") +Two-dimensional beings + Type: Unique + Origin: Unknown + ("The Loss") +Ulans + Type: Unknown + Origin: Marajeritus Six + ("Manhunt") +Ulians + Type: Humanoid + Origin: Ulian homwworld + Reps: Tarmin, Inad, Jev + ("Violations") +Valtese + Type: Humanoid + Origin: Valt Minor + Reps: Alrek + ("The Perfect Mate") +Ventaxians + Type: Humanoid + Origin: Ventax Two + Reps: Acost Jared + ("Devil's Due") +Vorgons + Type: Humanoid + Origin: 27th century + Reps: Ajur, Boratis + ("Captain's Holiday") +Vulcans + Type: Humanoid + Origin: Vulcan; other extrahephaestrial colonies + Reps: T'Shalik, Savar, Selar, Sarek, Sakkath, Spock, Setelk + ("Coming of Age", "Conspiracy", "The Schizoid Man", "The + Enemy", "Sarek", "Unification I", "Unification II", "The First + Duty") +Wogneer creatures + Type: Unknown + Origin: Ordek nebula + ("Allegiance") +Zakdorn + Type: Humanoid + Origin: Unknown + Reps: Sirna Kolrami, Klim Dokachen + ("Peak Performance", "Unification I") +Zaldans + Type: Humanoid + Origin: Zaldan + Reps: Rondon + ("Coming of Age") +Zalkonians + Type: Humanoid + Origin: Zalkon, Zeta Gelis cluster + Reps: "John Doe", Sunad + ("Transfigurations") +Zibalians + Type: Humanoid + Origin: Zibalia + Reps: Kivas Fajo, Varria + ("The Most Toys") + + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/redemp.rev b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/redemp.rev new file mode 100644 index 00000000..12178eb9 --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/redemp.rev @@ -0,0 +1,250 @@ +WARNING: The following article contains spoiler information concerning TNG's +season finale, "Redemption". Those not wishing said spoiler information are +advised to duck and cover, here and now. + +The first 45 minutes: wonderful. The last minute: They are NOT allowed to +do that! + +No, I don't mean the cliffhanger ending: it's not a problem per se, and this +one was a fairly light one anyway. Anyone who's been paying attention on +r.a.s knows precisely what I'm talking about...and for those of you who +haven't...I'll go into it later. Right now, it's time for a synopsis: + +The Enterprise is en route to the Klingon homeworld to install Gowron as the +next leader of the Empire. However, after Picard briefly talks to Worf and +urges him to challenge the Council and restore his family's honor, all aboard +are surprised to find an escort; the Bortas, with Gowron himself on board. +Gowron tells them they must hurry--if they are to prevent a Klingon civil war. + +You see, although Duras is dead, his legacy lives on. His family is still +powerful, and Duras's two sisters, Lursa and B'Etor, are mounting their own +challenge to the throne. Gowron asks Jean-Luc to see his duty as arbiter of +the succession through to the end, and support Gowron's rightful accession. +Picard says that he will only act within the bounds of Klingon law: but that +may not be enough... + +Worf takes Gowron back to the transporter room (and Picard, based on past +experience with Duras's family, orders a search for Romulan communications +nearby), and then asks Gowron for the restoration of his good name. Gowron +refuses, even after hearing that not only was it Duras's family that was +responsible for the Khitomer attack, but that the Council members _knew_ about +it. Gowron is isolated, and needs the support of the Council to survive--so +he cannot challenge them on Worf's behalf yet. + +After Guinan and Worf talk on the phaser range for a bit (ending with Guinan's +observation that Worf is only now discovering what it's really like to be a +Klingon), Worf asks Picard for a leave of absence. Picard grants it, and +wishes Worf luck. + +Worf then locates and boards the ship belonging to his brother Kurn, now a +captain. Kurn is initially *against* Gowron, preferring to sweep the entire +Council aside in favor of new blood, but Worf, as the older brother, claims +that he is the one to speak for the family. After Worf points out that they +will not support him until he has nowhere left to turn (and insist on the +restoration of their family's honor as recompense) Kurn agrees, and says he +shall attempt to persuade his own allies to support Gowron. + +Before the Council, Picard reports that Gowron is the choice for leader. At +the last minute, however, there comes a challenge: from Toral, a mere +stripling, and, apparently, Duras's heretofore unknown SON. Lursa and B'Etor +tell K'Tal, interim leader of the Council, that Toral's bloodline is true, and +K'Tal puts the whole matter in Picard's lap. + +Some time later, Lursa, B'Etor, and Toral are talking to Movar, a _Romulan_. +Movar is saying that everything is going well--and his companion, cloaked in +shadow, says that when the time is right, they will deal with the Federation, +and Captain Picard. + +Kurn reports to Worf that of his four squadron-commanding allies, three are +with him, one against. Most of the Fleet hasn't decided yet which banner +to follow. Kurn shall return soon. Worf then works with Data on accessing +Federation records of the Khitomer massacre, but Picard briefly takes him +aside and yells at him about using Federation influence and privileges to +influence local politics. Picard realizes that he's primarily worried about +crossing that line himself (certainly he has no wish to see the Duras family +in power), and backs off--but he insists he cannot take sides. He allows Worf +access to the Khitomer records, and will also open it to anyone else who +wishes it--but this is the farthest he will go. + +Picard then goes planetside and briefly pays an invited visit to Lursa and +B'Etor, who attempt to convince him that Toral's challenge must be approved. +Picard, however, realizes that they've manipulated the situation to their +advantage: if he rules in favor of Toral, they win; and if he rules against +Toral, they claim Federation interference and declare war on Gowron (and, +Lursa points out, if they win, it's the end of the alliance...). He +congratulates them on a strategy worthy of a Romulan, and departs. + +The next day, Picard rules in favor of Gowron, saying that Toral has done +nothing to prove his worthiness. Toral claims interference and calls his +allies to war; Gowron claims that the law is on his side. The Council splits, +with nearly all in favor of Toral. + +Later, Worf goes on the Bortas to offer his assistance to Gowron. Gowron is +not impressed--until Worf mentions that Kurn is his brother, and brings four +squadrons. Gowron is then willing to listen, but also demands Federation +help, and becomes very angry when Worf refuses to talk to Picard about it. + +Their argument is interrupted, however, when the Bortas comes under fire from +two ships. ("It's begun," says Picard.) The Bortas is heavily damaged, but +Picard, bending over backward to avoid taking sides, merely orders the +Enterprise out of the fighting area. Worf deceives the two ships and suckers +them in close, managing to destroy one; and Kurn returns just in time, causing +the other to flee. He offers his allegiance to Gowron, who accepts, and +invites all down to witness his installment as leader. + +His first act as leader is to restore Worf's good name, saying that in the +recent struggle, he proved himself to have the heart of a Klingon. "Let your +name be spoken once again. You are Worf, son of Mogh." Gowron then formally +requests Federation aid as leader of the Empire, but Picard refuses to +intervene in what is clearly an internal conflict, even refusing Worf's plea. +Worf, unwilling to leave the sector in such a critical period, resigns his +commission. + +Later, Worf, in old Klingon garb, is packing his bags. Picard comes by to +check that he's certain he's doing the right thing. Worf is sure he is, and +Picard congratulates him for taking the best of humanity into himself. Worf, +with a full honor guard, makes his way to the transporter room and departs for +the Bortas (there to serve as weapons officer). + +Finally, we see Movar, Duras's sisters and son, and Movar's companion, still +cloaked in darkness. Movar smugly reports, "Picard has rejected Gowron's plea +for help. The Enterprise has left orbit." Toral, brash and foolish as ever, +says "Coward! He didn't have the courage to face us! The Federation--" + +"Celebrate later, Toral!" says Movar's companion, now stepping into the light +to reveal a slim, blonde figure who bears more than a passing resemblance to +Tasha Yar (although her name is not said). "You should not discount Jean-Luc +Picard yet. He is human--and humans have a way of showing up when you least +expect them." + +Freeze frame. + +TO BE CONTINUED... + +There. NOW do you see why I said they can't do that? :-) + +For those who weren't paying attention a few weeks ago, I've been crusading +against having any connection between this mysterious Romulan (first seen in +"The Mind's Eye" three weeks ago), and Tasha Yar--and it looks very much like +they're going to have one. I'm not certain yet, and I'm not going to scream +and yell (figuratively speaking, of course :-) ) at them about it until they +firmly do so...but the odds aren't looking too favorable here. Damn. + +However, apart from my own frustration at the chance they're doing something +so silly, I must say I was _very_ impressed by the finale. It wasn't quite as +riveting, as earth-shattering, or as edge-of-your-seat suspenseful as "The +Best of Both Worlds, part I", which as last season's finale is the obvious +comparison--but on the other hand, it's been led into far better. BOBW1 could +have happened any time--but "Redemption" is dealing with elements we've slowly +seen building for the past season and more. Something had to come to a head +soon--and thanks to a 26-episode season limit, it's now. :-) Generally +speaking, well done. + +As for specific comments...wow. Bunches of 'em. I'm not sure where to +begin. + +First of all, the previews were TREMENDOUSLY misleading. I could swear from +the previous week's previews that Gowron was going to at _Worf's_ throat +beyond all others, and that somehow Worf's honor was a key element of the +cause of the war. That turned out, as you can see, to be completely, 100% +wrong. About the only thing the preview wasn't misleading on was Worf's +resignation. Not that I'm complaining about all this, mind you; it led to +some very pretty surprises while I was watching. ("Huh? Gowron's being a +GOOD guy?" :-) ) Just worthy of note. + +Second, I thought the casting was for the most part excellent. In +particular, I found it interesting that nearly all the Council members apart +from Gowron himself were rather old Klingons--perhaps Kurn's desire for new +blood isn't such a bad one. (It also leads to an interesting question: WHY +are there so few young Council members? Even nepotism, which the Klingons +appear to thrive on, should lead to some younglings here and there. Hmm...) +Also, B'Etor was exceptionally well cast and acted--I thought she looked, +moved, and sounded a LOT like one of Duras's relatives should sound. Nicely +done indeed. + +The plot, I would say, was quite sound--everything fell neatly into place, +leading everything down into flames. (Worthy of a Romulan, hell; everything +was so fatalistic, I thought it was rather Wagnerian myself.) Kurn's sudden +return to save the Bortas was, in hindsight, almost a given; but I was caught +up enough in the battle itself at the time that it caught me off-guard. +(Okay, who else thought of the Falcon streaking to the rescue at the last +minute at the end of "Star Wars: A New Hope"? Uh-huh. I thought so. :-) ) + +I can't say I'm too surprised about that, though, since this was written by +Ron Moore. Ron helped, at least, on the teleplays to both "Sins of the +Father" and "Reunion", so it was to be expected that he was paying attention +to what had gone before. Of course, he also helped on the teleplay for +"Yesterday's Enterprise", so maybe my worries about a Tasha connection are +more founded than I thought...uh-oh... + +I won't be around to see all the complaints raised (and I have no doubt there +will be some, given the nature of the net :-) ), but I can guess one of them +already: why didn't we hear some explanations of Kell's actions in "The +Mind's Eye"? Simple--Romulan machinations were not the focus of this show; +the stability of the Klingon Empire was. In fact, it looks like this +particular two-part show is going to neatly evolve from a Klingon-centered +story to a Romulan-centered story, given that the ending did all but guarantee +a strong Romulan presence in next season's premiere. I suspect that all about +Kell's situation will be revealed in due course. + +Another objection I'd anticipate (damn...and I won't even get to find out if +these guesses are right! :-) ) would be a few condemnations of Picard turning +tail during the battle. I don't agree. Picard is doing everything he can to +keep the Federation out of what looks to be a very bloody war--and +unfortunately, that does sometimes include letting your friends, maybe even +letting short-term justice, fall by the wayside. He did it in "The Wounded", +and he did it here--and I expect him to at some point do it again. (I also +expect him to eventually get really pissed off at Starfleet continually giving +him these type of expectations...but for now, that's neither here nor there.) + +I would agree, however, with those who object to Picard's lecture to Worf +about conflicts of interest....at least, I would agree a little bit. I think +he went overboard, considering that he was more than happy to contribute +information back when the question of Worf's father's honor was first raised +(although I'd certainly argue there that at the time, he didn't consider it +major political interference the way this one would be). However, most of my +objections were removed when Picard stepped back, emotionally, and realized he +was stepping on toes because he was worried about doing so himself. So it's +still an objection, but only a minor one. + +I'm also a little bit miffed that Gowron has turned into someone who really +does seem almost totally honorable. There were a lot of hints back in +"Reunion" that he was hardly squeaky clean, and I'd like to have seen a little +mroe questioning from the Federation on that angle. + +On the whole, though, I can't say I have any major complaints. Worf, in +particular, was done absolutely splendid through and through. The effects +were superb throughout the entire battle sequence, and the music is beginning +to stand out a little more; certainly, it managed to accent the situation a +bit better during Kurn's rescue than it's done in similar situations before. +Worf's departure had some nice music as well, but that entire farewell +sequence was exceedingly good. (Good enough, in fact, that for a moment I had +to stop and remind myself that no, Michael Dorn doesn't have any plans to +leave.) + +So, that should just about cover that. A very worthy finale...and let's hope +the second part lives up in September. (I'm not going to take off more than a +token bit for the possible Tasha connection yet, because it hasn't been made +clear yet. If they do so in September, then part 2 gets blasted for it.) + +Anyway, the numbers: + +Plot: 9.5. Half a point off for the hints at Her Tashaness. +Plot Handling: 10. No complaints here. +Characterization: 9. Half a point off each for Picard and Gowron, but + nothing major. + +TOTAL: 10, once I round up for absolutely phenomenal effects and good music. +A very pleasant way to end a season, methinks. + +Well, we've got reruns for the next 13 weeks now...and I must take my leave. +I'll see you folks again in the middle of July. + +Tim Lynch (Cornell's first Astronomy B.A.; one of many Caltech grad students) +BITNET: tlynch@citjuliet +INTERNET: tlynch@juliet.caltech.edu +UUCP: ...!ucbvax!tlynch%juliet.caltech.edu@hamlet.caltech.edu +"The grasp of Duras reaches out from the grave." + --Gowron +-- +Copyright 1991, Timothy W. Lynch. All rights reserved, but feel free to ask... diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/redemp2.rev b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/redemp2.rev new file mode 100644 index 00000000..ade891a6 --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/redemp2.rev @@ -0,0 +1,321 @@ +WARNING: This article contains severe spoilers for TNG's fifth-season +premiere, "Redemption II." Anyone proceeding beyond this point had +better be comfortable knowing what happens therein. (And for this particular +case, I'll go all out; two Ctrl-L's [usual conduct; a quick one-line summary +after the first, then the full review], plus 30 lines, plus a small lemming +named Herbert. + +(I was kidding about the lemming.) + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +Curse them all to an eternity of having to continually watch "Qpid". + +If you've been on r.a.s for any length of time longer than a shrew's lifespan, +you know the primary reason for THAT comment. There are others, though--this +had a lot of potential, and only _some_ of it was fulfilled. More on that, +plus the usual rantings 'n' ravings, after this synopsis: + +Kurn's ship, the Hectar, is heavily damaged and running from two attacking +Klingon cruisers. Worf, tactical officer, is advising a complete +retreat--Kurn has other ideas. He orders the ship dangerously close to a +nearby star, and goes into warp just shy of the photosphere; the resulting +distortion causes a wall of superheated plasma to form, which destroys both +pursuers. Meanwhile, Captain Picard tries to convince Fleet Admiral Sharanti +[sp?] to let him set up a fleet along the Klingon-Romulan border. The idea is +to serve as a blockade, to prevent supplies from being shipped from the +Romulans to the Duras family--or to catch Romulan ships in the act and reveal +their connection. (And since Geordi has worked out a way to use tachyonic +streams to weave a "net" to detect cloaked ships, it's got a chance of +working.) He gets that permission. "I hope we know what we're doing." "So +do I, Number One." + +The fleet's stretched thin in that area, but he manages to assemble a fleet of +23 ships. Riker takes command of the USS Excalibur, and after asking if +Picard considers him fit to command, Data takes command of the USS Sutherland. +Meanwhile, Kurn, Worf, and other Gowron loyalists spend time in a bar with +Duras loyalists. Kurn urges Worf to think of these people as fellow +_warriors_ for the evening, not as enemies--and Lursa and B'Etor look on, +decided to make Worf a very appealing offer. Data formally assumes command of +the Sutherland, over objections from his first officer, LCDR Hobson, who +doesn't believe androids are fit to command. All ships being ready, the Fleet +heads into the breach... + +A short time later, the convoy of supplies to the Duras family is running +late--Lursa and B'Etor are seething, but the Blonde Romulan tries to ease +their worries. All, however, are taken by surprise when they receive word of +the approaching Federation fleet; the Blonde Romulan orders Movar to assemble +a Romulan fleet in response. After Worf's attempt to intercede in a challenge +to Gowron's leadership results only in Gowron getting a clear shot at his +opponent, the Fleet crosses into Klingon space and is deployed. Data deals +with Hobson challenging his authority...temporarily, and the tachyon "net" is +established. The Blonde Romulan, seeing this, sets Movar to work on finding a +way to counter it, and she herself orders her ship to intercept the +Enterprise. + +They reach the Enterprise, decloak, and hail. Picard reacts, as one might +expect, with very visible shock at her appearance. "Tasha?" "No, Captain. +My name is Commander Sela. The woman you knew as Tasha Yar--was my mother." + +Sela continues on, saying that the Romulan Empire cannot tolerate an +"invasion" fleet along their borders, and gives them 24 hours to depart. +After they break communications, Picard confers with Troi and Crusher. +Crusher is skeptical of Sela's claim, as they all are--but Troi sensed no +deception at all. They depart, and Guinan enters. + +She questions Picard about his knowledge of the Enterprise's predecessor, the +Enterprise-C. He responds that it was destroyed in the battle of Norendra 3, +and dismisses the stories of survivors from the Enterprise-C as rumours. +Guinan disputes this. There _were_ survivors, she says; and Tasha was one of +them. Yes, Tasha was a child then--but nevertheless, Tasha was on board *as +an adult*. Furthermore, Guinan thinks that _Picard_ sent her. He can't just +dismiss it as her vague intuition, she says; because if she's right, then +Picard is responsible for this entire situation. + +Meanwhile, Worf gripes to Kurn about Gowron's conduct, but Kurn will hear none +of it. He stalks out--and two other Klingons come in, beat Worf senseless, +and drag him away... + +A short time later, Sela meets with Picard on the Enterprise. After a few +comments back and forth about the military aspects of this situation, she +addresses the question that's really on Picard's mind: how can she be Tasha's +daughter? She gives her history: Tasha was on the Enterprise-C and was one +of the few survivors of the battle. She was captured, and was saved from +execution by a Romulan general who took her as consort. Sela was born a year +later. Tasha is now dead, killed when Sela was 4 years old in an escape +attempt which Sela herself foiled. Sela claims that her human half died that +day, and that she is now totally and solely Romulan. Picard is completely +unconvinced that her story is true, and insists it won't affect his judgement +in any way--Sela responds by reiterating her ultimatum and stalking out. + +Worf wakes, only to find Lursa and a very aroused B'Etor near him. They tell +him that Toral _will_ be the next leader of the Empire, but that he needs +help...a father-figure. They offer that position to him, as B'Etor's mate. +Worf, completely appalled, refuses and is dragged away to a cell. + +Picard convinces Gowron to launch a new attack now, hoping to force the +Romulans to try to run the blockade before the deadline. He and Riker confer, +and outline a plan to open a "hole" in the net, only to have the Enterprise +swoop in and catch whatever ships try to fly through it. + +The attack begins, and Lursa and B'Etor, not surprisingly, call Sela for help. +She and Movar see the hole form in the net, but Sela sees it for the ploy it +is. She chooses an alternate strategy--fire a huge tachyon pulse at one of +the ships, thus disrupting their ability to focus the net. They target the +Sutherland, and fire. + +Picard, realizing that the net is now leaking, orders the Fleet to fall back +and regroup. They begin to do so, but Data quickly orders a full stop, +realizing that Sela's tactic may have left the Romulans with a residual +tachyon signature. Despite Hobson's multiple objections, and Picard's angered +demands to know why he's disobeying orders, Data locates and reveals three +ships with a photon torpedo burst. Sela realizes that the plot is foiled and +orders a full-scale withdrawal. Lursa and B'Etor depart, leaving Worf to +fight a Romulan centurion (whom he defeats) and Toral to face the justice of +Kurn and Gowron. + +Shortly thereafter, the Fleet has dispersed, and Picard is once again at the +Klingon homeworld--this time, to report to Gowron on the whole affair. After +the briefing, Gowron gives Worf Toral's life in exchange for the damage done +to Worf by the Duras family. Worf, however, spares him, saying that he will +not kill Toral for the crimes of his family, and he returns to the Enterprise. + +There we are. That should do. Now, on to the commentary. + +Damn, but I'm annoyed. I hoped for _three damned months_ that they wouldn't +resort to such a hokey explanation for Denise Crosby's return, only to be +disappointed. That in itself was a big letdown. + +But other elements of the show were as well, unfortunately. The biggest +problem, I think, is that we had no less than THREE major plotlines happening +(Sela's identity, the Klingon civil war, and Data's first command) at once. +All three would have been better served, I think, by having a full episode +devoted to them. Instead, we got something that was very disjointed, and +very...oh, I don't know..."slapdash", I think. + +And that's really a pity, because bits of the show were amazing. The opening +sequence with Worf and Kurn fighting for their lives was one of the better +action sequences TNG's ever had--I'm slightly miffed that they didn't go the +full _The Wounded Sky_ route and have the star they warped that close to go +nova, but that's just me. :-) And the actual strategies involved in Picard's +and Sela's planning were interesting enough to keep me both guessing and +enthralled. The Data-deals-with-command storyline was solid enough--it was +just way too *small*. The entire show had terrific production values, I +think--effects, sets, and yes, music. I'm just depressed that they didn't do +a better job with the plot. + +One thing they could have done starting out was to worry about Denise's +return some other time, and use *Tomalak* as the main Romulan schemer here and +in part I. That's a character with a history, who's already a fairly +well-established schemer, and who was beginning to show signs of being a nice +recurring villain back in "The Defector". For that matter, I think Denise +herself did a good job as Sela the Commander; it was as Sela the Daughter of +Tasha that she fell flat (not just the character; I thought that whole scene +detailing her origins was pretty weak). If they hadn't thrown in the Tasha +stuff, they could even have kept Sela. Sheesh. + +And surprisingly, a lot of little details were big problems this time; +something TNG in general, and Ron Moore in particular, is usually much better +about. For example: + +--Why was Worf serving on the Hectar? He said scant days earlier (the end of +part 1) that he would be on the Bortas. Seems strange to transfer him that +quickly, especially with no explanation. + +--Picard says to Guinan that Tasha died a year before Guinan came on board. +Wrong. Not even close. "Skin of Evil" was almost the end of the first +season, and Guinan was already on board by the beginning of the second. No +more than a few months. + +--In the like vein, Picard refers to the Norendra 3 battle as both 23 and 24 +years ago (23 to Guinan, 24 to Sela). Now, given that YE was said to be 22 +years after the battle, it's probably 23 and a half or something, but come on, +guys, at least be consistent within the same episode! + +Other small observations: + +--There are still too many issues left unresolved from "Reunion". Gowron's +clearly not lily-white, based on his actions HERE; I still think there's a +strong possibility that he poisoned K'Mpec in the first place. + +--Not so much a gripe as an observation: the studio, even after this, is +still insisting Data has no emotions? Yeah. Uh-huh. Bridge, please. :-) +Sorry, but that was one miffed android on the Sutherland. + +--I do hope that my wife and I weren't the only ones with vivid images of +scenes from "The Empire Strikes Back" in our heads during the whole "join us, +Worf" speech. It felt like it was almost a direct steal. Shame, Ron, shame. +:-) + +And now...the major gripe. Sela's existence. + +First, a quick scream of anguish: + +AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!! + +Thanks. I needed that. :-) + +Now, more coherent gripes. Why, why, why, WHY did they have to do this? +They could have brought her back as an ordinary scheming Romulan, or even one +who actually _was_ surgically altered to screw around with Picard's mind. (Of +course, they could go back and establish this later--but if they do that, I +think they're just going to manage to alienate the *other* half of the people +who are concerned, while doing nothing to win back the half they've just +pissed off.) + +But they didn't. Instead, they chose to go with a completely, COMPLETELY +implausible explanation. I didn't buy it when it was proposed here back in +late May--and I don't buy it now. Too many things don't hold up at all. + +1) Data said flat-out in "Yesterday's Enterprise" that the chances of the +Ent-C surviving the battle were ZERO. None. Zip. Nada. Nil. Picard +acknowledged in that show _several times_ that sending them back was a death +sentence, pure and simple. The Ent-C should have been reduced to its +component atoms almost as soon as it fired its first shot. + +2) Even if they lasted a bit longer, you're telling me that the crew of the +Ent-C, knowing full well that they were on a complete suicide mission, and +knowing furthermore that with their slight knowledge of the future, they could +give the Romulans a nasty edge if captured, *didn't manage to self-destruct +and leave no survivors?* No. MM-mm. Wrong. Not the crew of the Ent-C that +*I* saw. + +3) Sela looks too damned old to be a mere 22 1/2. She's also too high in +rank. The Romulans are going to trust someone who was the daughter of a +prisoner from the future (clearly they know this; Sela mentioned it enough +times) enough to make her a full Commander and to put her in charge of an +operation as big as both the one in "The Mind's Eye" and the one here? Again, +no. I don't buy it. + +I might have been able to buy ONE of these three coincidences at any given +time. Never all three--not under any circumstances. + +Now, fallout from this: + +--In addition, we didn't even get any REACTIONS to her story. Picard was the +only one we saw, and his was waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too calm. I know that if +someone told me "oh, by the way, you ordered back an alternate version of one +of your dead officers into the past 24 years ago, and she happened to be +captured and give birth to me, even though you don't remember any of this as +ever happening," I'd go an awful lot beyond a calm skepticism. As for the +others...Worf sees Sela on the screen while imprisoned, and has NO reaction? +WORF? And everyone else was oh so conveniently placed on other ships, so that +no reaction would be seen. Blecch. (Data's in particular is an absolute MUST +to do a story like this right. And I wanted to see Geordi's reaction to +Romulans in general; after the events in "The Mind's Eye", he should be more +than a little emotional about it.) + +--Guinan basically blaming Picard for this whole situation. *What?* Putting +aside the issue of Picard "sending" Tasha back (a distortion of the events of +YE, but an understandable one given murky data and probable bitterness on +Tasha's part), none of that implies that Picard is in any way responsible for +the problems facing the Klingons. + +Yeesh. I think I'm going on a bit much. I'm also sounding more negative +about it than I think I feel; some of it was nice, as I mentioned above. And +two of the three plotlines (all but Sela) were reasonably well done, just too +skimpy. (I thought the technobabble was actually pretty convincing this +time--the idea of a tachyon "tripwire", in effect, is a pretty neat one, +methinks.) The performances were generally strong, particularly Stewart's (of +course), and even more particularly Stewart's with the Fleet Admiral at the +beginning. Talk about persuasive... (Others were excellent as well, +especially Tony Todd's as Kurn.) And as I've said, the action scenes were +actually very well done, I thought. + +I just wish they'd put as much effort into the story. Ah, well. They may +someday regain the respect I did have for them; but as it is, this left me +very disappointed. + +'Tis time for the numbers, it seems. Maestro: + +Plot: 7 for Data's command, 8 for the war, and ZERO for Sela's origins comes + out to an even 5. +Plot Handling: David Carson did a fairly good job here. Not stellar, the way + his work for "Yesterday's Enterprise" was; but fairly good. However, + the plots meshed very poorly; poorly enough to drop to a 4. +Characterization: Generally good, and Sela's only half bad here. 8. + +So, averaging that and boosting it up for truly exceptional production values, +it seems that we're looking at a 6.5. Not nearly as bad as I'm saying above, I +think--maybe I'm just grumpy tonight. To sum up--lots of good pieces, but +very, very jumbled. Sigh. + +NEXT WEEK: + +Picard's kidnapped and fighting for his life on some planet or other, and the +Enterprise might be facing the start of a war. Could be interesting... + +Tim Lynch (Cornell's first Astronomy B.A.; one of many Caltech grad students) +BITNET: tlynch@citjuliet +INTERNET: tlynch@juliet.caltech.edu +UUCP: ...!ucbvax!tlynch%juliet.caltech.edu@hamlet.caltech.edu +"So then I can tell my supervisors that a fleet of 23 starships is on our +borders for...what? Humanitarian reasons?" + --Sela +-- +Copyright 1991, Timothy W. Lynch. All rights reserved, but feel free to ask... diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/reins b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/reins new file mode 100644 index 00000000..96c6dae4 --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/reins @@ -0,0 +1,4090 @@ +Article 74841 of rec.arts.startrek: +Path: ariel.unm.edu!cs.umn.edu!spool.mu.edu!uwm.edu!lll-winken!sun-barr!newstop!exodus!twitterpater.Eng.Sun.COM!koreth +From: koreth@twitterpater.Eng.Sun.COM (Steven Grimm) +Newsgroups: rec.arts.startrek +Subject: "Reins of Power" part 1 of 3 +Message-ID: <12037@exodus.Eng.Sun.COM> +Date: 23 Apr 91 01:31:29 GMT +Article-I.D.: exodus.12037 +Sender: news@exodus.Eng.Sun.COM +Reply-To: koreth@twitterpater.Eng.Sun.COM (Steven Grimm) +Organization: Sun Microsystems, Inc. Mt. View, Ca. +Lines: 1302 + +This is a script I submitted to Paramount last year. For reasons which'll +be obvious soon, they couldn't use it or even adapt the basic story. People +have been asking what scripts look like; I thought I'd post this as an +example. I followed the same format as a couple of TNG scripts I bought at +a convention. + +One caveat: There is too much stage direction in the script. That means I +describe how the characters move around the room as they talk, etc. That +sort of thing should really be left up to the director. + +I've included the cast list, set list, and such at the beginning so people +can see what those look like as well. I'll post part 2 shortly, along with +some more comments about some things that are wrong with the script as it +stands now. + +My thanks to the people who read and commented on this while I was writing +it, by the way. You were absolutely indispensible. + +If you don't see "STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION" at the top of the title +page, your newsreader doesn't understand underlining, and you'll need to +remove all instances of "_^H" (that's underline backspace) from the file +to view it. + +--- +Steven Grimm koreth@ebay.sun.com Moderator, comp.{sources,binaries}.atari.st +"We must be brave, and not let them know how frightened we really are." + -- OPEN LOOK Graphical User Interface Functional Specification + +--- Cut here if you want to print it out. --- + + + + + + _S_T_A_R _T_R_E_K: _T_H_E _N_E_X_T _G_E_N_E_R_A_T_I_O_N + + + + + + "Reins Of Power" + + + + + + + Written by + + Steven Grimm + + + + + + Story by + + Steven Grimm + and + Michael Wolf + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Copyright 1990, Steven Grimm + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + STAR TREK: "Reins Of Power" - 6/12/90 - CAST + + + + _S_T_A_R _T_R_E_K: _T_H_E _N_E_X_T _G_E_N_E_R_A_T_I_O_N + + "Reins Of Power" + + _C_A_S_T + + + PICARD _A_m_a_i_a_n_s + + RIKER FLIGHT CONTROLLER + + DATA SONRI + + TROI + + BEVERLY _D_u_l_i_a_n_s + + GEORDI TARGOFF + + WORF TRODIN + + WESLEY + + O'BRIEN _T_r_a_h_n_s + + ALLEA + + COMPUTER VOICE URA + + HELMSMAN YANNA + + + _N_O_N-_S_P_E_A_K_I_N_G + + SECURITY GUARDS + + DULIAN BODYGUARDS + + TRAHN SOLDIERS + + VARIOUS AMAIANS + + VARIOUS ENTERPRISE CREW + + VARIOUS DULIANS + + VARIOUS TRAHN CIVILIANS + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + STAR TREK: "Reins Of Power" - 6/12/90 - SETS + + + _S_T_A_R _T_R_E_K: _T_H_E _N_E_X_T _G_E_N_E_R_A_T_I_O_N + + "Reins Of Power" + + _S_E_T_S + + + _I_N_T_E_R_I_O_R_S _E_X_T_E_R_I_O_R_S + + USS ENTERPRISE USS ENTERPRISE + BRIDGE + POKER ROOM SHUTTLECRAFT + SICKBAY + BEVERLY'S OFFICE STARSEEKER + CORRIDOR + MAIN SHUTTLE BAY + DEBRIEFING ROOM + CRUSHER QUARTERS + + AMAI TWO + SPACE CONTROL + DORMITORY LOBBY + DORMITORY HALLWAY + DORMITORY BEDROOM + SONRI'S ROOM + + SHUTTLECRAFT + + STARSEEKER + LANDING BAY + CORRIDOR + PRISON CELL + HIDEOUT + LARGE CORRIDOR (WITH BULKHEAD) + CONTROL ROOM + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + STAR TREK: "Reins Of Power" - 6/12/90 - PRONUNCIATION + + + _S_T_A_R _T_R_E_K: _T_H_E _N_E_X_T _G_E_N_E_R_A_T_I_O_N + + "Reins Of Power" + + _P_R_O_N_U_N_C_I_A_T_I_O_N _G_U_I_D_E + + + uh-MY + uh-MY-in + SAWN-tok + sawn-REE + BUSS-erd + DOO-ly-in + TRAWN + TROE-din + ale-LEE-uh + OOH-ruh + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Steven Grimm / "Reins Of Power" - Rev. 6/10/90 - TEASER 1. + + + _S_T_A_R _T_R_E_K: _T_H_E _N_E_X_T _G_E_N_E_R_A_T_I_O_N + + "Reins Of Power" + + _T_E_A_S_E_R + + FADE IN: + + + INT. POKER ROOM + + DATA, GEORDI, TROI, RIKER, WORF, and O'BRIEN are playing poker. + Data has his usual visor on. Riker, O'Brien and Worf hardly have + any chips left. + + Data lays down a full house. + + DATA + (doing an impression) + Read 'em and weep, suckers. + + The others groan. Data rakes in the chips. + + O'BRIEN + (grumbling, but in jest) + Are you people sure you're not + cheating? + + The others look at him like he's nuts. + + O'BRIEN + (jokingly) + Well, half the people at this table + could do it if they wanted to. I + mean, Data's eyes are fast enough to + keep track of all the cards... + + Data isn't offended by this -- he's more confused than anything + else. Riker decides to join in. + + RIKER + (grinning) + And Counselor -- no poker face is + straight enough for you. + + Troi makes a face at Riker -- she knows he's kidding. + + WORF + (maybe joking; who can + tell?) + Geordi can see through the cards. + + GEORDI + You're just jealous 'cause lady luck's + visiting our side of the table for + (MORE) + + + + + + + + Steven Grimm / "Reins Of Power" - Rev. 6/10/90 - TEASER 2. + + + GEORDI (Cont'd) + once. + + RIKER + (to O'Brien) + Visiting? + + O'BRIEN + I think she's moved in. + + Data is taking all this seriously. + + DATA + Chief O'Brien, it would not be + sporting of me to use any abilities + beyond those of the other players. + Why would I wish to do such a thing? + + O'BRIEN + It was only a joke... + + Wesley bursts into the room, excited. + + WESLEY + Geordi, I got 'em! I didn't think I'd + be able to, but I did! It's going to + be so great... + + The others are amused by Wesley's enthusiasm. + + GEORDI + Whoa. Slow down, Wes. What'd you + get? + + WESLEY + (it's like a meeting with + God) + Third-row seats at a lecture on warp + field dynamics by Doctor Sontok! + + GEORDI + THE Doctor Sontok? He hasn't given a + talk in years. + + WESLEY + And hardly anyone knows about this + one. A friend of mine at Amai Central + University got US a pair of reserved + spots. That is, if you want to go. + + GEORDI + Want to go? Of course I do! When? + Where? + + + + + + + + + + + Steven Grimm / "Reins Of Power" - Rev. 6/10/90 - TEASER 3. + + + WESLEY + It's in two days, on Amai Two. + + RIKER + Two days? Wes, we can't spare the + time. We have to get to Darga Four as + quickly as possible, and that means no + diversions. We're thirty-six hours + away as it is. + + DATA + We will pass within shuttle range of + the Amai system in eight point six + hours. + + WESLEY + Well? It'd be worth a shuttle trip. + (off Riker's look) + Uh, with the Captain's permission, of + course. + + + INT. BEVERLY'S OFFICE + + BEVERLY is seated, talking to Wesley, who's leaning against the + doorway. + + WESLEY + OKAY, Mom. I will. + + BEVERLY + And be sure to get enough sleep. I + know how you get when there's + something interesting to do. + + WESLEY + Jeez, Mom, it's only a four-day + visit... + + BEVERLY + I know. I'm sorry, Wes. I remember + my mother doing this, too. I told + myself I never would, but... + + WESLEY + It's okay. But I REALLY have to go + now, or I think Geordi'll leave + without me! + + BEVERLY + Okay. Goodbye. + + Wesley turns to leave. + + + + + + + + + + + Steven Grimm / "Reins Of Power" - Rev. 6/10/90 - TEASER 4. + + + WESLEY + Bye, Mom. + + + INT. CORRIDOR OUTSIDE SICKBAY + + Geordi is waiting for Wesley. The two start walking down the + corridor. + + WESLEY + Mothers. Is it just me, or are they + all like that? + + GEORDI + You've got it mild, Wes. You don't + wanna KNOW how my mother used to hover + over me. + + + INT. MAIN SHUTTLE BAY + + Wesley and Geordi enter and head toward a large shuttlecraft, the + "Cochrane," which is waiting. + + GEORDI + ...She smiles, looks him straight in + the eye, and says, "Just try THAT in + hyperspace!" + + Wesley bursts out laughing. The two reach the shuttle and climb + in. + + WESLEY + Where'd you hear THAT? + + GEORDI + (as the shuttle door closes) + From a couple of Vulcan + philosophers... + + The shuttlebay door opens, revealing the aft part of the + Enterprise and stars receding at warp speed. + + + INT. SHUTTLECRAFT + + Geordi and Wesley are both seated at the controls. + + DATA (VO) + (filtered) + Shuttlecraft is cleared for departure. + + GEORDI + (working the controls) + Acknowledged. + + + + + + + + + Steven Grimm / "Reins Of Power" - Rev. 6/10/90 - TEASER 5. + + + The interior of the shuttlecraft vibrates slightly as its engines + come online and it lifts off the floor. + + GEORDI + Amai Two, here we come... + + + EXT. SPACE -- THE ENTERPRISE + + A close-up of the shuttle bay from outside. The shuttle flies + out. + + FADE OUT. + + END OF TEASER. + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Steven Grimm / "Reins Of Power" - Rev. 6/10/90 - ACT ONE 6. + + + _A_C_T _O_N_E + FADE IN: + + + EXT. SPACE -- AMAI TWO + + The shuttlecraft flies toward the planet, entering the + atmosphere. + + + INT. AMAI TWO -- SPACE CONTROL + + This is a room a lot like an airport control tower, from which + incoming and outgoing space flights are directed. There are lots + of small screens, in front of which various AMAIANS are seated. + Other than the screens, the room is white. + + Amaians are fragile, tall people with extremely fair skin. They + all wear the same type of white robe, simple yet elegant. + + One of the flight controllers is looking at a display showing + data about the approaching Enterprise shuttlecraft, as well as a + schematic of its flight path. She hits a button on her screen. + + FLIGHT CONTROLLER + Enterprise shuttle, this is Amai Two + space control. You may land at pad + thirteen by two. Please alter your + course to zero one three mark five for + descent. + + WESLEY (VO) + (filtered) + Understood, Amai Two. Adjusting + course. + + + INT. SHUTTLECRAFT + + Geordi is asleep in the passenger compartment; his visor is on + his chest. Wesley is at the controls; he hits some buttons. + + WESLEY + Geordi, we're almost there. Wake up. + + Geordi awakens, barely. He's still half-asleep. He rubs his + eyes and yawns, then puts on his visor and goes up to the + copilot's chair. + + GEORDI + So Wes, you still haven't told me + about your friend. How'd you two + meet? + + Wesley obviously likes Sonri more than he realizes. + + + + + + + + + Steven Grimm / "Reins Of Power" - Rev. 6/10/90 - ACT ONE 7. + + + WESLEY + Sonri? We met on the physics net. + She's studying warp propulsion. Right + now, she's just at Amai Central + University, but she wants to go to the + Daystrom Institute later on, if + they'll accept her. + + GEORDI + That's quite a leap. Amai Central + isn't exactly known for its physics + program. I didn't even know it HAD + one. + + WESLEY + Not really. I mean, Amai Two isn't + exactly the most advanced place in the + Federation. They're only a member + 'cause the Klingons attacked them... + + GEORDI + That's not a very nice thing to say + about your friend's home planet. + + WESLEY + She sure doesn't want to be there. + But she can't leave until she's + twenty-two. + + GEORDI + Why not? The Daystrom Institute would + send a ship... + + WESLEY + Nobody's allowed to leave until + they're married and have kids, and the + marriage age is twenty-one. It's a + pretty dumb law. + + GEORDI + I don't know -- you've gotta look at + their culture to know if it makes any + sense for them. + + WESLEY + If you say so. + + + EXT. SPACE -- THE SHUTTLECRAFT + + Descending toward the planet. + + + INT. DORMITORY LOBBY + + + + + + + + + + Steven Grimm / "Reins Of Power" - Rev. 6/10/90 - ACT ONE 8. + + + This is the lobby of a University dormitory, with white walls, + floor, and furniture. There are a couple of Amaians working + here. One is painting a picture, a spectacular sunset over a + desert. The other is playing beautiful, melodic music on a + strange-looking stringed instrument; we hear the music in the + background. A third Amaian, SONRI, a plain-faced girl about + Wesley's age with long red hair and lots of freckles, is sitting + down, waiting for Geordi and Wesley. She stands when they + arrive, suitcases in hand. + + SONRI + Wesley. It's good to finally see you + in person. + + Sonri holds out her left hand, fingers straight and palm + vertical. Wesley holds out his left hand the same way and + presses his palm against Sonri's. He is a bit tongue-tied. + + WESLEY + Hi. Uh, Sonri, this is Geordi + LaForge. + + SONRI + Wesley's told me a lot about you, + Commander. It's an honor to meet such + a great mind. + + Wesley is embarrassed by that, but tries to hide it. Sonri holds + out her left hand to Geordi, who returns the unfamiliar hand + greeting. + + GEORDI + Well, I don't know about THAT. But + it's good to meet you, too. Call me + Geordi. + + SONRI + (smiles) + Come on. I'll take you to your rooms. + + Sonri turns and heads for the stairs across the room from the + entrance. + + + INT. DORMITORY HALLWAY + + A white hallway with a white tile floor, and doors (with white + doorknobs) at even intervals. There are light grey room + "numbers" -- actually polygons representing the numbers -- on the + doors. The three are walking down the hallway. + + SONRI + You're lucky you're with Starfleet. + The University usually doesn't let + visitors stay in the dorms. + + + + + + + + + Steven Grimm / "Reins Of Power" - Rev. 6/10/90 - ACT ONE 9. + + + GEORDI + What made Doctor Sontok decide to give + his talk HERE? + + SONRI + (sheepishly) + I did, actually. I heard he collected + transitionist artwork. I know a girl + who's one of the best transitionists + in the Federation. So, I offered to + help her study for a science test. + (stops next to a door) + Here's your room, Commander. Wesley + is next door, and my room is six doors + down. + + GEORDI + Okay. I'll join you two in a few + minutes. + + WESLEY + Um, Sonri and I have a lot of things + to talk about. I don't mean you're + not... + + GEORDI + It's okay, Wes. I understand. Sonri, + can I look around the University after + I unpack? + + SONRI + Of course. Just ask anyone if you get + lost. This dormitory is Imagination + House. + + Geordi nods. He turns the doorknob -- none of the doors have + locks -- and enters the room. It's all white, of course. Wesley + and Sonri continue down the hallway as Geordi shuts the door + behind him. They reach Wesley's room. + + SONRI + And here's your room. + + WESLEY + Great. Come on in... + + Wesley opens the door, revealing a room identical to Geordi's. + + + INT. DORMITORY BEDROOM + + Wesley and Sonri enter. Wes sets his suitcase down on the bed, + then sits next to it. Sonri sits across from him, next to a + desk. She pushes the door closed. + + + + + + + + + + Steven Grimm / "Reins Of Power" - Rev. 6/10/90 - ACT ONE 10. + + + WESLEY + Sonri, why is this place so... so... + WHITE? + + SONRI + White is the simplicity over which + individuals express their souls. + + WESLEY + Huh? + + SONRI + (laughs) + Sorry. Must be the artistic + philosophy classes. What I mean is, + you're free to color your personal + space any way you like. I have a + bunch of space pictures on my walls. + + WESLEY + (shaking his head) + Hmm. I can see why you want to leave. + This place is great for an artist, but + I can't imagine trying to be an + engineer here. + + SONRI + (nods, then, somber:) + It seems like nobody here understands + me. And I sure don't understand them. + I'm practically tone deaf, I can't + draw at all, and I think most + philosophy is pretty silly. + (frustrated) + I want to get out of here! + + WESLEY + I'd offer to bring you back with me, + but the Captain would just take you + home again and lecture me. + (mimicing Picard) + "Ensign Crusher, Starfleet regulations + strictly prohibit the transfer of + unauthorized personnel." + + SONRI + (giggles) + From what you've said, though, he + sounds like a wise man. + + WESLEY + Yeah, he's a great captain. I sure + couldn't do his job half as well as he + does. But he can be a bit of a pain + sometimes. + + + + + + + + + Steven Grimm / "Reins Of Power" - Rev. 6/10/90 - ACT ONE 11. + + + SONRI + Perfection is rare, Wesley. + + WESLEY + Yeah... So, what about the surprise + you said you had for me? + + Sonri stands and motions with her finger -- come here... + + + INT. DORMITORY CORRIDOR, OUTSIDE SONRI'S ROOM + + We see Geordi knocking on Wesley's door. Nobody answers, so he + starts walking down the hall toward Sonri's room. As he walks, + we hear what's going on behind the door. + + SONRI (VO) + (muffled) + No. Put your hand THERE. + + WESLEY (VO) + (muffled) + Oh! That's great! You're pretty good + at this. + + SONRI (VO) + (muffled) + I get a lot of practice around here. + + WESLEY (VO) + (muffled) + I try to do it on the holodeck at + least once a day, but there's only so + much a computer can do for you. + + Geordi arrives at the door, unaware of what's going on. He + knocks. The door opens immediately, revealing Wesley and + Sonri... at a computer terminal on Sonri's desk, manipulating a + warp field diagram. + + + INT. SONRI'S ROOM + + The walls here are covered with beautiful spacescapes. It's like + standing on the observation deck on the Enterprise. + + WESLEY + Hi, Geordi... Hey, take a look at + what Sonri and I did. It's an + inverted... + + GEORDI + There's no time, Wes. I just got a + call from Amai Space Control. We're + needed there. + + + + + + + + + Steven Grimm / "Reins Of Power" - Rev. 6/10/90 - ACT ONE 12. + + + WESLEY + (glances at Sonri) + What about the lecture? + + GEORDI + We may have to miss some of it. + + WESLEY + (to Sonri) + Can you record it? I have to go... + + SONRI + (unhappy) + Sure, I guess I can. Try not to take + too long... + + WESLEY + I will. Hopefully we'll be back soon. + (gets up) + Well, bye... + + SONRI + Goodbye. + + Wesley and Geordi leave the room. + + + INT. DORMITORY CORRIDOR + + Wes and Geordi are walking away. + + WESLEY + What's this about? + + GEORDI + They've picked up an unidentified + ship... + + + INT. SPACE CONTROL + + Wesley and Geordi are leaning over a console with the flight + controller. + + FLIGHT CONTROLLER + We have really old sensors. We just + saw it three hours ago. It's headed + straight for Amai Two. + + WESLEY + That's a really odd reading. + + GEORDI + If I didn't know any better... + + + + + + + + + + Steven Grimm / "Reins Of Power" - Rev. 6/10/90 - ACT ONE 13. + + + FLIGHT CONTROLLER + Yes? + + GEORDI + Well, that looks an awful lot like an + old Bussard ramjet design, with a + magnetic scoop. + + WESLEY + A ramjet? But at those speeds, it'd + have to be... + + GEORDI + ...several hundred years old. Wes, we + HAVE to take a closer look. + + + EXT. SPACE -- THE SHUTTLECRAFT + + Flying through space. + + + INT. SHUTTLECRAFT + + Wesley and Geordi are both in the control cabin. + + WESLEY + A ramjet. I know they're possible in + theory, but I don't think I've ever + heard of someone actually building + one. + + GEORDI + (looking out the window) + I've only heard about one of them, but + it looks like this one's a LOT bigger. + (puzzled) + Hey, that's weird. + + WESLEY + What? + + GEORDI + Well, it looks like there's a low- + frequency FM signal coming from their + engines. They're using them as a + transmitter. + + WESLEY + (checking his console) + It looks like an automatic signal. It + keeps repeating. + (hits some buttons, then + looks at Geordi) + Docking instructions... + + + + + + + + + Steven Grimm / "Reins Of Power" - Rev. 6/10/90 - ACT ONE 14. + + + GEORDI + Looks like we're going to get a REALLY + close look at this beauty. + + + EXT. SPACE -- THE STARSEEKER + + A large ramjet -- a cylinder, with a slightly wider section at + the fore end. The center is hollow. It moves by generating a + magnetic field and pulling hydrogen through its center, crushing + it until a fusion reaction is obtained, and expelling the + resulting energized helium like a rocket out the aft end. This + is barely visible as a dimly glowing green jet shooting from the + thin end of the Starseeker. The surface of the Starseeker should + be pitted and dented, as it's been in space for a long time with + very minimal (by Federation standards) navigational shielding. + + A landing bay door opens toward the fore end, to admit the + shuttlecraft. The landing bay's ceiling is fore; its floor is + aft, since the ramjet's "gravity" is really its forward + acceleration. The bay door closes when the shuttle is inside. + + + INT. STARSEEKER -- LANDING BAY + + This is a dirty, grungy place, very much in contrast to the + Enterprise's antiseptic interior. There are several clunky- + looking shuttlecraft present. It's apparent that nobody has been + here for a long time. + + Our shuttle has just landed; its warp engines are powering down. + We hear the bay filling with air. + + + INT. SHUTTLECRAFT + + + GEORDI + I hardly see any noise from the + engine. That must be some great + shielding. + + WESLEY + (looking at his controls) + Well, there's air now. It's + breathable, but a little thin. Do we + go out and look around? + + Geordi is putting a small PHASER on his belt. He hands another + to Wesley. + + GEORDI + Just in case. Let's go. + + + + + + + + + + + Steven Grimm / "Reins Of Power" - Rev. 6/10/90 - ACT ONE 15. + + + INT. STARSEEKER -- LANDING BAY + + A door has opened to admit TARGOFF, a tall Dulian (humanoid, a + tall, very handsome race) and two Dulian BODYGUARDS. Targoff's + manner suggests that he is missing a few screws upstairs -- he's + wild-eyed and intense. + + The shuttle door opens, and Geordi and Wesley emerge and stand by + the shuttle. They look at each other in surprise -- so there ARE + people here. Targoff approaches. + + TARGOFF + I am Targoff, commander of the + Starseeker. + + GEORDI + I'm Lieutenant Commander Geordi + LaForge, and this is Ensign Wesley + Crusher. We're from the starship + Enterprise, of the United Federation + of Planets. + + TARGOFF + (pointing at the shuttle) + This is the Enterprise? + + WESLEY + No. This is just a shuttle. The + Enterprise is about a third as big as + this ramjet. + + TARGOFF + I see. + (indicates the doorway) + Come. I will show you the Starseeker. + + GEORDI + (smiling to Wesley) + It'd be an honor. I've never been on + a ship like this before. + + Targoff and his guards lead Geordi and Wesley through the door + from which they emerged. As they leave, Targoff speaks. + + TARGOFF + The Starseeker has been out here for + fourteen generations. We've tried to + colonize three other planets, but they + weren't quite right for us. + + + INT. STARSEEKER -- CORRIDOR + + We follow Geordi and Wesley through the doorway from the landing + bay. As soon as they are through the door, two more BODYGUARDS, + + + + + + + + + Steven Grimm / "Reins Of Power" - Rev. 6/10/90 - ACT ONE 16. + + + their guns leveled at Geordi and Wesley, step into view. + + Geordi instinctively reaches for his phaser, but the guard + nearest him bradishes his gun. + + TARGOFF + Don't even think it. + + Geordi and Wesley toss their phasers away. Close-up on their + reactions... + + FADE OUT. + + END OF ACT ONE. + + +Article 74846 of rec.arts.startrek: +Path: ariel.unm.edu!cs.umn.edu!spool.mu.edu!uwm.edu!lll-winken!sun-barr!newstop!exodus!twitterpater.Eng.Sun.COM!koreth +From: koreth@twitterpater.Eng.Sun.COM (Steven Grimm) +Newsgroups: rec.arts.startrek +Subject: "Reins Of Power" part 2 (of 3) +Message-ID: <12041@exodus.Eng.Sun.COM> +Date: 23 Apr 91 02:07:33 GMT +Article-I.D.: exodus.12041 +Sender: news@exodus.Eng.Sun.COM +Reply-To: koreth@twitterpater.Eng.Sun.COM (Steven Grimm) +Organization: Sun Microsystems, Inc. Mt. View, Ca. +Lines: 1366 + +If you're reading this, I'll assume you've finished reading part 1, which +contained the teaser and act 1. Aside from the fact that my dialogue isn't +that great in places, something that can be fixed without a whole lot of +trouble, the script has some big problems. + +First of all is the expense. The TNG people don't like to build more than two +sets per episode (which doesn't mean it never happens, but it's really rare.) +Set construction is very expensive, and the more you can confine your story to +a few rooms, the better off you'll be. As a rule of thumb, every Enterprise +set you've seen more than once is a standing set, and can be used if desired. +(Sets can also be redressed fairly extensively once they're built, so you may +be in good shape if you have several locations that look similar.) + +Several rooms can easily be cut out of the Amai Two sequence in act one, and +some of the Starseeker sets below can be redresses of Amai Two and of existing +Enterprise sets. + +The teaser is another problem. It doesn't really grab the reader. If at all +possible, each act (and the teaser) should end with a startling revelation or +with some imminent danger. Think of TNG as a series of five really short +movie serials. The hero has to be dangling over the alligator pit at the end +of each segment. (In truth, of course, we want the viewer to be glued to the +set during the commercials to avoid missing the resolution to the problem.) + +The first act isn't a whole lot better. There's no action, no plot movement. +There is some character interaction, which is always good, but the plot needs +to move along while that's happening. Until the end of act one, we don't even +have a clue what the plot's going to be ABOUT. + +Anyway, I'll shut up now and let the story continue. I'll post part 3 shortly, +with a couple of comments about coming up with stories. (The page numbers +start over at 1 here, just because I'm too lazy to make nroff start at the +appropriate number.) + +--- +Steven Grimm koreth@ebay.sun.com Moderator, comp.{sources,binaries}.atari.st +"We must be brave, and not let them know how frightened we really are." + -- OPEN LOOK Graphical User Interface Functional Specification + +--- cut here --- + + + Steven Grimm / "Reins Of Power" - Rev. 6/10/90 - ACT TWO 1. + + + _S_T_A_R _T_R_E_K: _T_H_E _N_E_X_T _G_E_N_E_R_A_T_I_O_N + + "Reins Of Power" + + _A_C_T _T_W_O + + FADE IN: + + + INT. STARSEEKER -- PRISON CELL + + This is a dark, poorly-kept cell. The jailers are obviously not + too concerned about prisoner sanitation. There's a small window + in the metal door, blocked by a grid of bars. There are no + benches or beds in the cell. Geordi is sitting on the floor + against the wall opposite the door. His visor has been taken + away. Wesley is by the door, looking out the window. He turns. + Then he tries tapping his communicator; it buzzes. + + GEORDI + Their shielding's too good, Wes. Just + sit down. They'll be back. + + WESLEY + They've just left us sitting here for + hours. They can't want us too much. + + GEORDI + That all depends on what they want us + FOR. They may just be trying to break + our spirits. When you go to the + Academy, you'll be trained for things + like this. + + WESLEY + (sitting) + Unfortunately, I'm here NOW. + (sighs) + So, what'd you think of Sonri? + + GEORDI + She seemed nice enough. The important + thing is, what do YOU think of her? + + WESLEY + What do you mean? + + GEORDI + It's pretty obvious. You have a + crush. + + WESLEY + What? No. I mean, I... No. + + + + + + + + + + + Steven Grimm / "Reins Of Power" - Rev. 6/10/90 - ACT TWO 2. + + + GEORDI + There's nothing wrong with it, Wes. + It's natural... + + WESLEY + Look... I like her a lot. But I + certainly don't have a CRUSH on her. + Okay? + + GEORDI + (amused) + All right, Wes, if you say so. + + WESLEY + Anyway, I don't want to talk about her + any more. How about a game of chess? + + GEORDI + Um, Wesley, we don't have a board, and + I couldn't see it if we did. + + WESLEY + Who said anything about a board? + + GEORDI + Right... Okay, I think I can manage + that. + + WESLEY + Pick a number between one and ten. + + GEORDI + Three. + + WESLEY + Okay, you're white. Ready? + + GEORDI + Give me a second. + (beat) + Okay, got it. Um, pawn to queen four. + + WESLEY + Knight to... + + The game is interrupted by the entrance of Targoff, and a pair of + TRAHN GUARDS. The Trahns are shorter than the Dulians, and are + not very good-looking. There is a Trahn guard standing outside + the cell door. Geordi stands. + + GEORDI + (quietly, to Wesley) + I'll do the talking. + + + + + + + + + + + Steven Grimm / "Reins Of Power" - Rev. 6/10/90 - ACT TWO 3. + + + TARGOFF + We have examined your shuttlecraft. + You have some VERY interesting + technology. It could mean an end to + our journey, after fourteen + generations in space. + + GEORDI + (turning to face Targoff's + voice) + Be careful which buttons you push, or + you might find yourself with a big + hole where your landing bay door used + to be. + + TARGOFF + (as if berating a + subordinate) + Be quiet. Now. Obviously, there + isn't enough room for all of us on + your shuttle. So tell me of your + Enterprise. + + GEORDI + Oh, no. You aren't going to get + anything out of us while you keep us + prisoner. + + TARGOFF + Wrong. You will tell me what I want + to know, and you'll tell it to me + here. + + GEORDI + Or what? + + TARGOFF + This is one of the pleasant areas of + the Starseeker. Others are much + closer to the magnetic coils. The + shielding is not as... effective + there. We lost a great many Trahns + before closing those sections off. + + GEORDI + And what do you hope to gain from a + knowledge of the Enterprise? + + TARGOFF + All knowledge is useful. Now. Tell + me of the Enterprise. How many men + can it carry? What are its armaments? + Anything like your hand weapon? + + + + + + + + + + + Steven Grimm / "Reins Of Power" - Rev. 6/10/90 - ACT TWO 4. + + + GEORDI + You'll find out if you keep us here... + + + EXT. SPACE -- THE ENTERPRISE + + Coming toward the camera, then going into orbit around Amai Two. + + PICARD (VO) + Captain's log, stardate 44505.9. The + Darga Four situation is under control. + We're stopping off at Amai Two for + some brief shore leave. + + + INT. BRIDGE + + PICARD, RIKER, DATA, and WORF are at their stations. The Amai + Two flight controller is on the viewscreen. + + PICARD + (in disbelief) + A WHAT? + + FLIGHT CONTROLLER + That IS what he said. A ramjet. + + PICARD + Data, sensor reading? + + DATA + We are picking up an electromagnetic + disturbance. Its signatures are + similar to those of traditional ramjet + designs. + + PICARD + (to the controller) + And they left how long ago? + + FLIGHT CONTROLLER + A day and a half. + + RIKER + Sounds like they missed their + lecture... + + PICARD + Thank you, Amai Two. Enterprise out. + + The controller's face goes away. + + PICARD + Well. This is an unexpected treat. + Helm, set course for the disturbance, + (MORE) + + + + + + + + Steven Grimm / "Reins Of Power" - Rev. 6/10/90 - ACT TWO 5. + + + PICARD (Cont'd) + warp factor three. + + HELMSMAN + Course plotted and laid in. + + PICARD + Engage. + + + EXT. SPACE -- THE ENTERPRISE + + Going to warp speed (stock footage.) + + + INT. BRIDGE + + + RIKER + So much for stopping off at Amai Two + for a couple of days. + + PICARD + Mm. But this is much more absorbing, + Number One. Besides, I don't think + Amai Two would be quite to your + liking. + + RIKER + I was thinking of you, sir. A whole + planet full of artists and + philosophers: + (smirking) + you'd be on the first shore party. + + PICARD + Indeed, Number One. Perhaps later. + Time to arrival, Mister Data? + + DATA + Forty-six minutes, twenty-one seconds, + sir. + + PICARD + Increase to warp five. + + HELMSMAN + Aye, sir. + + WORF + I have a more detailed scan now, + Captain. + + + + + + + + + + + + Steven Grimm / "Reins Of Power" - Rev. 6/10/90 - ACT TWO 6. + + + PICARD + On screen. + + A computer representation of the Starseeker appears on the + screen. It shows the electromagnetic field, the cone of incoming + hydrogen, and the accelerated fused results leaving the other + end, all in animated schematics. Picard is like a kid in a candy + store -- this is why he's out in space. + + PICARD + Remarkable. Absolutely astounding. + + WORF + Length is approximately one kilometer. + + DATA + Intense magnetic fields are drawing + hydrogen in one end and compressing + it, resulting in a fusion reaction + which... + + PICARD + (interrupting) + Yes, Data, we know how a ramjet works. + (to Worf) + Any sign of the shuttle? + + WORF + Not yet. + + DATA + The ramjet's electromagnetic fields + will prevent reliable sensor and + transporter operation. + + + INT. PRISON CELL + + Geordi and Wesley are sitting alone again, but not for long: + Targoff barges in, accompanied by two Trahns. The same guard is + outside the cell door; he watches. One of Targoff's Trahns is + carrying Geordi's visor. Targoff points at Geordi, then at the + door. The Trahn with Geordi's visor picks him up by the arm and + starts to lead him off. + + WESLEY + (standing) + Hey! Where are you taking him? + + TARGOFF + He is going to aid us in capturing + your Enterprise. It has arrived here. + + + + + + + + + + + + Steven Grimm / "Reins Of Power" - Rev. 6/10/90 - ACT TWO 7. + + + GEORDI + (facing Targoff's voice) + What? You've got another think + coming, Targoff. + + TARGOFF + I don't think so. Trahn. + + Targoff pushes the other Trahn toward Wesley. The Trahn grabs + Wesley by the arm. Wes tries to squirm free, but the guard is + far too strong. The guard pulls out a sharp knife. + + TARGOFF + (to Geordi) + If you refuse, we will kill your + companion. + + GEORDI + And if I agree, you'll kill even more + people trying to take over the + Enterprise. No deal. + + TARGOFF + Ah. But their deaths will be quick, + painless. Your companion's will not. + + GEORDI + I'm sorry, Wes. You know I can't do + it. + + Targoff stares into Geordi's eyes. He can't read them at all, + and finally turns away with a slight shiver -- those white eyes + give him the creeps. + + TARGOFF + Very well. Trahn? + + The Trahn cuts Wesley's hand with the blade of the knife. Wesley + does his best to keep quiet, but doesn't quite succeed. Geordi + hears this and flinches, but holds fast. + + TARGOFF + Now the left eye. + + The Trahn moves to comply... + + GEORDI + All right, all right! You're a bunch + of barbarians, you know that? + + TARGOFF + (smugly) + Yes. + + + + + + + + + + + Steven Grimm / "Reins Of Power" - Rev. 6/10/90 - ACT TWO 8. + + + GEORDI + And my help won't amount to much. + There's still no way you're going to + get enough people aboard to make the + Enterprise's security teams sweat. + + TARGOFF + Our soldiers are very good at what + they do. Your shuttlecraft will hold + enough of them. All you need do is + bring them aboard. + + GEORDI + You trust me to do that? + + TARGOFF + Of course. If you betray us, your + companion will see his heart before he + dies. Trahn, take him. Give him his + eyepiece. + + Geordi, putting on his visor, is escorted out of the room by one + of the Trahns. Targoff stares at Wesley for a moment, then + signals the other Trahn to let go of Wes. Wes collapses to the + floor, clutching his hand. + + TARGOFF + With me, Trahn. + + The two aliens leave. + + + INT. BRIDGE + + The Starseeker is on the main viewer. + + PICARD + Still no response to our hails? + + WORF + None, sir. They could... + (notices a flashing light) + Captain, a section of the ramjet is + opening. Something is emerging... + Sir, it's the shuttle! + + PICARD + (stands up) + On viewer. + + The view switches to a close-up of the Starseeker landing bay, + which is closing again. The shuttle is flying away. + + + + + + + + + + + + Steven Grimm / "Reins Of Power" - Rev. 6/10/90 - ACT TWO 9. + + + WORF + Interference from the ramjet is too + great for a detailed scan, or for + visual communication. + (beat) + Sir, the shuttle is hailing us... on + an EMERGENCY channel... + + PICARD + (looks at Riker in surprise) + On audio. + + GEORDI (VO) + (filtered) + LaForge here, Captain. + + PICARD + Report. + + GEORDI (VO) + (filtered) + The ramjet is called the Starseeker. + Its engine control systems are dead. + Wes is there now, working on them, but + we need some spare parts, and fast. + + PICARD + Understood. + (motions to Worf) + Shuttle bay two is ready. + + GEORDI (VO) + (filtered) + Thank you, sir. LaForge out. + + WORF + Security team to shuttle bay two. + + Worf walks quickly from the bridge, leaving via the main + turbolift. + + + INT. SHUTTLECRAFT + + We are approaching the Enterprise. The shuttlecraft is packed + with TRAHN SOLDIERS, all armed with nasty-looking guns (plasma + pistols.) Their leader, TRODIN, a Dulian, is pointing Geordi's + phaser at his head. Geordi hits some buttons, and shuttle bay + two's door starts to open. + + TRODIN + (looking at the Enterprise) + That one is shuttle bay two? + + + + + + + + + + + Steven Grimm / "Reins Of Power" - Rev. 6/10/90 - ACT TWO 10. + + + GEORDI + Yes. + + TRODIN + Land in the large one, + (pointing to the main + shuttle bay) + THERE. + + GEORDI + But the door's closed... + + TRODIN + (brings the phaser closer) + Then open it, like you did the other. + I won't walk into your trap. + (brings the phaser REALLY + close) + Now! + + + INT. MAIN SHUTTLE BAY + + The door opens, and the shuttle flies in... + + FADE OUT. + + END OF ACT TWO. + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Steven Grimm / "Reins Of Power" - Rev. 6/10/90 - ACT THREE 11. + + + _A_C_T _T_H_R_E_E + FADE IN: + + + INT. SHUTTLE BAY + + The shuttlecraft enters the bay. As soon as it clears the force + field, its door opens and soldiers jump to the floor. One of + them shoots a SECURITY GUARD, who was on duty next to the main + doorway and had just managed to draw his phaser. The guard + falls, his weapon lying a few feet away. The shuttle, meanwhile, + has landed; Trodin shoves Geordi out at phaserpoint. The + soldiers make for the door. + + + INT. BRIDGE + + + DATA + Sir, the shuttle has landed in the + main shuttle bay, not bay two. + Notifying Lieutenant Worf. + + Data hits some buttons. The red alert siren sounds. + + DATA + Weapons have been fired in the main + shuttle bay. Intruders have left the + bay. + + PICARD + Activate force fields. + + DATA + Activating. + + + INT. CORRIDOR + + The Trahn soldiers (one of whom is holding the security guard's + phaser,) Geordi, and Trodin are stuck in a section of corridor. + One of the soldiers tests the force field with a hand. + + TRODIN + Get rid of those walls. + + Geordi touches a wall panel, which activates. + + GEORDI + Computer, deactivate force fields. + + COMPUTER (VO) + Chief Engineer does not have authority + to countermand Chief of Security. + + + + + + + + + + Steven Grimm / "Reins Of Power" - Rev. 6/10/90 - ACT THREE 12. + + + GEORDI + I can't... + + TRODIN + Then remove the power source, Chief + Engineer. + + GEORDI + I can't do that. + + TRODIN + (pointing his gun at Geordi) + You will try, or I will kill you. + + GEORDI + Then I guess you'll have to kill me. + All I promised was to get you onboard, + and you're here. + + Trodin points the phaser at Geordi's head for a moment. + + TRODIN + No. You may still be useful. + + Trodin turns and fires the phaser at the wall next to the force + field. The phaser-toting soldier does the same. Sparks start to + fly across the corridor. + + GEORDI + Wait! If you overload those circuits, + the whole corridor could blow! + + TRODIN + (still firing) + Then help us. + + GEORDI + Computer, decouple power nodes + thirteen by F-three and twelve by D- + eight. Propogate. + + The force fields vanish; Trodin and the soldier stop firing the + phasers. We see that the walls are scorched from the phaser + hits. + + At Trodin's motioned command, the troops run around a corner -- + and right into Worf and a group of SECURITY GUARDS, who were + coming the other way. There's no time to draw weapons; hand-to- + hand combat ensues. Worf throws one Trahn against a computer + panel, which lights up then deactivates several seconds later + (though this shouldn't be emphasized) when there's no command. + We notice Trodin escaping, though none of the Enterprise people + do. The battle is over shortly, thanks largely to Worf. + + + + + + + + + + + Steven Grimm / "Reins Of Power" - Rev. 6/10/90 - ACT THREE 13. + + + GEORDI + Wait a minute. There's one missing... + + + INT. CORRIDOR + + Trodin is running down the corridor when the force fields come + back on. He slams into one, painfully, but immediately gets up + and fires at the emitter, as before. + + FX: TRANSPORTER. Trodin starts to beam out. + + He looks at his body and yelps in surprise. + + TRODIN + What the...? + + + EXT. SPACE -- ENTERPRISE AND STARSEEKER + + Time has passed. + + + INT. SICKBAY + + The security guard from the shuttle bay is on a bed, unconscious. + One of the Trahn soldiers is on another bed nearby, also + unconscious. There are two security guards present. Beverly is + scanning the soldier. Picard enters and goes to the guard's bed. + + PICARD + How's he doing, Doctor? + + BEVERLY + He'll be ready for duty again in a + couple of days. + + PICARD + (walking to the soldier's + bed) + And your other patient? + + BEVERLY + He has minor head injuries and some + internal bleeding. That must have + been some fight. + + PICARD + Worf was involved. + + Beverly looks at the captain. That explains it... + + PICARD + Anything else, Doctor? + + + + + + + + + + Steven Grimm / "Reins Of Power" - Rev. 6/10/90 - ACT THREE 14. + + + BEVERLY + His brain chemistry is very odd. I + can't be sure right now, but my guess + is that he's received large doses of + drugs recently. + + PICARD + Drugs? For what purpose? + + BEVERLY + I won't know until I've had a chance + to run more tests. + + She stops working for a moment. + + BEVERLY + Jean-Luc, I'm really... + + PICARD + I know, Beverly. We'll get him back. + + Beverly isn't convinced. But she goes back to work. + + + INT. DEBRIEFING ROOM + + Troi, Riker, and Worf are grilling Trodin. There are two + security guards standing behind Trodin, ready to stun him if he + tries anything. Trodin is very calm, though. Worf is playing + the "bad cop." + + RIKER + We know you're the leader of this + little gang. + + TRODIN + Obviously... + + TROI + What do you mean by that? + + TRODIN + They are Trahns. I am a Dulian. + + WORF + That means nothing to us. + + TRODIN + That... is your problem. + + WORF + (leaning in close) + I warn you. Do not mock us. + + + + + + + + + + + Steven Grimm / "Reins Of Power" - Rev. 6/10/90 - ACT THREE 15. + + + RIKER + Worf... + (to Trodin) + Now. Tell us about your ship. + + TRODIN + You mean you can't see inside with + your powerful scanners? + + RIKER + We want to hear it from you. + + TRODIN + (peering at Riker) + You CAN'T scan us, can you? You're + not as powerful as you look. + + WORF + We are strong enough. Now answer our + questions! + + TRODIN + No. I'm your prisoner, so you're + going to kill me whether I tell you + anything or not. + + Troi looks at Riker -- what does this imply about the culture + over there? + + RIKER + We never kill unless we're forced to. + + TRODIN + (lying, and not hiding it) + Neither do we. + + TROI + WE mean it. Right now, one of your + soldiers is receiving medical + attention. + + Trodin looks at Troi. + + TRODIN + But they're all Trahns. Why? + + TROI + They are people. + + TRODIN + Not the same way we are. + (beat) + They're barbaric, uncivilized fools. + If it weren't for us, they'd've killed + themselves off by now. + + + + + + + + + Steven Grimm / "Reins Of Power" - Rev. 6/10/90 - ACT THREE 16. + + + TROI + Your people are subjugating the + Trahns... + + TRODIN + Ruling them. + + RIKER + It sounds more like slavery to me... + + TRODIN + (laughs) + Subjugation! Slavery! The Trahns are + glad to be ruled. We've given up as + much as they have. We share the + Starseeker with them. We give them + the benefits of our technology, our + expertise... + + WORF + But not your medicine? + + TRODIN + They already outnumber us ten to one. + We don't want to make it even worse. + + RIKER + It sounds like it already IS worse. + + + INT. BEVERLY'S OFFICE + + Beverly is seated, working at the viewscreen on her desk. We see + a complex molecular model -- the drug from the Trahn's brain. + + BEVERLY + Crusher to Captain Picard. + + PICARD (VO) + (filtered) + Picard here. + + BEVERLY + I've isolated our mystery drug. + (looks at the model) + This is a VERY well-designed chemical. + It appears to selectively inhibit + neural impulses in the brain of the + subject. + + PICARD (VO) + (filtered) + A mind-control drug? + + + + + + + + + + + Steven Grimm / "Reins Of Power" - Rev. 6/10/90 - ACT THREE 17. + + + BEVERLY + I think so. + + PICARD (VO) + (filtered) + What does it control? + + BEVERLY + I don't know for sure, but my guess is + it's to keep them submissive. It's + physically addictive. If the drug + were removed, the shock would probably + kill the patient. + (disgusted) + They'd have no choice but to keep + taking it. + + + INT. BRIDGE + + Picard and Data are at their stations. The others are manned by + various crewmembers. + + PICARD + Can it affect humans? + + BEVERLY (VO) + (filtered) + It's very specific to this species' + brain chemistry. + + PICARD + (nodding) + Understood. + (sighs, then, to himself:) + Barbaric. + + DATA + Sir? Human history contains several + instances of drug usage by military + agencies, to ensure loyalty. + + PICARD + That doesn't make it right, Data. + + DATA + (considers this) + I see, sir. But the Prime Directive + would seem to apply here. + + PICARD + The moment Commander LaForge and + Mister Crusher were captured, we + became intimately involved in all + this. And we will remain involved + (MORE) + + + + + + + + Steven Grimm / "Reins Of Power" - Rev. 6/10/90 - ACT THREE 18. + + + PICARD (Cont'd) + until Wesley is returned. + + RIKER (VO) + (filtered) + Captain? We're finished with our + questioning. + + PICARD + (standing) + Report to the conference room. Mister + Data, you have the conn. + + Picard heads for the conference room. + + + EXT. SPACE -- THE ENTERPRISE + + Time has passed. + + + INT. CONFERENCE ROOM + + Geordi, Picard, Riker, Troi, Beverly, and Worf are present. + Beverly is close to tears. + + BEVERLY + These people sound hideous. We can't + just sit out here and wait, Jean-Luc. + + WORF + Recommend we demonstrate our ability + to find Ensign Crusher by force. + + RIKER + I'm with Worf on this one. It's time + we showed them we can bite back. + + GEORDI + I'm not sure it would make any + difference. Their leader seemed like + he wasn't quite all there. + + PICARD + We will use force, if necessary. But + if they're willing to kill Wesley, + they've already done it by now. + Otherwise, he's safe for a while + longer. + + BEVERLY + You don't KNOW that! + + + + + + + + + + + + Steven Grimm / "Reins Of Power" - Rev. 6/10/90 - ACT THREE 19. + + + PICARD + Doctor, please. + (gently) + I know he's your son. But we must + treat this as we would any other + hostage situation. + + Beverly bites back a strong response, then nods weakly. Troi + puts a hand on her forearm, reassuring her. + + PICARD + Now. Mister Worf, what have you + learned from the rest of the boarding + party? + + WORF + (slightly chagrined) + Nothing, sir. They refused to + speak... + + BEVERLY + (nods) + That'd be an effect of the drug, + Captain. We're not going to get + anything from them. + + DATA (VO) + (filtered) + Captain, the Starseeker is hailing us. + + Picard looks at his staff. Here it comes... + + PICARD + On my way, Commander. + + Everyone leaves for the bridge. + + + INT. BRIDGE + + Everyone comes in from the conference room and goes to the + appropriate station. + + PICARD + Let's hear it. + + TARGOFF (VO) + (filtered) + I am Commander Targoff of the + Starseeker. Enterprise, respond at + once! + + PICARD + This is Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the + Federation starship Enterprise. You + (MORE) + + + + + + + + Steven Grimm / "Reins Of Power" - Rev. 6/10/90 - ACT THREE 20. + + + PICARD (Cont'd) + have captured and held a member of my + crew. + + TARGOFF (VO) + (filtered) + Yes, we have. At the moment, he is + unharmed. + + Beverly is relieved at this, but Targoff's next words have the + opposite effect: + + TARGOFF (VO) + (filtered) + (continuing) + He will die, unless you give me + control of your ship NOW. + + PICARD + No. We will not be coerced. + + TARGOFF (VO) + (filtered) + Very well. Then you will hear your + Wesley Crusher's screams as his limbs + are ripped from his body. + + Beverly is NOT amused by this. + + BEVERLY + No! Harm him in the slightest, and + I'll see you shrieking with... + + PICARD + (whispering) + Doctor! + + TARGOFF (VO) + (filtered) + I see my threat is effective. Trahn! + Bring our prisoner here. + + + INT. STARSEEKER -- PRISON CELL + + Wesley is asleep on the floor in a corner. He has ripped a strip + of cloth from his shirt; it's wrapped around his injured hand. + + He wakes up as four Trahn guards, all armed, enter. One of them + points a gun at Wesley, and motions for him to go through the + door. + + Wesley gets up. + + FADE OUT. + + + + + + + + + Steven Grimm / "Reins Of Power" - Rev. 6/10/90 - ACT THREE 21. + + + END OF ACT THREE. + + +Article 74847 of rec.arts.startrek: +Path: ariel.unm.edu!news.cs.indiana.edu!samsung!sol.ctr.columbia.edu!lll-winken!sun-barr!newstop!exodus!twitterpater.Eng.Sun.COM +From: koreth@twitterpater.Eng.Sun.COM (Steven Grimm) +Newsgroups: rec.arts.startrek +Subject: "Reins Of Power" part 3 (of 3) +Message-ID: <12047@exodus.Eng.Sun.COM> +Date: 23 Apr 91 02:50:04 GMT +Sender: news@exodus.Eng.Sun.COM +Reply-To: koreth@twitterpater.Eng.Sun.COM (Steven Grimm) +Organization: Sun Microsystems, Inc. Mt. View, Ca. +Lines: 1378 + +I hope you're all enjoying the story so far. I think you'll agree that acts +two and three are a big improvement over the teaser and act one; the last +two acts, IMHO, are the best. + +First, some words about where good stories come from. In general, the most +successful TNG episodes are based on character interaction, and the science +fiction stories that surround the character stuff is essentially spraypainted +on. "The Nth Degree," for instance, is about Barclay, not about subspace +field distortions or neural interfaces. (I think that's an example everyone +can agree on, if you ignore the last five minutes.) + +There are exceptions -- "Yesterday's Enterprise" was more plot-driven than +character-driven. But I think they're pretty rare. A story that starts out +from solid characterization, in which the technical stuff is secondary, will +by and large be more successful than a story based on gadgets, in which our +people just happen to be the ones using them. + +Of course, the spraypaint is important, too; this is Star Trek, after all. +In general, if a story is action-packed and has lots of suspense, it's more +likely to be accepted. By no means, though, try to shoehorn suspense and +danger into a story. That usually comes out pretty poorly (the "tacked on +jeopardy" technique.) It's almost always possible to get some tension out +of a good story without forcing things. It's also important to make sure the +plot is intimately related to the character story -- we can have Riker and +Beverly fall in love, but if it has nothing to do with the mission at hand, +it's going to look hackneyed. (Multiple unrelated stories may be more +realistic, but this is drama, not a documentary.) + +And with that, I'll present the final part of "Reins Of Power." I hope you +can read it with a critical eye, to see where I've violated these guidelines. +If I had this story to do over today (assuming I could still use Wesley!) +it'd come out fairly differently. + +--- +Steven Grimm koreth@ebay.sun.com Moderator, comp.{sources,binaries}.atari.st +"We must be brave, and not let them know how frightened we really are." + -- OPEN LOOK Graphical User Interface Functional Specification + +--- cut here --- + + + Steven Grimm / "Reins Of Power" - Rev. 6/10/90 - ACT FOUR 1. + + + _S_T_A_R _T_R_E_K: _T_H_E _N_E_X_T _G_E_N_E_R_A_T_I_O_N + + "Reins Of Power" + + _A_C_T _F_O_U_R + + FADE IN: + + + EXT. SPACE -- THE ENTERPRISE AND THE STARSEEKER + + + PICARD (VO) + Captain's log, supplemental. It has + been twenty minutes since Targoff + threatened to kill Wesley Crusher. We + have heard nothing since then. + + + EXT. SPACE -- THE STARSEEKER + + Establish the location... + + + INT. HIDEOUT + + This room, in a neglected part of the Starseeker, is the lair of + the secret Trahn leader. There are tattered pieces of cloth + blocking the entrance. ALLEA, a particularly ugly Trahn woman of + about sixty, is talking to a few other Trahns when Wesley is + brought in, struggling, by the four Trahn guards. + + WESLEY + Where are you taking me? Let me go! + + Allea motions to the guards, who release Wesley. She is very + confident in her speech. + + ALLEA + You are from the Enterprise. + + WESLEY + That's right. Where's Targoff? I + want to talk to him NOW. + + ALLEA + It would be a sad day indeed if + Targoff were HERE, Enterprise crewman. + Do you have a name? I am Allea. + + WESLEY + Ensign Wesley Crusher. What's going + on here? + + + + + + + + + + + Steven Grimm / "Reins Of Power" - Rev. 6/10/90 - ACT FOUR 2. + + + ALLEA + Please, sit. + + Allea motions to a worn chair. It doesn't look comfortable, but + after the floor, Wesley gladly accepts. He looks at Allea, then + looks around the room. + + WESLEY + Targoff doesn't know about this place, + does he? Or about you. + + ALLEA + He knows about me. He just doesn't + know where I am. The Starseeker is a + big place. He can only watch some of + it, especially when some of his + eyes... + (indicates the guards) + are really mine. + + WESLEY + What's going on here? Does Targoff + know you have me? + + ALLEA + If he doesn't, he'll discover it soon. + You should be grateful. He was about + to have you tortured, to pressure your + Enterprise. + + WESLEY + (snorts) + It wouldn't have worked. + + ALLEA + I believe that. But Targoff's grasp + of the real world is not very tight. + In any case, I decided that you would + be more useful alive, and in my hands. + + WESLEY + (nervous) + Useful? How? + + ALLEA + (off his look) + No, nothing like that. We usually + leave the torture to the Dulians. + + WESLEY + Then what do you want with me? + + ALLEA + The same thing Targoff did, really. + He's not completely stupid. When he + (MORE) + + + + + + + + Steven Grimm / "Reins Of Power" - Rev. 6/10/90 - ACT FOUR 3. + + + ALLEA (Cont'd) + can't deliver you, he'll know the + Enterprise won't be too pleased about + it. He'll want you back, and quickly. + I intend to use that. + + WESLEY + By holding a hostage hostage? + + ALLEA + We have some demands which must be + heard, and this is the only way we'll + get Targoff and his council to listen + to us. + + WESLEY + Demands. What are they? + + ALLEA + We want access to the Starseeker's + hospitals. We want a seat on the + ruling council. We want the curfews + lifted and the checkpoints removed. + + WESLEY + You shouldn't need to take a hostage + to get THOSE. None of that sounds + unreasonable. + + ALLEA + But the Dulians are unreasonable. + Completely. + + WESLEY + Why? What do they do? + + ALLEA + We work for them, and they give us + just enough freedom to keep us from + rioting. + + WESLEY + You're slaves... + + ALLEA + (sarcastic) + They saved us. If it weren't for + THEM, we'd all be dead. + + WESLEY + What do you mean? + + ALLEA + We couldn't stay on our planet. + Almost all the plants and animals were + (MORE) + + + + + + + + Steven Grimm / "Reins Of Power" - Rev. 6/10/90 - ACT FOUR 4. + + + ALLEA (Cont'd) + dead from the pollution. So the + Dulians built the Starseeker. They'd + find another world, and try to make up + for what they did to ours. They told + us that included an end to the labor + camps. They just wanted some of us + here, too. + + WESLEY + So you and the Dulians are from the + same planet. + + ALLEA + Yes. When they found us, we were + living among the trees. We were at + peace with the world. + + WESLEY + And they took you back with them, + right? This is really familiar. It's + happened on hundreds of planets. + + ALLEA + They took our great-grandparents back + to their cities. It was all so new to + us then. They seemed like gods to us. + We didn't know any better than to do + what they asked, at first. + + WESLEY + And then? + + ALLEA + And then we saw them for what they + were. People, who had more knowledge + than we did and were using it to force + us into submission. + + WESLEY + Didn't you fight back? + + ALLEA + There were revolts, but the Dulians + were too powerful. They even used + drugs to keep us obedient after the + first couple of times. We never did + anything but make them angry, and make + our own lives worse. + + Wesley mulls this over. + + WESLEY + Isn't kidnapping me going to do the + same thing? + + + + + + + + + Steven Grimm / "Reins Of Power" - Rev. 6/10/90 - ACT FOUR 5. + + + ALLEA + It would. But now THEY have a knife + at their throats. The Enterprise. + They're as defenseless against it as + we are against them. Oh, Targoff + won't see it for a while. He's been + in charge too long, and he can't + imagine being challenged by anyone. + But I've talked to the guards who saw + your shuttle, who tested your weapons. + You're generations ahead of us. + + WESLEY + (looking around) + Well, yeah, we are. But if you're + expecting the Enterprise to start + cutting the Starseeker to pieces until + the Dulians give in, you're in for a + surprise. + + ALLEA + Meaning? + + WESLEY + Meaning that we're peaceful. + + ALLEA + Peaceful? So why were you armed? + + WESLEY + For SELF-DEFENSE. If the Starseeker + started attacking the Enterprise, it + would shoot back. But otherwise, + they'll wait. + (sighs) + And even if they didn't, you're still + not doing this right. Okay, let's say + Targoff agrees to your demands. Then + what? I leave the ship, and the + Enterprise goes away. What's to stop + Targoff from clamping down on you? + + Allea looks angry for a moment, and almost says something. She + thinks better of it. + + ALLEA + We have to do SOMETHING. We can't + just let ourselves be crushed. + + WESLEY + I agree. You DO have to do something. + But it has to be a lot more than just + asking for a few stupid little tokens. + The only way your people are going to + get out of this is if YOU'RE the ones + (MORE) + + + + + + + + Steven Grimm / "Reins Of Power" - Rev. 6/10/90 - ACT FOUR 6. + + + WESLEY (Cont'd) + on top. The Dulians won't let you get + away with anything else. + + ALLEA + A rebellion? No. We tried it on our + planet... + + WESLEY + This isn't your planet. From what + I've seen, you outnumber them. + There's no reason you can't free + yourselves. + + ALLEA + But... the Dulians are in control of + the ship. They can just seal all the + doors and keep us away. We wouldn't + know how to open them. + + WESLEY + I can help you with that. I know a + few things about electronics. + + ALLEA + I have to think about this... + + WESLEY + Don't think about it, Allea. Do it. + The longer you think about stuff like + this, the more reasons you'll make up + to avoid it. And this is the only + time you'll have me here to help you. + This is the only way you're going to + get anything but tokens from the + Dulians. + + ALLEA + Why are you offering all this? What + do you get? + + WESLEY + Get? I don't GET anything. I just + don't like to see people... oppressed + like this. It's not right, and if I + can help, I will. + + ALLEA + Maybe you're right. I just don't + know. + (beat) + Are all the people on the Enterprise + so... strong-willed? + + + + + + + + + + + Steven Grimm / "Reins Of Power" - Rev. 6/10/90 - ACT FOUR 7. + + + WESLEY + (calming down) + No. I guess... I guess I take after + my mother. The captain usually leaves + things alone, like the Prime Directive + says. + (pauses) + But I'm already involved here... Now + I'm just hitting back. + + + EXT. SPACE -- THE ENTERPRISE + + + + INT. BRIDGE + + Everyone except Wesley is present. + + BEVERLY + How long are you going to sit here and + wait? + + PICARD + No longer. Mister Worf, hail the + Starseeker. + + WORF + Hailing. + (beat) + No response. + + PICARD + (nods) + Mister Data, a ramjet always moves at + high speeds... + + DATA + Correct, sir. Hydrogen intake must be + sufficient to propel the vessel, or it + cannot power its engines. + + PICARD + Helm, take us to the aft end of the + Starseeker. + + + EXT. SPACE -- THE ENTERPRISE AND THE STARSEEKER + + The Enterprise moves to the aft end of the Starseeker, out of the + way of the emerging stream of helium. + + + INT. BRIDGE + + + + + + + + + + Steven Grimm / "Reins Of Power" - Rev. 6/10/90 - ACT FOUR 8. + + + PICARD + Ready a tractor beam. + + WORF + Tractor beam ready, sir. + + PICARD + Decrease their speed gradually, + Lieutenant. + + WORF + Engaging tractor beam. + + + EXT. SPACE -- THE ENTERPRISE AND THE STARSEEKER + + The Enterprise hits the Starseeker with a tractor beam. + + + INT. BRIDGE + + + DATA + They are slowing, Captain. Their + engine output is not significantly + altered. + + RIKER + It's just a tap on the shoulder for + now, Data. + + PICARD + But it should prompt Targoff to turn + around and talk to us. + + WORF + Nothing yet, sir. + + PICARD + There will be. + + + INT. HIDEOUT + + URA, a Trahn man, enters the room. + + URA + Allea! The Enterprise is attacking + the Starseeker! + + WESLEY + What? They wouldn't... + + + + + + + + + + + + Steven Grimm / "Reins Of Power" - Rev. 6/10/90 - ACT FOUR 9. + + + ALLEA + Ura, tell me all you know. + + URA + They have some kind of ray that's + slowing us down. Allea, if we get + below the minimum... + + ALLEA + I know! + (thinks) + Has Targoff talked to them since we + took Wesley? + + URA + I don't think so. + + WESLEY + Well, then, that's why! They're + trying to get Targoff to talk. + + ALLEA + And if he won't, we're all dead. + (decides) + We can't let this happen. All right, + Wesley, show us what to do. + + + INT. BRIDGE + + + DATA + Their engine output has decreased by + forty percent. + + WORF + Sir, we're being hailed. + + RIKER + Finally. + + PICARD + Open channel. Disengage tractor beam. + + WORF + Tractor beam off. Channel open. + + TARGOFF (VO) + (filtered) + What are you doing? + + PICARD + Commander Targoff, we will not sit + idly by while you toy with us. + Release my crewman at once. + + + + + + + + + Steven Grimm / "Reins Of Power" - Rev. 6/10/90 - ACT FOUR 10. + + + TARGOFF (VO) + (filtered) + Or you'll destroy us, and him? + + PICARD + Oh, no. We'll do far worse than + destroy you, Targoff. We'll strand + you, in the middle of space. + + TARGOFF (VO) + (filtered) + I see. Picard, I'm going to be + honest. The reason I haven't called + you is... well, you see, your crewman + has been kidnapped. + + PICARD + Of COURSE he has! That's the point of + all this! + + TARGOFF (VO) + (filtered) + From us, I mean. + + PICARD + He's been abducted? By whom? + + TARGOFF (VO) + (filtered) + There are a few radical Trahns who + don't know their places. We've just + ignored them before, but now we're + looking. + + Picard signals that the transmission should be cut off. + + PICARD + Opinions? + + WORF + He is lying. + + TROI + No. I think he's telling the truth. + He really DOESN'T have Wesley. + + PICARD + Mm. Reopen channel. Commander + Targoff, we will assist you in your + search. + + TARGOFF (VO) + (filtered) + No. We'll handle it. You'll get your + man back. You're obviously too + (MORE) + + + + + + + + Steven Grimm / "Reins Of Power" - Rev. 6/10/90 - ACT FOUR 11. + + + TARGOFF (VO) (Cont'd) + powerful for us. I'd like to... + apologize for attacking you. May I + come aboard your ship to do it in + person? + + PICARD + (in disbelief) + Just how stupid do you think we are? + No, you may NOT come aboard. Return + my crewman with all haste, or face + reprisal. Picard out. + + BEVERLY + And now? + + PICARD + Now we wait. And hope that the Trahns + are not as barbaric as we've been + told. + + FADE OUT. + + END OF ACT FOUR. + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Steven Grimm / "Reins Of Power" - Rev. 6/10/90 - ACT FIVE 12. + + + _A_C_T _F_I_V_E + FADE IN: + + + EXT. SPACE -- THE STARSEEKER + + + + INT. HIDEOUT + + Wesley, Allea, Ura, and several other Trahn leaders are gathered + around a table, looking at a map of the area around the + Starseeker's control room. Wesley is pointing at some corridors. + + WESLEY + If we move in here and here, we'll cut + them off. + + URA + There'll be so much confusion, they + won't know what's hitting them. + + WESLEY + Yep. + + ALLEA + Brilliant. + + WESLEY + I play strategy games that are a lot + like this. + + ALLEA + Just remember that we're dealing with + lives, not markers on a board. Ura, + how soon will we be ready? + + URA + Very soon. We're just getting the + last of the guns from the guards. + + YANNA, a young Trahn male just barely older than Wesley, bursts + into the room. He's carrying Wesley's hand phaser. + + YANNA + Look what I have! + + Wesley grabs the phaser from Yanna. + + WESLEY + How'd you get that? + + YANNA + It was in one of the councilmen's + cabins. I found it while I was + (MORE) + + + + + + + + Steven Grimm / "Reins Of Power" - Rev. 6/10/90 - ACT FIVE 13. + + + YANNA (Cont'd) + cleaning. + + Allea dismisses Yanna, and he leaves. + + URA + The fool! They'll have noticed that. + They probably even know we're about to + strike. + + ALLEA + Then we have to do it now. + + URA + But we're not fully armed... + + ALLEA + We won't get another chance, Ura. Not + if they figure this out. Wesley, do + you agree? + + WESLEY + I think so. And I know I'd rather + have this phaser on our side than + theirs. + + URA + I still say we should wait. + + ALLEA + But I am in command. We strike now. + + Allea gets up and walks out the door. Wesley follows her. After + a moment, and not happily, Ura leaves as well. + + + INT. STARSEEKER -- CORRIDOR + + This is a T intersection of two large corridors. We see ARMED + TRAHNS at both corners -- Wesley, Ura, and Allea are next to each + other on the near side. The camera moves to reveal that the side + passage is occupied by Targoff's Dulian BODYGUARDS. They are + standing on the near side of an octagonal doorway, which is open. + They are obviously ready for an attack -- their weapons are + raised. In the background, we hear gunfire -- the revolution is + happening. + + ALLEA + (quietly, to Ura) + This is it. Once we're past this + door, we have them. Are we ready? + + Ura nods. + + Allea motions with her hand, and the Trahns pour into the side + + + + + + + + + Steven Grimm / "Reins Of Power" - Rev. 6/10/90 - ACT FIVE 14. + + + passage, guns blazing. The Dulians react quickly, leaping to + cover on the other side of the doorway (crouching behind the + corners of the octagon.) One of them is hit by a Trahn as he + tries to take cover. The Dulians fire back, scoring lots of hits + -- the Trahns have no cover. But they keep coming. One of the + Dulians gets up and opens an access box, inside which are door + controls. He's shot down. The Trahns are almost at the door as + his partner hurriedly finishes the job... + + The door, a thick metal bulkhead, slams shut. The Trahns stop. + Ura, Wesley, and Allea come around the corner to the head of the + crowd and look at the door. + + URA + I told you this would happen. They'll + seal all the entrances now, and we'll + be stuck out here without any food... + + WESLEY + Will you be quiet? I'm not done yet. + + Wesley goes to the access box on this side of the bulkhead. It's + sealed shut, as he finds when he tries to open it. + + URA + You can't unlock it. + (looks at his gun) + And it's too tough to shoot open. + + WESLEY + No it isn't. Stand back. + + The Trahns nearest the box comply as Wesley takes out the phaser + and blasts a hole in the front cover. Inside, we see that the + controls have been blasted apart as well, revealing wires + underneath. + + URA + You melted the controls! + + ALLEA + Let him work. + + Wesley rips out some of the wiring. He tries putting two of the + wires together. There's a spark, but nothing happens. He tries + another two; they work, and the door opens. + + There are several Dulian guards waiting inside. Wesley ducks + behind the corner of the doorway as the firing starts. We hear + gunplay, but we just see Wesley, crouched behind the doorway. He + would much rather be at a computer console than in the middle of + a firefight... + + Then, abruptly, all the firing stops. Wesley looks up and sees + that the Trahns have won, though they've taken pretty heavy + + + + + + + + + Steven Grimm / "Reins Of Power" - Rev. 6/10/90 - ACT FIVE 15. + + + losses. + + ALLEA + Inside! Move! + + The Trahns rush in. Wesley catches up with Allea. + + ALLEA + Those were Targoff's bodyguards. He + wouldn't send them unless there was + nobody else left. + (a hint of glee) + We have them... + + + INT. STARSEEKER -- CONTROL ROOM + + Computer consoles line the walls of this room. There's a large + viewscreen across from the main entrance; the Enterprise fills + the screen. Targoff is standing at one of the consoles, his + finger pressed down on one of the buttons. Some other Dulians + are watching him. + + A hole appears in the door, and rapidly grows larger. We see + that Wesley is disintegrating it with his phaser. + + Allea, Wesley, Ura, and some other Trahns rush in. They point + their guns at the Dulians, who step away from the controls and + raise their hands into the air. + + ALLEA + Targoff, get away from those controls. + You know we've beaten you. + + TARGOFF + (smiling) + Except... I've entered an overload + program into the engine control + systems. If I release this button + without entering the cancellation + command, in ten minutes the engines + will explode and take you with them. + + Allea isn't happy about this. + + TARGOFF + (the smile turns into a + grin) + Now. Put down your weapons, or I'll + kill you. + + Allea starts to indicate that her people should comply, but + Wesley stops her. + + + + + + + + + + + Steven Grimm / "Reins Of Power" - Rev. 6/10/90 - ACT FIVE 16. + + + WESLEY + Ura, you know these controls, right? + + URA + Yes, most of them. He's telling the + truth. + + WESLEY + I don't care. Where's the + communications station? + + Ura points it out. Wes walks over to the station. From behind + his back, we see him pressing some buttons. + + WESLEY + Crusher to Riker. + + + INT. BRIDGE + + Picard looks at Riker in surprise. Geordi is at his station. + + RIKER + Riker here. What's going on over + there? + + WESLEY (VO) + (filtered) + Targoff is threatening to overload the + engines and blow up the Starseeker. + If you don't hear from me in seven + minutes, slow the Starseeker down + until its engines shut off. + + Riker and Picard exchange a look -- why is Wesley giving an + ORDER? After a moment, Picard nods. + + RIKER + Seven minutes. All right. + + WESLEY (VO) + (filtered) + Crusher out. + + GEORDI + Captain, even if we shut off the + engines, they'll still have enough + power in their batteries to vaporize + themselves... + + RIKER + I'm sure he knows that. Looks like + the poker lessons are paying off. + + + + + + + + + + + Steven Grimm / "Reins Of Power" - Rev. 6/10/90 - ACT FIVE 17. + + + INT. CONTROL ROOM + + Targoff is still hovering over the button. Wesley turns away + from the communication station. He walks to a chair and sits + down. He faces Targoff. + + WESLEY + Okay, let's do it. I want to see you + overload an engine that doesn't have + any power. + (smiles) + + Targoff's resolve wavers. He stares at the Enterprise on the + viewscreen. Abruptly, he jerks his hand back from the button. + An alarm sounds until he angrily hits a quick sequence of buttons + at another console; then the control room is silent. + + TARGOFF + All right. You win. + + A couple of Trahns step forward and take Targoff's arms. They + bring him over to Allea. + + ALLEA + Targoff. You don't know how often + I've wanted to put a gun to your head. + + TARGOFF + We should have brought enough drugs + for all of you. You won't find us + easy to rule, Trahn. + + ALLEA + (coldly) + You're right. I won't. + + And with that, Allea lifts her gun and shoots Targoff. + + ALLEA + That's for the curfews. + + WESLEY + (standing) + Allea! Stop! You can't do this... + + ALLEA + Take him. + (to the other Dulians) + All you. Over by that wall. NOW! + + They comply. A couple of Trahn guards take Wesley's arms. One + of them confiscates his phaser. + + + + + + + + + + + + Steven Grimm / "Reins Of Power" - Rev. 6/10/90 - ACT FIVE 18. + + + ALLEA + Get him off this ship. We're done + with him. + + The guards lead Wesley through the blasted doorway. Wesley + shouts back to Allea as he's taken away. + + WESLEY + I thought you were better than this. + You're just as bad as they are! + + There's no sound for several seconds. Then we hear several guns + being fired inside the control room, and some bodies falling to + the floor. + + + FADE TO: + + + INT. CRUSHER QUARTERS + + The lights are off. Wesley is sitting by a window, watching the + stars go past. He is obviously in a sour mood. Then the comm + system beeps. + + GEORDI (VO) + (filtered) + Wes, there's a comm channel open for + you. + + WESLEY + Tell 'em to leave a message with the + computer. + + GEORDI (VO) + (filtered) + (beat) + It's Sonri. + + Wes takes a deep breath, then gets up. + + WESLEY + Okay, I'll take it in here. + + He goes over to a desk, on which is a viewscreen, and hits a + button on the viewer control panel. Sonri's face appears. In + the background, we see that she's in her dorm room, at the + computer. + + SONRI + (somber) + Hi, Wes. Geordi told me what + happened. Are you all right? + + + + + + + + + + + Steven Grimm / "Reins Of Power" - Rev. 6/10/90 - ACT FIVE 19. + + + WESLEY + (shaking his head slowly) + I don't know... + (beat) + Why, Sonri? Why does stuff like this + happen? I was trying to help. I + thought I was setting them free. + + SONRI + I can't tell you anything you haven't + heard a hundred times since you got + back. + + WESLEY + I know. The Prime Directive. It's + just... Well, I really thought this + was different. + + SONRI + So what happens now? + + WESLEY + Well, Starfleet's sending a ship to + tow the Starseeker to an empty planet, + so they can colonize it. They're + going to establish diplomatic... + + SONRI + I mean to you. + + WESLEY + (nods -- he knew that) + They're putting together a board of + inquiry. I have to report to Starbase + Sixteen in three days. Commander + Riker thinks they'll go easy on me, + since this sort of thing has happened + before, but I'm not sure. + + SONRI + What do you think they'll do? + + WESLEY + I don't think they'll put me away or + anything. Maybe they'll send me to + the Academy for a while, to train me + for stuff like this. + (sighs) + But if this is the sort of thing I'm + going to have to live with, I'm not + sure I want to be in Starfleet. + + SONRI + You won't do anything like this again. + It's over. + + + + + + + + + Steven Grimm / "Reins Of Power" - Rev. 6/10/90 - ACT FIVE 20. + + + WESLEY + Well, yeah, but... + + SONRI + No. I know you, Wes. You've wanted + to be a Starfleet officer for as long + as I can remember. All the good + things you've told me about it are + still true... + + WESLEY + Yeah. I guess so. + + SONRI + Anyway, I have some good news for you. + I talked to Doctor Sontok for about + four hours after his lecture. + + Wesley perks up. + + WESLEY + Really? + + SONRI + Wes, he was very impressed with our + field inversion theory. He even + worked on it with me for a little + while. Here, I'll send you what we + did... + + She hits some buttons on her console. The word "Receiving" + appears at the bottom of Wesley's screen as Sonri talks, then + goes away. + + SONRI + Anyway, take a look at that and tell + me what you think. + + WESLEY + Okay! I'll look at it. + (serious again) + Sonri, thanks. I'm glad I have + someone to talk to. + + SONRI + Me too, Wes. I'm glad someone out + there trusts me enough to talk about + stuff like this. It's so hard to find + someone I feel comfortable with. + (kidding) + Even if you are an alien... + + WESLEY + Hey, I'm with Starfleet. That's never + stopped us before. + + + + + + + + + Steven Grimm / "Reins Of Power" - Rev. 6/10/90 - ACT FIVE 21. + + + SONRI + (raises her eyebrows) + I know. + + Wesley grins. + + + EXT. SPACE -- THE ENTERPRISE + + Flying away at warp speed. + + FADE OUT. + + END OF ACT FIVE. + + diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/rematch b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/rematch new file mode 100644 index 00000000..ada66f3d --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/rematch @@ -0,0 +1,1383 @@ +-*- Posted to Usenet by Lawrence Wright, Sysop of Silicon Heaven +-*- +44 (0) 626 834331. 9pm - 5.30am GMT/UTC - 2:255/76@fidonet.org +-*- Story (C) Paul Hubbard - 2:255/76.5@fidonet.org +-*- phubb@nowster.demon.co.uk + +REMATCH + +Part One: + +Far out at the edge of Federation space was the planetary star +system known as 202. For several years, 202 marked the end of +explored territory. Beyond it was the great void, fully +unexplored. Normally, ten or fifteen years would pass, the +fronteer boundary would move on and Outpost 202 would revert to +it's old designated name, KR13-23. For some strange reason, +Federation starships had not explored pass this point. Even more +puzzling was the blanket ban on ships passing 202 and entering +the great unexplored expanse. So important was this that it +warranted a general order, directly from the Council no less. +And then, finally, with fresh orders, a Federation survey ship +came. + + +Co-ordinator Farrell sat uneasily at his console. For several +hours, his monitoring teams, here on outpost 202, far on the edge +of Federation space, had been scanning unexplored sectors for +signs of their research ship , USS Naylor. The ship had been +sent on a secret mission to a adjoining unexplored sector and +was now three weeks overdue. Starfleet command, in their wisdom, +had sent a starship, the USS Glover, to assist in the search. +The USS Glover had reported finding the missing research ship in +orbit around a previously undiscovered planet before +communications were suddenly cut off. Since then, there had been +nothing but static punctuated by the calls of the outpost +communications centre. No reply was forthcoming. + +The door chimed. + +"Enter", came Farrell's reply. +The door opened and in stepped his second in command, Sub Co- +ordinator Harris. + +"Co-ordinator", cried Harris. "Our scans have picked up two +ships on a approach vector." + +"Have they acknowledged our hails???????" + +"No Sir, the communications have been silent. Nothing has been +received at any of our communication posts." + +"Strange". Farrell fingers pounded in desk in thoughtful +anticipation, "I would have expected some sort of message????". +Farrell pondered for a few more seconds, then added "I know the +captain of the Glover. Knight and me go right back to academy +days. He wouldn't keep silent like this unless something was +seriously wrong." + +"Maybe their communications systems are down Sir" replied Harris. + +"On both ships?, one maybe, two together, no way". Farrell +thumbed a button on his desk. A female voice answered. +"Communications, has there been any reply yet?". "No Sir" came +the reply, "all communications channels are silent. However, +according to out scans, both ships communications systems are +operative. They can hear us sir.". She paused for a moment, +unable to believe what her eyes were telling her. "Sir!!!", she +cried, "Both ships have broken off their courses and have assumed +a attack posture". + +"Godammit, what is going on?" replied Farrell. He turned several +possiblities over in his mind, then acted. "Get the colony +shields up NOW". His desk panel confirmed the shields going up. +"Communications, get a message off immediately to the nearest +friendlies, tell them we are under attack". A large explosion +shook the ground nearby. On the desk displays, half the shield +indicators went out. + +Harris looked stunned. "Sir", he replied, ....Sir, this is +strange.....The phaser fire is being directed at the shield +generators only!!!!". Another explosion shook the ground and the +lights dimmed momentarily before regaining their former +brilliance. The sound of a deeper explosion filled the room and +the lights went out. + +"All shields are down Sir" called Harris. "We have a complete +system failure and the main fusion reactor is down.". + +In the corridor outside, the sounds of phaser fire and a scuffle +were audiable. The door to the co-ordinators office blew open +and two men in Federation uniform enter. Harris made a lunge for +them but was too slow. A phaser spat and he fell to the ground. +"Outside....NOW" barked the aggressor, "and drag your friend with +you". + +Farrell squinted as he stumbled outside. Multiple fires burned +in the midday air. In the distance, the remains of the shield +generator burned fiercely. The colonists had been rounded up +into a large group, guarded by other men toting phasers. A man +in a captains uniform stepped forward to Farrell. + +"Co-ordinator Farrell, I presume?". + +Farrell looked stunned. This was the same Knight he knew from +the academy days...but...he was acting like a complete stranger. + +"I am captain Knight, of the Glover. I trust none of your +colonists are hurt...hmmmm...." + +"What in gods name do you think you are playing at" replied +Farrell. "Don't you recognise me. Its Farrell, your old buddy +from the academy. Why attack my colony, are you mad, have you +lost your mind? Why don't you recognise me...." + +"Im afraid captain Knight is having a short....break right now.". +Knight paused for a few seconds, looked around and, finally +satisfied with what he saw, tapped his communicator. "Knight to +Glover.". A voice replied. "Start beaming down the...cargo.." + +Multiple transporter chimes filled the air. Stacks of small +pallets began to appear. Knight turned and walked over to one +of the pallets. As he turned, Farrell noticed a small blue lump +at the base of Knight's neck. Knight stopped at the pallet and +picked up a small container, pulled open the lid and then walked +over to where Farrell was standing. He showed Farrell the +contents of the box. Inside was some sort of a multi legged +insect with Stag beetle like pincers, light violet in colour. +Farrell recoiled in disgust. + +"You don't understand" crooned Knight. He turned to the gathered +colonists. "You don't understand, we mean you no harm.". He +turned to Farrell. "We seek... peaceful... co-existence". + + +End of Part one. + + +Path: newserv.ksu.ksu.edu!moe.ksu.ksu.edu!vixen.cso.uiuc.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!pipex!uknet!EU.net!uunet!mnemosyne.cs.du.edu!nyx10.cs.du.edu!not-for-mail +~From: lwright@nyx10.cs.du.edu (Lawrence Wright) +~Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative +~Subject: TNG Story: Rematch (Part 2) +~Date: 14 May 1994 10:23:10 -0600 +Organization: Nyx, Public Access Unix @ U. of Denver Math/CS dept. +~Lines: 136 +Message-ID: <2r2tte$cq3@nyx10.cs.du.edu> + +-*- Posted to Usenet by Lawrence Wright, Sysop of Silicon Heaven +-*- +44 (0) 626 834331. 9pm - 5.30am GMT/UTC - 2:255/76@fidonet.org +-*- Story (C) Paul Hubbard - 2:255/76.5@fidonet.org +-*- phubb@nowster.demon.co.uk + +REMATCH + +Part two. + +On the bridge of the Enterprise, Riker yawned. It had been one +of those long, boring afternoon watches. Nothing to do, nothing +to see, well, that was a lie. Plenty to see from the viewer. +Still, the shift was dragging on. He looked over his shoulder +and noticed Worf running the ships defense and weapons systems +through another tedious test cycle. If there was one member of +the crew who was guaranteed to find something to do, then it was +Worf. 'Good luck to him' thought Riker. + +Data was sitting in his usual spot. Of the officers aboard the +Enterprise, Data could put his hand, if he so wished, on the spot +where his heart should be and claim he was not bored. Just +thinking about this made Riker feel worse. Riker scanned around +the bridge. Everybody had something to do, something to keep +themselves busy, and here was Will Riker, First officer of the +Federation flagship Enterprise.....Bored. + +He sighed, then smirked as he reflected on the fact that he +wouldn't give up his job for anybody. No, here was where he +belonged and here he would stay. + +The Turbolift doors opened and Picard and Troi entered. + +Riker could overhear Picard chatting to Troi about a symposium +he was to speak at. Troi was doing her best not to look bored +as well but it was a struggle. Riker paused for a few seconds +before he remembered that the symposium was due to be held on +Raisa. He smiled, no longer bored, 'have Horgaan will travel' +he thought. + +Worf's communication panel chimed. +'Sir' cried Worf, "I have a priority one message from Starfleet +coming in" + +"In my ready room please Mr Worf", and with that he walked off. + +Picard sat down at his desk. 'Computer, pipe through incoming +message to this terminal'. The terminal screen flashed a +stardate time stamp, then cleared to reveal the face of a man, +greying slightly, looking weather beaten. Admiral Greyson always +looked like somebody had left him out in the rain overnight. + +"Admiral Greyson to Captain Picard. Due to your distance this +is a relay message only". He paused, coughed, then continued. +"On stardate 48233.4, Starbase 212 received a coded distress +message from Outpost 202. Before communications were cut off, +they stated the colony was under attack from two Federation +ships. All communications were lost after a few cycles of the +message. Your orders are to proceed to Outpost 202, make a full +assessment of the situation and take whatever steps are +necessary.". He paused and his features softened. "I'm sorry +Jean Luc, I know you was looking forward to giving the lecture +at Raisa but this is of importance. We need to know just what +in hell is going on. Keep me posted, good luck. Message out.". + +The terminal screen darkened. + +Picard stood, straightened his uniform and walked out onto the +bridge. He stopped next to Data. "Mr Data, plot a course for +outpost 202". He motioned to the helmsman, "Warp factor 6" +"Course laid in Sir" replied Data. +"Engage, have all senior officer in the briefing room at .7 Mr +Riker." and with that he walked to the Turbolift. + +'That's my boring day over with', thought Riker. + + +In the briefing room, all the senior officers were present. Dr +Crusher was discussing something with Troi. Data looked his +usual, totally non plussed. LaForge was consulting his PADD. +The door swished open and Picard and Riker entered. Riker sat +down whilst Picard looked around the desk, checking to see +everyone was there. + +"Gentlemen, and ladies. I'm sorry to have to call you here at +short notice. I trust you have seen the communique from command. +Can I have your comments". + +Worf piped up. "Captain, we must assume the colony was attacked +by a belligerent force and we must assume a aggressive posture". + +"Mr Worf", replied Picard, "before we go galavanting into a +potential battle zone, we must remember that two of our ships are +involved. Countless innocents may be injured in our haphazard +attempts at rescue". + +"547 colonists Sir, with 730 assorted ships compliments on both +vessels." interjected Data. + +"Thank you Data, any other points?" + +Troi piped up. "Sir, I have been examining the personnel records +for both captains of the two ships. The is nothing in them that +would give a indication as to why they would both suddenly +change. Both captains are role model officers and are held in +the highest esteem by their crews. A further search found that +the sector past outpost 202 has been neglected by survey teams." + +"Well, there's nothing wrong in that. We only have certain +starships capable of exploration, of which the Enterprise is +one." + +"Im in full agreement sir, however, just under a month ago, a +ship, the USS Glover, was detailed to do a expedition sweep of +the area." + +Data cut in. "Sir, there has been a Federation council ban on +any ships passing 202. It has been made into a general order. +Now, for some reason, without the councils knowledge, a Starship +has been sent past 202. I have accessed all the records +available but there is no record of who sent the orders or where +the order originated." + +Picard sat and digested this information for a few seconds. "I +think a subspace message querying the orders should be sent to +Starfleet command". Riker agreed. "I see from your individual +reports that a ships systems are up to scratch. Are there any +other comments?" concluded Picard. + +Nobody stirred. "Mr Data, how long to arrival at outpost 202" +"Approximately 22.34Hrs sir at present speed" replied Data. + +"Very good, meeting adjourned", and with that, they all filed out +of the briefing room. + + +End of part two. + +Path: newserv.ksu.ksu.edu!moe.ksu.ksu.edu!vixen.cso.uiuc.edu!uwm.edu!spool.mu.edu!agate!doc.ic.ac.uk!uknet!EU.net!uunet!mnemosyne.cs.du.edu!nyx10.cs.du.edu!not-for-mail +~From: lwright@nyx10.cs.du.edu (Lawrence Wright) +~Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative +~Subject: TNG Story: Rematch (Part 3) +~Date: 14 May 1994 10:23:59 -0600 +Organization: Nyx, Public Access Unix @ U. of Denver Math/CS dept. +~Lines: 220 +Message-ID: <2r2tuv$cs2@nyx10.cs.du.edu> + +-*- Posted to Usenet by Lawrence Wright, Sysop of Silicon Heaven +-*- +44 (0) 626 834331. 9pm - 5.30am GMT/UTC - 2:255/76@fidonet.org +-*- Story (C) Paul Hubbard - 2:255/76.5@fidonet.org +-*- phubb@nowster.demon.co.uk + +REMATCH + +Part 3. + +"Captains log: Supplemental. +The Enterprise is now a few hours from the planetary system where +outpost 202 is sited. I have, time and time again, been mulling +over what course of action to take. Starfleet intelligence has +given me little clues to go and I am forced to assume that the +worse possible scenario has occurred, namely that both ships have +been taken over by a hostile force and the crews either captured +or dead. It is with this in mind that I have decided to go in +on a war footing and try not to get 'caught with my pants down' +like Admiral Kirk nearly a century ago. I just hope that I have +come to the right decision." + + +The Enterprise was on yellow alert. For over a hour, she had +been slowly entering the planetary system where Outpost 202 was +sited. Due to a possible intruder incursion, the scanners on the +Enterprise were running on passive mode. Worf hated it. He knew +that the best way to find any intruders within the system was to +set the scanning systems on active mode. Doing this would +instantly show up every planet, rock and vessel within a parsec +of the Enterprise's current position. Worf also knew that +setting the scanners to active mode would make the Enterprise +stick out like a sore thumb, a perfect target for everybody to +see, all surprise gone. Worf really hated it. + +Picard looked around the bridge, checking that nothing was amiss. +He also knew that scanning using passive mode only was slow and +tedious. Time was playing heavily on the bridge crew. If +nothing happened soon, they would start to get bored and a bored +crew would start to make mistakes. Picard knew he would dearly +love to use full active scanner mode but, as the old Earth adage +about April weather goes..In like a lamb, out like a Lion. In +like a lion, out like a lamb..., that would be suicide. In like +a lion on full scan mode and they would possibly be going out +like a lamb, a very dead lamb, and in little pieces. Best to go +in quietly, that way you can keep the advantage and go out like +a lion. + +"Mr Worf", intoned Picard for the umpteenth time. "Any thing on +the sensor scans?" + +"Nothing Sir" replied Worf, "Apart from Outpost 202 and +surrounding planets and a small comet at 322 Mark4, there is +nothing to note." + +"Keep scanning Mr Worf" concluded Picard. + +'What would make a man snap' he thought. He had heard of Knight. +A brilliant man, family back on Earth, well liked and respected +by his crew. None of it made sense. Then again, what +circumstances would make the captain of the research ship snap +as well. No, it had to be outside forces at work here. Floating +here with minimal sensors didn't help to find any answers either. +A plan started to formulate within Picards head. + +"Bridge to Engineering" + +"Engineering here Captain" replied LaForge, "What can I do for +you sir?" + +"Mr LaForge, would we be spotted if the sensors were programmed +for a one second active burst?" + +"Sorry captain, we would still stick out like a flashlight on a +dark night". Geordi paused for a few second, deep in thought, +then a idea hit him. "Now, if you could cloak behind something +whilst doing it, something like a small moon...." + +"I get your drift Mr LaForge, bridge out. Mr Data, position the +Enterprise behind that small moon over there. Mr Worf, can you +direct a sensor burst to bounce off that other moon over there?" + +"A few minutes to set up Sir" came Worfs answer. + +Riker turned to Picard. "Brilliant idea Sir, how did you think +of it?" + +Picard thought for a few seconds. "Reading those old history +books number one. During the WW1 and 2 wars, submarines were +fitted with periscopes to enable them to hide whilst being able +to look for enemy targets. It's not quite the same thing but I'm +sure it will work." + +The Enterprise rounded the bulk of the small moon, and it was +then that Picard realised he wasn't the only one to have the same +idea. Ahead of them was the USS Glover, all shields up and all +weapons to bear. + +"My god", cried Picard. "RED ALERT" barked Riker, "Shields to +maximum strength, power up all phaser banks...." + +The Glover got in the first shot. Three phaser bursts hit the +Enterprises saucer section. Not to be outdone, Worf, acting on +him own, got off a volley of torpedoes. One struck the Glover +near her shuttlebays. + +Picard acted. "Mr Data, move us away from the moon. I want as +much space to manoeuvre in as possible. Lock phasers on the +Glover and fire..." + +Several more hits struck the Enterprise. + +"Shields three, seven and fifteen are down sir" called Worf, "I +am attempting to cover with surrounding shields". Another round +of phaser fire hit home. "Sir, hull breach, deck 5, sector 31." + +The computer chimed once then spoke, "WARNING: OUTER HULL BREACH" + +Several more hits struck the Enterprise and the computer cut in +again, "WARNING: INNER HULL BREACH; EXPLOSIVE DECOMPRESSION IN +DECKS 5 AND 6, SECTORS 31 AND 32" + +Down in the affected sectors, several people were sucked into +space as the bulkhead disappeared in a explosion of flame and +sparks. Just as the air started to rush out, emergency force +fields cut in and contained the damaged area. + +"Damm, they're all over us" yelled Riker. + +"Enough is enough number one, Course 123 Mark 10, warp two for +ten second then curve around towards that comet we spotted." + +Enterprise streaked away from the Glover. To Picard's +expectation, the Glover started to follow. As Enterprise changed +course towards the comet, the Glover slowed to a halt. + +"He isn't following us, why???" exclaimed Riker. + +"I think I can answer that.." replied Data, "The comet we are +heading for is not a comet.." + +"Elaborate" said Picard. + +"Viewer magnification x1000". Several seconds passed before the +realisation set in. "As I suspected sir, the comet is not a +comet. It is a fleet of ships masquerading as a comet and we are +heading straight for them at warp 2" + +The comm panel sounded. "Engineering to Bridge, LaForge here +captain". + +"Go ahead Mr LaForge". + +"We have serious problems down here captain. The buffeting has +opened up a crack in the dilithium in the reaction chamber. If +we keep going like this, the crystal could shatter.." + +Picard got the message. If the dilithium shattered then matter +and antimatter would mix directly. Bang, no more Enterprise. + +"Can you keep the shields up Mr LaForge?" + +"Captain, you can either have shields or warp drive, not both. +I can put in a new crystal but it would take at least a hour +without being bounced around to align". A loud crunch was +clearly heard over the comms. "CAPTAIN", cried Laforge, "Drop +the shields NOW" + +Picard got the message. "Mr Worf, lower shields. I think at +this point that disgression is quite clearly the better part of +valour. Plot a course away from both parties, best possible +speed." + +"Captain" growled Worf. "You are running away!!!" + +"No Mr Worf, saving ourselves to fight another day." + +Worfs panel chimed. "Sir, I have a incoming subspace message for +you.....it's from the captain of the Glover..." + +"Put it on screen Mr Worf. Might as well see who we are dealing +with.." + +The main viewer cleared. Captain Knight of the Glover appeared. +"Running away Picard?" he sneered, "We are so...disappointed" + +"Who are we?" challenged Picard. + +"Oh come now Picard, you remember US. Six years ago, you +eradicated our advance invasion force. We have been very careful +these last few years. You see, we are now ready." + +A small bell went off in Picards head. Six years ago. Who?. +The truth started to dawn on him. The death of his old friend +Walker Keel and the destruction of his ship, the Horatio. The +fire fight at Starfleet headquarters. The death of Remick and +the strange creature that had taken him over. Picard started to +look sick. + +"Now now Picard, you remember us???. Maybe this will remind you" + +Knight bent over revealing the back of his neck. A small blue +gill protruded. + +"Still in the dark Picard? How about my little friend here." + +Knight held up a small container, inside it was the multilegged, +light purple creature that Picard and Riker knew so well. + +"You see" continued Knight, "we mean you no harm. We just seek +peaceful coexistence....." + +"Close channels" concluded Picard. The viewer reverted back to +the starfield. "Package a recording of all events and send to +Command. Now we know who we are up against. Plot a course for +the nearest starbase. We need repairs number one." + +The Enterprise withdrew. Round one to the aggressors. + + + + +Path: newserv.ksu.ksu.edu!moe.ksu.ksu.edu!vixen.cso.uiuc.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!agate!doc.ic.ac.uk!uknet!EU.net!uunet!mnemosyne.cs.du.edu!nyx10.cs.du.edu!not-for-mail +~From: lwright@nyx10.cs.du.edu (Lawrence Wright) +~Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative +~Subject: TNG Story: Rematch (Part 4) +~Date: 14 May 1994 10:24:42 -0600 +Organization: Nyx, Public Access Unix @ U. of Denver Math/CS dept. +~Lines: 245 +Message-ID: <2r2u0a$cub@nyx10.cs.du.edu> + +-*- Posted to Usenet by Lawrence Wright, Sysop of Silicon Heaven +-*- +44 (0) 626 834331. 9pm - 5.30am GMT/UTC - 2:255/76@fidonet.org +-*- Story (C) Paul Hubbard - 2:255/76.5@fidonet.org +-*- phubb@nowster.demon.co.uk + +REMATCH Part four. + + +Captains log; Supplimental. +Repairs to the Enterprise have been going on since we arrived at +Starbase 212 two days ago. Most of the damage inflicted during +the fire fight was superficial but most repair time has been +allocated to upgrading the phaser and photorp systems. I have +been promised that all will be ship shape and Bristol fashion +within the next few hours. On the basis of our log report, +Starfleet command has cut orders for all available ships within +the sector to rondevous with us at 212. I just hope we will be +in time to stop the enemy fleet which is now massing out at +Outpost 202. I cannot help feeling that I will be loosing old +friends in the oncomeing conflict. + + +The Enterprise had been at Starbase 212 for five days receiving +repairs to her battle damage. The USS Glover had inflicted minor +damage, not enough to order a retreat but with the Dilithium +crystal going at the same time, Picard's hands were tied. + +Within his ready room, Picard sat studying his PADD. Starfleet +command had replied to his urgent communication message about the +approaching invader fleet with all the speed of a Tortoise, not +that Picard would know what a Tortoise was. They had been +extinct on Earth now for nearly three centuries and were liable +to stay that way unless the offworld DNA labs could clone some +like they had been promising for years. Starfleet command knew +that the invading fleet couldn't be taken lying down and had +hastily given orders for all available starships within the +quadrant to head for Starbase 212. Much to Picard's pleasure, +the Enterprise had been designated 'Flagship' of the fleet. + +The door chimed. + +"Come", answered Picard. The door opened and Riker entered. +"Ah, Number one, I've just started going over these fleet +assignments. Quite stimulating." + +"I take it you haven't read the full list sir, there are one or +two surprises there." replied Riker. + +Picard stared at the list for a few more seconds. "I don't see +what you mean number one....", he scanned for a few more seconds +and then stopped dead at a entry. + +"My oh my.." exclaimed Picard, "It's my old ship, the +Stargazer...". He paused again for a few more seconds. "But +that's impossible, they told me she was only fit for scrap...." + +"You know how it is sir" said Riker, "Since the encounter with +the Borg at Wolf 359, Starfleet has been pulling just about every +old ship out of mothballs and refurbishing them. I may interest +you to know that the Hathaway is also on that list as well..." + +"I know number one. I did hear rumours that Starfleet was +raiding the space museum at Moonbase , but I thought that was +just a myth.....still.....you can never tell." + +Picard got up, pulled on the front of his tunic and walked over +to the replicator. "Tea..Earl Grey...Hot" he intoned. Carrying +the cup, he walked back over to his desk and sat back down. +"According to this list number one, the Stargazer should arrive +within the next few hours. I wonder who the captain is....must +be on this list somewhere.....ah, here it is. Commanding +officer: Captain J.T Hollander. Can't say I know him." + +"I do sir" replied Riker, "Hollander and myself were at the +academy together. He's good, strong, reliable and above all +dependable. Very good in tactical thinking. The negative side +is that me is a terrible crawler." + + +"By whose standards?" + +"Most serving officers at the academy, I'm afraid." + +"Hmmmm" exclaimed Picard. "I daresay he'll be after my job next, +going by his record." + +The door chimed. "Come" + +The door opened and Dr Crusher walked in, her red hair wafting +in the breeze from the air conditioning system. She seemed to +have something on her mind. + +"Ah, the good doctor, what can I do for you?" + +Beverley stopped walking, composed herself and then addressed +Picard. + +"Sir, All regulations concerning sickbay have been attended to. +Sickbay is now ready to cope with virtually anything thrown at +it." + +"Very good doctor, however, I can see there is something else on +your mind, anything I can do to help?" + +"Well" replied Beverley, "According to my PADD, the USS Stargazer +docks within the next few hours and I was wondering if I could +go over when we are transferring supplies?" + +"Well, normally I wouldn't mind one bit doctor, however, we are +working under different circumstances. Is there any particular +reason?". From the corner of his eye, Picard could see Riker +with a knowing grin. This had to be good. + +Bev smiled. "Well captain, I would like to visit my son at his +new posting." + +Picard blinked, his mouth opened. "You mean Wesley?,...on the +Stargazer?..." + +"I only had one son the last time I looked.." replied Beverley. +"It's his first posting out of the academy and I haven't seen him +for a couple of years." + +Picard needed no prompting. "Permission granted doctor. Oh, and +doctor, convey my best wishes to the young Ensign." + +"Thank you Sir". She turned and walked out. + +"Will, you are nothing but a old fraud. You could have told me +in advance that Wesley was on that ship!" + +"And miss your face" replied Riker, "no fear. I'm very surprised +at his meteoric rise to his current position. Just shows you +can't keep a good man down." + +"Agreed" replied Picard, and with that he set his PADD down and +walked out onto the bridge with Riker. + + +Several hours later, the last of the ships sent to fleet duties +had arrived at 202 and taken up position within the fleet. Out +on the starboard perimeter sat the Stargazer, fully operational +with the latest devices and gadgets that Starfleet engineering +had to offer and with that a new captain. To some she looked +like a bucket of bolts but to Picard, the old lady looked +stately. Picard couldn't put it off any longer. + +"Mr Worf, open a communication channel to the Stargazer" + +Worf looked up. "In your ready room sir?" + +"No, on the main viewer" replied Picard. + +The starfield blanked out to a image of the Starfleet logo. This +lasted for a few seconds then changed to the image of a bridge, +The bridge of the USS Stargazer. In Picards old chair sat a man, +around the same age as Riker, close cut hair and rugged face. +'Not the kind of man to cross' mused Picard. + +Hollander got in the first shot. + +"Ah, Captain Picard, may myself and my crew express our pleasure +in serving in the task force." + +Picard turned and looked at Riker with a sour look. Picard hated +crawlers, especially ones that gave the impression of wanting +your job. His reply had better be good. + +"Captain Hollander, the pleasure is all mine. I'm sure you know +my first officer, Commander Riker" + +"Of course, of course. Hello Will, I hope he's not working you +to the bone ha ha." + +Riker could only manage a sickly smile. Yup, this was the James +Hollander he remembered. Still, whatever his faults, he was one +brilliant man, almost as good as himself, he thought modestly. + +Hollander cut in. "Ah Captain, I'm also sure you know +my....rather dependerble fifth officer, Mr Crusher?" + +Riker gave Picard a surprised look. He had taken a passing +interest in young Wesley's career since he went to the academy. +The only thing was, he didn't know just how fast Wesley's +promotion up the ranks was. Picard kept a straight face. + +"Yes, I know Mr Crusher quite well, we've been in a few 'scrapes' +together. Good to see you again Wesley." + +"Thank you sir, and you too" replied Wes. + +"I was just calling to see how the old girl was. It's been many +years since I walked the deckplates on her. I understand she's +been refitted with the latest technology from the engineering +laboratories?" + +Now it was Hollanders turn to squirm. He didn't know that the +Stargazer was once Picard's ship. + +"Yes, all new control systems" he replied. "A complete new +computer system, new warp core and auxiliary systems. The best +that Starfleet has to offer. Not quite as fast as your 'Hotel', +but she'll give you a run for your money." + +"I would've liked to have come over for a inspection tour," +replied Picard, "but what with the fleet to manage, time is a +luxury. Another time perhaps?" + +"Another time would be fine. Anyhow, I really must be cutting +off now, we are just about ready for the warp jump to the +outpost. Stargazer out." + +The screen blanked. Picard was glad that was all over. He +turned to Riker. + +"Number one, he was at the academy with you?" + +"I'm afraid so sir. That's the Hollander I remember, only his +head seems to have got a little bigger since I last saw him!" + +Troi cut in. "Going by that remark, it maybe a bit of a problem +finding a EVA suit to fit him?" + +"I'm sure you are probably right" replied Picard. "Mr Worf, it's +now time, open communications to all ships of the fleet." + +"Communications open sir." + +Picard stood, straightened his top, then faced the viewer. +"This is Captain Picard, commanding officer of the USS +Enterprise, flagship for the fleet. Set course for Outpost 202 +and stand ready for my mark. +Fifteen second countdown for engagement of warp +engines......Mark......and gentlemen, good luck to us all, +Enterprise out." + +Fifteen seconds after the mark, twenty five starships, the best +that Starfleet could muster in a short time engaged their warp +drives and popped into Subspace for the transit to outpost 202. + +Who would be the victor? Only the gods....and Q knew.... + + + +REMATCH part 5 + +A few billion kilometres from outpost 202, space wavered, +stretched, then exploded into streaks of colour as the lead ships +of the fleet dropped out of warp, billowing Cherenkov radiation +behind them. Space finally righted itself as the last stragglers +came out of warp and matched velocity with the rest of the fleet. +At the head of the diamond formation was the USS Enterprise. +Under Picard's plans, the Enterprise was designated the lead +ship. This was no act of bravado by Picard, far from it. It was +just that the Enterprise's sensors were far superior than the +other ships. On the far Port quarter sat the Hathaway and on the +far Starboard quarter sat the Stargazer. Finally, with all final +checks complete, the fleet started the long drop sunward to +Outpost 202, and it's fate..... + + + +Picard sat in his chair, since arrival at outpost 202, all the +ships of the fleet were standing at yellow alert. Problems were +starting to occur almost immediately. Even with the sensors +running at full power, no trace of the enemy was evident. Best +thing was to keep going, keep looking. The problem was the +nagging doubt that haunted Picard. Had he missed something +vitally important? + +"Number one" called Picard, "any ideas to the whereabouts of the +enemy?" + +"Nothing whatsoever" replied Riker, he was just as non plussed +as everybody else. "There's absolutely no way we could have +missed them. Intelligence are usually never wrong." + +Picard chewed on this for a few seconds. "As I recall, it was +intelligence who dropped me into that business with the +Cardassians....... Mr Worf, anything from the other ships?" + +"Nothing at all Sir. However, the captains of the other ships +are getting a little......worried......" + +"I fully sympathise with them Mr Worf, however, the enemy is here +somewhere and I don't intend to send back a message back to +Starfleet command that twenty five ships could not find a +opposing battle fleet. Keep scanning." + +A few more minutes passed....... + +Finally Data cut the ice. "Sir, I have been monitoring some +strange anomalous readings, coming from all around us." + +Riker perked up. "What readings Data?????" + +"Unknown sir, however, they bear a resemblance to the same effect +that our ships have in warp flight. The effect is definetly +moving but is hard to pinpoint any individual target. I will +attempt to resolve a single target......" + +A few more seconds passed whilst data manipulated the sensor +controls. Finally, he spoke up. "Sir, I have a positive lock, +on a target, moving at warp two. It is circling us at a precise +distance of three million kilometres........The computer has +defined a image of the target, on screen now...." + +A section of the main viewer blanked out as the computer +assembled parts on a wire frame. The design was alien, and bore +a exact resemblance to the original vessels scanned by the +Enterprise in the first encounter. + +Picard didn't like it one bit. Finally, he came to a conclusion. + +"RED ALERT. Mr Worf, continual targeting scan on that vessel, +ready main phasers. Send full scanning details to all ships of +the fleet." + +"I have positive lock sir" intoned Worf. + +"Standby Photon torpedoes..." chipped in Riker + +Picard sat ready. "Keep scanning on target, steady, +steady.....FIRE.." + +A beam of phaser fire leapt out from the Enterprise, crossed the +gap and connected with the hidden target. At the heart of the +explosion, a enemy starship dropped out of warp. A second, then +a third phaser burst hit the ship and it disappeared in a +explosion of flames. + +At that moment the rest of the alien battle fleet popped out of +warp, completely surrounding the Starfleet ships. + +"It appears we have shaken the Hornets nest number one." observed +Picard. "All ships, go to Foxtrot manoeuvre on my mark....now." + +The diamond formation split neatly down the middle. The port +section peeled off and began strafing runs on the enemy vessels. +The starboard section, with the Enterprise in the lead, peeled +off and headed for the other enemy ships. A vicious firefight +ensued. + +The Enterprise was three quarters of the way towards the enemy +ships when the opposing force opened fire. The Enterprise let +loose several volleys of torpedoes at the enemy but with no +success. Two lead ships of the enemy fleet scored a lucky hit +on the USS Maxwell and she disappeared in a sleet of fire. Then, +the enemy ships parted and there stood the Glover, all on her +own. + +Picard could hardly believe his luck. Then the realisation that +it was too easy rung in his head. + +"IT'S A TRAP.....plot reciprocal course, quickly, before we're +too late....." + +A pale violet beam shot out from the Glover, hitting the +Enterprise on the lower saucer. The bridge shook violently and +the main lighting dimmed for several seconds before climbing back +to their original intensity. + +Worf pulled himself back up off the floor and studied his panel. +What he saw there shocked him. "Captain, we have forty seven +percent shield loss." + +Riker jumped up, "What!!" he exclaimed. "What the hell did they +hit us with????" + +To answer his question, the main viewer flared up and the image +of Knight filled the screen, glowering. "Ah.....poor Picard. +How do you like the power of my plasma cannon..hmmmmm. Captain +Knight's memories are very useful for constructing new weapons. +Captain Picard, I do so like a good fight..." + +"Cut him off, NOW" screamed Picard. The viewer blanked out. + +A second pulse from the Glover hit the Enterprise. Several other +ships of the fleet raced to the rescue but were hit with the same +weapon. The USS Eagle was unlucky to be the closest and took the +full brunt of the cannon. She exploded. + +Picard had had enough. + +"Mr Worf, send to all ships of the fleet, All ships to withdrawn +immediately. Regroup at T4 co-ordinates. Mr Laforge, ...can you +keep shields up long enough for us to cover the fleet as we +withdraw????" + +Laforge's voice filtered through the comm link. "That last hit +took out most of the shield systems and half of the backup's. +I can keep 30 percent shield strength only. Captain, we're just +picking up the bits down here." + +"Do your best, Picard out" + +Of the bridge crew, only Data and Picard had sustained little +injury. Worf had a large gash in one sleeve. Riker had suffered +a bang on the head which was rapidly swelling. Troi had come off +the worse with a large gash on her forehead and a bruised jaw. +Several other crew members had superficial wounds. + +"Councillor Troi" called Picard gently, "I suggest you get +yourself down to sick bay immediately". Troi started to protest. +Picard cut in. "No, No, your presence is not needed here at this +time. If you don't go, Ill have to order you down, much as I +would hate to do that". Troi left the bridge. + +"What we need number one,is some kind of a smoke screen to +withdraw behind" + +"Sir?????" + +"Bridge to Engineering" + +"Engineering, Laforge here" + +"Mr LaForge, I want you to back cycle the Bussard Ramscoops to +dump raw hydrogen in front of the Enterprise" + +"No problem bridge. Initiating back cycle." + +The bell of comprehension dawned in Rikers head. + +"I get it. Dump raw hydrogen as a smoke screen and withdraw +behind it. Brilliant thinking sir." + +"Yes, I thought so too Number one. Mr Worf, send to all ships, +we are making smoke. Got that." + +"Yes Sir" replied Worf. + +"Was it your idea?" asked Riker. + +"Oh no, I'm afraid that honour goes to past masters like Jellico. +Now then number one, while we withdraw to the regroup co- +ordinates, lets see how badly we fared this time". + +In the vacuum of space, the raw hydrogen billowed out into a +large red blanket, several million kilometers long. The entire +fleet of ships were perfectly hidden from the invading fleet and +started to withdraw to the predetermined regroup co-ordinates. + +=====================================CUT HERE=================================== +-- +Joseph Young Tivoli Systems, Inc +Systems Administrator 9442 Capital of Texas Highway North +joseph.young@tivoli.com Arboretum Plaza One, Suite 500 +Phone:(512) 502-4720 Austin TX 78759 FAX: (512) 794-9929 + +(Message inbox:222) +Received: from eliza.e.kth.se (eliza.e.kth.se [130.237.50.16]) by elixir.e.kth.se (8.6.8.1/8.6.6) with SMTP id EAA23092 for ; Wed, 8 Feb 1995 04:34:34 +0100 +Resent-Message-Id: <199502080334.EAA23092@elixir.e.kth.se> +Resent-Date: Wed, 08 Feb 1995 04:34:48 +0100 +Resent-From: +Resent-To: +Received: from ingr.ingr.com by elmer.e.kth.se (MX V4.1 VAX) with SMTP; Wed, 08 + Feb 1995 04:34:42 +0100 +Received: from presto.remote.ingr.com.remote.ingr.com (presto.remote.ingr.com) + by ingr.ingr.com (5.65c/1.920611) id AA20015; Tue, 7 Feb 1995 + 21:14:35 -0600 +Received: by presto.remote.ingr.com.remote.ingr.com (uucp2smtp 0.35 + (is@beverly.rhein.de)) +Received: by presto.remote.ingr.com (V1.16/Amiga) id AA00ap4; Tue, 7 Feb 95 + 20:52:06 CST +Date: Tue, 7 Feb 95 20:52:06 CST +Message-ID: <9502080252.AA00aoz@presto.remote.ingr.com> +Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative +From: trek_feedback@presto.remote.ingr.com (Jeff W. Hyche) +To: trek_creative@presto.remote.ingr.com +Subject: (fwd) AUTOPOST: Rematch.zip (part 02/02) + + +Path: b10.b10.ingr.com!news.ingr.com!news.msfc.nasa.gov!cs.utk.edu!willis.cis.uab.edu!gatech!howland.reston.ans.net!news.sprintlink.net!cs.utexas.edu!geraldo.cc.utexas.edu!tivoli.tivoli.com!jfy +From: jfy@tivoli.com (Joseph Young) +Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative +Subject: AUTOPOST: Rematch.zip (part 02/02) +Followup-To: alt.startrek.creative +Date: 4 Feb 1995 06:29:54 GMT +Organization: Tivoli Systems Inc., Austin, TX +Lines: 382 +Distribution: world +Message-ID: <3gv6t2$p4m@tivoli.tivoli.com> +NNTP-Posting-Host: orac.tivoli.com +Summary: Automated posting of fiction from the alt.startrek.creative archive + +This is an automated reposting of fiction from the alt.startrek.creative +archives. +This is archive file: story/tng/PD_Hubbard/Rematch.zip +Any comments, questions, etc. about the archives may be +addressed to jfy@tivoli.com. +=====================================CUT HERE=================================== +The Enterprise limped on her way, covering the fleet while a +regrouped enemy battle fleet slowly followed.... + + + +End of Part five. + + +Path: newserv.ksu.ksu.edu!moe.ksu.ksu.edu!vixen.cso.uiuc.edu!uwm.edu!spool.mu.edu!agate!doc.ic.ac.uk!warwick!pipex!sunic!EU.net!uunet!mnemosyne.cs.du.edu!nyx10.cs.du.edu!not-for-mail +~From: lwright@nyx10.cs.du.edu (Lawrence Wright) +~Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative +~Subject: TNG Story: Rematch (Part 6) +~Date: 14 May 1994 10:26:16 -0600 +Organization: Nyx, Public Access Unix @ U. of Denver Math/CS dept. +~Lines: 192 +Message-ID: <2r2u38$d72@nyx10.cs.du.edu> + +-*- Posted to Usenet by Lawrence Wright, Sysop of Silicon Heaven +-*- +44 (0) 626 834331. 9pm - 5.30am GMT/UTC - 2:255/76@fidonet.org +-*- Story (C) Paul Hubbard - 2:255/76.5@fidonet.org +-*- phubb@nowster.demon.co.uk + +Rematch: Part 6 + + +Ten minutes had passed since the Federation fleet had started +it's retreat from Outpost 202. Of the twenty five ships that had +entered the battle, the Maxwell and the Eagle had been destroyed. +The Enterprise, Hathaway, Baird and Okuda had suffered damage +from shield problems on the Enterprise to a seriously damaged +keel on the Baird. The Baird was limited to impulse speed only. +Any more and the keel might part, scattering the Baird over a +large area of space. Due to this, Picard ordered the Baird to +retire from the battlezone and proceed at best possible speed to +Starbase 212. + +Of the Stargazer, there was no sign. + +On the Bridge of the Enterprise, repair crews struggled with +multiple system failures. The panel housing the Science sections +was dead and the helm controls were so damaged that the ship +would answer very sluggishly. Several RCS thrusters were +inoperative and all of the food replicators were off line. The +biggest problem was in engineering where several essential +systems had fused completely and the computer core had crashed. +On a positive note, the remainder of the fleet had suffered minor +damage. Most of the enemy firepower had been directed at the +Enterprise as she was the greater threat. + +Picard looked around his damaged bridge. The odds had simply +been too great for a fleet of twenty five ships to make a dent +in a enemy intent on destruction. + +"Mr Worf, any news to the whereabouts of the Stargazer?" inquired +Picard. + +"Nothing sir, all traces of the Stargazer are negative. There +is a possibility that she is behind that cloud of hydrogen we +left behind." + +"Thank you Mr Worf". + +Picard hoped his old ship was still in one piece. Even more +worrying, he hoped that Wesley Crusher was in one piece as well. +Beverley would never forgive him if Wesley was dead. It had +taken several years for her to get over the death of Jack +Crusher. If Wesley was dead, then it would be enough to send her +over the edge. + +Riker walked up. "Sir, we have partial helm control restored. +However, engineering is still down and we only have forty percent +shield capability." + +"Understood number one, however, I am not backing off now. Its +up to us to hold the fort until re-enforcements arrive. Mr Data, +how far behind us is the enemy?" + +"The main body of the enemy fleet is twenty two billion +kilometres behind us and following. I cannot ascertain the rate +of closure because of sensor damage and the hydrogen cloud which +is shielding up from the opposition." + +Worf cut in. "Sir, I have a subspace communication coming in. +It is originating from dead astern. It appears to be from the +Stargazer!!!" + +"On screen" ordered Picard. + + +The Stargazer had not been so lucky. One of her warp pods had +been blown away and a large chunk like a bitten doughnut was +missing on her port side. More worrying was the damage caused +by a premature torpedo detonation. Engineering was a mess and +several sections were open to space. The warp core was +threatening to collapse at any moment. + +On the bridge, Capt Hollander sat on his chair, blood streaming +from a head wound. His left arm had been severed at the elbow +by falling debris and he had a large stomach wound. + +"Stargazer calling Enterprise, Stargazer calling Enterprise..." + +There was no response. +Hollander coughed painfully then mustered up strength and leaned +over the microphone input. + +"To any ships who can hear this transmission. This is the USS +Stargazer, repeat, USS Stargazer,". He paused as a pain racked +his body. He was nearly dead and Hollander knew it. +"We are dead in space. All propulsion systems are down. There +are no defence systems operative and my crew are either dead or +dying. According to sensor readings, we are drifting into the +path of the enemy fleet and we don't stand a chance. My last +mission as Captain of the Stargazer is to slow then down. Ill +give them a run for their money. Stargazer out." + +Hollander shut the communication channel. At that moment, a +emergency panel crashed open and Wes Crusher climbed out onto the +bridge. He scanned around, then spotted the captain. + +"Sir, let me help you off the bridge, your badly wounded" + +"Nothing is going to save me now Mr Crusher. You had better get +yourself off the ship, ....while there is still time....." + +"Sir, I'm not going without you." + +"You will young man. That's a order. Before you go, there is +something you can do for me. Help me over to that computer +monitor." + +It took several seconds for Wesley to drag Hollander over to the +computer screen. All the controls were dead but the voice inputs +were still working. On the screen, the starfleet logo was +displayed with the words 'This station under computer control' +underneath. + +Hollander gasped for breath. "Computer. This is captain J.T +Hollander, commanding officer of the USS Stargazer. Computer, +destruct sequence one, code one, one A" + +The computer digested the information then acknowledged. Wes +Crusher considered the state of the ship, the damage to her +systems. He knew that most of the crew were dead. This seemed +the only way out. + +"Computer, this is Fifth officer Wesley Crusher. Computer, +destruct sequence two, code two, one A, two B" + +Several seconds passed, then the screen changed to a clock with +a one minute countdown displayed. Hollander turned to Wesley. + +"You've done you duty Mr Crusher. I suggest you find a escape +pod and get the hell out of here....". He coughed painfully. + +Wes thumbed the comm panel. "Attention all hands, attention all +hands, this is fifth officer Wesley Crusher. All hands abandon +ship, I repeat, ALL HANDS ABANDON SHIP." + +Wes turned and looked at the captain. He felt pity for him. His +first command and he was condemned to die because of it. +Holllander looked towards Wesley. + +"Mr Crusher, dismissed. Get your ass off this ship. If anything +happens to you, then your mother would never forgive +me.........GO ON......GET OUT ......" + +"Goodbye Sir, and god bless" and with that, Wesley disappeared +the same way he entered. + +Now Hollander was alone on the bridge. According to the sensor +readings, within five minutes, the Stargazer would drift into the +outskirts of the enemy fleet. He had to light the candle one +minute before that. + + +On board the Enterprise, the full message from the Stargazer was +playing. The look of horror was all too evident on Picards face. + +Riker cut in. "how does he expect to inflict damage on a enemy +fleet when his own ship is severely damaged???" + +"That is unknown number one. Mr Data, concentrate sensor +readings on the area where the Stargazer message originated +from." + + + +On the Stargazer the clock reached the two minute mark. +Hollander cleared his throat and resumed the countdown. + +"Destruct sequence completed and activated" announced the +computer, "awaiting final code for one minute countdown....." + +"Computer, ZERO, ZERO, ZERO, DESTRUCT, ONE" + +"Destruct sequence activated, fifty nine seconds to self +destruct...fifty five seconds to self destruct........" + +The pain finally became unbearable for Hollander. He knew his +time was up and he hoped Crusher made it. + +"Got you you bastards, got you fair and square........" + +And with that he died at his post. + + + +End of part six. + +Path: newserv.ksu.ksu.edu!moe.ksu.ksu.edu!vixen.cso.uiuc.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!agate!doc.ic.ac.uk!uknet!EU.net!uunet!mnemosyne.cs.du.edu!nyx10.cs.du.edu!not-for-mail +~From: lwright@nyx10.cs.du.edu (Lawrence Wright) +~Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative +~Subject: TNG Story: Rematch (Part 7) +~Date: 14 May 1994 10:27:06 -0600 +Organization: Nyx, Public Access Unix @ U. of Denver Math/CS dept. +~Lines: 149 +Message-ID: <2r2u4q$d9m@nyx10.cs.du.edu> + +-*- Posted to Usenet by Lawrence Wright, Sysop of Silicon Heaven +-*- +44 (0) 626 834331. 9pm - 5.30am GMT/UTC - 2:255/76@fidonet.org +-*- Story (C) Paul Hubbard - 2:255/76.5@fidonet.org +-*- phubb@nowster.demon.co.uk + +REMATCH: Part 7 + +The self destruct timer on the Stargazer counted down the +seconds. At zero, the magnetic injectors at each end of the warp +core opened and flooded the reaction chamber with deuterium and +it's opposite counterpart. At the same time, the computer +dropped the fields that held the antimatter within the magnetic +bottle. Within the blink of a eye, the whole engineering deck +of the Stargazer and the surrounding ship disappeared in a +almighty flash like a miniature supernova going off. + +Wesley managed to find a working escape pod with several minutes +to spare. The escape pod cleared the blast radius of the +antimatter explosion but, unfortunately for Wesley, the blast +exploded the hydrogen smokescreen that had been dumped by the +Enterprise. The resulting explosion flipped the pod end over +end, knocking Wesley unconscious. + +As the explosion reached maximum magnitude, the enemy fleet came +into contact with the expanding antimatter explosion. The front +three quarters of the enemy fleet was completely engulfed in the +flames and were annihilated in the blast. No shielding, however +good, could save a ship from a explosion hotter than the core of +a sun. The remainder of the enemy fleet, severely damaged, +turned, as best as they could, and withdrew towards outpost 202. +A large shell of superheated gas raced out in all directions. + +On the Enterprise, Picard was issuing orders when the explosion +occurred. The whole bridge crew were momentarily stunned by the +force of the explosion. Then Data cut in. + +"Sir, I have a visual detection on a shock front, rapidly heading +this way. Estimating fifteen seconds to impact." + +"All power to shields, hang on everyone......" yelled Picard. + +The shock front slammed into the fleet of ships. The Enterprise +was swirled around like a piece of cloth in the wind. Two ships +in the fleet were not so lucky as the wave tossed them end over +end into each other. + + +Finally, after several minutes, Picard found his voice. + +"Mr Data, explain????" + +"Going by sensor readings, the Stargazer has detonated her +antimatter reserves, destroying herself and, it appears, most of +the enemy fleet. I am afraid the Stargazer is no more..." + +"The ultimate sacrifice" exclaimed Riker. + +"Yes number one, by a brave man. Mr Worf, signal all ships to +proceed forwards as soon as it is safe to do so a clean up any +enemy resistance." + +"Yes Sir, contacting all ships now." + +"Mr Data, start a search pattern for escape pods, all working +scanners on maximum. I want to pick up any survivors from the +Stargazer." + +"Search pattern plotted sir." + +"Engage..." + + +Several hours later, the few pitiful escape pods were rounded up +by tractor beam and guided to the Enterprise's shuttle bays. Of +the few escape pods recovered, most came from the Stargazer. +Only a few were recognisable as being from the USS Glover. They +were opened within a protective force field. Not to keep the +alien parasites in but to protect the shuttlebay crews. Picard +and Riker came down to shuttlebay one cargo deck to observe the +recovery operations and to personally see the survivors. + +Riker started. "I have a full report from the away teams +inspecting the colony sir." + +"And what was their report number one?" + +"According to the away teams, most of the population were rounded +up and kept in detention cells as future 'Hosts' for the +parasites. The few infected guards that were at the colony were +quickly taken care of. Also, Dr Crusher has found a way to +remove the parasites rom the host using the transporter to +separate both entities. The separated parasites have been +transported to a holding laboratory for future study." + +"Hmmmmmm. I think I would feel much better destroying the +parasites for good. The only problem is that goes against +everything I hold dear. prime directive as well." + +"Also sir, the Clark discovered what was left of the Naylor. It +appears the research ship was stripped for parts, presumably to +built the plasma cannon and the remains self destructed. +Starfleet command has discovered where the orders for the Naylor +originated from. It appears that someone hacked into the +communication network and planted the orders. Apparently, the +unauthorised subspace beam originated from beyond this sector." + +A cry rose up from the cargo bay floor. A escape pod, badly +burnt and scarred from the antimatter explosion had been opened. +Picard and Riker rushed up just as the survivor was being +removed. The recovery teams surrounding the pod parted, +revealing Wesley Crusher, shaken around with a few bruises but +generally all right. + +"Picard to Dr Crusher" + +"Crusher here captain" + +"Doctor, I suggest you come down to the engineering deck. Your +son is here requiring medical attention." + +"I'm on my way. Crusher out." + +Picard looked at Wes then turned to face Riker. + +"You know number one, I have a feeling that everything is going +to turn out alright after all...." + +And with that they turned and walked out of the shuttlebay. + + + +Epilog. + +Out past outpost 202, a lone escape pod tumbled end over end, +severly scarred but still under power. Inside was co-ordinator +Farrell. + +In all respects, Farrell looked normal....., except for the blue +gill. The creature inside mulled over the previous events. He +had failed in his quest. The members of the hive would not take +this lightly. Still, they had allowed for errors. There would +always be another day to fight. + +The pod drifted out of the star system into deep space. + + + + +The End...........Or is it...... + + diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/remember.rev b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/remember.rev new file mode 100644 index 00000000..cf037788 --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/remember.rev @@ -0,0 +1,259 @@ +WARNING: The following post contains critical plot information relevant to +this week's TNG episode, "Remember Me". Therefore, anyone not wishing advance +knowledge of such information is hereby advised to duck. + +Last chance. + +I see. I'm expected to sleep tonight, am I? + +This was one of the weirdest TNG episodes I've ever seen...and it was damned +good, too. I'll do my usual ranting 'n' raving after a synopsis. And going +into the synop, I'm wishing myself good luck in keeping it short. Here goes: + +The Enterprise is docked at Starbase 133, and Bev greets her old friend Dr. +Dalen Quaice, who's departing the base after his wife's death (the Enterprise +will be taking him home when they depart). After getting him settled, Bev +thinks about his comments on losing everyone he knows, and goes to see Wesley. +Wes is in Engineering, working on some warpfield experiments. As Bev watches, +Wes tinkers a little, and then there's a bright, completely unexpected flash. +There doesn't seem to be any lasting effect, though, and we see the ship +depart the base. + +The next morning, Bev goes to Quaice's quarters to invite him to breakfast, but +after he doesn't answer the ring, she enters--and finds neither him nor his +belongings. Further, the computer claims that no such person is on board. +She calls Worf, who is apparently not aware of Quaice's presence either, but he +agrees to start a search. Stranger still, Picard doesn't remember seeing any +mention of his visit, despite Bev's insistence that she sent the electronic +paperwork about it to him weeks ago. Even more bizarre, the starbase claims to +have no record of Quaice's existence--and he worked on the base for SIX YEARS. +Then, as if that weren't enough, O'Brien, whom we saw beam Quaice on board, +doesn't remember doing so--but does remember Bev coming in alone, looking +around, saying "Thank you" and leaving. And, of course, there's no transporter +trace of Quaice's existence, either. + +While Worf, Riker and others start looking to see if the ship's somehow been +tampered with, Bev checks O'Brien to see if he's all right. He's fine, but Bev +finds that Drs. Hill and Selar, and four other medical personnel are gone as +well--and they've all been on board for months. After she reports this to +Picard, the two of them proceed to Engineering, where Wes talks about his +experiment. He'd been experimenting with Kosinski's warpfield equations, and +when he tried to create them (i.e. make a stable warp-bubble), it destabilized. +While a bubble could theoretically have swept up Dr. Quaice, it was limited to +Engineering, so it can't be the culprit--and there's no way it could alter +computers and memories like that either. + +Bev goes back to sickbay--and finds it completely empty. When she reports the +absence of her staff to the bridge, they seem unsurprised--after all, says +Data, she's never had one. And the complete crew assigned to the ship only +numbers 230. As Bev reacts with somewhat understandable shock, Picard takes +her aside and begins expressing concerns for her mental state. He believes +her, and even sends the ship back to SB 133 based solely on her plea, but she +agrees to talk to Troi. + +Then, not much later, Bev's in sickbay, when suddenly a bright vortex appears +out of nowhere, blowing papers and books everywhere, and nearly sucking Bev in. +Geordi, however, looks for it after it disappears and finds no trace of it--or +any evidence that it ever existed. By now, an analysis has shown that there +are no malfunctions--but now the complete crew only numbers 114. Worse yet, +when Bev suggests working with Worf on something, she finds that no one knows +whom she's talking about. She asks Deanna if she's going mad, and Deanna +comforts her, telling her that if it turns out this is all a mistake, all that +happens is that they're a little late at their next destination. + +Bev goes to find Wes in Engineering--fortunately, he's still there. She tells +him that they've got to find someone who can help--someone who understands all +about warp-bubbles. Unfortunately, Kosinski's no help, and they're his damned +equations. However, Wes mentions that Kosinski's "assistant", the Traveller, +might be able to assist--but no one knows where, or even _if_, he is. The two +of them head up to talk to Picard--but only Bev gets as far as the turbolift. +Now truly panicked, she runs to the lift and goes to the bridge, finding a +sole occupant--Picard. + +Picard has no memory of any of the people she mentions (Riker, Data, Troi, +O'Brien, Worf, and Wesley), insists that the ship's "never needed a crew +before", and doesn't remember the Traveller. To make her feel better, he +agrees to have his vital signs continually monitored, and the computer starts +talking about them continuously in the background. She promises not to forget +any of them, and to try to get them back. She tells Picard that she's got +something to say to him--but his seat is suddenly empty, and the computer is +silent. Then, the vortex appears again, and Bev again just manages to avoid +being sucked in. However, as we see her starting to recover from the vortex's +influence, we hear Geordi and Wes trying to maintain something--but then they +fail, and the vortex (in reality, a gate they tried to open) collapses. Wes +gives up, saying they'll never get Bev back now. But a voice says "It's not +over, Wesley...", and the Traveller phases in. "There's still a way." + +The Traveller, on board the _real_ Enterprise, says that Bev is still alive, +for as long as she THINKS she is. It would seem that a warp-bubble did capture +someone--her; and while inside, Bev's thoughts created the reality she's +currently in. He cannot go in and get her, any more than he can enter her +thoughts, but together, he and Wes might be able to open a gateway. (However, +she'll have to choose to go through it.) + +Meanwhile, Bev tries to reason things out, but gets nowhere. She tries to +contact the Traveller's race, and then orders a course to Tau Alpha C, that +race's homeworld. But as she says "Engage", she finds that the planet has +vanished from the computer's starfield. As the real ship heads back to SB 133, +and Wes begins to rework the equations, Bev tries to raise the starbase and +finds she cannot. She calls up the viewscreen, but sees only a mist outside, +which the computer describes as a mass-energy field 705 meters in diameter. +She continues her enquiries, and finds that according to the computer, the +known universe is a spheroid that is only 705 meters in diameter. + +The Enterprise arrives at the starbase and begins to assume the _precise_ +location and position they had when the bubble formed. The Traveller senses +the bubble, and Wes sees it again on his panel, but then the Traveller +shudders slightly, and says that the bubble's collapsing. + +Bev calls up a graphic of the universe, and when she finds it looks exactly +like the schematic she saw in Engineering of the warp-bubble, realizes that +she's trapped inside it herself. Then there's a sudden hull breach--when she +investigates, she finds that reality is shrinking further; and she's only got +4 minutes 17 seconds left. As the Enterprise reestablishes the exact +coordinates, Bev theorizes that her thoughts created this reality, but she +can't figure out what to do next. + +With about three minutes left, the Traveller starts phasing--and Bev realizes +while talking to the computer that the vortex she saw must have been the +gateway out of this reality. She decides to go to where the bubble originally +established itself, in Engineering, traveling just to deck 36 when she finds +the lift won't go directly to Engineeering. + +By this time, both the Traveller AND Wesley are phasing, and the gateway is +beginning to form, but now time's running short. Seconds after Bev leaves the +lift, it vanishes, and now she starts outrunning entropy. She makes it to +Engineering, and manages to dive through the gate just as the bubble vanishes +entirely. She embraces Picard, thanks the Traveller, and clings to her +somewhat exhausted son. And all is as it should be. + +Short. Yeah. Right. Oh, well. Anyway, now for Tim's Random Occasionally +Crunchy-In-Milk Ramblings: + +God, this was good. I'm sure this show will get a fair amount of bashing from +the Anti-Crusher League, since center stage is occupied primarily by Bev, and +the rest mostly by Wes. However, in this case I don't think they have any +ground to stand on. + +Gates is, admittedly, one of the weaker link's in TNG's acting chain in +general, but she gave one of the best performances I have EVER seen from her +here. There was only one scene which I felt she erred in even slightly (which +I'll go into later), but even that was just a slight overreaction. She can so +act. + +Wil did a good job too, and Eric Menyuk's Traveller was nicely understated, I +thought. Everyone else did a good job with the small amount of time they had. +Even Marina, who had only one big scene, namely comforting Bev, did well--and +for once, Troi was written properly. + +On to non-acting topics. This was a very solid plot, with no real loopholes in +sight. I have one small quibble: namely, if the phantom Enterprise was +created from Bev's thoughts, how did any of them (like Wes) know anything she +didn't? However, that can easily be rationalized out, or just plain +"suspension-of-disbelief" 'ed out, since there was a rather prominent dose +of unreality permeating the entire show. + +The director, Cliff Bole (whom you might remember from both parts of "The Best +of Both Worlds"), together with Lee Sheldon (never heard of him/her), who wrote +this, did an absolutely magnificent job of keeping the audience guessing. I +know that I was completely baffled through the first two acts, and only had a +dim idea of exactly what was happening before the Traveller cleared things up. +Now, in many cases that's a bad thing--but here, it's precisely how I was +supposed to react. I'd definitely believe that I was meant to be whimpering in +confusion by the time pity was taken on me. Don't worry, I was. :-) However, +after the initial "what the HELL?" feeling was removed, everything STILL HELD +UP. And that, after all, is at least as important as the mystery. + +The mystery, though, was really well done--I can't emphasize this enough. It +had me curious (and more than slightly uneasy/off-balance, as it was meant to) +to an extent I haven't seen in a "mysterious" TNG episode since "Conspiracy" +aired all those shows ago. In both cases, things were not what they seemed-- +and in both cases, that was conveyed to us beautifully. + +And now, as I mentioned before, the one scene which I felt was a tad +overdone. I'll actually quote most of it, because I like the thing--and +besides, I went to all this trouble to transcribe it. :-) Bev is now on the +near-empty bridge, and ends up having to quickly describe some of the bridge +crew to the confused Picard (having earlier described Worf as "the big guy +who never smiles"): She mentions, in fairly rapid order, + +"Will Riker, your first officer! He's...he's very good at poker! Loves to +cook...he listens to jazz music, plays the trombone!" +"Commander Data, the android who sits at Ops! DREAMS of being human, never +gets the punchline of a joke!" +"Deanna Troi, your ship's counselor--half Betazoid, loves chocolate. The +arrival of her mother makes you shudder!" + +and then proceeds with: + +"O'Brien, Geordi, Worf, Wesley--my _son_! They have all been the living, +breathing backbone of this ship for over three years! They deserve more than +to be shrugged off--brushed aside, just pinched out of existence like that! +They all do. They deserve some honor." (Note: due to my horrible handwriting +and the fact that I wrote this in a hurry, I'm not sure that last word is +correct.) + +Now, most of this I liked a lot (particularly the bit about Lwaxana making +Picard shudder :-) ), and I thought Bev did a good job playing half-hysterical. +However, I thought the last two sentences were a little bit of overkill, and +they blunted the impact...but only marginally. (I also think that some of this +phrasing is an apt capsule description of TNG.) Still, if that's the weakest +scene the show had, it's in very good shape. + +Now for some really quick comments: + +1) When Bev starting "outrunning entropy", as I put it (I just like the sound +of it for some reason :-) ), and the corridor dissolved behind her, was I the +only one who felt the same way as when the Falcon was trying to outrun the +collapsing Death Star in "Return of the Jedi"? + +2) A quick technical quibble, but one which virtually all SF shows have fallen +prey to: if the bubble's EXACTLY where it was created, then they shouldn't +have gone back to the starbase. Sorry, folks, but starbases move too. Not a +big deal, though. + +3) Even though I knew the Traveller was appearing, and even though I, like +most, have qualms about a superbeing coming in and saving the day, I felt a +rather profound sense of relief to hear his voice close out act 3. And this +time, he didn't do it himself (though I'm sure many will consider the option +they chose worse yet ;-) ). + +4) I'm glad to see that Wes was so exhausted after saving Bev, and even more +interested to note that the Traveller was much less affected. That's a good +thing--after all, Wes should have had a lot more taken out of him than someone +who's used to this, even if the Traveller probably did do most of the work. + +I think that's about it, and this is running really long. I'll just say that +I had high hopes for this episode, and was overjoyed to see them fulfilled. +A splendid way to tie TOS. + +From one number (79 hours) to others; the ratings: + +Plot: 9.5. A tiny bit off for how the phantoms seemed so perfectly real, but + since I'm not sure that's an error, it doesn't lose much. Aside from + that, truly blissful. +Plot Handling: 10. Cliff pulled off an unreality that I'd have expected from + Rob Bowman, and did so mighty well, too. +Characterization/Acting: 9.5. A tiny bit off for Bev's one outburst, but very + good otherwise. Gates gives what's probably her best effort to date. +Technical: 10. Considering that the entire plot complication was technically + based, this is saying something. + +TOTAL: 9.8---10. Wow. + +NEXT WEEK: + +TNG breaks TOS's airtime with a visit to Tasha's world...and her sister. Is +she loyal or not? Is she a murderer or not? Was she holding a lightsaber +or not? (No, I'm not kidding.) We'll find out. + +And so it goes. + +Tim Lynch (Cornell's first Astronomy B.A.; one of many Caltech grad students) +BITNET: tlynch@citjuliet +INTERNET: tlynch@juliet.caltech.edu +UUCP: ...!ucbvax!tlynch%juliet.caltech.edu@hamlet.caltech.edu +"We will start with the assumption that I am _not_ crazy." + --B. Crusher, MD +-- +Copyright 1990, Timothy W. Lynch. All rights reserved, but feel free to ask... diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/reunion.rev b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/reunion.rev new file mode 100644 index 00000000..3631f0df --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/reunion.rev @@ -0,0 +1,341 @@ +SEVERE WARNING: The following post contains spoiler information critical to +full enjoyment of the TNG episode "Reunion". If you have not yet seen said +episode, I strongly recommend delaying your reading of this review. + +I am very, VERY serious. + +So serious, in fact, that I'm going to break with tradition. I will first, +for just a line or two, give a review without spoilers. Then, I'll proceed +with a synopsis and full review. So, with no spoilers: + +This episode hit me harder than any show ever should. I give it the highest +recommendation of the season, and if my opinions hold after the novelty's worn +off, this is the best show TNG has ever done. If you do not see it, the loss +is most definitely yours. If you dislike it, too bad, you're wrong. + +Now that I have THAT off my chest, here's a synopsis. (And for those of you +who plan to skip the synopsis and head straight to the commentary (shame on +you :-) ), the synopsis this week is a whopping 152 lines. Vidiot's going to +kill me...) Anyway: + +While on a routine mission, the Enterprise meets a Klingon attack cruiser. +Aboard is K'Ehleyr, on an urgent mission. She beams aboard--with her and +Worf's SON, Alexander. Despite the fact that K'Ehleyr couldn't care less about +Worf's discommendation, he does; and he refuses to even discuss the child at +first. + +K'Ehleyr informs Picard that the Klingon Empire is on the verge of civil war. +The two factions that have divided the council for years are becoming openly +hostile, because K'Mpec, head of the council, is dying. The civil war is of +the utmost importance, because Klingon wars have a habit of spreading-- +according to K'Ehleyr, eventually it'll bring in everybody, including the +Federation. K'Mpec is also on board the cruiser, and wants to talk to Picard, +who beams over. + +K'Mpec tells Picard that he's been poisoned (and there's no antidote). He +tells Picard that HE must arbitrate the dispute over leadership of the Council +(and hence, the Empire) after K'Mpec is dead--and when Jean-Luc tries to +decline, tells him both that to refuse would be a grave insult to ALL Klingons, +and, more importantly, that it's too late: he's already given the order. +K'Mpec tells Picard that he's sure one of the factions' leaders poisoned him, +and tells Picard to find out which it is--Gowron, an outsider, or _Duras_, the +Klingon responsible for almost killing Picard and for Worf's accepting +discommendation. Picard, of course, accepts--and then, scant seconds later, +watches K'Mpec die. + +Meanwhile, Worf finds that Alexander knows nothing of Klingon ways (and doesn't +even WANT to be a warrior), but when he confronts K'Ehleyr with this, she tells +him that she is half-human, and that Alexander will choose his own way. She +says she didn't tell him of the child last time she saw him because he would +have insisted on the Oath, and she was not ready. When Worf cites his dishonor +as a reason he cannot acknowledge Alexander, K'Ehleyr dismisses it as of no +consequence, and demands to know what really happened in the Council chambers-- +after all, she knows Worf wouldn't just WITHDRAW his challenge. + +The two factions' ships arrive: the Vorn, carrying Duras; and the Barruc, +carrying Gowron. Duras is contemptuous of Picard's being named to mediate, but +has little choice but to agree to it. He insists, however, that Worf be kept +off Klingon ships. In private, Worf insists that Duras cannot be allowed to +lead the Council due to his father's treachery, and when he hears of K'Mpec's +poisoning, insists Duras must be responsible. Picard, while acknowledging +Duras's past deeds and promising to keep Duras's deceptions in mind, tells +Worf that he cannot hold Duras responsible for his father's crimes--and reminds +Worf that he CHOSE to accept the consequences of Duras's lie. + +Just under an hour later, on K'Mpec's ship, the Son-Che ceremony takes place, +in which Gowron and Duras ascertain for themselves that K'Mpec is truly dead +(by prodding him with Klingon pain-sticks). Duras demands that the rite of +succession be completed immediately, and when Picard balks, there's suddenly an +explosion, which kills two Klingons and injures others. + +Not long after, Worf talks to K'Ehleyr again. When pressed to reveal his +feelings, he admits that he would have demanded the Oath--"but not just for +tradition". She says she thought about telling him, but wasn't ready. Now, +however, she's realized that she isn't complete without him either. They +begin the Oath--but this time Worf cannot bring himself to complete it--for if +nothing else, the sake of Alexander, who will be "another traitor from a +family of traitors!" K'Ehleyr doesn't fully understand, but eventually +respects Worf's decision--but she asks him "if you cannot be his father...at +least be his friend." + +Picard, who needs to delay in order to continue investigating both the +explosion and the poisoning, asks K'Ehleyr how he can gain such time. When +she mentions the old rites of succession, which take much longer than the +modern ones, he decides to follow them. As she leaves, however, K'Ehleyr +asks Picard about Worf's discommendation, since she knows he was there--Picard +says he cannot discuss it. + +Duras and Gowron are anxious to begin the ritual combat which decides the +Council's leader, and nearly attack each other before Picard manages to +impose order. They're not thrilled to hear that Picard is holding the Zha-Juc, +in which both candidates must give verbal evidence about the battles they've +served in, awards they've won, and so forth, to qualify for the leadership. +However, they have no choice but to agree. + +After we see Worf showing Alexander the batlekh, a weapon that's been in his +family for ten generations, we see K'Ehleyr talking to Gowron. Gowron points +out that she could accelerate the selection process, offers her anything she +desires up to and including a Council seat, and when she refuses, implies that +she'll end up as dead as K'Mpec if she doesn't help. + +Then, in Engineering, Riker hears Geordi and Data report on the explosion. The +explosive was a triceron derivative, but that's unimportant. Of interest is +that the bomb was only about three cubic millimeters in volume (and thus could +have been hidden anywhere)--and more importantly, the detonator was triggered +by molecular decay. And the only race that uses such detonators--is the +Romulans. + +In conference, it's agreed that one of the faction leaders must be working with +the Romulans--which could significantly endanger the Federation. When +K'Ehleyr, based on her conversation with Gowron, voices suspicions about him, +Worf claims it must be Duras--and when K'Ehleyr asks why, Picard can say only +that they've had indications in the past that he's untrustworthy. Due to the +threat this poses to the Federation, Picard now insists Worf accompany him to +the next gathering, despite the disruption it will cause. + +As the Zha-Juc continues, K'Ehleyr begins researching the Enterprise's visit +to the Klingon homeworld--accessing the ship's logs. The Zha-Juc is completed, +and before declaring a short recess prior to the combat, Picard brings up the +matter of the explosion, and brings Worf in. Worf's presence sparks massive +outcries from BOTH sides, and Duras threatens to bring the proceedings to a +halt, giving in only when Picard tells him the only thing he can do now is +forfeit his claim. Neither party is helpful, however, when Worf asks what +their investigations have revealed, and neither claims anything was out of +the ordinary. When the detonator is mentioned, both parties decide to return +to their ship to confirm this. + +During this, K'Ehleyr hooks into the Klingon information-net, and when she +finds that all the Council records on the Khitomer massacre were sealed by +Duras, calls up biographical information on him. Through an aide, Duras +gets wind of this and confronts her. She accuses his father of treachery +and him of covering it up, and says, "The son betrays his people to the +Romulans, just like his father did--Duras..." + +We see Riker and Dr. Crusher discover that one of the dead Klingons had the +bomb implanted in his forearm--Duras's man. Then, Worf and Alexander enter +K'Ehleyr's quarters--and find her alone, bloodied, and dying. Worf urgently +summons a medical team, then hears K'Ehleyr say Duras was responsible. She +takes Alexander's hand and places it on Worf's--then her hand slips away, and +she dies. Worf howls in anguish, then goes through the Klingon death-ritual. +When he sees that Alexander has never seen death before, he tells him "then +look--and _always_ remember." + +When Dr. Crusher and a medic arrive, he leaves the child with them and heads +for his quarters, where he takes off his sash and communicator, picks up the +batlekh, and leaves. As Dr. Crusher, Picard and Riker watch as K'Ehleyr's +body is taken away, they page Worf--and find he just beamed over to the Vorn. +Riker begins assembling a team to get him back. + +On the Vorn, Worf arrives and demands right of vengeance. When Duras claims +that Worf, as a traitor, has no rights, Worf says that K'Ehleyr was his MATE. +Duras picks up the sword handed to him. We see Riker, Data, and a security +guard enter the transporter room, phasers set to maximum stun--then we see +the battle between the two Klingons. Duras tells Worf that only he can +prove Worf's innocence, but Worf is beyond caring. Riker and the team arrive +just in time to watch Worf defeat Duras and plunge the batlekh right into his +breastbone. Duras dies--slowly. + +The issue settled, all three Klingon ships leave. The Council is satisfied +with the proceedings--Picard, however, is NOT. He harshly reminds Worf that +despite the many races on board the Enterprise, all have agreed to serve +Starfleet--and if they can't do that, they should resign. He is relieved, +however, that Worf does not want to resign, and merely tells Worf that a +reprimand will be put on his permanent record. When he asks Worf if there's +any point in keeping silent about Duras's guilt any more, Worf points out that +the members of the Council all participated in the lie as well--but one day, he +says, he and his brother will "convince" them to speak the truth. + +Finally, Worf tells Alexander that he will be sent to live with Worf's human +parents, telling him that he needs a home and a family--something Worf cannot +at present provide. In response to Alexander's question, he tells him, "Yes-- +I am your father.", and embraces him. + +Wow. I didn't really expect to give a play-by-play synopsis. Catharsis, I +guess. Anyway, on to some commentary before you get sick of reading: + +Let it be known from this day forward--TNG *CAN* do sequels. Whatever people +may have thought of BOBW2, this one should convince them. This was a double +sequel--both to "The Emissary" and to "Sins of the Father", and it actually +managed to outdo them both. That's not easy, since both were good--in fact, +I think "The Emissary" is in TNG's top 10. But this beat them. + +I feel more burned-out, more wasted, more emotionally aching, than I think I +ever have from watching TNG. Part of this is me, I'm sure--after all, I've +been waiting to see K'Ehleyr again for 16 months now, and it hurt to see her +so brutally taken from us. But part of this was just superb television. + +Jonathan Frakes, in my estimation, is now 2 for 2 in directing stints. (His +other one, in case you've forgotten, was "The Offspring".) While I've often +had doubts about his acting ability, I now believe he's one of TNG's premier +directors. Give him more shows. His entire direction was good, but some +shots stuck in my mind. To wit: + +--The close of the teaser, when K'Ehleyr beams in with Alexander. Before we +see them, we see Worf's face; it's calm and collected...he sees K'Ehleyr...his +eyes turn to the other person beaming in...his eyes double in width. Some of +this, naturally, is due to Dorn--it often takes a really poor director to +screw Mike up. But Frakes may have chosen to show Worf's face before anything +else--and it worked swooningly well. + +--This isn't actually Frakes's doing...more Okuda and Sternbach's, but I'll +mention it anyway, since it was striking. In one of the exterior shots of +the ships, the scene begins with the "camera" a ways behind the Enterprise +(which is facing the three Klin ships), and about 15-20 degrees above the +plane the ships are in. It slowly comes down until we're just barely above +the plane, and we get a remarkable look at the ships. Beautiful. + +--Right after Worf performs the death-ritual (and a more grief-stricken howl +I doubt I've ever heard), as he's talking to Alexander, the camera is behind, +to the right of, and a foot or two BELOW Alexander. And since he's still a +little kid, and Mike Dorn's so tall, Worf looks about a zillion feet tall. +Chilling, chilling effect, especially since he's about to go grab a weapon and +chop someone into tiny little bits with it. Brr. + +There were many other things I could gush about...I don't even know where to +begin. Let's see. + +While I've never had the objections to TNG music many people have, I will +accept that it's been a little...commonplace, shall we say. Not so here. +Much of the music here was powerful--in particular, I still remember the +music when K'Ehleyr's calling up the Klin net. Of course, we also heard a lot +of the Klingon theme (which is easily the best thing that ever came out of +ST:TMP), and some of the music from "The Emissary" resurfaced when Worf and +K'Ehleyr almost took the Oath. Nice work. + +Ah, here's another big thing. This episode was very, very nasty, in that the +commercial breaks were real edge-of-your-seat situations. I haven't been in +that much of a hurry to get past the commercial break since the last two +breaks of "Yesterday's Enterprise"--and this had THREE of them. (Just in +case you're keeping track of which ones, I'm thinking of the last three: +the explosion, the realization that it was a Romulan bomb, and K'Ehleyr's +confrontation with Duras--ESPECIALLY that last.) + +Technically, this was a treat--lots of external shots, including a number of +shots of the absolutely STUNNING-looking new Klingon attack cruiser. I +normally scoff at the idea of getting models--but I think I want one of those. +Life-size, though. :-) Seriously, though, it's a beautiful, beautiful ship-- +which is a good thing, since we'll probably see it for the next several +seasons. + +On another technical note, the Klingon makeup jobs were up to their usual +good standards--and I particularly noted that the ridges on Alexander's head +really looked to be something in between Worf's brow and K'Ehleyr's brow, which +is a great attention to detail. + +Some comments on the acting, now. First, everybody OTHER than K'Ehleyr. +Charles Cooper was fine as K'Mpec for the few scant minutes we saw him. He +looked believably sick and defeated...yet strong enough to keep Picard jumping. +Nice. + +Robert O'Reilly was okay as Gowron--as good as he needed to be, anyway. I'm +a little wary of putting that guy in as head of the Empire, but I think that +was kind of the point. Jon Steuer was remarkably watchable as Alexander-- +we didn't see all that much of him, and he mostly just had to react to Worf. +Worked well for me. + +Then, there's Duras. I wasn't all that impressed with Patrick Massett back in +"Sins of the Father", but he improved. A lot. I'm sure this was a combination +of the different storyline and the different direction, but I positively +despised Duras here. And I have never, ever, EVER--wanted to see a character +die a slow, lingering death as much as I wanted to see Duras suffer in the +final minutes of this show. I'm not a violent person, but I cheered when +Worf killed him. It scared me, a little. + +Finally, there's Suzie Plakson. Ah, Suzie. I didn't think she could DO a +better job than she did in "The Emissary"--but she might have. Her character's +changed a bit--she seemed more human here than she was last time 'round (except +for the final confrontation with Duras--she was all Klingon then). But that's +fine--since she primarily works on the Federation side of things, it makes +sense to me that she'd be growing more human as her career evolved. + +I thought she did a marvelous job--and I am downright MAD that we'll never get +to see K'Ehleyr again. I can't take off points for it, because killing her +worked like few other things I know of have (certainly, it had a much bigger +effect than it did when Tasha died, in part because I didn't know this one was +coming), and because it was done magnificently, but if Paramount doesn't bring +Suzie back, either as Dr. Selar or in yet another role (like, say, a Romulan?), +then either they're fools or Suzie's too busy. + +The writing? Hey--this struck me as a very solid plot. There are, to the best +of my knowledge, NO technical incongruities that people could mensch about such +as those in "Brothers" (they didn't bother ME, but some people are just never +satisfied, y'know?). I'm sure some people will be complaining about the +following three things, though, so I'll bring them up here. + +1) "How could Alexander have been born before?" Look, guys--it was never +made clear that Worf and K'Ehleyr were entirely platonic before "The Emissary". +Apparently, they weren't--it's not a problem. + +2) "We never found out exactly who killed K'Mpec!" To this I give a +resounding "So WHAT?" In performing the despicable acts that he did and +aligning himself with the Romulans (which was pretty much proven), Duras proved +himself a worse candidate for leader than Gowron would be even if Gowron DID +poison K'Mpec. If Duras did it, fine. If Gowron did it, that's fine too--I +suspect he's not the greatest leader in the universe anyway. + +3) "Picard's letting Worf off with a REPRIMAND?! Come on!" This is the +closest thing to a valid complaint I can see. Had Worf's action taken place +just slightly earlier, before the matter had essentially settled itself anyway, +I would have found that unacceptable. As it is, though, Worf more or less just +compromised Starfleet values a little--deserving of a reprimand, surely, but +with the glowing record Worf DOES have, hardly worthy of drumming him out of +the service. + +Quick comedy break: the biggest laugh I had/got all episode was when Worf and +Alexander were walking back from Alexander's school, and Alexander mentioned +that he didn't WANT to be a warrior. I guess I've seen "Yellowbeard" too many +times, but I couldn't resist saying, "He wants to be a _gardener_!" out loud. +Ah, well. :-) + +Anyway, I think I'm finally running out of steam here, and it's getting late. +Suffice it to say that this was one of the most gripping, gut-wrenching, +hard-hitting TNG episodes I've ever seen, and when people ask me why I watch +the show, this is one of the first things I'll show them. + +Anyway, the numbers: + +I'll save you eyestrain--they're all 10s. If you wonder why, go back and +read the review again. + +Like I said at the beginning, I'm going to wait for the novelty to wear off +before making any firm statements about just how good this was. But if a few +months pass, and my feelings haven't changed, then this vaults into my number +1 spot--and probably stays there for a long, long time. Wow. + +Rest In Peace, K'Ehleyr. We'll miss you. +NEXT WEEK: + +Riker Van Winkle. The window-dressing is fantastic--in set/costume changes, +this looks to be on "Yesterday's Enterprise" level. Now if the story's as +good, we'll have another real winner on our hands. + +Good night. + +Tim Lynch (Cornell's first Astronomy B.A.; one of many Caltech grad students) +BITNET: tlynch@citjuliet +INTERNET: tlynch@juliet.caltech.edu +UUCP: ...!ucbvax!tlynch%juliet.caltech.edu@hamlet.caltech.edu +"K'Ehleyr! I will not be complete, without you." + --"The Emissary" +-- +Copyright 1990, Timothy W. Lynch. All rights reserved, but feel free to ask... diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/revenge b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/revenge new file mode 100644 index 00000000..4d0e52c0 --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/revenge @@ -0,0 +1,1371 @@ +Path: newserv.ksu.ksu.edu!moe.ksu.ksu.edu!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!darwin.sura.net!haven.umd.edu!uunet!newsflash.concordia.ca!nstn.ns.ca!ac.dal.ca!vt102 +From: vt102@ac.dal.ca +Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative +Subject: Revenge: Chapter 1 +Message-ID: <1993Mar23.211426.12349@ac.dal.ca> +Date: 23 Mar 93 21:14:26 -0400 +Organization: Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada +Lines: 182 + + + "Captain's log, stardate 8992.4. The Enterprise has been +ordered to starbase 105 to pick up extra personnel and equipment. +The purpose of this transfer of people and hardware has not been +revealed to us yet, and I am anxious to get the reasons from +admiral Steylen, who will be on hand to greet us." Picard ended +the log recording, pushing the off switch on his desktop +interface. Standing, he moved to the window that was set into the +rear of his ready room, watching the stars streak away at warp 6. +There were still two hours to go until they reached starbase 105. +Keeping as a secret the purpose of pickups was not totally +uncommon, but what was, was the fact that the Enterprise was not +to deviate from course for any reason, not even emergencies. From +this, Picard deduced that this could not be any ordinary +scientific mission they were about to be assigned. This could +have only two purposes. Either some disaster had occurred that +the Enterprise was to take care of with the minimum amount of +trouble, or it was for military reasons. + + As the Enterprise came out of warp near starbase 105, Picard +came onto the bridge. On the screen before him was the gaseous +giant, twice the size of Jupiter, that starbase 105 orbited. As +the Enterprise approached, the massive doors opened, beckoning +the Enterprise inside. Once she was inside the enclosed +'shipyard', the Enterprise moved to dock. + "Captain," said Riker, "Isn't there a larger number of +starships here than ordinary?" On the viewscreen were three +starships. Under any normal circumstances, there would only be +the Ark Angel, an Excelsior class ship that was assigned here. +But there were the Zhukov, an Ambassador class vessel and the +Hood, under Captain DeSoto. After the Enterprise had docked, +Picard and Riker went to the Transporter room, to beam over to +the starbase's command section to meet Admiral Steylen. + As they materialized in the starbase's transporter room, the +admiral moved towards the pad. "Hello, captain Picard, Commander +Riker. A pleasure to meet you both." said Steylen, holding out +his hand. Picard shook it, then Riker. + "Greetings admiral. If you are ready, the transfer can begin +when you are ready. However, I find it a bit odd the +circumstances under which we were asked to come here. Perhaps you +can shed some light on this?" asked Picard. + "Yes, captain. I understand. If you will follow me to my +office, I'll tell you." The admiral gestured politely, and they +followed him to his office. He offered them drinks, Picard took a +cup of tea, Riker refused. + "Computer, Cola, five degrees." The drink appeared on the +pad, and the admiral took it, and sat down behind his desk, +taking a sip as he did so. + "Cola, admiral? That's an old Earth drink, isn't it?" asked +Picard. + "Right you are, captain. I tried it once out of curiosity +when I was young, and I've been drinking it ever since. I've come +to like it quite a bit. But that's besides the point captain. I'm +afraid I had to call you here because your next mission will +require certain new equipment and personnel to operate that +equipment. In addition, there are members of your crew who are, +well, uniquely qualified to carry out some aspects of this +mission. + "That's all very well, admiral, but exactly what are we +supposed to be doing, and why?" asked Riker. He was starting to +look a little bothered by all this secrecy. + "Yes. Well, commander Riker, Captain, The enterprise has +been ordered to accompany the Zhukov and the Hood to starbase 235 +in sector 453, there to meet with another starship that was +constructed expressly to carry out this mission. Enterprise, +Zhukov and Hood are to be her escorts." + "With all due respect, admiral, that does not answer +Commander Riker's question. What are we supposed to do?" asked +Picard. + The admiral hit a switch on his terminal, then turned it to +face Riker and Picard. "Do you recognize this?" he asked. + "God help us" muttered Riker to himself under his breath, an +opinion Picard shared in earnest. on the screen was an orbital +view of starbase 235, on the outer ridge of Federation space. It +was a planetbound starbase, huge even if it were in one of the +core systems. In all, the base would have spanned an area almost +the size of Australia. Now, however, there was only a perfect +triangular crater on the planet surface. As if the entire base +had been scooped off the planet. + "The Borg." Riker said, tones of anger in his voice. The +admiral nodded, and said to Picard, "Captain, Now you must +understand the importance of this mission. We received a distress +call from starbase 235 three days ago. Their communications were +extremely garbled. All we knew was that they were under extremely +heavy attack from vessels that were apparently cloaked. Since +starbase 235 is close to the border with the Romulan empire, we +naturally thought that they were the ones behind the attack. That +is, until the Romulan ambassador reported that a huge ship- a +cube shaped ship, was moving through their space. undisclosed +numbers of Romulan ships were lost in an attempt to stop them, +and it is believed that the Borg must have assimilated the +cloaking device." + Picard tried to take this all in. "Admiral, if that is all +true, then we have no way of knowing where the Borg will turn up +next. They could uncloak in orbit of Earth." + "That's right, captain, and that's why you will be going to +the remains of starbase 235 when the transfer is done, and track +the borg and destroy them. The klingons are sending one of their +dreadnoughts to help you track them while cloaked." + "What kind of equipment is being transferred on board the +Enterprise?" asked Riker. + "That's to be treated as a secret for now, but you will be +given a list of the hardware after you leave for the rendez-vous. +Most of the equipment is the same as that which is already on the +Zhukov and the Hood, but there are a few extra items that will be +on your ship alone. And now, gentlemen, you must be getting back +to the Enterprise. The equipment will only take a few hours to +load onto the ship, and installation will be done en route to +starbase 235. Godspeed." The admiral stood, and Picard and Riker +left. On the way back to the transporter room, they discussed the +situation. + "Number one, I want to leave the civilian crew here. If the +Enterprise doesn't come back, I want there to be as little loss +of life as possible." + "Agreed. I'll also talk to Worf, see if he's come up with +any new ways to modify the hand phasers so they can effect the +borg for a longer time." + "Good idea. I wonder if the Klingons will be carrying any +surprises of their own?" mused Picard. + "It's likely. After all, they lost a good part of their +fleet last time, too. If I were one of them, I'd sure want to +develop some new weapons." + "You're probably right. Notify everyone that there will be a +conference once we leave for the rendez-vous. I want there to be +a coherent effort on this." + "Understood, sir." Riker said. + + One hour later, the transfer was almost completed. In his +ready room, Picard was desperately trying to force his stomach +down out of his throat. There could be no avoiding it now, he +would have to face them again. He tried not to think about it. +Just then, the door beeped. Picard looked at it for a long +moment, then almost whispered, "Come." + The door opened, and Troi stepped in. "Captain, are you all +right? I've been sensing an incredible uneasiness from you ever +since you returned from your meeting with admiral Steylen." + Picard looked up at her. "Counsellor, I have just been +informed that the Enterprise is to be among a number of ships +that are to investigate an attack on starbase 235 by, the Borg." +he looked directly into her eyes, and had to fight to get the +word out. as it was, it barely got past his dry throat. + "As she heard the words, Troi also felt the feelings Picard +attached to them, and was almost overcome by the fear he felt. +She sat down on the couch by the wall, and looked at him. "And +you feel that you have to face them, even after what they did to +you?" she asked. He was very reluctant to talk to her about what +happened to him when the Borg had temporarily made him into one +of them, and hid his feelings from her. Now she understood why. +They had pried into his soul, and in some ways, he had yet to +recover from that ultimate rape of his body and mind. + "There is no doubt that I must do this, orders are orders. +But what I truly doubt is whether I CAN do this. Counsellor, I +cannot think of the Borg without feeling what they did to me. I +fear it may distract me from my duties." + "Well, fear is a natural part of anyone's feelings toward +this sort of thing. The fact that you were once temporarily made +one of the Borg - She felt another mental wave of pain from him +at this - should only be something that is a part of the past. +And only by keeping it that way will you be able to perform your +duties to the best of your ability." + Just then the intercom beeped. Picard touched his +communicator. "Yes?" + "Captain, this is LaForge. All the extra equipment is here, +and we're ready to begin installing it, but I have to say I don't +like it." + "What makes you say that, Geordi?" + "Well, some of these things I've never even seen before, and +the technicians down here won't tell me until it's all hooked up. +And sir, some of these things have to be connected directly to +the warp core for power. I don't like anything that takes that +much power when I don't know what it is." + Picard nodded to empty air. "Very well, Get the installation +started, then get ready with what you do know. There's a briefing +in half an hour, after we depart. Picard out." Picard touched his +communicator again, then looked back to Troi. "Well, counsellor, +off we go." With this, he stood up and moved onto the bridge, +going to the command chair. + "Ensign Roe, set course for starbase 235. Warp 9. Engage." + In a flash of light, the Enterprise, Zhukov, and Hood warped +out towards sector 453. + +  + +Path: newserv.ksu.ksu.edu!moe.ksu.ksu.edu!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!cs.utexas.edu!uunet!newsflash.concordia.ca!nstn.ns.ca!ac.dal.ca!vt102 +From: vt102@ac.dal.ca +Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative +Subject: Revenge: Chapter 2 +Message-ID: <1993Mar23.212156.12350@ac.dal.ca> +Date: 23 Mar 93 21:21:56 -0400 +Organization: Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada +Lines: 411 + + + "Captain's log, stardate 8993. The Enterprise's triad of +starships has met the ship sent by the klingon empire, and has +proceeded with us to starbase 235, where we met the fifth vessel +assigned to this.. mission, the U.S.S. Valor, which I have just +learned is the latest in a series of dreadnoughts, constructed +for one thing - fighting a war. The commanders of each vessel is +scheduled to beam over shortly to discuss the plans thus far, and +to decide on a course of action." + Picard stood up from the desk in his quarters and moved out +into the hall. The idea of a group of ships hunting the borg down +wouldn't seem so laughable if he honestly thought they stood a +chance. After all, one borg ship managed to wipe out a good part +of the fleets of both the federation and the klingon empire. +Picard wondered if the klingons had been hit the worst, since +they could only get one ship to the rendez-vous in time. And this +supposed "dreadnought", thought Picard, "well we'll see what that +thing can do when her captain beams over." + "Captain, may I speak with you?" asked Data as he caught up +with Picard, on his way to the bridge. + "Certainly, Data, what's on your mind?" + "Captain, is it true that the only purpose for this mission +is to seek out the Borg ship and to destroy it?" + "Yes, those were the orders. The Enterprise and these other +ships are to investigate the remains of starbase 235, and +hopefully track the Borg from there." + "But sir, the only way we were able to defeat the Borg the +last time they invaded federation space was by imposing a sleep +command to them. Something that cannot be done without a captive +Borg that is in full contact with its vessel." + Picard winced inside at Data's calling an individual Borg an +'it'. "Well, Data, I suppose command thinks we can do something +useful out here, or they wouldn't have ordered it. Perhaps they +think that if we can't stop them, we can at least gather more +information about them." + Data looked at Picard. "Do I take it from your statement +that you do not think there is much chance of being able to stop +the Borg?" + "Data, you know as well as I do that our chances of actually +being able to stop the Borg in combat are very slim." said Picard +as they entered the turbolift and he ordered it to go to the +bridge. "What I'm really worried about is what starfleet thinks. +Will they commit to a suicidal war or try to find some way of +peace?" + "Captain, in my time in starfleet, I have seen that the pre- +eminent concern of command is always to find a peaceable solution +to conflicts. However, I believe there can only be one course of +action concerning the Borg." + "What is that, Data?" + Data assumed a look of thought as he explained. "Guinan has +explained that the Borg wiped out numerous civilizations in their +part of the galaxy, many of which were more advanced than the +federation. How can we hope to succeed, where they failed?" + Picard smiled at Data. "Well, we can only really hope for +one thing. That even if the Borg destroy the federation, that at +least some remnants remain to rebuild after they have left." + The turbolift doors opened onto the bridge, and Picard and +Data stepped out and went to their stations. + "Captain, we just came out of warp in the Canaris system. +We'll be at starbase 235 in about one hour." said Riker. + "Very well, number one. I want a conference scheduled for +ninety minutes from now, and invite the captain of the valour as +well. I'll be in my ready room if I'm needed." Picard stood up, +and went into his ready room. Riker watched him go, then turned +to Troi. + + "Deanna, is the captain well? It seems like something's +bothering him." he said. + "Well, we are on a mission which is said to be exclusively +to find the Borg and stop them, if we can. I don't think anyone +could be relaxed about that." + "Yes, but is there anything specific? I'm just as worried +about this mission as he is, but is there something else about it +for him?" + Troi shifted in her seat. "I think that may be for the +captain to say, Will. After all, I have to hold some form of +confidentiality." + Riker nodded. "All right, if I see that he seem too +preoccupied, I'll mention it to him, but I'm concerned that +whatever it is could take away from his duties." + "Don't worry about that, Will. The captain is very.." + Just then Worf's panel beeped, and they both looked up to +see what it was. Worf looked down at them from his station. + "Sir, the captain of the Valor is hailing us. He advises he +will meet us and escort us to starbase 235." + Riker looked at the screen. "One ship escort three ships and +a Klingon battlecruiser?" Riker asked himself. "Isn't that a bit +odd?" + "I agree. No Klingon ship needs escort, nor does it ask for +it." Worf said. he almost seemed angry at the idea. + "How soon until the Valor meets us, Worf?" + Worf checked his displays. "Twenty minutes, current speed." + Riker touched his communicator. "Captain, The Valor has +broken orbit and is coming to meet us in twenty minutes. Shall I +move up the meeting?" + Picard came out of his ready room. "Very well, Number one. +Advise the captains of the other ships that the briefing is +changed to thirty minutes from now." Picard sat down in the +command chair. "Ensign Roe, adjust course to meet the Valor, +please." + "Aye, sir. Coming around to bearing 274, mark 67." + + Thirty minutes later, the conference began. In the room were +Captain DeSoto of the Hood, captain Kranow of the Zhukov, Korn of +the Klingon ship YAY BATLH, and Captain Wright from the Valor. +Picard, Data, and Geordi were also there. + "Greetings, gentlemen, as you know, I am captain Jean-luc +Picard of the Enterprise." Picard sat down at the end of the +wooden table. "Now then, captain Wright, do you have anything to +tell us about the remains of starbase 235?" + "Thank you captain." said Wright. "The Valor first arrived +in this system on stardate 8984, to investigate a loss of +communications with the starbase. When we got here, there was +still evidence that the Borg had just left the area. Not wanting +to engage them one-on-one, I informed starfleet and requested +they send reinforcements to meet us along the way, but they told +us to stay put instead. So, we beamed down and thoroughly +investigated the site. There were all the traces of the Borg's +actions that were present at other sites, but much more +prominent." + "Captain, wouldn't that just be because you got there right +after they left?" asked Geordi. "I mean, were the traces more +widespread or just more intense than they would be if they were +older?" + "The traces we picked up from the surface were twenty times +more powerful than those from any other site the Federation has +ever found." said Wright. Geordi sat back in his chair and +whistled. + "That's pretty suggestive of more than one ship, captain. +With all the trouble we had with just one Borg ship, I'd hate to +think of what we'd do about two, or even more." said Geordi. "And +that's not to say they aren't already orbiting Earth while +cloaked. You did say they picked up that from Romulan ships they +assimilated, right?" + Picard nodded. "That's right, Geordi. For all we know, the +Borg could be anywhere in space by now." + "Then that is all the more reason to find them now! And +destroy them before they do the same to us!" captain Korn slammed +his fist down on the table, threatening to break it. "All this +talking is useless! While we decide that we should fight them, +they have already killed our families! Destroyed our people! +Captain Picard, let us end this waste and leave orbit! let the +hunt begin now." + "Captain Korn, please. Before we go and look for the Borg, +wouldn't it be best to try and figure out where they would have +gone?" said captain DeSoto from his end of the table. + "That should be relatively simple to deduce, Captain +DeSoto." said Data. "From all that we know about the Borg, and +based on their past actions, their most likely destination is +Earth, with possible deviations along the way in order to +assimilate any planets or vessels they deem worthy. They have +learned that Earth is the centre of a large organization in this +part of the galaxy, and by assimilating the computers there, they +could easily learn the locations of countless other civilizations +worthy of assimilation." + "Data and I agree on this, sir." said Geordi, as he +activated the display on the wall. "Working on plots of this part +of Federation space, and assuming they really are on a heading +for Earth, then they might stop to attack these locations we've +marked. Our recommendation is to proceed along this course, and +get there before they do." + Picard took this in. "And assuming we did get there first, +what would we do? Captain Kranow, you're the only one here who +has been briefed on the systems in the cargo hold of all our +ships. Could you explain now what some of them are?" + "Thank you, captain Picard." Kranow turned his chair to the +screen and activated the screen by remote. Several diagrams +appeared on it. "As you can see here, this is an isolated field +generator. As one of your crew members suggested, I believe, +Picard, We have developed a specific type of nanite that will +hunt down and consume any kind of electronic device. Naturally, +they would wreak havoc on any starship, so they've been placed in +isolation until an opportunity opens when they can be beamed over +to the Borg ship or ships, and do their worst. The second +system," he hit a switch, and another set of diagrams came up on +the screen. "is a kind of warp bomb. Basically, it is a small +power source and warp coil, which can be attached to any +structural member in the Borg ship, and possibly tear it apart by +inducing opposing warp fields on it. Judging from the size of the +last Borg ship we encountered, at least three of these would have +to be attached to be effective. The Enterprise, Zhukov, and Hood +each carry five of them." + "But captain Kranow, couldn't the Borg just block any +attempts at transporting by raising shields against it?" asked +Geordi. + "Good that you should mention that, mister Laforge. When the +time comes for this course of action, mister Data will be +transporting to the Borg ship using the dimensional shift device +that you discovered in use by the Rutian rebels." Everyone in the +briefing room shifted uncomfortably at this thought, because of +the fact that it was this same method of transport that had +almost destroyed the Enterprise when they had attached a bomb to +the warp core. "The dimensional shift will be untraceable, or at +least enough so that Data will be able to place the bombs and get +out of there in time. And no known shield can stop it." Everyone +seemed to settle down. Data was the perfect choice, since the +effects the dimensional shift had on human DNA would be no threat +to him. + "In addition captain, your first officer has told me of an +interesting new modification to the hand phasers." said Kranow. + Riker nodded. "Yes. Worf and I went over the fire control +chip Wes designed last time we fought the Borg. With the phaser +randomly changing harmonics over a wide range, the Borg adapted +by shielding themselves against all harmonics in that range. But +if we set the phaser to change harmonics within a limited range, +then we could simply change over to a new one when the Borg +adapt. It should give us much more time than before. Time we may +just need if the Borg try to board the Enterprise, or any other +ships. + "That is not all." said Korn. "I have several matter- +antimatter warheads on the Yay Batlh, which our engineers have +fitted with their own cloaking devices. They used to be used for +mines, but if fired against a Borg ship like a photon torpedo, we +may be able to pierce their shields so that your own battleship +can attack." Korn nodded to Wright. + "Picard, the Valor is equipped with two main sensor arrays, +as you already know. But only one is in use. The other is a +dedicated emitter of the energy beam you tried to use against the +Borg the last time. However, this one won't burn out. It was made +for this, and this alone. My engineers are also working on +replicating these warp bombs, but we have to take power from the +warp core to do it." + Picard looked concerned. "How long will you be without +power?" + Wright thought for a second, then said,"I don't think more +than a few hours. We'll continue on impulse power, and can catch +up when we're done." + DeSoto shook his head. "Not good enough. We'll be under way +at maximum speed, and you couldn't catch up in time to do good. +We have to stay behind and protect each other while you're doing +that." + "I agree." said Korn. "Even a fool does not go into battle +with his forces divided. If this delay will get us more weapons +to use against the Borg, then let it be so." Korn drew his lips +back and flexed his fist, the leather in the gauntlet stretching +tight over his knuckles. + "Very well, then. We will assume defensive positions around +the Valor and proceed on full impulse, then go to warp as soon as +they have power back." said Picard, standing up. "Questions?" + The room was silent. + "Good then. Dismissed." as everyone stood and moved out of +the room, Picard looked to the far end of the room. "Number one, +Data, I want to see you in my ready room please." + + A few minutes later Picard settled down into his chair. +"Number one, why wasn't I informed about the plan to have Mister +data transporting to the Borg ship?" + Riker looked at the floor as he sat down in the chair facing +Picard's desk. Data stood by the couch. "Well sir, Data and +myself only found out about it ourselves just before the meeting. +Data agreed, of course. I however, don't like it any more than +you do." + "But commander, since the Borg would be blocking attempts to +use the transporters, the dimensional shift is the only option if +the warp bombs can be used. Also, since I am the only crew member +on any of the ships that is not affected by the dimensional +shifting, then the only logical choice for the planting of the +bombs can be myself." Data said as he looked at both Riker and +Picard. + Picard leaned forward on the desk, his hands open. "But +Mister Data, the fact that you are to be the one to board the +Borg ships is not the premier concern in my mind. There is of +course the fact that you will be over there alone, as well as the +fact that at such a time, we will have to be in close proximity +to the Borg ship, meaning that you may be needed here. On the +Bridge." Picard stopped, thinking for a second. "I do of course +realize that you are the only logical choice for this. But I +can't help having reprehension about sending one of my best +officers alone, onto a hostile ship." + "I sympathize with your apprehensions, captain, but I will +not be defenceless. I will have the new hand phasers, and my +superior reflexes and motor neuron speed will allow me to plant +the warp bombs in a shorter time than any human could. I estimate +that with minimum interference from the Borg, the devices could +be planted in no less than twelve minutes." + Picard took this in, still worried about Data. All the speed +in the world cannot outrun a particle beam, he thought to +himself. + "That's not all captain. " said Riker. "While he's on the +Borg ship, Data will have a beacon so that we can trace him at +every moment, except when he shifts. If he gets hurt, we can +shift him out by remote." + "I see. Well then that's that, is'nt it? Stations please, +gentlemen." Picard said, and followed Riker and Data out onto the +bridge, where they sat at their post for that shift. "Geordi, +anything to report?" + "Nothing captain. We assumed position above and behind the +Valor, and we're on full impulse power. The valor says they can +be back on full power in another ninety minutes." Geordi said as +he moved up to the engineering station, behind Worf. + Picard nodded in acknowledgement of Geordi's report. "Data, +maintain course and speed, notify me of any necessary changes, +please." + "Aye sir." said Data as he turned back to the ops panel and +punched up a status display. Checking them over, he frowned. +"Captain, my readings are outside out of the norms for the +external scans." + Picard leaned forward, Riker began checking his own panel. +"Can you elaborate, data?" + "Negative, sir. The readings only show a small distortion of +the subspace field at bearing 64 mark 03." + Riker looked up from his panel. "Confirmed, captain. There's +definitely some distortion or interference at those co- +ordinates." + "On Screen." ordered Picard. + "The distortion is on main viewer now, sir." said Data. + The screen changed from an image of the space at bearing 64 +mark 03. There was nothing visible, but the sensors enhanced the +image by showing a faint flickering of the stars at those co- +ordinates. + Picard looked at the screen for a moment, then nodded to +himself. "Lt. Worf, hail captain Korn. Ask him to scan that +sector and confirm our readings." + "Yes sir." said Worf as he went to the com panel. He almost +ignored the beeping from the tactical board, until he saw what it +was beeping about. "Captain! Borg vessel de-cloaking in sector +64!" Worf immediately raised shields as he said this. + "Red alert!" yelled Riker, looking to Picard. + Picard jumped out of his seat and moved to the centre of the +bridge, between and just behind Data and Roe. "Move us between +the Valor and that Borg ship!" + "Captain, the Valor says they don't have enough power for +shields or weapons!" Worf said, then went to his panel for a +second. "Phasers and Photon torpedoes ready. The YAY BATLH +advises that they can fire matter-anti matter torpedoes also. " + "The Valor is diverting power to the shields, captain, but +they're only up to ten percent so far!" said Geordi. + "Sir, the Hood and Zhukov are requesting permission to +fire." said Data as he manouvered the Enterprise into position to +defend the Valor. + "The Borg ship is firing!" Said Worf. On the screen, a green +beam erupted from the upper corner of the Borg ship and blew the +Valor's left warp nacelle off. The second shot punched through +the Hood's shields and struck her on the upper side of the saucer +section. Both ships immediately started drifting, and the Valor +drifted away from the rest of the fleet. + "All ships fire!" said Picard. "Worf! Target the source of +that beam and fire the multi-harmonics phasers. Divert power from +life support if you have to, but destroy that weapon!" + The Enterprise's primary phaser array lit up, pulses of +energy moving from each end of the 300 degree ring that was on +the top of the saucer section. The pulses met in the centre, and +a multi coloured beam destroyed the emitted of the Borg weapon. +The YAY BATLH fired a spread of her torpedoes, which disappeared +as soon as they were fired, their cloaking devices automatically +engaging. The Borg ship fired a spread of its own weapons to +match, but only got about half of the Klingon torpedoes. They +detonated against the Borg ship, and blew a hole in it two +hundred metres long, which almost instantly started to repair +itself. + The Hood launched a full spread of photon torpedoes into +that hole, as did the Enterprise and the Zhukov. They detonated +inside the hole, causing the Borg ship to be blown back from the +fleet by the force of the blast. + "Captain, the Valor reports that the Borg are boarding her, +and taking the crew back to their own ship. Captain Wright +estimates that he has lost two hundred people so far." said Data. + Picard looked at Data, then at the Borg ship. It was +rotating, moving its damaged section away from the fleet. As it +did so, it fired again, and pierced the Zhukov's shields. It cut +away the bridge, and used a tractor beam to pull it into itself. + "Captain, I am receiving an automated distress call from the +Valor. She is launching lifeboats and trying to clear the area on +impulse power." said Data. + "Mister Worf, continue firing. Data, get me the Valor on +screen." said Picard. The Valor appeared, one warp nacelle gone +and her saucer section covered with marks where shots had hit +her, and one entire section of the engineering hull missing. Her +impulse engines glowed red erratically, trying to push the +battered ship out of the danger zone. Just then the Borg ship +fired again, hitting the Valor amidships. She broke in two at the +point where the saucer section is joined to the engineering hull. +The two pieces drifted for a second, then exploded in a blinding +ball of fire. The screen then switched back to the Borg ship, as +it fired on the YAY BATLH, piercing her hull near the left warp +nacelle. She was blown out of the formation, and slowly started +moving back. + "Mister Worf, launch everything we have! Data, advise the +other ships that can to do the same!" Picard said. Data sent the +message. The Enterprise, Zhukov, Hood and YAY BATLH all fired +their entire arsenals. Phasers, torpedoes, and anti-matter +torpedoes all were fired at the Borg ship. They were spread +evenly over the surface of the ship that was facing the fleet, +and the torpedoes detonated simultaneously while the phasers were +all directed at the centre of the ship. After the detonations, +Picard called for a scan to see what damage had been done. + "All sensor scan report no damage done to the Borg ship, +sir." Said Data as he checked the readings. Picard looked at him +in disbelief. + "What do you mean, no damage? There was enough destructive +force in that barrage to destroy a planet!" + "Apparently, the Borg have adapted their shields, or +increased the power output of them." said Data. + Picard looked at Data. "Mister Data, get down to cargo bay +four as quickly as you can, and prepare to transport." Data +nodded, then got up and ran to the turbolift. Picard then +addressed the ships. "All ships, this is Picard. Fire only in +return. Data is now attempting to plant the warp bombs." + A minute later, Data was in cargo bay four, strapping on the +armband that controlled the dimensional transporter. The warp +bombs were beside him, three six-foot long cylinders in a rack +that was equipped with a transport control that was slaved into +Data's so it followed him when he shifted. The Enterprise rocked, +as the Borg's shots struck her for the fist time. "Bridge, this +is Data. I am ready to shift. + Picard's voice came out of his communicator. "Good luck, +Mister Data." With that, Data touched the control unit on his +armband, and both he and the rack holding the warp bombs +disappeared as a hole opened up, washing an intense light over +them, then closed, taking Data and the Bombs with it. + + +Path: newserv.ksu.ksu.edu!moe.ksu.ksu.edu!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!darwin.sura.net!haven.umd.edu!uunet!newsflash.concordia.ca!nstn.ns.ca!ac.dal.ca!vt102 +From: vt102@ac.dal.ca +Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative +Subject: Revenge: Chapter 3 +Message-ID: <1993Mar23.214346.12351@ac.dal.ca> +Date: 23 Mar 93 21:43:46 -0400 +Organization: Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada +Lines: 144 + + + Data appeared on the borg ship, in a spot as close to the +centre that the dimensional transporter could place him. He +quickly looked around, then opened his tricorder and started +scanning with one hand, and touched his communicator with the +other. "Data to Enterprise, come in please." + On the Enterprise, things were almost too busy to reply to +Data's message. "Data, this is Riker, Report?" + "I am on the Borg ship now, sir. Scanning for integral +structural members." He walked slowly, the three warp bombs +following him on they were mounted in. He stopped, then closed +his tricorder and placed it in his belt pouch. "This is Data. I +have located a suitable place to mount the first device. I am +proceeding now." Data then took one of the bombs from the sled, +causing it to rebound upwards a little from the decrease of its +weight. He took the bomb over to the member and placed it up +against it, the magnetic locks clamping on. Data then turned on +the power generator. The small matter-antimatter reactor had +enough fuel for a short time only, so he had to plant the bombs +as quickly as he could. Checking his internal monitors, he noted +that he was already moving at three times the normal human speed. + The Enterprise rocked as another hit from the Borg ship +struck her. "Captain, we can't last in this pounding much longer! +shields read at only thirty five percent!" yelled Geordi, from +engineering. "How much longer do we have to hold this defensive +position?" + "When Data transports back, we'll get out of here, mister +LaForge, until then, keep power to the shields!" Riker told +himself to calm down. He had been in more desperate situations +than this, the only exception being that this one promised to get +far worse. Just then an explosion came from the Zhukov. Picard +hit his comm switch. + "Zhukov! This is the Enterprise! do you read?" The response +was crackling static for seconds before the reply came through. + "Enterprise, this is Zhukov. Captain Kranow was killed when +the Borg destroyed the main bridge. This is commander Lands, I +assumed command, and I am speaking from the emergency bridge." +The voice got a little sadder then. "The last hit took out our +shields. I've lost a quarter of the crew, and phasers are out. +All we have left is photons." + "Fall back behind the other ships, commander. We'll try to +protect you." Picard cut the connection. "In another few minutes +we won't be able to protect ourselves. Mister Worf, notify the +transporter room to be ready to beam any survivors on board, +should the crew of the Zhukov have to abandon ship." + "Yes, sir." Worf hit a few buttons in between dodging shots +from the Borg. The hole that was blown in her side was likely +regenerated by now, and there would be hell. Another shot came +from the Borg ship, and hit the Enterprise. The lights went out +on the bridge for a second, then flickered back on. + "Damage?" asked Riker. + Worf checked his panel. "Major damage in the civilian sector +of the ship. That section was evacuated at starbase 105, There +are no casualties." + Picard nodded to himself in relief. "Ensign Ro, report on +the rest of the ships?" + "The YAY BATLH is still active sir, her shields are holding +but weakened, the same as ours. The Hood is damaged, but can also +hold station. The Zhukov has fallen in behind the Hood, sir." + "Captain, I am picking up an energy surge on the Borg ship. +reported Worf. Picard could only start to ask what kind of +buildup, when the Borg fired on the Enterprise again. The bolt of +energy shattered the ship's shields. Explosions came from the ops +panel, and both science stations at the back of the bridge. The +ensign manning the ops station in Data's place was killed by the +blast. Reports instantly started flooding in from other parts of +the ship. Suddenly the Enterprise was as crippled as the Zhukov. + "Captain, this is engineering! That last blast destabilized +the warp core! I have to shut down the entire engineering +section, or we'll lose the antimatter containment field!" + "LaForge, any chance of repairing the damage?" asked Riker. + "Not under these circumstances, sir. And the whole ship has +to be shut down, except for the saucer section!" + Picard and Riker looked at each other. "Number one, you know +what must be done?" + "Yes sir." Riker went on the intercom. "Attention all hands! +Evacuate the engineering section and prepare for saucer +separation! Ensign Ro, make the preparations." Riker sat down +next to Picard. "You know that Data will be returning to cargo +bay four, in the engineering hull?" + "It can't be helped, number one." Picard hit the comm switch +again. "Hood, this is Enterprise. We have to jettison the +engineering hull, can you take us in tow?" + "Affirmative, Enterprise." said Captain DeSoto. " But +captain, we can't keep the Borg occupied like this. We have to +disengage and escape, try to enable repairs!" + "Captain DeSoto, My second officer could be lost if we leave +the sector like this!" Picard said. + "Picard, we'll all die unless we disengage now!" + Picard sat back in his chair. Ro had just announced that the +saucer separation was completed, and the Hood was manouvering, +under heavy fire, to take the them in tow. + + "Come in, Enterprise. This is Data. Do you read me?" Data +frowned and went back to his work, placing the third and last +warp bomb. So far, the Borg had left him unmolested as he placed +the bombs in the ship. He lifted the last device from the sled, +but before he could clamp it to the beam he had scanned, he heard +footsteps behind him. Turning, he saw that Borg were closing on +his position from three different directions. Drawing his phaser, +he checked his internal monitors again. At five times normal +human speed, he blasted the first four borg in each of the +approaching lines, giving him time to clamp the warp bomb to the +beam and magnetically seal it. + Turning to face the Borg again, he shot three more before +the fourth blast was stopped by shields. Data switched to the +second range on the phaser. There was one left after this range +had been adapted to. Firing at the Borg, he managed to eliminate +one advancing line completely, and took out half of the other two +before they adapted to his new range. Switching over to the last +range, Data turned on the power on the last warp bomb, and +started its automated startup. Once that was done, he could shift +back to the Enterprise and they could escape while the bombs were +engaged. The shields automatically went up around the Warp bomb, +which was supposed to happen if a small motion detector on the +end of the bomb detected any moving thing besides Data. The only +thing left to do was for Data to hold his position until the bomb +beeped, showing that it was functional. + He shot more Borg as they tried to get close to him, but +they adapted to this range faster than the others. Data dropped +his phaser and drew his second one, adjusted it for full power. +It would only be able to fire a few shots at this setting, but +hopefully that would be all that was needed. He eliminated eight +more Borg before the warp bomb beeped, signifying its readiness. +Data immediately hit the return button on his armband, and the +dimensional hole opened and closed by him, taking him off the +Borg ship and materializing him in cargo bay four. All the lights +were out, and there were no vibrations coursing though the deck. +Data went to a wall panel. "Computer, please state current +condition of the Enterprise." No reply. He touched communicator. +"Data to Picard...Data to Riker...Is anyone in range of this +transmission?" Data retrieved a flashlight from the emergency kit +near one of the cargo transporters, and turned it on. Moving the +light along the transporter pad, he saw that it was burnt out. +the panel had also overloaded and exploded. The condition of the +Enterprise was apparently very bad. + He moved out into the hall, and used a service accessway to +get to engineering. There, he activated one of the small science +terminals, on stored power. There was only enough time on the +power cells for him to find out what had happened to the +engineering hull, and that the rest of the ships had disengaged +and left the sector, limping to starbase 185, which was as close +to the Borg's advance through federation space as they could get. + + +Path: newserv.ksu.ksu.edu!moe.ksu.ksu.edu!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!darwin.sura.net!haven.umd.edu!uunet!newsflash.concordia.ca!nstn.ns.ca!ac.dal.ca!vt102 +From: vt102@ac.dal.ca +Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative +Subject: Revenge: Chapter 4 +Message-ID: <1993Mar23.214457.12352@ac.dal.ca> +Date: 23 Mar 93 21:44:57 -0400 +Organization: Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada +Lines: 168 + + + "Captain's log, supplemental. Stardate 8996.2. In battle +with a Borg ship, The U.S.S. Valor was lost with all hands, save +those that were taken from her by the Borg before she broke up +and was destroyed. The Enterprise's stardrive section had to be +abandoned, and all other ships were damaged badly before we had +to break off. The Hood is towing us to starbase 185 where the +lost stardrive section will be temporarily replaced by another +that was intended for one of the Galaxy-class starships under +construction there. The Hood and YAY BATLH were able to carry out +repairs en route to starbase, but the Zhukov will be left there. +My condolences go out to the crew of the Valor." Picard sat in +the dimmed light of his quarters. His ship was in pieces, +although that would be remedied soon if the stardrive section at +starbase 185 could be mated to the saucer section in time. Worse +than that was the fact that their most powerful ship had been +destroyed, and another had to be left behind. + The door chime sounded. "Come." said Picard. + The door slid into the wall, revealing Troi standing in the +corridor. "May I come in?" she asked him, sounding almost timid. + "Yes counsellor. Please." Picard stood, gesturing to the +couch that he had just been about to lay down on. "What seems to +be on your mind?" He said as he sat in the chair facing the +couch. + "Captain, I thought we could discuss your feelings +concerning the battle. " + Picard shifted in his seat, looking uncomfortable. +"Counsellor, I really wouldn't like to discuss that now." He +stood, and moved to the far wall. "Tea. Earl Grey, hot." He said, +and took the cup as it materialized on the pad set into the food +synthesizer. + "Well, I've been sensing a wave of, well, dread every time +we so much as mention the Borg. Is it because you were one of +them?" + "I thought I asked you not to discuss this with me." Picard +stared at her from the far end of the room, the cup in his hand. + This time it was Troi's turn to fidget. She decided to try +another tack. "Alright then, how do you feel about the loos of +Data? " + Picard sighed. He sat down in the chair by the couch again. +"Well, since you seem so singularly determined to get me to talk +to you, I feel the loss that anyone would feel at losing a +friend. We should not have abandoned him on that ship, we should +have stayed within transporter range of the stardrive section to +beam him over if he got off the Borg ship." + "But if we stayed that close to the stardrive section, we +could have been killed if it exploded." Troi sat back on the +couch. "Captain, you're feeling that you should have stayed in a +danger zone, where thousands of people had already died, for the +hope of saving one more. But if you had stayed, you would have +put countless others in danger of death also." + "And that's not all." Picard said. "Not only did we lose +Data when we abandoned the stardrive section of the Enterprise, +but we may well have lost our last, best chance of defeating the +Borg as well." + "What do you mean?" + "This was supposed to remain confidential, but the warp +bombs Data was planting on the Borg ship were meant to be engaged +by a remote signal. And the apparatus that would have transmitted +the signal was in cargo bay four, along with the dimensional +transporter. So you see Deanna, we lost more than Lt. Commander +Data when we jettisoned the stardrive section. The transmitter +was the only one of its kind made, so that if the Borg +assimilated any other ships, they would not know the plan." + "I was never informed of any plan." said Troi. + "Exactly. Each of the ships was carrying a different piece +of apparatus, so that if the Borg assimilated the information in +one ship's computer, they would only learn how that one ship was +equipped. You see, the Valor had her second sensor array, the +klingons, their matter-antimatter torpedoes. But each ship was +only meant to hold the Borg at bay, and provide the distraction +and time for Data to plant the warp bombs. And with the +detonator-transmitter gone, it would seem we now have no chance +at winning this war." Picard said the word, 'war' with distaste. + "But couldn't we put the Borg to sleep, like the last time?" +Troi said. "I was confused as to why we didn't try this at first +anyway." + "The reason that was not attempted again was because it was +only possible to do it the first time because we had captured a +Borg who was intended to be the spokesman for the Borg on the +Enterprise, and as such was still fully tied in to the Borg's +communication nets. If we captured a Borg that was not meant to +be on the ship, then it would be cut off." + "I see. thank you Captain." Troi stood up and left Picard's +quarters. Now she was sure. Picard's reference to himself, when +the Borg had captured him, as "Just another Borg" was the +convincing factor. Picard was trying to hide from himself and +what the Borg had done to him. + + "Docking authority, this is the Enterprise." said Riker. +"Request permission to dock." + "U.S.S. Enterprise, this is base control, you are cleared at +docking bay twelve, please proceed on one-quarter impulse." + "Ensign Ro, if you please." Riker said to Ro from the +command chair. Once they had docked, the new stardrive section +would be joined to the saucer section, and after stress test, the +Enterprise would be whole again, at least temporarily. On the +viewscreen in front of him, Riker watched as the Hood docked at +bay five, for her repairs, and the YAY BATLH was just finishing +hers. The Zhukov was outside of the station, awaiting total +shutdown of the warp core before she would be allowed inside the +station itself. It was a miracle she had made it this far. + "Commander, we're docked now." said Ro. + "Very well, Ensign." Riker touched his communicator. +"Captain?" + "Yes, number one?" + "We're docked at starbase 185 now, and the stardrive will be +mated in three hours." + "Time to the finish of repairs of the Hood?" + "Another four hours yet, sir, but the YAY BATLH is ready +now. Sir, do you wish to inspect the stardrive section when it's +installed?" + "Negative, number one. We'll leave station as soon as all +repairs on the Hood are finished. And I'm on my way to the +Bridge. Picard out." + + Two hours forty minutes later, The Enterprise was whole +again, and stress test were being carried out to ensure that the +two sections were perfectly mated to one another. Picard was in +his ready room when the door chimed, and Riker came in. + "Captain, any news regarding Boro station?" He was referring +to a scientific research station in orbit of Boro 9, one hundred +fifty light years from Earth. + "Yes, number one, there is. The survivors who managed to +evacuate before the Borg got there were picked up by the Victory. +They were reported as 'in good health' by Captain Varnes." + Riker nodded. "How far have they gotten?" + "A freighter was reported missing along their path two hours +ago. About a hundred light years out." + "I see." Riker scratched his beard. "That puts them far +enough from Earth for us to catch up when we have the repairs +finished. " + Picard looked up at Riker. "Yes, we may be able to catch up +to them, but how do we stop them when we do?" + "I've been thinking about that." Riker sat at the chair +opposite Picard's, putting his hands on the desk. "What if we +dumped the warp core, along with the Hood. We could use tractor +beams to direct them at the Borg ship, and the impact would +detonate them. The detonation would be equivalent to two +starships ramming that ship. Getting the cores through their +shields would be a problem, but I'm sure a full power burst from +every available phaser array on both ships would take care of +that. After, the YAY BATLH can either tow us back home, or we can +use the auxiliary cores." + "Number one, what if that didn't work? We'd be adrift until +we could get auxiliary power, and that would leave us totally +defenceless." + "Defenceless against a single Borg ship, or at full power in +a galaxy under the Borg's control. That's what will happen if we +don't stop this ship." Riker and Picard's eyes met. "I would +rather die than have the Borg reach Earth, and this is our best +chance to prevent that now." + "Picard gazed at his lap for an instant. "Very well, number +one. I'll consider it." He looked at Riker. "But only as a last +resort. I'll inform Captain DeSoto and Korn." + "Aye sir." Riker got up and went to leave. + "But number one." + Riker turned. "Yes, sir?" + Picard tried to hide the beginnings of a smile. "I want you +to be the one to tell Geordi that you want to blow up his beloved +warp core." + Riker smirked, and left. + Picard sipped his tea, then put the cup down, and swivelled +his chair to face the window. He crossed his hands on his lap, +and wished either of two things: That If Data escaped from the +borg ship, he would find his way back home. If he hadn't, then he +hoped Data was dead. +  + +Path: newserv.ksu.ksu.edu!moe.ksu.ksu.edu!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!darwin.sura.net!haven.umd.edu!uunet!newsflash.concordia.ca!nstn.ns.ca!ac.dal.ca!vt102 +From: vt102@ac.dal.ca +Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative +Subject: Revenge: Chapter 5 +Message-ID: <1993Mar23.214703.12353@ac.dal.ca> +Date: 23 Mar 93 21:47:03 -0400 +Organization: Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada +Lines: 232 + + + "Enterprise, Hood, and YAY BATLH, you are cleared for exit +in that order. You may proceed on one eighth impulse power." + "Roger, control. Proceeding now." Said Ro as she piloted the +Enterprise out of dock, her lost stardrive section replaced by +one that was originally intended for the U.S.S. Discovery III. + The Enterprise Glided out of the immense hangar that made up +the upper third of starbase 185. "We are clear, captain." said +Ro. + "Move us ten kilometres out, Ensign, and wait for the Hood +and the YAY BATLH. " said Riker. + "Captain, commander Lands of the Zhukov sends his best +wishes for our mission, and the Sutherland as well." said Worf. +The Zhukov had finally been allowed to enter the station, where +she docked alongside the Sutherland. It was undergoing an +intensive overhaul, which her captain tried desperately to abort +once he heard the Enterprise and her entourage were in need of +ships. + "Sir, the Hood and YAY BATLH are free and ready to warp." +said the ensign who was manning the ops station. + "Ahead warp nine. Engage." The three ships warped out. their +destination was Beta Soris, seventy-five light years from Earth, +and the site for the final stand between the Borg and the +Federation. + "Time to the Beta Soris system, Ensign?" inquired Picard. + "Twelve hours, thirty minutes, captain." replied Ro. + "Very well. Number one, I want a conference in ten minutes." +Picard stood up and went to his ready room. Ten minutes later, +Picard arrived in the conference room. Present were LaForge, +Riker, Troi, Worf, and Ro. + + "Mister LaForge, are you satisfied that this scheme with the +warp cores will work?" + "Well, there's definitely enough explosive power in two warp +cores to take out a small planet. What I'm worried about is +whether we'll be able to outrun the explosion on impulse power." + "Do you think we can escape?" asked Picard. + "Well I think we can, but only with a little bit of help." +said Geordi. + "Explain." + Geordi went over to the screen on the wall. "If our plan to +use the warp cores works, then the YAY BATLH can take us in tow +with her tractor beams, but when we dump the cores and throw them +at the Borg, there won't be time for that, so I came up with +this." He activated the screen. "This is a diagram of the warp +field the YAY BATLH usually generates when she jumps to warp +speed. However, if we can extend the field, then the Enterprise +and Hood can hitch a ride along with her." + Riker leaned forward. "But won't that cause an instability +of the warp balance? Three ships riding in the field of one?" + "Yes, there is a problem with instability, but we'll only +need to hitch a ride like this for the few seconds it'll take to +outrun the explosion, so I can't foresee anything going wrong." + "Comments?" Picard asked of the officers at the table. + "I am in favour of this plan." said Worf. "If there is no +hope of defeating the Borg, then let us die honourably in combat, +rather than running from them." + "Anything else?" Picard asked. + No one spoke. + "The captains of the other two ships are having this same +conference with their senior officers as well. If we do not +succeed in this last effort, Earth will proceed with a total dump +of every scrap of information in every computer in the solar +system. There are eight starships in orbit of Earth, ready to +defend it to the last breath. Let's hope it doesn't come down to +that. Dismissed." + Everyone filed out of the briefing room, and took up their +positions again on the bridge, and Picard went back to his ready +room. + "Will, may I speak to you for a moment?" asked Troi. + Riker stood from the command chair, and ushered her to the +back of the bridge. "What is it?" he asked in a whisper. + "It's the captain. I'm worried that he may have some kind of +vendetta against the Borg for what they did to him. " + "Deanna, what are you trying to tell me?" + "I think the captain will try, or is trying to get revenge +on the Borg. When I talked to him in his quarters, he was evasive +on the Borg, and only talked about Data." + Riker crossed his arms and leaned against the bulkhead. +"All, right, do you think this could interfere with his duties? +That he may take unjustified risks in fighting the Borg?" + "No, its not that," Deanna tried to find the proper words to +express herself. "It's just the opposite. I think he's repressing +deep-rooted feelings about the Borg, and maybe letting him +destroy the ship will be the element that will help him to come +to terms with it. Perhaps letting him do this is the most +therapeutic thing for him right now." + Riker looked at her suspiciously. "Why are you telling me +this if you don't think it'll affect his abilities?" + "Well, I want to be sure you know all the facts if you see +he may be enjoying it too much if we stop the Borg. And, not +everyone can be accurate in their diagnoses all the time." + Riker and Troi's eyes met for an instant. Then they went +back to their seats, and tried to find some way to pass the time +until they met the Borg. + "Commander, I'm getting a report from Starfleet. The Borg +are attacking another colony world." said Worf. + "Where?" asked Riker. + "Remel four. " + "What? That's totally off the course the Borg are supposed +to be taking." + "The transmission comes in the proper code, commander." + Riker hit the intercom. "Captain to the Bridge." he said. +"Ensign Ro, change course to proceed to Remel four, maximum +warp." + "What's the problem?" asked Picard as he came out of the +ready room and sat in the command chair. + "The Borg are attacking another colony on Remel four, sir. +We've altered course to intercept at maximum speed." + "Ensign, time to Remel four?" + "Only twenty minutes at this speed, sir." said Ro. + "Put me through to the other ships." + Worf worked at his panel for a second. "On screen, sir." + The screen changed from the view of space to a split screen +of DeSoto and Korn. "Captains, the Borg are attacking another +outpost, we can be there in less than half an hour." + "We've gotten the same report, Captain." said DeSoto. + "Picard, the YAY BATLH will provide cover fire with all her +remaining weapons while you and DeSoto attempt your honourable +strategy, and will allow you to escape by sharing our warp field. +But be warned. If this plan does not work, we will not be able to +protect you." + "Understood, Korn. We'll try our best to defend ourselves if +this plan fails." said DeSoto. + "We're coming up on Remel four now sir. Visual range in a +few more seconds." said Ro. + The captains of the Hood and YAY BATLH ended transmissions. +"On screen." said Picard. + The screen was filled with a quarter of the planet Remel +four, and orbiting above it, seemingly connected to the planet by +a bright blue beam, was the unmistakeable cube shape of the Borg +ship. + "Red alert!" yelled Riker. The lights of the bridge dimmed, +and the sirens started to wail. + Riker and Picard went back to their places. + "Range of the Borg ship." said Picard. + "Twenty thousand Kilometres." reported Worf. + Picard hit the intercom. "Mister LaForge, prepare to dump +the warp core." + "Acknowledged, captain. we're ready." + "Mister Worf, I want to fire everything we have at that ship +before we dump the warp core. Charge every phaser array we can +bring to bear, load every torpedo tube." + "Yes, sir. YAY BATLH is moving into position to extend their +warp field." + On the screen, the Borg ship grew larger and larger. +Suddenly, the beam it was firing at the surface stopped, and the +side that had been facing the planet turned to face the +approaching ships. + "Time to optimum firing range." queried Riker. + "One minute, thirty four seconds." said Worf. + "Engineering here, captain. We can dump the core at a +moment's notice." + The three vessels raced at the Borg ship, which simply sat +there, in orbit of Remel four. + Worf's panel started beeping. "Optimum firing range, sir." +he said. + "Fire, full power, tight dispersal." said Riker. + The Enterprise and Hood fired everything they had. In all, +the barrage contained thirty-eight photon torpedoes, and nine +multi-harmonic phaser beams. The YAY BATLH emptied her tubes of +antimatter torpedoes, all cloaked, and momentarily shut down +every power drain except the antimatter containment fields, and +diverted it to her phasers. The Borg ship was hit bluntly by +enough power to destroy a sun. Its shields held under the +punishment for three seconds, then faded by approximately forty +percent. + "The Borg ship's shields have been weakened, captain." said +Worf. + "Dump the core." ordered Picard. On the engineering hulls of +the Enterprise and the Hood, emergency hatches blew away from the +hull. On each ship, the shudder was felt as the cores that housed +the matter-antimatter reactors were ejected. Instantly, each ship +went to auxiliary power, and tractor beams from each ship threw +the cores at the borg cube-ship. + "Now!" roared Korn. The YAY BATLH then went to full warp, +her warp field distended around the two other ships. As they fled +the area at hundreds of times the speed of light, The two warp +cores smashed against the Borg ship's shields, detonating in a +supernova-bright flare of pure energy. + Two light years away, the YAY BATLH dropped out of warp +speed, also halting the Enterprise and Hood. The Enterprise and +Hood turned to face the direction from which they had just come, +their warp engines now cold and dark. + "Report." said Picard. + "There is too much interference at the moment, from the +detonation of the warp cores." said Worf, as he checked his +tactical display. "Clearing now... I am reading nothing, sir." + Picard sat back in his chair, releasing air that he must +have had in his lungs since they first sighted the ship." + "Think we got them?" asked Riker. + "I hope to God we did." said Picard. "Ensign Ro, plot a +course to starbase 185, warp fi..." + "Captain! Borg ship de-cloaking behind us!" yelled Worf. + "On screen!" + Behind the three ships, the Borg ship appeared, wavy at +first, then solidifying into sharp, terrifying reality. It fired +a white beam, punching through the YAY BATLH's shields. She +listed to one side as the beam crossed the ship from port to +starboard, cutting the ship in two. The beam then moved to the +Hood, where it cut straight through her saucer section, and +finally cut one of the warp nacelles from the Enterprise's new +stardrive section. + "Damage report!" Yelled Picard as the bridge filled with +smoke from fires at three stations, and the lights dimmed and +almost went out. + "Port nacelle gone, heavy casualties in secondary hull." +said Worf. + "Engineering! Do we have power for phasers?" screamed Riker. + "Negative, commander! I'm having trouble keeping life +support going!" + "Worf! What about the torpedoes?" + Worf surveyed his panel. "Trying sir." he attempted to re- +direct the commands, then shook his head at the display. +"Controls not responding." + "Hood, come in! Do you read us?" shouted Riker into the com +panel on his chair. There was no response. + The Enterprise shook. + "Worf, are they firing at us again?" asked Picard. + "Negative sir. There is a beam focused on the saucer, +section twelve. All decks in that section no longer reporting +in." + "Put that section on the screen." said Riker. + On the screen, a beam was cutting into the saucer section, +and removing a cylindrical piece of the Enterprise. + "They're cutting us to pieces, just like the first time we +encountered them." said Riker. + "Worf, do we have shields?" asked Picard. + "Negative, sir." + Picard turned to face the screen. "Then we're totally at +their mercy." he said heavily. + + +Path: newserv.ksu.ksu.edu!moe.ksu.ksu.edu!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!cs.utexas.edu!uunet!newsflash.concordia.ca!nstn.ns.ca!ac.dal.ca!vt102 +From: vt102@ac.dal.ca +Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative +Subject: Revenge: Chapter 6: Final Chapter +Message-ID: <1993Mar23.235044.12359@ac.dal.ca> +Date: 23 Mar 93 23:50:44 -0400 +Organization: Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada +Lines: 174 + + + "Captain's log, supplemental. Our power is gone, and all +other ships that were to fight the borg alongside the Enterprise +are destroyed or equally inoperative. The Borg are now cutting up +the Enterprise like a turkey." Picard watched helplessly as the +section was removed from the saucer section, and the Borg ship +started cutting another piece, then a second beam started cutting +yet another. + "Engineering, what do we have left?" asked Picard, after +hitting his communicator. + "The auxiliary power's completely useless, sir. Even the +batteries are going to go in a few minutes." + "We can't even start a self-destruct countdown." said Riker. + "Not with the warp core gone, but perhaps..."Picard got up, +and moved over to the helm. "Ensign Ro, do we have manouvering +thrusters?" + Ro checked her console. "Yes, but I any kind of delicate +motion is impossible. With the main computer gone from lack of +power, there's no way to monitor the delicate course +corrections." + "We won't need sophistication for this manouver, Ensign." +said Picard as he went back to his command chair and sat down, +followed by Riker. + "Captain, are we going to ram them?" asked Riker. + "Affirmative, Number one. Perhaps we can finally do them +some last bit of damage." + "Like the meal biting its consumer's tongue. But the ship +will be destroyed. No one could survive this." + "It can't be helped. If we allow the Borg to assimilate the +Enterprise and her crew, then we will all turned into Borg. At +least this way, The Borg won't find out any more about the +Federation..." Picard's voice trailed off to a whisper, "And we +can die with some dignity." + Riker sat back in his chair, and looked over at Troi. She +was sitting with her head lowered, and Riker could see that her +lips were moving in the dim light of the bridge. He looked away +as the tear rolled down her cheek. She was praying. + "Thrusters ready, sir." said Ro. + "Launch the log buoys, Mister Worf. Ro, try to direct us as +close to the centre of that ship as you can." Picard wearily +eased himself back into his chair, putting his hands on the small +elevated panels at each end of the chair's arms. "May God have +mercy on my soul for what I am about to do." He whispered. "Ahead +full speed, Ensign Ro." + Ro touched the controls on her panel that activated the +thrusters. Slowly, The Enterprise eased forward, gradually +gaining momentum as the thrust was maintained. The Borg ship +merely continued cutting away pieces of the Enterprise. + "Sensors indicate that if the Borg raise their shields +before we get inside, then the Enterprise will not be able to +damage them." Said Worf. + "Range and time to impact." + "Twenty thousand kilometres, impact in fifty seconds." + On the bridge, all eyes went to the Borg ship as it grew on +the screen. + "Captain, my sensors indicate another vessel approaching at +high warp." said Worf. + "Confirmed." said Ro. + "Must be reinforcements starfleet managed to pull together." +said Riker. + "One ship won't be able to succeed where five failed, number +one. Mister Worf, which vessel is it?" + Worf looked at his panel in disbelief. "Captain, the ship's +identification beam says it is the Enterprise!" + Picard jumped up. "On visual!" The screen switched from the +growing Borg ship to the vessel that was approaching them. It +only appeared as a small dot. "Increase magnification." The image +jumped and clarified to show the abandoned stardrive section of +the Enterprise. + "What the Devil? Mister Worf! How long until that ship gets +here?" + "It is within range of the Borg ship now, sir." + The stardrive section of the Enterprise, which was abandoned +and replaced after the Enterprise's previous battle with the +Borg, swept into the Borg weapons field, her shields holding as +it launched fourteen photon torpedoes and fired three phaser +beams from the emitter on her underside. It passed over the Borg +ship, and caught the Enterprise and the Hood in its tractor beam. +A moment later, it fired a high energy phaser pulse at the source +of the beam that was cutting into the Enterprise, destroying it. +It then pulled the Enterprise and Hood away from the Borg ship, +and launched a shuttle from its bay. It then warped out, and +stopped along with the Enterprise and Hood, one light year away. + "Put the Borg ship on screen." ordered Picard. On screen, +The Borg ship was pulsing, parts of it apparently increasing in +size, other shrinking. For a moment, it looked as if it were made +of rubber, and was being squeezed through a small hole. Then it +exploded in a mass of light and radiation. No matter was left of +the Borg ship. + As the nova-bright image slowly faded on the Enterprise's +screen, Picard lowered his arm from in front of his eyes. He +turned to face Worf. "What just happened?" + Worf scanned the area, then reported, "The Borg ship was +destroyed. The effects just before the explosion are consistent +with the activation of the warp bombs." + "Hail the stardrive section." + "There is a reply coming in." + "On screen." + The screen changed to a view of Data, alone on the battle +bridge, but with a cluster of wires running from one side of his +head, which he had exposed. He was sitting in the command chair, +behind what looked like a jury-rigged control panel. He looked at +the screen. "Greetings, captain. I apologize for not having +informed you sooner that reports of my demise have been +exaggerated." + "Mister Data? How did you repair the damage to the stardrive +section?" + "I did not, captain. The damage Lt. Commander LaForge +reported was a large radiation leak that would have killed the +crew of the Enterprise if the warp core had not been shut down. +Since I am not affected by Radiation, I was able to get underway +for this point, where the warp bombs could be engaged from a +shuttle that I had placed the detonation transmitter on." + "And you piloted the entire ship here with no help?" asked +Riker, a broad smile crossing his face. + "Not totally unaided, Commander. I linked my higher brain +functions directly into the computer, and was able to control it +as if it was an extension of myself. The connection proved to be +very exhilarating. Furthermore, I believe that a study of the..." + "Ah, yes Mister Data. Later. Beam over here as soon as +possible. Can the stardrive section be repaired?" + "Yes, sir. I believe so." + "Very well. Worf, get over to the Hood with a medical crew. +Mister Data, once you return, start working with Mister LaForge +about getting your stardrive section repaired." + + "Captain's log, stardate 9000.1. The Enterprise has been +repaired and has towed the Hood to starbase 105, where she will +remain, pending a full refit. The Enterprise's repairs are almost +complete, and we now have time for more productive activities." + + "It is my honour to present to Lt. Commander Data, second +officer of the U.S.S. Enterprise, the medal of valour. For +actions on or around stardate 8999.3, wherein his heroic actions +saved the crews of two starships, and possibly the entire +Federation." With this, Admiral Steylen stepped up to Data, and +pinned Starfleet's highest honour on his chest. Data looked down +at the medal on his chest, and turned to face the applause of +five thousand beings, from the Enterprise, Hood, and the crew of +starbase 105. Also awarded were the medal of valour, posthumously +to the captains of the Valour and the Zhukov. In the Klingon +empire, Captain Korn was posthumously given the NuqDaq yuch +Dapol, their equivalent of the medal of valour. + Back on the Enterprise, Data was in his quarters. He walked +in, then locked the door behind him. Taking the medal off his +chest, he walked over to his small case, which held the other +medals he had been awarded. He moved to put this newest addition +into the case, hesitated, then sat at his desk with the medal in +hand. He looked at it for a second, then at the small, octagonal +crystal on the corner of his desk. Turning it so that the switch +on its base faced him, he hit the switch. The small crystal lit +up, projecting a hologram of Tasha Yar, smiling, her hands +clasped together in front of her. Data put the medal down in front +of the image, and sat back in his chair, looking at them both. + + Picard paced uneasily in his quarters. "Computer. what is +the time?" + "It is fifteen hundred hours, Enterprise time." said the +computer." + "Damn." said Picard. Just then the door chimed. Picard half +jumped, then tried to settle down. "Come." + The doors slid open, and Troi stepped inside. "You asked to +see me?" she said. + "Yes, counsellor. um, please sit down." Piacrd gestured +nervously at the couch. After she sat down, he sat beside her. "I +would like to talk to you for a while." + Troi relaxed. "About the Borg?" + "Yes." said Picard, closing his eyes and sighing deeply. + + + + + THE END + + diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/roadless.txt b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/roadless.txt new file mode 100644 index 00000000..6fa6631b --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/roadless.txt @@ -0,0 +1,2056 @@ + Historian Note: + + The events depicted here occur just over five years +following the events of 'The Undiscovered Country'. + +----------------------------------------------------------------- + + Author's Note: + + There have been many theories postulated as to the final +fate of James Kirk. I am one of many who believe that he, unlike +some of the other characters, does not live to see the events of +'Next Generation.' I do believe that he goes out in a blaze of +glory, though. + + This story is pure speculation, but I have attempted to +place the events depicted here into the established Trek timeline +with utmost care. Due to the length of time that has passed, I +have elected to place the events of the 'Next Generation' episode +"Relics" within the timeframe between 'TUC' and this story (those +events being Scotty's departure aboard the _Jenolen_ and that +ship's subsequent disappearance). + +------------------------------------------------------------------ + + Acknowledgments: + + I would like to thank Kasey Chang, for planting the +possibility of Kirk's ultimate fate in my mind. Though what I +dreamt up is probably not 'exactly' what he had in mind, the idea took +form while reading his Star Trek Master Timeline. I also acknowledge +DC Comics, for designing the Romulan ship that is mentioned in this +story. Even though that design is not "official" Trek, I thought +it looked 'way cool' (technically speaking, of course). + +----------------------------------------------------------------- + + One Last Thing... + + This is my first stab at story writing of ANY kind, but it's +something I've been wanting to try. Comments, constructive +criticism, suggestions for improvement are welcome and greatly +appreciated. Please send all correspondence to 'YourNameHr'. + +P.S. A little help with a possible title wouldn't go unnoticed, + either..... + + And Now For Something Completely Different... + +----------------------------------------------------------------- + Part One. + -------- + + "Me?" + James Kirk stared, dumbfounded, at Admiral Peter Buchanan. +It took several seconds for him to realize that he still had not +invited the admiral in. + For that last fleeting second, he actually considered +closing the door without another word. With a sigh, Jim stepped +back, allowing Buchanan into the apartment. + Admiral Buchanan moved to the center of Kirk's living room, +taking the entire room in with a slow, methodical sweep. His +gaze paused momentarily at Jim's collection of ancient firearms. + Finally, the steel blue eyes turned to focus on Kirk. + Jim was equally bold with his gaze. His hazel eyes locked +with the admiral's. They stood that way, for what seemed to Kirk +like a century. Finally, the admiral broke off the contact, +turning to sit on the couch. His tone was matter-of-fact. + "We need the best. You're it. What's more, you know that." + Kirk shook his head in disbelief. Taking a seat in his +recliner, he looked at the walls, the ceiling, the window, +anywhere but at the man who had intruded on his solitude. + "Whatever I was, that's over. I'm retired. I've finally +come to terms with it. I like my life the way it is now. Find +somebody else." _That didn't sound as resolute as I would've +liked_, Kirk mused to himself. + "Nobody can fill your shoes. I need a man I can count on +not to crack at the first crisis." + "You can't sit there and tell me that not one starship +captain has the ability to do this. What kind of officers are +you people graduating these days, anyway?" + Buchanan's expression grew cold. He was not used to being +addressed in this manner. + Kirk saw the look for what it was. "Forget the bully +tactics, Buck. I'm retired. I don't need to be polite anymore. +Hell, I don't even have to _listen_ to you people if I don't feel +like it." _There_, Jim thought, _that's better. Right?_ + Buchanan suddenly grinned like a hyena. "As if it makes a +difference. Now you've just got an excuse to cover your tail. +Don't think we've all forgotten your 'way with words'." + The sudden humor did nothing to alter Kirk's mood. "I +haven't been on the bridge of a starship in five years, Pete. +There has to be somebody else." + "No one who will garner the instant respect that comes with +being James Kirk. The simple mention of your name calmed them +down. They were almost civilized." + "You told them I would be coming?" Kirk was suddenly +outraged. This was the same tactic that Spock had used the last +time.....the LAST time he had had to deal with Klingons. + "They remember what you did at the Khitomer Conference. You +and your crew thwarted the conspiracy, and saved their +Chancellor and the Federation President. In their minds, you +conducted yourself with honor. That's not a little thing with +the Klingons, as you're well aware." + Kirk shook his head, "What did we accomplish? No treaties, +no withdrawals. Just a lot of political rhetoric. Empty +promises." + Buchanan held up a hand. "We're closer to total peace now +than we've ever been. There hasn't been so much as a dirty look +exchanged between ships since the conference. You are directly +responsible for that. It's in the official record, in case you +didn't know." + But Kirk did know. When the _Enterprise_ had returned to +Earth, several weeks after the conference had ended and Starfleet +Command had ordered them home, there had been a reception, +complete with "ruffles and flourishes". The entire crew had +received official commendations. _Posthumous awards, for some,_ +Kirk remembered soberly. Then, after all the hoopla, the +_Enterprise_ had been decommissioned. That simple act had also +been transformed into a media circus. Then, finally, the grand +old lady had been placed reverently in Starfleet Command's fleet +museum. + For a short time afterwards, he had visted the ship regularly. +He spent hours walking the decks, trying not to let the automated +tour guide intrude on his remembrance of voyages past. Then, it had +finally become too painful to return, to see her hanging there in the +museum spacedock, useless, a parade ground for tourists and +dignitaries. + It had been the final straw for Scotty as well. If there was +anyone who loved that damned ship more than Kirk had, it was +Scotty. The engineer had opted for retirement, deciding to spend his +final years sailing the seas of Norpin Five in peace. + _Scotty....._ + The news of the USS _Jenolen's_ disappearance had struck Kirk +like a physical blow. Kirk had seen death in countless forms +over his career. It hurt him to see other living beings die. +Tormented him when it was one of his crew. But this..... + Kirk had served with Montgomery Scott almost since his first +days as captain of the _Enterprise_. He was, without question, the +finest engineer Kirk had ever known. Seemingly capable of +miracles, he had pulled the _Enterprise_, and her crew, from the +edge of certain destruction more times than Kirk could remember. + Though the official reports had listed the Jenolen as +missing, presumed destroyed, Kirk refused to believe that the +engineer was really dead. Something in the back of his mind, +possibly a seventh sense, since everyone knows that starship +captains already have six, told him that Scotty was out there. +That he had once again crafted some miracle to defeat death. + Kirk's reverie was broken by the sound of his name. It took +a moment to realize where the voice was coming from. + "Jim? You okay?" + Kirk forced the memories away. Before he realized what he +was doing, Kirk found himself going over a mental checklist. Spock +was retired, but there was still McCoy. He would call him at Starfleet +Medical. And... + _What are you doing?_ he thought. _You can't really be thinking +of going through with this. It's insane. You're too old..._ + "When do we start?" + + * * * * * + + The shuttle touched down on the landing pad just outside +Starfleet Headquarters. Kirk took the opportunity to look out +through the viewport at the expanse of the Golden Gate bridge. +He admired the beauty and grace of the bridge, briefly recalling +how he and his command crew had come within a hairsbreadth of +crashing into it with a Klingon Bird-of-Prey, loaded to the gills +with seawater and two humpback whales. + _Have to admit_, he admitted to himself, _it was rarely +boring_. + The shuttle settled, and the side hatch opened. He stepped +out onto the landing pad, giving the area a quick visual once- +over. All alone, standing at parade rest, was a Vulcan female +wearing Commander's insignia. The hairstyle was slightly +different, but still within regulation, but Kirk smiled with +immediate recognition. "Saavik. It's been a long time." + Saavik raised the inevitable eyebrow, the Vulcan equivalant +to an ear-to-ear grin. "Indeed, Admiral. It has been precisely +five years, two months, twelve days since we last met at the +_Enterprise's_ decommissioning ceremony." + "But who's counting?" Kirk said to the air as he looked +around. Saavik was the only person within a hundred meters who +wasn't involved in shuttle maintenance or some other duty. +"You're the welcoming committee?" + Saavik nodded. "Admiral Buchanan believed you would be more +comfortable with a quiet arrival." + _Don't you know it_, Kirk thought. Once it was common +knowledge that he was once again wearing a Starfleet uniform, +there would be more press activity than this place had seen since +the Enterprise's final return to Earth. + Kirk motioned for Saavik to lead the way to Admiral +Buchanan's offices. He still had no concrete information on the +current situation. Buchanan had supplied only the most +superficial of facts, insisting that security prevented him from +devulging all the details. In spite of this, Kirk had still +decided to come. One of the reasons he had decided to return was +that Pete had sought him out personally. This told Kirk that he did +indeed feel the sense of urgency that he had conveyed the day before, +at Kirk's apartment. This, and the unalterable fact that Pete +Buchanan was one of his closest friends. One of those that had +supported him throughout his career. Thes reasons had convinced Kirk +into accepting a reinstatement. _A temporary reinstatement_, Kirk +reminded himself. + In retrospect, Kirk realized that Buck was one of the few +individuals that had not been part of his command crew, his inner +circle, that he felt he could count on under any circumstances. +This in itself bad been enough to sway him. + Buchanan had even gone the extra mile, convincing the Federation +President to give Kirk back his rank of Admiral, stating that it +couldn't hurt him to have that extra weight on his sleeve. + _Well_, he thought soberly, _don't get used to it_. + They spent the walk to the Headquarters building and the +turbolift ride to the upper level recalling what they had been up +to in the intervening years since last meeting. Saavik had +finished her tour on Vulcan as a Starfleet liaison and been +assigned to the science vessel USS _Aldrin_. There, she had spent +four years with the science team charting nebulas near the Delta +Cygnus system. She had recently returned to Starfleet Command as +an ambassadorial liaison. Their reminicing was interrupted by the +slowing of the turbolift. + They stepped off the lift directly into a reception area. A +male lieutenant looked up at their approach, rising instantly +upon noticing Kirk's rank. "Good morning, Admiral. Admiral +Buchanan and the others are already inside." + Kirk continued to follow Saavik to the inner offices at the +end of the short hallway were a pair of oak, or some material +presenting a fair imitation of oak, doors, each emblazoned with +the Starfleet insignia. They stepped to the doors, waiting for +the computer to notify the office's occupant that he had visitors. + Scant seconds later, the doors opended. Admiral Buchanan +rose from his huge, padded chair to greet them. "Good morning, +Jim. How was the flight?" + Kirk smiled. "Short. Any chance that this meeting will go +any faster?" + Buchanan chose to let the remark pass without reply. +Instead, he stepped to the conference table at the other end of +the office. The wall behind the table was dominated by large +viewscreen, measuring from floor to ceiling, stretching 15 feet +across. The trio took places, with Buchanan occupying the +overstuffed chair at the head of the table. + "Alright, Jim. Here it is. Since the conference at +Khitomer, the Klingons have had a sincere desire to continue +peace negotiations. However, as it always happens when +politicians are involved, the talks have been mired down, due to +everything ranging from blatant mistrust regarding fleet reductions +to seating arrangements at formal dinners. + "However, three months ago, the Klingon High Command began +receiving reports of attacks on their outposts that border Klingon +and Romulan space. At first, the raids were blamed on pirates, +or renegade Klingons bent on souring negotiations with us. That +is, until last month." + Buchanan pressed a key on the panel installed at his end of +the table. "Computer, display visual record 4T3ZRF1." + The viewscreen brightened, showing a starfield. Buchanan +narrated, "This is a visual record of the outpost's early +detection camera system." + The serenity of the scene was suddenly interrupted by a +distortion of the starfield. Kirk instantly recognized the +effect. "Cloaking device." + The ship that appeared was as first glance, a Klingon +cruiser, K'Tinga class. It was on course directly for them, or +rather, the satellite. _Damn screen is too real_, Kirk muttered, +trying to conceal the fact that his fingers had been digging into +the chair. _My God, that is one ugly ship up close._ + "Freeze image." ordered Buchanan. "Jim, look at that +ship." Kirk stood and approached the viewscreen. Now he could see +that it wasn't a Klingon ship, at least not entirely. The vessel had +a command section similar to the K'Tinga class cruiser, but any +similarities ended there. This ship had no long, thin hull section +connecting to a secondary hull. Instead, the hull of this ship expanded +beyond the primary hull into two larger sections. The hulls swept back, +above and below the command section, connected by warp nacelles at port +and starboard postions. The shape of these secondary hulls was +almost...birdlike. + "This is a Romulan ship, Jim. New design. They've taken +the K'tinga command module and combined it with a new version of +their old Bird-of-Prey. We're calling it a Warbird, for lack of +anything better." + "How big is this thing?" Jim asked, not turning from the +screen. He had automatically, instinctively, began sizing the +ship up, looking for potential weaknesses. + "Roughly two and one half times the size of a Constitution +class starship. But that's not the best part. Watch. Computer, +resume visual record." + The Warbird began moving again. The torpedo tube at the +front of the command module glowed red. There was a flash as the +torpedo was launched. The screen erupted into blinding white light. +Then, the light, ship and starfield were abruptly repaced with a +blank screen. + Buchanan turned back to the table. "That satellite was +actually an asteroid roughly three miles in diameter. The first +torpedo completely destroyed the outpost there. Later reports +could not confirm the existence of the asteroid. At least, not +in one piece. Out of twelve outposts, this was the only one that +gave us a clue of any kind before it was destroyed. + "They have advanced tremendously in their weapons and cloaking +technology. Whether they received help from an outside source is +unknown at this point." + Kirk nodded. "The Romulans are upset because the Klingons +are talking peace with us. They're afraid they'll be outgunned +if the Klingons join the Federation. But what do they gain by +destroying outposts?" + "That was only the beginning. Now, Federation outposts are +being attacked. Same methods. They're not happy at all. And +they are going out of their way to tell us about it." + "Why hasn't any of this been on the news services?" + Buchanan shook his head. "We've been trying to contact the +Romulans, to let them know that we're not out to start a war with +them simply because the Klingons are on our side. There's been +no response. Starfleet Command thought it wise to keep it under +wraps for the time being." + Kirk shook his head. "I still don't understand where I come +in. You said I had to deal with the Klingons." + Buchanan touched another key on the pad. "Starfleet and the +Klingon High Command have decided that drastic measures may be in +order." Buchanan stood up and began to pace the length of the +conference table, continue to speak. "You will command a strike +force, comprised of starships from both the Federation and the +Klingons. An attempt will be made to negotiate with the +Romulans. + "Ambassador Sarek will conduct the negotiations. The +Klingons were a little skeptical at first, but they've come +around." The admiral's face turned solemn as he continued, +"However, should more drastic measures be required, it is agreed +by both the Federation Council and the Klingons that you lead the +force." + Kirk was stunned. After all his years in Starfleet, he had +never actually fought in a full-fledged war. War with the +Klingons had been averted by the Organians at one point, with the +Khitomer Conference beginning to bear truth to their prophecy of +the the Federation and the Klingons working together. War with +the Romulans had been avoided due only to a decades-old treaty +and the Neutral Zone. Kirk had encountered Romulans before, but +never on a scale such as the admiral was proposing. + The admiral was continuing with his brief. "Intelligence +reports a group of twelve of those Warbirds are massing near one +of the Romulan outposts at the Neutral Zone along Klingon space. +We believe it is the precursor to encroachment of the Zone. They +may be attempting to hit the K'Lok'dri system." + Kirk searched his memory. K'Lok'dri was a system of four +planets whose main purpose was producing photon torpedoes and +warp engines for the massive Klingon military. That was, of +course, before the explosion of Praxis, a moon of the Klingon +homeworld, damaged that planet's atmosphere, requiring total +evacuation. Since then, Jim had heard nothing about the +otherwise unknown system. "What's to gain by attacking there?" + Buchanan called up a stellar map of the K'Lok'dri system. +"In addition the vast arsenal stored there, it is also home to +the Klingon High Command. They're headquartered there until +Klinzai's ozone layer is fully restored." A process that would +not be completed for another twenty years. + "Your strike force will be made up of eight starships, +including the _Excelsior_. The Klingons are also providing six of +their cruisers. You will maneuver to a prescribed set of +coordinates at the Neutral Zone. There, you will be within +communications range with that Romulan outpost. Ambassador Sarek +will attempt to open negotiations and stop the attacks." + _However_, Kirk added, silently. + "However, should those talks fail, you will have total +operational command of the fleet. The decisions from that point +are yours to make. Both we and the Klingons have agreed to this. +To put it another way, Jim, if it hits the fan, it's your show." + Kirk turned the figures over in his mind. Just one of those +Warbirds had destroyed an observation outpost with little effort. +Now, twelve of those same craft were grouping at the Neutral Zone. +Fourteen starships, six of them Klingon, might not be enough to sway +any plans the Romulans harbored. + Buchanan anticipated Kirk's next question. "The strike force +that we've assembled comprises all available ships in the neighboring +sectors. All other ships are too far away to be there when you arrive. +We've sent out the call, and other ships are on the way, but you'll +have to make do until then." + _Seems to me I've heard this song before_, Kirk thought. + "Captain Sulu is currently the commander on-site of the +strike force until you arrive at the rendezvous point." + Saavik spoke for the first time during the meeting. "I have +already volunteered as Helm Officer on your vessel, Admiral Kirk." + Kirk smiled at the Vulcan, grateful that there would be at +least one familiar face on his ship, whichever ship that might be. +"When do we leave?" Kirk's adrenaline was already pumping. He +found himself impatient to begin the mission. + "0730 tomorrow morning. A shuttle will take you to +SpaceDock where you'll rendezvous with your ship. Any other +questions?" + Kirk paused before answering. Did he have the right to make +this next request? "I'd like to contact some of my old command +crew. I think that their experience would be valuable resources." + Buchanan turned to the computer terminal at his desk. A few +keystrokes later, he swiveled the screen so that Kirk could read +it. As Kirk scanned the information, a tone sounded on the +admiral's desk communicator. + Oblivious to it all, Kirk studied the display: + + Spock, Captain (ret) - Shi Kar, Vulcan. + McCoy, L.H., Commodore - Starfleet Medical. + Scott, M., Captain (ret) - Missing, presumed deceased. + Sulu, H., Captain - Commander, USS Excelsior. + Chekov, P., Captain - Instructor, Starfleet Academy. + Uhura, N., Captain - Commander, SpaceDock Control. + + Most of his command crew was still on active duty. Sulu +would already be playing a vital role as captain of the +_Excelsior_. Spock was retired, teaching at the Vulcan Science +Academy. Though he was still young by Vulcan standards, Kirk +beleived that Spock had retired out of loyalty to him. And +Scotty...... + The most loyal crew a captain could have. They had all run +the gauntlet together. Living together, nearly dying together +countless times. + A distinctive southern drawl emanated from the air behind +him, "You didn't really think you were going to sneak off to +play without us, did you?" + Kirk turned to face the voice. Standing at the door were +McCoy and Chekov. + Kirk's first thought was that McCoy looked ridiculous with +the beard. _When will he learn?_ + Admiral Buchanan was the first to react. "I took the +liberty of placing a few calls yesterday after I left your place. +Hope you don't mind." + Kirk moved to greet his former shipmates. His friends. +There were handshakes, embraces. After so many years, few, if +any, words were necessary. + Kirk grinned like a child on Christmas morning. "I wasn't +sure whether or not to contact you. This could get a little rough. +My retirement was supposed to mean a more normal life for the rest +of you." + McCoy, as usual, had a response. "Well, life was getting a +might boring since you left. Guess the Romulans think so, too. +Besides, somebody's got to keep an eye on you." + Chekov shrugged. "Sir, it was either this, or grade term +papers." + Jim studied his two friends for another moment. Finally, +with a final nod, he turned to Buchanan. "Any other surprises?" + With a grin, Buchanan shook his head. "Not for the moment. +We like to turn the screws slowly around here. You are free to +report to SpaceDock for further transfer to your ship at your +leisure. Launch is at 0730." + Turning back to his crewmates, Kirk remembered something he +had said several years ago, just before he had stolen the +_Enterprise_: "My friends, may the wind be at our backs." + + End of Part One. + THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED + + a STAR TREK Short Story by + Dayton Ward + +----------------------------------------------------------------------------- + + Historian Note: + + The events depicted here occur just over five years following the +events of 'The Undiscovered Country'. + +----------------------------------------------------------------------------- + + Author's Disclaimer and Acknowledgments: + + A few pseudo-legal matters to attend to: + + Copyright Acknowledments. + STAR TREK, STAR TREK VI: THE UNDISCOVERED COUNTRY, STAR TREK: THE NEXT + GENERATION, USS ENTERPRISE are trademarks of Paramount Pictures, Inc. + + All other copyrights and trademarks associated with the properties +listed above are hereby acknowledged and respected. + + 'The Road Less Traveled' is copyrighted (c) 1992 by Dayton Ward. + + This story is to be in no way intended to infringe on the established +copyrights and trademarks of Paramount Pictures. This story is for +entertainment purposes only and is not intended for sale. + + This story may be freely distributed, subject to the following +conditions: + (1) The copyright notices listed above and the author's name must + accompany all copies of the chapter(s). + (2) The chapter(s) may not be modified in any form without the express + written consent of the author. + (3) No charge other than reasonable distribution compensation be charged. + + The author wishes to thank 'Thirdof5 a' for the title suggestion. +After much deliberation, I could not come up with one that I felt was more +appropriate. + +----------------------------------------------------------------------------- + + Please send all comments, constructive criticisms and suggestions for +improvement to 'YourNameHr'. + +----------------------------------------------------------------------------- + + The Story so Far.... + + It has been five years since the events chronicled in 'Star Trek VI: The +Undiscovered Country.' Kirk and Spock have retired, with Spock returning to +Vulcan to teach at the Vulcan Science Academy (I never did say what Kirk was +up to, did I?). Scotty is presumed dead, after the disappearance of the USS +_Jenolen_ (ah, but we all know better, don't we?). + Relations between the Klingons and the Federation have continued to +grow, despite the absence of formal declarations of peace between the two +parties. The Romulans, feeling basically left out from all the warm fuzzies +being distributed, are suspected of raiding Klingon and Federation outposts +along the Neutral Zone, using a new type of attack cruiser (a forerunner to +the Warbird seen on the 'Next Generation'. To see what this ship might look +like, reference issues 35-40 of DC's 'Star Trek' comic.). + Admiral Peter 'Buck' Buchanan, at the behest of the Federation Council +and the Klingon High Command, persuades Kirk to return from retirement, in +order to lead a combined Federation/Klingon strike force to the Neutral Zone, +with the hopes of dissuading the Romulans from attacking a key Klingon +installation. + At Starfleet HQ, Kirk is briefed into the situation, and is reunited +with McCoy (sporting a beard) and Chekov (bored with teaching at Starfleet +Command). + With all this said...... + +----------------------------------------------------------------------------- + + THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED + + Part Two. + -------- + + Kirk watched Earth fall away as the shuttle rose into suborbital space. +Just like all the other times he had done this same thing, the feeling was +one of euphoria unlike anything he had ever experienced. It was as if he was +being reborn, the return to space a baptism. He felt more alive and vibrant +than he had in....._a while_, he mused. + Kirk had at first questioned Admiral Buchanan's plan to shuttle he and +his party to SpaceDock, countering that a transporter would be quicker. Buck +had argued that "rank had it's priviledges", and that he should enjoy the +ride. Now, he was glad for the trip. It wasn't until the shuttle had left +the confines of Terra's atmosphere that he had realized just _how_ much he +had missed being in space. Spock had been right, all those years ago. This +_was_ were he belonged, in space, on the bridge of a starship. + SpaceDock appeared in the front viewport, as the shuttle pilot keyed a +few adjustments. The young ensign reached over, activating the shuttle's +communications station. + "SpaceDock Control. This is shuttle 271, bearing Admiral Kirk and +party. Request clearance for final approach." + A non-descript, almost bored, voice replied over the cabin loudspeaker, +"Shuttle 271. You are cleared for final approach. Assume standard entry +profile." + Kirk could feel the shuttle decrease it's velocity. Looking through +the viewport, he watched as the shuttle matched it's course with that of the +slowly rotating SpaceDock. The Dock's spacedoors parted as the pilot made +the final adjustments. Then, the automated navigational beams embraced the +tiny craft, and they were inside. + McCoy took the opportunity to study his old friend. A small smile +formed as he watched Kirk's expressions change throughout the flight. He +truly had not believed it when Kirk had announced his retirement. "For +real." he had said, at the _Enterprise_ decommissioning. They had never +discussed it, but McCoy had known that retirement had saddened Kirk deeply. +He had paid close attention during those first few weeks, watching as Kirk +visited the _Enterprise_ nearly every day, sometimes making multiple trips, +other times staying so long that the museum security droid had had to escort +Jim from the ship at closing time. One time, the droid had found Kirk asleep +in his former quarters. + Even with the serious nature of the current situation, McCoy was +convinced that this opportunity to return to space would be a a booster for +Jim. _Besides_, he thought to himself, _I had to get away from those +neo-political blowhards at Medical._ + As they passed the threshhold of the spacedoors, Kirk began scanning the +various ships, suddenly realizing that Admiral Buchanan had not told him +which ship he was to command. In fact, it had seemed that Buck had gone out +of his way _not_ to tell him. They passed a sparkling new Excelsior class +heavy cruiser. The ship bore no name or registry number. No identity. + "How many of those things are there, now?" McCoy asked, to this day +still awed by the sheer _bulk_ that characterized the Excelsior class. + Chekov nodded. "That will be the seventh one, Doctor. Our strike force +will have three of the others." + Kirk was scrutinizing each ship, becoming more frustrated with each one +the shuttle skimmed past. A suspicious whisper had begun echoing in the back +of his mind. _We like to turn the screws slowly around here_, Buck had said. +No. It was impossible. + As they sailed past a Chandley class frigate, the shuttle suddenly +banked sharply to port, bringing them nearly nose to saucer with a +Constitution class starship. It had been partially hidden from view by the +frigate. + USS _Enterprise_, NCC-1701-A. + Gleaming like the first time he had seen her. There was absolutely +no evidence of the battle damage that had been inflicted on her during that +brief but fierce battle with Chang, five years ago. When the ship had been +decommissioned and interred in the fleet museum, all the damaged sections +of the ship had been left untouched, as a reminder to all what an enormous +toll the ongoing battle for peace could exact. + Kirk turned to McCoy and Chekov, who were both grinning. Kirk's brow +furled. "You both knew?" + McCoy held up both hands in mock defense, "Only two days ago, when +Buchanan called us. They pulled her out of mothballs, and have had crews +working on her around the clock for ten days to get her ready to go. He told +us to keep it to ourselves. Sort of a welcome back present, he said." + Kirk shook his head in total astonishment. "Why not just put us on a +new ship? What's wrong with that monster over there?" referring to the as +yet unnamed Excelsior class ship. "All we need is to know what to call her, +and we're off." _Of course, it is gawd-awfully ugly looking_, Kirk appended +silently. + Chekov fielded this latest question. "That was the original plan, sir. +But the President had Admiral Buchanan exhume _Enterprise_ on his personal +authority. Seems that he just couldn't see you anywhere else but on _that_ +bridge." He pointed to the shuttle bulkhead, indicating the great starship +floating beyond. + McCoy _harumphed_ with his usual aplomb, "Or, maybe they thought it +would be cheaper to fix up the Big _E_, rather than send you out in one of +their cute new battle wagons. You have a pretty colorful track record with +their ships, you know." + Kirk couldn't hide the smile. Everything was as it should be. Almost. +He had secretly hoped to command the _Enterprise_ on this mission, but had +conceded to the fact that since the ship had been placed in the museum and +removed from active rolls, Starfleet would have assigned him something newer, +faster. But he wasn't about to doubt the wisdom of the Federation President, +was he? + He settled back into his chair and studied the ship as the shuttle +maneuvered along the starboard flank. The hull positively gleamed. _Looks +like they even scrubbed her down to the hull plates._ He took in every +detail, his eyes missing nothing. Throughout the next several minutes, the +others remained silent, reverently leaving the admiral to his own thoughts. + Finally, the pilot reached out to the console, the response being the +graceful bank of the shuttle as it aligned itself with the _Enterprise's_ +main shuttlebay. The doors stood open, as if eager to receive a visit from +old friends gone far too long. + With a final sigh, the shuttle touched down, softly as a feather. Kirk +reached out to clasp the pilot's shoulder. "Thank you, Ensign. I only know +one other individual who handles a shuttle with that much grace and style." + The young officer beamed, his perfect teeth nearly blinding McCoy, who, +of course, could not depart the shuttle without his own closing statement. +"There you go, son. A compliment from 'the Man', himself. Be sure to tell +all your friends." + Kirk stepped down from the shuttle, pausing for a moment to give the +interior of the shuttlebay an appreciative glance. _Home._ Finally, he +turned and headed turbolift. "Saavik, give Helm and Navigation a once over, +once you're settled in. I'd like to be out of here on schedule tomorrow." + "Aye, sir." The Vulcan moved to another turbolift, apparently headed to +the bridge to carry out Kirk's orders immediately. Kirk opened his mouth to +stop her, then paused. _Spock would've done the same thing. Besides, how +much 'settling in' does a Vulcan, do, anyway?_ Kirk realized for the first +time that Saavik carried no luggage. _Guess that answers that_. + Once the remaining three officers had boarded the turbolift, Kirk turned +to Chekov, who would fill the dual role as First Officer and Science Officer +for this voyage. "I'll address the crew tomorow before departure. After we +leave the solar system, I want a meeting of all senior officers." He planned +to extend the invitation to Amabassador Sarek, also, but he would handle that +himself. + "I'll run through Sickbay once I throw my stuff down, Jim". The +turbolift slowed, halted, and the doors parted to allow McCoy through. Once +the doors closed and the car resumed motion. Kirk addressed Chekov again. +"Pavel, I appreciate what you and Bones are doing. I honestly don't think +I would have been comfortable with a shipload of strangers. Especially on +the kind of trip that this one has the potential of becoming." + The younger man grinned _that_ grin again. "I wouldn't exactly call +them strangers, sir. Nearly every crewmember aboard is former _Enterprise_ +personnel. They all volunteered when they heard you would be coming back." + "Buchanan managed to assemble a crew of volunteers in less than two +days? Mr. Chekov, if I didn't know better, I'd swear that I was a victim +of conspiracy." + Again, the shrug and grin. "The admiral has been making these +arrangements for nearly two _weeks_, sir." + Kirk shook his head, completely astounded at the lengths the Council had +gone to, organizing this operation. They had to have operated under the +assumption that he would return from retirement all along. "They took a +pretty big gamble. What if I had said 'No'?" + Chekov had no reply as the lift halted again. Each moved to their +individual cabins. Kirk planned to tour the bridge later that evening, but +assured his First Officer that he would have no further need of him until the +following morning. + "I think I'll take a stroll about the ship myself, sir. Last thing +before I turn in." + Kirk nodded acknowledgment as came abreast of his cabin door. His +quarters were the first on the left side of the corridor, nearest the +turbolift. Chekov's were further down the corridor on the right side. + Kirk stood in the doorway. The computer had detected his presence and +brought the lighting in the room to normal intensity. The walls were adorned +with various paintings, some of ancient seafaring vessels, others of the +space travelling variety. As he opened his wardrobe and began storing his +belongings, he noticed a flashing on his desk terminal. _Mail call_, he +realized. "Computer, how many messages do I have?" + The soft, feminine voice that characterized the _Enterprise_ main +computer replied, "There are currently eight unread messages in your +account." + Kirk frowned. "Anything detailing ship's business?" + "Affirmative. There are three ship's operational status reports, sent +at six-hour intervals from the Chief Engineer. There is also a message from +SpaceDock Control, detailing tomorrow's departure schedule." + "What is the ship's status?" + "All shipboard systems operating at nominal levels. Onboard strength +is currently two hundred seventeen personnel." + That wasn't right. "Where is the rest of the crew?" + The reply was instant. "Standard crew compliment for Constitution class +starships is two hundred twenty personnel. Three crewmembers are currently +ashore tending to personal business. Expected time of return, 2100 hours." + "When did they cut the crew size?" + "Crew compliment for Federation starships restructured on stardate +9638.4. Computer enhancements allowed downsizing of crews on most starship +classes." + _That's got a familiar ring in it._ Kirk shuddered momentarily at a +flashback to the _last_ time they had tried to replace men with a computer. +Of course, that was a long time ago. Computer technology had advanced +almost to a new plateau in artifical intelligence. It made sense to turn +mundane or tedious processes over to the computers, freeing the living +inhabitants of starships to the important things, exploring the galaxy, for +one. _Definitely not the old days_. + Kirk suddenly remembered why he had addressed the computer in the first +place. "What are the other messages?" + "There is a message from the Federation President. There are two from +Admiral Peter Buchanan. There is also a message from Spock, Shi Kar, Vulcan." + Kirk's features brightened. Spock! He had not corresponded with +his old friend in nearly a year. _Who's fault was that?_ "Computer, is the +message from Spock text or visual?" + "Visual." + "Playback that message. Use the wall screen." + The large viewscreen on the back wall of the cabin activated. The +picture immediately focused on Spock. _He hasn't changed a bit._ Of course, +Spock wouldn't have aged perceptibly, given the protracted lifespan of +Vulcans. The image spoke. + "Admiral Kirk, congratulations on your return to service. I believe +that the Federation Council has made a most logical choice. There are few +individuals whom I believe possess the character traits necessary to +accomplish the task you now have at hand. + "We are yet again at an historic crossroads. This is an opportunity to +put to rest decades of hostility between our two societies. We have proven +once already that this seemingly insurmountable task is indeed possible. +With proper care and the appropriate people, I believe it can be achieved +again. + "I regret that I am unable to join you on this voyage. However, as has +always been the case, the crew of the _Enterprise_ are superbly qualified +and efficient, so you should encounter few difficulties." + There was a momentary pause, as if Spock were questioning whether or not +to continue. Then, his gaze appeared to stare directly at Kirk again. "Jim, +remember that the Romulans can be most single minded once they have decided +on a course of action. For them to perpertrate these raids indicates that +they do indeed feel threatened at the proposition of an alliance between the +Federation and the Klingons. I do not feel completely confident that this +combined fleet will give the Romulans a positive impression. It may serve +only to further aggravate the problem. + "You must also be made aware of the fact that my father is in +disagreement with me in this matter. He feels that it is logical to embrace +the Romulans using this joint effort." + Spock's eyebrow climbed for the ceiling as he finished his message, the +slightest hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "I wish you +good luck, Admiral. May you Live Long and Prosper." + The image faded. Kirk stared at it for another few seconds. Spock's +words had started a stream of thought that did not set well with him. + + * * * * * + + Kirk sat up in his bed, instantly awake. A familiar feeling had begun +tingling in the back of his brain. His own little 'red alert' signal. +He couldn't quite put his finger on it. + Kirk rose from his bed, the bones in the lower part of his back +protesting. _Damn beds are still like sleeping on a rock._ He moved to the +computer terminal at his desk and keyed the interface. + "Computer, what time is it?" + "The time is 0607 hours." + "Give me a listing of all ships in the strike force. Text only, and at +the desk terminal." + The screen lit, producing a list of starships and captains: + + Federation Starships + + ENTERPRISE, NCC-1701-A - J. Kirk + EXCELSIOR, NCC-2000 - H. Sulu + PROXIMA, NCC-2001 - A. Lifeson + EXCALIBUR, NCC-2004 - M. Griswald + CONSTELLATION, NCC-2500 - C. Stanz + MAGELLAN, NCC-2504 - K. Richards + ANDROMEDA, NCC-2505 - J. Verdia + ROBERT APRIL, NCC-6003 - B. Sherman + + Klingon Contingent + + Unknown + + Kirk keyed the intercom. "Kirk to bridge." + The response was immediate. "Bridge. Commander Nunderson, sir." + Kirk searched his memory for the name. Giving up, he returned his +attention to the comm. "Mr. Nunderson, have communications designate a +frequency for use by Starfleet strike force ships only. Sub-frequency and +scrambled. I may want to talk to our people without the Klingons listening +in. I'll also want a message fired off to our ships with that information as +soon as it's done." + "We'll get right on it, sir." + "Thank you. Kirk out." + But the feeling was still there. + + * * * * * + + The turbolift doors parted, revealing the bridge. The heart and soul +of his beloved ship. + Until he had actually stepped out onto the upper deck, it hadn't been +_entirely_ real. Now, it was indisputable. He was home. + "Admiral on the bridge!" a voice Kirk recognized sounded off. Nunderson, +the commander he had spoken to earlier. + "Carry on, please." Kirk stepped to the railing separating the command +well from the raised portion of the bridge. Chekov, at the science station, +greeted Kirk with a nod and small smile. _He looks like he's up to +something. What now?_ + "Status report, Mr. Chekov." + "Sir, we are scheduled to depart, on time, in twenty minutes. All +personnel have reported aboard. All ship's systems are in top working order." + Kirk nodded, pleased with the report. "How about that frequency I +ordered?", he asked as he made his way down to the command chair. _His_ +chair. + "Yes, sir. That was completed and the message sent forty-five minutes +ago." + Kirk was surprised. He had only given the order no more than an hour +ago. To set up the required protocols for a subfrequency, with all it's +myriad of encryption algorithms, in that short amount of time? _And_ +contact the Federation strike force? That would require... + Chekov's grin had grown noticeably wider. "I figured you would want it +prior to departure, so I called the best." + That could only mean one thing. + The port turbolift doors parted, revealing McCoy, Saavik and one Captain +Nyota Uhura. The woman known throughout the Federation as the 'voice of the +_Enterprise_.' "Permission to come aboard, sir?" + Kirk was surprised, again. "This is turning into quite a reunion. +I must be getting old. You'd think I would have anticipated at least _some_ +of this." + McCoy, as if on cue, was the first to seize the opportunity. "You're +not the only guy who can pull a fast one, you know. It never occurred to +you that after _all_ these years, some of us may have learned a few tricks +from the great and powerful James T. Kirk?" + Kirk shrugged. "But did you learn _all_ the tricks?" + With that, Kirk settled into the command chair. This silent cue had the +immediate effect of returning all personnel to their stations. With a sweep +of his arm, Kirk invited Uhura to take her place at communications. "Glad +to have you along, Captain." + "I wouldn't have missed it, Admiral". + "Patch me to ship's intercom, please." + Uhura's fingers danced over the console. "You're on, sir." + Kirk paused, gathering his thoughts, then addressed the ship, "This is +Admiral Kirk. First of all, let me express my heartfelt gratitude at your +decision to join the _Enterprise_ on what is destined to become yet another +page in history. How that history is written depends a great deal on how +well _we_ do our jobs. + "The actual intent behind these raids that the Romulans are suspected +of conducting is unclear. It is Ambassador Sarek's mission to determine this, +and if so, to reach an agreement with the Romulans to end them. But, should +his efforts fail, then it will fall to us to ensure that Federation and +Klingon interests are protected. + "Our intelligence on the situation at the Neutral Zone informs us that +we will face a group of twelve Romulan ships of a new and advanced design. +This intelligence, for the record, is not entirely substantiated. We have +received conflicting reports from outposts along the Zone, as well as deep +cover operatives within the Romulan Empire's sphere of influence that suggest +everything from one freighter to every functional ship the Romulans could +scrape up. To make it simple: we don't know what we'll be facing until we +reach the Zone. + "It is the belief of the Federation Council that this is all simply a +major misunderstanding between our two peoples. The Council has attempted to +contact the Romulan Praetor in an attempt to establish relations. They know +that we're coming. Whether they'll be willing to negotiate, we apparently +won't know that, either, until we reach the Zone." + Kirk wanted to say something else, to assure the crew that it would +work out, that there was a chance for peace with the Romulans. He, however +did feel that assurance within himself. Of course, he hadn't felt confident +about establishing peaceful relations with the Klingons, either. He had +come to accept that they did indeed seem to be headed in the right direction, +but he still held his own reservations. + "Time to departure?" Kirk looked to Chekov. + "Twelve minutes, admiral." + "Who's on the schedule to leave before us?" + Chekov keyed his console. "Schedule inicates that all departure lanes +are open until our departure." + Kirk was getting impatient. It was time to _go_. However, regulations +dictated that vessels departing SpaceDock do so according to the strict +schedules set forth by Control. + Then, it struck him. + What could they do? Dismiss him from service? + "Helm. Thrusters ahead. Standard departure profile." + Saavik turned to face him. "Begging the Admiral's pardon, but +regulation forty-three alpha prohibits ship movement about the interior of +SpaceDock without guidance from Control." + Kirk's only reply was the grin, born of pure evil that had assumed +standard orbit on the lower half of his face. + Saavik contemplated the situation for an unusually long period of time, +at least one point seven seconds, then decided on the only logical course +of action open to her. + "Thrusters ahead, aye aye, sir." + The interior of SpaceDock began to scroll across the viewscreen, the +only evidence of the ship's movement as _Enterprise_ maneuvered out of her +parking slip. Red alert beacons began flashing throughout the dockyard, and +the wails of the alarms echoed throughout every cooridor of the massive space +station. + The bridge intercomm sparked to life. "_Enterprise_! This is SpaceDock +Control. You are ordered to abort your departure profile." + "No response, Uhura." Kirk looked at his communications officer, who +seemed to have suddenly developed a malfunction in her earpiece. Chekov +became most interested in one of the readouts at the science station. McCoy +simply rolled his eyes. + "Spacedoors two hundred meters, and closing. Doors are still closed, +sir." + The overhead intercom allowed the bridge crew to overhear the chaos that +had suddenly gripped SpaceDock's control center. The luckless young +lieutenant blessed with the watch this morning had forgotten that the +channel was still open. "Alert Command! What does he think he's doing? Why +does this have to happen when _I'm_ on duty?" + "One hundred twenty-five meters and closing, sir. We will have to abort +in eight seconds." + Kirk examined his fingernails. + The speaker blared again. "Just open them! Forget the damn regulations! +Whose going to report this if they slam into the doors? He's crazy!" + The space doors cycled open at the starship's approach, filling +the viewscreen with stars, the earth's horizon just visible in the lower +right corner. Then, they were beyond the confines of the space station. + An indicator flashed on the helm console. "We are free and clear to +navigate, sir." + Kirk paused momentarily, an immense weight seemingly released from his +chest. "Ahead, full impulse power." + The stars jumped as the _Enterprise's_ powerful impulse engines kicked +in. They would be free of the solar system in just under five minutes. +"Mr. Nunderson, estimated time to rendezvous with the strike force?" + The commander keyed his calculations into the navigational system. "At +warp eight, twelve hours, fifty-one minutes, admiral." + Kirk nodded. "Advise engineering to stand by on warp drive as soon as +we're clear of the system. I'll want that warp eight." He turned back +to Uhura. "Contact Captain Sulu, advise him of our ETA." + "Aye, sir." Her fingers effortlessly swept across the controls. + Almost thirteen hours. Once they completed the department head meeting, +there would be a lot of downtime. In the old days, he might have challenged +Spock to a game of chess. Or gone to work out in the gym. Maybe he'd just +try to get some reading done. + He could always try to outdrink McCoy. + No, that had never worked. McCoy always won. + Uhura turned from her console. "Admiral, I have an incoming message +from Starfleet Command. Admiral Buchanan." + "On screen." Kirk turned back to face the viewscreen as the starfield +was replaced with the image of Peter Buchanan. + "Nice way to start things off, Jim. You nearly gave that poor kid a +heart attack." + "Tell him to join the club." McCoy muttered, standing to the left of +Kirk's chair. Buchanan heard the remark, nonetheless. + After several seconds of uncontrolled laughter, he managed to regain +something faintly resembling composure. "I just called to wish you and your +crew the best of luck. You had better bring that ship back in one piece, you +hear? I'd hate to think I had those kids fixing that old bucket just so you +could take it out and wreck it." + "We'll give it our best shot, Pete. _Enterprise out." + The starfield returned. "We have passed outer system markers, sir." +this from Saavik." + "Set course for the rendezvous, warp factor eight." + Space twisted, elongated, distorted itself around the _Enterprise_ as +the subspace field formed, and the ship dissappeared as if it had never +existed. + + End of Part Two. + THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED + + a STAR TREK Novelette by + Dayton Ward + +----------------------------------------------------------------------------- + + Historian Note: + + The events depicted here occur just over five years following the +events of 'The Undiscovered Country'. + +----------------------------------------------------------------------------- + + Author's Disclaimer and Acknowledgments: + + A few pseudo-legal matters to attend to: + + Copyright Acknowledments. + STAR TREK, STAR TREK VI: THE UNDISCOVERED COUNTRY, STAR TREK: THE NEXT + GENERATION, USS ENTERPRISE are trademarks of Paramount Pictures, Inc. + + All other copyrights and trademarks associated with the properties +listed above are hereby acknowledged and respected. + + 'The Road Less Traveled' is copyrighted (c) 1992 by Dayton Ward. + + This story is in no way intended to infringe on the established +copyrights and trademarks of Paramount Pictures. It is for entertainment +purposes only and is not intended for sale. + + This story may be freely distributed, subject to the following +conditions: + (1) The copyright notices listed above and the author's name must + accompany all copies of the chapter(s). + (2) The chapter(s) may not be modified in any form without the express + written consent of the author. + (3) No charge other than reasonable distribution compensation be charged. + + The author wishes to thank Ken Fernandez for the title suggestion. +After much deliberation, I could not come up with one that I felt was more +appropriate. Also, the author acknowledges Kasey Chang for planting the idea in +the first place. + +----------------------------------------------------------------------------- + + The author invites commentary, both positive and negative. This is +my first serious attempt at storywriting, and I welcome any suggestions that +any of the other "struggling artists" can provide. I've read some of the +other work available in the data banks, and that is pretty much how I drew +up the courage to write a story of my own in the first place. + Please send all comments, constructive criticisms and suggestions for +improvement to 'YourNameHr'. + +----------------------------------------------------------------------------- + + The Road Less Traveled + + Part Three. + ---- ----- + + "Captain, I have an incoming message from the _Enterprise_." + Hikaru Sulu rose from his command chair on the bridge of the USS +_Excelsior_ and moved to the communications station. The lieutenant on duty +toggled a control, then spent the next few seconds listening to his earpiece +before finally looking back to the captain. "They are notifying us of a new +scrambled frequency for use by the Starfleet ships of the strike force, +only. They've also included a new encryption algorithm for us to use." + Sulu frowned. "Admiral Kirk must be up to something. Acknowledge the +message, using the new code, and make sure that the other ships have received +it, also." + The communications officer turned back to his console, entering commands +to the ship's communications sub-processor. + Sulu strolled about the upper bridge deck, contemplating this new +development. It was classic Kirk-style to load the deck with a few extra +aces. Of course, having been under the Admiral's wing for the better part +of three decades will teach one a few things. + Turning to his First Officer, Commander Janice Rand, Sulu looked +thoughtful as he issued his next order. "Janice, have engineering pull the +other SSOC prototype tie-in module and op-check it. I'll want to transport +it and it's accompanying software to the _Enterprise_ as soon as we reach +rendezvous." + Rand acknowledged as she moved to a nearby intercomm to carry out the +captain's orders. + _Another ace for your hand, Admiral._ + + * * * * * + + "We must offer ourselves as proof of our ability to overcome the +obstacles of distrust and fear." Ambassador Sarek sat at the head of the +conference table. In attendance were Kirk, McCoy, Chekov and the chief +engineer, Commander Yoshiro Tonaka. Sarek continued. "It has been +accomplished in the past. You have been present on more then one occasion. +If the Romulans can observe the Federation and the Klingon Empire, who at +one time were the most bitter of enemies, working together, they will be +impelled to grasp the logic of the situation." + Kirk, still remembering the message he had received from Spock, was the +first to speak. "Ambassador, the Romulans are well known for being much more +emotionally driven than Vulcans, even though your races are somewhat closely +related. What's to say they haven't become locked into a course of action, +and that the mere approach of our fleet won't provoke them into launching an +attack?" + Sarek steepled his fingers, a familiar gesture to _Enterprise_ +personnel accustomed to interacting with another Vulcan, before replying. "I +understand your skepticism, Admiral Kirk. However, the Romulans _are_ a +more logically driven species than the Klingons, and yet, we have managed to +make remarkable progress in our relations with them. All that was needed was +for the two parties to stand in proximity to one another for a sufficient +length of time, so that each side could _listen_ to the other. This simple +action was the catalyst for everything that has happened to date. +Furthermore, it was the Klingons that _initiated_ those talks. How much +time has elapsed since the last reported aggressive act between the Klingons +and the Federation?" + Kirk still hadn't completely bought it. "Sir, with all respect, our +relations with the Klingons haven't reached a plateau that is comfortable for +most people's tastes, mine included. There have not been any formal +declarations of peace between our two peoples. Our starfleets continue at +almost the same levels as before the Khitomer conference. The Klingons have +continued to produce materiel for their war machine, though it's been +_reported_ that their actual production is radically reduced. Only now, +_we're_ subsidizing their efforts with all the aid that we've provided. We +helped them evacuate the Klingon homeworld, are continuing to help them +restore that planet's atmosphere, and at a tremendous cost, I'm told. What +have they done in return? They have graciously elected not to destroy any of +our ships that they might _accidentally_ run into." Everyone else in the +room could almost see the sarcasm dripping from Kirk's mouth at this last +statement. + Kirk knew it, too. This had the potential to get completely out of +hand. "Ambassador. All I am saying is that we need to go into these +negotiations with our eyes open as well as our arms. That's why this fleet +is being employed, and we're not back on Earth, negotiating via subspace +relay." + The ambassador nodded his agreement. "Of, course, Admiral. I respect +your judgement. It is one of the primary reasons that I accepted this +mission. I am not ignorant of the potential hostilites that we face, +gentlemen. But it is believed by the Council, and the Klingon High Command, +that this tactic is a correct one." + Sarek rose from his chair, indicating that the meeting was over, as far +as he was concerned. "I will be in my quarters if you require anything +further, Admiral. Good day, gentlemen." + The officers rose as the Vulcan made his way from the conference room. +But Kirk wasn't finished. He motioned for the others to be seated again, +before continuing. + "Mr. Tonaka, are we shipshape?" + Tonaka nodded. "Yes, Admiral. The engines are operating at well above +nominal specifications. All defense systems are fully operational. If it +gets nasty, we'll be ready." + Kirk turned to McCoy. "Bones, how's your empire?" + McCoy snorted. "If it wasn't for all the blasted machinery that they +managed to stuff in there, I might be able to treat someone for a hangnail." +Why do they have to put computers in a sickbay? Damned engineers." + Kirk sighed. Sickbay was ready. + "Mr. Chekov, how soon after the rendezvous with our own ships will we +meet up with the Klingons?" + "If we maintain warp eight to the next rally point, seven hours and +eighteen minutes. After that, it will be an additional fifteen hours and +twenty-six minutes until we reach the designated coordinates at the Neutral +Zone." + Kirk nodded. "I'll want to meet with the captains of our ships before +we rendezvous with the Klingons. I have a few tactical procedures I want to +go over." + There were no more questions. Kirk adjourned the meeting. As Chekov +and Tonaka left the conference room, Kirk turned to watch the streaking of +the stars as the _Enterprise_ warped through space. He was aware of McCoy, +still seated, studying him. "Something on your mind, Bones?" + The doctor stroked his beard, "Do you think we're going to war, Jim?" + "I really don't know. I'd like to think that we could be on the verge +of total peace, but something about all this just doesn't sit right. It's +not like the Romulans to just do something like this without a damn good +reason. If those ships are anything like what I saw in that outpost log, +they're not at any distinct tactical disadvantage. Those ships are huge, +Bones, and they pack quite a punch." + Bones held up a finger. "Remember back when we first met up with a +Romulan ship? They had destroyed a couple of our stations, and we played +'cat and mouse' with them for over a day." + Kirk shook his head. "It's not the same as it was then. Back then, +neither of us knew the other's strengths and weaknesses. They were probing, +trying to find out what we had. Today, they have intelligence networks and +spies all throughout the Federation. We have the same setup within their +Empire. They know how to hurt us, and they could find a more efficient +method of getting to us than going after remote outposts. Why not sneak +across the border and destroy a starbase? Have a spy assassinate a key +leader on one of our member worlds?" + McCoy didn't have a reply. So, after a brief interval, he changed the +subject. "What are you planning to do, after all this is done?" + Kirk shrugged. "Go back to retirement, I guess. I don't know." He +chuckled quietly. "It's funny, but until I stepped off that shuttle +yesterday, I was convinced that was what I would do. But to be honest, I +really don't know. If we pull this off, then there really _isn't_ any reason +for me to stay." + McCoy leaned over the table, scrutinizing his friend. "Oh, I don't know, +I'm sure they would love to have you back. You might even get your old job +back as Chief of Starfleet Operations." + Kirk held up his hand. "No, absolutely not. That was one of the most +agonizingly _boring_ periods of my entire life. No, Spock was right, Bones. +The only place that I belong is here. The only reason that _here_ is here at +all is due to some misplaced sentiment by the President. This ship's days +are past, and so are mine. When it goes, so do I." + + * * * * * + + The intervening hours until _Enterprise_ reached the rendezvous point +passed without incident. Finally, after Kirk had been on the bridge for ten +minutes the evening following the staff meeting, Chekov announced, "Sensors +registering seven Federation vessels, Admiral. Thirty seconds to visual." + "Mr. Saavik, impulse power. Ahead one half to rendezvous." There was +a subtle shift in the background noise, only half heard by the crew, as the +_Enterprise_ disengaged her powerful warp engines. The streaking stars +became distant points. Occupying the center of the viewscreen were seven +indistinct shapes. Chekov adjusted a control, and the view shifted. The +Federation strike force now consisted of, in addition to the _Enterprise_: +the Excelsior class heavy cruisers _Excelsior_, _Excalibur_ and _Proxima_; +the Constellation class vessels _Constellation_, _Magellan_ and _Andromeda_; +and the Decker class destroyer _Robert April_. Though smaller than the +_Enterprise_, the _April_ was highly maneuverable. + Kirk swiveled his chair to face his communications officer. "Uhura, +contact the captains of the other ships. Send them my regards, and extend +them my invitation to meet here at 2100 hours. We have much to discuss." + "Aye, sir." + Uhura relayed the message, then turned back to Kirk. "Sir, incoming +message from _Excelsior_. They request to make a cargo transfer. Captain +Sulu says it's a 'present' for you, sir." She couldn't resist smiling. + Kirk nodded. "Have Mr. Tonaka see to it, please." _What are you up to, +Sulu?_ + + * * * * * + + Chief engineer Tonaka studied the non-descript container as it +materialized on Cargo Bay One's transporter pad. It was barely over a meter +long and half a meter wide. The sole label bore the inscription 'USS +_Excelsor_ NCC-2000'. + Opening the container revealed two items, the first being what at first +glance appeared to be a standard console replacement module. + As he gave the object a much closer, more detailed inspection, he +became convinced that what he was holding was definitely _not_ standard. + The second item in the cargo container was a package of two data +cartridges. The first cartridge bore the label 'INSTALL TO PRIMARY +AND SUBORDINATE MAINFRAMES.' The second was addressed to Tonaka himself. + Admiral Kirk had given him explicit instructions that whatever the +'present' was that Captain Sulu had sent over to _Enterprise_, he was to see +to it that the appropriate action was taken. + + * * * * * + + It was thirty minutes later when Tonaka decided that the admiral needed +to examine the console and approve the installation. He keyed the comm +panel on his desk. "Tonaka to Admiral Kirk." + There was a brief delay. "Kirk here." + "Sir, could you please come down to Engineering? I think you need to +see for yourself what Captain Sulu has given us." + "I'll be down after I meet with the other ship captains. This meeting +shouldn't take long." + "No problem, sir. Trust me when I tell you that this gem will keep me +occupied until then." + "See you then, Mr. Tonaka. Kirk out." + + * * * * * + + Kirk had begun the meeting by presenting the visual log of the Klingon +observation outpost destroyed by the warbird. There had then been several +minutes of discussion regarding potential weaknesses, as well as proposed +offensive and defensive strategies. The general concensus was that in the +best case scenario, they might be able to destroy half of the Romulan force, +while sustaining heavy damage to their own ships, necessitating a withdrawal. +The worst case scenario had the entire unified fleet being destroyed without +the Romulan force breaking a sweat. + Finally, he touched a key on his control panel. "Computer. Display +tactical formation JTK-005." + The gathering of starship captains turned their chairs to face the +viewscreen at the far wall of the conference room. The screen coalesced into +a tactical schematic: + + ÚÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ¿ + ³  ³ + ³ ENTERPRISE ³ + ³ ³ + ³    ³ + ³ EXCELSIOR ³ + ÚÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÁÄÄÄÄ¿ ÚÄÄÄÄÁÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ¿ + ³  ³  ³  ³ + ³ EXCALIBUR ÃÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ´ PROXIMA ³ + ³ ³ ³ ³ + ÚÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÙ  ³ ³  ÀÄÄÄÄÄÄ¿ + ³ ³ ³ ³ + ³  ÚÄÄÄÙ  ÀÄÄÄ¿  ³ + ³ CONSTELLATION ³ ROBERT APRIL ³ MAGELLAN ³ + ÀÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ´ ÀÄÄÄÄÂÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÙ + ³   ³ + ³ ANDROMEDA ³ + ÀÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÙ + + Kirk gave Ambassador Sarek and the seven other starship captains a few +minutes to study the formation. The group members exchanged thoughts and +idead among themselves. Finally, he stood up from his chair and began to +speak as he circled the table. "This formation distributes our firepower in +such a fashion that be can break formation into the four smaller groups +outlined in the diagram, should the need arise." + Captain Lifeson, of the _Proxima_, was the first to respond. "Admiral, +how do you think the Klingons will feel about this layout?" + "Using the formation, we can protect their starships from the brunt of +a major assault if we get hit while still in the primary formation. If we're +forced to split up, we distribute each parties resources evenly, giving us +three small groups of roughly equal firepower and maneuverability, in +addition to the command group." + Sarek nodded, adding, "Also, while in this primary staging, we present a +unified force, a possible deterrent to any rash actions the Romulans may +take." + Kirk grunted softly, only half agreeing with the ambassador's +assessment. Though, that was not the primary motivating factor behind the +admiral's decision to use this particular formation. + Captain Sulu leaned forward onto the table. "The outpost video log +suggests that these new Romulan ships don't have the maneuverability of their +older Birds-of-Prey. We may have the advantage there." + Kirk nodded. "If we are forced to engage the Romulan fleet, it will be +imperative that we dissolve their fleet cohesion, split them up. If they get +the opportunity to concentrate their firepower..." the sentence did not need +to be completed. + "_Excalibur_, _Proxima_ and _Andromeda_ will command their respective +attack teams should we need to split up." + Captain Richards, commanding the _Magellan_, spoke next. "Won't the +Klingons feel subjugated if they're told they'll be taking orders from +Starfleet?" + Kirk shrugged. "How much more subjugated can they feel? They've +already agreed to let me lead this fleet. That also means I get to make the +decisions, in case they slept through that part of the class." + Kirk studied the rest of the group for a few more seconds. Seeing that +there appeared to be no more questions, he continued. "Now, as for the +other key reason behind this particular formation..." + + * * * * * + + Kirk had tried to sleep that evening, but to no avail. Finally, he had +gotten dressed and surprised the night watch with an early relief as he +stepped out onto the bridge at 0010 hours. Kirk spent the quiet hours until +his senior bridge officers reported for duty at 0400 accessing the library +computer, reading about Romulan battle strategy and tactics. + Chekov had only been at his bridge station forty-four minutes when he +turned from his sensor displays to face the admiral. "Sir, sensors detect a +group of six Klingon K'Tinga class cruisers, dead ahead. They're just +sitting there, sir. Estimated time to intercept, about four minutes." + It was Saavik's turn to speak. "Admiral, shall I raise the shields?" + "Negative, Commander. We're all friends today. Uhura, open hailing +frequencies." + Uhura keyed the necessary relays as _Enterprise_ decelerated into normal +space. Dominating the center of the viewscreen, the six K'Tinga's. + Kirk rose from the command chair and paced around the helm console to +face the viewscreen. "This is Admiral James T. Kirk commanding the starship +_Enterprise_. May I speak with the leader of your party?" + There was no immediate visual response, but the bridge speaker blared to +life. "Kirk! It is a glorious day that we meet again!" + The voice took a few seconds to penetrate Kirk's memory. Just as +recognition dawned, the screen shifted from the view of the six Klingon ships +to that of a regal looking Klingon. This particular Klingon did not have +the high-ridged bone structure on the forehead, denoting a member of the true +Imperial Klingon race. This one looked more human than Klingon. He sported +a long, thin, drooping mustache with a goatee beard that did little to hide +his dark complexion. His once black hair was streaked with gray, but the +fire in the eyes was as fierce as it had been on Organia, all those years +ago. Kor. + "When I heard that you would command our unified force, I could not help +but volunteer my services. It is an honor to serve under you, Kirk." The +Klingon possessed a smile that reminded Kirk of a cat closing in for the +kill. + "Well, I'm touched, Commander. I must say, this is a pleasant surprise. +The last time an 'old friend' met up with me, he almost blew my ship out from +under me. _You're_ not mad at me, are you?" Kirk couldn't hide the smile. + Kor laughed that small, quiet laugh that Kirk remembered from his +discussions with him on Organia. "No, my friend, today we are warriors +fighting for the same cause. The Organians prophecy has begun! We are +enemies no more." + Kirk, to his surprise, found himself strangely at ease. Kor had been +the first Klingon that Kirk had met, face to face. Kor had admitted to +having an admiration for him. A part of him found himself hoping that the +admiration was still there. Things might go a lot smoother. + "Commander, I have some tactical information that my communications +officer will relay to you and your ships. I think you will find it useful." + "Very well, Admiral. I would like to make a personal request after this +is accomplished. I have with me a bottle or two or Romulan ale..." + Kirk anticpated where this was going. "It would be my honor to have you +as my guest aboard _Enterprise_, Commander." + The Klingon smiled again. "I look forward to it. We have many years of +catching up to do. Something to occupy the time before we reach the Zone." + "Then let's get started, shall we. The information will be transferred +shortly. Kirk out." + Kirk moved from the command well to the nearest turbolift. "Mr. Chekov, +you have the conn. As soon as Commander Kor has beamed aboard, assume the +primary formation we discussed and lay in a course for the final rendezvous +point. Warp eight or better, please." + Nunderson had already begun laying the new course into the navigational +system. Chekov nodded as he moved to the center seat. "Aye, sir. I'll +sweet-talk Mr. Tonaka myself." + + * * * * * + + "His brain?" + Kirk laughed as he poured himself and Kor another drink. "Yes, and to +this day, McCoy can't figure how he put it back without leaving a single hair +out of place." + Kor returned his own bellowing laugh, pausing only to down a substantial +portion of his glass of ale. "I must say, my friend, you and your crew have +had some interesting adventures. You know, the tactics that you have +employed during your encounters against us have become required study for all +of our officers. I must tell you that the vast majority of us have often +wondered where you get this propensity for working these feats of sorcery." + Kirk help out his hands, palms up, signifying his ignorance. "Some of +those, they were instinctive reactions to a given situation. Others were +simply exagerrated bluffs. I've been lucky." + Kor shook his head, then put his hand to it, realizing that it had been +a foolish gesture. _How much of this stuff have we had, anyway?_ Kirk +wondered. He had to look down to reassure himself that his feet were still +attached. + "Kirk, my friend, our emperor himself has stated that though you may +have embarrassed he and his empire on _numerous_ occasions, he respects and +admires you. He has even speculated that there may be Klingon blood flowing +through your veins." + Kirk rubbed his temples with his fingers. "Well, right now there's more +Romulan ale than blood flowing through my veins. My head feels like it's +been transported inside out." + Kor rose, a bit unsteadily, from his chair. "I think it is time we +turned in. We will need our wits about us tomorrow." + "Just don't go all soft on us when you sleep on a human's bed." Kor +would utilize guest quarters aboard _Enterprise_ for the night. Traveling at +warp eight didn't set well with the transporter systems, and Kor preferred +his internal organs in the places he had grown accustomed to finding them. + He made his way, in somewhat angular fashion, to Kirk's door. As the +door sensed his presence and opened, he turned to face Kirk one more time. +"Kirk, as I said before, you and I are more alike than not. We are warriors. +We follow the path that leads to Honor. It's a pity that our two peoples +didn't come to terms sooner. We would probably have established a long and +lasting friendship by now." + Kirk smiled. "I must admit, you're one of the few Klingons that I have +ever...trusted. It hasn't been easy for me, this 'peace' between the +Federation and your people." + The Klingon nodded in understanding. "I know of your son's death at the +hands of my kinsmen. Those animals were not true warriors, Kirk. You may +rest well, knowing that they have passed on into a far worse place, without +Honor." + + * * * * * + + The strike force arrived at the coordinates near the Neutral Zone +without fanfare. Ambassador Sarek had arrived on the bridge shortly before +the _Enterprise_ had come out of warp. The starfield depicted on the +viewscreen revealed nothing out of the ordinary. + Kirk paced the upper deck. "Mr. Chekov, long range sensors." + The Russian consulted several sensor readouts before turning back to +the admiral. "Sir, sensors detect what appear to be seven large vessels +approximately two hundred thirty thousand kilometers from the Romulan +outpost." + "Only seven?" The intelligence reports had stated that twelve warbirds +were grouping at the outpost. _Unless they're already on their way someplace +else_. + "Affirmative, sir. They appear to be stationary. No movement, +whatsoever. Sensors indicate that they are in a passive state. No weapons +or shields are powered up." + "Are they within weapons range?" + Chekov shook his head. "I seriously doubt it, sir. Not unless their +weapons technology has undergone _tremendous_ improvement." + Kirk sighed. The Moment of Truth was at hand. "Uhura, open hailing +frequencies. Ambassador Sarek, it's your show." + Sarek moved to position himself directly in front of the main + viewscreen. + "Romulan vessels. I am Sarek of Vulcan, ambassador of the United +Federation of Planets. I have been asked to speak on behalf of the +Klingon Empire as well as the Federation. We come to you with the explicit +purpose of opening peaceful dialogue." + The starfield flickered, then transformed into the face of a female +Romulan commander. Kirk recognized her instantly. _Whoops_. + She had commanded a group of three Romulan ships that had +encountered the _Enterprise, 1701, several years ago. Kirk had masqueraded +as a Romulan long enough to steal aboard her ship and make off with her +cloaking device. Spock had been aboard the ship at the same time, and when +_Enterprise_ locked on the transporter to bring him back, she had +grabbed the Vulcan, thereby managing to get herself transported to the +_Enterprise_. Scotty had managed to install the cloaking device, and they +had escaped the Romulan ships. Starfleet had released here back to the +Romulan government shortly thereafter. + The years had treated her well. Of, course, Romulans aged at about the +same as Vulcans. There were hints of gray encroaching on her dark hair, and +Kirk could see a few more wrinkles across the forehead and around her eyes. +However, she still presented the appearance of a formidable enemy. + _This 'old home week' stuff is going a little too far_, Kirk mused to +himself. + "Sarek of Vulcan. I am Fleet Commander R'Jalran. You will forgive me +if I hold some initial reservations. My scanners show fourteen vessels at +your coordinates. What is the purpose of this armada that you have +assembled?" + Sarek raised an eyebrow as he replied. "I assure you, Commander, that +we are here on a mission of peace. As your sensors no doubt have told you, +our group is made up of Klingon as well as Federation ships. It has taken +many years for our two peoples to reach a point where we can coexist in +this fashion. We are finally beginning to put the distrust and hatred behind +us. We are here now, representing the fruits of that labor, so that you +might witness it yourselves, and possibly consider joining us in forging a +lasting peace between all of our peoples." + The Romulan commander appeared unimpressed. "A very moving speech, +Ambassador. However, there are those of us who are not convinced of the +sincerity of your claims." + Chekov suddenly shouted out, the alarm echoing in his voice, "Admiral! +Sensors detecting weapons powering up on four...no...five of the Klingon +vessels!" + The Romulan commander's expression grew ominous. "It seems that the +hate and distrust is not as far behind you as you would like to think." The +viewscreen suddenly returned to displaying the starfield. + "Romulan ships are moving! They'll be here in fifty-three seconds!" + Kirk was already moving for the tactical station. "Shields! Saavik, +evasive action. Plan 'X'! Uhura, send to all starfleet ships: 'PANIC +BUTTON!'." + In Buchanan's words: it had, indeed, hit the fan. + + ------------------ + End of Part Three. + ------------------ + + THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED + + a STAR TREK Novelette by + Dayton Ward + +----------------------------------------------------------------------------- + + Historian Note: + + The events depicted here occur just over five years following the +events of 'The Undiscovered Country'. + + This story is pure speculation, but I have attempted to place the events +depicted here into the established Trek timeline with utmost care. Due to +the length of time that has passed, I have elected to place the events of the +'Next Generation' episode "Relics" within the timeframe between 'TUC' and +this story (those events being Scotty's departure aboard the _Jenolen_ and +that ship's subsequent disappearance). + +----------------------------------------------------------------------------- + + Author's Disclaimer and Acknowledgments: + + A few pseudo-legal matters to attend to: + + Copyright Acknowledments. + STAR TREK, STAR TREK VI: THE UNDISCOVERED COUNTRY, STAR TREK: THE NEXT + GENERATION, USS ENTERPRISE are trademarks of Paramount Pictures, Inc. + + All other copyrights and trademarks associated with the properties +listed above are hereby acknowledged and respected. + + 'The Road Less Traveled' is copyrighted (c) 1992 by Dayton Ward. + + This story is in no way intended to infringe on the established +copyrights and trademarks of Paramount Pictures. This story is for +entertainment purposes only and is not intended for sale. + + This story may be freely distributed, subject to the following +conditions: + (1) The copyright notices listed above and the author's name must + accompany all copies of the chapter(s). + (2) The chapter(s) may not be modified in any form without the express + written consent of the author. + (3) No charge other than reasonable distribution compensation be + charged. + + The author wishes to thank Kene Fernandez for the title suggestion. +After much deliberation, I could not come up with one that I felt was more +appropriate. Also, a tip of the hat to Kasey Chang for planting the idea in +the first place. + +----------------------------------------------------------------------------- + + The author invites commentary, both positive and negative. This is +my first serious attempt at storywriting, and I welcome any suggestions that +any of the other "struggling artists" can provide. I've read some of the +other work available (quite enjoyable, by the way) in the data banks, and +that is pretty much how I drew up the courage to write a story of my own in +the first place. + Please send all comments, constructive criticisms and suggestions for +improvement to 'YourNameHr'. + +----------------------------------------------------------------------------- + + The Road Less Traveled + + Part Four. + ---- ---- + + "Full power to rear deflector shields! Lock onto the two Klingon +ships and fire!" Sulu dove for the command well to read the tactical status +displays as _Excelsior_ launched a double salvo of photon torpedoes at the +two Klingon cruisers abreast of his ship. The rerouting of extra power to +the rear shields was in anticpation of an assault from the Klingon vessel +directly astern of _Excelsior_. + The Klingons, in an attempt to gain a surprise advantage, had foregone +powering up their shields. With the strike force in this particular +formation, this move would have been identified instantly. They had instead +chosen to activate their weapons, resulting in a more subtle change in sensor +readings received by anyone who may be monitoring them. To their credit, the +officers manning the sensors aboard starfleet ships had been alert for just +such a move, after having been cautioned by their respective captains. + This had the distinct advantage of catching the Klingons totally +unprepared, almost. + Not expecting the immediate response by the Federation ships, a few of +the Klingon vessels were slow in erecting their deflector shields. + It cost them dearly. + The _Excelsior's first torpedoes caught the ship on the aft port +position from _Enterprise_ completely defenseless. One torpedo detonated at +the primary hull, crippling the command module. The second found it's mark +at the midpoint along the hull expanse connecting the primary and secondary +hulls. The ship severed at that point, the two hull sections spinning out of +the formation in opposite directions. + The cruiser occupying the position aft and to starboard of the +_Enterprise_ was hit by other torpedoes fired by the _Excelsior_. That +ship's port warp nacelle took both torpedoes, vaporizing it. + Meanwhile, the other starfleet ships were reacting, the hidden purpose +behind Kirk's unorthodox formation revealing itself, with painful clarity, to +the Klingons. + The _Constellation_ rotated forty-five degress to port, bringing a +cruiser into it's sights. The K'Tinga was easy prey to three rapid phaser +bursts before it could erect it's shields. The captain of the _April_ +supplemented with his own volley of torpedoes. + A few of the Klingon captains reacted a bit faster. Kobok, captain +of the cruiser _Bvoi'jah_, managed to fire two torpedoes at the _Proxima_ +before Captain Lifeson could bring his shields up. The starship shook as her +starboard nacelle was sheared from it's mounting. + On board the _Proxima_, alarms were sounding throughout the ship. Her +helm officer fought, with no avail, to bring the lumbering cruiser under +some form of control as _Proxima_ lost complete gyro control. + The captain of the _Bvoi'jah_ paused momentarily, his gutteral war cry +echoing throught the confines of the bridge. His momentary victory +celebration proved to be fatal. "Evasive!" Kobok cried. But it was too +late. + The _Proxima_, completely out of control, continued to spin it's way +across the rapidly dissolving formation. It was interrupted by the +_Bvoi'jah_. The horrendous sound of the hull being ripped apart echoed +in the ears of both ship crews, each knowing, instinctively, that the end was +at hand. + As the two ships collided, the shock knocked out _Proxima's_ primary and +secondary computer cores. As emergency backups sluggishly attempted to +compensate, certain safeguard systems momentarily...fluttered. + Most noteable among these systems was the one responsible for the +maintenance of the anti-matter containment field in the warp drive reactor +core. + The resulting explosion instantly decimated both ships. + The captains of the _April_ and _Andromeda_ barely had enough reaction +time to order evasive action and route emergency power to their forward +deflector shields. + As _April_ and _Andromeda_ veered away from the collision area, the +captain of the Klingon vessel _K'tok_ attempted to take advantage of the +rapidly disintegrating cohesion of the formation. His ship had been bringing +up the rear of the strike force, running parallel with _Andromeda_. His next +move was to attempt to get behind the _Constellation_ while she was still +occupied. + What the Klingon had not counted on that _his_ move had been +anticipated. + _Excalibur's_ aft torpedo banks suddenly erupted, launching a volley of +torpedoes. Both of the them struck the _K'tok_ head on. They made contact +at bridge, obliterating it and a substantial portion of the upper command +module. With no one left alive to guide the warship, it began to drift +aimlessly. + In the meantime, the _Robert April_ had managed to help complete what +the _Constellation_ had begun. Two volleys of phaser fire, accompanied by +three torpedoes, did just that. The Klingon vessel's rear shields, operating +at a mere half capacity after the devastating first strike by the +_Constellation_, buckled. The hull was punctured in several places. The +ship lurched as it's artificial atmosphere was vented to space. + + * * * * * + + "Evasive starboard! Bring us about!" + Saavik's long fingers danced across the helm console, desperately +fighting to bring the _Enterprise_ around to face one of the remaining +Klingon vessels that hadn't suffered from his surprise attack. + When Kirk had sent the 'PANIC BUTTON' message, the other Federation +starship captains had reacted, for the most part, superbly. The formation +that they had been using had allowed each Federation ship, with the exception +of _Enterprise_, to engage a Klingon vessel with the minimum of maneuvering. + The tactic had, so far as Kirk could tell, worked. Once the order had +been issued, Kirk's plan had been to let the starship commanders evaluate and +react to their own individual situations as they saw fit. Thus, he had not +had the opportunity to obtain status reports from the other ships. + Then, proximity alarms had warned him about the approaching Klingon +cruiser, and now he had his own problems. + _Enterprise_ veered away from the formation, clawing for maneuvering +room in order to engage the Klingon ship. Kirk was also counting seconds, +acutely aware that very few of those fifty-three seconds that Chekov had +predicted until the the arrival of the Romulan ships remained. + "Turn those damn alarms off!" Kirk shouted above the din. As +_Enterprise_ swung around, the battle raged on the main viewscreen. The +bridge crew were helpless spectators to the collision between the _Proxima_ +and the Klingon ship, then to the subsequent explosion. + "Oh my God!" someone cried. + "Sir, Klingon vessel astern! He's closing!" + "Saavik, roll her to port!" + The starship's hull groaned in protest as Saavik spared no expense in +sending _Enterprise_ rolling out of the path of the just-launched torpedo. + Then, it happened. + Another Klingon vessel, this one missing a warp nacelle, drifted into +the fray, firing torpedoes. _At the other Klingon cruiser_. + The targeted K'Tinga was caught completely unaware. The torpedoes +slammed into her secondary hull, sending it into a roll of it's own. This +gave _Enterprise_ enough time to reestablish a defensive posture. + Nunderson looked over his shoulder at Kirk, "I've got a lock!" + "Fire torpedoes!" + _Enterprise's_ forward torpedo tubes flared as the double volley of +torpedoes launched. + The first two torpedoes launched accomplished little. One missed, +completely. The second struck a glancing blow along the top portion of the +enemy vessel's secondary hull. + The second volley, however, made up some of the difference. + Both torpedoes struck simultaneously, destroying the Klingon cruiser's +forward torpedo launcher, as well as puncturing the command module's outer +hull. The K'Tinga promptly broke off it's attack. + Chekov swung around from the science station. "Fifteen seconds!" + The Russian didn't even pause to wipe the sweat dripping from his brow +onto the science consoles. "Sensors show two Klingon vessels destroyed. +Another has been hulled and is adrift. The other three show extensive +damage." + His tactic had worked better than Kirk had anticipated. He swung his +chair to face communications. "Uhura! Give the order to the other ships to +take whatever evasive action they have to. Don't let those warbirds group +together on us!" + "Warbirds decloaking!" + Kirk turned back to the viewscreen. "Stand by, all weapons!" + + * * * * * + + The Romulan warbirds began appearing, everywhere, it seemed. +Immediately after becoming visible, one of the warbirds opened up with a full +disruptor volley. The unfortunate recipient was the _Magellan_. + The disruptor blasts tore into the upper portion of the ship's saucer +section. The resulting explosion tore away the area housing the bridge, +sending it careening off into space. + A second volley caught the ship at the engineering section. The +stresses of the violent, successive blasts took their toll on the starship, +and it began to break up. + The remaining starfleet ships had broken away from their individual +engagements with Klingon vessels, desperately grasping for some way to repel +this new threat. + The next casualty to the Romulan offensive was to be the _Robert April_. +Her smaller mass and greater mobility could not help her captain to elude the +two warbirds as they closed in from both flanks. Disrupter banks flared, the +first volley striking the ship at her main deflector dish. The second salvo +detonated at the torpedo room, igniting an explosion that engulfed the +destroyer instantaneously. + + * * * * * + + _Enterprise_ had barely avoided the fate that had befallen the +_Magellan_ and _April_. Saavik had executed a seemingly impossible series of +evasive maneuvers that threatened to tear the ship apart. + "Sensors report _Magellan_ and _Robert April_ destroyed also, sir." +this from Chekov. + "Admiral! There is an incoming message from Kor, sir." + Kirk started to tell Uhura to clear the frequency. Something, however, +stopped him. "Put him on, audio only." + The bridge speaker blared with the Klingon's voice. "Kirk! This was +not my doing! I swear, on my honor, that I had no knowledge of this deceit! +I am just as much a victim of this as you.!" + Kirk's first reaction was to seek out the Klingon's ship and launch +every remaining torpedo at it. But.... + "Saavik, continue evasive. We don't stand a chance if one of those +warbirds gets ahold of us. Uhura, which ship is he on?" + Uhura scanned her console. "Bearing two three six mark nine, sir. His +was the ship that destroyed the other K'Tinga." + Chekov was already checking sensor logs. "Admiral, his ship has not +fired once, except to destroy the other Klingon vessel. His was aft and +starboard of us in the formation, and for the first ten to fifteen seconds, +he had us dead to rights." + Kirk wrestled with his feelings. _Don't believe them! Don't trust +them!_ he had said, a few years ago. It wasn't unheard of for a Klingon to +kill another Klingon, or even to destroy a Klingon ship. But if he had been +a part of this grand deception that they had all walked so blindly into, why +hadn't he taken the easy shot, and crippled _Enterprise_ outright? + He was startled out of his reverie by the wail of the proximity alarm. +He turned to Chekov, who did not turn from his sensors as he shouted, +"Warbird, sir! Bearing one thirteen mark forty-six! He's closing!" + "Evasive port, Saavik!" + The swiftness of the Vulcan saved the _Enterprise_ from almost certain +destruction. + But the starship was not completely spared. + Saavik's aggressive maneuver had enabled the _Enterprise_ to avoid being +hit dead-on by the warbird's disruptor blast. The salvo did, however, manage +to strike a glancing blow to the rear portion of the starship's secondary +hull. The main shuttlebay received the most damage. The bay doors were +literally torn from their mountings, immediately exposing the shuttlebay and +the four crewmembers there to vacuum. + On the bridge, alarms began sounding again. "We're hit! Shuttlebay has +been compromised!" One of the monitor's at Chekov's station switched to a +camera angle that looked down at the main landing deck, from the control +room. The monitor displayed, without compassion, the explosive decompression +of the bay. Chekov watched in horror as the entire compartment was emptied +in seconds. Helpless crewmembers, the shuttlecraft, maintenance equipment +were blown through the gaping hole that had once been the shuttlebay hatch. + _Enterprise_ lurched in reaction to the savage decompression, and Saavik +could not get immediate response from the helm control. + Then, the second salvo hit. + The blast barely missed the underside of the saucer, instead taking the +ship at the primary hull support pylon. The forward photon tubes were +destroyed, and the pylon strained in protest, threatening to shear away. + The impact from the second salvo had repercussions throughout the ship. +Engineering was rocked from various secondary explosions. Coolant began +spewing forth from ruptured pipes and conduits. The lights went out, and +emergency power was slow in activating. + Tonaka was attempting to keep the situation under something resembling +control. "Everybody into masks!" The engineering staff stumbled about in +the near darkness. They had only seconds before the coolant reached lethal +levels in the now-sealed compartment. + The damage was felt on the bridge, also. As the second disruptor volley +hit, the Navigation console suddenly erupted. Nunderson was thrown from his +seat and over the bridge railing to land at Uhura's feet. + Consoles all around the bridge exploded, sending sparks and flame in all +directions. The bridge crew scrambled for fire extinguishers. + "Kirk to Sickbay! Man down on the bridge!" He vaulted from his chair +and rushed to the injured crewman. Feeling for a pulse, he found one. It +was weak, but it was there. + Saavik punched controls on her console, attempting to bring the ship +about. "Sir, the helm is going unresponsive!" + Kirk punched the nearest comm button. "Engineering! What's happening +down there?" There was no response. + "Uhura, try to get me a status report." + Uhura was struggling to bring some sense of order to the torrent of +messages, damage control reports, and cries for help that were erupting +through her earpiece. Her eyes suddenly went wide as she turned to face +Kirk. "Sir, there is an incoming message from one of the Romulan ships. +Their commander wishes to discuss...our surrender." + All eyes were on Kirk as he moved to his command chair. The turbolift +doors opened, and McCoy came running onto the bridge. He moved directly to +the injured Nunderson, and began examining him with his tricorder. Leaving +the scanner to run, he dove into his medikit and withdrew a hypo. Checking +the dosage, he pumped the medication directly into the injured man's neck. + Kirk had to deal with the Romulan commander, so he reluctantly turned +his attention from the downed crewman and faced the viewscreen. "On screen, +please." + The picture was distorted, unfocused. The commander's expression was +ice cold. "This is Fleet Commander R'Jalran. You will surrender your +vessel, Admiral Kirk. You are a prisoner of the Romulan Empire. You are +to be taken to Romulus, where you will be tried as a war criminal and +executed." + + * * * * * + + R'Jalran had commanded her warbirds to discontinue the assault on what +remained of the Federation strike force. Along with two of the damaged +Klingon vessels, they had taken up positions surrounding the starfleet +ships. The remaining Klingon ship, Kor's, had assumed a position within the +surrounded area, lending further credence to his claim that he too had been +deceived. + Aboard the _Excelsior_, Sulu and his bridge crew watched the dialogue +between the Romulan Commander and Admiral Kirk. The viewscreen displayed a +split image, with each speaker occupying one half. The damage to the +_Enterprise_ bridge was tremendous, at least, from the screen's point of +view. + Sulu knew, in his gut, that they were outclassed, outgunned. The only +chance for their survival lay in the hands of the man on the viewscreen. + + * * * * * + + "I request terms for surrender, Commander." + The Romulan's eyebrow rose as she briefly considered denying any such +offer. Finally, she replied. "State your terms, Admiral." + Kirk stood up and walked around the helm console to stand squarely in +front of the main viewer. "Take me, only. You've proven that you can +destroy us if you see fit. I ask that you spare my ships and their crews." + R'Jalran pondered the offer for what seemed to Kirk like hours. "I +except, Admiral Kirk, with one condition of my own. The _Enterprise_ will +become property of the Empire, also. It has become a symbol of tyranny and +embarrassment to us, and I want to see it destroyed in an appropriately +degrading manner. You may evacuate your crew to your other ships. If we +detect any deception, I will order the immediate destruction of all +Federation vessels." + "A full evacuation of the ship will take some time, Commander." + The Romulan's expression did not waver. "Fifteen minutes, Kirk." With +that, the screen returned to the view of the warbird. + Kirk turned to the science station. "Mr. Chekov, how bad are we hurt?" + Chekov consulted several readouts. "Warp and impulse engines are +offline, sir. Main computer core is destroyed. We still have helm control, +but it will have to be rerouted to auxiliary control. Life support systems +are out. We have approximately three hours of breathable oxygen left. It +would be more, but the emergency bulkheads on the shuttle deck were damaged, +so a large portion of that area of the ship is in vacuum." + "Casualties?" + Chekov shook his head. "Best estimate shows thirty-seven dead or +unaccounted for. Fifty-two injured. Twenty of those are critical." + McCoy looked up from the deck where Nunderson lay. "Make that +thirty-eight, Jim. There was too much internal damage." + Kirk sagged, visibly. There was only one alternative. He moved to his +command chair and touched a control on the arm panel. "All hands, this is +Admiral Kirk. You are to begin moving to transporter stations immediately. +Stand by to be evacuated to our sister ships. Abandon ship." + Kirk turned to face Chekov once more. "Handle the transport of those +crewmen in the sealed Engineering compartments, Mr. Chekov." + It was over. + + * * * * * + + Chekov returned to the bridge slightly over ten minutes later. Kirk was +talking to Captain Sulu, who was reporting the status of the remaining +Federation starships. + "You will assume operational command of the strike force, Captain. You +will proceed to starbase sixty-one and effect repairs and personnel transfers +to Earth." + "Understood, Admiral." The look of defeat and utter loss was evident +in Sulu's eyes as he acknowledged the orders. + Sulu contemplated beaming himself over to _Enterprise_, to stand trial +at Kirk's side, in spite of the admiral's order to the contrary. Kirk had +stated the obvious: Sulu was captain of his own ship now, and was also to +take responsibility for the conduct of the remaining starships to a safe +haven. The Romulan Commander had promised that the other ships would be +allowed to withdraw without interference, so long as the terms of the +surrender were observed. + However, it didn't make it any easier for Sulu to swallow. + "Thank you, Hikaru. Kirk out." + The communication ended, and Kirk turned to Chekov. "All personnel +have been transported aboard the other vessels, sir." the Russian reported. + Kirk's eyebrow rose as he turned to face the remaining personnel on +the bridge. In addition to himself and Chekov, there were McCoy, Uhura, +Saavik, and Ambassador Sarek. + Just then a column of energy coalesced on the bridge upper deck, near +the main viewscreen. The transporter beam materialized into the form of +Kor. + The Klingon greeted the bridge crew with a nod and a smile, then faced +Kirk. "I go with you, Kirk. We will face our final fate together, as +warriors." + Kirk held a hand up, shaking his head. "My orders were for everyone to +abandon the ship, Mr. Chekov." + McCoy was the first to reply. "Forget it, Jim. There's no way that +I'm going to let you go by yourself. Not now, not after all this." + Uhura moved to stand next to the doctor. "That goes for me too, sir. +"We've been through too much together to let you face this alone." + Kirk turned to look at Saavik. The Vulcan nodded slightly, eyebrow +rising again. "I stand with you also, Admiral. It is...logical." + Ambassador added weight to the argument has he moved to stand next to +Kor, "Admiral Kirk, I have witnessed you risk your life repeatedly. You have +saved my son's life on more than one occasion. You have saved the Earth from +certain destruction, twice that I am aware of. Always, you have placed the +lives of others above your own. I stand with you now, as a simple token +of...gratitude. My son has shown me that there is no shame in expressing +this sentiment." + Kirk blinked away tears as the communications console beeped, and Uhura +moved to toggle a control. The distorted image of the Romulan Commander +appeared on the screen. "Admiral Kirk, your time as expired." + "I...we are ready, Commander. Several members of my crew have expressed +a desire to remain aboard. I ask that they be allowed to stay with me." + The suspicion was obvious on her face. "I warn you, Kirk, none of your +infamous tricks." + Kirk shook his head. "I promise you, they will cause no trouble." + R'Jalran paused, then nodded. Very well, Admiral. You and your staff +may remain aboard your ship for the time being. Our sensors show extensive +damage to your propulsion and weapons systems, so therefore, I do not view +you as a threat. My ship will lock a tractor beam to yours, and you will be +towed to a Romulan base." + "We are standing by, Commander." + The viewscreen returned to the view of the starfield. Kirk faced his +companions. Uhura had returned to her station, as had Chekov. McCoy had +taken a seat at one of the abandoned stations. Saavik had resumed her seat +at the helm console. Sarek merely stood alongside Kor near the aft +turbolift. + Kirk moved to the half-demolished helm/navigation console. The +navigator's station had been almost completely destroyed. Helm was intact, +but with all primary control systems and the main computer core down, it was +powerless to move the ship. + His hand went to the newly installed console that rested between the two +stations. The readouts on the surface of the console depicted various ship +systems graphics, in miniature. Warp drive, shield status, transporter +controls, weapons. Nearly every major shipboard system was represented. + Kirk keyed a control on the console. "Computer, activate SSOC console." + The computer's feminine voice replied, "Identify for security access." + "Kirk, Admiral James T., authorization code Gamma X-ray Nine Baker One +Seven Alpha, enable." + The SSOC, Starship Systems Override Console, came to life. + + * * * * * + + The concept behind the SSOC was still in the experimental stage. +_Excelsior_ had field tested the SSOC system and reported flawless execution. +Current plans stated that the system was to be installed in all currently +active Federation starships. + Rumors about the origins of the SSOC abounded. It had been argued for +decades that starships could not be automated. There were just too many +tasks to be carried out to trust the computers to handle them all. There +had been no problems interfacing systems to handle the more mundane, almost +autonomous functions. But to completely automate all primary starship +systems? The experts had stated that it was impossible. + Montgomery Scott had proven them wrong. + The story of how Kirk and his command crew had hijacked the +_Enterprise_, NCC-1701, was still a popular one among the cadets of Starfleet +Academy, if not the instructors. One of the primary reasons that the +hijack had succeeded with only five people was that Captain Scott had jury- +rigged an automation center into the starship's control system. The system +that he had implemented had been crude, just enough to accomplish their +goals. + Apparently, several years later, a young, enthusiastic engineer aboard +the USS _Challenger_ had been bored while that ship had been assigned survey +duty. Having read the infamous story dozens of times, this young lad had set +out to design just such a system. His intent: to prove that such a system +could in fact be a valuable captain's resource in the event of standard +system failure, say, due to ship to ship combat or some other catastrophe. +The captain and the bridge crew would be able to control all major ship's +systems from the automated override, with the ship's computers programmed to +reroute the necessary relays and software in the event of damage. + Needless to say, Starfleet welcomed the idea with open arms. Two +prototypes were constructed, and a team of computer design specialists spent +months writing and rewriting the necessary software interface. The first +of the prototypes was aboard the _Excelsior_. + + * * * * * + + Kirk watched as the second SSOC prototype's system readouts came to +life. Several indicators glowed red, signifying that the represented system +was offline. Among the damaged systems were: Warp and impulse drives; +weapons; life support. Not a good picture. + Kirk keyed several commands into the SSOC console. Then turned to take +his place in the command chair. + The warbirds had maneuvered into a circular formation around the +_Enterprise_. In seconds, the lead Romulan ship would engage its tractor +beam. Kirk watched one particular readout. There wasn't much time. + The readout under Kirk's scrutiny suddenly blinked green. + Kirk thumbed the panel on his chair arm. "Computer, execute directive +One Alpha." + Everyone on the bridge looked up in alarm, then to Kirk as the SSOC +engaged the transporter system. Then, they were gone. + And James Kirk was alone. + + * * * * * + + The _Enterprise_ bridge crew materialized on the bridge of the +_Excelsior_, much to the complete surprise of Captain Sulu and his staff. + "No!" cried Uhura. + "Admiral, you can't!" + "God damn you, Jim!" McCoy and the others turned to face the viewscreen. +They watched, helplessly, as _Enterprise_ was harnessed by the lead warbird's +tractor beam. The remaining Romulan ships closed their formation to surround +the _Enterprise_ as the group began moving away. Their destination, the very +heart of the Romulan Empire. + Suddenly, the screen shifted to a view of the Romulan Commander. Her +expression as cold and calculating as ever. "Attention, Federation vessels. +Admiral Kirk has bought all of your lives with his own. It would be prudent +if you were to withdraw now. I guarantee that next time, I will not be as +generous. This day marks the beginning of a new page in history. Our Empire +is destined to defeat your Federation, as well as those dogs that you have +befriended. Take this message back to your leaders. Your days are +numbered." + The viewscreen momentarily shifted back to the scene of the Romulan +ships moving away with the _Enterprise_. Then, Admiral Kirk's face appeared. + "Jim, you bastard!" McCoy was livid. + Kirk appeared tired, defeated. Except for his eyes. Bones could see +the determination in those eyes, the desire to find some way to overcome the +odds. He had seen Kirk craft the seemingly impossible time and again. +However, he could not conceive of any miracle that the admiral, his friend, +could possibly produce. He had lost. + "Captain Sulu, you will proceed immediately to the nearest starbase. +Starfleet Command must be made aware of this new Romulan threat." + "Aye, Admiral." Sulu nearly choked on the words. + Kirk paused, looked at the deck, then back up again. "My friends, I +cannot allow you to be a part of what lies ahead for me. All of you +volunteered for this mission for your own reasons, not the least of them, I +know, a loyalty to me. I cannot help but be moved by these gestures, but I +see no need for you to face death out of your devotion to a commanding +officer. We have been together for a great many years. In that time, you +have proven your dedication to me and to the crew of the _Enterprise_ time +and again. + "As your adm...as your Captain, I ask that you obey this one last order. +If this conflict erupts to the levels that R'Jalran has predicted, Starfleet +will need your experience and abilities to repel that impending assault." + + * * * * * + + He could think of nothing else to say. + "Goodbye, my friends." he thumbed the comm button, severing the +connection. The underbelly of the Romulan warbird returned to the +viewscreen. + Kirk felt completely, utterly, defeated. The Romulans, with these new +ships, would be difficult to stop, should they decide to launch a new +offensive on Federation or Klingon targets. War was inevitable. He felt so +useless. He would most likely not live to see that war. Just as well, he +thought. Life under Romulan rule would be unpleasant, at best. + Then, it struck him. + He moved to the center console, consulting the sensor diagram on the +SSOC. It depicted the tight formation that the warbirds had assumed around +the ship. The entire group was in an area less than a five hundred +kilometers from the _Enterprise's_ position in all directions. Not a prudent +tactic. Kirk decided, right then, that it would cost them. + He moved to enter commands to the SSOC console. + "Computer, set self-destruct. SSOC command directive Omega Zero Nine +Four Six, enable." + "Specify time delay." + Kirk pondered the question for a moment. "Stand by for immediate +execution upon voice command from me." + "Standing by." + Kirk glanced at the tactical readout again. They had moved far beyond +transporter range of the Starfleet ships. _In for a penny, in for a pound._ + Kirk keyed another sequence of commands to the console. + + * * * * * + + "Commander! The _Enterprise_ has engaged it's tractor beam on _us_." + R'Jalran moved to the centurion's side to inspect the sensor display for +herself. Her look of utter puzzlement echoed the centurion's. + "What is he up to? What can he hope to accomplish?" + She began to move back to her station when realization suddenly dawned. +"Weapons! Lock on and destroy that ship!" + + * * * * * + + With a voice of utter calm, yet finality, James Kirk issued his last +order as master of the starship _Enterprise_. + "Execute self-destruct." + + FINI + + + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/roggalac b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/roggalac new file mode 100644 index 00000000..f60eb8dc --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/roggalac @@ -0,0 +1,2401 @@ + (5.59++/CIS1.1) id AA09618; Wed, 30 May 90 12:34:08 CDT + id AA20065; Wed, 30 May 90 13:33:35 EDT + +ENTERPRISE vs GALACTICA, chapter 1 of 6 + +To anyone who, with considerable justification, might wonder what exactly this +is, let me (somewhat) explain. +I do not have access to the rec.arts.startrek bboard, but I do have some +friends on Internet who keep me posted on the latest and/or strangest on +various boards. My recent favorite has been the running debate on the +rec.arts.startrek bulletin board about which ship could kick which ship's butt, +the new Enterprise (NCC-1701D) or the Battlestar Galactica. + For a while we were content to simply read the debate and laugh among our- +selves that people had nothing better to write these. (Of course, you can +only laugh about that so far before having to explain why you've been FOLLOWING +this debate so faithfully, too.) However, in the interests of further annoying +a few people, we felt that we should write something which would not just set +the record wrong, but set it DEFINITIVELY wrong, and annoy a maximum number +of people at the same time. This story is my own fault... but a few others, +including the poor lad posting this for me, are guilty of encouragement. + So here's a story to that end, which you can either read or, if you DO have +something better to do with your time, discard promptly. + +------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + +OPENING SCENE: The Enterprise (the new one, yes) hanging out in space, minding +its own business, when along comes this Romulan Bird of Prey ship thing. On +board the Enterprise, various people react badly. + +Captain Jean-Luc Picard reacts like this... +PICARD: Uh-oh. Must be another season finale. + +First Officer Will Riker reacts like this... +RIKER: I sure hope we get to do some shooting this time. + +Weapons Officer (and Klingon) Worf reacts like this... +WORF: Klingon honor dictates that we shred them to bits. + +Acting Doofus Wesley Crusher reacts like this... +WESLEY: Ho hum, I'll probably have to save the ship again... + +And the rest of the bridge crew reacts like this... +EVERYONE: Will you SHUT UP, WESLEY!!! + +The Romulan ship appears not to react at all. + +PICARD: What do you make of it, Will? They're just sitting there. +RIKER: Looks hostile to me, sir. Need I remind you that the Romulans live for + nothing but fights, destruction, and painting neat stuff on their ships? +PICARD: You need not. +RIKER: Then let's blast them before they, uh... well, whatever mean nasty + thing I'm sure they're planning. +PICARD: No. Let's see what they're up to. Open a hailing frequency, Uhura. +UHURA: I'm not in this series. +PICARD: Right. Uh, somebody get that. Anybody; you've all got the same + blinking bits to push anyways. +GEORDI: Hey wait everybody. Look what's happening on the screen. +EVERYONE: Oooh. Aahh. What the...? +PICARD: Interesting. Geordi, what do you make of it? +GEORDI: Well, I see lots of vertical lines... +RIKER: That's that banana comb you've got over your eyes. +GEORDI: Oh, right. Okay, I see pulsating swirls of strange colors, extending + even into the invisible radiation frequencies. Data, what do you think? +DATA: Records have many similar references, but none without the aid of + recreational pharmaceuticals. +PICARD: Any theories? +DATA: Check what went into the crew's lunch today. +PICARD: Uhhh... any OTHER theories? +DATA: Possibly another of those space-time warp things, sir. The possibilities + are virtually limited only by the writer's imagination. +PICARD: Is this something the Romulans are doing? +DATA: It seems unlikely, sir. They, too, are scanning the object. +TROI: Captain, I sense confusion and distrust on the Romulan vessel. They are + no doubt wondering if WE are responsible. +PICARD: Hmm... what do you make of this, Will? +RIKER: It's got to be a Romulan trick. Let's blast them AND the phenomenon! +PICARD: No. +RIKER: We never blast anything. I thought this was gonna be a fun ship. +PICARD: However, you COULD assemble your Away Team. +RIKER: Okay! But what for? +PICARD: I just want you to go Away. + +Suddenly the Enterprise is rocked by an attack, or at least the camera bounces +around a good bit. + +WORF: Sir! The Romulans are attacking! +WESLEY: Minor damage and extreme annoyance on all decks, sir. Shall I save + the ship now? +PICARD: Not yet, anyway. Worf, status? +WORF: Red alert, shields up, phaser and photon torpedoes ready, adrenalin + flowing freely. I recommend immediate retaliation. +PICARD: That depends. Will, what do you say? +RIKER: Hit 'em hard. +PICARD: No, then. We'll sit here and take it. +WORF: Sir!! Klingon honor demands we kick their butts, sir! +PICARD: Well... okay then. Fire away. +DATA: Sir! The phenomenon is expanding! It appears it will swallow both + ships... +WORF: I think I can still get this shot off... + +At this point, of course, there would have to be a commercial break. +Once the commercial break was past, we would find ourselves in a totally new +situation, which at first would appear to be totally unrelated. This time, +hanging about in space and minding its own business, is the Battlestar +Galactica, along with a rag-tag fleet comprised of various vehicles well past +their prime and not that good to start with-- mostly Chrysler Volares. +Zipping about like mad since they have nothing better to do with their fuel +are a few small Viper fightercraft. In the cockpits of these small craft, a +conversation is going on... + +APOLLO: Well, another sector completed. Still no sign of Cylon nasties. +STARBUCK: Yes, well, isn't that surprising. We're flying around ahead of the + fleet, the Cylons are behind the fleet, what did we expect? +APOLLO: You never know when the Cylons could circle around in front of us. +STARBUCK: How long has it been since they bothered? In fact, there hasn't + been ANYTHING exciting in quite some time. I wonder if maybe our series was + canceled. +APOLLO: Quit your babbling, do you see what I see? +STARBUCK: Well, I think so. +APOLLO: What do you see? +STARBUCK: Stars. Lots of them. +APOLLO: Besides that. +STARBUCK: Uh... black space in between them? +APOLLO: Are you even looking? +STARBUCK: Well... you remember my idea for a way to get my cigars in my flight + suit? +APOLLO: Please don't tell me. +STARBUCK: It works great except for all this smoke. Can't see felgercarb + through it... +APOLLO: Great. And you're on patrol. Well, I'll tell you what I see. +STARBUCK: Do that. +APOLLO: There's an area of swirling colors and strange, whorling patterns. +STARBUCK: Oh, so you DID try some of that drink in the rec room? +APOLLO: NO, there's something out here! Look at your sensors! +STARBUCK: Sensors... right. Squarish screen, lower middle of the panel, + right? +APOLLO: Arggh. We've got to get back and warn the fleet. C'mon! +STARBUCK: Right. I'll follow your vapor trail. At least I can see that... + +Shortly, Apollo and a slightly woozy Starbuck report to Commander Adama, on +the bridge of the Galactica. + +APOLLO: Commander, sir, pilots Apollo and Starbuck to report. +ADAMA: I'll have no such familiarity on this bridge. +APOLLO: Sorry, daddy. Listen, pop, while I was out in the Viper... +ADAMA: You didn't hit anything, did you? +APOLLO: No, dad, listen-- +ADAMA: You got a ticket? +APOLLO: NO, we just-- +ADAMA: Well, what did you do this time? +APOLLO: We saw this area of swirling lights and flowing colors. +ADAMA: That does it. How many times have I told you not to fly right after a + party. You're in big trouble now mister. +APOLLO: But, I wasn't... +ADAMA: Starbuck, you I can trust. What really happened out there? +STARBUCK: Oh. Well, uh, we... what was it? +APOLLO: Flashing colors. +STARBUCK: Yeah, flashing colors, we saw flashing colors, and what was that + other thing? +APOLLO: Swirling lights. +STARBUCK: Yeah, that was it, swirling lights, man you shoulda seen those + swirling lights. +ADAMA: Where? +APOLLO: Sector 6.02x10^23. +ADAMA: Whatzat? +APOLLO: The area in front of us. +ADAMA: So we're headed for some strange spatial phenomenon, then? +APOLLO: Uh, yes sir. We should be picking it up on the forward sensors in a + few centons. +TIGH: Commander Alpo-- I mean, Adama, we're actually picking up some sort of + sensor disturbance right now. +ADAMA: Put it on some screens. +TIGH: Which ones, sir? +ADAMA: Umm... pre-empt MTV for this. +TIGH: Yes sir. Image is ready... now. +ADAMA: Hmmm... Colonel Tigh, I thought I told you to pre-empt MTV. +TIGH: I did, sir. That IS the sensor image. +ADAMA: Oh. Very strange. It's growing to encompass us, too, isn't it? +TIGH: Well, yes, sir, it is. +ADAMA: Can we outrun it? +TIGH: Let me see... yes, we could, but we'd have to leave our fleet behind. +ADAMA: Where is the Council of the Twelve now? +TIGH: Here, on board the Galactica. +ADAMA: Oh well, no point in abandoning the fleet then. Hold position here, + and let's see what is facing us... + +There is a tense moment for everyone but Starbuck, who is attempting to +seduce one of the console technicians while Athena isn't looking. Then the +colors wash over the fleet, the bridge rocks a little bit, and the screens +suddenly clear to a whole new star pattern, somehow brighter and fuller. And +five gazillion alarms all go off at the same time. + +TIGH: Sir! We have a ship dead ahead! +ATHENA: Make that two ships! One just appeared in our sensor scan! +STARBUCK: Well, maybe AFTER the crisis we could get together in my cabin for + a friendly drink or two? +ADAMA: What are they? Is it Cylons? +TIGH: Don't know, but they're firing! + +A blast rocks the Galactica's cameras. Those red lights go on that make +everything ten times harder to see. Smoke drifts in the air, but it's mostly +coming from Starbuck's flight helmet. + +TIGH: Some sort of pulse energy weapon, sir. Moving at substantially sub- + light velocity. But it packs quite a wallop. +ADAMA: What's our damage? +ATHENA: We seem to have suffered no structural damage, although I don't know + why. We have reports of minor injuries all over the ship. I have the + Council of the Twelve on hold on lines three through fourteen. +ADAMA: What's the other ship doing? +TIGH: Moving off, it seems. That ship... appears to have a bird painted on + it. I don't believe these are Cylon vessels. +ADAMA: No, but whatever they are, they have attacked our fleet. Apollo! + Starbuck! +APOLLO: Sir! +STARBUCK: Look, one drink won't make you lose any control of... uh, what? +ADAMA: Assemble blue squadron! Get clear of the Galactica, take up defensive + posture around the fleet, and await my orders! +APOLLO: Right! +STARBUCK: Errmm... right! +ADAMA: Colonel Tigh, open fire on the hostile vessel when ready. Keep spare + batteries trained on that other ship; we don't know WHAT we've gotten into + here... + +Of course, the hostile vessel is the Enterprise, whose last shot intended for +the Romulan Bird of Prey went wild and smacked the Galactica a good one. Also +of course, Worf will never admit that he did any such thing. + +PICARD: What happened? Did we just fire at that ship? +WORF: I didn't do anything, sir. +RIKER: I didn't see anything either. Sensors were all a jumble there for a + second... where are we, anyway? +DATA: Attempting to get a fix on the star positions now, sir. So far, nothing + correlates within a reasonable radius. Increasing the search. +PICARD: What is that ship? +DATA: Also unknown, sir. +RIKER: It could be Romulan. They may be behind this all. Let's blast it. +PICARD: No, I'd like to know what they're up to. +WORF: They are firing energy cannons at us, sir. +PICARD: Okay, now I know. Red alert! +WESLEY: May I save the ship now? +PICARD: Permission denied. Sit down and shut up. Don't you have homework to + do? +WESLEY: You wouldn't treat me like that if I were older. +PICARD: You wouldn't whine like that either. Do as you're told. Worf, + return fire, but aim to damage, not destroy. +WORF: Damage, as in screaming pain? +PICARD: Uh... no, damage as in, cannons inoperable. +WORF: Damn. +TROI: Captain, I sense a great many beings with conflicting emotions. +PICARD: Well, there are three ships in a tight area here. +GEORDI: Four, Captain. Another ship just appeared on the periphery. It + appears to be a Klingon vessel. +PICARD: What do you make of that, Worf? +WORF: I'm busy destroying that ship, sir. +PICARD: Yes, well, that's the fifth shot you've taken that hasn't made a dent + in them so knock it off. +DATA: Actually, apart from heavy shaking, we appear to be undamaged as well. +RIKER: Data, have you found our location yet? +DATA: Well, not yet, sir. I am still working on that as well. +RIKER: Well work on it more, and stop giving us this "undamaged" stuff. We're + at war here, and I don't want anything distracting us from that. +WORF: That's a Klingon ship all right, but not a recent design. +PICARD: How can you tell? +WORF: It's nowhere near as ugly as the way we make them now. Look, it's + mostly smooth. +PICARD: Well, how did it get here? +GEORDI: How did ANY of us get here? +WESLEY: When do I get to save the ship? +EVERYONE: Shut up, Wesley!! +DATA: Another vessel just appeared on the scanners, sir. Once again, unable + to identify. +PICARD: Is there a pattern to these appearances? +DATA: Yes, sir. So far, no object has appeared inside another. +RIKER: Find our position yet? +DATA: Working on it. So far I've ruled out the entire galaxy. +PICARD: Why is that ship still firing at us? +GEORDI: Actually, it seems that the large ship with all the cannons is + shielding a number of smaller ships, all of varying but unfamiliar + configuration. At least, I don't recognize them. We could ask Data, but it + looks like Commander Riker would hurt him. +PICARD: So they may actually be taking a defensive posture? +WORF: Sir! Klingon honor demands that we not consider such possibilities! We + must take steps to destroy them! +PICARD: You tried phasers, you tried photon torpedoes, and I even heard you try + one or two Klingon curses under your breath; none of these have done a thing. + What do you suggest? +WORF: The Romulan ship. We haven't tried blasting them yet. +PICARD: They haven't fired on us. +WORF: But they could. We should try this, just to see if this new vessel is + of Romulan design. +PICARD: How would we know that? +WORF: If our shots just bounce off, we know that both ships employ the same + technology. If the Romulan vessel gets trashed, however, we'll know that it + was a mistake. +PICARD: What do you think, Will? +RIKER: I agree with Worf completely, sir. +PICARD: Good. We will do no such thing. Geordi, Data, I'd like you two to + compile as much information as possible on the technology of that vessel + blasting away at us. What can we learn from them? Worf, I authorize return + fire on any vessel that fires upon us, but you will break off combat at any + time that it appears pointless. Deanna, see if you can sort out those + emotions to specific sources. And Wesley, it's your turn to take out the + trash. +RIKER: What's my function? +PICARD: I've been wondering that since the show started. +DATA: About our position, sir... I've ruled out every known and extrapolated + point in the known universe. We are either thoroughly removed from any area + known to be previously visited by man... or in another universe altogether. +RIKER: Don't be so Sappish. +PICARD: Would you care to explain that statement, Mr. Data? +DATA: I have no explanation. It's merely a sort of foreshadowing, to keep + this story from bogging down with all these ships that keep popping up. +GEORDI: Like that last one? It's very small. A comprehensive pattern search + through the computers suggests that it may in fact be a 1987 Ford Escort. +DATA: Intriguing. Sensors indicate that a major structural element of that + vehicle is black sticky tape. +PICARD: A Ford Escort? +DATA: Yes sir. An automobile, from the late twentieth century. It is not a + spacecraft at all. The curious part is, there is a life form on board. How + anyone could be alive there escapes me. +PICARD: This is weirder all the time, but I want us to focus on that large + ship. All this shooting doesn't appear to be hurting us, but our shields + can't last forever. +GEORDI: Actually, shields haven't suffered one bit. +PICARD: Oh. Well... my feet can't take this vibration for much longer. I'm + not as young as I once was. +RIKER: Nor have you been for some time. +PICARD: So get cracking on that report. +GEORDI: Okay, but should it include that squadron of small fighters which is + now attacking us as well? +PICARD: Sure, why not. +WORF: I can blast them, right? +PICARD: We can try... + +The new attackers are, of course, Blue Squadron, named after the color the +pilots would become after sitting in a cold dark spaceship for long patrols. +But this is a very active mission now. Everyone is blasting away like mad at +the Enterprise, which continues not to look like it cares overmuch. + +STARBUCK: That ship doesn't look like it cares overmuch that we're blasting + it! +APOLLO: Possibly because we have yet to do any perceptible damage. Let's keep + getting closer. And look alive; just because they're not firing now doesn't + mean that they won't. +STARBUCK: Whoops, they just did start. Yow! +APOLLO: Any damage? +STARBUCK: Uh... no. But that light beam nailed me good. I thought I was + maneuvering better than that. +APOLLO: Maybe their computers are better than our maneuvers. But as long as + their weapons aren't hurting us... +EXPENDABLE PILOT: eeeyyyAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHGH! +STARBUCK: No, no, a battle cry is more triumphant than... oh. Hey Apollo, + we just lost What's-his-face. +APOLLO: What happened? +STARBUCK: They fired one of those torpedo things. I don't think the weapon + itself did any damage, but the shaking seems to have knocked the ship right + apart. You know our ships aren't what they used to be. +ANOTHER EXPENDABLE PILOT: aaauuuhhhhRRRRGGGGGGG! +APOLLO: I see that. Starbuck, get back with the rest of the pilots and return + to that defensive formation around the fleet. I'm gonna try something. +STARBUCK: What are you doing? +APOLLO: I think they've only got those couple of torpedo launchers, I'm trying + to get in close where they can't get me and see just how solid that surface + REALLY is. +STARBUCK: Sounds risky, pal. Glad it's YOU doing this. +APOLLO: So far so good, I'm in real close, coming up on the surface-- AaaaHHH! +STARBUCK: What? What's happening? +APOLLO: Some sort of shielding, I think! My ship is breaking up on me! +STARBUCK: Eject! Eject! +APOLLO: What do you think this is, lower atmosphere? Think! +STARBUCK: Pray! Pray! +APOLLO: I think that's about it; my ship is blowing-- + +A large explosion which again fails to in any way affect the Enterprise pretty +well puts an end to that line of thought. + +STARBUCK: Well doesn't that really stink. + +------------------------------------------------------------------------------ +Did Apollo really die? Who will win this battle? How many of us really care? +How many of us are already so annoyed by just this first chapter to jot off +some quick hate mail right now? + +Direct hate mail to: +****************************************************************************** +* Internet: marky@draco.ece.cmu.edu * For T-shirts with "Will Riker for * +* Home address: withheld for the * Janitor," send $25 to... well, never * +* sake of my life * mind... * +****************************************************************************** + +From rog@draco.ECE.CMU.EDU Wed May 30 12:34:23 1990 +Received: from DRACO.ECE.CMU.EDU by ksuvax1.cis.ksu.edu (SMTP) + (5.59++/CIS1.1) id AA09627; Wed, 30 May 90 12:34:23 CDT +Received: by draco.ECE.CMU.EDU (5.54-ECE2/5.17) + id AA20069; Wed, 30 May 90 13:33:56 EDT +Date: Wed, 30 May 90 13:33:56 EDT +From: Roger Brockenbrough +Message-Id: <9005301733.AA20069@draco.ECE.CMU.EDU> +To: jfy@ksuvax1.cis.ksu.edu +Status: OR + +GALACTICA vs ENTERPRISE, chapter 2 of 6 + +When last we left this sappy tale, the Enterprise, the Galactica and +miscellaneous other ships had found themselves thrust together via some sort +of space anomaly thing. In an attack by Blue Squadron on the Enterprise, +Apollo's Viper got close to the Enterprise but then broke up and exploded. + +Meanwhile, on board the Enterprise... + +WORF: Sir, I've successfully destroyed two of the craft. The rest are turning + in cowardly flight. +PICARD: Okay, hold your fire. +WORF: Sir! You said I need only stop if it seemed pointless. Clearly it is + not. +PICARD: They're leaving, Worf. Let them go. +WORF: Sir, Klingon honor demands that this insult not go unpunished. +PICARD: Funny how Klingon honor always demands whatever it is you're after. +WORF: Klingon honor now demands that I ignore that comment. +PICARD: Good. Cease firing. I'm going down to visit our new guest, and when + I come back, I want a meeting with my heads of staff. + +Picard hurries down to the transporter room, where several security people are +keeping a tight, phaser-ready watch on a rather dazed Apollo, who is sitting +on the transporter disk. + +PICARD: Keep an eye on him. Sir: I am Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the starship + Enterprise. +APOLLO: You speak my language? +PICARD: It would appear so. And you are...? +APOLLO: Captain Apollo, of the Battlestar Galactica. Where am I, and how did + I get here? +PICARD: You are on board the starship your vessels were attacking. Further + details can wait for now. +APOLLO: Then I am a prisoner? +PICARD: Or an ambassador to clear up whatever misunderstanding exists between + our vessels. +APOLLO: Are you associated with the Cylons? +PICARD: I am not familiar with that name, although our ship's computers may + have some record. Someone will be here shortly to collect any information + you are willing to give us, but for now I need to know why your vessels + attacked my ship. +APOLLO: What ship is that? +PICARD: Why, this vessel. The Enterprise. +APOLLO: You command this vessel? +PICARD: Yes. In... our system of rank, "captain" is generally a starship + commander. +APOLLO: Oh, I see. Well, I think our question would be why you fired upon + the Galactica? +PICARD: We were... engaged in combat with another vessel when both ships + were engulfed by some form of space-time anomaly, which thrust us here. I + assume, then, that one of our shots was affected by this event as well. +APOLLO: You state, then, that you are not responsible for this anomaly? +PICARD: Correct. +APOLLO: Great. We were brought here by some sort of similar event, I don't + understand how it happened. +PICARD: Obviously we will attempt to find a way to reverse the situation, but + at the moment our vessels would appear to be at war. +APOLLO: The other ships which were destroyed... did you somehow capture those + pilots as well? +PICARD: No, there was not enough time to react in their cases. Your fighter + was breaking up slowly enough that we were able to... retrieve you. +APOLLO: I suppose there's no point in asking how that was accomplished. +PICARD: At least at this time, no. +APOLLO: I see. So what happens now? +PICARD: You'll be taken for a complete physical examination while my officers + and I decide how to proceed. +APOLLO: So, you're leaving now? +PICARD: Yes, that's quite enough plot development for one scene. + +How to proceed is a question on other minds as well. On board the Galactica, +nobody is quite sure what to do. + +ADAMA: Well, cease fire anyway. It's just using our energy. +TIGH: I don't understand this situation, sir. Our weapons are useless against + them, yet their weapons are useless against us. It doesn't seem to make a + lot of sense. +ADAMA: And yet we only have sustained losses in the case of a physical impact. + Colonel Tigh, you should evaluate the possibility of using some sort of + high-velocity battering ram. Perhaps we could use one of the ships in our + fleet. +TIGH: I thought you said high-velocity. +ADAMA: Relatively speaking, of course. +TIGH: Sir, "slow crawl" is nowhere near "high velocity." +ADAMA: Evaluate it anyway. +TIGH: Righty-ho, good enough for me. +ADAMA: All right, now... what's this? + +A small child, Boxey, has entered the bridge, accompanied by his pet, Muffit, +a mechanical creature which moves like a monkey and makes noises like it has +serious allergy problems. + +BOXEY: You wanted to see me, granddad? +ADAMA: Don't call me granddad, Boxey. +BOXEY: Okay by me, you're not all that great a granddad to start with. When's + the last time you took me to a ball game? When's the last time we just sat + on a swing and talked? When's the last time we drank lemonade together? +ADAMA: Boxey, I have something difficult to tell you. +BOXEY: Yeah? +ADAMA: Your dad just kicked the bucket. +BOXEY: Apollo was killed? +ADAMA: Bought the farm, kid. He's outa here. +BOXEY: Uh.. listen, I'm a bit upset about that. +ADAMA: Here, I'll show you on this monitor. This is your dad's viper... and + here it is, blowing up. I think we can zoom in on that image... yeah, right + there, that blobby thing? Could be anything, but I'm betting it's your dad's + major intestine. +BOXEY: Well, thanks for showing me. So, is the ship in trouble then? +ADAMA: Yes, well, I believe it may be. +BOXEY: Ho hum, I may just have to save the ship. +ADAMA: Is it just me, or does every starship have a spoiled youngster with + delusions of grandeur? +TIGH: Excuse me, sir. +BOXEY: Yes, what is it, Tigh? +TIGH: The Council of the Twelve is here to get all over your grandfather's + case. +ADAMA: Oh, terrific. Send them in. + +A group of nattering idiots enters the bridge, speaking broken Bureaucracy +Babble. They surround Adama like a squad of grade school playground monitors, +shaking their fingers and looking randomly cross. + +BUSH: Commander Adama, this time we will not let you ignore us! +ADAMA: Yes, Councilor Bush. What is it you want? +BUSH: Er, well, ummm... what was it we wanted again? +QUAYLE: Control of the bridge, sir. +BUSH: Yes, right, control of the bridge. You cannot keep ignoring our + demands-- +QUAYLE: Opinions. +BUSH: Opinions, yes, that's right, as well as the people's opinions-- +QUAYLE: Demands. +BUSH: Demands, right, you can't keep ignoring the demanding people. +ADAMA: And what is it you want me to do, gentlemen? +BUSH: Uh, well, hmmm yes, what was that again? +QUAYLE: What is it we want him to do? +BUSH: Yes, no, the answer, what is our answer? +QUAYLE: Our unanimous will, sir. +BUSH: Oh, right. We want you to accept the unanimous will of the Council of + the Eleven. +QUAYLE: Twelve. +BUSH: Twelve. That's what we want. ...Twelve? Are you sure? +QUAYLE: Yes sir. You're on the Council too. +BUSH: Oh right. +ADAMA: I... see. And what is the unanimous will of the Council, if I'm not + hurrying you along too fast? +BUSH: Uh... tell him, men! +COUNCILOR: Blast the big ship! +COUNCILOR 2: No, blast the little ship! +COUNCILOR 3: No, no, it was the ship with the bird on it! +COUNCILOR 4: I liked the motion about raises for the Council myself. +COUNCILOR 5: Don't blast anything unless it's a Cylon! +COUNCILOR 6: No, make peace with the Cylons! +COUNCILOR 7: Forget the Cylons, let's go through that neat color thing again! +COUNCILOR 8: Fire Adama! +COUNCILOR 9: Yeah, fire Adama! At one of those ships, maybe. +COUNCILOR 10: I seconded the motion about raises for the Council. +BUSH: So, Adama, there you have it. Do you give in to our wishes? +ADAMA: Which ones? +QUAYLE: Why, all of them of course. +ADAMA: Allow me a moment to consult with my staff. Psst, Boxey. +BOXEY: Yeah, granddad? +ADAMA: About saving the ship? +BOXEY: Yes sir? +ADAMA: Start by siccing Muffit on the Council members. +BOXEY: You bet! + +The scene of pandemonium immediately following this discussion is best left to +the reader's imagination. + +Meanwhile, another meeting is taking place on board the Enterprise... + +PICARD: Okay, I'd like to call this meeting to order just as soon as you get + out of my chair, Will. +RIKER: I like this chair. +PICARD: I'm sure you do but it's the Captain's chair. +RIKER: I'll be captain some day, and then you'll be sorry. +PICARD: So will your crew. Let's get started. Mr. Data, have you found us + yet? +DATA: Since it is our own point of reference being considered, sir, it is not + we that must be found. Rather, it is our position with respect to what we + consider home which is the unknown. +PICARD: Thanks for setting us straight on that one, and what have you found? +DATA: That we are, for all practical purposes, completely lost. There is no + point of reference to facilitate our return. +RIKER: That does it. We have no idea where we are, and it's Data's fault. +PICARD: Uh-huh. Okay, Will, it's your turn. What did you learn? +RIKER: Weeeellll... I attempted to abduct the inhabitant of that automobile + for interrogation. +PICARD: Why? +RIKER: He was in the only ship nearby that wasn't shielded. +PICARD: I see. And? +RIKER: Well... I missed. I got somebody from an entirely different ship + instead. It's probably that transporter chief's fault. You know, what's- + his-name. +PICARD: Who did you get? +RIKER: Some strange humanoid alien with two heads and incredibly tacky clothes. + He said something about being the President of the Galaxy and that our ship + was pretty hoopy, but I figured we needed more unrelated characters the way + governments need spending incentives, so I had him identify his ship and sent + him back to the same coordinates we got him from. +PICARD: Interesting. Our transporters don't work quite properly here, then? +GEORDI: Perhaps not, but remember we picked up the occupant of that one small + attacking ship without difficulty. +PICARD: Which brings us to another interesting point. What caused that small + ship to break up? Our guest, Captain Apollo, does not appear to have caused + its breakup intentionally, yet his ship was still outside the perimeter of + our shields when it started to go. +DATA: An interesting possibility, sir, is that we are not actually here in a + complete sense. +PICARD: Explain. +DATA: We may exist in this place only by temporal extension of this ship into + some other place, and the temporal condition only extends around the ship + itself. Similarly, the other vessels may be here by similar extensions. It + would also explain why the occupant of the automobile has not suffocated by + now. And it would also explain why our weapons do not function properly. +RIKER: What a stupid theory. +DATA: Commander Riker, of course, has been with us in nothing more than a + temporal extension for some time. Additionally, the temporal effect may cause + a distortion in our transporter coordinates as we get further from the area + of space which can be considered "ours." +PICARD: Is there a way back? +DATA: Unknown. Perhaps the best approach would be to determine whether any + of the vessels here represent the agency responsible. +RIKER: I still think it's the Romulans. Let's blast them. +PICARD: No. Geordi, any way we can communicate with the other vessels? +GEORDI: It doesn't seem that way. +WORF: Full torpedo salvos. +PICARD: I meant, peaceful communications. +WORF: Oh. +DATA: Actually, that poses a not unreasonable possibility. Since the shock + waves did penetrate the temporal barriers, perhaps the best way to communi- + cate is by sound waves, projected against other ships' barriers. +PICARD: Can we modulate our phaser banks to be the carrier for such a signal? +GEORDI: I suppose it's possible. +WORF: Our weapons, being used for communications? I don't like this. +PICARD: Deanna, have you come up with anything useful? +TROI: Not much. There are large numbers of conflicting emotions of all sorts + around us. I'm still trying to isolate individual groups. The only isolated + source of emotional energy around us appears to be that automobile, and all I + sense from there is watchful anticipation. +PICARD: Hmm. Anything else? +TROI: Well, growing frustration and impatience for some sort of conclusion by + the readers, but I don't suppose that counts. +PICARD: Well... do we want Wesley to save the ship? +EVERYONE: NO! +PICARD: Then we don't have a conclusion just yet. Geordi, see if you can form + some sort of communications with our weapons system. Data, do you think you + could extrapolate a revised coordinate system for our transporters based upon + the measured error in Commander Riker's attempt? +DATA: I can try, sir, but it's certain to be a risky situation. I wouldn't + recommend sending key personnel on the first several attempts. +PICARD: Sounds good. Commander Riker, assemble your Away Team. +RIKER: Hey, wait a minute. +PICARD: Anything else? +WORF: Sir, Klingon honor demands that we shoot somebody soon. +PICARD: You can shoot Whoopi Goldberg if she wanders onto the bridge, how + about that? +WORF: Good enough. +PICARD: Have the Klingon or Romulan vessels done anything? +GEORDI: Well... a little bit ago, the Klingon ship tried to move up next to + the Romulan ship, the Romulan ship fired a torpedo at it, and the two ships + took pot shots at one another for a while. It didn't do them any good + either, so they quit. +DATA: It is worth pointing out that the Romulan ship is quite possibly + within the same temporal extension we are, and the protection we have from + the large battleship's weapons may not exist with the Romulans. +RIKER: Great! Let's blast them and find out. +PICARD: No. Shut up about it, would you? Maintain shields and defensive + status, and let's see who we can talk to. Worf, no phaser communications + with the Romulans if you please. +WORF: Aww. +PICARD: I have no wish to prematurely cook our goose. +DATA: Sir, cook our goose? What does the meal service have to do with the + present situation? +PICARD: It's another of those old Earth expressions I like to throw in there + to show that I'm hip, cool, and three and a half centuries out of date. It + means to be in trouble. +DATA: Ah, trouble. Danger. Precarious circumstances. Up the creek without + a paddle. Looking death in the eye. Imminent-- +PICARD: That's enough. Data, I thought you had pretty well gotten over your + little thesaurus complex. +DATA: Sorry, sir. I don't know what came over me. +PICARD: Very well. Let's all get busy, everyone. I'm sure the readers have + other things to be doing. + +On the Galactica, however, nobody is quite sure what sorts of things to be +doing. Adama is taking a nap --wait, excuse me: resting his eyes-- when +Colonel Tigh interrupts with news. + +TIGH: Sir, wake up! +ADAMA: ZZzzz grrphtthk, wha? Hrrrmpphhh, gag, yes, Colonel? I AM awake. +TIGH: Of course, sir. +ADAMA: So what do you want? +TIGH: The large vessel has directed an energy beam weapon at us again. +ADAMA: Doing any more than last time? +TIGH: No sir. Less. The beam is steady and at a lower power. I'm not sure + what they're trying to do. +ADAMA: Well, that's very odd... +PICARD: Attention, battleship. +TIGH: Huh? +ADAMA: Who said that? +TIGH: It sounds like it's coming from outside the ship! How can that be? +PICARD: Attention, battleship. This is the Federation Starship USS Enterprise. + We would like to establish peaceful communications. +TIGH: This is interesting, sir. They appear to be using the energy beam as + a communications carrier. +ADAMA: Could it be that the firing before was simply a communications attempt? +TIGH: No, not unless they were trying to project heavy metal music, sir. +PICARD: Attention, battleship. This is the Federation Starship USS Enterprise. + We would like to establish peaceful communications. +ADAMA: Can we respond? +TIGH: Not immediately. I think we can refit one of our cannons for this + purpose, though. +ADAMA: Well, let's do it. I have a thing or two to say to those people! +PICARD: Attention, battleship. This is the Federation Starship USS Enterprise. + We would like to establish peaceful communications. +ADAMA: All RIGHT already, we heard you! +TIGH: They've shut off the energy beam. +ADAMA: Thank goodness. I was afraid they'd put on some Muzak or something. +TIGH: I've put some of our best minds on modifying a laser cannon. +ADAMA: How long do you think? +TIGH: A few minutes at least. First they have to make it stop shooting those + little colored pulses and making "kerZAP" sounds. +ADAMA: Harrumph. We paid a lot for those special effects. Well, Universal + did, close enough. +TIGH: Uh, yes sir, whatever you say, sir. +ADAMA: Well... hey look at that! +TIGH: What? +ADAMA: On the screen! +TIGH: Sir, there's about fifteen gazillion screens here. Are you pointing to + any screen in particular? +ADAMA: The one with the ship with graffiti all over it. +TIGH: Actually, I think they painted that bird there on purpose. +ADAMA: Well, anyway it's shooting a beam just like that other one, what was it + called? +TIGH: The USS Enterprise? +ADAMA: Yeah. Maybe the bird people want to talk to us now. +ROMULAN COMMANDER: Attention, battleship. +ADAMA: Oh, not again. +ROMULAN COMMANDER: This is the Romulan Bird of Prey Garg'zunthicht. +TIGH: Bird of Prey? +ADAMA: Garg'zunthicht? Sounds like a German just sneezed. What kind of a + name is that? +ROMULAN COMMANDER: You're probably wondering what kind of name Garg'zunthicht + is. +ADAMA: As a matter of fact... +ROMULAN COMMANDER: Well, it's not a very good name. In fact, it stinks. It + doesn't even sound Romulan! +ADAMA: Then why do they use it? +ROMULAN COMMANDER: But we use it because it was my mother's name, so anyone + who makes fun of it, we'll just have to destroy on the spot, immediately and + EXTREMELY painfully. +ADAMA: Make a note of that, Tigh. No making fun of the Romulan Bird of Prey + Garg'zunthicht. +TIGH: Noted, sir. +ROMULAN COMMANDER: We also desire communications, we just thought we should + warn you while you make your preparations that any Garg'zunthicht jokes will + NOT be tolerated thank you very much. Please respond, and reply to us FIRST. + Do not attempt to contact the Federation vessel Enterprise. +ADAMA: Why not? +ROMULAN COMMANDER: You're probably wondering, why not? +ADAMA: All right, I'm not feeding this guy any more lines. +TIGH: We'd all appreciate that, sir. +ROMULAN COMMANDER: Well, I'll tell you why not. They are your enemies, they + attacked without provocation, they are holding one of your pilots, and their + ship is fairly tacky looking when you get right down to it. You fired back + at them, which makes you allies of the glorious Romulan empire! Your fight + is our fight! Your enemies are our enemies! +ADAMA: Hmm, this could be helpful against the Cylons. These guys seem pretty + extreme. +TIGH: Well, the bird on their ship suggests nature lovers. You know how + radical conservationists can get. +ROMULAN COMMANDER: So we'll be allies, and destroy the Federation attacker, + and maybe get together some time so our industrial spies can check out that + technology you've got there. Maybe some social time too. +ADAMA: Interesting. +ROMULAN COMMANDER: Reply when you get a chance, but remember: not to the + Federation vessel. 'Bye! +TIGH: Sir, the message beam is gone. +ADAMA: Well, what do you make of all this? +TIGH: It seems we've stumbled into somebody else's feud. +ADAMA: But if one of these parties can offer aid against the Cylons... +TIGH: If either of these parties can be bothered to drop their own battle. + It may turn out that we have nothing to gain, and much to lose, from an + association with either of them. +ADAMA: Perhaps we should ask the Council of the Twelve. +TIGH: Sir??? +ADAMA: That was a JOKE, Tigh. Lighten up, will you? +TIGH: Sorry. +ADAMA: Is it safe to assume that the cannon modifications should be done soon? +TIGH: Yes sir. +ADAMA: So the question becomes: who do we reply to, the Enterprise or the + Garg'zunthee... gargle'zunthick... grag'zoothich... Tigh? +TIGH: Something like that, sir. +ADAMA: Quick, replay their conversation. We don't dare call back if we can't + pronounce his mother's name. +TIGH: I would also like to listen to the conversation again. Did the Romulan + say something about the Federation ship holding one of our pilots? +ADAMA: Well, yes, but that can't be... can it? +TIGH: I don't know, but it bears further examination. It may be that Captain + Apollo or one of the others escaped destruction. +ADAMA: In which case the question becomes: as an act of mercy, or as a prison- + er of war? +TIGH: I do not know... but the fact that the Federation ship did not mention + one of our pilots does not speak well of the situation. +ADAMA: Or it is all a trick to make us distrust that ship? I do not know, + Tigh. The Cylons must be on our tail somewhere, and yet we must tread very + lightly here. +TIGH: Not really, sir. This deck is fairly solid. +ADAMA: That's not what I meant. Pay attention! +TIGH: That was a JOKE, Commander. Lighten up, will you? + +------------------------------------------------------------------------------ +Who will the Galactica side with? What will be the outcome? Will Adama or +Tigh ever lighten up? Will the author ever get serious? + +Check the next installment for more of this nonsense... + +****************************************************************************** +* Internet: marky@draco.ece.cmu.edu * Support the rec.arts.startrek.creative * +* Outernet: cmu@earth.sol.milky_way * bboard concept! Keep idiots like me * +* * off the rec.arts.startrek board! * +****************************************************************************** + +From rog@draco.ECE.CMU.EDU Wed May 30 12:35:04 1990 +Received: from DRACO.ECE.CMU.EDU by ksuvax1.cis.ksu.edu (SMTP) + (5.59++/CIS1.1) id AA09654; Wed, 30 May 90 12:35:04 CDT +Received: by draco.ECE.CMU.EDU (5.54-ECE2/5.17) + id AA20077; Wed, 30 May 90 13:34:35 EDT +Date: Wed, 30 May 90 13:34:35 EDT +From: Roger Brockenbrough +Message-Id: <9005301734.AA20077@draco.ECE.CMU.EDU> +To: jfy@ksuvax1.cis.ksu.edu +Status: OR + +GALACTICA vs ENTERPRISE, chapter 4 of 6 + +The story at this moment: due to bizarre applications of poorly understood +physics principles vaguely remembered by this author, the Enterprise, in two +pieces, and a Romulan vessel are hurtling toward each other. At the last +minute, Wesley's save-the-ship plan is implemented to avoid certain death. +There is an incredible crashing, the very stars seem to shake, and people are +knocked all over the place. And this is just on the Galaga^H^Hctica. On board +the Enterprise, in the secondary hull, it feels like the entire ship has just +been fed through a food processor. + +Things stop shaking, the normal lights start to come back on, and people pick +themselves up again, very slowly. + +PICARD: So, we survived. +DATA: So it would appear. +PICARD: Damage report? +RIKER: We could save some time by asking for a report on things that still + work. +WORF: Not so. Most of our systems are operational. It's just the crew that + took a beating. +GEORDI: Sir? Sensor readings are different outside now. +DATA: It would appear we did indeed break the temporal barrier. +PICARD: How is the primary hull? +GEORDI: Drifting not far away. +PICARD: What about the Romulan ship? Are they still after us? +GEORDI: Checking... sir, the Romulan ship appears to have sustained heavy + structural damage to the rear. A large part of their drive system is knocked + in, and their power is way down! +PICARD: How did that happen? +WORF: Umm, er... +PICARD: Worf? +WORF: I jettisoned some large, heavy cargo pods just before our maneuver. + Since they didn't warp away like we did, they struck the Romulan dead-on. +PICARD: Excellent work, Worf. +WORF: You approve?? +PICARD: Just this once. +WORF: Gee. So that's what it feels like. +GEORDI: Captain! The Romulans are firing torpedoes at us! +WORF: Hmm, that wouldn't be so bad if our shields weren't dead. +PICARD: So we're going to die anyway? + +The Enterprise shudders a little bit. + +GEORDI: They got us. +PICARD: A direct hit on no shields, and we just shuddered a little bit? +DATA: Interesting. We appear to now be in a SEPARATE temporal boundary from + the Romulan vessel. How convenient for us. +PICARD: This is too weird. Can anybody destroy us at the moment? +DATA: It seems unlikely. +PICARD: Fine. Let's get damage control parties going, let's link up our two + hulls again and get that idiot Vader off the bridge, and let's get those + drinks served I was talking about. If anybody can see straight afterwards + we'll have another meeting of the heads of staff. +RIKER: I like this plan. + +On board the Battleaxe Galactica, meanwhile, pieces of the puzzle, formerly +theorized only by Data, but now required to be understood by the Galactica +bridge crew in order for the plot to progress in a direction remotely approach- +ing forward, begin to be understood. + +ADAMA: I don't know what sort of battle the Federation and Romulan ships are + used to, but it looks suspiciously like playing Chicken. +TIGH: Commander, sir. Mr. Wizard to speak with you. +ADAMA: Oh, yes? Send him in. +MR. WIZARD: Hello, Commander. I have some theories to share with you for the + purpose of advancing the plot. +ADAMA: Very good. Er... who are you again? +MR. WIZARD: I'm the guy who synchronized all two trillion CRTs on this bridge + to flicker in sync. +ADAMA: Ah, another genius. Tell me, can you do something about Muffit? He + keeps leaving cyber-droppings in the halls, see, and-- +MR. WIZARD: That's a different wizard. Shut up and pay attention. +ADAMA: Sorry. +MR. WIZARD: Our ships here are surrounded by temporal extensions of our own + place in the universe into this place. The alien ships were not playing + Chicken; their attempts to stretch the temporal boundaries too far caused + them to be hurled back together, and may indeed have shattered the temporal + boundaries surrounding their ships. +ADAMA: Why, thank you. +MR. WIZARD: Not at all. +ADAMA: Guards, take this man off the bridge and throw him in a small room with + Boxey until he talks straight. +MR. WIZARD: No, wait! This is plot! You need this! Aaaaaaaahhhhh..... +ADAMA: That's rid of him. Tigh, what do we do now? +TIGH: No idea, sir. +ADAMA: Okay. Let's talk to the Romulans. Rig the cannon for communications. +TIGH: Got it. +ADAMA: Attention, Romulan vessel Garg'zunthicht. Please respond. +ROMULAN COMMANDER: (gag, ack) This is the Garg'zunthicht. Whaddya want? +ADAMA: You appear to have had your ship's butt royally kicked. Do you require + assistance? +ROMULAN COMMANDER: No, no, that's fine. We're all fine here. No real damage. +ADAMA: Yeah, well on our sensors your engines are trashed and your power + readings are fading. Boy did you guys get slammed. +ROMULAN COMMANDER: No, really, everything's fine. We're just conserving our + strength. +ADAMA: Yeah, sure looks like you'll need all the strength you can conserve + just to get that bucket moved. +ROMULAN COMMANDER: Really. Nothing wrong here. +ADAMA: I understand, you must be used to having the back half of your ship + reduced to compost. +ROMULAN COMMANDER: All RIGHT already! We suffered SOME damage. That cursed + Federation ship. We'll blow them away momentarily. +ADAMA: Like, when you get one of your weapons rebuilt? +ROMULAN COMMANDER: If I could get my hands on you... er, listen, ally: why + don't you shoot at the Enterprise some for a while, just for grins? +ADAMA: Righty ho, good enough for me. Tigh, fire something at the Enterprise. +TIGH: For all the good it'll do... Firing. ...Commander! +ADAMA: What? +TIGH: Look! We did damage that time! We blasted a nice hole in part of the + round saucer! +ADAMA: Our weapons are working now! +ROMULAN COMMANDER: Wonderful! Wonderful! Shoot again! +ADAMA: Listen, we can probably figure THAT out on our own. +ROMULAN COMMANDER: Well, don't talk! Blast them! Destroy the Earth ship! +ADAMA: Right! Tigh, prepare to THE EARTH SHIP???!!! +ROMULAN COMMANDER: Er, hello? +ADAMA: Did you say, Earth ship?? +ROMULAN COMMANDER: Uh... yes. I did say that. Why? +ADAMA: We're related to them! That's our colony! We've been looking for them + for yahrens! They're our friends! --YIKES, what's happening? +TIGH: Sir, our new-found friends just put a torpedo in one of our launch bays. + Shields were only partially effective; I think we'll be needing new paint in + that section. +ADAMA: Wait! They're FAMILY! Why are they shooting at us? +TIGH: Because we've been shooting at them since we met? That's just a guess. +ADAMA: Well, let's explain things! Aim that communications cannon their way. +TIGH: Yes sir. ...uh, maybe that wasn't a good idea. We're melting their + hull now. +ADAMA: Whoops. Turn it off. +TIGH: Yes, sir. Enterprise firing again. ...well, so much for THAT shield. +ADAMA: We've got to let them know we're friendly! +TIGH: You mean, before we let them blow us out of the sky. +ADAMA: Right! Oh. What can we do to communicate? +TIGH: Shoot at the Romulans? +ADAMA: Right! Good thinking! Open fire on them! +TIGH: Firing. Sir, our weapons don't appear to be affecting them, though. +ADAMA: Doesn't matter! Keep firing! Launch our fighters, away from the + Enterprise, and have the rest of the fleet pull back. If the Enterprise + doesn't realize we're changing alliances, we're probably cooked. +TIGH: Sir, the Council of the Twelve is on the line, requesting access to the + escape pods. +ADAMA: Do you think we can trick them into the torpedo tubes instead? +TIGH: Doubtful. They caught on last time we tried that. +ADAMA: Well, then respectfully tell them they can get fried with the rest of + us. Do you think the Enterprise is catching on yet? +TIGH: I don't know. I imagine they're probably pretty confused right now. + +PICARD: I must say, I'm pretty confused right now. What do you suppose is + happening? +WORF: I don't know, sir, but they must realize they could destroy us while our + shields are ineffective. They certainly put a hole in the primary hull. +RIKER: Let's blast them. We know we're hurting THEM, now. +DATA: Interesting. Apparently our ships burst out of OUR temporal boundary + and into THEIRS. +GEORDI: I wouldn't suggest provoking them to attack us again, sir. Not while + our shields are still a mess and we haven't regained the primary hull. +TROI: Captain, I sense a great deal of tension on the Galaga. +PICARD: Galactica. +TROI: Whatever. It seems like they have suddenly realized some mistake, and + are hoping to make up for it. +PICARD: Recommendations? +TROI: Seek some sort of peaceful contact with the Galactica. +PICARD: Galaga. +TROI: Whatever. +PICARD: Well, all fine and good. But what about our primary hull? + +An excellent question which deserves an answering scene... + +VADER: Why is that OTHER ship firing at me? Why doesn't anybody like me? +APOLLO: Because your outfit is UGLY. +VADER: What--? Who are you? +APOLLO: Captain Apollo of the Battlestar Galactica. +VADER: Well, what do you want? +APOLLO: To know what's going on. Who are you? +VADER: I command this vessel. +APOLLO: What happened to Captain Picard? +VADER: Uh... he's on the other half, over there. +APOLLO: You're part of his crew? +VADER: Uh, no... listen, why am I answering your questions? Who do you think + you are? +APOLLO: The man who's relieving you of command. +VADER: What?? +APOLLO: The men lying all around the deck here are wearing the same uniform as + Picard. So you've taken this vessel by force. I'm taking it back. See this + blaster in my hand? +VADER: You fool, don't you know your weapons are useless against the power of + the Force? Here, feel the grip of power... +APOLLO: No thanks, I'll stay right here. +VADER: Wha--? You're not choking. +APOLLO: I'm not in a choking mood. +VADER: Well, here! How about this-- the light saber! +APOLLO: How about this-- the Colonial blaster! +--Zap-- +VADER: You sizzled my light saber! +APOLLO: Whatever powers you possessed, big and ugly, they've gone away now. + Let's take a little walk over here. +VADER: What's over here? +APOLLO: The broom closet. Get in. +VADER: You need me, Apollo. You'll never figure out the controls of this + ship without experienced help. +APOLLO: No, I'm betting the computers have context-sensitive help. Get in + there. +VADER: All right all right. I'm in. But I'll be back out. +APOLLO: I'm sure that's true. Sooner or later, we'll need a broom. + +GEORDI: Captain Picard! A message from the primary hull! +PICARD: Very well. Picard here. +APOLLO: Captain Picard, this is Captain Apollo. +PICARD: Huh? What are you doing on? +APOLLO: I've imprisoned the big ugly guy in the broom closet. All the shaking + this vessel has received, plus the big explosion we experienced, broke one + of the walls out in my cell, so I went to the bridge and saw that the ship + had been commandeered. +PICARD: Excellent, excellent. Let's hook these two hulls back together and + see what's happening. +APOLLO: Not so quickly, Captain. Is your vessel at war with mine? +PICARD: Uh... I'll be frank. +APOLLO: Please. +PICARD: We're not sure. We were exchanging shots, but now they've started + firing upon the Romulans, our enemy. +APOLLO: I see. What do you plan to do? +PICARD: I don't know. What would you suggest? +APOLLO: Talking to the Galactica, sir. See what is really happening here. +PICARD: We don't appear to have any further mode of communications in common, + though. +APOLLO: So send people over to talk to them. You DO have shuttle craft of + some sort, I assume? +PICARD: Yes... +APOLLO: So, if I agree to help join your ship back together, will YOU agree + to include me on the shuttle that goes to meet them? +PICARD: Very well, Captain. Turn your bridge computers over to ours. +APOLLO: All right, computers switched over... now. +WORF: Captain! Now's our chance! We can make the primary hull's computer do + anything we want! +PICARD: Worf, why wouldn't we just do what we said we'd do? +WORF: Uh... hmm, I hadn't thought of that, sir. + +TIGH: Commander Adama, there's a shuttle of some sort approaching from the + Enterprise. +ADAMA: Train a cannon on it but don't fire. Let's see what they do. Could + it be a weapon? +TIGH: How should I know, sir? +ADAMA: Don't get smart with me, mister. I'm allowed to ask asinine questions, + I'm the commander here. +TIGH: Yes, sir. The shuttle is slowing down. They've stopped, sir. Holding + position about halfway between us and the Enterprise. +ADAMA: Let's send a shuttle of our own. Have Lieutenant Starbuck and some of + his fellow lunatics go meet them. +TIGH: Right. Uh, Commander, I'm sure the Council of the Twelve would like to + be represented as well. +ADAMA: You're right. Have Starbuck and the others slip out quietly before the + Council knows what's happening. +TIGH: My thoughts exactly. + +The two shuttles meet in space. They connect. They discover that their +docking bays are incompatible. Several hours and several new shuttles later, +they get it to work. + It is for reasons like this that we don't mix stuff from different shows +more often. There's just too much incompatible technology. + +STARBUCK: Apollo! You're alive! +APOLLO: Starbuck! You're right! +STARBUCK: Well, wait a centon; I THINK you're alive. You seem to be alive, + but I've had some interesting experiences before when drinking that stuff in + the rec room. Are you really alive? +APOLLO: (sigh) Yes. +RIKER: So, you two know each other? +STARBUCK: Who's this feeb? +APOLLO: He's Commander Riker, second in command of the Enterprise. +STARBUCK: Oh, so he's important, then? +APOLLO: I can't tell. I got the impression that Captain Picard just wanted him + off the bridge for a while. +RIKER: Hey, that's not nice. ...True, maybe, but definitely not nice. +APOLLO: Well, anyway, this is a momentous meeting between two groups of humans, + etc. etc. Now what? +RIKER: Uh, now your fleet surrenders all its forces to our ship, and we all go + home. +STARBUCK: He's from Earth, did I get that right? +APOLLO: Yeah. +STARBUCK: We've been looking for that colony all this time, and they're all + nincompoops? +APOLLO: Well, perhaps. But so are we. +STARBUCK: Good point. Look, Commander Riker, get a clue. We're not surrender- + ing our forces to you or anybody. Especially when your ship is defenseless + to ours. +RIKER: Your ship isn't doing so hot against us right now, either. +STARBUCK: We could still kick your butts. +RIKER: Could not. +STARBUCK: Could too. +RIKER: Could not, could not, could not. Nyaah, nyaah. +APOLLO: Wait. Gentlemen, I hate to interrupt this witty dialog, but we're not + here to resume hostilities, but to clear them up. +PICARD: He's right. +RIKER: AAAAGHHHH! Who said that? +PICARD: I did, Will. I left your communicator active so I could hear what's + going on. Obviously Captain Apollo has more sense in one foot than you've + ever had in your entire life. +RIKER: Huh? What's so great about his foot? +PICARD: Never mind. Do you remember what it was you were SUPPOSED to do in + this meeting? +RIKER: Uh... blow up their shuttle? +PICARD: Wrong. +RIKER: Hold them captives? +PICARD: Three strikes and you're out a rank, mister. +DATA: Three strikes, sir? +PICARD: Data, stay off this channel. Especially if you're going to start + playing word associations again. +RIKER: I... was supposed to welcome the visitors back to the Enterprise for + some friendly discussion. +PICARD: See, I knew you could do it. +APOLLO: There, finally. Starbuck, what do you say? +STARBUCK: I don't know. Friendly discussion, did they say? +PICARD: Well, that and drinks. +STARBUCK: Ah! Drinks! That changes things. Sure, we'll come. +PICARD: Good. Stand by to beam aboard. +STARBUCK: Stand by to what? + +hmmmmmmmmmMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMmmmmmmmmmmmmmm + +STARBUCK: What happened? Where are we? Where are the drinks? +APOLLO: We're back on the Enterprise. This is how I got here in the first + place. +STARBUCK: Wow. Weird. Too bad about those shuttles. +RIKER: What do you mean? +STARBUCK: Since we didn't know if you guys would be friendly, we rigged our + shuttle to explode if anything weird were to happen to me, or to any of these + other officers here without speaking parts. +RIKER: What kind of weird? +STARBUCK: I'm not sure exactly what the parameters were, but I'd say getting + yanked away in a swirl of rainbow colors would qualify. +RIKER: Riker to bridge. What's going on? +PICARD: The shuttles just exploded. Wait, the Galactica is firing at us + again-- + +CCRRRUMMPP! + +RIKER: This time isn't my fault! +PICARD: Shut up, Will. Worf, do NOT return fire! +RIKER: I just want everybody to understand that this time is not my fault. +PICARD: Bring your guests up to the bridge, and hurry! +RIKER: We're on our way. Come on, you guys. +STARBUCK: Are we prisoners here, or what? +RIKER: How should I know? Just get moving! + +------------------------------------------------------------------------------ +Is the situation Riker's fault? Will he be blamed anyway? Does anybody out +there like Riker's character? These and other questions will still be +unanswered at the end of the next installment. + +****************************************************************************** +* Internet: marky@draco.ece.cmu.edu * You think YOU need a life? Check out * +* Planet of origin: debatable * the author of THIS story... * +****************************************************************************** + ^ + | + | + No argument there, Marky boy. + + +From rog@draco.ECE.CMU.EDU Wed May 30 12:34:44 1990 +Received: from DRACO.ECE.CMU.EDU by ksuvax1.cis.ksu.edu (SMTP) + (5.59++/CIS1.1) id AA09637; Wed, 30 May 90 12:34:44 CDT +Received: by draco.ECE.CMU.EDU (5.54-ECE2/5.17) + id AA20073; Wed, 30 May 90 13:34:15 EDT +Date: Wed, 30 May 90 13:34:15 EDT +From: Roger Brockenbrough +Message-Id: <9005301734.AA20073@draco.ECE.CMU.EDU> +To: jfy@ksuvax1.cis.ksu.edu +Status: OR + +ENTERPRISE vs GALACTICA, chapter 3 of 6 + +For no apparent reason, some of you are still reading this story. OK... the +Enterprise and the Romulans have each contacted the Galactica in an effort to +make mutually exclusive friends. On board the Galactica, people are confused. +On board the Enterprise, there is also much to keep people's interest. + +RIKER: Those copy cats! Those copy cats! +PICARD: What are you ranting about? +RIKER: They stole our idea! +PICARD: Who stole which? +RIKER: The Romulans! They saw us communicating on a phaser beam, and they + did the same thing. +PICARD: Do we know what they said? +GEORDI: Negative. I tried to measure the vibrations with our ship's sensors + but they couldn't pick up the actual signals. +PICARD: Well, what good are they? +WESLEY: If you won't let me save the ship, at least let me rewire the sensor + banks to interpret future transmissions. +PICARD: Will you stop your whining? +WESLEY: I wasn't... uh, yes sir. +PICARD: Good. Get to it. Counselor Troi, what do you think the Romulans + are up to? +TROI: I sense meanness... scheming evil intended for the enemy vessel... +RIKER: Well there you go. Let's blast them. +TROI: And that's just from Will here. +RIKER: Er, what?? +TROI: But the Romulans are up to something. I can sense that, Captain. That + and embarrassment about the ship's name. +PICARD: Great. Any other good news, anyone? +GEORDI: Another vessel incoming. +PICARD: Ah. What now? +GEORDI: Another small one. It seems to be tumbling out of control. +PICARD: Can we ignore it? +GEORDI: Only if we move quickly. It's going to hit us. +PICARD: Worf! +WORF: Weapons ready sir! +PICARD: No no NO. Tractor beams. Stop that sucker. +WORF: Oh all RIGHT, if it'll make you wimps happy. Gotcha! I stopped it. +DATA: With a deceleration in excess of forty Gs. +GEORDI: Well, scratch that pilot. +DATA: Not exactly scratch. More like splatter. Or puree. +PICARD: Once again, Mr. Data, you are babbling at the mouth. +DATA: Babbling. Running on. Talking excessively and to no purpose. +PICARD: Would you kindly shut up. +DATA: Shut up. Silence. Cease talking. Be quiet. Clam up. Shut your trap. + Seal it-- mmhmmmhhmmm. mmm hmmmm mmm. hmmmhmmmmmmhhmm... Oh. Who put + that bucket over my head? +GEORDI: Actually it looks like that pilot survived. Sensors indicate life. +WORF: Well, I tried. +PICARD: What can you tell us about this latest ship? +GEORDI: Small single-person vessel, not long range for sure. It seems to + operate on ion engines, but I gather those panels on the side are for some + sort of recharging or shielding. A fighter, I'd say, but no configuration + I ever saw before. Also damaged; one of the panels is damaged and there + appears to be structural damage to one of the engine mounts. Power readings + are pretty weak, too, but I don't know what's normal for this craft. +PICARD: Can we do a rescue? Pull it into the shuttle bay? +GEORDI: Sure thing, Captain. +PICARD: Do that. Worf, don't touch the tractor beam controls ever again. +WORF: Klingon honor demands that I defend myself. +PICARD: Well, do it in writing. This story is too long to add more dialog. + Where were we? +RIKER: Worrying about the Romulans. +PICARD: Oh yes. I suppose you think we should blast them. +RIKER: Yes sir! +PICARD: How about, instead of that, you take an Away Team on board their + vessel and sabotage their weapons systems! +RIKER: Uh, yeah, but their shields are up. If I try to transport through + their shields I'll arrive in a consistency like tapioca pudding. +PICARD: Drat, I didn't think you knew that. +GEORDI: The small vessel is docked in our hangar bay. +PICARD: That's good, I guess. Uh, what about the large ship? Have they tried + to talk back to us? +GEORDI: Not yet, sir. I imagine they're probably modifying one of their + cannons for the task. +PICARD: How long would that take? +GEORDI: Hard to say. First they'd have to deactivate the circuit that makes + the "kerZAP" sounds. That's always a tricky one. +PICARD: I see. Well, I suppose I should go down and meet our newest guest, + or whatever is left of him. +WORF: Wait, sir. Look! +PICARD: Uh oh. The battleship is talking... but not to us. To the Romulans. +RIKER: Well there you go. Let's blast them both. +PICARD: I'm getting really sick of hearing that. +RIKER: Well, then give in. +PICARD: I have another idea. +RIKER: I won't like it. +PICARD: That's the point. I think we should separate the hulls, and send the + primary hull away from the area, since things are looking precarious. +RIKER: So we're getting ready to fight? +PICARD: Maybe. Oh, and Will? By the way, I'd like YOU to command the primary + hull in going away. +RIKER: What??!! Aww, MAN! +PICARD: Just do it, before I do something which I probably wouldn't regret. + +Meanwhile, the Galactica's bridge crew (Adama, Tigh, and two dozen people who +never get any better speaking parts then "Section Twelve, Launch Bay Alpha, +stand by to launch viper probe," truly a boring sort of bit part don't you +think?) is also considering action they may regret. + +ADAMA: I don't know, Tigh. It's an action we might regret. +TIGH: That's why you're the Commander and not me. Somebody has to take the + felgercarb, and frankly I don't want it. +ADAMA: Thanks all the same. +TIGH: Well, what are you going to do? Throw in with the Romulans? +ADAMA: We have to ask what the Romulans want, though. We've already shown + that our weapons don't have any affect on the Enterprise. So what sort of + allies would we be to them? +TIGH: It's another good question. +ADAMA: Maybe we should contact the Enterprise and see what they have to say. +TIGH: The Romulans said that if they see us do that, they'll destroy us. +ADAMA: Which they may or may not have the means to do. +TIGH: Right. +ADAMA: Wait. What if the Romulans don't know we talk to them? +TIGH: How could we do that? +ADAMA: We already took out the part of the cannon that makes the "kerZAP" + sounds. All we'd have to do is ALSO take out the part that makes the pretty + bright light. +TIGH: Sir, you're a genius. +ADAMA: You mean that'll work? +TIGH: I think so, yes. +ADAMA: Gosh. I mean, yes, of course, I knew it all along. Colonel, see to + this. +TIGH: Right. Giving the orders... okay. +ADAMA: How come you never talk to anyone to do that? +TIGH: I don't have to. I just set the engine room telegraph to "Engines Stop; + Make Laser Cannon Colorless" and somebody will take care of it. +ADAMA: Gosh, isn't high tech neat? +TIGH: The question is, what can we ask the Enterprise to find out their true + nature? +ADAMA: Hmmm... ask them about our pilot. See what they tell us. +TIGH: There's a thought. Okay, the engine room is showing "Laser Cannon Now + Colorless." Let's give this a try, sir... + +Meanwhile, on board the Enterprise, Picard has made his way to the shuttle +bay while the rest of the bridge crew switches to the battle bridge in the +starship's secondary hull. The pilot of the damaged fighter ship has gotten +out, and a strange looking figure this is... + +PICARD: Good heavens, what sort of being is this? +VADER: I (hiss) am (hiss) Darth (hiss) Vader. +PICARD: I am Captain Jean-Luc Picard, of the Federation Starship USS + Enterprise. Welcome aboard. +VADER: Are (hiss) you (hiss) the one (hiss) responsible (hiss) for (hiss) + knocking (hiss) my ship (hiss) all around (hissss)? +PICARD: No. +VADER: I guess I can quit this hissing, then. I just do that to intimidate + people. Right now I could intimidate a few people, let me tell you. What + a day I have had. A bunch of rebels just blew up my space station! +PICARD: I see. Is that your natural appearance, or are you wearing some + sort of armor? +VADER: This is my body armor. My natural appearance is actually worse. Or + at least, less socially acceptable. What manner of vessel am I on? +PICARD: A Federation starship. +VADER: Are you allied with the Empire? +PICARD: Uh... which Empire? +VADER: The Empire. THE Empire. +PICARD: Sorry, we seem to be out of touch. Where I come from there is a + Klingon empire, and we're allied with them, and a Romulan empire, and we're + not allied with them. Does this help? +VADER: Not a bit. Never mind, I need to get back. +PICARD: So do we, so far to no avail. Is this your natural section of space, + or did you pass through a brightly colored, cloudy discontinuity? +VADER: Oh, so that was real? I was seeing lots of things after my ship went + into a spin. But that's not important. I must get back to the Emperor, + quickly, and make sure he understands that the whole ugly mess was Tarkin's + fault, not mine, and that I should be promoted. +PICARD: When we get out of here we'll send you on your way. +VADER: Very well, I will command your efforts. +PICARD: In a pig's eye. +VADER: (hiss) What (hiss) did (hiss) you (hiss) say (hissssss)?? +PICARD: I said, you're welcome as our guest while we try to resolve about + five different problems at the same time, but you are simply that, and not + in command here. +ADAMA: Attention Federation vessel! +VADER: What was that? +ADAMA: Attention Federation vessel! This is the Battlestar Galactica. Are + you holding one of our pilots? Please respond. +PICARD: Whoops, I've got to get to the bridge. Security! +VADER: Whoa. For a moment I thought it was the Emperor! I hate it when he + sneaks up on me with that big projection... +PICARD: Security, keep an eye on this fellow. Keep him on the primary hull + when we separate. I'll be on the battle bridge... + +Picard hurries to the battle bridge, where the full bridge crew (except Riker) +is present. He presses one of the buttons which, on the last episode, was +the garage door opener, but on this episode controls the phaser communications +link. + +PICARD: This is Jean-Luc Picard of the Enterprise. +ADAMA: Are you holding one of our pilots? +PICARD: We... currently have one pilot on board, your Captain Apollo. + +There is a moment of silence. + +PICARD: Well, what do you all think? Did I say the right thing? + +The Enterprise goes KERRRUMP as the Galactica opens fire. + +WORF: I would say... no. +GEORDI: The Romulan ship is also opening fire on us, sir. + +The Enterprise begins to shake about in a distinctly more pronounced way. + +GEORDI: Sir, the Romulan shots are working normally. Shields are taking a + real pounding this time! Nothing's blocking THOSE shots. +PICARD: Return fire! Worf, put that cursed Klingon honor to some good use. +WORF: Opening fire, sir. (I love this part of my job.) +WESLEY: And Commander Riker's not here to see it. +PICARD: I want the primary hull separated NOW. +GEORDI: The order is given. Splitting now. +PICARD: How are we doing? +WORF: Shields weakening, sir. Still returning fire. +PICARD: How are the Romulans doing? Sensors? +WESLEY: Uh... I rewired them to monitor phaser communications links. +PICARD: All of them? You mean the regular abilities are GONE now? +WESLEY: Well, yes. +PICARD: FIX THEM! +WESLEY: A major engineering task performed in mere minutes from two different + bridges, and do I get thanks? No. Do I get abuse? Oh, yes. +PICARD: Fix them AND stop whining or you're going to your room, where you will + die horribly like the rest of us. +WESLEY: All right all right... +PICARD: Worf, concentrate on the Romulan ship; we'll assume that the Galactica + isn't affected by our shots. Geordi, did the primary hull get away? +GEORDI: They're heading out of the engagement now. +PICARD: Put me on with Commander Riker. +FUDD: Hello, this is acting bridge officer Lieutenant Fudd on the primary + hull. +PICARD: Yes, Commander Riker please. +FUDD: Uh, he's not on board sir. +PICARD: What? Where is he? +FUDD: He stayed on board the secondary hull, sir. +RIKER: Here I am, sir. +PICARD: Commander, what are you doing on this vessel? Didn't I order you to + take command of the primary hull? You'd even get to use the captain's + chair. But instead you are here. +RIKER: I meant to go, really I did, but I was in the john when they split, + and wouldn't you know it, it was a john in the secondary hull, boy was I + upset to learn that, and... uh... +FUDD: That's not what happened, Captain. +RIKER: You shut up, Fudd! +FUDD: That's not what happened. He did it on purpose. I saw him. +RIKER: Nobody likes a tattle-tale, Fudd. +PICARD: Well, all I can say is... Fudd, what's the matter? +RIKER: What kind of comment is that? Oh... Lieutenant Fudd is choking. Well! + Maybe next time he won't be so quick to be a tattle-tale, now will he? +PICARD: What is it? What are you choking on? +FUDD: Acckk, gasp! Aaaaaauuuuuugggghhhhhhh... (thud.) +PICARD: Hello? Hello? Primary hull? +RIKER: I think I heard a thud. +PICARD: A fudd? +RIKER: No, a thud. A falling-down-dead sort of sound. +VADER: Hello again, Captain Picard. +PICARD: What are you doing on that bridge??? +VADER: Taking command, of course. I have displaced your security forces and + your bridge crew. I can find my own way home now. +PICARD: Dammit, Will, you were supposed to BE on that hull. +RIKER: But I'd be dead now. +PICARD: Precisely. Listen, Vader... +VADER: I'm not interested, Captain Picard. Be glad we are now on separate + vessels... or I would have to deal with you as well. +PICARD: Wait, Vader, there are innocent men, women and children aboard that + hull... hello? Hello! He hung up. He hung up! +GEORDI: Could be worse. He could have called collect. +PICARD: Well, this is great. Just great. Anything else anyone would like + to share with me? +WORF: Our shields are just about to collapse. +PICARD: Well thank YOU also. Mr. Data? +DATA: Captain? +PICARD: Get us out of here. Full speed away from the Romulan vessel. Let's + go after our primary hull. +WORF: Sir! Klingon honor demands that we stay and fight! +PICARD: And die? Is that it? Is that what Klingon honor demands? +WORF: Hmmm... maybe that's why our population tends to stay low. +DATA: Warp speed away from the Romulans: course locked in. +PICARD: Engage. + +ADAMA: All right, disengage. +TIGH: Sir? +ADAMA: They're fleeing. Besides which, we didn't accomplish anything anyway. + Only the Romulan shots had any effect. +TIGH: Well... whose shots made it break up like that? Theirs or ours? +ADAMA: A good question. Yet both sections appeared to be powered. Perhaps + it was two vessels in tandem. I wonder which one was the Enterprise? +TIGH: Probably the round one. Who would give a name like Enterprise to a + vessel that looks like a headless chicken? +ADAMA: Maybe somebody whose mother wasn't named Garg'zunthicht. +TIGH: Sir, the Romulans are opening communications again. +ADAMA: Okay, rig the cannon for response. +ROMULAN COMMANDER: Attention, Battlestar Galaga. +ADAMA: Galactica. +ROMULAN COMMANDER: Right, Galactica. That battle was well fought. The + cowardly Federation ship turned tail and fled. +ADAMA: Thank you... but we couldn't have done it without you. +ROMULAN COMMANDER: Very true. But let's celebrate anyway. Lower your shields + and we'll send over some of our officers for debriefing and partying. +TIGH: Our shields? Sir-- +ADAMA: Uh, lower our shields? We can admit a shuttle to one of our hangar + bays in this status. +ROMULAN COMMANDER: Yes, but we'd like to just beam over. You need to lower + your shields so we can do this. +TIGH: Commander, I don't trust this... +ADAMA: Sir, I'm not sure what you mean by "beam over"... but our present + defensive posture and the number of unknown ships in the vicinity suggest + that this would be an unsafe move. +ROMULAN COMMANDER: Look, you'll do as your told, or else crrztt pffth... +ADAMA: Don't curse at me, daggit dropping! +TIGH: No, sir, his signal is breaking up. +ROMULAN COMMANDER: zzt ckrk Sorry about that, we're having trouble with the + communi ffrrzt link here, chkknpft hmmmmm.... +ADAMA: What's the matter? +TIGH: Well, it seems the Romulan ship is drifting from its position, and their + energy beam keeps drifting with them. Okay, they're correcting with their + main drive... what's going on here? +ADAMA: Don't ask me, you're the one with five dozen sensors and a Cray at + your fingertips. +TIGH: They're moving opposite their drive! They're starting to drift backwards + even with their drive on! +ADAMA: That doesn't make sense. +TIGH: That's why you're the Commander, you just pick right up on this stuff. + +PICARD: What's happening? Number one? +RIKER: Why do you always ask me? +PICARD: Good question. Geordi? +GEORDI: We've closed our distance on the primary hull... but they're slowing + down. So are we. +PICARD: Well, don't slow down until we reach them. +GEORDI: I'm not, sir. We're still at full warp. It's just that we're losing + speed. It's almost like we're pushing against some sort of barrier. +UHURA: Message coming in, sir. +PICARD: You're not in this series. +UHURA: Sorry. +PICARD: Open a channel, somebody. +VADER: Captain (hiss) Picard! (hiss) I demand (hiss) you release me. (hiss) +PICARD: You're in no position to demand anything. You are holding part of my + ship. +VADER: (hiss...) If I knew how to work your weapons system you wouldn't be + saying that. +RIKER: Well boy, isn't he STUPID. All our computers have context-sensitive + help. +VADER: Oh yeah? Thanks. Wait a minute. +PICARD: Commander Riker!! +RIKER: Whoops. +PICARD: Go stand in the corner. +RIKER: Yes, sir. +WORF: Primary hull opening fire. +PICARD: How are our shields? +WORF: Terrible. Permission to return fire? +PICARD: No. +WORF: Sir! Klingon honor demands that we return fire! +PICARD: That's OUR SHIP you want to fire on, laser brains. +WORF: Oh yeah. +GEORDI: Speed dropping off more sharply, sir. On both hulls. +PICARD: Well, fix that! New course, heading... er... something away from the + primary hull AND the Romulans until our shields recharge. +DATA: I have a theory... +PICARD: And we couldn't be more excited. Later, Mr. Data. +GEORDI: Course change entered... but we're not moving terribly fast. +PICARD: Increase engine output. +GEORDI: I did. The engine room is calling. +ENGINEER: Captain! Me engines canna take much mo' o' this! +PICARD: Talk normal. +ENGINEER: Sorry. Captain, the engines can't take much more of this. +PICARD: So get out and push. Why does everyone tell me their little problems? + What do I look like, Dear Abby? +RIKER: Maybe what Abby will look like by the twenty-fourth century, anyway. +PICARD: Mr. Riker, I notice you're not standing in a corner. +RIKER: The bridge is ROUND, sir. There are no corners to stand in. +PICARD: Keep looking until you find one. Geordi, are we making progress? +GEORDI: Well... moving out of firing range, but our speed is dropping rapidly. + We'll be sub-warp in a second. +DATA: I have a theory. +PICARD: All right already. What is your theory? +DATA: You'll recall that the Romulans were able to fire on us unimpeded by the + temporal effect. +PICARD: You bet your buns I recall. And we'll all be recalling it when the + insurance rates go up on this ship. +DATA: Bet your buns? +PICARD: Don't start. +GEORDI: We're now sub-warp. +PICARD: Go on, Data. +DATA: Very well. We can then safely assume that the Romulan vessel occupies + the same temporal extension as this ship, actually both parts of this ship. +PICARD: So far so good. Is this going somewhere? +DATA: Hopefully. So in separating the three ships, if we can count the hulls + as separate entities, in opposing directions, we are in effect STRETCHING the + temporal extension significantly. The boundaries of the temporal extension, + unless it were to break, are impeding our progress. +PICARD: So, we can't go much further, then? +GEORDI: We're now dead in space. +DATA: Actually, Captain, it's much worse than that. +PICARD: Uh... what are you saying? +DATA: It may be that tremendous kinetic energy is being transferred from our + warp drives into the temporal barrier. Energy which has to be transferred + back in some fashion. +PICARD: What does that mean? +WESLEY: I know! I know! +PICARD: Wesley, are the sensors fixed? +WESLEY: Uh... almost. +PICARD: Shut up then. +GEORDI: Captain! We're starting to move backwards! +PICARD: Backwards? +GEORDI: So is the primary hull! +PICARD: What the devil does this mean? +DATA: It's what I was trying to say, sir. Having stretched the boundary to + its limits... the boundary will now snap back together. +PICARD: Huh? +DATA: And throw the three ships back at each other at warp speeds. +EVERYONE: WHAT!!! +DATA: It's just a theory. +GEORDI: Reverse velocity approaching warp speed. We're headed back for the + Romulans all right. +PICARD: So, this is it. We're going to die. +DATA: Well, that's the gist of the theory, yes. It cuts through the details + a bit but you're essentially correct. We ARE going to die. +PICARD: Number One, come here a minute. +RIKER: Yes sir? What do you OWWWWWW!!!! +PICARD: That'll be all. +RIKER: You just hit me! +PICARD: You noticed. I've always wanted to, and if we're about to die now I + figured I might as well. +WESLEY: Captain! Captain! The sensors are fixed! +PICARD: Excellent. We can watch our impending death in detail. +WESLEY: Can I save the ship now? +PICARD: NO! Err... does anybody ELSE have an idea for saving the ship? +(dead silence) +PICARD: Frak. All right, Wesley... what's your plan? +WESLEY: Just before impact, we engage the warp drive in a vector to just miss + the Romulan ship, and try to break free of the temporal boundary altogether. +PICARD: That's it? +WESLEY: Pretty much, yeah. +PICARD: A simple plan like that, and nobody else on this bridge thought of + it???! +DATA: By breaking the temporal boundary, we may be breaking whatever small + link we have with our home galaxy. +PICARD: A plan, however, which does beat dying. Let's do it. What about the + primary hull? +GEORDI: What about it? +PICARD: Could we pick it up with a tractor beam and bring it along with us? +GEORDI: No way. We'll be traveling at ludicrously high warp. But we COULD + use the tractors to push it around the Romulan ship in the other direction + from us, so at least it won't collide. +PICARD: Uh... right. Whatever you just said. +GEORDI: We're starting to get close. Everybody, hold tight, and hope the + shields are still up to this! +PICARD: I'm the Captain, I get to make general warnings like that. +GEORDI: Sorry, go ahead. +PICARD: Attention, crew! This is your Captain speaking. We are going to be + experiencing some turbulence, so please take your seats and observe the + "Fasten Seatbelts" signs. Thank you. +GEORDI: Nice. +PICARD: If we survive this, drinks will be served. Lots of drinks. +DATA: Closing on the Romulan ship; impact in seven seconds. Well, make that + six, er, five really, four, let's call it three, two, uh, well, one... + +------------------------------------------------------------------------------ +What will happen next? ...actually, we know what will happen next, how it +will happen, and why. Despite this total lack of suspense, many of you will +keep reading anyway. Go figure. + +This story is almost exclusively the fault of: +****************************************************************************** +* Internet: marky@draco.ece.cmu.edu * "If 'flame wars' are the object, this * +* Favorite color: blue * story must be a Molotov Cocktail." * +****************************************************************************** + +From rog@draco.ECE.CMU.EDU Wed May 30 12:35:20 1990 +Received: from DRACO.ECE.CMU.EDU by ksuvax1.cis.ksu.edu (SMTP) + (5.59++/CIS1.1) id AA09661; Wed, 30 May 90 12:35:20 CDT +Received: by draco.ECE.CMU.EDU (5.54-ECE2/5.17) + id AA20082; Wed, 30 May 90 13:34:54 EDT +Date: Wed, 30 May 90 13:34:54 EDT +From: Roger Brockenbrough +Message-Id: <9005301734.AA20082@draco.ECE.CMU.EDU> +To: jfy@ksuvax1.cis.ksu.edu +Status: OR + +ENTERPRISE vs GALACTICA, chapter 5 of 6 + +For any of you who did not read the preceding chapters... now is not a good +time to start. The Galactica is at war with the Enterprise once more. +On the bridge, things are once again pretty frantic. (Actually, the only time +the bridge of the Enterprise is a dull place to be is between episodes, which +is also when the characters usually catch up on their sleep.) Once again, +those annoying red lights are on, but at least everyone's back to the main +bridge, the dead and injured from Vader's brief stint at command have been +cleared away, and the seats are more comfortable than on the battle bridge. +Vader is still periodically ranting from inside the broom closet, but nobody +is really paying attention to that. (The prevailing theory is that his powers +vanished through prolonged distance from his proper space-time whatsit, but +this theory is about as muddled as the rest of this story.) + +PICARD: Worf, how are our shields? +WORF: In a word: bad. +PICARD: How about, in several words? +WORF: Extremely, horrendously, unacceptably bad. +PICARD: I thought we were having Wesley fix them. +WORF: He got some back, but the shots from the Galactica are knocking them + back down. Can we PLEASE shoot them back, just a little? +APOLLO: Don't do it. +WORF: You, shut up. +PICARD: Riker, Apollo, guests, what do we do now? +WORF: We blast the Galactica. +STARBUCK: Oh no you don't... +APOLLO: Starbuck, put the gun away. Listen, whatever your name is... +WORF: I am Worf. +APOLLO: Worf, then. Whatever happened to your head seems to have scrambled + your brain, too. If you return fire, there is no chance for peace, and no + chance for your vessel. +WORF: Your forces are that good? +APOLLO: They have survived overwhelming odds through vast reaches of space. + Yes, they're that good. +WORF: Hah! A challenge! Klingon honor demands I beat you up. +PICARD: Worf! Stop being such a bully. Captain Apollo, how can we indicate + that we are trying to be friendly, and get the message across BEFORE the + Galactica's fire does serious damage? If that happens, we'll have to return + fire just to protect our own lives. +APOLLO: Well, you should have thought of that before you used that "beam + aboard" thing. +PICARD: You're a fat lot of help, arrogant twerp. Keep that up and I'll lock + you up in a small room with Wesley. +VADER: I could advise. +PICARD: What? I thought I heard something from inside the broom closet. +VADER: I said, I could advise your battle. +APOLLO: Oh, great. +PICARD: No thanks. You haven't done so well thus far, you know. +VADER: I was a great warrior in the past, I'll have you know! +PICARD: Was that when your space station got destroyed and your ship bashed up? +VADER: No, before that. I was a warrior in the Clone Wars. +RIKER: The what? +VADER: Clone Wars. Mostly a battle to make the universe IBM-compatible. +DATA: Uggh. What happened? +VADER: We won. Then we discovered that IBM compatability is a rapidly moving + target as well as a pain in the rear. So we ditched them in favor of the + Risc-2 model processors, and now we've got R2 units everywhere. +PICARD: This is NOT helping. Is there ANY way to get the Galactica to stop + shooting at us? + +Suddenly, the Galactica stops shooting. + +PICARD: Oh, good. What did we do? And whose idea was it? +RIKER: Mine. My idea. +PICARD: I doubt that. +RIKER: Well, it was worth a try. +GEORDI: Captain, we've got a new set of sensor images incoming. +APOLLO: May I see? +GEORDI: Sure. Computers can't identify them, but then, that's no big surprise + either, at least here. +APOLLO: Starbuck, do you see what I see? +STARBUCK: In this case, yes. I'd say that's why the Galactica stopped firing. +PICARD: What is it? +APOLLO: Cylons. It's the Cylon fleet, our mortal enemies, coming in to destroy + us. +WORF: Good. +GEORDI: Sensor readings indicate several large ships, and a massive number of + small fighters. We're showing life readings on the ships, but very limited + brain wave traces. It looks like that planet of network television execu- + tives we scanned a while back. +PICARD: How long until they get here? +GEORDI: I'd say about ten minutes at the outside. +PICARD: Can we outrun them? +GEORDI: At higher warps, yes, definitely. +DATA: If we don't have more trouble with those temporal boundaries, that is. +GEORDI: Oh yeah. And if our warp drives are still working properly at the + moment. +APOLLO: The Colonial Fleet couldn't outrun them. +PICARD: So, the question is this: do we attempt to intervene on behalf of the + Colonial Fleet and offer assistance, assuming we're NOT still at war with + them? Or do we intervene on behalf of the Cylons, assuming we ARE still at + war with the Galactica? Or do we sit back and watch, invoking the Prime + Directive? +STARBUCK: Uh, personally, the first one of those was MY favorite. +PICARD: I don't know that the Prime Directive really applies here... but the + Galactica has been a most erratic ally. I personally lean toward staying out + of the confrontation. +RIKER: You would. +WORF: Sir, Klingon honor demands that we fight SOMEBODY. It doesn't matter + who. +APOLLO: I would urge you, Captain Picard, to aid our cause. Before the battle + with the Cylons becomes your cause as well, and without the Colonial fleet + as allies. +STARBUCK: Yeah. What he said. +PICARD: I don't know. Will, what do you think? +RIKER: Captain, I say... wait! I've figured this out! +PICARD: Figured what out? +RIKER: Never mind. Sir, I strongly recommend that we reject Captain Apollo's + suggestion, and avoid this fight. +EVERYONE ELSE: Huh? +PICARD: You want to AVOID this fight? +RIKER: Yes sir, that's what I recommend. +PICARD: Frak. Well, then. Captain Apollo, we're prepared to aid your cause. +RIKER: Hah! It works! +DATA: "Frak," Captain? That's the second time you've said that. +PICARD: So it is. Uh... actually, I don't know where I got that phrase. +STARBUCK: It's one of our curses. +PICARD: But not one of ours. +DATA: It may be that the more time we spend in these crossed temporal barriers, + the more our thought processes will overlap, and tend to stray from their + norms. +PICARD: You mean, we're all acting like lunatics becuase of these temporal + whatsits? +DATA: Well, at least partially. +GEORDI: It may also explain why Data's back to being a babbling idiot. +DATA: I resemble that remark. +PICARD: We've got to get back home, and soon. +RIKER: Uh, right, let's do that, and let the Galactica rot. +PICARD: Oh yeah, we have to help the Galactica first. Geordi, are the warp + engines operational? +GEORDI: They SEEM to be, sir. +PICARD: How about the tractor beams? +GEORDI: Oh, they're fine, sir. We just can't use them with the shields up, + that's the only problem. +PICARD: Can we pull the whole Colonial fleet? +GEORDI: No way, sir. We don't have nearly the power output. +PICARD: Okay, have Wesley redesign the power system so we can do it. He has + five minutes. +GEORDI: Sounds good. +APOLLO: Captain, what is it you're planning? +PICARD: Run franticly in the other direction. +STARBUCK: Sounds like good Colonial policy. +APOLLO: None of these other ships can aid us in battle with the Cylons? +PICARD: We are attempting to AVOID this battle, Apollo. Besides, we've got + the Romulans out there, who hate our guts, and the Klingons, who may or may + not be willing to help, and... what other ships? +GEORDI: That Ford Escort, sir. And various unidentified craft. +PICARD: So, things don't seem really conducive to quick alliances. Geordi, + has Wesley redesigned the power system yet? +GEORDI: He just finished. +PICARD: Good. Lock the Colonial fleet in our tractor beams, Mr. Worf-- no, + scratch that. Mr. Data, you do it. We'd like some of them to survive this + maneuver. +DATA: Shields down, sir, and tractor beams locked on. +PICARD: Now, let's just hope the Galactica doesn't decide to shoot at us for + this maneuver. + +CCRRUMMPP!!! + +PICARD: Zarking fardwarks!! Captain Apollo, when we get out of this, remind me + to find the commander of the Galactica and punch him in the face. +APOLLO: That's my father you're talking about. +PICARD: Really? You'll do, then. +APOLLO: OOWWWWWWWCCCHHH!!! +PICARD: I'm starting to really enjoy this episode. +GEORDI: Cylons closing fast, Captain. +PICARD: Right. Warp engines, thattaway, engage! Floor it, Geordi. +DATA: Floor it, sir? +PICARD: Go very fast. +DATA: Ah. Floor it. Go very fast. Accelerate. Punch it. Get it in gear. + Positive delta vee. Hit the road, Jack-- +EVERYONE: SHUT UP, DATA!!! +DATA: Oh, right. Shutting up now. Sorry about that, I don't know what came + over me. Intriguing. +PICARD: Data, I mean it! +DATA: But I am shutting up, sir. I'm shutting right up now. You don't have + to worry about me, when I'm told to shut up I just shut right up. Some people + don't know when to shut up, but not me, no sir. I just shut right up without + any problem at all. Pulling away from the Cylons now; I mention this just to + keep you informed, but really I'm shutting up now so you won't have to listen + to any excessive chatter or have anything distracting you from the fact that + the other vessels around us seem to be pulling in closer to us, yes indeed, + now that I know that you want me to shut up, I'm just shutting right up, and + I don't think you have anything to worry about as far as me shutting up, + because like I already told you, I'm good at shutting up. So I'm done, now. + That's it. ...where did everybody go? +VADER: Battle bridge. +DATA: What was that? +VADER: They went back to the battle bridge again. It's quiet there. +DATA: Why are you still here? +VADER: I'm locked in this stupid broom closet, WHAT DO YOU THINK? Are you + STUPID? +DATA: Well, yes, apparently. Shall I talk to you for a while? +VADER: AAAGHH!! SOMEBODY LET ME OUTA HERE!!! + +On board the Galactica, for variety, the stress is from entirely different +sources. For example: + +ADAMA: I seem to have misplaced my bifocals again. +TIGH: Commander! +ADAMA: Yes, Tigh, what is it now? +TIGH: I think what the Enterprise is doing is pulling us, and our entire fleet, + out of range of the Cylons. +ADAMA: Oh, so they ARE on our side after all? +TIGH: At least for the moment, that seems to be the case. +ADAMA: This is getting very weird. I'm having a lot of trouble keeping track + of when we like them and when we don't. +TIGH: I just hope our men are okay. Starbuck alone accounts for 37% of our + audience share in the single young women category. +ADAMA: So, we're currently out-running the Cylon fleet? +TIGH: Correct, sir. We ought to steal that ship just for their engines. +ADAMA: Maybe we can learn from it from here. Send Mr. Wizard back in. +TIGH: Just a moment, sir. +MR. WIZARD: You sent for me, Commander? +ADAMA: Yes, I did. Can we derive the basic technology basis for the engines + of that ship out there pulling us, and build our own engines like that? +MR. WIZARD: Well, yes but no. +ADAMA: Why but why not? +MR. WIZARD: I've studied the ship out there through my instruments, and have + come to the basic conclusion that that ship cannot possibly function. +ADAMA: What do you mean? +MR. WIZARD: They seem to be powered by the release of energy from a crystal + structure which is impossible to our physics. +ADAMA: You mean, we don't know how to do it. +MR. WIZARD: No. I mean it is physically impossible. Molecules do not combine + like that. Anywhere. +ADAMA: Obviously you're mistaken. +MR. WIZARD: And obviously you're a clueless old geezer who ought to be doing + dog food commercials. Listen. The structural elements of their ship, and + everything, all show similar molecular structure. And it's ALL physically + impossible. Those materials cannot exist. +ADAMA: What are you saying? +MR. WIZARD: That that ship does not belong in this UNIVERSE at all. Or else + we do not. Or maybe, both. +ADAMA: That's stupid. They're from EARTH. Our lost thirteenth colony. They + have to be from the same universe. +MR. WIZARD: I didn't write this episode, so don't ask me to explain it. I'm + just telling you: the Galactica and the Enterprise do not belong in the same + universe at all. + +On board the Enterprise, back on the battle bridge, other concerns are brewing. +So is some coffee. + +GEORDI: Captain, there's something that's bothering me. +PICARD: What, Geordi? +GEORDI: These chairs. They're nowhere near as comfortable as on the main + bridge. +PICARD: Well, we've got Wesley working on a volume control for Data, and when + he's done we can all go back. +RIKER: I like this, keeping Wesley busy making stuff all the time. It keeps + him out of sight. +PICARD: It pains me to agree with you, Number One. +RIKER: Don't I know that. +GEORDI: Actually, Captain, there's something else that's bothering me. +PICARD: What is it? +GEORDI: The way the other ships have been pulling close around us. I mean, + we're under high warp, and they don't appear to have their engines on at all. + And that automobile. I don't think it has a warp drive at all. But it's + pulling close too. +PICARD: I see. Theories? +GEORDI: Maybe the temporal boundary things are doing some weird thing. I + don't know; do I look like Data? +RIKER: No. For one thing, your face doesn't look bleached. +PICARD: What do sensors say about the other ships? +GEORDI: Well, that's weird too. The sensor readings keep changing subtly. + It's like they keep drifting out of focus or something, but that's not it. +PICARD: Counsellor Troi, can you tell us anything useful? For a change? +TROI: I sense lots of people having no idea what's going on. +PICARD: This is not news. +TROI: I also sense someone, or several people, I can't tell where, with a + sense of anticipation. +PICARD: Could it be the Cylons, perhaps? +TROI: I don't think so. But it's hard to pin down. +PICARD: Keep trying. +GEORDI: Captain, I have a theory I don't like. +PICARD: Keep it to yourself, then. We've got enough stress here as it is. +WORF: Sir! The Romulans are opening fire. +PICARD: Big whoop. They can't hurt us. + +CCRRASSSSHHHH!!!! (snap, crackle & pop) + +GEORDI: Actually, that was the theory I didn't like. I thought maybe the + temporal boundaries were combining together. We're all in the same arena + now. +PICARD: Great. Any other good news? +GEORDI: Sure. That shot there just blew out our main power system. Warp + drives inoperative. We're slowing down. +PICARD: Kill the tractor beam. +GEORDI: It's dead all on its own. +PICARD: Raise our shields! +GEORDI: Actually, we have no shields left. +WORF: Sir! Permission to blow the Romulans away? +PICARD: Will, what do you think? +RIKER: No way. Leave those poor guys alone. +PICARD: Permission granted, Worf. Blow their buns off! +DATA: Blow their buns off, sir? +PICARD: Oh no. Data, what are you doing here? +DATA: I came down to assist in the mad panic and screaming. +PICARD: If you start running off at the mouth again you're getting re-booted, + you hear me? +DATA: Yes sir. Can I assist with anything? +PICARD: We'll let you know. +APOLLO: So what happens now? +PICARD: Well, one well-placed shot and we all die, that's what. Hey, what is + the Galaga doing? +APOLLO: Galactica. +PICARD: Whatever. Where are they going? +APOLLO: It looks to me like they're pulling between you and the Romulans, what + does it look like to you? +PICARD: So, then, we're allied with the Galactica again? +WORF: Sir, the Klingon ship is firing at us! What is going on? +PICARD: So, the Klingons are allied with the Romulans for some reason. +GEORDI: But the Romulans just shot at the Klingons. Now the Klingons are + returning fire on them. +PICARD: Okay, so the Klingons are back on our side, and the Romulans are + fighting them. +WORF: Galactica opening fire on the Klingons. +PICARD: Oh, so the Galactica is allied against the Klingons, who are allied + with us, but also with us, who are against the Romulans, who were allied + with the Galactica. No. Wait, do I have this right? +GEORDI: Doesn't matter, the Galactica switched back to shooting at the + Romulans. +STARBUCK: I think I need a score card. +APOLLO: I think I need an asprin. +PICARD: I think we need a peace conference. +RIKER: Aw, man, he ALWAYS does this. +APOLLO: Yeah, but if we can't outrun the Cylons, we need to all turn and fight + them. So we have to be allies first. +RIKER: My head hurts. +PICARD: Small wonder. I don't know about this fighting the Cylons bit, but I + think we need to stop this battle or there'll be nobody left of any of us to + ever go back home. +DATA: Sir, I find it interesting that we've done almost nothing since coming + through that space discontinuance thing but battle amongst ourselves in + various combinations. +PICARD: I find it interesting too, in a MORBID and SICK sort of way. +DATA: What I mean, sir, is that I have to wonder if this wasn't set up delib- + erately in some way. +PICARD: You mean, that awful "Q" character again? +DATA: Not necessarily. But the possibility exists that some sort of higher + intelligence has staged this entire situation. +PICARD: Not again. Don't these so-called "higher intelligence" types have + anything to do but mess with people? +DATA: Insufficient data to comment, sir. +PICARD: Well, whatever the cause, we certainly need to come to terms with one + another. Now, how do we contact them? +RIKER: How about the radio? +PICARD: Don't be stupid. +RIKER: I am NOT being stupid. Why do you always assume I'm being stupid? +PICARD: It's true 99% of the time, that's why. +RIKER: Well, in this case it's not. We can communicate with the Romulans and + the Klingons, I would think. The Galactica is already prepared to be at + peace with us if we can avoid scaring them again, and the other vessels in + the area just watching all of this appear to be unshielded to transporters. + So we can have a meeting right here, on the Enterprise, with EVERYBODY. +PICARD: He's got a good point, doesn't he? +GEORDI: Seems that way, sir. +PICARD: I hate that as much as I hate Wesley saving the ship. Oh well. Let's + get this peace thing underway. Captain Apollo, would you like to take a + shuttle and go back to the Galactica? +APOLLO: Sounds great to me. +PICARD: Tell your commander that we'll beam him over here, and not to get all + bent out of shape this time. +APOLLO: Righty ho, good enough for me. +WORF: Sir! Klingon honor demands that we shoot some more people! +PICARD: Hang on, Worf. The story's not over yet. + +----------------------------------------------------------------------------- +Only one more installment to go, and then you can start flaming in ernest! + +Since I don't get rec.arts.startrek in my neck of the Internet woods, post +the really nasty stuff directly to: +****************************************************************************** +* Internet: marky@draco.ece.cmu.edu * Any resemblance between the characters * +* Novell Network: network 00000001, * in this story and the original ones is * +* node 00000000000A (like this is * entirely coincidental, and DEFINITELY * +* helpful somehow) * not intentional. * +****************************************************************************** + +From rog@draco.ECE.CMU.EDU Wed May 30 12:35:40 1990 +Received: from DRACO.ECE.CMU.EDU by ksuvax1.cis.ksu.edu (SMTP) + (5.59++/CIS1.1) id AA09670; Wed, 30 May 90 12:35:40 CDT +Received: by draco.ECE.CMU.EDU (5.54-ECE2/5.17) + id AA20086; Wed, 30 May 90 13:35:13 EDT +Date: Wed, 30 May 90 13:35:13 EDT +From: Roger Brockenbrough +Message-Id: <9005301735.AA20086@draco.ECE.CMU.EDU> +To: jfy@ksuvax1.cis.ksu.edu +Status: O + +GALACTICA vs ENTERPRISE, chapter 6 of 6 + +We're on the home stretch here... Picard has decided to hold a peace +conference between the various warring, observing and even disinterested +parties in this story, and find some common ground before the Cylons reach +them and start killing people at random. (Worf is disappointed by this.) + After a number of long and tedious conversations we won't report (not to be +confused with all of the long and tedious conversations already part of this +story), an uneasy truce exists on the bridge of the Enterprise (yes, the main +one AGAIN) as representatives of the various ships hang out together and eat +tasteless little hors d'oeuvres. + The Klingons, however, refrain from this. Worf is attempting to talk to +the officers from the Klingon ship, and although they are howling at each +other in the manner of badly wounded dogs, they don't appear to understand a +word each other is saying. Finally they break it off. + +WORF: Talk proper Klingon, you fools! +KOLOTH: I AM talking fluent Klingonese, what is YOUR problem? +WORF: Fluent Klingonese from what era? That's NOTHING like the way Klingons + talk. You don't look like proper Klingons, either. +KOLOTH: Oh, I suppose "proper Klingons" all look like they have lobsters + embedded in their skulls. +WORF: As a matter of fact they do. +KOLOTH: You're no Klingon. What are you doing on a ship of the enemy? +WORF: The enemy? +KOLOTH: Yes! A ship even bearing the same name as our hated enemy, James + Kirk! Who humiliated us just two days ago at Sherman's planet! +WORF: Wait a minute, James Kirk was captain of the first two "starship + Enterprise" vessels. That was years and years ago. +KOLOTH: Years and years, freak?! We just this morning finished trampling all + those damned tribbles he inflicted on us! We'll be picking colored fur and + tribble guts out of our equipment for years and years, THAT's where the years + and years come in to this! +WORF: You are obviously deranged. +KOLOTH: And you are obviously a traitor! Serving on a Federation vessel! + Wearing Federation pajamas! +WORF: Traitor? Sir, Klingon honor demands I require your apology! +KOLOTH: Apology? Fool! Klingon honor demands I stick my thumb in your eye! +WORF: Ow! An assault! Klingon honor demands that I show no pain, but ram my + fist up your nose! +KOLOTH: Mmff grmffpht mfff-- +WORF: Oh, sorry. +KOLOTH: Thank you. You dog! Klingon honor demands that I ignore all the blood + running down my face, and smash you over the head with this chair! +WORF: Oooooooooooofff. That didn't hurt. Where'd you go? Oh. That was + nothing, you offspring of Milli Vanilli! Klingon honor demands I ignore the + chair leg sticking out of my ear, and stuff you into this tiny service panel + here-- +PICARD: Worf, now that you guys are done greeting each other, come over with + the rest of us. This is interesting. +WORF: Do I have to? +PICARD: Now. +KOLOTH: He orders you? And you call yourself a Klingon?? +WORF: I'll settle with you later. +KOLOTH: I look forward to it. +PICARD: Commander Adama, tell us that part again. +ADAMA: In Colonial lore, there was a thirteenth tribe that left the home + worlds and started another colony far away. This colony's planet was known + as Earth. +PICARD: Curious. Data, can that be? +DATA: It seems most improbable, sir. Checking computer references now. +PICARD: Commander, what is the source of your information? +ADAMA: Mostly what is written in the book of Kobol. +PICARD: What else does it say? +ADAMA: Lots of weird stuff about writing extremely verbose computer programs, + and ending every command with a period or the compiler freaks. The book of + Kobol isn't very popular with our young people. +PICARD: Indeed? +ADAMA: Yes. They switched to the book of Fortran, and later the book of C. + Sacrilegious louts. +GEORDI: How about Ada? Anybody use that? +ADAMA: (sigh) Ada was written by our Council of the Twelve. ...You can kind + of tell, actually. +PICARD: Mr. Data, are you finding anything? +DATA: Actually, yes. No solid evidence that the Earth was a Colonial tribe + of any sort, but I did find one interesting reference. It appears that in + Earth's late twentieth century, the Battlestar Galactica did reach the planet + Earth. +STARBUCK: What do you mean, "did reach"? +DATA: It's part of our history from three and a half centuries ago. +ADAMA: So, we are displaced in time right now. Or we will be. Either way, + we know we'll survive this encounter with the Cylons and finally reach the + Earth! +STARBUCK: That's great! We're going to make it! +DATA: Er, well... +APOLLO: What's wrong? +DATA: Not by these records, you don't. When the Galactica reached the Earth, + apparently neither of you two young men were still alive. Commander Adama + here was one of the few still alive. +STARBUCK: Figure that one out, folks. +APOLLO: You mean, Starbuck and I are going to die before we reach Earth? +DATA: Yes. +STARBUCK: That's terrible! +DATA: Not really. You, for example, were quite a hit on the A-Team, which has + received a lot more syndication than Battlestar Galactica ever did. +ADAMA: I didn't quite follow that last bit. +DATA: Well, it's hard to tell from our records; what we have on the twentieth + century seems to be as confusing as the century itself. But it may be that + the whole story of the Galactica was a work of fiction. +ADAMA: You're starting to sound like my Mr. Wizard. In other words, you're + making absolutely no sense at all. +DATA: What I'm saying is, to the universe from which the Enterprise comes, + the Earth isn't a Colonial colony, and your vessel and your people never + really existed. Just as, in the universe from which you come, the Enterprise + probably does not exist. +ADAMA: Amazing. Mr. Wizard said something like that. He said your ship could + not exist in our universe. +PICARD: Wait just a minute. You're saying that these people are a work of + fiction? +DATA: As we also may be, sir. +PICARD: This explains a lot. Will Riker must've been a typo. +DATA: An author in the twentieth century, a Robert Heinlein, suggested that + the works of creative fiction may all have "real" existence in some other + universe somewhere. +PICARD: And this is another two-bit sci-fi theory we have to take seriously + now, is that it? +DATA: Basically. +WORF: This explains a lot. Obviously the Klingons I know, and these idiots all + bent out of shape about a bunch of little tribbles, came from different + imaginations. Or at least, I came from a better makeup department. +RIKER: What else did this Heinlein say? +DATA: Well, later in life he suggested that people should have sex with anyone + and anything, regardless of circumstances, preference and gender. I'm not + sure what that had to do with science fiction, but he sure started to write a + lot of it. +RIKER: I like the sounds of this Heinlein. +PICARD: Yes, well, stay away from the rest of us. This theory is nice enough, + I suppose, except it still doesn't answer what we will do when the Cylons + get here to kick some Colonial butts. How long, Geordi? +GEORDI: Another half hour and they'll have caught back up, sir. +PICARD: So, what do we do? Maybe some of the other ship's representatives + have some comments. Who do we have here? +TROI: People from the Heart of Gold, the Nostromo, the Eagle, something called + a Tardis, the Palomino, and miscellaneous extras from Lost in Space, Buck + Rogers, Dune... sir, the list goes on and on. I suggest, in the interests + of keeping our already absurdly diverse cast list to a minimum, that we + ignore the lot of them. +PICARD: Agreed. Stop feeding them, then. +GEEK: What about me? +PICARD: What about you? Who are you? +GEEK: I was out watching from my car. +PICARD: Oh, I see. What do you want? +GEEK: I want you guys to get back to fighting. +PICARD: Excuse me? +GEEK: That's what I'm here for. To see the battle. +WORF: Which one? +GEEK: Any of them, but the real important one is the Enterprise versus the + Galactica. A lot of us have money down on who will win. +ADAMA: What are you talking about? +PICARD: Who, exactly, are you? +GEEK: My name is not important. I am one of the frequent patrons of the + rec.arts.startrek bboard, and we want to know which ship can kick which + ship's butt, the Enterprise or the Galactica. There's been a lot of people + discussing this, you know. +RIKER: Is he serious? +WORF: Captain Picard sir! Klingon honor demands we blame this whole icky mess + on this geek here, and tear him to shreds! +PICARD: No. +WORF: Huh? +PICARD: We're not going to fight any more. +DATA: Uh, sir, who are you addressing? +PICARD: Whoever arranged this event. DO YOU HEAR ME? WHOEVER YOU ARE, + WHEREVER YOU ARE! WE'RE NOT GOING TO FIGHT ANY MORE! +KOLOTH: See, he even solves episodes like James Kirk. What a woobie. +TROI: Captain, I sense extreme annoyance from beings around us. Captain! The + emotions are focusing here on the bridge--! + +Suddenly, with a shimmer of light and some other neat special effects sorts of +flourishes, two figures appear, reminiscent of half a dozen episodes from The +Old Show. They are clearly beings from a higher plane of existence, since +they are wearing Greek togas. + +H.I.M.B. #1: Greetings, peons. We are the H. I. M. B. +PICARD: Excuse me, you're the what? +H.I.M.B. #1: The H. I. M. B. It stands for Hyper-Intelligent Meddling Beings. + It's rather a self-explanatory acronym, really. +ADAMA: What is it you want with us? +H.I.M.B. #2: Well, some of those hors d'oeuvres would be quite nice. Particu- + larly those cheesy ones, please? +H.I.M.B. #1: Yes, but we are also here because we are exceedingly displeased. + You people are not proceeding in a manner at all conducive to good, clean + senseless violence. We have set up a situation with conflicting alliances + and hatreds, and what do you do halfway through shooting each other up real + good? You go and hold a peace conference. You all DISGUST me. +PICARD: Well, with all due disrespect, we find the idea of beings meddling + with the lives of others to be quite disgusting as well. It's to avoid just + such situations that we have the Prime Directive. +ROMULAN COMMANDER: And when somebody does that to US, we demolish them and + make them our slaves. +H.I.M.B. #2: Say, these are DELICIOUS. Could we have the recipe? +PICARD: I mean, just who do you think you guys are? +H.I.M.B. #1: Well... just a couple of guys, you know? We got kicked off the + Brockian Ultra-Cricket team, and have time on our hands to just play tricks + on people. +H.I.M.B. #2: Yeah. Take the Horse Head Nebula, for example. No big deal, + right? But who do you think stole the horse's body? Huh? +GEEK: I wanna know who would win! Make them fight! +WORF: Silence! +H.I.M.B. #1: Well, it really doesn't matter, we ran a computer simulation to + see how it would end up. I guess that's all we have, since you guys won't + be fighting now. +PICARD: Ah, finally. So, you're going to return us all to our own universes, + then? +H.I.M.B. #1: Well, not exactly. We'll leave you here for a few centuries just + to see if your descendants feel more like fighting. + +There is one of those ominous silences throughout the bridge. + +H.I.M.B. #2: You had to go tell them that already, didn't you? I don't suppose + I'll be getting any more food now. +PICARD: You're going to do WHAT? +H.I.M.B. #1: Don't be getting any ideas, Picard. We're higher beings, you + know. We outpower you puny beings. +H.I.M.B. #2: That's right! We're the equal of any ten or so of you! + +Another silence occurs, during which time the forty or fifty people on the +Enterprise bridge count to see how many people are there. The silence is +broken as they all pile on top of the two H.I.M.B.s. + +H.I.M.B. #1: Ow!! Oooh! AAAAHHHH! +H.I.M.B. #2: No, please, don't rip the robe! Hey!!! +H.I.M.B. #1: You had to go tell them that, you fool! +H.I.M.B. #2: Well, we can still wave our arms and change all this! +H.I.M.B. #1: Can you move YOUR arms? +H.I.M.B. #2: Well... no. +H.I.M.B. #1: Then SHUT UP about it! +GEEK: Who would win? That's what I want to know. +H.I.M.B. #2: If we tell, will you let us up? +GEEK: Sure! +H.I.M.B. #2: It was a draw. The two ships destroyed each other completely. +GEEK: Yes, but who won? +H.I.M.B. #1: Aren't you listening? Nobody won! +GEEK: Somebody had to survive! +H.I.M.B. #2: Sure. Data and Muffit. Muffit then tried to bite Data, and they + both shorted out. Happy now? +GEEK: Not really. +H.I.M.B. #2: So, you'll let us go now? +EVERYONE: NO. +H.I.M.B. #2: Oh, hey, not fair. +H.I.M.B. #1: Oh, DO shut up. +GEEK: Wait! Which ship would win a battle, the Enterprise or the Death Star? +H.I.M.B. #1: Kid? +GEEK: Yeah? +H.I.M.B. #1: Just GET A LIFE, would you? + +All the excitement over, the two meddling beings are securely tied with heavy +cords and bundled into a shuttle from the Galactica. With essentially no fond +farewells at all, the shuttle is programmed to intercept the approaching Cylon +forces, without any weapons of course. + +The transporter room in the Enterprise is busy sending people back to their +own vessels again. The Galactica members linger behind. + +ADAMA: So, we believe that when the Cylons destroy that shuttle, this strange + set of circumstances which brought us together will be over? +DATA: That's the theory. And the only way of ending this story in the few + lines of text which remain. +ADAMA: So, I suppose that we will be back to our seperate private struggles. +PICARD: It would seem so. But it was inspiring to know that, in other, + different universes than our own, good is still triumphing over evil so + valiantly. Or at least, running away fast enough. +STARBUCK: I can't tell if that was a compliment or an insult. +APOLLO: Don't worry about it. +PICARD: How long until the Cylons reach the shuttle? +GEORDI: Just another minute. +PICARD: Gentlemen, you'd better be going, then. +ADAMA: Right. Come on, you two. +APOLLO: Uh, dad? +ADAMA: Now what? +APOLLO: Starbuck and I have decided that, on the whole, if we're not going to + make it to Earth and you are, we'd rather it be because we stayed back here. +ADAMA: What! That's stupid! Are you crazy? I'll never agree to this! +DATA: Commander Adama, we have to send you back NOW. +ADAMA: Oh. Okay, I agree. Bye, son! Good luck with your new life. + +Commander Adama disappears from the transporter deck. + +GEORDI: That's the last of them. Even sent Vader off in his beat up ship + again. I guess we're ready for whatever happens. +PICARD: Starbuck, Apollo, you are welcome in the Federation, of course. I + just hope you do not find yourself seperated from us and drifting in space + once the different universes seperate again. +STARBUCK: Aren't you a bundle of cheer? +APOLLO: I'm not too worried. With all the logical points which were stretched + or just plain ignored in this story, I'm sure we'll get away with it. +GEORDI: Sir! The Cylons opened fire on our shuttle! +PICARD: Well, here we go then... +GEORDI: Sir! The H.I.M.B.s must have gotten loose! They are blasting away + at the Cylons! They destroyed two of those big ships!-- Wait, the Cylons + got them... + +All the strange colors and sensations return for a moment. But only a moment. +Please do not adjust your set. + +PICARD: Bridge! Are we back in normal space yet? +RIKER: Well, there's stars and black space. It looks okay, anyway. +PICARD: Thank you Mr. Riker. +APOLLO: What a crew. +DATA: From here sensors show the same quadrant we were in before all this + started. And there's the Romulan ship again, sir. Still pretty well + damaged. +WORF: Bridge to transporter room! Sir, permission to kick their butts before + we leave? +PICARD: I don't know. Will, what do you think? +RIKER: Let's get them! +PICARD: Mr. Data, Geordi, Wesley, etc., set us a course for starbase fifty- + two. It's time we were going home. + +------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + +This concludes our epic tale of senseless stupidity. + +On the off chance that you were not thoroughly annoyed by it, please send me +email and I'll try to correct this for you. + +Once again, my legend... + +****************************************************************************** +* internet: marky@draco.ece.cmu.edu * Klingon names start with "K" or "W". * +* usenet: but don't abuse net * So do American radio stations. Why is * +* bitnet: tasted awful * this? Enquiring minds want to know! * +****************************************************************************** + diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/sarek.rev b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/sarek.rev new file mode 100644 index 00000000..eaa56ce7 --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/sarek.rev @@ -0,0 +1,180 @@ +WARNING!!!! This post contains heavy-duty spoilers for this week's TNG episode, +"Sarek". Proceed further only with EXTREME caution. + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +Flawless. Simply flawless. + +There were disappointments, mind you, but no flaws that I could see. I'll gush +on a bit more after a synopsis, for those who really want to know what happened: + + +The Enterprise takes on Ambassador Sarek at Vulcan, with his new human wife +Perrin, his aide Mendrossen (also human) and his young Vulcan aide, Sakkath. +Sarek, before retiring, plans to finish his one final mission: negotiating a +treaty with the Legaran people. His aides seem overanxious to assure his pri- +vacy and seclusion, and Sarek himself seems a little cranky, but all is +basically well. + +However, strange outbreaks of violence begin to plague the crew. Wesley and +Geordi start yelling at each other after setting up the conference room. Riker, +O'Brien and others get caught in a barroom brawl at 10-Forward. Bev slaps +Wesley for no good reason. And, tellingly, when Sarek attends a Mozart recital, +Picard actually sees him CRY. + +Bev and Troi find this: the outbreaks began almost to the minute when Sarek and +company beamed on board. Furthermore, they theorize (correctly) that Sarek +himself is the cause. It turns out that he is suffering from Bendai's Syndrome +(sp?), a rare malady that afflicts extremely old Vulcans. He is slowly losing +emotional control. For now, Sakkath has been covertly keeping it in check, but +the stress of this mission makes that impossible, and the condition is ever +worsening. Picard is put in the unenviable position of having to confront Sarek +with this news (after getting past Perrin and the others). He does this, and +Sarek is finally forced to accept it, after nearly going mad with rage. It +looks like the mission will fail, as the Legaran will not accept any diplomat +other than Sarek. + +One risky solution is attempted: Picard mind-melds with Sarek. It provides +Sarek with the few hours' stability he needs to conclude his negotiations, but +in the meantime Picard must face the full fury of Sarek's long-suppressed +emotions (including his never-admitted love for Spock and Amanda). The mission +succeeds, and Sarek returns to Vulcan to face an honorable retirement, but no +cure for his disease. + +Well, it was simple enough to synopsize briefly. Now, here are some reflections +and comments: + +I truly wish I could SPEAK, rather than write, my review of this. No print will +ever convey the emotional force this show (particularly the last quarter of it) +possesses. I'll do my best, but keep my all-too-human weakness in mind. + +It was wonderful to see Mark Lenard again. I've always enjoyed the jobs he's +done for Trek (never having seen him in anything else, I can't comment): first +as the Romulan Commander, then as Sarek, and, of course, the Klingon commander +in ST:TMP, but we've seen Sarek the most. I almost think I could see other +actors in the roles of the TOS "principals" before I could see someone else +playing Sarek. He seems, well...just so COMFORTABLE in his role. It fits him. + +My respect for his acting has also shot up, specifically for this reason: +After the mindmeld, he comes on to the bridge, and says to Riker, "Number One, +please inform the Legaran that Sarek of Vulcan is on his way...". He put just +enough of Patrick Stewart's inflections and mannerisms in there that you could +truly BELIEVE their minds were linked, particularly when you saw Patrick Stew- +art give a convincing job of a very disturbed Vulcan. Mr. Lenard is not com- +pletely typecast to play an emotionless alien. Both in Sarek's own rage and +Sarek's Picardisms (is that a word?), he stretched himself. Very well done. + +Let me not forget to praise the other guests on the episode, either. Joanna +Miles did a good job as Perrin; I could well believe that this is a woman Sarek +could marry, despite the obvious anguish it must cause him to be married to +another Terran. Rocco Sisto, in addition, also did a marvelous job as Sakkath, +especially in the one scene where Data confronts him with the assistance he has +been lending Sarek, where he is forced to choose between his loyalty to Sarek, +and his duty to the Federation. (William Denis was okay as Mendrossen, but if +there was any weak link, he was it.) + +The show looks like it may be leading into a deeper relationship for Picard and +Bev Crusher. She comes along to monitor the mind-meld, and ends up giving a +shoulder to cry on to a sobbing Jean-Luc Picard. I saw a tenderness in that +moment which I've never really believed before, even in the Picard-Crusher +scene in "Allegiance", which was about the only highlight of that show. I don't +know if they're going to carry this trend forward, but it'll be interesting to +find out. + +The sudden violence was rather believable, and fortunately did NOT become a +focus of the episode. We saw three quick scenes which illustrated the problem +for us, and then cut to the cause, which is where the emphasis truly lay. (And, +of course, I've wanted to see a bar brawl on the Enterprise-D ever since reading +_Strike Zone_. :-) ) + +I said at the beginning that although there were no flaws I could find, there +were some disappointments. I'll cover that, after a few more quick miscellane- +ous goodies: + +--O'Brien not only had some lines, he had a whole SCENE (he was one of the +people who started the fight). I repeat my earlier instruction: GIVE HIM A +FIRST NAME!!!! :-) + +--Some nice attention to continuity. They mentioned Sarek's involvement in +bringing Koridan (sp??) into the Federation back in "Journey to Babel", among +his other accomplishments. Also, during the argument between Geordi and Wesley, +Geordi's falling in love with Leah Brahms came up for the second time in three +episodes. (I'm starting to think we may see that plot come back eventually.) +Also, just to bore you further with a list, when the Mozart recital was shown, +Data was playing the violin in it. Good attention to detail. + +--Picard refers to Amanda in the teaser as Sarek's first wife. This completely +invalidates the birth of Sybok in my book (though I'm sure some members of the +audience will disagree), and thus re-establishes my claim that "Star Trek V: +The Final Frontier" never existed. :-) + +--Splendid music, particularly during the mind-meld and Picard confronting +Sarek with the truth about his disease. + +Now, to the disappointments: + +1) The obvious. I would like to have seen Spock, or at least some mention made +of trying to contact him. It's obvious why they couldn't do that, however: +first, Nimoy costs too much money; and second, they couldn't make any reference +to Spock (except his past, which they did mention) without pinning themselves +down to what his status is, and thus what they can do in future films, if any. +Given that, I'm even surprised the line about Picard first meeting Sarek at his +son's wedding made it in, since it means Spock's still alive about 25 years or +so before TNG. (I say 25 years because Picard was a LT then, and has been a +Captain for quite some time...and no, Perrin looked too young to have a son who +is now in at least his mid-forties.) + +2) I wouldn't have minded seeing the Legaran, which we never do, but again, +the conference was NOT the focus of the story, and to show the Legaran would +given undue focus to them. + +Well, I've rambled on enough. Just one last point: this was credited "From an +unpublished story...", etc. This is only the second time we've seen a show +made from an unpublished story--the other was "The Emissary". With that kind of +record, maybe they should use more unpublished stories. + +And now for something completely numerical: + +Plot: 10. They'd written themselves to an unhappy ending, and they managed to + get out of it. +Plot Handling: 10. I knew something was wrong with Sarek before I came in, and + I was still baffled as to what the hell was going on. +Characterization: 10, for lack of a 58. +Technical: 10. Great music and cinematography (particularly with some nice + close-ups of Picard and Sarek), and workable Treknology. + +TOTAL: 10. I think that's the first full 10 I've given since "Yesterday's +Enterprise". Certainly, it's the best show I've seen since YE (and, in some +ways, even more powerful). + +NEXT WEEK: A rerun. Of "The High Ground". But, it's only one week. + +Tim Lynch (Cornell's first Astronomy Major) +BITNET: H52Y@CRNLVAX5 +INTERNET: H52Y@VAX5.CIT.CORNELL.EDU +UUCP: ...!rochester!cornell!vax5.cit.cornell.edu!h52y +"I am returning to Vulcan within the hour and I would like to take my leave of +you." diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/seas4.rev b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/seas4.rev new file mode 100644 index 00000000..09d9bfe0 --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/seas4.rev @@ -0,0 +1,131 @@ +WARNING: The following article doesn't contain much in the way of spoilers, +but has a few opinions here and there and is generally a summation of season 4 +of TNG. Those not wishing to see the few mild spoilers (for season 4, not +future stuff) or be subjected to these opinions had best leave now. :-) + +Well...better late than never, I suppose. So what if everyone else who did +something like this did it more than a month ago? :-) (I bet they didn't go +back and watch them all again to get a final appraisal, either...:-) ) + +Anyways, here's a brief rundown of season 4 as I saw it. As I've warned in +previous seasons, these ratings are by no means guaranteed to agree with the +ones in my initial review. It's first-impression vs. final-impression here. +Anyway... + +"The Best of Both Worlds, Part II": Hmm. This definitely did not age well as +the season progressed. Most of the threads I thought they were going to +stretch out over another few shows (e.g. Riker's career) were simply dropped, +which is depressing. What we have left, though, was a straight action story +which DID work for me quite well. 7. + +"Family"--That's more like it. The Wes stuff is still flat, although less so +than it seemed the first time through. But it was the smallest plot of the +three, and the other two are good definitions of "solid character stories" and +"generally good comic relief" respectively. 9.5. + +"Brothers"--The subplot with the kids _does_ get a little wearing, +unfortunately. But everything else was bliss. 9. + +"Suddenly Human"--Oof. I can see what they wanted to do...and bits of it +worked...but in general this was vastly in the "mediocre" camp. 5. + +"Remember Me"--Yes. Like that. A nicely surreal mystery, one of the few +decent uses of a superbeing, and some great "what the HELL is going on" +comments both on and off the screen. 10. + +"Legacy"--When Ishara Yar in Spandex is the most interesting thing about the +show, it's not a good sign. 3. + +"Reunion"--I said 10 and I MEANT 10. It's still one of TNG's best. + +"Future Imperfect"--A few nice bits with Riker and "Ethan" and some nice +window-dressing for future changes does not make up for a story that was both +a cheat and time-worn. 5. + +"Final Mission"--The same rating as for BOBW2, but for very different reasons. +Very sound character work here, some pretty location shots, and a main plot +that made sense. The Scow from Hell [TM] didn't help, but the rest of it was +a nice working of a common idea. 7. + +"The Loss"--If only it had been. I didn't care for this back in January, and +I don't care for it much now either. Psychic trauma that leaves _physical +marks_? No thanks--and no thanks to Troi, either. 3. + +"Data's Day"--Not the greatest "day in the life" story ever made (most of the +scenes with the "ambassador" really didn't work), but a lot of good clean fun. +:-) 8. + +"The Wounded"--Some thought this too talky. I didn't. Both of the main guest +roles were meaty enough to get me interested, and the whole thing just worked +very well. 9. + +"Devil's Due"--Someone _please_ give Michael Piller a swift kick the next time +he decides to rework a "Star Trek II" plot? Please? 3. + +"Clues"--A boring Dixon Hill opener that led to a better and better show. Not +perfect, but pretty damn good. 8.5. + +"First Contact"--An amazing change of pace, and a solid one. 10. + +"Galaxy's Child"--This one went into free-fall on a repeat viewing. Some bits +of it worked, but not most of them--and this time I really _did_ cringe at +that seduction scene--ecch. 4. + +"Night Terrors"--A few cheesy scenes, but a good use of Troi and a devastating +horror story. 8. + +"Identity Crisis"--Interesting story with a pretty lackluster director. Oh, +what this could've been with Rob Bowman instead of Winrich Kolbe... 6.5. + +"The Nth Degree"--Beautiful 40 minutes, rushed 5. 9. + +"Qpid"--"Funny or not funny?" "Not funny." "VERY unfunny." --MST3000. This +gets a 1. + +"The Drumhead"--Probably the single best "issue" story they've ever done. +Hats off to Frakes for directing, and Stewart for one of his best performances +to date in TNG. 10. + +"Half a Life"--If they'd paired David Ogden Stiers with someone who could ACT +and made the exposition less obvious, this could've been outright good. As it +is...halfway there. 5. + +"The Host"--Nice concept, very nice concept. Some good performances, +especially from Frakes--and some really awful dialogue, especially from +Sirtis. Enjoyable, though--and no, I _don't_ think they wimped out with the +ending. 7. + +"The Mind's Eye"--Did you expect anything but a 10? Magnificent--at least if +the series had to start the Tasha Wars [TM], they did it with an awful lot of +class. 10. + +"In Theory"--Another one that took a big drop in repeat viewing. Some good +bits, and mostly decent, if unspectacular, directing--but someone please tell +the writers that Data's command of language (and understanding of humanity) is +at least a BIT better than this? 4. + +"Redemption"--Weak for a Klingon story, but fairly strong in general. Can't +wait for part 2. 8.5. + +Let's see...that gives us an average of 180/26, or 6.92 for the season. Hmm. +That's considerably down from the last two seasons (both were in the low 8's). +Either this year has made me more critical (probably thanks to a certain +Rawdonlike gadfly :-) ), or this year has taken a bit of a downturn. I +suspect it's some of each. This season had a few absolute gems: "Remember +Me", "Reunion", "First Contact", The Drumhead", and "The Mind's Eye", for +instance, with things like "Brothers", "Family", and "The Nth Degree" coming +close behind, but it also had a lot more severe misses than last year. We +shall see--hopefully they can hit their stride more often next season. + +Well, it's 28 days to Redemption II--and counting. As they say in the +Village, "Be seeing you..." + +Tim Lynch (Cornell's first Astronomy B.A.; one of many Caltech grad students) +BITNET: tlynch@citjuliet +INTERNET: tlynch@juliet.caltech.edu +UUCP: ...!ucbvax!tlynch%juliet.caltech.edu@hamlet.caltech.edu +"With the first link, a chain is forged. The first speech censured, the first +thought forbidden, the first freedom denied, chains us all irrevocably." + --Jean-Luc Picard, "The Drumhead" +-- +Copyright 1991, Timothy W. Lynch. All rights reserved, but feel free to ask... diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/season5.rev b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/season5.rev new file mode 100644 index 00000000..b920dd61 --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/season5.rev @@ -0,0 +1,504 @@ +WARNING: This post contains spoilers (though mostly general ones) for the +fifth season of "Star Trek: the Next Generation". Those not familiar with +the season and wanting to avoid spoilers should stay clear. + + +Well...here we are again. Another season gone by, which means another +season's review to write. + +I'm going to change the format of this review, in several ways. Primarily, +although I'll still be quickly going over each episode in turn and then +averaging them, I'm going to have a long general piece afterwards, because +this season (far more than most) is not at *all* expressible as the sum of +its parts. + +And the usual disclaimer, although it'll be obvious: the individual ratings +I give here will not necessarily correspond to my original ratings. Part of +the whole point of this piece is to show how opinions evolve over time, from +the first impressions (i.e. the initial review) to the somewhat more sedate +thoughts after another viewing or two. (Yes, I rewatched the season for +this...even "Cost of Living".) + +So: onwards! + +Episodic: | +----------+ + +"Redemption II" +Initial rating: 6.5. + +My opinion of this one hasn't changed much. It still had a great opening 10 +minutes or so, and then fell apart over the rest of the hour. Some of the +strategizing is nice (Picard really does feel like someone born to eventual +admiralty; he'll love having a full-time fleet to command), and some of it +isn't; it's about here that the Romulans start turning into buffoons. And +then, of course, there's Sela, the lifetime holder of the +Slap-Em-In-The-Face-And-Call-'Em-Bruised Origins Award. Pah. + +Finally, they tried to do too much here, and ended up doing too little. Both +Worf's adaptation (or lack thereof) to Klingon society and Data's first +command could have used entire episodes devoted to them; instead, we get them +as side issues to the apparent main plot of the civil war. Sigh. + +All in all, I think I'd drop this down to a 5. It had its moments, but it +needed a lot more. + +"Darmok" +Initial rating: 9.5. + +This one comes up to a full 10. The one thing that had riled me at the time +(Riker's overbelligerent behavior) doesn't seem nearly so bad after I've had +time to look at it further. Yes, there's a wee bit of technobabble here and +there, and a couple of bits that are _marginally_ slow, but nothing nearly +enough to take away from the sheer power of this very simple idea. Second +best of the season. + +"Ensign Ro" +Initial rating: 7. + +This one slips. Again, there's some nice strategizing on Picard's part (and +again, he enjoys it far too much to be confined to a single ship; get this +man a cosmic chessboard!), and there are also bits of very snappy dialogue. +Unfortunately, much of it occurs in a vacuum, and Les Landau's direction is a +bit off. This was a straightforward piece with straightforward advantages +and flaws. Down to a 6. + +"Silicon Avatar" +Initial rating: 9.5. + +This one also slips. The things I loved about it most at the time, namely +the late-episode Marr and the very bleak ending, are still there and still +superb (as is the Entity's initial attack; it *still* hurts to see the +colony's fate after the team is rescued). Unfortunately, with the bloom off +the rose, it's very difficult to reconcile the late-term Marr with the +early-term Marr; it's almost two different characters. I can't quite swallow +it. This is still good, but no longer top-notch. Call it an 8.5. + +"Disaster" +Initial rating: 2. + +You *must* be kidding. I thought this was pretty damned dumb then, and I +think it's pretty damned dumb now. Almost all my initial attitudes (all the +kids are a waste but Marissa, for instance, and that Worf's characterization +is *awful) hold up, the only exception being that Keiko's lines seem a bit +funnier now. This marks the beginning, incidentally, of the "let's make Worf +a laughingstock" version of Worf that seems to characterize virtually every +Worf show this season. This is still a 2. + +"The Game" +Initial rating: 6. + +This was, and still is, a very uneven piece. Lots of the dialogue is very +crisp and fun, but some of it falls very flat (unfortunately, the examples +just flew out of my brain heading west; if someone could catch them and send +them back I'd be obliged). The idea of something insinuating itself on the +ship almost insidiously is a nice one, but it gets some poor handling. (Troi +playing the bimbo in Ten-Forward, for instance, and Riker playing WITH a +bimbo down on Risa; yawn.) And of course, there's the fact that in bringing +back Wesley for the first time in a season, the natural impetus was to put +him right back in the first-season cliches that had a lot of people clamoring +for the character's head on a platter back then. Still, it is a fun ride. +I'll keep this as a 6. + +"Unification I" +Initial rating: 9.5. + +The bloom is off the rose here as well, but only a little bit. Yes, this and +its successor were *very* hyped; and yes, like most things that hyped, it +doesn't quite live up. But despite some of the problems and slow moments +this piece had (the Picard/Data amateurish conduct on Romulus, the scene with +Perrin, etc.), the fact is that I felt caught up in something big, and that +feeling still sits in the show. It's a 45-minute prologue, yes; but as the +people I saw "Back to the Future II" with can tell you, if it's done well I +can really enjoy movie-length prologues. Give it a 9. + +"Unification II" +Initial rating: 10. + +This show's taken a pummeling from most people, and I have to admit that I +still don't really understand why. There are a couple of loose leaps in the +plot (most notably the jump from blowing up the mystery ship to Riker looking +for a fat Ferengi in the bar), and a couple of bad scenes (I *still* have an +intense dislike for Klingon opera), but it's not enough to cause any real +problems. And yes, Sela's plan here is an intensely hokey plot that couldn't +possibly work; and the point being? I'd knock this down to a 9, but again no +further. + +"A Matter of Time" +Initial rating: 7. + +This one also slips a bit. (That's starting to sound typical.) My basic +impression of this, when all is said and done, is that it's "shallow but +clever". The plot involving Rasmussen isn't the sort of thing that's going +to win awards for originality or sheer ability to draw one in, but it makes +for a good bag of tricks; and now and then, sitting back and watching a bag +of tricks can be fun. (The plot involving the planet, and Picard's speech in +particular, is definitely a bit much, however.) Frewer is good, although I +do have to wonder how this show would have changed were Robin Williams to +have played this part. Down to a 5. + +"New Ground" +Initial rating: 9. + +I went back and looked at that rating right before I watched the show again, +and my thought throughout was "I gave this a NINE? WHY?" Looking back, I +have absolutely no idea what about this show made it that appealing back in +January. I don't consider it the trash others have called it, but it's got +problems. It sets up a bunch of potentially interesting conflicts, but they +don't *really* go anywhere. (They go further here than later in the season, +though; more on that later.) The "jeopardy" plot was...well, "harmless" +seems the best word to use. This had a few nice ideas, but blew most of them +in the execution. (On the other hand, by setting up "Murphy Worf" here, it +would seem that TNG will no doubt soon get an angry letter from the +ever-esteemed Mr. Quayle...:-) :-) ) This guy's a 4. + +"Hero Worship" +Initial rating: 8.5. + +That rating seems about right, give or take a point. It's a solid outing; +probably the only solid outing this season that centered on a child. The +main reason for this, of course, was that the fellow who played Timothy was a +rare find: a *really good* child actor. But beyond that, the concept of a +child "imprinting" on Data was an interesting one, and one fairly well +explored. Yes, the ending was a bit rushed and the science was *intensely* +silly, but that's not a big problem. Hmm...yep, 8.5 seems about right. + +"Violations" +Initial rating: 6.5. + +This one came up on a repeat viewing. I think some of my initial qualms +about it may have had to do with what I'd been led to believe about its +origins (I'd been led to believe a friend of mine had written it; that belief +turned out to be in error, as I found out rather sharply before long), and +that's no longer a factor. It's still got some problems, most notably that +(1) the story could have been made *much* more ambiguous, rather than waving +a giant flag saying "yo! Jev's the villain here!" back in the teaser, and +(2) the sudden rekindling of romance in the Riker/Troi scene in sickbay seems +to come flying out of left field. But on a repeat viewing, this actually +became *spookier*, which is always a good sign. So, I'd say "Attack of the +Killer Jerry Brown" [well, LOOK at him! :-) ] ends up with an 8. + +"The Masterpiece Society" +Initial rating: 7.5. + +This is also going to end up about where it started. My main points still +rang very true: Hannah was a terrific character (if a lousy depiction of a +scientist; "theoretical physics", my ass), and played very well off of +Geordi. The Troi/Aaron scenes still scream "we are totally unnecessary!" to +me, and the bind the Enterprise finds itself in at the end is still nicely +done. On the other hand, the "the Prime Directive doesn't apply; they're +human" rankles a lot more than it did before; would these people PLEASE get +straight just what the PD is and what it applies to? (I still have the +rudiments of a story in mind for that, come to think of it...) Call it a 7. + +"Conundrum" +Initial rating: 10. + +This isn't going anywhere. It's still a terrific "fish out of water" story, +and the only complaints I've heard are all plausibility-based rather than +plot-based (and I can accept a *lot* more plausibility stretches than plot +stupidities). Bits of it are very slightly overplayed, but not nearly enough +to cause more than a momentary pang. Well planned and well executed; still a +10. + +"Power Play" +Initial rating: 7.5. + +This one slips. It's a decent ride, a la "Redemption II", but on a repeat +viewing it ends up looking really, really shallow. Unfortunately, the bad +aspects jump out more on a repeat than the good; the rather poor acting on +the part of all three O'Briens (Miles, Keiko, and little +Cliche...er...Molly), and some of the sizable plot problems. (It didn't help +that this came right off of "Conundrum", which was much tighter in its +planning than this.) On the other hand, Spiner is still terrific here, and +Sirtis does a good job overall, especially in the first half. Call this a 6 +for a roller-coaster ride. + +"Ethics" +Initial rating: 5. + +That seems about right. Like "New Ground" (only more so), this had a decent +premise dully done. Just about all the strength of the show came out of the +Bev/Russell interactions; scientific ethics is something that greatly +interests me, and this seemed very well done. The rest of the good bits all +sit pretty much in the two Worf/Riker scenes; that seemed real friendship. +But Troi, with only about half a scene's exception, is window dressing with a +lot of lines, and Alexander's presence is positively galling. And then, of +course, that awful, awful, *awful* ending in the surgery. We were not +supposed to laugh at that, and I couldn't stop. Still, the Bev/Russell stuff +is strong enough that this stays a 5. + +"The Outcast" +Initial rating: 3. + +Again, this seems fairly close to the mark. It gets a few points for good +intentions; this show's heart was really in the right place. But between the +inclusion of every plot contrivance in the book, some very dull direction, +and some outright MIScharacterization (Worf in particular, but Riker to some +extent), this suffered a lot. And additionally, in making the *explicit* +point about gender intolerance, this show contained so much *implicit* sexism +and discrimination as to feel extraordinarily hypocritical. I still hate to +speak so ill of something so well intended, but it is what it is; and what it +is is a very bad show. 2.5. + +"Cause and Effect" +Initial rating: 10. + +Whew! Here's one I'm happy to say slipped not a bit for me. It's still one +of the best "variations on a theme" stories I've seen in a long, long while, +and is superbly written (and especially directed, in this case!) on all +sides. This makes the third spot on the top five of the season, and falls +on the short list of "TNG Episodes I'd Like to have Written." Great effects, +great concept, great characterization (both incidental and crucial), and +great *imagery* [the glass breaking], something TNG doesn't always do much +with. 10, now and ever. + +"The First Duty" +Initial rating: 9. + +This one came up. Yes, Satelk is distracting and badly done; but on a repeat +viewing, he seems much less consequential, and the rest of the +characterization is bloody *brilliant*. Locarno is still very interesting, +as basically a Kirk-figure a few steps over the line; Boothby is still a +treat; and the Picard/Wes conversation in Picard's ready room is still one of +the single most tension-ridden character scenes this show has ever assembled. +(And, of course, the fact that this was written by a fellow Cornellian +doesn't hurt either. ;-) ) 10. + +"Cost of Living" +Initial rating: 1. + +I shouldn't have bothered. Nothing seemed any better, and some of it seemed +worse. Alexander is *still* back where he was at the beginning of "New +Ground" in terms of character, Lwaxana is still stages beyond her most +unpleasant, Worf is *still* continuing the hideous trend of being an utter +laughingstock, and the holodeck sequence is *still* insulting to anyone over +the age of about five. I've been told, indirectly, by a member of the staff +that "in production, this didn't look that bad." I still have to wonder who +approved this. Ugh. 1. + +"The Perfect Mate" +Initial rating: 6.5. + +This comes up a little bit. The problems are still there (the Ferengi, +mainly, and the very early Kamala-as-sexpot scenes), but again seem less +consequential on a repeat viewing. (Drop those Ferengi down a deep dark +hole, though; and no, "Deep Space 9" does not qualify as such.) Again, just +as soon as she starts taking an interest in Picard, the episode picks up like +lightning hit it, and stays there for the rest of the hour. There are +interesting questions raised about being a metamorph (that are only partially +answered), and some intriguing use of mirrors for imagery here, too. I'd +give this one an 8. + +"Imaginary Friend" +Initial rating: 4. + +This isn't going to move much. Both Troi and Clara were well written a +somewhat well played (particularly Clara), but Isabella was in the absolute +bottom tier of TNG actors, and the plot had basically nothing to speak of. +(And that closing speech by Picard is one I could definitely have done +without.) Not a winner here, folks. 4. + +"I, Borg" +Initial rating: 9.5. + +This is likely to stay where it is. I still find Guinan's conversion over +from extreme anti-Borg to somewhat pro-Hugh a little fast for my tastes, but +as before, seeing the normally positive characters of Picard and Guinan show +this dark a dark side makes up for that in almost every way. Superb work on +the part of almost all involved, particularly Stewart, Goldberg, and Jonathan +Del Arco. Very, very nice. 10. + +"The Next Phase" +Initial rating: 7.5. + +Again, this seems pretty accurate, though this might slip slightly. Many of +the character bits here were nice (Ro's and Data's, in particular), and +there's some nice eeriness when Ro first finds out her condition. On the +other hand, this one has plot and plausiblity problems from here halfway to +Neptune, and this continues the post-Sela trend of making Romulans utterly +faceless and dull villains. (Please, bring back Tomalak; *anything* on the +level of "The Defector" would be wonderful.) Basically, this is pure fluff, +but it's fun fluff. 7. + +"The Inner Light" +Initial rating: 10. + +Simple. Beautiful. Quiet. Superb. 10. + +"Time's Arrow" +Initial rating: 8. + +Now, what was that I was saying about 45-minute prologues? :-) This still +has a start that's a little too slow for me, and the Riker/Troi/Data scene in +the turbolift is a waste, but other than that things are brisk; and the extra +bits of cleverness we've all discovered since (e.g. Jack "I'm the bellboy, +gotta love me!" London) impressed me a lot. Call it a 9. + +So, if we were to take this solely as the sum of its parts, we'd have an +average for the season of just marginally under a 7. That feels somewhat +right, I suppose, but it doesn't give a hint as to the real situation. So... + +General Comments: | +------------------+ + +This season in general, and especially the latter half, was an incredibly +*uneven* season. I'd heard occasional comments about how TNG had settled +into "formula"; based on what I've seen, I can't agree. If it were formula, +it would be likely to be consistently watchable but uninspired. Now, that +may be about what it *averaged* out to, but it by no means describes the +season as a whole. + +I mean, for example, I'm looking at my ratings from "Ethics" onward: we had +in rapid succession: 5, 2.5, 10, 10, 1, 8, 4, 10, 7, 10, 9. That's not +formula, that's a mountain road. :-) Sheesh. + +I suppose one of the best things to do in a situation like this is point out +good and bad *trends* in the season, rather than anything more concrete. So: + +Two of the trends (mainly, the two distressing ones) are ones I've already +alluded to in the first part of this review. The first is Worf: This season +has seen, in my opinion, the slow destruction of everything that made Worf +interesting from seasons 1-4. I'm trying to compare the Worf I saw in "Sins +of the Father" and "Reunion" to the Worf I see in "New Ground" and "Cost of +Living", and I absolutely cannot see them as the same character in the +slightest. The old Worf was confident in his abilities, a bit rigid in his +attitudes, full of original thought when he gave it a try ("The Emissary"), +and an interesting balance of instinct and honor ("Reunion", mostly). This +one is Bozo the Father; ultra-rigid, yelling at the drop of a hat, utterly +clueless in a great many situations, and mostly spouting platitudes. Why? +What happened? + +The other bad trend is much less important, given its occurrence: the +Romulans. The Romulans we saw in seasons 2-4 were interesting: distinctly +individual, bright, scheming folk that were usually very interesting to +watch. Now, the only one with *any* personality is Sela, and that's due to +origins I find abhorrent. All the others are faceless, for all we can tell; +the plots are a little more obvious, a lot less subtle, and a lot less +motivated. It's a pity, but since they don't get used that often anyway, +it's not a huge problem. + +Now, on the other hand, there are some good trends. One of them is a trend +towards more "dark" endings to shows. TNG is often accused of being very +"sweetness-and-light", and to some extent that's justified and expected, +owing to the underlying ideals. But the lesson seems to finally be hitting +home that an optimistic future does not *have* to mean an optimistic ending. +"Silicon Avatar", "A Matter of Time", "Darmok", "Violations", "The +Masterpiece Society", "Ethics", "The Outcast", "The First Duty", "The Perfect +Mate": all of these had, to some extent or another, very bleak elements to +their conclusions. And *most* of them ended up as stronger stories as a +result. There's nothing that says a bad ending is better than a good one +(after all, look at "The Inner Light", which I would say had a rather +poignant ending, but not a dark one), but having a story without any +sacrifice tends to be less interesting to me; and in just about every case +above, even if I disliked the show I had a little bit of respect for the +ending. This is a trend I'd like to see continue. + +The other, equally interesting trend that I see came in during the season's +second half. TNG is finally, *finally*, starting to show a willingness to +play with its success, and do some experimentation. Look at some of the +shows we had since about March: + +--"Cause and Effect". Time travel is nothing new, but this type of it +*certainly* is; and the idea of assembling an entire show over what can +almost be described as the same events through slightly different viewpoints +is almost unique. (Okay, "A Matter of Perspective" tried, but that was +internal; everyone there knew that's what was happening. They didn't here.) + +--"The First Duty". A show set entirely on Earth? At the *Academy*? Wes +screwing up in a major, major way, and *paying* for it? Picard and Wes at +each others' throats in a real way (as opposed to early first season)? This +is new throughout. + +--"Cost of Living." I can only assume this was an experiment. I've no idea +what in. :-) + +--"I, Borg". Taking this approach to the Borg is a real risk (as the +anguished reactions from some people expecting nonstop action demonstrates). +But it's also an important step in keeping them viable, and it paid off. + +--"The Inner Light". There's almost nothing about this one that ISN'T +experimental from a TNG standpoint. + +That's a lot of experimentation for a three-month period. I like it. + +This is also something I'd very much like to see continue...but with a +caveat. In the past, it's looked like TNG was going experimental, but it +seemed to fade. The reason, I think, was that the show failed to show the +courage of its convictions. The utter lack of fallout from BOBW1 and from, +for example, "The Mind's Eye", is a major disappointment. + +Now, there are new challenges and new items around. *Do something* with +them. Don't let them drop by the wayside. Let's see, or at the very least +hear about, what Wes has now gotten himself into with this repeated year. +Let's see what impact "I, Borg" has, both on the Borg themselves and on +Picard's future attitude (whether his hope succeeds or fails). And for +heaven's sake, Picard *MUST* show the signs of his experiences in "The Inner +Light". Consistently, and significantly. I cannot overemphasize that. + +I think that's close to it, but a few quick lists. + +Characters worth seeing more of: Picard, Data, Worf (if this trend is +reversed), Beverly (esp. with Wes), Wesley, Troi (another trend; much of this +season she's actually been good, for a change). + +Characters worth seeing less of: Alexander. Lwaxana Troi. Worf (if this +trend continues). + +Directors who should be given more work: + +--Rob Bowman. Come on, he hasn't been used in almost two seasons, and he's +still the best director of the crop. Where *is* he? + +--Jonathan Frakes. Even if it means less time in front of the camera, he's a +far better director anyway. + +--Peter Lauritson. Anyone who comes out with a rookie effort as good as "The +Inner Light" is a jewel that should not be let go of. + +--Patrick Stewart. Just to see what happens. + +Directors who should be given less work: + +--Gabrielle Beaumont. We've got "The Bonding", "Disaster", and "Imaginary +Friend". All rather uninspiredly done, in my view. + +--Chip Chalmers. "Ethics" was not a good idea, and it's added to such +credits as "Captain's Holiday" and "The Loss". + +Writers who should be given more work: + +--Brannon Braga. The plots are not always the best ("Power Play", "The +Game", and "Imaginary Friend", for instance), but Braga seems to have the +best ear for good character dialogue of all the staff writers. Combine that +with more plots on the level of "Cause and Effect" and we're in business. + +--Naren Shankar. I know he's not a staff writer. Get him. "The First Duty" +was a superb first outing. + +--Morgan Gendel. Same applies, except in this case it's "The Inner Light". + +--Rene Echevarria. She helped on "The Perfect Mate" and wrote "I, Borg". +Sounds promising to me, particularly when you add in past credits like "The +Offspring". + +Writers who should be given less work: + +--Peter Allan Fields. "Cost of Living". 'nuff said. + +--Sara and Stuart Charno. I'm sorry, but when one team is responsible for +both "New Ground" *and* "Ethics", it's a bad sign. + +Well, that seems to be more than long-winded enough for a single season. +(Wait 'til the show as a *whole* comes to a close! :-) ) It's been an +interesting season; onwards to the future! + +Tim Lynch +BITNET: tlynch@citjuliet +INTERNET: tlynch@juliet.caltech.edu +UUCP: ...!ucbvax!tlynch%juliet.caltech.edu@hamlet.caltech.edu +"Seize the time, Meribor. Live now; make *now* always the most precious +time. Now will never come again." + --"The Inner Light" +-- +Copyright 1992, Timothy W. Lynch. All rights reserved, but feel free to ask... diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/shades.rev b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/shades.rev new file mode 100644 index 00000000..d7f13305 --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/shades.rev @@ -0,0 +1,136 @@ +WARNING: The following post contains spoiler information about TNG's +season finale, "Shades of Gray". Do Not Disturb...unless you really really +want to. + +Hiya, folks. I'm back. Sorry I'm late, but I just got back from Green Bank, +West Virginia (and boy are my arms tired :-)). + +Anyway, I finally saw "Shades of Gray". Well... + +Not bad. Not SUPERB, but not bad. + +The frame story was abysmal, but they made fairly good use of the flashback +sequences. With that in mind, here's a quick summary: + +Frame: Riker is infected on an away mission by a strange parasite. It invades +the nervous system, and is spreading to his brain. If it reaches it, and +impedes neural activity there, Riker could die. Pulaski, obviously, doesn't +want this to happen (horrible, to leave a ship by losing your last patient), and +uses every possible idea in the book to try to save him. + +She ends up doing so almost by accident. As the parasite reaches his brain, she +decides to artificially stimulate the neurons. This causes Riker to relive old +memories (a-ha! I see flashbacks a-comin'!) It turns out that certain emotions +(like sexual attraction) stimulate the organism's growth (why does that sound +dirty to me? :-)), and others, like 'primal, survival instincts' repel it. +Eventually, Pulaski stimulates all his most basic fights for survival, and he +comes out of everything intact. Hoo-ray. + +Now, for the clips. I'll divide them up into the sections in which they were +shown. For the final sequence of events, I won't bother giving the episode; +just the scene. Hey, I figured it out--you can too. + +I: Random memories during Pulaski's first run: + --Riker coming out of transport alone in "The Last Outpost", saying, + "Tasha? Data? Geordi? Worf? ANYBODY..." + --Riker meeting Data in the holodeck, from "Encounter at Farpoint". + --Advising Wes, with a little help from Guinan, in "The Dauphin". + --Saying goodbye to Deanna in "The Icarus Factor". + +II: Sexual arousal. (Gee, they devoted a whole section to this. I wonder + why. ;-) ) + + --"Justice": hangin' out in the spa (er...conference room) + --"11001001": his first two scenes with Minuet + --"Angel One": being seduced by Mistress Beatta. + --"Up the Long Ladder": being seduced by/seducing the daughter. + +III: Sadness/frustration/Anger/"Survival Emotions" + + --Tasha getting zapped by Armus. If you don't know the episode, shame + on you. + --Ian's death in "The Child". + --Swearing an oath of loyalty to the Pagh and establishing his authority + over his second, from "A Matter of Honor". + --Being beaten up by Quinn in "Conspiracy". + --Being zapped by David Marcus...er, T'Jon, in "Symbiosis" + --Being hit by the Ferengi whip in "The Last Outpost" + --Being dragged into Armus; "Skin of Evil" + --Setting the Auto-Destruct in "11001001". + --Meeting the Klingons and the Batris blowing up in "Heart of Glory". + +And now, the final sequence. Pulaski's triggered the beam in very tight focus, +so these are 5- to 10-second clips each. Nice effect. In order, then: + +--The Genesis effect. (Whazzat doing there?) +--"We seek peaceful coexistence!!" +--A Ferengi jumping Riker. +--T'Jon zapping Riker. +--Adm. Heron firing at Picard and Riker. +--"Set Auto-Destruct." +--Data inserting control chips in Engineering. +--"Data, something's got me!" +--Punching his Klingon second officer. +--"Auto-Destruct." +--The killer of Riva's Chorus getting killed. +--Throwing his Klin second into a wall. +--"Now." (from setting auto-destruct) +--The Lantree being blown up. +--"Now." +--The Batris blowing up. +--Picard and Riker killing Remmick. +--"Now." +--The Tsiolkovsky blowing up after hitting a 'huge chunk of star'. + +...and a final "Data, something's got me!" voiceover as we see him recovering. + +Phew. Now, for some comments. + +As I said, I thought the frame story was awful. It had a few moments, but only +a very few. Riker's story about his great-grandfather being bitten by a snake +was nice, and so was the final scene with his revival. Other than that, bleah. + +Characterization was not at its best. Riker was done very well, but all the +other characters were very one-dimensional, particularly Troi and Data. + +As far as the flashbacks go, well...they did pretty well. That final sequence +of clips has a very strong effect, and the music for the flashback scenes was +also quite nice. However, I think there are a few scenes that they SHOULD +have included, and didn't. For example: + +--Riker's first meeting with Picard. Would have been nice, don't you think? +--SOMETHING involving his father. We never even allude to him in the show. +--Maybe something from "Haven", where his ex-girlfriend almost gets married. + That might be a tad emotional, don't you think? +--And finally, something, ANYTHING, from "Hide & Q". I mean, Riker virtually + becomes a GOD! I think I'd have pretty strong memories of that if + it happened to me. + +Other than that, though, they did a pretty good job. This was not what I would +call a great season finale, but it was decent. + +To Sum up: + +Plot: 5. Bleh. +Plot Handling: N/A, really. For a plot this tiny, there's no handling + involved. +Characterization: 7. A great Riker can only bring it up so much. +Technical/Frame: 6. It was there. +Choice of Clips: 8. +Technical/Flashbacks: 10. The one really good thing about the episode. + +TOTAL: 7.2---> 7. It'll do. + +And now, the long wait for Season Three begins... + +Look for Lynch's Capsule Review: Season Two in the next couple of weeks. +Adieu. + +Tim Lynch (Cornell's first Astronomy Major) +BITNET: H52Y@CRNLVAX5 +INTERNET: H52Y@VAX5.CIT.CORNELL.EDU +UUCP: ...!rochester!cornell!vax5.cit.cornell.edu!h52y +"I remember that first day, of man on the moon, + The whole world was watching; the whole world in tune. + It was hard to believe he was the same as me and you." + --Chris DeBurgh, "Spirit of Man" diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/shadowsi b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/shadowsi new file mode 100644 index 00000000..31cbeaf5 --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/shadowsi @@ -0,0 +1,181 @@ +Subject: REPOST: Shadows in the MiST +News-Software: VAX/VMS VNEWS 1.41 +Nntp-Posting-Host: ubvmsb.cc.buffalo.edu + +this was a silly little thing i worte that attempted a crossover at... well, +why don't you just read it! + + + + + + sandra guzdek + username: v130qh57@ubvmsb.cc.buffalo.edu + til 28 Aug 1992 + 6037 Devlin Avenue + Niagara Falls, NY + 14304 + after 28 Aug 1992 + "Higher emotions are what separate us from the lower orders of life... + Higher emotions, and table manners." + --- Deanna Troi, _Imzadi_ + +SHaDowS iN tHe MiST by Sandra Guzdek May '92 +______________________________________________________________________________ + + All was quiet in deep space as the mammoth galaxy class starship +cruised by at a healthy warp 4 speed. The bridge was staffed by its normal, +familiar faces; the captain stood before the viewscreen in awe, once again, +of the beauty of the dark tapestry before him. Everything was calm... *too* +calm. The captain thought wryly that that alone was indicative of something big +about to happen. + He turned back to do some work in his ready room when the booming +voice of the security chief announced, "Captain, sensors indicate that +there is a vessel of unknown origin adrift in space off the port bow +approximately 500 megameters away." + The captain smiled to himself. _Surprise, surprise._ + "Life signs?" he queried, as he turned on his heel for the command +chair. + Data piped up, "None that we can detect." + As he pulled down on his uniform top, he commanded, "On screen." + The screen seemed to change in star pattern only. There was a +smallish shape in the lower right quadrant, which the captain ordered +enlarged. + "What *is* it, sir?" the voice of Deanna Troi wondered almost +silently. + "I'm not familiar with any ship of this kind. Mr. Data, analyze +its structure and theorize on its function." + The ship that had appeared on the screen looked as if it were +constructed of two stout cylinders fused together side by side, with two +faceted spheroids on each end. Seams ran the length and breadth of it, +forming strange, intricate, triangular patterns. Here and there the hull +was broken up by portholes, and marred by scars of wear and tear. All in all, +the ship seemed centuries old and no longer very space-worthy. + "Captain, I can find no known match to the ship. However, it has no +propulsion systems, no weapons systems and little in the way of shielding. I +hypothesize it was ejected into space as space junk." + "The energy readings we're getting are too high for simple space +junk," Worf bellowed. + "It's a miracle its still in one piece," commented Will Riker from +next to the counselor. + Deanna shook her head. "It's very unusual." + The captain sighed. "You're right, that *doesn't* make a lot of +sense. I want to know why. Number One, prepare an Away Team." As he tapped +his communicator: "Dr. Crusher, report to Transporter Room Three with a +medical compliment. There may be some casualties to attend to." + The doctor's voice responded instantly, "Acknowledged." + ++++ + + Comprised of Riker, Troi, Crusher and Geordi, the Away Team +materialized inside the oddly damp and humid ship. All was dark save the +starlight. As Geordi looked around in a survey of the fair-sized room, the +others squinted as their irises adjusted to the dimness. Instinctively, the +doctor pulled out a medical tricorder and held it before her. + "Anything?" Riker asked of his Team in general. + At that moment, the lights whirred on. "I found the lights," announced +Geordi, who had flipped a switch on the wall up like the old-fashioned light +switches of centuries ago. They looked around to better see the place. + The room was much smaller than the main bridge of the Enterprise, +and its triangular seams resembled those on the hull. Through the dirt, the +walls were a beige colour. There was a large window on the largest wall, and +something that was probably a door opposite to that. There was also a +window to the stars outside on an adjacent wall. The room was unkempt, +apparent even after considering the age of the ship: in one corner sat a heap +of rubbish, including large-diameter plastic ribbed pipe, a flashlight of +twentieth century design, and... baby car-seats? A bubble gum machine? + "I'm not getting any life signs in this room," Beverly chirped, +interrupting the silence. + Troi slid her hand along the console, and grimaced at the dirt that +had come off on her fingers. She then took notice of the console. It was +simple in design, three large buttons of green, red and yellow. She wrinkled +her brow. "Geordi, I'm no engineer, but how could anything possibly run on +just three buttons?" + Geordi had just thought the same thing, how primitive and shoddy +the structure and design of this vessel was. Other than those three buttons, +there didn't appear to be any other controls. "You got me, Counselor." + Riker spoke up. "It seems to be a sattelite of some sort... though +we're light years from any systems or M-class planets. But even sattelites +have more controls than this." + Beverly had been scanning the walls. "I'm reading something behind +these doors. Some sort of energy source. I think we should get to it, see +if it's dangerous." She turned to face her companions. "The question is, how +do we open the doors?" + The foursome looked to the simplistic control panel, then to each +other. "It's got to be one of these buttons," Geordi said, voicing the +thoughts of everyone present. + "But which one?" pondered Deanna. "Assuming one of those buttons is +for the door, what are the other two for? And how do we know that one of +the other two buttons isn't the cause for total abandonment of this +sattelite?" + "But there's still that tricorder reading," Beverly reminded kindly. +"We have to get to it, make sure it isn't a threat." + "So which will it be?" Geordi asked. + Fortunately, the matter was taken out of their hands when a surge +of power buzzed through the room: a red light began to flash, and what +sounded like an alarm klaxon began to ring. All three control buttons began +to flash. They looked to each other, as if to say, what did we do? + "It seems as if all systems -- scant as they are -- are back on +line," Geordi explained. + A female voice, pleasant and not unlike the Enterprise's own +computer voice, announced that something was going to occur in ten +seconds; what that something was, they could not make sense of. + Panic seized the seasoned Starfleet officers. "What do we do?" Troi +wondered. + "What did that voice say?" Riker queried. + "I don't know!" Troi said desperately. + "'Sign'. It said '*Something* sign'," Geordi commented. + "It isn't a threat, or else the Enterprise's sensors would have +told them and they'd have pulled us out of here..." Riker reminded. + Calmly, Beverly reached over and pushed the red button. The sound +and lights continued, but the door slid open. They all looked to her in +amazement. With a smile she said, "It was just a hunch." The noise died +down, and the light dimmed back to normal. + Riker's communicator buzzed. "Number One, is everything all right +down there?" It was the captain. + "Aye, sir. We've just discovered..." As Beverly cleared her throat +playfully, Riker corrected with a smile, "*Dr. Crusher's* just discovered how +to open the door. We're going to investigate a high energy reading now." + "Be careful, Number One. We don't know what's down there." + "Understood. Riker out." + The door had opened to reveal a long corridor of numbered doors which +were successively opening. Geordi said meekly, "This is getting wierder and +wierder." + Data materialized beside the four of them. "The captain thought I +might be of assistance down here." + Deanna clapped her hand over her heart. "Oh, Data. You frightened +me." + They went down the long hall, tricorders alive and flashing. +Riker's brow furrowed as he picked up what appeared to be the skeleton of a +small canine. It was red-orange, and certainly not organic. "Data, you +couldn't have showed up at a better time." Riker thrust the find at him. +"What *is* this?" + Data took it, turned it over in his hand. After a few moments of +analysis, he stated, "It would appear that there is no known source for +this... thing, although it does highly resemble a Merconian shell beast." + He handed it to the two women, who in turn scrutinized it. + "Come on, let's go," Riker said, indicating the end of the hall. + At that moment he noticed Geordi fawning over a second find. +"LaForge, what have you got there?" As Riker crouched down, he saw exactly +what it was. His grandmother had had one, and he remembered her using it, +a nostalgic grin on his face. "A... waffle iron?" + They looked at each other. Geordi muttered, "Curiouser and curiouser." + Coming to the final door, a large round door like that of a bank vault, +it opened to reveal a darkened room. On the wall directly before them there +was a mammoth screen upon which images were projected, and the room had rows of +seats. Beverly waved her tricorder around, and announced, "There's the energy +source." She pointed to the projection booth. + "This must be some sort of theater," Riker mused. + Data spewed his usual two cents: "It is a motion picture cinema, as +indicated by the pictures on the screen. Motion pictures became popular in the +early to mid-twentieth century, and though it has waned considerably, people +still enjoy it today as a form of entertainment." + Beverly smiled, her eyes dreamy. "Yes, I've seen _Casablanca_, and +_The Wizard of Oz_." + Data looked to the screen, analyzing the actors and the dialogue. +His brow furrowed in its special android way. "It would seem that this +'movie', as they were called in the vernacular, is what is known as B +grade: obscure actors, thin plots, and cheap, flimsy sets." + Deanna laughed in spite of herself. "So what is a B-grade movie +cinema doing all the way out here in space?" + Riker turned to her and, looking very much like a mad scientist, +said, "Push the button, Troi." + +______________________________________________________________________________ + + Copyright 1992 by Sandra Guzdek + standard disclaimers about Paramount, and threats of death for plagiarism, + apply. + diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/ships.faq b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/ships.faq new file mode 100644 index 00000000..a0a7fb63 --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/ships.faq @@ -0,0 +1,749 @@ + STAR TREK SHIPS + ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ + by: D. Joseph Creighton + Joe_Creighton@UManitoba.CA + + Updated: Mar 13, 1994 Copyright (c) 1992 - 1994 All rights reserved. + You are free to distribute this list in its electronic format provided +that its contents are not changed and this copyright notice remains attached. +----------------------------------------------------------------------------- +- Only information from "Star Trek", "Star Trek: The Next Generation", + "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine", and the feature films will be considered + for use in this list. +- All notations will be listed with their first appearance in any series. +- Please feel free to notify me of any corrections and/or suggestions. + +* This list is primarily for my personal use and reference. Therefore, any + interpretation of canon material is left up to the reader. +* Updates of this list will be posted monthly (on or around the 13th) and + are available via anonymous ftp from the following sites: + rtfm.mit.edu in /pub/usenet/news.answers/star-trek/ships + ftp.cc.umanitoba.ca in /startrek/ships. +* This list is current up to and including: + TNG "Eye of the Beholder" + DS9 "Playing God" +----------------------------------------------------------------------------- + +--- BAJORAN --- + +Antares Class: + Cruiser TNG "Ensign Ro" + Destroyed by Cardassian war ship + +Other Class/Type: + Scout DS9 "Past Prologue" + Captain Tanna Los + Transport DS9 "Battle Lines" + ? DS9 "...Hands of the Prophets" + Assault vessel DS9 "The Circle" + Assault vessel DS9 "The Circle" + Destroyed by sub-impulse raider + DS9 "The Siege" + DS9 "The Siege" + Sub-impulse raider + Crash landed on Bajor + 2 - Interceptor DS9 "Sanctuary" + ? DS9 "Parallels" + Parallel warring universe + Transport DS9 "Shadowplay" + + +--- CARDASSIAN UNION --- + +Galor Class (Type 3): + 2 - ? TNG "Ensign Ro" + 2 - ? TNG "The Homecoming" + ? DS9 "Parallels" + +Unknown Class: + Aldara War ship DS9 "Past Prologue" + Gul Dunar + Reklar Gul Lemek TNG "Chain of Command, Part I" + Trager Gul Masset TNG "The Wounded" + War ship TNG "The Wounded" + Destroyed by USS Phoenix + Supply ship TNG "The Wounded" + Destroyed by USS Phoenix + Gul Dukat DS9 "Emissary" + Gul Jusad DS9 "Emissary" + Cardassian Guard - 7th Order + 2 - ? DS9 "Emissary" + Cardassian Guard - 7th Order + Gul Auset DS9 "The Chase" + ? DS9 "The Chase" + Patros ship TNG "Lower Decks" + + +--- FEDERATION --- + +Ambassador Class (not seen): + USS Horatio ? TNG "Conspiracy" + Captain Walker Keel + Destroyed by possible sabateurs + Debris found in Sector 63 + +Constellation Class: + USS Stargazer NCC-2893 TNG "The Battle" + Captain Jean-Luc Picard + Recovered after its abandonment + USS Hathaway NCC-2593 TNG "Peak Performance" + Abandoned and later recovered + USS Victory NCC-9754 TNG "Elementary, Dear Data" + Captain Zambata + +Constitution Class: + USS Constellation NCC-1017 TOS "The Doomsday Machine" + Commodore Matthew Decker + Destroyed by doomsday machine + USS Defiant ? TOS "The Tholian Web" + Lost in dimensional rift + USS Enterprise NCC-1701 TOS - All + Captain Christoper Pike + Captain James T. Kirk + * Refit * ST:TMP + Captain William Decker + Admiral James T. Kirk + Captain Spock + Stolen and destroyed over Genesis + ST III:TSFS + USS Enterprise NCC-1701-A ST IV:TVH + (identified this class in ST VI:TUC) + Captain James T. Kirk + USS Excalibur ? TOS "The Ultimate Computer" + Captain Harris + USS Exeter ? TOS "The Omega Glory" + Captain Ronald Tracy + Abandoned in orbit around Omega IV + USS Farragut ? TOS "Obsession" + Captain Garrovik (11 years ago) + USS Hood ? TOS "The Ultimate Computer" + USS Lexington ? TOS "The Ultimate Computer" + Commodore Bob Wesley + USS Potemkin ? TOS "The Ultimate Computer" + +Daedalus Class (not seen): + USS Essex NCC-173 TNG "Power Play" + Captain Brythe Shumar + Presumed lost over 200 years ago + Later found crashed on moon of Mabo VI + +Enterprise-C Type: + USS Enterprise NCC-1701-C TNG "Yesterday's Enterprise" + Captain Rachael Garrett + Lt. Castillo + Destroyed in battle over Norendra III + USS Excalibur ? TNG "Redemption II" + USS Zhukov ? TNG "Data's Day" + Captain Gleeson TNG "Hollow Persuits" + ? DS9 "Emissary" + +Excelsior Type: + USS Cairo ? TNG "Chain of Command, Part I" + Captain Edward Jellico + USS Crazy Horse ? TNG "Descent" + (identified this type in TNG "The Pegasus") + USS Enterprise NCC-1701-B TNG + (identified by wall model in conference room) + USS Excelsior NX-2000 ST III:TSFS + Captain Styles + NCC-2000 ST VI:TUC + Captain Hikaru Sulu + USS Fearless ? TNG "Where No One..." + USS Gorkon ? TNG "Descent" + USS Intrepid ? TNG "Family" + USS Hood ? TNG "Encounter at Farpoint" + Captain Robert DeSoto + TNG "Tin Man" + USS Melbourne NCC-3184/3194? TNG "11001001" + Destroyed in Borg encounter at Wolf 359 + (identified type/registry in DS9 "Emissary") + USS Potemkin ? TNG "Legacy" + (identified this type in TNG "Ethics") + USS Repulse NCC-2544 TNG "The Child" + Captain Tagert TNG "Unnatural Selection" + ? TNG "The Offspring" + ? TNG "The Drumhead" + +Galaxy Class: + USS Enterprise NCC-1701-D TNG - All + Captain Jean-Luc Picard + Destroyed in alternate timeline + TNG "Time Squared" + Captain William T. Riker (field promotion) + TNG "The Best of Both Worlds" + Destroyed in collision with USS Bozeman in + alternate timeline/loop + TNG "Cause and Effect" + Captain Edward Jellico + TNG "Chain of Command, Part I" + Captain Jean-Luc Picard + TNG "Chain of Command, Part II" + Captain Thomas Holloway (alternate timeline) + TNG "Tapestry" + Destroyed by energy feedback (alt. timeline) + TNG "Timescape" +285K+ - USS Enterprise ? TNG "Parallels" + Captain William T. Riker (various) + Parallel universe vessels + One Enterprise destroyed by Enterprise-proper. + USS Yamato NCC-1305-E TNG "Where Silence Has Lease" + NCC-71807 TNG "Contagion" + (second NCC number visible on saucer section) + Captain Donald Varley + Destroyed by computer virus from alien probe + +Grissom Type: + USS Biko Supply ship TNG: "A Fistful of Datas" + USS Grissom NCC-636 ST III:TSFS + Captain J.T. Esteban + Destroyed by Klingon Bird of Prey over Genesis + USS Tsiolkovski ? TNG "The Naked Now" + Destroyed by exploding star fragment + USS Viko Research vessel TNG "Hero Worship" + Destroyed in Black Cluster + USS Yosemite ? TNG "Realm of Fear" + Trapped in solar plasma stream. + ? TNG "The Drumhead" + ? TNG "The Game" + ? DS9 "Emissary" + Destroyed in Borg encounter at Wolf 359 + ? DS9 "Emissary" + +Nebula Class: + USS Phoenix NCC-65420 TNG "The Wounded" + Captain Benjamin Maxwell + USS Prometheus NCC-71201 DS9 "Second Sight" + Host to Prof. Gideon Seyetik + USS Sutherland ? TNG "Redemption II" + Commander Data (temporary) + ? DS9 "Emissary" + Destroyed in Borg encounter at Wolf 359 + +Reliant Type: + USS Brittain NCC-21xxx ?868 TNG "Night Terrors" + Found adrift in a Tychon's Rift + USS Lantree Class 6 Supply TNG "Unnatural Selection" + Captain L. Iso Tolaka + Destroyed to prevent spread of DNA virus + USS Reliant NCC-1864 ST II:TWOK + Captain Clark Terrell + Destroyed in detonation of Genesis device + USS Saratoga ? ST IV:TVH + USS Saratoga NCC-31811 DS9 "Emissary" + Destroyed in Borg encounter at Wolf 359 + +Soyuz Class: + USS Bozeman NCC-1941 TNG "Cause and Effect" + Captain Morgan Bateson + Appeared from space-time distortion (yr 2278) + +Sydney Class: + USS Jenolan NCC-2010 TNG "Relics" + Transport ship + Reported missing 75 years ago (this year: 2364) + Destroyed by Enterprise in Dyson sphere escape + +Runabout Type: + Ganges ? DS9 "Emissary" + Destroyed by T'Lani Cruiser + DS9 "Armageddon Game" + Mekong ? DS9 "Whispers" + Orinoco ? DS9 "The Siege" + Rio Grande NCC-72452 DS9 "Emissary" + (verified this registry in DS9 "Paradise") + Yangtzee Kiang ? DS9 "Emissary" + Crash landed on unnamed moon, Gamma Quadrant + DS9 "Battle Lines" + ? TNG "Timescape" + +Shuttles (original): + Columbus NCC-1701'2 TOS "The Galileo Seven" + Copernicus ? TOS "The Galileo Seven" + Galileo NCC-1701'7 TOS "The Galileo Seven" + Destroyed over Taurus II + Galileo II NCC-1701'7 TOS "The Way to Eden" + ? TOS "Let That Be Your Last..." + Stolen from Starbase 4 + ? TOS "Metamorphosis" + Owner: Zephram Cochrane + ? TOS "The Menagerie" + 4 - ? TOS "The Omega Glory" + Abandoned in the USS Exeter's shuttlebay + +Shuttles (angular style): + Copernicus #3 ST V:TFF + Damaged and abandoned on "Sha-Ka-Ree" + Galileo #5 ST V:TFF + +Shuttles (new angular style): + Cousteau ? TNG "Identity Crisis" + Shuttle from USS Aries + Currie Type-6 TNG "Parallels" + "Stolen" by Cardassian agent + El-Baz #5 TNG "Time Squared" + Fermi ? TNG "True Q" + Goddard ? TNG "Relics" + Given to Captain Montgommery Scott + Hawking ? TNG "The Host" + Magellan #15 TNG "The Outcast" + Destroyed in Null Space pocket + Onizuka #5 TNG "The Ensigns of Command" + Onizuka #7 TNG "Mind's Eye" + Pike #12 TNG "The Most Toys" + Destroyed + #2 TNG "Samaritan Snare" + #9 TNG "The Price" + #4 TNG "The Next Phase" + ? TNG "Power Play" + Crash landed/abandoned on moon of Mabo VI + ? TNG "The Next Phase" + ? TNG "True Q" + RS-47 TNG "Aquiel" + Shuttle from Communication Relay Station 47 + +Shuttles (rounded style): + Famin ? TNG "Chain of Command, Part I" + Justman #3 TNG "Suspicions" + Sakharov #1 TNG "Unnatural Selection" + #5 TNG "The Nth Degree" + #6 TNG "Coming of Age" + #10 TNG "The Child" + Shuttle from USS Repulse + #13 TNG "Skin of Evil" + Crashed on Vegra II + ? TNG "Q Who" + ? TNG "The Best of Both Worlds 2" + ? TNG "Identity Crisis" + Destroyed in Tiarchanon atmosphere + ? TNG "The Host" + +Shuttles (various): + Surak Warp shuttle ST:TMP + #5 (Travel Pod) ST:TMP + #5 (Travel Pod) ST II:TWOK + #5 (Travel Pod) ST IV:TVH + Transport ship ST VI:TUC + Call sign: SD103 + +Other Class/Type: + USS Arkos Freighter TNG "Legacy" + Destroyed by warp core breach + USS Artimus Colony ship TNG "The Ensigns of Command" + SS Botany Bay DY-100 Class TOS "Space Seed" + Sleeper ship + Stripped and placed on Ceti Alpha V + USS Carolina Freighter TOS "Friday's Child" + SS Columbia Survey Vessel TOS "The Cage" + Crashed on Talos IV + USS Columbia NCC-621 ST:TMP + Scout + USS Constantinople Transport ship TNG "The Schizoid Man" + USS Denver Transport ship TNG "Ethics" + Struck gravitic mine - presumed abandoned + USS Drake Light Cruiser TNG "The Arsenal of Freedom" + Captain Paul Rice + Destroyed by automated defence system on Minos + USS Discovery ? TOS "The Squire of Gothos" + USS Entente NCC-21249 ST:TMP + Dreadnought + USS Fleming Med. transport TNG "Force of Nature" + Abandoned in Hekarus Corr.; presumed destroyed + Kobayashi Maru Simulation ST II:TWOK + Class III Neutronic Fuel Carrier + Registration: Amber, Tau Ceti IV + Captain Kojiro Vance + USS Lalo Freight ship TNG "The Best of Both Worlds 2" + Missing after Borg encounter - presumed lost + SS Mariposa DY-500 Class TNG "Up the Long Ladder" + Captain Walker Granger + SS Odin Freighter TNG "Angel One" + USS Raman NCC-25487 (?) TNG "Interface" + Science vessel + USS Renegade Frigate TNG "Conspiracy" + Captain Tryla Scott + USS Revere NCC-595 ST:TMP + Scout + USS Thomas Paine Frigate TNG "Conspiracy" + Captain Rixx + SS Valiant Survey Vessel TOS "Where No Man..." + SS Woden Freighter TOS "The Ultimate Computer" + Class J Cargo TOS "Mudd's Women" + Destroyed in asteroid field + 3 - SR Fighter TNG "The Best of Both Worlds 2" + Destroyed outside Mars Defence Perimeter + 5 - Nova Squadron TNG "The First Duty" + Precision Flying Craft + Destroyed in attempt of Kolvord Starburst +NOTE: SR = Short Range + +Unknown Class/Type: + USS Adelphi ? TNG "Tin Man" + USS Agamemnon ? TNG "Descent" + USS Ajax ? TNG "Where No One..." + Captain Noth (?) (year '27, possibly 2327) + TNG "Tapestry" + USS Akagi ? TNG "Redemption II" + USS Antares ? TOS "Charlie X" + Captain Thomas Ramart + Destroyed by Charlie Evans + USS Archon ? TOS "Return of the Archons" + Destroyed by Landru + USS Aries NCC-45167 TNG "The Icarus Factor" + USS Aurora ? TOS "The Way to Eden" + Destroyed by dissenters + SS Beagle ? TOS "Bread and Circuses" + Captain R.M. Merik + Intentionally destroyed on planet 892 IV + USS Berlin ? TNG "Angel One" + USS Bradbury ? TNG "Me'nage a` Troi" + USS Charleston ? TNG "The Neutral Zone" + USS Clement ? TNG "Lower Decks" + USS Crocket ? DS9 "Paradise" + SS Diedre ? TOS "Friday's Child" + USS Endeavor ? TNG "Redemption II" + USS Gandhi ? TNG "Second Chances" + USS Gettysburg ? TNG "Too Short a Season" + USS Grissom ? TNG "The Most Toys" + USS Hera ? TNG "Interface" + Captain Silva LaForge + Missing; presumed lost + USS Hermes ? TNG "Redemption II" + Possible Constellation Class + USS Horizon ? TOS "A Piece of the Action" + USS Hornet ? TNG "Redemption II" + USS Intrepid ? TOS "Court-Martial" + Vulcan crew; destroyed by 'amoeba' creature + TOS "The Immunity Syndrome" + USS Intrepid NCC-38917 (?) TNG "Sins of the Father" + USS Kyushu ? TNG "The Best of Both Worlds 2" + Destroyed in Borg encounter at Wolf 359 + USS LaSalle ? TNG "Reunion" + USS Lexington ? TNG "Thyne Own Self" + USS Livingston ? DS9 "Invasive Procedures" + USS Merrimac ? TNG "Sarek" + USS Monitor ? TNG "The Defector" + USS Novel ? TNG "Interface" + USS Pegasus NCC-53847 TNG "The Pegasus" + Captain Eric Pressman + Prototype phased-cloaking vessel + Presumed destroyed by warp core breach 12 years + ago; later located inside Asteroid Gamma 6-0-1 + in the Devolin System + USS Republic NCC-1371 TOS "Court Martial" + USS Rutledge ? TNG "The Wounded" + Captain Benjamin Maxwell (previous commander) + USS Shika Maru ? TNG "Darmok" + Captain Sylvester + USS Tiananmen ? TNG "Redemption II" + Possible Constellation Class + USS Tolstoy ? TNG "The Best of Both Worlds 2" + Destroyed in Borg encounter at Wolf 359 + USS Trieste ? TNG "11001001" + USS Tripoli ? TNG "Datalore" + USS Wellington ? TNG "11001001" + USS Valiant ? TOS "A Taste of Armageddon" + Missing in space some 50 years ago after + first contact with Eminiar VII + USS Yorktown ? TOS "Obsession" + NCC-1631 TOS "Court Martial" + (identified by wall status display) + NCC-1664 TOS "Court Martial" + (identified by wall status display) + NCC-1665 TOS "Court Martial" + (identified by wall status display) + NCC-1667 TOS "Court Martial" + (identified by wall status display) + NCC-1672 TOS "Court Martial" + (identified by wall status display) + NCC-1700 TOS "Court Martial" + (identified by wall status display) + NCC-1703 TOS "Court Martial" + (identified by wall status display) + NCC-1705 TOS "Court Martial" + (identified by wall status display) + NCC-1710 TOS "Court Martial" + (identified by wall status display) + 2 - ? TNG "11001001" + Class IX Probe TNG "The Emissary" + Modified with life support systems + Transport DS9 "Playing God" + Possible Syndey Class + + +--- FERENGI ALLIANCE --- + +Decora Class: + Transport ship TNG "Force of Nature" + +Unknown Class: + Krayton DaiMon Tog TNG "Me'nage a` Troi" + Krique-ta Daimon Bractor TNG "Peak Performance" + DaiMon Tarr TNG "The Last Outpost" + DaiMon Bok TNG "The Battle" + DaiMon Goss TNG "The Price" + Shuttle TNG "The Price" + Lost via wormhole in Delta Quadrant + Shuttle TNG "The Perfect Mate" + Self-sabotaged containment failure + Daimon Lorin TNG "Rascals" + Renegade Ferengi ship + Klingon B'Rel Class (Bird of Prey): + Captured by the USS Enterprise + ? TNG "Rascals" + Renegade Ferengi ship + Klingon B'Rel Class (Bird of Prey): + Captured by the USS Enterprise + ? TNG "Descent" + Trading ship + Nagus' ship DS9 "Rules of Acquisition" + + +--- KLINGON EMPIRE --- + +Bird of Prey Type: + Barruc Captain Gowron TNG "Reunion" + Bortas Warship TNG "The Defector" + Heghta' Captain Kurn TNG "Redemption" + Pagh Cruiser TNG "A Matter of Honor" + Captain Kargan + Vorn Captain Duras TNG "Reunion" + /HMS Bounty Scout Class ST III:TSFS + Captain Kruge + Admiral James T. Kirk + Crash-landed in San Fransisco Bay, Earth + Captain Klaa ST V:TFF + 2 - Warship TNG "The Defector" + 2 - ? TNG "Mind's Eye" + ? TNG "Redemption" + Destroyed by Klingon vessel Bortis + ? TNG "Redemption" + 2 - ? TNG "Redemption II" + Destroyed in battle with the Hektar + Prototype ST VI:TUC + General Chang + Destroyed by Enterprise and Excelsior + ? DS9 "Past Prologue" + +D-7 Cruiser Type: + Amar ? ST:TMP + Destroyed by V'ger + Tong Captain K'Temoc TNG "The Emissary" + Found after extended dormancy + Captain Kang TOS "The Day of the Dove" + ? TOS "Elaan of Troyius" + Captain Koloth TOS "The Trouble With Tribbles" + 2 - ? ST:TMP + Destroyed by V'ger + 3 - ? ST II:TWOK + Simulation + Kronos One Battle Cruiser ST VI:TUC + Chancellor Gorkon + +D-7 Attack Cruiser Type (Newer): + Bortas Captain Gowron TNG "Redemption" + Mutah ? TNG "The Chase" + Tolkaht Captain Telpa DS9 "Dramatis Personae" + Destroyed (bomb placed near reactor core) + Captain K'mpec TNG "Reunion" + ? TNG "Mind's Eye" + Commander Morag TNG "Aquiel" + Governer Torak TNG "Aquiel" + +K'Vort Class: + ? TNG "Yesterday's Enterprise" + Destroyed in battle with the Enterprise-D + 2 - ? TNG "Yesterday's Enterprise" + +T'Rann Class shuttlecraft: + Captain Koral TNG "Gambit, Part II" + +Unknown Class: + Kar'tagH Cruiser TNG ? "Heart of Glory" + Prang Crusier TNG "The Emissary" + ? TOS "Errand of Mercy" + ? Scout TOS "Friday's Child" + Cruiser TNG "The Royale" + Advance Scout TNG "Yesterday's Enterprise" + + +--- ROMULAN EMPIRE --- + +Bird of Prey: + ? TOS "Balance of Terror" + ? TOS "The Deadly Years" + +D-7 Cruiser Type(Klingon): + 3 - ? TOS "The Enterprise Incident" + +Warbird Class (B-Type): + ? TNG "The Enemy" + Cmdr Tomalak TNG "The Enemy" + (identified this class in TNG "The Defector") + +Warbird Type: + Decius Admiral Picard TNG "Future Imperfect" + Illusionary + D'Voris Admiral Mendak TNG "Data's Day" + Ha'khom Sub Cmdr Taris TNG "Contagion" + IRW Kazara Cmdr Toreth TNG "Face of the Enemy" + Terex Cmdr Sirol TNG "The Pegasus" + ? TNG "The Neutral Zone" + Illusionary TNG "Where Silence Has Lease" + ? TNG "The Enemy" + 4 - ? TNG "Yesterday's Enterprise" + ? TNG "Data's Day" + ? TNG "Mind's Eye" + ? TNG "Timescape" + +D'Daridex Cruiser: + ? TNG "Tin Man" + Destroyed by Gumptu + ? TNG "Tin Man" + +Unknown Class: + Scout ship TNG "The Defector" + Admiral Jarok + Destroyed in self-detonation + ? TNG "Sins of the Father" + Scout type TNG "The Next Phase" + Gasgo ? DS9 "Paradise" + +NOTE: IRW = Imperial Romulan Warbird + +--- OTHERS --- + +Ships By Name: + Akina "Cargo ship" DS9 "Invasive Procedures" + Rogue terrorist ship + Batris Talarian Freighter TNG "Heart of Glory" + Destroyed after sustaining severe damage + Dorian Captain Talmit TNG "Man of the People" + Transport ship + ISS Enterpise Federation Empire TOS "Mirror, Mirror" + Captain James T. Kirk + Erstwhile Cargo Carrier Class 9 TNG "The Outrageous Okona" + Captain Okona + Fesarius ? TOS "The Corbomite Maneuver" + First Federation Flagship + Gumptu Living space vessel TNG "Tin Man" + Jovis Zabaylian Tradeship TNG "The Most Toys" + Captain Kivas Fajo + Kalondin Kressari ship DS9 "The Circle" + Kamair Talarian warship TNG "Suddenly Human" + Captain Endar + Kalisco Cargo ship TNG "Silicon Avatar" + Destroyed by Crystaline Entity + Lalow Freighter TNG "We'll Always Have Paris" + Malad Transport ship TNG "New Ground" + Mondor Pakled ship TNG "Samaritan Snare" + Nanut Tygarian freighter DS9 "The Homecoming" + Nenobec Mining shuttle TNG "Final Mission" + Captain ? + Crash landed on Labda Paz + Norcova Freighter ship DS9 "The Passenger" + 12 member crew + Rakmeunis Kobheerian freighter DS9 "Duet" + Rayat Kobliad Transport ship DS9 "The Passenger" + Sanction Onaran Freighter TNG "Symbiosis" + Santa Maria Air(?)-1 Class DS9 "Paradise" + Personnel transport + Crash landed on planet in Orelious Minor system + Sher Val Das Valerian Transport DS9 "Dramatis Personae" + Teris Mern J'naii shuttle TNG "The Outcast" + Abandoned in Null Space pocket + T'Pau Vulcan ship TNG "Unification" + Tr'Vann Vulcan ship DS9 "Vortex" + V'ger Voyager Probe ST:TMP + Presumed destroyed in evolution of higher life form + Yonada Asteroid ship TOS "For the World..." + +Ships By Race: + Alean Transport TNG "The Chase" + Andorian Transport DS9 "Rules of Acquisition" + Angosian Transport vessel TNG "The Hunted" + Destroyed in escape attempts by prison inmate + Angosian Security Transport TNG "The Hunted" + Atlec ship Class 7 Interplanetary TNG "The Outrageous Okona" + Bolean Freighter DS9 "Whispers" + Borg Cube; scout; crew of 5 TNG "I Borg" + Crash landed on moon within Argolis Cluster + Borg Cube; scout TNG "I Borg" + Borg Cube TNG "Q Who" + Borg Cube TNG "The Best of Both Worlds" + Power overload caused self-destrution in Earth orbit + Borg Ship of a new design TNG "Descent" + Boslik Freighter DS9 "The Homecoming" + Costalane ship Diplomatic TNG "Cost of Living" + Farpoint "ship" Elasamorph being TNG "Encounter at Farpoint" + 3 - Fernalian Science vessel DS9 "Emissary" + Talarian design + Gatherer's ship Pakled design TNG "The Vengeance Factor" + Gorn TOS "Arena" + Hekaran TNG "Force of Nature" + Husnakk Warship; Illusionary TNG "The Survivors" + 2 - Kalon Starship TNG "Half a Life" + Katarian TNG "The Game" + Klaestronian DS9 "Dax" + Korvallan Antares Class Freighter TNG "Face of the Enemy" + Destroyed by IRW Kazara in Kaleb Sector + Lician Destroyer TNG "Conundrum" + Destroyed by USS Enterprise + 7 - Lician Sentry Pod TNG "Conundrum" + Destroyed by USS Enterprise + (47 in total, all presumed destroyed) + Lyaaran Shuttle; crash landed TNG "Liaisons" + Miradorn ship Theta Class DS9 "Vortex" + Captain Arkel + Destroyed by igniting Tomair field in Chalmra Vortex + Molzrek Transport DS9 "Q-Less" + Orion Scout; self-destructed TOS "Journey to Babel" + Promellian Battle cruiser TNG "Booby Trap" + Destroyed + 2 - Rekok Battle cruiser TNG "Man of the People" + Sheliak TNG "The Ensigns of Command" + Skrreean Emigrant ship DS9 "Sanctuary" + Stolen; destroyed by Bajoran Interceptors + 100s - Skrreean Emigrant ship DS9 "Sanctuary" + Straleb Security ship TNG "The Outrageous Okona" + Class 7 Interplanetary + Suffite Freighter DS9 "The Homecoming" + Sutteran Pilot: "Keran MacDuff" TNG "Conundrum" + Destroyed - possible self-destruction + T'Lani Cruiser; Darmok design DS9 "Armageddon Game" + Taask DS9 "Captive Persuit" + Taask Hunter DS9 "Captive Persuit" + Talarian Observation Craft TNG "Suddenly Human" + 2 - Talarian Warship TNG "Suddenly Human" + Teldarian Cruiser TNG "Mind's Eye" + Tellerite Freighter DS9 "Shadowplay" + Tarellian TNG "Haven" + Terellian Cargo freighter TNG "Liaisons" + Crash landed + 2 - Tholian TOS "The Tholian Web" + Valtese Chancellor Alrik TNG "The Perfect Mate" + Veneban Transport DS9 "Vortex" + Vergillian Freighter DS9 "Vortex" + 4 - Vulcan Destroyed by Warbird TNG "Unification II" + Vulcan TNG "The Chase" + Waddi DS9 "Move Along Home" + Yridian Warp-capable tradeship TNG "Birthright, Part I" + Yridian Destroyer TNG "The Chase" + Destroyed by USS Enterprise + Zalconian Commander Sunad TNG "Transfigurations" + +Others/Unknown: + Lazarus' ship TOS "The Alternative Factor" + Merchantship ST III:TSFS + Destroyed by Klingon Bird of Prey + Doomsday Machine TOS "The Doomsday Machine" + Deactivated by destruction of USS Constellation + Ion Drive ship TOS "Spock's Brain" + Scout type TOS "The Corbomite Maneuver" + First Federation vessel + Sublight Freighter TNG "Final Mission" + Radioactive Waste Product ship + Time pod (26th Century) TNG "A Matter of Time" + Captain Jaheel DS9 "Babel" + Destroyed by containment field breach + Mercenary ship TNG "Gambit, Part I" + diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/ships.trk b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/ships.trk new file mode 100644 index 00000000..059b3340 --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/ships.trk @@ -0,0 +1,383 @@ +TNG Starship Index + +compiled by Scott Hollifield +updated through the end of Season 5 + + +Note: With a few exceptions, all of this information was taken directly +from the series, or from Mike Okuda, which is just as good. The exceptions +involve data such as ship classes which come from questionable, and possibly +tech fandom-derived, sources. Such questionable information is denoted +with an asterisk at the end of the entry. + + + +Key: + +Name of starship + Registry: [if known] + Class: [if known] + Captain/Commanding officer: [if known] + First officer: [if known] + Description + (Episode references) + + + + +USS Adelphi + Captain: Darson + Captain Darson lost his life in the Ghorushda disaster by unwittingly + violating one of the taboos of the native inhabitants. + (Tin Man) + +USS Ajax + Registry: NCC-11574 + Class: Apollo + A ship involved in Lt. Kazinski's warp engine experients. + (Where No One Has Gone Before) * + +USS Akagi + Involved in the Romulan blockade. It and the Hornet are led by the + Excalibur to form a strategic gap in the fleet's tachyon detection + grid. + (Redemption II) + +USS Ares + Registry: NCC-45167 + Class: Renaissance + First Officer: Cmdr. Flaherty + Exploring the Vega Omicron sector where intelligent life forms are + indicated. Command offered to William Riker; Riker accepted but + declined again before transfer. Affected by the latent Tartjannen + mutagen, Ens. Mendez stole a shuttle from the Ares and took it back + to the planet. + (The Icarus Factor, Identity Crisis) * + +USS Bozeman + Class: Soyuz + Captain: Morgan Batesman + Travels in time over 80 years and is trapped in a causality loop which + also captures the Enterprise. + (Cause and Effect) + +USS Berlin + Registry: NCC-14232 + Class: Excelsior + Holding picket duty in the Romulan Neutral Zone. Joined with the + Enterprise to defend against Romulan unrest. + (Angel One) * + +USS Bradbury + Registry: NCC-72307 + Class: Corsair + Meant to ferry Ens. Wesley Crusher to Starfleet Academy; Crusher missed + it and remained on the Enterprise. + (Menage A Troi) * + +USS Brattain + Registry: NCC-21166 + Class: Miranda + Captain : Zaheva + First Officer : Cmdr. Brink + Science vessel with a crew of 34. Its crew went mad from the effects + of artificially-induced dream deprivation and killed one another. + The Brattain was escorted to a starbase by the USS Enterprise and + is currently undergoing recommission. + (Night Terrors) + +USS Constantinople + Class: Liner + Crew of 2012 colonists, disabled. Its crew suffered from severe + hypoxia; they were saved by the Enterprise with only 46 injuries. + (The Schizoid Man) + +USS Drake + Captain: Paul Rice + A light cruiser destroyed by the Echo Papa 607. Command offered to + William Riker at one time. + (Arsenal of Freedom) + +USS Endeavor + Participated in the Romulan tachyon blockade. Was part of the + Katarian plan to distribute mind-control devices throughout the + Federation. + (Redemption II, The Game) + +USS Enterprise + Registry: NCC-1701-C + Class: Ambassador + Captain: Rachel Garrett + Lost in a battle with the Romulans at Norendra Three over 22 years ago. + Capt. Garrett died in an alternate timeline while in battle with + Klingon warships; the Enterprise was led back into its own time and + space by Lt. Richard Castillo. + (Yesterday's Enterprise, Redemption II) + +USS Enterprise + Registry: NCC-1701-D + Class: Galaxy + Captain: Jean-Luc Picard + Built at the Utopia Planetia shipyards on Mars. Crew compilent of + over 1000. In the alternate timeline, it is a Galaxy-class warship + capable of carrying over 6000 troops. + +USS Essex + Registry: NCC-173 + Class: Daedelus + Captain: Bryce Shumar + First Officer: Morgan Kelley + Crashed on the moon of Mabu Six over 200 years ago. Incorporeal + prisoners of the planet attempted to use the Essex to escape, + unsuccessfully. + (Power Play) + +USS Excalibur + Captain: William T. Riker (acting) + First officer: Geordi LaForge (acting) + Participated in the Romulan blockade. + (Redemption II) + +USS Fearless + Registry: NCC-14598 + Class: Excelsior + Transported Lt. Kosinski to the Enterprise to commence testing his + new warp drive designs. + (Where No One Has Gone Before) * + +USS Gettysburg + Captain: Mark Jameson + Commanded by Jameson before he was promoted to the admiralty. + (Too Short a Season) + +USS Goddard + Registry: NCC-59621 + Class: Korolev + Meant to rendevous with the Enterprise; the meeting was delayed. + (The Vengeance Factor) * + +USS Grissom + Federation ship closest to the Sigma Erani system; it was too far + away to help the Enterprise obtain more hytritium. + (The Most Toys) + +USS Hathaway + Registry: NCC-2593 + Class: Constellation + Commanding Officer: William Riker (temporary) + Orbited Braslota Three as a derelict until it was returned to + service as part of a wargames project with the Enterprise, which + was interrupted by Ferengi attack. + (Peak Performance) + +USS Hermes + Participated in the Romulan tachyon blockade; ordered to join with + the Sutherland and the Tian Nam Men. + (Redemption II) + +USS Hood + Registry: NCC-42296 + Class: Excelsior + Captain: Robert DeSoto + First Officer: William Riker (formerly) + Transported Geordi LaForge and the Crushers to Farpoint Station to meet + the Enterprise; transported Tam Elbrun to the Enterprise. Was en route + to assist the Enterprise at the Neutral Zone. Its meeting with the + Enterprise at Browder Four to help terraforming efforts was delayed. + (Encounter At Farpoint, Tin Man, The Defector, Allegiance) * + +USS Horatio + Class: Ambassador + Captain: Walker Keel + Mysteriously destroyed after Keel warned Picard about the deadly + Starfleet investigation. + (Conspiracy) + +USS Hornet + Involved in the Romulan blockade. It and the Akagi are led by the + Excalibur to form a strategic gap in the fleet's tachyon detection + grid. + (Redemption II) + + +USS Intrepid + It was the first ship on the scene after the Khitomer Massacre, + and picked up Worf and Kahlest. Its logs were tampered with while + filed in Klingon databases, as discovered by the Enterprise. + CPO Sergei Rozhenko served aboard her as a warp field specialist. + (Sins of the Father, Family) + +USS Kyushu + Destoryed by the Borg at Worf 359. + (Best of Both Worlds) + +USS Lalo + Class: Freighter + Attacked by the Borg between Zeta Alpha Two and Sentinel Minor Four. + She was presumed lost in battle. + (The Best of Both Worlds) + +USS Lantree + Class: Class Six Supply Ship + Captain: L. Iso Tolaka + Its first officer was affected by Thelusian Flu; this combined with + Darwinian antibodies caused the Lantree's crew of 26 to grow old and + die. + (Unnatural Selection) + +USS LaSalle + Reported radiation anomalies in the Gamma Origulon system. + (Reunion) + +USS Melbourne + Class: Nebula + In dock at Starbase 74. Command offered to William Riker; was + lost in a battle with the Borg at Wolf 359. + (11001001, The Best of Both Worlds) + +USS Merrimac + Registry: NCC-61827 + Class: Nebula + Tranferred the party of Ambassador Sarek back to Vulcan from Legara + Four. Returns Ensign Wesley Crusher to Starfleet Academy following + vacation aboard the Enterprise. * + (Sarek, The Game) + +USS Monitor + Registry: NCC-61826 + Class: Nebula + Was en route to assist the Enterprise at the Neutral Zone, but would + arrive too late to be of help. + (The Defector) * + +USS Phoenix + Registry: NCC-65420 + Class: Nebula + Captain: Benjamin Maxwell + Went on an unauthorized attack mission against the Cardassians. Maxwell + was taken into custody by Starfleet. + (The Wounded) + +USS Potemkin + Class: Excelsior + William Riker served here as a Lieutenant. It was the last ship, + before the USS Enterprise, to make contact with Turkana Four. Dr. + Toby Russell transports to the Enterprise from it. + (Peak Performance, Legacy, Ethics) + +USS Renegade + Captain: Tryla Scott (formerly) + A frigate, commanded by Scott while under control of the Parasites. + (Conspiracy) + +USS Repulse + Registry: NCC-2544 + Class: Excelsior + Captain: Taggart + Tranferred a new crew supplement to the Enterprise, including Dr. + Katherine Pulaski. Contacted by the Enterprise later when searching + for Pulaski's transporter records. + (The Child, Unnatural Selection) * + +USS Rutledge + Captain : Bejamin Maxwell (formerly) + Chief Tactical Officer : Miles O'Brien (formely) + Other crew: Will Kaden + (The Wounded) + +USS Shiku Maru + Captain : Silvestri + The last ship prior to the Enterprise to attempt contact with the + Tamarians. + (Darmok) + +USS Stargazer + Registry: NCC-2893 + Class: Constellation + Captain: Jean-Luc Picard + Picard's first command; was the first to encounter - and be lost to - + the Ferengi. While under Picard's command, visited Chalna; and was + engaged in battle by Cardassians. Was presented to Picard as a gift by + the Ferengi nine years after being lost. + (The Battle, Allegiance, The Wounded) + +USS Sutherland + Captain: Data (acting) + First officer: Christopher Hobson (acting) + Participated in the Romulan tachyon blockade; grouped with the + Tian Nam Men. + (Redemption II) + +USS Thomas Paine + Registry: NCC-65530 + Class: New Orleans + Captain: Rixx + (Conspiracy) * + +USS Tian Nam Men + Participated in the Romulan tachyon blockade; grouped with the + Sutherland. + (Redemption II) + + +USS Tolstoy + Destroyed by the Borg at Wolf 359. + (Best of Both Worlds) + +USS Trieste + Registry: NCC-37124 + Class: Yosemite + Ship that Base Commander Orfil Quinteros recommended pursue the + Enterprise - it was the closest to Starbase 74, but was too slow. + Lt. Cmdr. Data served on it at one time, during which he experienced + his first trip through a wormhole. + (11001001, Clues) * + +USS Tsiolkovsky + Registry: NCC-53911 + Class: Oberth + Infected with the Psi-2000 virus. Its crew committed suicide. + (The Naked Now) + +USS Victory + Registry: NCC-9754 + Class: Constellation + Met with the Enterprise at coordinates 3629 x 584. Named after an + ancient Earth sailing ship. A Victory away team on Tartjannan, + consisting of Lt. Geordi LaForge, Lt. Susanna Leitjen, Lt. Paul Hickman, + Ens. Mendez, and Ens. Anthony Braval, contracted a parasitic mutation + which began transforming them five years later; only Leitjen and LaForge + survived it. + (Elementary Dear Data, Identity Crisis) + +USS Wellington + Ship that the Bynars worked on before their hijacking of the + Enterprise. It reported normal operations when contacted by + the Enterprise in an incident three years later. Ensign Ro Larren + served here. + (11001001, Remember Me, Ensign Ro) + +USS Yamato + Registry: NCC-1305-E + Class: Galaxy + Captain: Donald Varley + Sister ship of the Enterprise. The mysterious space entity Nagilum + created a facsimile to test the Enterprise. The real Yamato was + destroyed by a system virus transmitted by an Iconian probe. + (Where Silence Has Lease, Contagion) + +USS Zapata + Ship the Enterprise is assigned to rendezvous with after leaving + Betazed. + (Menage A Troi) + +USS Zhukov + Registry: NCC-62136 + Class: Ambassador + Captain: Gleason + Lt. Reginald Barclay served aboard her before transferring to the + Enterprise. It transferred Ambassador T'Pel, in actuality a Romulan + spy, onto the Enterprise. It transferrd additional officers to the + Enterprise to assist in the survey of the Phoenix cluster. + (Hollow Pursuits, Data's Day, The Game) + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/silence b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/silence new file mode 100644 index 00000000..6eeeaf4e --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/silence @@ -0,0 +1,13418 @@ +=========================================================================== +Archivist note: +Kellie Matthews-Simmon's email address is now matthewk@ucsu.colorado.edu +=========================================================================== +From JULIA@Jetson.UH.EDU Tue Aug 31 16:33:38 1993 +X-VM-v5-Data: ([nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil] + ["10532" "Tue" "31" "August" "1993" "12:41:30" "-0500" "JULIA@Jetson.UH.EDU" "JULIA@Jetson.UH.EDU" nil "173" "(TNG) Silence, A Novel by Kellie Matthews-Simmons, Prologue" "^From:" nil nil "8"]) +Return-Path: +Received: from Rosie.UH.EDU by depot.cis.ksu.edu SMTP (8.5) + id QAA00508; Tue, 31 Aug 1993 16:33:35 -0500 +Received: from Jetson.UH.EDU by Jetson.UH.EDU (PMDF V4.2-11 #3125) id + <01H2E942FMDS8XAHXS@Jetson.UH.EDU>; Tue, 31 Aug 1993 12:41:31 CDT +Message-id: <01H2E942HRJM8XAHXS@Jetson.UH.EDU> +X-VMS-To: @ARCHIVE +MIME-version: 1.0 +Content-type: TEXT/PLAIN; CHARSET=US-ASCII +Content-transfer-encoding: 7BIT +Status: RO +From: JULIA@Jetson.UH.EDU +To: jfy@cis.ksu.edu +Subject: (TNG) Silence, A Novel by Kellie Matthews-Simmons, Prologue +Date: Tue, 31 Aug 1993 12:41:30 -0500 (CDT) + +The following post is part of the novel Silence, which has already been +submitted to and rejected by Pocket Books, for reasons unclear but probably +having to do with the absence of a "Big Threat" (tm). It is a character- +driven work, so if you're an action junkie, look elsewhere. + +I thank Julia Kosatka (who has half of my brain!) not only for posting this +sucker (for some reason I can't seem to do it!), but for JLP's nightmare- +sequence as well. It added a wonderful touch to the whole. + +Kellie Matthews-Simmons +matthews_k@cubldr.colorado.edu//matthewk@spot.colorado.edu + +copyright 1992, Kellie Matthews-Simmons +all rights reserved + +Standard Disclaimers Apply + + Dedication + + It is a widely accepted fact that most groups of people (as of now, +homo sapiens is our only example) tend to think of themselves as "human." +I suspect this is true of every different tribe which has ever inhabited this +planet. Each human language has a word whose meaning approximates +"human", and usually is used to refer to the specific ethnic sub-group whose +language it appears in. + Gradually, properly, our ethnocentrism is giving way to the concept +that every variety of homo-sapiens is human. For some, the definition has +expanded to include other species on the planet, and possibly even the planet +itself. The perception is evolving, "human" begins to mean "sentient", +"rational", to include any being which has thoughts, and communicates. +Eventually, when we find other sentient species, the definition will probably +expand to include them as well, once we conquer our inherent xenophobia. + The idea of "human" encompassing other than homo-sapiens is strong +in science fiction, especially in Star Trek. Gene Roddenberry's original +concept of the United Federation of Planets symbolizes this idea. Diane +Duane expressed this philosophy eloquently in her original series novel The +Wounded Sky. Vulcans, Andorians, Tellarites, Hortas, even (gasp!) +Klingons, all are human. Not because they have a brain, two legs, two arms +and walk upright (a Horta doesn't even have legs!); but because they are all +reasoning, communicating beings. The sooner we learn this, the sooner we +will cease to have wars over the color of our skin, over the religions we +practice, over the kind of leaders we choose. We are all human. There is +no "them", just "us". This novel was written in honor of that philosophy. + +Kellie Matthews-Simmons +August, 1993 +__________________________________________________________________________ + +PROLOGUE + + +The ship was badly damaged, once-powerful engines nearly powerless, +almost all systems but life-support down. Its pilot was immune to damage, +but, unfortunately, its cargo was not. Already many of them had been +irreversibly damaged by cell-mutating radiation left by its encounter with a +cosmic string. With regret, the pilot shut down the outer banks of stasis +units, allowing the ruined cargo to expire peacefully, without ever gaining +consciousness, their bodies lending some small defense against the lethal rays +let in through the massive hull-breach the string had left. The pilot sang +sadly, both in farewell to those who had Gone, and because it would not be +able to complete its mission. There would be one less group of unique beings. + +On the outer periphery of its senses, a disturbance caught its attention, the +cluttered racket of living minds. Its dull glow brightened. Life meant a world +was near, and where there was one world, there were usually several. Excitedly +it began to search, and finding, grew dim once more. None of them were +suitable, being gaseous giants, or rocky, airless husks. Only one world in the +system was able to support life, and it was only marginally suitable, being too +hot, and thinly-atmosphered for what remained of its cargo. It would not have +been right even were it not already inhabited. + +It continued to search, to the limits of its range, and found nothing. Its glow +faded still further, almost gone. It did not want to give up, but what choice +had it? It sent a pulsing song into the vast emptiness, a cry to its siblings +for help. No answering echo reached it, but then, often replies did not come +for a few moments, as its siblings were far-scattered and intent on their own +missions. Ordinarily it found time irrelevant, but what was a moment to it +was a lifetime to its cargo. It could not wait for an answer. + +In desperation it turned its attention again to the inhabited planet. The world +was not without beauty, with its fierce bronze sky, and sere, brilliant +landscapes. The singer sensed that once the world had been different, had +hosted seas, and been a green world, like that which its cargo had called +home. Otherwise it could not have evolved the water-based lifeforms so +similar to the singer's cargo. And similar they were, bipedal, beings with a +single brain, varied sense organs, sexually reproductive. The now-absent seas +must have been rich in copper salts, for the life-sustaining fluid of these +beings was based on copper, instead of iron. + +Socially, their organization was not dissimilar, they lived in tribal and +family groups, though here the female sex was dominant, rather than the male. +Their mental faculties were more highly developed than were those of the +singer's shipment, and their civilization far more advanced. They had not yet +developed spaceflight, but it was not far away. Most importantly, as far as +the singer was concerned, they had accepted the notion that life probably +existed elsewhere, in different and varied forms. + +Though such was forbidden, it moved toward the inhabited world. It could +not allow its cargo to perish, it could not give up hope. The world would be a +temporary refuge for it and the beings in its care, until one of its siblings +could come to help. It steered the disabled vessel as well as it could, but the +heat of entry damaged it still further, more of the lives it contained ceased, +but not all. When it finally rested on the planet's surface less than half of +its cargo remained alive. It no longer had enough individuals to make its +mission viable. It dulled to near invisibility, brooding on the inequitable +nature of the universe. It had broken many laws to save its cargo, yet had +failed to preserve enough of them for the species to continue. + +After some time, it ceased brooding. The inhabitants of the planet, curious, +had come near. They used primitive tools and instruments to measure, to +inspect; they used their formidable minds to evaluate. It became interested. +There was a possibility there, of viability. Eagerly, it began to work out the +necessary details, what amino acids would need to be restructured, what +chromosomal tinkering would be necessary. Requiring examples of the new +species for study, it opened the ship, allowing access to its interior, then +closed it again, trapping the explorers inside. Commanding the small +worker-machines to life, it gave the visitors sleep, then went to work, +gathering samples, changing, tampering with the codes of life deep within +each cell. Within a short time, it had implanted the first generation of +adapted beings within femalesof both species. It was pleased. They were +perfect. Then it woke the sleepers of both worlds, and released them from the +ship. + +The original inhabitants, though shocked at first, extended cautious +friendship to the newcomers. When the adapted ones were born, it caused +much consternation. It was obvious the new lives were a blending of both +species, yet none of the sleepers could account for how they had been +conceived. The singer found their dismay somewhat amusing, not being +sexually reproductive itself. + +As the adapted ones matured, they began to manifest extraordinary abilities, +abilities neither group of progenitors had shown particular aptitude for. The +singer wondered briefly which of the thousand changes it had made had +produced those abilities, but then the adapted ones began to take mates of +their own, both among themselves, and from the unchanged later children of +their parents, and it became too caught up in the wonder of watching the +changes it had made take firm hold and replicate in a new generation to +bother. It was pleased. Its experiment had been successful. + +A third generation had already been conceived when one of the singer's siblings +replied to its distress call. It listened to the singer's explanations with +dismay, and called other siblings to debate. Laws had been broken, a thing to +be punished, yet because of that a new life-form had been created. Like the +other life-forms they sought to preserve and protect, it was unique. It was +sentient. It was self-reproducing. It was innocent. They could not punish the +life-form for existing where it should not, but its presence was disruptive to +the life already naturally evolved and established on that world. + +By the time a decision was made, the fourth generation were nearly adults. +The new species, though longer-lived than the original cargo, were still short- +spanned in comparison to the singers. Since they tended to mate with their +own kind rather than with either parent stock, they were fixing certain alleles +in their genes which might eventually prove destructive. Work would have +to be done to prevent this, and also they had to be removed from the planet +on which they did not belong. The singer was given a new ship, and the +responsibility of collecting all the descendants of the non-natives. It placed +them in stasis and made the first of the necessary genetic modifications while +an appropriate and uninhabited world was found for them. + +The only appropriate world found was one subject to periodic fluctuations in +its protective upper-atmosphere. To compensate for that, the singer situated +their primary dwelling deep underground, where the earth itself lent protection +during the dangerous time. It also left one of its nodes in place to continue +making genetic corrections as the species matured. For a little while it +watched its 'children' to be sure they were well established and safe, then it +gave itself back to the interstellar winds. + +______________________________________________________________________________ +copyright 1992, Kellie Matthews-Simmons +matthews_k@cubldr.colorado.edu//matthewk@spot.colorado.edu +all rights reserved + +Standard Disclaimers Apply + +From JULIA@Jetson.UH.EDU Tue Aug 31 16:33:42 1993 +X-VM-v5-Data: ([nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil] + ["31775" "Tue" "31" "August" "1993" "12:42:04" "-0500" "JULIA@Jetson.UH.EDU" "JULIA@Jetson.UH.EDU" nil "660" "(TNG) Silence, A Novel by Kellie Matthews-Simmons, Part 1" "^From:" nil nil "8"]) +Return-Path: +Received: from Rosie.UH.EDU by depot.cis.ksu.edu SMTP (8.5) + id QAA00512; Tue, 31 Aug 1993 16:33:40 -0500 +Received: from Jetson.UH.EDU by Jetson.UH.EDU (PMDF V4.2-11 #3125) id + <01H2E95INC528XAHXS@Jetson.UH.EDU>; Tue, 31 Aug 1993 12:42:05 CDT +Message-id: <01H2E95INC548XAHXS@Jetson.UH.EDU> +X-VMS-To: @ARCHIVE +MIME-version: 1.0 +Content-type: TEXT/PLAIN; CHARSET=US-ASCII +Content-transfer-encoding: 7BIT +Status: RO +From: JULIA@Jetson.UH.EDU +To: jfy@cis.ksu.edu +Subject: (TNG) Silence, A Novel by Kellie Matthews-Simmons, Part 1 +Date: Tue, 31 Aug 1993 12:42:04 -0500 (CDT) + +INTRODUCTION + +High above the planet, a massive white-silver ship glided smoothly into orbit, +easily avoiding other, smaller vessels, and various pieces of orbital junk. +Though she had never been intended to enter a planetary atmosphere, her +lines were sleek, aerodynamic, as if her designers had indulged an eye for +aesthetic, as well as function. + +A few of the smaller ships darted close, their pilots jockeying to find a spot +from which to get a good look. In an earlier time, those ships would have +been a crowd on a wharf, waiting for the ship to dock. Here, she merely +floated, silently, seemingly oblivious to their presence. After a little while +her admirers slowly dispersed, taking their memories, leaving her alone. + +### + +Below, farther below even than the planet's surface, a woman woke, startled, +staring wide-eyed into the once comfortable darkness, heart pounding, breath +coming shallow and fast. Something had changed. She felt as if she had been +suddenly picked up, and then set down a few inches from her original +position, everything had shifted slightly. Between one moment and the next, +something important had changed. But what? + +She sat up, wrapping her arms around drawn-up knees, rocking slightly as +she opened out, attempting to identify what it was that had awakened her. +For many long, frustrating minutes she left herself exposed, but nothing came +to her. Finally, with a sigh, she stopped trying. Whatever it was, she was +not destined to know... yet. She would have to wait. A strange sense of +anticipation constricted her throat, kept her pulse elevated. Knowing she +would not be able to sleep now, she dressed, and left her dwelling in search of +food. + +### + +CHAPTER ONE + + Jean-Luc sat down on a rock and dangled his bare feet in the cool water +of the stream. It was his favorite spot to hide, on those rare summer +afternoons when he could manage to slip away from the vineyard. Best of all, +Robert was no longer small enough to easily slip through the underbrush to +follow him. He leaned back again against the rough bark of the oak and just +listened to the quiet sounds of the water, the light breeze, and discordant +but somehow comforting sound of his father's cultivator in the distance. +He closed his eyes and sighed, wishing, for a moment, that he could stay there +forever. + As he sat, peacefully soaking up the stillness, he began to notice that +the cultivator had developed a peculiarly rhythymic boom. He sighed again. +Time to go back. He knew his father would be upset enough with the cultivator +acting up again-- if he found out that his younger son had left the vineyard +without finishing his work he would be doubly upset. He opened his eyes and +reached up to grab a branch to pull himself up. It was hard, smooth, and +coldly metallic under his hand. He knew what was happening, tried to stop it, +but couldn't. + he screamed, + His scream ended in a silent sob. He could feel himself screaming, but +there was no sound beyond the rhythmic booming of the cultivator. He looked +with horror at the stream, now encased in a transparent black tube. His body +continued to stand, and began to walk along the catwalk that had replaced the +stony stream-bank. Heart pounding, he tried to grab the tree only to discover +it had become a dead-black pylon supporting another catwalk above him. He +jerked his hands away in revulsion. + Jean-Luc looked wildly around, and found that all the trees had become +lifeless black columns. + . + His breath came in short, painful gasps. His body, which no longer +obeyed his commands, was sheathed in a cold sweat. Before him he saw a gray +door with the word SICKBAY printed on it. He sighed in relief as his body +moved him toward the door and it slid open + . + Picard lurched upright in bed, panting, his ears ringing with the scream +that had finally ripped itself free of his raw and burning throat. + "Lights up, full," he ordered, his voice a raspy travesty. + An involuntary shudder shook him. He cautiously explored the left side +of his face, swallowing hard, unable to shake that last dream-image from his +mind. The image of Beverly Crusher, face dead-white, flaming hair hidden +behind a black cowl, reaching forward to place the half-mask on his face, +its attached laser-sight piercing the darkness in a sanguine beam. He +clenched his fists and drew a deep, painful breath. That made three nights +in a row. It was starting again. He knew he wasn't going to get any more +sleep, so he got up and started to check over the next day's schedule, using +the familiar routine like a mantra. + + + ### + + +Picard looked around the conference table at his officers' faces. Worf was +stoic, as usual; Data mildly curious, Will Riker and Geordi LaForge were +doing their best to appear attentive, Beverly Crusher looked downright +rebellious. He wasn't exactly thrilled himself. Five days of diplomatic +'presence'... god help him, he wasn't sure he could be pleasant for that many +days in a row, especially not planetbound, and without his ship's counselor. +Missions like this were on the dull side at best. He knew none of them would +be happy about his next words, either. + +"Since our presence has been requested at both the opening and closing +ceremonies of Guide Kelssohn's Reaffirmation, we will remain here in orbit +around Halvam for a week. For those of you on the away-team, dress +uniforms will be required." He sat back, and waited for the reaction. It +wasn't long in coming. Riker groaned. + +"Not that, anything but that!" + +Picard suppressed a grin, though his amusement was apparent in his eyes. +He disliked Starfleet's formal dress uniforms as much as the next man, but +under the circumstances it was unavoidable: Diplomatic functions required +dress uniforms. Thus, they were stuck with the current model--a bizarre +fusion of archaic Earth formalwear and Starfleet's current uniforms--until +someone at Fleet Headquarters got tired of the complaints and came up with +something new. + +He waited just long enough for them to become really uncomfortable with the +idea, then dropped the other shoe. + +"Dress uniform will be required at the ceremonies only. In the interim, duty +uniforms are acceptable." + +An audible sigh of relief went up. Riker eyed him askance, no doubt +suspecting he had intentionally drawn out the suffering. He had, of course. +His sense of humor did get the best of him at times. He leaned forward, +steepling his fingers. + +"While I realize that the next few days will be uncharacteristically routine, I +hope that you can all remember that we are invited guests of the Halvami +government, and behave accordingly." + +Beverly Crusher lifted an eyebrow. "As I recall, they requested the Yggdrasil, +not the Enterprise. That hardly makes us invited." + +"They requested a Starfleet presence." He corrected her, slightly annoyed. +"As Captain Ng of the Yggdrasil is Halvami, their original preference is +understandable. However, since the Yggdrasil was damaged in an ion-storm +and is out for repairs, we were awarded the... honor instead." + + +"Mmm." She said, noncomittally. "Still, it does make one feel a little like +chopped liver." + +Data turned his head toward the doctor, head slightly tilted. + +"Chopped liver, doctor?" + +"A figure of speech, Data." Picard sighed. "Reference it later." + +"Yes, sir." + +"What sort of place is Halvam?" Riker asked. + +"Mr. Data, if you please?" + +Data nodded cordially. "Halvam is a class M planet, extremely temperate due +to its optimal axial tilt. The solar day is twenty five-point-four hours, and +the year is three-hundred-fifty-eight solar days. Landmass to watermass ratio +approximately sixty-eight-point-eight-five, and the..." + +Riker held up a hand, stopping Data's recitation. "I meant the culture, Data, +not the planet itself." + +Data stared at him for a moment before speaking. "Commander, it would be +helpful if you were to express your requests more precisely. Halvam is a +class-A human colony, non-ethnocentric. Its population is relatively stable at +three billion individuals. It was established during Earth's early colonization +phase one hundred and twenty-six years ago. Halvam's chief exports are rare +metals, gems, medical stasis field systems, and works of art. The state of the +economy is very good, recreational time is high, and the cultural atmosphere +is highly cosmopolitan. Halvam is known throughout the Federation for the +lavishness of its hospitality. Is there anything else you wish to know?" + +Riker shook his head, smiling. "No, I think that about covers it. + +"Anyone else have questions?" Picard asked, looking around. + +Geordi straightened a little in his chair. "What exactly is Guide Kelssohn's +position, and what's a Reaffirmation?" + +Data turned toward Geordi. "On most human-colony worlds the Halvami +'Guide' would be termed a 'president'. It is an elected position, those elected +serve twenty-year terms, and their duties encompass all aspects of +governance. A Reaffirmation is the ceremony given when an incumbent +Guide is reelected. This is Guide Kelssohn's second Reaffirmation." + +Geordi whistled. "So, this Kelssohn's been Guide for forty years, and he's +starting his third term in office?" + +Data nodded. "Correct. Election of an individual to a third term has never +before occurred, which is why they requested a Federation presence at the +ceremonies. The organizers apparently wished to make them more elaborate +than usual." + +Picard waited a moment to see if anyone else would speak. When no one did, +he stood. "I believe that is all; you are dismissed. Assemble in transporter +room three in one hour." + +His officers began to file out, all but the doctor who remained in her chair, +sitting stiffly, with her arms crossed on her chest. Picard recognized the +stubborn set of her chin and mentally prepared himself for a fight. When the +room was empty save for the two of them, he resumed his seat. + +"Yes, Doctor Crusher?" He kept his tone even and formal. + +"I still don't see why I have to go down," she said, jumping in with both feet. + +He gave her his patented 'long-suffering' expression. "Doctor, you know very +well that second to myself, you are the most senior officer aboard. The +Halvami could take it as an insult if you were to absent yourself from the +ceremonies." + +"It's not as if they'd declare war on us over it, Jean-Luc," she retorted drily. + +"I know that as well as you do, but sometimes duty comes before personal +considerations. I realize you are in the midst of a research project, but this +does take precedence." He paused a moment, then offered his compromise. + +"It would be acceptable for you to attend the opening and closing ceremonies +only, and return to the ship between events to continue your work." + +The tightness disappeared from her jaw and her smile lit the room. He was +startled for a moment by how beautiful she really was. Generally he +managed to overlook it, a virtual necessity for their working relationship. + +"Jean-Luc, you are a sweetheart," she declared vehemently. + +He lifted an eyebrow. "Kindly refrain from mentioning that within earshot of +the crew, Doctor." + +"Certainly," she winked, and gracefully unwound herself from her chair. +"Thank you, captain, I owe you one." + +"I'll remember that," he replied smoothly. There were times that having her +owe him a favor could come in handy. She shot him a narrow-eyed look, +then smiled wryly. + +"I'll bet you will." + +### + +The away-team materialized into a huge, lavishly decorated room, obviously +meant for formal receptions. At the moment it was empty, save for a +distinguished-looking man in flowing cobalt-blue robes. He was an inch or +so taller than Riker, with thick black hair liberally salted with white, and a +closely trimmed beard. His pale blue eyes flickered quickly over the away +team. He looked puzzled for a moment as he studied Data, and his nostrils +flared slightly as his eyes passed Worf, but when he saw Beverly Crusher he +reacted very strangely. Most men looked at her with admiration. This man +looked both surprised and appalled. After a moment he recovered and +smiled, a thin, chill smile devoid of meaning. + +"Welcome to Halvam, gentlemen, lady. I am Ser Coran Delvekia, Minister of +Internal Affairs. I have been assigned to see to your needs during your stay. +Follow me, I will show you to your quarters." + +Picard disliked him on sight. But then, the feeling appeared to be mutual, if +Delvekia's outward demeanor was any indication. He mustered a civil smile +he hoped was more convincing than his host's. + +"Thank you, Ser Delvekia. I am Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the Federation +Starship Enterprise. This is my first officer, Commander William Riker; my +Chief Medical Officer, Doctor Beverly Crusher; Lieutenant Commander Data; +Lieutenant Geordi Laforge, Chief of Engineering; and Lieutenant Worf, Chief +of Security." + +Delvekia acknowledged the introductions with a slight inclination of his +head, then he frowned. "I was not expecting a woman. I shall have to change +the room assignments. All the serving staff is male." + +Beverly tried to smooth over the situation. With a smile which could +normally charm even a Klingon, she spoke. "I'm sure I can manage by myself, +Ser Delvekia. You needn't go to any trouble." + +Delvekia looked at her coldly. "You do not understand our ways. The +servants attend the rooms... always. It would not be seemly for you to have a +male servant. I will change the assignment." + +"I..." Beverly started to speak, then caught the almost imperceptible shake of +Picard's head and paused, revised, then continued. "...thank you. That +would be very nice." + +"Wait here. I will return shortly." Delvekia turned and strode away, his long +robes rippling in the slight breeze he created as he walked. The away-team +was left standing alone in the center of the hall. + +Riker looked at Picard, eyebrows lifted in exaggerated curiosity. Picard +shook his head and shrugged. + +"Friendly sort, isn't he?" Geordi commented softly, his sarcasm not totally +disguised by the natural warmth of his voice. "Seems to have something +against doctors." + +"Or women," Beverly Crusher said, frowning. "He seemed almost offended +by me. Data, is this a strongly male-dominated culture?" + +Data shook his head. "Not according to the records, Doctor. In fact, its +first, third and fourth Guides were women, which would seem to indicate a +fairly egalitarian society." + + "Mmm. Odd. Well, maybe I remind him of his ex-wife," she said, shrugging. +"I wonder what he meant by that 'The servants attend the rooms... always' +business?" + +"I would venture to guess it means the rooms are never unattended, even +when its occupants are sleeping." Data said. + +"That could explain the 'it isn't seemly' comment," Picard said, nodding. +"Data, do you have anything applicable on Halvami mores and customs?" + +Data paused for a moment, looking at nothing, then shook his head again. +"No sir, nothing applicable. Previous sociological studies indicate little +difference between Halvami and current pan-European Earth customs; +however the last study was done nearly twenty-five years ago, and that is +more than enough time for a dynamic culture to evolve a new set of customs." + +Picard frowned. "Twenty-five years ago? Why so long? Is no one from +Colonial Affairs keeping up with them?" + +"Apparently it was not felt necessary, since the world is a class-A colony." + +"And just how do they expect us to be certain we are not offending colonial +cultures when they give us no current information to work from?" Picard +demanded irritably. He turned to Riker. "Arrange to have someone from +Sociology report down as an observer. Without Counselor Troi, it may be the +only way to stay out of trouble." + +Riker nodded. "I'll get someone down right away, but don't you think it +might upset Ser Delvekia if we add someone at this hour?" + +Picard sighed. "Good point. Doctor Crusher will be returning to the ship +after the opening ceremonies to continue working on her research project. If +we bring down our additional person then, it should cause no upset. In the +meantime, we'll have to manage. Oh, and make sure whoever you bring +down is female... we wouldn't want Ser Delvekia to have to rearrange the +rooms again." + +"No, we certainly wouldn't, would we?" Riker said, grinning, then quickly +adopted a more serious expression as Coran Delvekia returned, his +equanimity apparently restored. His smile was slightly more convincing this +time. + +"If you will follow me, I will show you the state apartments and halls while +the room arrangements are being completed. The opening ceremony will +begin three hours from now, so you will have time to rest after you acquaint +yourselves with the building." + +Manifesting polite interest, the group trailed after him as he began to +describe the meanings of the various symbols displayed on tapestries around +the great hall. At the rear of the party, Geordi mimed a yawn at Worf. Worf +scowled at him, and Geordi grinned and shrugged. Through his VISOR, Geordi saw +a slight change in skin temperature around the Klingon's mouth and knew +from long experience that Worf was suppressing a smile. Riker caught the +exchange and shook his head. Geordi sighed resignedly and looked with +intense interest at the walls. + +### + +Their tour finally over, Delvekia had escorted them to their rooms. As Picard +had suspected, each room had its own attendant, whose only apparent +function was to attend the occupant of the room they cared for. All the +attendants were young men... boys really, younger than Wesley, save for +Beverly's whose was a girl of about twelve. As his room was the last they had +come to, Picard had the opportunity to notice a disquieting fact. And now as +he sat in the ornate chamber the Halvami had supplied him, he could not +shake the feeling that something was wrong. + +He looked around the room, at the woven hangings of bright silks and metallics, +the soft couches and ostentatious decoration so unlike his spare, functional +quarters aboard the Enterprise. The rest of his away-team had been assigned +equally elaborate rooms. That in itself was not so odd, considering the +planet's reputation. His gaze traveled to where his attendant sat, quietly +attentive. That was the source of his unease. It troubled him that not only +were the room attendants mere children, they were all disturbingly alike... +small, almost delicate, olive skinned and red haired. Without regard for +gender, they were dressed alike, wore their hair alike, they even moved alike. +The sameness was somehow unnerving. Though each was demonstrably individual, +there was that disconcerting similarity about them. + +He sat back in his chair, scowling absently. During the course of their tour, +he had seen two dozen or more of the 'servants.' Never engaged in any +recreational task, only working. In point of fact, all the laborers he had seen +during the tour had been of the same type. The very uniformity of the +phenotype in the servant caste, and its absence elsewhere, suggested +deliberate discrimination. He strongly suspected that it also explained Ser +Delvekia's peculiar reaction to Beverly Crusher, whose auburn hair, slight +build and deceptively fragile features put her squarely within their category. +He wondered if any of his crewmates had noticed what he had. + +The other thing which troubled him was that none of the servants appeared +to be past their mid-teens, though most were much younger. Even if one +'served' only as a young adult, they had to have elders somewhere... but he +had not seen a single mature individual who belonged to the phenotype. +Granted, their tour had been confined to the complex of buildings which +made up the administrative center, but one would think, given the number of +servants he had seen, that he would have encountered at least one individual +older than twenty. + +As a Federation 'A-status' human colony Halvam had to have, over the hundred +or so years of its existence, met at least minimum Federation guidelines in +order to retain its status. It was widely held to be a model of colonial +success, noted for its organization and prosperity. Yet he was suspicious, in +fact virtually certain, that they were in violation of one of the Federation's +most fundamental tenets; that which held that no sentient being could be +enslaved. + +He found himself wishing yet again that Deanna Troi was not off at her +damned symposium. Her empathic insight would be invaluable in +determining whether or not his suspicions were valid. With a sigh, he +admitted to himself that he was more dependent on her than he liked... in +fact, he had become more dependent on all his top officers than he was +strictly comfortable with. He had never had a crew with whom he meshed so +well, whose abilities were so uniquely complimentary. + +It was a once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon. Most captains never acquired a crew +like his. Over the past three years there had been intense efforts on the +part of some other captains to lure away some of his best officers. It was a +point of pride that none of those efforts had succeeded. Even Beverly Crusher +had opted to return, giving up the directorship of Starfleet Medical to retake +her place as Enterprise's C.M.O. Because he knew he wasn't the easiest Captain +in the fleet to work with, their loyalty was doubly appreciated. On that +thought, he turned to the youngster who waited silently. + +"Excuse me...," he said. + +The boy jumped to his feet, brows raised in question. + +"What is your name?" + +His query garnered a puzzled frown, then the boy touched his lips and shook +his head. + +Picard frowned back at him, not understanding. "What?" + +Again, the boy touched his lips, then shook his head, then he pointed at +Picard and touched his ear, smiling. + +Picard thought for a moment, then his eyes narrowed. "You are not allowed +to speak to me?" + +The boy smiled and nodded. + +"But I may speak to you?" + +Again, a nod. Picard thought it very odd. Why were they not allowed to +speak? Perhaps it was simply for the convenience of the guests in the room, +knowing the propensity of children to chatter. + +"If I give you permission to speak, may you?" + +His question was answered by a vehemently shake of head. + +"I see. Well then, I suppose I must be content with 'hey you', an inelegant +solution, but the only one available. I am going to ask my first officer to +join me here shortly. When he comes, I would appreciate privacy." + +The boy frowned, shaking his head. + +Picard's brows lifted, a look his crewmembers knew and dreaded. "No?" he +asked softly. + +The boy shook his head again, touching his chest, then gesturing around the +room before going to the door and placing both hands flat against its surface. +Once more he shook his head. + +"You are not allowed to leave the room?" Picard queried incredulously. At +the other's nod, he wondered briefly how he had understood the boy's signs, +as they were in neither of the nonverbal languages Picard had studied. +Perhaps it was their simplicity which rendered them decipherable. His scowl +returned, darker than before. + +"How do I contact Ser Delvekia?" + +The boy stiffened, his eyes going wide. Fear, unmistakably. What was he +afraid of? After a moment, he seemed to regain his control and he gestured at +a small metal box on the desk. Picard realized it was an old mechanical- +button comunit. He reached toward it, and the boy was there suddenly, as +light and quiet as a moth, touching his hand briefly, shaking his head. + +"You don't want me to contact him?" Picard asked softly. + +The boy shook his head vehemently. + +"Are you afraid?" + +A nod. + +"You need not be. I mean only to release you from those ridiculous rules. I +suppose if it is customary, I must have a servant while I stay, but fail to see +why you should remain bound to the room or to silence." + +Miserably the child shook his head again. Picard sighed, rubbed the bridge of +his nose and looked around the room. He hated dealing with children, +though of necessity he had gotten better at it of late. An idea occurred to him. + +"Are you allowed to go out on the terrace?" + +The boy nodded. + +"Good. I will require you to go out there, with the doors closed, while +Commander Riker and I speak. Is that acceptable?" + +Looking pleased, the boy nodded and went to stand by the high glass doors +which opened onto a small walled terrace. Picard tapped his combadge. + +"Commander Riker, report." + +"Here, sir." + +"Join me in my quarters. I have something I would like to discuss with you." + +"Certainly, sir... where are you?" + +"Four doors past you, on the left." + +"Riker out." + +Moments later a tap at the door signaled Riker's arrival. Before Picard could +rise, the boy had crossed to the door and opened it. It was uncanny how +quietly and quickly he moved, like a ghost. Riker looked down and seemed a +little startled, then looked at Picard. + +"You wanted to see me, sir?" + +"Yes, Number One, a moment." He looked at his attendant, then nodded +toward the door. The boy quietly removed himself from the room, closing +the outer doors behind him. Picard waited for Riker to take a seat in one of +the excessively cushioned chairs before speaking. Riker looked out at the +attendant who stood looking out at the teal of the sky, his back to the room, +then his gaze came back to Picard, questioningly. + +"As I wished to speak about the attendants, I thought it prudent to ask mine +to leave. Tell me, have you attempted to speak with yours?" + +Riker made a face. "I have, and he won't" + +Picard nodded. "The one here is the same, and I have also ascertained that he +is forbidden to leave the room." + +He was silent a moment, phrasing his next question. Riker must have sensed +he was not through, for he waited patiently. + +"Have you noticed anything unusual about the division of labor on Halvam? +Physical labor especially?" + +Riker nodded, frowning. "I have. All the laborers I've seen seem to have the +same general physical characteristics. Considering the substantial ethnic +diversity on Halvam, it seemed a little odd." + + "Precisely my thoughts, Number One. Tell me, does it also strike you as +peculiar that they aren't allowed to speak with us?" + +"Yes, it does. What exactly is it you suspect?" + +"Discrimination at the least, possibly worse. I would like you to ask the +others if any of their attendants will speak. We must try to ascertain whether +or not their service is voluntary." + +Riker nodded. "I'll get right on it." He stepped toward the door, then turned +back, frowning. "How could they have managed to slip something this +blatant past the CA review personnel?" + +Picard lifted one eyebrow ironically. "Really, Number One, are you really so +idealistic. There must be a thousand ways to slide such things past during a +review, not the least of which is bribery. There is also the small matter of +the time lapse since their last review. I begin to suspect why they +specifically requested the Yggdrasil. As Halvam is Captain Ng's homeworld, he +might be more likely to overlook directive violations than an unfamiliar ship +and crew would." + +"If your theory is correct, then they why haven't they hidden it? It doesn't +make sense for them to leave things status quo, knowing we would be here." + +"That is the weakest point of my conjecture." Picard admitted, leaning back in +his chair and steepling his fingers. "Perhaps they felt it would be less +noticeable to leave things as they are than to try and hide them. In a +situation involving a large number of people, deception might prove impossible +to manage. Then again, perhaps they simply thought we would not notice," he +said with a slight grimace. "Judging from Ser Delvekia's attitude, they could +well think us lacking in the necessary intelligence." + +Riker chuckled. "He doesn't seem to hold Starfleet in particularly high +regard, does he?" + +"Apparently not. Let me know what you come up with." + +Riker nodded and let the room. Picard looked out the doors, a slight frown +creasing his forehead. He had just decided to call the boy back inside, when +someone tapped at the door. Wondering what Riker had forgotten, he +turned. + +"Come." + +The door opened, and an elderly woman of Asian descent stepped somewhat +tentatively into the room. She looked around, almost as if expecting to find +someone else in the room. Picard quickly rose to greet her. + +"Please, forgive my rudeness. I thought you were my first officer." + +"An understandable mistake, as I saw him leave a moment ago. I am not +offended." + +"Thank you. What can I do for you?" he asked, studying her. Her lined, +pinched face spoke of years of unhappiness. Though she was dressed in airy +layered robes in shades of gold and peach, for all their lightness they sat on +her like inch-thick armor. + +She looked around again, in the same, strangely furtive manner, then shook +her head. + +"You cannot do anything for me...," she sighed, her voice a whisper. "...but +possibly for the little ones. I am Seret Ng." + +"You are Captain Andre Ng's mother?" he guessed. + +"I am. But that has nothing to do with why I am here." She sighed and +turned away, then saw the slight figure on the terrace and stiffened visibly, a +shudder sending the elaborate beadwork on her robes into shimmering +display. + +"Are you ill?" Picard asked, concerned. "Please, sit down." + +She straightened, and turned back to him, her face mask-like. "Yes. I am ill, +but only with myself. I have done an evil thing, and I mean to undo as much +of it as I can. That is why I have come. I have not the time to tell you now, +but please, after the ceremony this evening, will you meet me out on the +public square, where I may speak freely?" + +Picard's steady gaze narrowed. She met it for a moment, then looked away, +her expression one of... guilt? He pressed a little. "Forgive me, but I do not +understand. What is it you wish to discuss?" + +"An old wrong, Captain Picard. One I helped create, and one I must help end. +But I must go, others are waiting for me. Meet me there..." she pointed to +the wide, white-paved plaza a short walk from his rooms. "...near the fountain +at the east corner. We will speak more then." + +"Very well, madam, I will do as you ask." + +She smiled, her smile transforming her pinched, closed-off face into +something he suspected approximated her former beauty. + +"Thank you, Captain. You are not a priest of old to give me absolution, but +perhaps my penitence will count for something in the next life. Goodbye," + +On that odd note, she turned and left the room in a swirl of silks. He stared +after her, frowning, then shook his head. + +"Curiouser and curiouser," he mused to himself. "I wonder when the white +rabbit appears?" + +### + +>From a doorway down the hall, a man in a Halvami security forces uniform +watched Seret Ng leave the Captain's room. After she passed out of sight, he +stepped out and hurried away, scowling. + +### +______________________________________________________________________________ +copyright 1992, Kellie Matthews-Simmons +matthews_k@cubldr.colorado.edu//matthewk@spot.colorado.edu +all rights reserved + +Standard Disclaimers Apply + +From JULIA@Jetson.UH.EDU Tue Aug 31 16:33:45 1993 +X-VM-v5-Data: ([nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil] + ["26570" "Tue" "31" "August" "1993" "12:42:32" "-0500" "JULIA@Jetson.UH.EDU" "JULIA@Jetson.UH.EDU" nil "466" "(TNG) Silence, A Novel by Kellie Matthews-Simmons, Part 2" "^From:" nil nil "8"]) +Return-Path: +Received: from Rosie.UH.EDU by depot.cis.ksu.edu SMTP (8.5) + id QAA00517; Tue, 31 Aug 1993 16:33:43 -0500 +Received: from Jetson.UH.EDU by Jetson.UH.EDU (PMDF V4.2-11 #3125) id + <01H2E9684OU48XAHXS@Jetson.UH.EDU>; Tue, 31 Aug 1993 12:42:33 CDT +Message-id: <01H2E9684OU68XAHXS@Jetson.UH.EDU> +X-VMS-To: @ARCHIVE +MIME-version: 1.0 +Content-type: TEXT/PLAIN; CHARSET=US-ASCII +Content-transfer-encoding: 7BIT +Status: RO +From: JULIA@Jetson.UH.EDU +To: jfy@cis.ksu.edu +Subject: (TNG) Silence, A Novel by Kellie Matthews-Simmons, Part 2 +Date: Tue, 31 Aug 1993 12:42:32 -0500 (CDT) + +CHAPTER TWO + +Jaron Kellsohn's Reaffirmation was typical of its ilk. At least four hundred +overdressed spectators sitting posterior-to-posterior in the hall which, when +empty, had seemed immense. Packed with people, its dimensions seemed +oddly reduced. Fortunately, Picard and his officers had been given space on +the dais, where there was at least room to breathe without becoming +unpleasantly intimate with one's neighbor's personal hygiene. Various +planetary officials droned on bombastically, while the away-team struggled +to look attentive and pleasant. + +Personally, Riker would rather have been locked in a room with 'Q'. He +strongly suspected that at least some of the others would as well. He glanced +at Picard, who, though his expression was thoughtful and interested, was +definitely not completely present. Riker wondered what he was thinking +about. Their last shoreleave on Oceania? No, probably not. Knowing Picard, +he was worrying at some great philosophical problem. The man definitely +thought too much. But then, better a commander who thought too much than +one who thought too little. He settled back slightly in his chair and sighed. + +### + +All evening long, Beverly Crusher had garnered nothing but peculiar looks +from most of the Halvami she met. She had begun to wonder if she had a +strategically placed hole in her uniform, or perhaps dirt on her face. Between +that, and the fact that she hadn't wanted to be there in the first place, she +was not having a good time. She risked a sidelong glance at her companions, +and caught Will Riker doing the same thing. She winked, almost imperceptibly, +and he nodded, rolling his eyes: conspirators in boredom. Worf sat at strict +attention, but his eyes held a glazed-over look. Geordi had a distinct +advantage over the rest of them, he could be asleep behind his Visor and no +one would ever be the wiser unless he fell out of his chair. Data had the air +of someone watching a particularly interesting insect. + +She turned her head just enough to see the Captain on her left. Picard, damn +him, managed somehow to look comfortable and even interested as his gaze +ranged out over the gathered spectators, but she sensed something was +distracting him from the events. The everpresent crease between his +eyebrows seemed deeper than usual. She looked out to see what it was that +had disturbed him, but saw nothing out of the ordinary. Idly, she began to do +muscle isolations to relieve the aches caused by sitting still for two hours in +chairs which had no doubt had been designed by Torquemada. And they still +had the reception to go. She wondered what this planet's version of Swedish +meatballs was like. + +### + +Picard sensed his officers' restlessness, and sympathized. If he hadn't been +preoccupied by thoughts of Seret Ng's strange visit he would have felt +precisely the same way. Fortunately, that gave him something to think about +while lending his 'presence' to the affair. He had noticed that there were +none of the 'servant' phenotype amongst the audience in the room, nor, in fact +were there any to be seen at all. There were, however, Halvami Security +Force guards at each entrance to the hall, in full uniform, and armed. A fact +that made Picard slightly uncomfortable. It seemed the Halvami government +thought they had something to fear... a fact at odds with the glowing reports +of a completely satisfied populace which they had been given. It was +definitely not his imagination that something was very wrong on this world. +He scanned the audience, but saw no sign of dissatifaction there, save for the +understandable discontent of complete boredom. + +A flash of peach and gold caught his eye, and he focused on Seret Ng. Her +unwavering gaze was fixed on Coran Delvekia, and the loathing in her +expression was almost tangible. He glanced at the minister, but he seemed +oblivious to her gaze. Interesting. So he wasn't the only one to dislike +minister Delvekia. He grew more curious about what Seret Ng had to say to +him. Would it have anything to do with his suspicions, or was it something +completely unrelated? He made a mental note to ask Data for any +information he had on Seret Ng or Coran Delvekia. It was never wise to go +unprepared. + +### + +The opening observances finally over, they adjourned to the reception. Picard +cornered Data and managed to find out at least a few facts about Seret Ng. +What he learned told him little, save that she and Coran Delvekia had once +been partners in a business. He saw her in the crowd, and nodded pleasently. +Though she was looking directly at him, she seemed not to see, or at least, she +did not acknowledge him. He wondered if it was deliberate, or if she had +really not seen him. He was about to go in search of Beverly Crusher when +Delvekia appeared, smiling his official smile. He sighed. + +"Minister Delvekia, what can I do for you?" + +"Guide Kelssohn has asked to meet you. He has heard about your many +adventures, and would like to meet the person behind the myth." + +Picard winced internally. He hated that sort of nonsense, but there was no +way he could diplomatically refuse. With what he hoped was an acceptable +expression, he nodded. + +"I would be honored to make his acquaintance." + +"I will escort you. He also wished to meet the android." + +Picard gritted his teeth and asked Data to accompany them. He loathed it +when people spoke around Data, as if he were not capable of responding +himself. Data acquiesced, and they followed Delvekia toward the more +crowded portion of the room. Picard felt rather like a carnival attraction. + +He noted with interest that the crowd parted for Delvekia with silent, sidelong +glances which spoke volumes. He was not a popular man, but he was a powerful +one. Conversations ceased, or changed as soon as he got within hearing +distance. It took little effort to reach Kelssohn where he sat, like a king +holding court, in a large chair on a slightly raised dais, surrounded by men +and women in the most sumptuous garb imaginable. + +Kelssohn himself was more subdued, his robes a deep, midnight blue, without +decoration or jewelry. Though he had to be in his seventies, he appeared quite +youthful. He was a large man, broad-chested, large armed, heavy in a way that +implied strength, not simple overweight. When he stood to greet them, Picard +saw that he was close to the same height as his chief minister. The darkness +of his robes seemed a calculated foil for his thick silver hair and high color. +His eyes were grey, close-set and shrewd. His grip, as he shook Picard's hand, +was firm, almost too firm, as if he were testing an adversary, rather than +greeting an envoy. That in itself was an interesting fact. Picard voiced a +standard greeting, paying little attention to what he said, concentrating more +on getting an overall impression of the man. + +Kelssohn pumped his hand, and spoke in a loud, amiable fashion. He was +playing for audience effect, one eye on the crowd. Picard pegged him as a +former actor, but then, most politicians had some of that in them. He +watched Kelssohn go through the same motions with Data, and saw little of +the condescension he had expected. That came as a surprise. He had +expected Kelssohn to treat Data as most people did; as an object rather than a +person. He gave him points for that. When the man turned his attention back +to Picard, his expression was serious. + +"So, it was pretty bad, that Borg busines? We heard about it here. Terrible. +Only good thing is that it's been good for our economy. With so many ships +lost, and new ones in the yards, we're getting a lot of requisitions for +state-of-the-art medical equipment to put on them." + +"I'm sure your equipment will be most welcome, Guide Kelssohn. The +Enterprise uses a great deal of Halvami equipment in her sickbay. I'm sure +Doctor Crusher would be pleased to speak with you about it." + +Kelssohn snorted derisively. "Ha! As if I'd want to talk medical technology +with a lovely woman like that! And Captain, please, call me Jaron, none of +that 'Guide' nonsense. We're all grown men here." + +Picard disliked the forced familiarity, but nodded. He did not volunteer his +own first-name for use. If Kelssohn noticed that, it did not seem to perturb +him. + +"So, how do you like Halvam, Captain Picard?" + +"Our stay has been very pleasent, so far. It is a beautiful world, and our +quarters are more than adequate. I am curious about one thing, though. The +young people who serve in our rooms, why is it they are not allowed to +speak?" + +Kelssohn's eyes shuttered instantly, and some of his air of joviality faded. + +"Young people... oh. You mean the Government House roomservants?" + +Picard nodded. Kelssohn shrugged, exaggeratedly. + +"It's some religious vow they've taken, I believe. I don't know much about it. +Perhaps Coran could help you there." + +"I see. I was also curious as to why they all look so much alike. All small, +slightly built redheads with olive skin. Are they clones?" + +Kelssohn's stiffening was unmistakable this time. "Clones?" He laughed, the +sound forced and unnatural. "Of course not! That would be an abuse of +technology. They're all related, though, cousins or something, I think," his +eyes darted toward his chief minister, a few yards away, then returned to +sweep past Picard's face without meeting his eyes. "Again, Coran would +know more. He's in charge of the work programs." + +"Thank you, I'll speak to him about it then." + +Picard let the subject drop. He had gotten a strong enough reaction to know +he wasn't mistaken. Something was wrong. + +### + +The reception lasted late into the night. After it finally ended, they returned +to their quarters in the Government House. Picard said cordial goodnights to +his officers before entering his room to exchange his dress uniform for a +standard one before leaving for his rendezvous with Seret Ng. As he +changed, he briefly considered informing Will Riker of his plans, but +discarded the idea out of hand. Without doubt, Riker would insist that he not +go, and Picard was determined to ferret out as much information as he could +before filing an official request for status review with Starfleet. Seret Ng's +knowledge could prove valuable, and she had requested him, not him, Riker, +Worf and whatever security personnel Worf chose. He would go alone. After +all, they were to meet in a very public place, so what harm could come from +it? He had a moment's misgiving at that thought. It was usually one which +presaged disaster. Shaking off that unpleasant idea, he nodded to the +youngster half-asleep on a chair by the door, and left the room through the +terrace doors. + +### + +The square was brilliantly lit, and oddly deserted. He had expected that after +the festivities a crowd would gather there, but only a dozen or so gaudily +robed men and women wandered the broad parquetry. He drew a few +glances, his uniform no doubt accounting for the interest in him. Reaching +the fountain, he stood watching the play of water and reflected light within +the abstractly carved basin, waiting for his... contact. + +He smiled to himself, the term conjured images of resistance workers, midnight +rendezvous, and uniformed evil-doers from archaic war novels he had read. He +had to admit, he felt the same slight edge of excitement he gained from his +Dixon Hill scenarios on the holodeck. No doubt Deanna Troi would have a field +day with that. Musing on the origin of the expression 'field day', he idly +circled the fountain, noting how the water slid in a smooth sheet down one side +of it, and jumped from tier to tier with spray-shattering steps on another, and +on the third spiraled in a sucession of small whirlpools. It was a lovely +piece of work. + +"Captain Picard." + +Seret Ng's voice brought him abruptly from his contemplation and he turned. +Gone were the bright robes. She was still in flowing silks, but these were +gray, cheerless. The color suited her aura of unhappiness. "Sera Ng," he +said, acknowledging her presence with the Halvami feminine honorific. + +"Thank you for coming. Will you walk with me? I prefer to move while we +speak." + +"Are you afraid someone will overhear?" + +She smiled slightly, a humourless baring of teeth. "Yes, I am. I admit it. +If Coran discovers we have spoken, I will not be long for this life. I may be +an old and bitter woman, but I do not wish to die yet." + +"Coran... Delvekia?" + +"The same." + +"He was once your partner in a business, a medical research facility, yes?" + +Her thin brows lifted. "You have done your homework, Captain. Yes. We +were, and that was the beginning of my evil. Come. Walk." + +Her command was just short of imperious. He fell into step beside her as she +moved off down a path which led away from the paved square into a grassy, +tree-lined park. + +"Tell me, Captain Picard, did your investigation reveal what sort of research +we did?" + +"I know you hold degrees in biochemistry, genetics and immunology. Coran +Delvekia also hold degrees in biochemistry and immunology. I would +venture to guess you were working on vaccines." + +"Correct, in part. We dabbled in designer genetics as well, changing skin, +hair and eye color, that sort of nonsense. It was a popular fad for a time, +and I was quite good at it. However that is beside the point. We were the +best there was, then. Young, eager, greedy. Then the shock came..." she +stopped suddenly and looked around, frowning. + +"What is it? + +"Did you hear..." she began, and while she spoke a familiar but completely +unexpected tingling sensation suffused him. Transporter effect. Before he +had time to react, he rematerialized into total darkness. + +### + +As his eyes adjusted to the dark, a quick look around told Picard that he and +Seret Ng had not been transported to the same location, however it did show +him four figures coming toward him, each carrying an object whose blunt +silhouette was all-too-familiar. Phasers. The nearest one lifted the object +threateningly. Dropping to his knees, he rolled past the man, under his +guard, then spun around and got in a solid blow to the back of his opponent's +head that dropped him like a rock. + +A second man lifted his weapon and Picard feinted right, side-stepped to the +left, and quickly discovered that was a mistake. The move did take him out +of range of the descending blow, but unfortunately the ground to his left was +almost non-existent. He felt the edge begin to crumble. He reached for the +man who a moment earlier he had been trying to avoid, but missed. As the +ground disappeared from beneath his feet, his assailant caught him for a +moment by the front of his uniform, but it quickly slipped from his grasp. + +The drop was a good three meters, and, unable to roll into his fall, he came +down with most of his weight on his right foot. Something in his ankle gave +way in a flare of white-hot pain. With a gasp, he went down on one knee and +reached for his combadge. His fingers encountered only smooth, unbroken +fabric. No communicator. Trying to ignore the searing pain, he groped +around on the ground, looking for it. Then a memory flashed... his erstwhile +foe catching him by his jacket for a moment. No doubt his communicator +now lay somewhere on the ground above, dislodged by his attacker. + +### + +Not far below, she straightened from her comfortable slouch with a start. There +it was again! Only stronger, far stronger. Her senses were awake on all levels. +She stood, uncertain, trying to fathom exactly what it was she was supposed to +do. Taking several deep, calming breaths, she reached out, searching for +whatever had triggered the compulsion. This time, unlike before, she found it +easily. There were Tall Ones above; very close. A lot of them. She isolated +the different minds... four, no, five. Four filled with dark, harmful intent, +all too familiar to her. The other... this one was different. Bright, clear, +sharp... and afraid. That fear created an immediate resonance in her. She knew +fear, especially fear associated with those other minds. But odd... the other +was not one of hers. In fact, for all its difference, it seemed to be another +Tall One. They made war on one of their own, this time. + +She stood and began to pace, needing to move, and trying to sort out her +feelings. Why should she help one of them? Why was her talent insisting? +And how could she help? She had no power to intervene physically, or even +mentally; at least not when they were so focused on their mayhem. Had it +been only one, she might have been able to help, but not four, that was too +many. + +Because she had not been paying attention for a moment the pain, when it +came, nearly overwhelmed her; it was almost her own. With a gasp she +closed off that level of awareness and had to spend a moment reassuring +herself that she was not, in reality, injured. Then as she turned her +concentration back to what was happening above, she realized that the +situation had changed; she had a chance now. The compulsion to help +strengthened almost unbearably and she succumbed to it. Quickly she +extinguished her light and scrambled into the passageway which led to the +surface, moving with the ease of long familiarity. + +### + +Picard muttered a soft curse as he shifted to a slightly less painful position +and looked up, trying to ascertain what was happening. There was a very +good chance they would come looking for him, so he gritted his teeth, and +pushed himself under the slight overhang, edging his way along it, away +from the spot where he had fallen. Hopefully they would assume he had +transported out, and not look far. + +Every movement sent shards of agony spearing up from his ankle, which was +either broken, or badly dislocated. Despite the pain and the circumstances, he +almost chuckled at the thought of what Will Riker's face would look like +when he realized he was short one person... the one person he had sworn to +keep out of trouble. It would almost be worth the pain to be able to see that +expression. Almost. + +Something wet and cold splattered against his face, then another, and another. +It was raining. He sighed. It figured. Off to his left, a fall of earth and +stones rattled down, and a light flashed across the area, just missing him. +He swore, and as quickly as he could, moved a few feet further away, fighting +the need to express his pain in sound. Leaning back, he discovered an +opening behind him. + +Gratefully he slid into it, and then barely managed to stifle a yelp of +surprise as a hand took his. Immediately a finger was placed against his lips +for a moment, and the hand on his tugged, urging him farther into the shelter +which seemed to lengthen, and widen immediately. He felt whoever it was +move past him, heard the sound of stone moving on stone, and what little +light there had been disappeared. A moment later, the hand returned to pull +at his sleeve and he followed until he couldn't move any more, the pain rising +in a dark tide that threatened consciousness. He stopped with a gasp. + +Immediately he felt cool palms against the sides of his face. Oddly, a tingling +sensation seemed to spread from where they touched him, and a peculiarly +sensual feeling of well-being, almost pleasure, flowed down to mask the pain. +After a moment, the hands left his face and one of them found his hand to +urge him on. Experimentally, he moved, found it was again possible, and +followed his benefactor deeper into the tunnel. Unfortunately the masking +effect didn't last long enough. By the time they reached the end of the tunnel, +he was moving on sheer will, concentrating so hard on not stopping that it +took the other's hands against his chest to make him halt. Gratefully, he did, +wishing it was as easy to stop the pain. + +He heard movement, a scraping sound, then light flared. He winced from the +sudden brightness, then made out a figure, bending to light more candles to +suffuse the small chamber with a warm glow. Finally, she turned to face him. +Her gender was obvious from her silhouette. His first impression was of +preternatural being... a dryad. Shades of brown, gold, and red mingled, hints +of green. He mentally shook himself, not generally being given to flights of +fancy, and sought more prosaic adjectives. + +She was small, not over a meter and a half, and slender to the point of +thinness. The impression of earthiness was enhanced by her coloring; tawny +skin, coppery hair, a brief sarong-like skirt and vest of bark brown; a good- +sized knife at her hip gave him a moment's pause, before his eyes returned to +her face. Even trying for prosaic, she was best described in terms of Raphael, +Botticelli, or perhaps Hagalt of Risan 5; her eyes actually defied description. +Hazel was totally inadequate, though that was the word generally used for +the combination of brown, green, blue and amber. More than their color, it +was their expression which arrested... haunted, hunted, afraid, guarded, +defiant... somehow they conveyed all of that. Eyes that made one wonder +what kind of hell a person's life had been. For a moment they made him +forget his own pain; it was only physical. + +She looked away, breaking the spell, and his pain returned full-force. He +drew in a ragged breath and swore, which seemed somehow to help. She was +beside him instantly, helping him down into the small chamber. As she eased +him over to the nest of mismatched cushions against one wall, it dawned on +him that this was more than the temporary refuge he had assumed it to be, it +was her home. + +He noted the piecemeal furnishings, the attempts at decoration expressed by +shapes woven of dried grasses and flowers, primitive patterns and figures +painted on the walls, an intricate but worn quilt which held the only vibrant +color in the room, aside from her hair. The room had the air of having been +decorated by a magpie, or someone who was forced to live off the castoffs of +others. + +His assessment was abruptly curtailed as she pushed him down onto the +cushions and unsheathed her knife. He stiffened momentarily, wary, but she +only leaned down and cut the strap which held his uniform trousers in place +under his left boot, then proceeded to carefully split the outseam on the same +side to mid-thigh. That done, she resheathed the blade, put two fingers on a +spot about three inches above his knee on the outside, then closed her eyes, +scowling slightly. The peculiar tingling sensation manifested again, +spreading upward, this time much more intense, focused. The undertone of +sensuality was decidedly more pronounced, and he shifted uncomfortably. + +Immediately, she smacked his knee with her free hand and shook her head, her +meaning unmistakable. He smiled a little, but obeyed, and the new sensations +deepened, blocking the pain as they usurped the nerve-pathways that would have +carried it. Feeling oddly disassociated, he watched her open the closure on +his boot as if it were someone else's foot she held. Her fingers left his +thigh and she eased his boot off, then took his foot in one hand and his +ankle in the other. Without warning, she rotated them back into alignment. +Agony blasted through her carefully-wrought blockade, and this time there +was no fighting it; he surrendered to the rising dark. + +### + +She withdrew, having done all she could for him. Any more would exhaust her too +completely. It had been much easier after he passed out and she no longer had +to sustain the pain-blocking as well as trying to heal, but now she felt +utterly drained. She always did after healing. For a long time she sat and +stared at him, wondering what had prompted her to aid one of Them. +Perhaps the simple fact that he had been attacked by his own kind had been +the trigger. That answer didn't satisfy. No, something had pulled her almost +bodily into the world Above, and she had felt compelled to obey. The only +time she had ignored such a compulsion, the day the Darkmind had found +her and the little-ones. The results had been disastrous. She touched her +throat, remembering. She would never again disregard such a call. + +He seemed different, this one. She had not felt disdain from him, as she did +from most of Them. Why the difference? She studied the clothing he wore, and +thought it odd. Usually the Tall Ones were not so subdued in their dress, +preferring flowing robes in brilliant hues, not such austere design or muted +colors. He was a mature male, not as tall as some, though still taller than +she, and sparely built. His face was marked with lines of authority, of humor +and of stress but to her relief, she read no cruelty there, unlike another face +she recalled all too well. There was a subtle sense of... something, about him. +She couldn't put a name to it, but she remembered feeling it before, when she +was a child, from her mother's mother. She strained for a moment to identify +it, and finally it came. Power. Not of the mind, like hers, but power-over. +What the Tall Ones called authority, and confidence. He was important, this +man, if not to the Darkminds, then to some others she did not know. + +Hope stirred within her, a feeble glow she had not felt in far too many years. +Perhaps this was the one she had been told to wait for. Perhaps... no. It +was better not to hope. She would restore him, and send him on his way. +Shaking off a shiver, she yawned and stretched, relieving cramped muscles, then +got up and dug through her collection of 'useful items' gleaned in her foragings +Above. After a few moments she located an object which she could use as a +splint. With some reluctance, for fabric was something she rarely found, she +tore a short length of cloth into strips and bound his ankle securely +into the metal device. She didn't want him ruining the work she had already +done. That accomplished, and knowing the consequences if she did not rest +immediately, she extinguished all but two candles and cautiously lay down as +far as possible from him to sleep. + +### +______________________________________________________________________________ +copyright 1992, Kellie Matthews-Simmons +matthews_k@cubldr.colorado.edu//matthewk@spot.colorado.edu +all rights reserved + +Standard Disclaimers Apply + +From JULIA@Jetson.UH.EDU Tue Aug 31 16:33:49 1993 +X-VM-v5-Data: ([nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil] + ["32794" "Tue" "31" "August" "1993" "12:42:45" "-0500" "JULIA@Jetson.UH.EDU" "JULIA@Jetson.UH.EDU" nil "654" "(TNG) Silence, A Novel by Kellie Matthews-Simmons, Part 3" "^From:" nil nil "8"]) +Return-Path: +Received: from Rosie.UH.EDU by depot.cis.ksu.edu SMTP (8.5) + id QAA00521; Tue, 31 Aug 1993 16:33:47 -0500 +Received: from Jetson.UH.EDU by Jetson.UH.EDU (PMDF V4.2-11 #3125) id + <01H2E96HDFZM8XAHXS@Jetson.UH.EDU>; Tue, 31 Aug 1993 12:42:46 CDT +Message-id: <01H2E96HDFZO8XAHXS@Jetson.UH.EDU> +X-VMS-To: @ARCHIVE +MIME-version: 1.0 +Content-type: TEXT/PLAIN; CHARSET=US-ASCII +Content-transfer-encoding: 7BIT +Status: RO +From: JULIA@Jetson.UH.EDU +To: jfy@cis.ksu.edu +Subject: (TNG) Silence, A Novel by Kellie Matthews-Simmons, Part 3 +Date: Tue, 31 Aug 1993 12:42:45 -0500 (CDT) + +CHAPTER THREE + +Riker tapped on Picard's door. A few moments later it was opened, by the +roomservant. Riker was having a hard time adjusting to the disconcerting +sameness of them. Stepping inside, he found to his surprise that Picard was +not in the room. He turned to the servant. + +"Where is Captain Picard?" + +The servant shrugged. + +"You don't know? When did you last see him?" + +The youngster looked thoughtful, then turned and pointed through the +window at the sun, made a fist with one hand and holding his other palm flat, +lowered his fist from above his palm to below it. + +Riker stared at him for a moment, without understanding. Patiently, the +servant pointed at the sun, then at his fist. This time Riker made the +connection. + +"Last night?" He demanded. + +The boy nodded and smiled, obviously pleased. + +"He hasn't been here since last night?" he asked again, unconsciously +frowning, and raising his voice. + +Once more, a nod, this time accompanied by a puzzled frown. He obviously +did not understand why Riker had asked again, since he had understood the +first time. + +Riker cursed and hit his combadge with unnecessary force. + +"Riker to Picard." he said firmly. Silence greeted his effort, so he tried +again. + +"Riker to Picard, please respond." + +He waited, the seconds lengthened into minutes without a response. He +turned back to the boy. "Did he say where he was going?" + +The boy took a step backward and shook his head. + +Riker took a deep breath. There was probably a perfectly reasonable +explanation for Picard's disappearance. He tapped his combadge again. + +"Riker to Enterprise, please locate the Captain." + +"Yes, sir." + +The voice was Wesley Crusher's. Riker began to relax. A moment later +Wesley spoke, sounding puzzled. + +"Sir... the Captain's combadge has been inactivated." + +"Inactivated?" Riker asked incredulously. There were only two ways to +inactivate a combadge: One was to remove it, the other was to destroy it. +Since they were practically indestructible, it was unlikely to have been +destroyed, but why the hell would Picard have taken it off? + +"Is there any way to locate him without it?" + +There were a few seconds of silence before Wesley spoke again. + +"I'm sorry, Commander, I can't track him without it, since the Halvami are +human. There aren't any differential readings to look for. If I was looking for +Data, or Worf, I could do it, but not the Captain. Is something wrong?" + +"I'm not sure yet. I'll let you know. Riker out." + +He thought a moment, trying to decide what to do next, and decided he +needed another opinion. + +"Lieutenant Worf, report to the captain's room, immediately." + +Apparently Worf sensed his unease, for only moments later, he barrelled in, +skidded to a stop, looked around the room, then at Riker. + +"The Captain?" he asked. + +Riker tried not to wince. "Is... missing." + +"Explain." + +Riker gestured to the servant, who was regarding Worf with an expression +akin to awe. "The boy said he hasn't seen him since last night. I had the +Enterprise try to locate him. Wesley said his combadge has been inactivated." + +"I see." The Klingon scowled thoughtfully for a moment, then looked up. +"The Captain appeared disturbed almost since we arrived. Did he speak to +you about his concerns?" + +Riker nodded. "As a matter of fact, he was disturbed about the 'servants.' He +wondered why they all appear to come from the same racial sub-group, and +why we've seen no one from that group over the age of twenty. He was +particularly disturbed by the fact that they are not allowed free +communication with us." + +"Mmm." Worf said, noncommittally. He looked down at the boy, and +dropped down on his haunches, putting himself on the same level. Riker was +startled by the unconsciousness of the motion. When had Worf developed +that sort of sensitivity? + +"You saw our captain leave last night. In which direction did he go?" + +The boy pointed out the balcony doors to the east. Worf nodded +acknowledgement. "How many hours ago?" + +After a moment's thought, the youth held up both hands, displaying three +fingers on each hand. + +"Six hours? That would mean he left the room shortly after we returned from +the ceremonies." + +His deduction drew a nod from the boy, and then, to Riker's astonishment, +the youngster reached out and traced a finger down the heavy ridges on +Worf's forehead. He was even more astonished that Worf allowed it. After a +moment, he stopped and put his fingers against Worf's throat. Worf growled, +and the boy grinned at him, dropped his hand to his side and bowed slightly. + +As Worf straightened from his crouch, he noticed Riker's expression and +looked a trifle sheepish. "They seem to be fascinated by me, especially by my +voice. The young one who tends my room was similarly curious. They have +no fear of me at all... a fact I find odd, since they do appear to be afraid of +certain Halvami." + +"Perhaps they can tell you're all bark and no bite." Riker said with a grin, +then he sobered quickly. "I'd like you to see what you can find outside, beam +down a security team if you need one. I'll contact Ser Delvekia and try to find +out what the hell is going on! And remember, we're here on a diplomatic +mission, we'll have to coordinate through Halvami Security." + +Worf nodded curtly, and left the room, already in contact with the Enterprise. +Riker sat down at the ancient comunit on the desk to contact Delvekia. + +### + +Coran Delvekia paced, subtly annoyed that his pacing was undoubtedly +damaging the pile on his new carpet. Something else to blame on the +Fleeters. He still hadn't heard from Davan. He knew they must have been +successful; his recent conversation with Picard's first officer made that +obvious. So, where was Davan, with the body? He would have to produce it +soon, or that damned Klingon would start tearing the place apart looking for +their captain. Cursed nuisance, having a Klingon for a security chief. Who +ever heard of a Klingon serving aboard a Federation starship, anyway? + +He realized now that he should have planned more thoroughly, kept the +Fleeters away from the Halflings altogether. He hadn't expected them to be +so perceptive... or so inquisitive. If Yggdrasil had come, as planned, there +would have been no problem. Captain Ng's mother would have made sure of +that, since she'd been the one who designed the carrier virus for the plague +that had, unfortunately, failed to remove the problem completely. He still +wasn't certain why it had failed, it should not have. It had decimated +the adults, but somehow many of the children had survived. At least they +were a convenient source of menial labor, and their silence had been +surgically ensured. He had done his best to rid the planet of the dual threat +posed by the Halflings. The simple fact that they had predated the colony +had put the colony in danger of losing its planet, and as if that weren't +enough, their metapsychic abilities had been terrifying. He remembered the +first time he'd realized that they were telepathic. He had almost let them see +his plans, but had been able to use the shield technique he'd developed as a +child in defense against his father's torments. Thinking about his father sent +a rush of adrenalin through him, tightening his stomach into a knot. He had +gotten him, finally, had paid him back for all the years of secret suffering. +And no one knew. Not even Davan. + +His announcer chimed, and he rushed to open the door, expecting Davan. He +was not disappointed; his younger brother stood outside the door. One look +at the expression on his face told Coran something was wrong. Impatiently he +motioned Davan inside and closed the door. + +"What is it?" + +"We've lost him," Davan said tensely. + +"You did what?" Coran demanded. + +"We had him, easily, but he fell into that damned irrigation ditch just south +of the filtration plant. We couldn't have been more than a minute or two behind +him, but we couldn't find him." + +"He transported?" + +Davan shook his head. "Impossible. Our instruments would have picked up +the transporter activity. No, he simply vanished." + +"Could he have been carried away by the water?" + +"The canal was dry. The irrigation system is not used so early in the growing +season. There is no explanation for it at all. We searched for some time, but +we had to stop when the Fleeter security team showed up. They didn't find +him either, though they apparently found his communication device." + +"I don't like it. How could he vanish? It isn't possible. He must be hiding +somewhere in the area. We cannot afford to have him reappear. Find him, +and get rid of him." + +"We have tried..." + +"Try harder, Davan. Our future depends on it. What about Seret?" + +Some of the strain left Davan's narrow face. He smiled. "We no longer need +worry about Seret's belated attack of conscience. She will not be telling our +story to any Federation investigator." + +"Good. I hope you managed that with more skill than your other +assignment." + +"She was old. It will be taken as a natural death." + +"It had better be." + +Davan's mouth hardened into a narrow line as he nodded, then turned and +left the room. Coran swore softly, and placed a call to Jaron Kelssohn. + +### + +Picard woke, the subdued ache in his leg bringing immediate recollection of +recent events. He sighed; it would have been nice to have dreamed it. Two +candles still burned in battered metal cups on a nearby rock shelf. He +chuckled a little, it had been a good many years since he had required a +nightlight. Darkness held no terrors for him, as he had spent most of his life +surrounded by the infinite darkness of space. Still, it was a considerate +gesture. + +His benefactress lay at the farthest edge of the 'nest' beneath a corner of the +quilt, deeply asleep. Her face seemed even thinner, and more shadowed than +before. Small, red-haired, olive-skinned... and about twenty-five, though it +was hard to tell, since her size made her seem young. She was certainly the +oldest of the servant-caste he had yet seen. He had managed to find exactly +what he was looking for, if in a somewhat unorthodox manner. Though he +had several hundred questions to ask, he let her sleep. She looked as though +she needed it. + +He examined his ankle gingerly. She had immobilized it in a U-shaped metal +bracket which had obviously spent most of its existence inside a machine. The +short side passed under his instep, with the longer pieces extending up on +either side of his ankle. She had wrapped strips of cloth around it for padding, +crisscrossing longer strips over and around both it and his ankle, effectively +splinting it. It hurt far less than he thought it should, so-she must +have used that pain-blocking technique again. It was unusual, to say the +least, unlike anything he had ever heard of, or experienced before. With its +peculiarly sensual tone, it was also something which would take some getting +used to. + +Scowling, he lay back, realizing that he was obviously not going anywhere +anytime soon. How long would it take his people to find him? He wondered +if there were a way of contacting them through the woman. Perhaps she +could be prevailed upon to try and find his combadge, though she had done +more than he could have hoped for already. He wondered who she was, and +why she chose to live as she did... or if it was a choice. Halvam was reputed +to be in good economic condition, but his brief experience on Halvam had +already told him things might not be as they were touted. + +Bored, he began trying to piece together exactly what had happened and +why. Someone had known he was suspicious, and that same person did not +want him nosing around. In fact, they hadn't wanted it enough to commit the +utterly stupid mistake of trying to get rid of him. Stupid because there was +no way Starfleet would simply overlook the injury, death or disappearance of +one of its captains. How had they planned to explain it? An accident? It was +highly unlikely that any of his officers would accept that verdict. The very +fact that an attempt was made at all reinforced his suspicious. + +### + +Though it was difficult to tell time without being able to see the sun's +movement, Picard guessed an hour had passed when his hostess woke. She +sat up, stretched, rubbed her nose, and then saw him. He could tell that for a +moment she did not remember him, because her eyes went wide, and all the +color drained from her face; then apparently memory set in, for she visibly +relaxed, taking a short, deep breath. He sat up as well, and put out a hand, +palm out. + +"I am Jean-Luc Picard, Captain of the Federation Starship Enterprise." + +She did not answer, but she did put her fingers against his in greeting. She +did not speak. He frowned a little. + +"You are...?" he prompted. + +She made a sound, a breath expelled through her nostrils, and returned his +scowl. Indicating frustration he wondered? Why? He looked around, +suspecting a listening device. Lowering his voice to a whisper, he tried again. + +"Can we be overheard?" + +She shook her head, and looked exasperated, a universal expression if ever +there was one. She put her hand on her throat, moved it to her mouth and +shook her head. She repeated the gesture several times. For a moment, he +wondered why didn't she simply tell him whatever it was, then the light +dawned. She did not speak because she could not. She was mute. He looked +up, and found her nodding assent before he could speak. His eyes narrowed. +A telepath? + +Again, she nodded, and touched her chest, her ear, then touched his forehead. + +"You hear my thoughts?" he ventured. + +She nodded. + +"All the time, or only with effort?" + +She scowled, as if concentrating. + +"With effort," he translated, looking to her for confirmation. She nodded. +"Do you have a name?" he asked. + +For the first time, she seemed to hesitate. After a moment, she shrugged, +tugged on one of her braids, then reached forward to take a section of his +uniform between her fingers. The fabric, where she held it, was red. + +"Red?" he guessed. She nodded. "That's not a name, it's a nickname." + +She spread her hands apologetically. + +"Come now, you must have a name. Can you write it for me?" + +Her expression could have been no less amazed if he had asked her to climb a +ladder and get him a star. She touched her chest as if to say "Who, me?" + +He stared back, equally stunned. "You can't write?" + +She shook her head. + +"My god...," he breathed, unable to imagine what it must be like to be unable +to speak, read or write... to have so little ability to communicate would +surely drive him mad. To have no access to literature, or even basic +instructions? Appalling. She seemed intelligent, so the lack was all the more +inexplicable. As a Federation human colony, the government of Halvam was +required to provide at least basic education for its people. If she was a +representative sample, Halvam was in deep violation of its charter, and in +danger of losing its status as a senior colony. He looked at her, shook his +head. + +"I'm sorry." The words fell awkwardly, inadequate. + +She stared at him for a long time, as if trying to ascertain his sincerity. +Finally, she seemed satisfied, and he returned to his earlier subject. + +"Do you really not have a name?" + +She looked away in obvious discomfort. He thought of half a dozen names +that would suit her. Titania, Galadriel, Guinevere... with sudden +embarrassment he realized that his it was not his place to name her. + +She stood suddenly, and walked over to a pile of stones against one wall. +Carefully she removed them until she uncovered something large and +rectangular, wrapped in old, ragged cloth. Carrying the object over to where +he sat, she opened the wrappings to reveal a book. Turning the pages as if +she were afraid they might break, she paged through the book. Many pages +bore brilliantly colored vignettes; men and women in ancient costume, in +various Pre-Raphaelite poses, each picture bordered by intricate interlaced +figures. There was an almost stained-glass quality to the illustrations. When +she finally stopped, and smoothed the book open with one hand, he glanced +at the title; Irish Folk Tales. + +Picard wondered briefly if there was a connection between her red hair and +the Irish folktales. Was she of Irish extraction? That might explain her +coloring. The book lay open to the first page of a story, text on the left, an +illustration on the right, a woman in a green gown, red-gold hair braided in +many sections, each one threaded with green and gold ribbons. She touched +the woman in the drawing, then her lips. He looked into her extraordinary +eyes, but had to look away after only seconds. Her gaze was too +disconcerting. + +"You want me to tell you her name?" he asked. + +She nodded. He had no idea how he had understood her. With so little to go +on, he should not have, yet he had. Perhaps she was a projective as well as a +receptive telepath. +He read the first few lines of the story, and found the name. Just to make +certain, he scanned down the page, and confirmed it. As always with a Gaelic +word, it was anyone's guess how to say it, but he thought he had it. + +"Her name is Etain." he said, pronouncing it with the second syllable accented, +a short initial vowel, and a soft 't,' lengthening the internal vowel... +'Ah-deen'. + +Her eyes closed, and a slight shudder went through her. He watched her +hands clench into fists. She knew the sound, obviously. + +"It is your name?" he asked softly. + +She nodded, eyes still closed, then abruptly turned away, putting a shaking +hand to her face for a moment. Before he could think of anything to say, she +jumped up, vaulted onto the low shelf where the access tunnel opened, and +was gone. Minutes passed, and when she did not return he settled back and +wondered what was happening aboard the Enterprise. He was certain they +had missed him by now, where the hell were they? + +### + +Neither the lightless passageway or the tears that blurred and stung in her +eyes hampered her. She knew the way by heart; it was not necessary to see. +Once she had gone that way daily, first to mourn, then later to remember. +Finally she had stopped going, but she still remembered the way. She rarely +forgot anything... except her own name. It had been years since she had +thought of it. She was simply herself. That was all. She had long ago ceased +to identify herself with a name. The few Tall-Ones she had contact with +called her Red, but then, they called all of her kind that, among other, less +pleasant names. Even when the one called Picard had asked, she had not +been able to remember, but she had remembered the book brought long-ago +as a gift by the Tall-Ones who had later brought death as a further gift, and +now she knew. Etain. With the memory of her own name awakened, others +came. Her mother, Briid, with her laughing gray eyes and almost golden +hair. Mhaiv, her grandmother, leader, wisewoman; her dark-haired, moody +father Isin, the twins Connal and Fahn.... every forgotten name had come +flooding back to torment her with memories best forgotten. Gone now, all +gone. Only the children, whose systems had responded more quickly to her +young and uncertain talent still remained, yet perhaps it would have been +better to let them go as well. + +Her pace slowed as she grew fatigued, her lungs struggling to draw more air, +her muscles aching. It was a long way to where the dead lay quiet, waiting +for her to tell their tale. They might wait forever. Where was the bard who +could sing without a voice? They asked too much, the dead. But then, not so +much as the living. Each time she ventured above, and saw her kin where the +Darkmind kept them, she knew that somehow she must find a way to free +them, or they would be trapped forever in their childrens bodies, their +children's minds. She had avoided that fate at least; the Darkmind's knife had +robbed her of her songs, but she had escaped before they had done the other +thing to her. She grew, and aged, and learned. They did not. She felt the +changes in herself more strongly for missing it in them. + +Now, though the little-ones knew her still, and loved her, and helped her +from time to time, they were incapable of more. The Darkmind held them too +firmly, and nothing she could do would change that. They would not betray +her, but for themselves they would do nothing. They feared him more than +they loved her. Nothing she could do, no memory she could stir had been +able to break that hold. + +She turned a corner, and sensed a change in the air. Here it held a dry, dusty +sweetness... the scent of the dead. She was close. She slowed, and composed +herself, rubbing the traces of tears away, straightening her clothing, +smoothing her hair. She did not wish to be disrespectful. The passage +widened, now broad enough for six to walk abreast. She knew it extended +upward the same distance. She put a hand against one wall and explored the +carvings which covered it, recognizing where she stood. The entrance was +only a few steps away. She traced the lines of one deep-carved spiral inward, +calming herself, centering, then lifted her hands higher, and almost above her +reach found the smooth, cool curve she sought. With both hands against the +globe she commanded it to life. After a few moments, faintly at first, then +with growing intensity it began to glow with a pale, milky light. She sighed +with relief. She hadn't been sure she could still do it, it had been so long. + +Carvings sprang into sharp clarity as she lowered her hands, turning to face +the the Mother's Gate. Walls of mahogany-colored stone arched to a point high +above her head, crowned with relief of a closed crescent. The floor beneath the +point dipped gently to a similar, though less exaggerated curve below, forming +a teardrop shape. Every surface of the gate was covered with carvings, lines +spiraling, interlacing, dizzying. It was the oldest, most sacred place she +knew. Kneeling just outside the gate's boundary she placed both hands palm-down +against the floor. Voiceless, she asked admission, waited a moment, then edged +into the gateway. A shiver coursed through her, awe. She felt Presence, vast, +unknowable. After a moment, as if some unseen hand had lifted from her back, +the feeling was gone. She touched her hand quickly to her heart in thanks and +turned to walk slowly down the incline. Even after so long, she still had +trouble with the silence. The city should be full of voices, laughter, tears, +songs, shouts, whispers, anything but silence. She passed the houses where she +had played, knowing they would never again sound with life. As she had done as +a child, she short-cut her route by sliding down the channels her ancestors had +cut to carry away the water which sometimes flooded down from Above when it +rained. The quick, breathless exhilaration which had accompanied such slides +in the past flared briefly, and drew a small smile, one which quickly faded as +she rounded the last corner and came to the standing stones arrayed in the +center of the vast cave. She shuddered, memory overwhelming her for a moment, +then took a quick, deep breath and stepped closer to the center stone. What +remained of Mhaiv's physical being made a very little shape under the cloth +which covered her. Etain sat down, her back against the stone, and bent her +head, saying in her mind what she longed to say aloud. + +__Grandmother... I need you. Is it right to aid one of them, after what they +have done to us?__ + +She waited. Time passed. Gradually a pervasive calm came over her, and +with it a surety. She smiled. She had her answer. She had chosen the right +path. Her stomach growled, and she stood up, brushing the fine sand from +her skirt. Time to go above, and find food. Food for herself, and for her +guest. She scowled. That meant a visit one of the kitchens Above, one where +her kin worked. Normally she scavenged her food, but while one might do it +for oneself, one did not offer a guest a meal garnered from another's leavings. + +### + +One of the tunnels exited near a place of disused machines not far from the +dormitory which housed her remaining Kin. She had left one of the blue-gray +smocks her Kin wore there for just such occasions. Distastefully she stripped +off her skirt and vest and pulled the ugly thing over her head, then put her +hair up, securing it with a small, pointed stick, so that it more closely +resembled the others' short-cropped hair. Though it was ugly, the smock's +looseness also helped disguise her more mature figure. Finally, she picked up +a knotted string bag from the floor and slung it over her shoulder. That done, +Etain crouched in the passage behind the screen-stone and opened her mind, +searching for threat. She sensed no one near, and, reassured, pushed aside +the stone and crawled out. + +It was still night. She was glad. Going Above in daylight was hazardous. +She glanced west and saw the first pale hint of dawn creeping along the +horizon. It was night, but just barely. She would have to hurry. Quickly she +crossed the graveled path which led to the front of the building, wincing as +the jagged stones hurt her feet, and was glad when she reached the cool +smoothness of the grass. The Kin were near, she could feel them, sleeping, so +close, yet beyond her reach forever. Angrily she rubbed her stinging nose, +leaned against the wall and called to them. + +__Ndon, are you there?__ + +Startled, sleepy thoughts were her only answer for a little while, then finally, +Ndon responded. + +__We are here. You should go, it is not safe!__ + +__I know, but I need food. Can you help?__ + +There was a long pause, then finally, a different personality replied. __I will +open the door, but no more.__ + +She knew that one, Saren, the soft-hearted. Though Ndon was oldest, Saren +was the one who remembered her best. Yet even he had paused before +agreeing. She was close to losing them completely now, the Darkmind had +made them forget. She put her forehead against the cold rough stone and +concentrated on the physical discomfort so that she could ignore the mental +pain. Finally she won back her control. + +__Thank you Saren, it is enough. I will meet you there.__ + +__No! Wait until I have gone. If they catch me with you, I will be +punished.__ + +Once Saren would not have cared. He would have risked the punishment to +spend a few moments with her. The lump in her throat grew unbearable. + +__I will wait.__ + +She sensed Saren's surreptitious movements as he slipped to the kitchen door +and unlocked it. Deliberately she waited until she felt his relief and knew he +was safe back in his bed. Only then did she sneak around to the rear of the +building to find the open door. + +It was warm inside the building, and she needed no guide to find the kitchens. +The way was familiar, and even if it had not been, she would have been able to +find it by scent alone. She could smell the grains, the fruits and +vegetables which were stored there. Even though they were kept in sealed +containers, their scents managed to escape. Her mouth began to water. How +long had it been since she had last eaten? She was so used to being hungry +that she sometimes forgot what it was like not to be. This time it had been +longer than some times, not as long as others. She could also smell the sharp, +acrid scent of her own fear. Coming here was not safe. + +Quietly she padded down the short hall which opened onto the kitchen. A +bowl on one of the wide counters held a dozen apples; she chose two and +slipped them into her bag. Securing the bag, she boosted herself onto the +counter and opened the cupboards which would otherwise have been above +her head. The strong yeasty-nutty aroma of bread washed out, and she +reached in, then hesitated for a moment. There were fewer loaves than usual, +only six sat on the shelf. She wanted to take two, as she was feeding an extra +person, but was sure that would be noticed. From past experience she knew +that if her theft was too obvious, the blame would be placed on one of the +little ones. Regretfully she chose the largest of those available, added it to +her collection and closed the door. + +Sliding off the counter, she went to the large cold place where the vegetables +were kept and gathered a few of several different varieties. She glanced at the +second cold place, the one where they stored meats, and gazed at it wistfully. +Unfortunately she had no way to cook, so she had to pass it by. What she had +would have to do. With a sigh she turned to go, and her breath caught in her +throat as she saw someone standing in the doorway watching her. The sense +of relief that flooded her when she realized it was only Diertra was almost +enough to buckle her knees. She had thought she was caught. + +__Diertra, what are you doing here!__ + +The young girl looked down. __I'm sorry. I sensed you were here, and +wanted to see you. It's been so long...__ + +Immediately Etain felt ashamed of her reaction. It was her own fear that +prompted her harshness. She knelt and held out her arms. __No Diertra, I +am the one who should be sorry, I was just startled. Come here." + +Diertra needed no further urging and Etain put her arms around her, ruffling +her dark chesnut hair affectionately. It felt strange to hold her, she was so +small still. As if echoing her own thoughts, Diertra looked up. + +__You are bigger than I remember.__ + +__I know. I always am.__ She refrained from telling Diertra why. She had +long ago learned that reminding the little-ones that they should be as she was +only upset them. __Are you well, little sister?__ + +Diertra nodded, and put a hand up to touch Etain's hair. __Did you cut it?__ +she asked anxiously. + +__No, I put it up so I would look more like you.__ + +__Oh.__ Diertra frowned. __Why would you want to look like me?__ + +Etain felt as if someone were squeezing her throat. Yet another lie, on top of +all the others. But what else to do? __Because you are the prettiest girl I +know.__ + +Diertra grinned, the expression a quick flash of the boisterous child she had +once been, but all too soon she sobered. __You should go. He will catch +you.__ + +__No he won't. I'm too fast for him. But you are right. I should go.__ + +__I wish you could stay.__ + +Etain clenched her teeth against the urge to cry, and shook her head. __I +cannot. But you could come with me!__ + +Diertra became very still, like a digger caught in the light. Etain could feel +her fear like a live thing. She touched Diertra's hair once more. __No, I +know, you cannot do that any more than I can stay. I love you Diertra.__ + +__I love you too.__ + +Etain's vision blurred. __Diertra... please, remember me.__ + +Diertra nodded, her gray eyes wide, puzzled. She didn't understand the +reason for Etain's request. Etain knew she would forget. All the others had. +Goddess, it hurt! She leaned down and quickly kissed the Diertra's forehead, +then stood. + +__Goodbye little-one.__ + +__Goodbye.__ + +She kept her pace to a walk until she had exited the building. After a cursory +glance to be sure no one was in sight, she broke into a trot, and finally ran, +tears streaming down her face, not caring that the stones hurt her feet when +she came to them. She made her way through the maze-like rows of +machines, and skinned her knees crawling into the tunnel too quickly. She +tore off the gray smock, threw it down and ground it savagely into the dirt, +wishing that the action would do some real damage to the virtually +indestructable fabric. + +Abruptly she sat down, hugging her knees, the rage draining away, leaving +only despair. She was so helpless, so powerless. She hated the way she felt +when she went there, and she resented the fact that because of Picard she had +been forced to endure it again. Most of the time she managed to push her +insignificance to some dark corner of her mind where it did not bother her. +She sighed. What good did it do to feel sorry for herself? She picked up her +vest and shrugged into it, wrapped and tied her skirt securely then +shouldered the bag of provisions and headed back toward her nest. + +### +______________________________________________________________________________ +copyright 1992, Kellie Matthews-Simmons +matthews_k@cubldr.colorado.edu//matthewk@spot.colorado.edu +all rights reserved + +Standard Disclaimers Apply + +From JULIA@Jetson.UH.EDU Tue Aug 31 16:33:56 1993 +X-VM-v5-Data: ([nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil] + ["63623" "Tue" "31" "August" "1993" "12:43:17" "-0500" "JULIA@Jetson.UH.EDU" "JULIA@Jetson.UH.EDU" nil "1196" "(TNG) Silence, A Novel by Kellie Matthews-Simmons, Part 4" "^From:" nil nil "8"]) +Return-Path: +Received: from Rosie.UH.EDU by depot.cis.ksu.edu SMTP (8.5) + id QAA00525; Tue, 31 Aug 1993 16:33:50 -0500 +Received: from Jetson.UH.EDU by Jetson.UH.EDU (PMDF V4.2-11 #3125) id + <01H2E975BLT48XAHXS@Jetson.UH.EDU>; Tue, 31 Aug 1993 12:43:18 CDT +Message-id: <01H2E975BLT68XAHXS@Jetson.UH.EDU> +X-VMS-To: @ARCHIVE +MIME-version: 1.0 +Content-type: TEXT/PLAIN; CHARSET=US-ASCII +Content-transfer-encoding: 7BIT +Status: RO +From: JULIA@Jetson.UH.EDU +To: jfy@cis.ksu.edu +Subject: (TNG) Silence, A Novel by Kellie Matthews-Simmons, Part 4 +Date: Tue, 31 Aug 1993 12:43:17 -0500 (CDT) + +CHAPTER FOUR + +Riker sat in Picard's ready-room, in one of the conference-table chairs. Some +sort of vague, superstitious prejudice had kept him out of the Captain's chair. +It was one thing to occupy the conn on the bridge, but it felt almost +sacrilegious to consider taking Picard's place here in his sanctuary. He had +done it once before, all too recently, and he thought he had dealt with these +feelings then. Now he knew better. Deliberately steering his thoughts to less +troublesome topics, he mentally replayed his conversation with Ser Delvekia for +the fifteenth time at least, trying to put his finger on what it was that made +him suspect the man was lying. Perhaps it had been the smoothness of his +surprise when told of the Picard's disappearance. Perhaps the oily, almost +obsequious tone of his apology, and the transparency of his explanation. +Anti-Federation terrorists? An amazingly convienient bunch of them, it +seemed, as Data had checked planetary news records for previous reports of +anti-Federation factions. There weren't any. Apparently these terrorists had +conveniently appeared just in time to do something with the Captain. None +of it added up. + +He slammed a hand down on the table in frustration. Where was Deanna +when he needed her? Off at Starbase 204, telling a class of candidates what it +was like to be a Ship's Counselor, instead where she belonged, on the ship +being the Counselor! Her empathic abilities would be invaluable right about +now. If nothing else, her inner calm had a way of centering him, sharpening +his focus. He wondered if she affected Picard the same way, or if it was his +own previous relationship with her that produced that effect. The comsignal +sounded. + +"Commander Riker?" + +He sighed, recognizing the voice. "Come." + +The doors slid open and Worf stepped inside. His eyes went from the +Captain's chair to Riker's position, and he seemed to nod slightly. + +"Your report?" + +"We found this." He extended his hand. Against the darkness of his skin, the +silver and gold metal seemed oddly bright. Riker took the combadge and set +it on the table. + +"Nothing else?" + +"There were indications of an altercation where we found this, but the heavy +concentrations of sensor-opaque materials in Halvam's soil make it difficult to +obtain accurate sensor readings. From visual signs, I would say a group of +five unknowns attacked the Captain, though how he came to be there is still +unknown. The signs disappear at the edge of a small ditch, apparently a +drainage canal. The lack of a trail leading away from the site indicates that +the group transported out following the confrontation." + +"So for now we must assume that the Captain is being held hostage by this so- +called terrorist group, as Ser Delvekia said." + +"That is our only option at the moment. I am working on others. Ship's +sensors are focused on the area where we found the combadge, but we are +experiencing massive signal bounceback from sensor-opaque materials. +Lieutenant LaForge is working on cleaning up the signal. Apparently his +VISOR does not have as much trouble with sensor-opacity, so he is +attempting to patch a similar system into the sensor controls." + +Riker had a sudden vision of a giant VISOR sitting atop the saucer section and +ruthlessly controlled a chuckle. It was neither the time or the place for +humor. "Thank you, Lieutenant. Keep me posted." + +Worf nodded, and then he straightened and locked his hands behind his back +in a posture Riker recognised as his 'I want to ask something Klingon' mode. + +"Is there something else, Lieutenant?" + +"Sir, I request permission to return to Halvam, to the site where we recovered +the Captain's combadge." + +"For what reason?" + +"To keep Dakhar." + +Riker's eyebrows lifted. The Dakhar. A sort of Klingon vigil. It was also +referred to as "finding a pathway where none exists". It involved fasting, and, +as did most Klingon rituals, a degree of physical discomfort. It was in some +ways similar to a shamanistic vision-quest. He cleared his throat. + +"Ah... yes. I see. Do you feel it would be useful?" + +"If I did not, I would not request it." + +"It might be to our advantage to have you there, keeping an eye on things. +You have my permission... but remember one thing. I do not feel that you +have been lax, nor would the Captain, I am sure. You have no cause to keep +Dakhar other than your own desire to do so." + +Worf scowled. "Commander, I have been negligent. If I had not, the Captain +would not have been taken." + +"I disagree. Captain Picard did not alert you to his plans, therefore you are +not responsible for his disappearence. N'kha." + +Worf bridled at Riker's use of the word which, politely translated, meant 'you +may not say more.' Accurately translated it meant 'shut up and don't argue,' +but he did as he was told. With an abrupt nod, he turned to leave the room, +and Riker stopped him. + +"Lieutenant Worf, communications are to be coded... no, on second thought, +that would alert them to our suspicions. Don't use code, but make any +transmissions as... cryptic as possible." + +"I understand." + +Worf left, and Riker returned to his previous occupation, feeling singularly +helpless. Not a feeling he was accustomed to. Not a feeling he enjoyed at all. + +### + +A sound in the access tunnel caused Picard to tense. He pulled the quilt +partially over himself so that he could see, but not readily be seen. A moment +later Etain appeared in the opening. She dropped into the room, and stood +for a moment, staring down at an object she held in her hands, then, slowly, +she walked to the single chair and sat down, still staring at the object. He +squinted, trying to make out what it was. It looked like a small cloth bag. + +His guess was confirmed when she opened it, and dumped several objects +haphazardly onto the floor. She stared at them the same way she had stared at +the bag. It was strange, she just gazing blankly. Suddenly she curled in on +herself, drawing up her knees, wrapping her arms around them and putting her +head on her arms. It wasn't until then, seeing the reflection of light off the +moisture on her face, that he realized she was crying. He stared at the +objects himself, one was larger than the others, brown, and rounded; two were +reddish, also round, but more globular, several long, leafy green and orange +things. A still life of bread, fruit and vegetables. Not exactly subjects to +weep over. + +Several moments passed, then she sniffed, rubbed her face with her hands, +took a deep breath and leaned over to pick up the food from where she had +dropped it, dusting each piece off carefully as she replaced it on the table. +Suddenly, as if just remembering his presence, she turned toward him. When +she realized he had been watching her, a flush dark enough to see even in the +dimness flooded her face. After a moment she shook her head again, this +time looking resigned. With an audible sigh, she turned away, picked up one +of the apples and threw it to him. + +Startled, he still managed to catch it as she picked up the other one and bit +into it. He watched her, remembering her earlier reaction to it, and wondered +why the sudden change of attitude. Without thinking about it, he asked. + +"Why did the food upset you?" + +She spun to face him, her eyes seeking his. She looked down at the fruit and +once again a dark flush colored her face. She put the apple down, looked at +him with an expression that was angry and hurt, almost accusatory, then she +turned away again, deliberately, and sat down with her back to him. He +scowled, baffled by her reaction. What would account for her response, both +then, and now? So far he seemed to have done quite well in interpreting her +gestures, but without her willingness to communicate, he might never find out. +Giving up, he bit into his apple, letting its cool, sweet-sour taste distract +him from her silence. He was surprisingly hungry, which made him wonder +exactly how long he had been below ground. He had no way to tell if it had +been hours or days. How long had he been unconscious? How long was he +going to have to stay? His thoughts turned to how he was going to keep +himself from going mad with boredom while waiting for his crew to track +him down. No conversation, and worse, no books. + +He remembered suddenly that he did have at least one book. The one she +had shown him earlier. He reached down beside the cushions where he had placed +it, picked it up and opened it to the title page. It was a limited edition, +from an obscure press, and almost forty years old: a collector's dream. It was +exquisite, printed on sealed paper, in a twentieth-century roman typeface. He +wondered how she had come by it. It seemed odd that someone who could +not read would possess, and obviously treasure, a book. He turned to the +first page and began to read. + +After a little while he became aware that she was watching him. He looked +up, in time to catch the brief instant of loss, pain and raw longing in her +expression before she masked it, looking away as if she did not care. He +looked from the book, to her, and as clearly as if she had spoken he knew that +although she could not read, someone once had read to her. Someone she +had cared about, and missed. Probably a parent, he guessed. It made sense, +especially as she had been named for a character in the book. He found +himself feeling strangely guilty for his ability to read. It was, however, an +ability he could share. + +"Etain?" + +She jumped, obviously startled, and turned to stare at him. No doubt the +sound of a voice in this place seemed strange to her. + +"Would you like me to read to you?" he asked. + +She eyed him suspiciously, her gaze going from his face, to the book, and +back several times before she finally nodded, a quick, jerky, barely-there nod. + +Wondering why she was so suspicious of him, Picard turned back to the +beginning of the story and began to read, somewhat awkwardly at first. It +was a very different thing to read for someone else's enjoyment rather than +one's own but before long, the words took on a life of their own. Soon Etain +had moved from her position across the room to one near enough for her to +see both him and the book, and she listened with a disturbing intensity. He +tried to hold the book flat so that she could see the pages from where she sat, +since she would not come within arms' reach. + +He read until his voice began to grow hoarse. He realized he was thirsty, and +at the same time began to be uncomfortably aware of certain other, more +prosaic, bodily needs. Generally the availability of sanitary facilities was a +given, but he had seen nothing to indicate the presence of such a thing here, +not even a chamber-pot. He glanced over at Etain and found her grinning at +him. He was so surprised by her smile that he momentarily forgot he was +thirsty and uncomfortable, and simply stared at her. Then it occurred to him +to wonder what she was grinning about. Seconds after that, he remembered +she was a telepath. He found himself grinning back. + +"Well, are you going to keep me in suspense?" he asked. + +Still smiling, she shook her head and flowed to her feet from the cross-legged +position she had assumed for listening. She had that same oddly effortless +grace he had seen in others of her kind. Oddly, he caught himself thinking of +her as not entirely human. She extended her hands down toward him and +helped him to his feet, then took most of his weight on herself as she +awkwardly maneuvered him across the small space to a spot by the wall. +The wall? He wondered exactly what it was he was supposed to do with the +wall? + +She tapped his wrist to get his full attention, then reached out and pointed to +one of the painted hand-prints which adorned the surface there. It seemed a +slightly different color than the rest. Steadying him carefully, she placed +her hand against it and pushed. With a slight scraping sound, the solid rock +seemed to give way. It was a door, set in stone, and carefully +counterweighted to swing easily. Without knowing it was there, he would +probably never have found it. The small chamber rather resembled a +medieval garderobe. Puzzled, he studied the room. A shallow basin had +been hollowed from the living stone, water from some unknown source +above flowed into it along a masoned groove. The overflow from the basin +was channelled along a similar groove which carried it into what was +unmistakably what he had been looking for, from whence it no doubt carried +wastes away into some distant receptacle. + +It was simple, elegant, and utterly bizarre. Who would go to such trouble, +carving native stone and coaxing groundwater to do the job an ordinary +disposal chamber could do with far less work and expense? Some anti- +technology sort? He stared at the workmanship, and ran his fingers along the +edge of the upper groove, noticing how smooth the flow of water had worn +the stone. It took time for that to occur. Too much time. Would a hundred +years be sufficient? Halvam had been colonized only a little over that. Then +he recalled his thought of a moment earlier, that she was not entirely human. +With a sinking certainty he began to wonder if he was dealing with +something far worse than simple discrimination. + +"Etain... you, your people, how long have you been here? On this world, I +mean?" + +She shrugged, then pointed meaningfully at the garderobe, turned and left +him alone. He cursed softly at the communication difficulty and hopped +awkwardly over to the basin to scoop up a drink in cupped palms. His ankle +had begun to throb within its bindings. + +### + +When he had finished, he called her back and she helped him return to his +place in the cushions, then picked up the book and held it out to him, her +desire obvious. He shook his head. + +"Not just yet, Etain. I need to ask you some questions... I will try to phrase +them in such a way you can easily answer." + +Her face fell, disappointment obvious, her expression a classic pout. He +chuckled. + +"I promise you, more later. Now, were your people here before the... before +our colonists arrived?" + +She looked puzzled, then held one hand a good distance above her head. + +"I'm sorry, I don't understand." + +She huffed and rolled her eyes in frustration, then reached forward to tap him +on the chest, and once more hold her hand above her head. Obviously she +was having difficulty with the question. But with which part? He reviewed +his words, matched them with her actions. There was only one difficult +word, but he couldn't associate her actions with it. + +"You don't know the word 'colonist'?" he ventured. + +She nodded. He sighed. This was going to be a lot of work. He understood +why she had tapped him, she was identifying him with the colonists, but why +was she holding her hand over her head? + +She stood up, pointed at herself and put her hand on top of her head. Then +she pointed at him, and raised her hand about eight inches. + +He understood, finally. "Of course, they're all taller than you are, aren't +they? Yes. That is exactly who I meant by colonists. Were your people here +before they came?" + +She nodded. Even though he had been half-expecting that answer, Picard still +felt as if someone had punched him in the stomach. + +"My god..." he breathed. "A preexisting native population, and they're using +them for slave labor! How the hell did this world get certified for +colonization with extant sentient inhabitants?" + +He looked up to find her frowning at him obviously trying to make sense of +his words. He shook his head. + +"Sorry. I was talking to myself. A bad habit. So, your species is telepathic +rather than verbal..." he broke off, realized he was speaking above her head +and rephrased the questions. "I mean, you use thoughts to communicate +rather than words?" + +She shook her head slowly, her hand going to her throat in a oddly protective +gesture. The hunted look he had seen on her face that first moment returned +for a fleeting second. + +"You do use words?" he asked, puzzled. + +She nodded. + +"Then why don't you, any of you, speak?" + +For answer she reached down and unsheathed her knife, mimed drawing its edge +down her throat, then made a pulling-out-throwing-away gesture. With her knife +still in her hand, she pointed up, and made the sign for the colonists once +more. + +He had no difficulty translating what she had just told him. The colonists had +deliberately deprived them of the ability to speak. A cold rage flared in him, +and he instinctively started to his feet to take action... any kind of action. +Pain forced him back down with a startled gasp. He had forgotten about his +ankle. + +She was beside him instantly, her left hand on his ankle, the other above his +knee, like before. Remembering what she had done then, Picard grabbed her +right hand and lifted it away before she could begin. She looked up at him, +startled and confused. Her 'why not?' came through clearly. + +"Do you know what sort of sensation you engender when you do that?" + +Wide eyed, she shook her head. + +With a sigh, he let go of her wrist. + +"Never mind, then. Just suffice it to say I would rather you didn't do that." + +Etain shrugged, and turned her attention back to his ankle, slipping the +fingers of her left hand beneath the bandages but holding her other hand +away from his knee. The ache in his ankle began to intensify, growing past +easily bearable into real torment. She was barely touching him, but somehow +he knew that she was doing something which increased the pain. + +"What are you doing?" he managed to grit out from between clenched teeth. + +She glanced up at him, her free hand hovering above his knee as she lifted her +eyebrows in question. + +"I know, you can't answer that. Is this in retaliation for my not reading +more?" + +The pain eased abruptly as she lifted her hand, her eyes met his, her +expression wounded. + +"Etain, it was a joke," he explained gently, "...but I don't understand what +you're doing, or why." + +She reached up and touched her fingers to his face, two just above his nose, +two on his cheek, her thumb against his jaw, then closed her eyes and +scowled fiercely. With a shock he recognized the configuration as the one +used by Vulcans in the mind-meld. It took only a moment, but suddenly he +knew. Without words, she told him. She was healing him, or trying to. He +understood finally that the pain had increased due to the acceleration of the +normal healing process, just as it did with the mechanical regenerator units +the Federation used. Her pain-block took the place of the endorphin booster +the regen unit used. Not a common ability among humans. Of course, no +matter how human she looked, he had to remember he was dealing with a new +species here. Her fingers left his face and she sat back. He stared at her, +shaking his head. + +"Why would you do that for me? After what my kind has done?" he asked +quietly. + +She shrugged, with the embarrassed expression common to those who cannot +explain their motives to themselves, let alone to someone else. + +"Whatever the reason, I thank you, and I cannot apologize enough for the +barbarity of my fellow humans. You may rest assured, if... no, when, I get +back to my ship I will make certain that the situation does not remain as it +is." + +She stared at him for so long that he began to wonder what he'd done or said +wrong. Finally, with careful gravity, she reached out and took his hand, +holding it in hers palm-up; touched it briefly to her forehead, then her chest, +then put his palm against hers before letting it go. Recognizing a ritual of +some sort, he allowed his hand to rest against hers for a moment before he +lowered it. + +He didn't want to offend her, but it was risky to participate in a ritual he +didn't completely understand. With more than a bit of trepidation, he hoped +he hadn't just managed to get engaged. He recalled a similar ritual from +Earth's past, an oath pledging head, heart, and hand in service to another, a +kind of fealty. Hopefully that was Etain's intent. Even that was more than he +should accept. + +"You honor me, but I cannot accept a pledge given without full +understanding. I mean no insult, but am bound by my own codes." + +She nodded understanding, and did not seem offended. She reached for his +ankle, and her right hand headed for his knee. Once more he stopped her. + +"No, Etain. I can manage without that." + +She frowned, obviously perplexed by his refusal. He couldn't come up with a +way to explain it that wasn't embarrassing, or that she would understand. +She obviously had no idea what her pain-block did to an adult male. Another +gap in her eduction, one he had no intention of remedying. + +"Please, I'd rather try to get through it without your pain-block. It has an... +uncomfortable effect on me." + +She sighed and shrugged. He could tell that she was thinking something +along the lines of 'if he wants to be stupid, let him.' It was remarkable how +well she managed to communicate considering her disability. + +She bent over his ankle and slid her fingers beneath the bindings again. He +set his jaw, and waited. She worked in stages, a scowl of fierce concentration +on her face. Each time she stopped she seemed to lose something, to become +somehow smaller, less vibrant. He began to realize, belatedly, that healing +was not something she accomplished without cost. + +After the third time, when she would have begun again, he reached down +and put his hands over hers, drawing them away. She lifted her head, +swaying, and stared at him with a puzzled, half-drunken expression, blinking +owlishly. + +"Stop now, there's no need for you to continue at your own expense. My +people will find me soon, and they will take care of this. Do you understand?" + +She nodded, closed her eyes, and started to slide sideways. Startled, Picard +caught her before she hit the floor and eased her down onto the cushions +instead. He studied her for a moment, concerned, but her deep, even +breathing reassured him. It seemed she was simply exhausted. He frowned, +realizing that her state was due to what she had done for him. Had he +realized earlier what it was costing her, he would not have allowed her to +continue. He would never have allowed a crewmember to be put in physical +jeopardy, and she wasn't even that. Also, he didn't like being indebted, to +anyone. But then, he was already in her debt, so what mattered one more +thing? He sighed, and studied her again. Although she was so thin he could +practically see where the bones lay beneath her skin, she seemed healthy +enough, not having the dry, brittle hair or dull skin of the chronically +malnourished. + +Despite her apparent health, he didn't think her thinness was natural to her. +The others of her kind had been nowhere near as slight, though they had been +small and delicately built. He wished he had a better word for them; calling +them 'servants' only perpetuated an image he wanted to destroy. After a +moment's deliberation, he decided to refer to them as natives. It felt more +appropriate, if they truly had predated the colonists. At this point, he had +no reason to believe they had not; it explained too much. + +God... he had so many questions! Where were all the adults? Where were their +cities... what level of technology had they possessed, prior to the human +colonization of Halvam? If Etain's chamber was any indication, they must have +still been fairly primitive. Knowing that the level of a civilization could +often be judged by its weapons, he cautiously reached down and slid her +knife from its sheath. She didn't stir. He examined the dagger carefully, not +touching the blade with his fingers to keep the oils in his skin from damaging +it, and whistled softly. + +It was bronze, leaf-bladed, inlaid with a repeating spiral pattern in silver +down its spine. The hilt was bound in braided silver wire, whose +irregularities indicated it had been extruded by hand. Faint, crescent-shaped +dents in the blade were probably the hammer-marks left from its forging. +Halvam's native culture had obviously been equivalent to bronze-age. How +had they been missed? Perhaps they had not. Not every explorer, or colonist +had the kind of integrity necessary to pass up a nearly perfect planet just +because it had one slight flaw... sentient inhabitants. It had been over a +hundred years since Halvam's colonization. By now, the native culture had +without doubt been irreparably damaged, if not altogether destroyed. Absently +he tested the blade against his thumb and hissed in surprise as it bit. +The damned thing was razor sharp! He knew bronze didn't hold an edge +well, so she must sharpen it frequently. + +Etain stirred, opened her eyes and looked at her hand, a puzzled frown +creasing her forehead as she poked a finger at the ball of her thumb. After a +moment she looked up at him, eyelids drooping sleepily. He realized she had +been woken by his pain... as if she felt it herself. How did one survive with +that degree of empathy? If it were him, he would probably be completely +mad. Shaking his head, he showed her the slight crease where he had cut +himself. + +"It's all right, it's just a scratch. Go back to sleep." + +She stared at his thumb, her frown deepening, pushed herself up on one +elbow and reached out to touch the tip of her index finger to the slight +welling of red along the cut. Drawing her hand back, she studied his blood +intently for several moments. She sniffed it, then, oddly, touched it to her +tongue. He watched her, as puzzled by her actions as she obviously was by +his blood. Had she never seen blood before? It seemed impossible, for +someone with such extraordinary healing ability. + +Slowly, she sat up, still staring at him. After a moment, she pointed at her +dagger and put her hand out. He gave it back to her, hilt first, so she +wouldn't think he might be attacking. She took it, looked down at her hand, +and before he could stop her, had nicked her own finger, then held her injury +next to his. Her blood was much darker than the bright crimson of his, +almost mahogany-colored. He understood immediately. She was comparing. +Until now she hadn't realized they were two different species. He could see +the knowledge come to her, lighting her face. She pointed at him, then at +herself, put her palms together, then abruptly separated them. He didn't +need to interpret, he knew exactly what she was asking. His estimation of her +intelligence rose. Having never been exposed to the idea of other sentient +species, she was bright enough to theorize it on her own. + +"Yes. Exactly. We're not the same kind of being. In some ways, similar, yes, +but not the same. My people are not native to this world. Yours probably +are." + +Etain nodded slowly, sucked the blood off her finger and wrapped her arms +around her knees, leaning her chin against them. He wished he knew what she +was thinking. He knew what he would be thinking, given reversed circumstances. +None of it was charitable. She didn't move for a long time, and finally he +realized that, unable to fight her need for sleep, she had drifted +off again. As she began to list to one side, he guided her down, pulled the +quilt over her, and sat back, restlessly wondering what the hell was taking +Will Riker so long. They should have located him hours ago... unless there +was some sort of problem with the ship. Then there was Seret Ng. She had +been fearful of retalitation, and she had been transported to a different +destination than his. He was afraid her fears might have been realized, but he +had no way of checking without access to his communicator. + +### + +Using the mirror installed behind his office door, Coran smiled and carefully +arranged the folds of his white mourning-robes, thinking that it was too bad +important folk didn't die more often. White was a good color for him. To his +relief, as Davan had promised, Seret Ng's death had been accepted as natural, +and her memorial was scheduled to begin in only a few minutes. He had +prepared a speech, praising her contributions to Halvam. Unfortunately he +could not praise her most important one. Without her engineering of the +carrier DNA, he would not have been able to rid Halvam of the Halflings so +neatly. Of course, they were not gone entirely, but since he had seen to it +that they would never reproduce, it was only a matter of time. + +Turning, he looked out his window and read the anti-Federation slogan +phaser-burned into the surface of a neighboring building. The men Davan +had assigned to the task must have been hard at work. He had seen reports +of several such defacements over the past day or so. It was a shame to mar +the stonework, but it was easily cleaned, and he had to do something to +convince the Enterprise's security that there really was a terrorist threat. +They were not easily convinced. He had contemplated having Davan bomb a +building or two, but he hated to consider the expense of replacing them. +Perhaps instead he could have someone kill that damned Klingon. He had +virtually set up camp near the spot where they had found Picard's +communicator, and no amount of assurances from either Davan or himself +would move him. Riker had proved equally intractable, refusing to order his +man away from the scene, citing some obscure Klingon ritual he was allowing +the man to observe. + +Thinking about Picard's disappearence disturbed him. There was something +altogether too convenient about it. Yet, Davan was his brother, and had +proven himself trustworthy. What possible reason could Davan have for +wishing to countermand his orders, if indeed he had? On the other hand, what +else could explain it? Picard was obviously not aboard his ship, Davan might +or might not have him. If he didn't, then where was he? People didn't just +disappear; at least, not those whose disappearences he had not arranged himself. +Before they had discovered the Halflings, people had occasionally disappeared, +only to reappear weeks later with strange tales of "little people". +Classic hallucinations, it had been thought, until someone had stumbled +across the City. + +He stiffened. The City... gods, he hadn't thought about it in years! Could +Picard have somehow found it? Was that where he was hiding? No, it didn't +make sense. He had disappeared miles from the underground metropolis. So +much for that idea. He came back to the annoying possibility that Davan had +something to do with it. Perhaps one of Davan's underlings could be +persuaded to talk. If credits didn't work, there was always the possibility +that one of them had a family he wished to protect. Coran knew a great deal +about persuasion. A hurrying figure in white crossed the pavement outside +and he realized it was time to go. He glanced one last time in the mirror +before leaving his office to deliver Seret Ng's memoriam, savoring the irony +of the situation. + +### + +Picard glanced over at Etain and found her staring at one of the candles in an +unfocused manner. He wondered what she was thinking. She sighed suddenly and +looked down at her hands with an expression of ineffable sadness. + +"Can you tell me what's wrong?" he asked gently. + +She looked up, her eyes shadowed, memory-haunted. After a moment she shook +her head, lifting her hands in her all-too-familiar gesture of negation. He +sighed. Their inability to really communicate was growing increasingly +irritating. He realized, suddenly, that he had never attempted to find the +answer to the question that had most disturbed him, the question that had +precipitated his current predicament. + +"Etain?" + +She looked up, questioningly. + +"Where are the others? Your parents, the other adults?" + +For a moment she seemed frozen, not even a breath disturbed her utter +motionlessness. Finally, he heard a harsh intake of air, saw her face fill +with pain before she lifted her hands as if to shield herself from him. For +several long moments she sat like that, only the slight tremor of her shoulders +betrayed her tears. Finally, she took a deep breath, and lowered her hands. +The totality of loss in her expression gave him the answer to his question +more eloquently than any spoken sentence could have. + +"They are dead? All of them?" he asked incredulously. + +She nodded, slowly. + +"How?" he asked, forgetting she had no way to tell him. + +Her fists clenched, and the gaze that met his burned with rage, hate, and... +accusation? Dark color suffused her face. + +He had never seen her angry before, and was taken aback, both by the depth of +her fury, and the accusation he sensed. For the first time in her presence he +was afraid. This was a being who felt she had reason to kill, perhaps not him, +but someone. + +"Etain... what is it?" + +A visible shudder went through her, and she tore her gaze away from his, her +eyes tightly closed, her breath coming fast and shallow, as if she were +physically exerting herself. When she opened them again, her gaze was +blank, almost without intelligence. She stood up abruptly and he edged +warily away from her. To his relief she stood for a moment, staring down at +him, then shook her head violently, leapt for the access-way, and was gone. + +He stared after her, scowling, wondering what could have triggered her +reaction. For just a moment he had actually expected her to become +physically violent, the pain and anger in her had been almost tangible. Why? +Because he had asked about the others? What reason could she have for such +an extreme response? Unless... she saw him not as himself, but as one of the +colonists. He felt a cold tension in his midsection. Someone among the +colonists had gone so far as to surgically mute the children, could they have +been ruthless enough to have killed the adults? He didn't want to consider +the possibility, but what else could have provoked such rage? He rubbed the +bridge of his nose with both hands, pressing away the headache that +threatened, and hoped fervently that he was wrong. + +### + +Etain kneeled a little way from her nest, beating the hard-packed floor of the +passage with her fists, ripping her nails as she clawed at the dirt, scraping +her fingers and palms against the rocks and rough soil. It had taken every bit +of control she had not to do to him what she did to the ground. He was not +guilty, she could not punish him for another's deed, but Goddess, how she +had wanted to! She had not known until that instant that the blood of the +battle-fury ran in her veins. She had thought the legendary madness had +been tamed by the years and Sleeps since they had left First Home, and by +joining with the Shi. Only now did she find it still boiled, hot and strong +and wild, beneath her own skin. + +It frightened her, and she pushed it away frantically with each blow against +the earth until finally, the last of it drained away and she was left crouching +in the darkness, panting like an animal, tears and sweat dripping off her face +to mingle with the blood on her hands... her own blood, thank the Old Ones, +not his. After long minutes had passed, she sat back on her heels and wiped +her face with the back of one hand. She could smell the anger on herself, the +fear, the instinctive violence. It stank. She stank. She gagged, and +shuddered wanting only to rid herself of the stench. + +She stood up and took a step toward her nest, then stopped. Something inside +her warned her, not there, not yet. It was too soon, her anger still too +close to the surface. Slowly she turned and followed the tunnels down, +toward the sanctuary of the dead. They would not mind her state, and the +hot-spring there would both cleanse and ease her. Later, when she was fully +sure of her control, she would return to the nest, though she knew she could +never explain to Picard what had happened, or why. + +For a moment she thought of using the mind-touch, as she had that once, when he +had needed to understand that she was healing him; but she discarded the idea +almost immediately. That had been too close, too disturbingly... invasive, to +touch another's mind so directly. She felt as if she had left a piece of +herself there, and did not want to risk further loss. + +She walked slowly, trying to leach off the last of her anger before she reached +Dhara. It seemed inappropriate to carry it there, no matter that the cause of +it was her desire to avenge the dead... and the living. It seemed odd to be +going there again so soon, it had been a long time since she had been there at +all, now twice in only a few days. Perhaps that was why her reaction to +Picard's question had been so extreme. The memory of death had been stirred +anew by her last visit. She determined this time she would not take away +memories to overwhelm her later. She would only remember the times before the +Dying. + +### + +Steam rose in white clouds, the air held the slightly eggy scent she remembered +from the past. It brought back memories of laughter, splashing, dunking, +children and adults relaxing in the heat. Sitting on a ledge was a clay jar, +its surface intricate in black and white interlace. Smiling, Etain reached +over and worked its cork stopper loose. Even after so long, the herbs inside +the jar were still fragrant, recalling sunlight and spring, the times before +her first Sleep when she had gone gathering. She sprinkled a handful of loose +herbs into the water and replaced the stopper in the jar, then took off her +skirt and vest, dropping them into the steaming pool. No doubt they stank as +badly as she did. She stood for a moment, deliberately blocking out newer +memories and then stepped into the water. + +It was hotter than she remembered, she had to immerse herself a little at a +time to stand the heat. Perhaps it was just that she had become used to +washing with the cold water available in her nest. She sat down, finally, and +let the heat enclose her, leaning back with her head against the ledge which +held the herb-pot. She drifted, half-dreaming, caught in a fantasy that all +was as it had once been, that she was a child, without the awareness of death, +or pain, or hatred. + +It was a pleasant dream while it lasted, unfortunately the heat of the steam +made her drowsy, and decided she had best get out before she fell asleep and +drowned. She rinsed her clothing and wrung it damp-dry before putting it +back on, and finger-combed her hair as best she could before braiding it. She +felt like an entirely different person than the she had earlier. It was +something of a revelation, that remembering did not have to be painful. + +As she walked away from the baths, past the houses which held the dead, a +little of her good mood trailed away. It was difficult to maintain with so +many bad memories clamoring for attention. She stopped and stood for a +moment, gazing at the rath which had once been her home, knowing it was +empty now, even of dead, as her family had been elsewhere when the +sickness came. Slowly she walked toward it, and ducked under the low lintel +of the doorway. + +Dust covered everything, once-bright coverings of the pallets now muted, even +thread-bare in places from the predations of the moths and mice which inhabited +the city. On the table lay the desiccated remains of their last meal +together... flat, coarse-textured nutbread, a clay pot containing the +crystallized residue of honey, the shriveled brown remains of apples, one +showed signs of having been digger-gnawed. The shrine still held its statues, +the Three, and the Horned One. They were dust-covered as well. She wondered +if that was disrespectful, then decided if they wished to be clean, they would +be. + +Her father's flute lay on the table as well, its wooden surface dulled by +neglect. She picked it up and carefully blew it clean, then lifted it to her +lips. A discordant tone and a sifting of dust emerged. She laughed at the +thought of how she must look, and blew into it again, clearing the last of the +fine dust from it, then played a rill of notes. The sound was hollow and +faintly eerie, yet at the same time sweet. It suited her mood, and she left +the house playing haltingly, she had never been very good with it, and it had +been years since she had even thought of playing, but the sense of familiarity +it gave her was soothing. + +### + +At first Picard thought he was imagining the soft, haunting sound that +gradually insinuated itself into his awareness. He had become so used to the +silence that even the soft trickle of water from the garderobe and the sputter +and hiss of candle-flames were audible. For a few seconds he suspected that +his mind was making up for the lack of stimuli by supplying a sound, but it +was not a familiar song, or instrument. It was not the sound of the flute he +knew, and it had a wider range than an ocarina. He listened intently, puzzled +by the sound, wondering what, and more importantly, who had produced it. +The tune was aimless, wandering, with no particular tempo or theme, as if +whoever produced it had no song in mind, just sound; like a child practicing +scales, but with more variation. + +It grew progressively louder, presumably closer, then stopped suddenly. The +quiet seemed a thousand times more intense than it had before. He hadn't +realized how much he missed sound. He had been quite aware of missing +other stimuli, books, conversation, access to music, the day-to-day details of +the ship, but he had not been conscious of how much he missed the +continuous little hums, chirps and other background noises of the Enterprise. +The realization helped explain why he found himself increasingly irritable, +feeling virtually a prisoner. He was experiencing a mild form of sensory +deprivation. He wondered briefly how Etain stood it, but perhaps she had no +experience with anything else. Coming from a world of intense sensory +input, he was having difficulties with the lack thereof. He flexed his +shoulders, his body stiff and aching from disuse. He had never dealt well +with forced inactivity. For the thousandth time he wondered what the hell +was taking so long. Riker should have located him by now. + +Without warning Etain slid over the low sill of the outer access into the room. +He tensed momentarily, wondering if her previous mood was still on her. A +moment's study told him it was not. Something was different, not just her +expression, though that was far more amicable than before, it was something +almost tangible, physical. Perhaps it was simply that she seemed somehow +lighter, less... burdened. The change was very noticeable. She held a long +slender object in one hand, and her hair and clothing appeared damp. She +stood for a moment, uncertainly, then resolutely advanced to where he was +and sat down across from him, holding out her hands, palm up, her +expression apologetic. She smelled of... what? Flowers? No, but the scent +was fresh, green, it made him think of the fields and vineyards he had played +in as a child. He had never noticed her scent before. He shook his head, not +accepting her apology. + +"There is nothing for you to apologize for, but I am sorry, if I stirred +painful memories." + +She nodded minutely, and shrugged, letting her hands fall to her knees, +attracting his attention to the object she had carried, now lying in her lap. +It was a slim wooden cylinder, intricately carved, with a series of small holes +drilled in it. He smiled, the mystery was solved. + +"That was you playing, earlier?" + +She nodded, a slightly wistful smile on her face. + +"It has a lovely sound." + +She nodded again. + +"Is it yours?" + +She shook her head, touched her chest, then hesitated, obviously unsure how +to continue. After a moment she sighed and shrugged again. He controlled +the urge to sigh as well. Their attempts at communication often ended that +way, with her unable to find a way to express an idea, and him having no +way to prompt her. + +After a moment she brightened, touched her chest again, then held her arms +as if cradling a child. + +"It belonged to your mother?" he queried. + +She scowled and shook her head, making the sign they had agreed on for +'close', the thumb and forefinger held marginally apart, then repeated the +motions, this time touching him at the end of the sequence. He thought for a +moment. The only difference had been her inclusion of him. Since he knew +his first guess had been close to the correct meaning, and he was obviously +not the owner of the flute, the difference seemed to be gender. He tried again. + +"Your father?" + +She grinned, nodding. + +He found himself smiling back, then he sobered, remembering her reaction to +his question about her parents. "Someday I hope you can tell me about +them." + +Her gaze fell, but she nodded. After a moment she stood up and went to the +shelf where she kept their food, her expression grave. She sighed and turned +away, touched her chest and pointed up. + +"You don't have to do that, you know," he said, feeling vaguely guilty. The +last time she had gone above she had returned in a state of extreme agitation. +He knew his presence was causing her to go for food more often than she +would ordinarily. + +He didn't know where she got their provisions, but he had the uneasy feeling +that she was stealing it. She obviously hadn't the means to purchase it, and +he was fairly certain she wasn't getting the food from any of the social +service organizations which existed to help the indigent. She was probably +afraid to. + +She shifted her shoulders back stiffly and lifted an eyebrow at him in an +uncanny imitation of one of his own expressions. Her meaning was quite +clear. Of course she had to feed him. He chuckled, acknowledging the +mimicry. + +"That's quite good, you know." + +She grinned, then repeated her earlier gestures. He nodded. + +"If you feel you must, but be careful." + +She acknowledged his admonition with a short nod, then ducked out of the +nest again, leaving him alone once more, in the quiet. A moment later the +sound of the flute drifted back, gradually fading as she gained more distance. +He felt slightly disappointed when the sound dwindled away to nothing. It +had been a pleasant distraction from the silence. He picked up her book and +began, with little enthusiasm, to peruse it for the fourth or fifth time. + +### + +Etain felt almost happy as she traveled toward the surface, closer to being +happy than she had been in a long time. Somehow, the spasm of rage that +had filled her and drained away had taken with it years of pain. Things could +never be the same, but they were not so bad now. She thought of the little +ones, and smiled, instead of feeling her eyes fill with tears. Perhaps they +would be all right, be released from whatever magic held them captive, +children, instead of the young men and women they were meant to be. For +the first time since she could remember, she had hope. + +In the beginning, when Picard had said he would help, she had not believed +him; but she could sense, and now acknowledge, that he was a man who kept +his word. For some reason, she found herself remembering the small, amber- +skinned, dark-haired woman who had aided her, so long ago. She had confused +Etain terribly, her emotions a mass of contradictions... she seemed to hate +the Rua'shi, yet had helped Etain escape the Darkmind's lair. It had made no +sense to her, it still did not, but she had accepted the help gratefully. +She thought back to that night. It had been only a day since they had stolen +her voice, and she still had been weak, and in pain when the woman had +come, furtive and strange, to hurry her from her bed and into the darkness. +For a moment the sadness returned. If only the woman had been able to free +the others as well! But then, if she had, the Darkmind would have continued +to hunt for them, and eventually found them. One, he had not missed. All, +he would have. Shaking off that thought, she lifted the flute and began to +play again. + +### + +Once more she donned the hated gray smock, and put up her hair. To ease +the discomfort she felt in those clothes, she pocketed her father's flute and +fingered it, out of sight, for reassurance. She knew she could not go back to +the dormitory kitchen so soon, but there was another place not far, where +Tall-Ones' gathered to eat and socialize. She had foraged there many times. +There were others, not Kin, who foraged there as well, and one of the kitchen +helpers made it a habit to leave small bundles of food outside the back door +for whomever needed it. + +Emerging from the tunnels, she found it bright day Above. That made her +task more difficult, but she had learned that if she walked carefully and did +not hurry, she would be taken for one of the children ferrying a message. +Feeling a prickle of apprehension between her shoulderblades, and an +anxious twisting in her stomach, she set off, imitating the grounded, almost +shuffling gait of her kin. + +None of the Tall-Ones who walked the street glanced twice at her as she +traversed the hard-surfaced pavement, eyes carefully downcast. That was +just as well, for a second glance might have revealed her bare feet, or her +height, betraying her. As it was, she reached the building she wanted +without incident. Waiting a moment to watch for others, she cautiously +slipped around to the back of the building. + +No one was in sight, but the steps held several bundles, each carefully +wrapped in the strange, clear material she had come to expect. She stooped +to study the bundles, trying to decide which would be the most useful. One +contained some sort of stew, another some unfamiliar pink stuff, a third +several small rolls and fruit. She reached for that one and had just taken +hold of it when a loud voice spoke from behind her. + +"Hey, you!" + +She straightened with a gasp, the package still in her hand. There was a man +at the entrance to the alleyway; frighteningly tall, heavily muscled, wearing +the blue-black uniform of the Darkmind's minions. He started forward, +scowling. + +"What are you doing here? What's that you have? Why aren't you at the +dormitory?" + +Etain glanced around agitatedly, trying to find a way out, but nothing +presented itself. The man stood between her and the only way out, at her +back was the door to the kitchen, which contained more Tall-ones who +would, no doubt, aid in her capture. Despite that, she retreated as he +approached, until her back was against the door. He was close now, she +could see that he was fair-haired, young, and hard-looking. He studied her +with a vaguely puzzled expression, his glance taking in her bare feet and the +package in her hand. + +"Here, now, what are you doing?" he repeated loudly, as if she were deaf, not +mute. + +She shook her head, then almost fell as the door behind her opened. She felt +large hands on her shoulders, and was surprised when she realized they +steadied her, and did not detain her. She glanced back, saw the familiar gray- +brown hair and worn, pleasant features of the woman who left the packages. +Etain relaxed slightly, at least she wouldn't accuse her of stealing. The +woman nodded at her reassuringly, then lifted her gaze angrily to the +younger man. + +"Leave the child alone! She's just hungry. If I've no quarrel with her, you +shouldn't either." + +The blonde man's expression turned belligerent. "She should be at work, or +in the dormitory. She's not supposed to be roaming around doing nothing." + +"What, hasn't she a life of her own? Don't be so damned stiff man, she's not +hurting anyone. Why don't you come inside, have something to eat, and +forget about her?" + +The young guard hesitated, indecisive. Etain felt a slight push and saw the +woman nod toward the alley's entrance. Cautiously she took a step away +from her protector's bulk. The guard didn't move. She sidled a few steps +more, staying as far away from him as she could. Still he did not move. +Heartened, she began to edge past him, when suddenly his arm shot out and +she was caught in his grip and yanked close to him. + +"Don't let me catch you here ag..." his voice trailed off in surprise as he +stared down at her, and then he deliberately ran his hand across her chest. +His brows drew down in consternation as his hand encountered the unmistakable +softness of small, but definitely present breasts. + +"What the hell!" He exclaimed harshly. "Who are you... what are you?" + +"Stop that!" the portly woman snapped angrily, advancing on them with her +fists clenched menacingly. She was nearly as tall as the guard, and definitely +outweighed him. He took a step back, his grip on Etain loosening. Frantic, +she tore herself from his grasp and dashed for freedom, but lost her footing +on the dirt which had accumulated in the alley and went down on hands and +knees, skinning them painfully. She scrambled to her feet and glanced back. +The guard was struggling with the woman, trying to chase Etain, but unable +to free himself from the bear-hug in which he was entrapped. + +"Go, child, go on!" the woman called. + +Etain needed no second prompting. She ran. + +Something fell from her pocket, and bounced on the ground with a light, +hollow sound. She skidded to a stop, realizing what it had been, the flute. +Without thinking she stooped and groped for it, found it, and looked back. +The young guardsman a scant two yards from her, and in seconds, he had +her, hands tight around her upper arms as he shook her hard enough to +loosen her hair from its binding to spill down around her shoulders. + +"You're no halfling! What the hell are you?" + +She struggled in his grasp, trying to pull free, but he was far larger and +stronger than she. He let go of her with one hand, the other tightening +painfully as he drew back his hand. She closed her eyes and turned her face, +trying to avoid the blow. Strangely, it never came, and his grip on her arm +went suddenly slack as he crumpled to the ground. Startled, she opened her +eyes to find her benefactress standing over the man, a large, flat metal object +in her hand, and an expression of extreme satisfaction on her face. She +chuckled, seemingly at the bewildered expression on Etain's face. + +"He'll not be manhandling you again any time soon. Go on, get out of here +before he wakes up." + +Etain nodded, and backed away, then stopped. How to thank her? There +was no reason for her to have helped, yet she had. For the second time lately, +her surety that all Tall-ones were evil had been shaken. Perhaps she had been +wrong. She put her hand to her throat, and shook her head, then put her +palms together and ducked her head over them, as she had seen the little- +ones do when expressing gratitude. The woman smiled. + +"You're welcome. Now, get." + +Etain got. + +### + +Once safely back in the tunnels, Etain realized with surprise that through the +entire episode, she had unconsciously managed to hang onto the packet of food. +The rolls were slightly flattened, and the fruit a little bruised, but both +were still edible. Unfortunately the flute had sustained more abuse, the old, +dry wood had split along the spine, damaging it irreparably. Pragmatically, +she decided better it than her, and headed back toward her c_s where Picard +waited. + +### + +Picard looked up as Etain came in, and catching her pained expression, he +studied her more closely as she limped over to the table and set down her +bag. Her hair was wild, her knees and hands were stained dark, and looked +skinned. He sat up, instantly concerned. + +"What happened?" he demanded, before remembering she could not tell him. +A little exasperated, he rephrased. "Did something happen?" + +She nodded, with a sigh, and rubbed at her arms, then picked up a bowl, +crossed to the garderobe entrance and disappeared. She emerged a moment +later carrying the bow, filled with water, and a scrap of cloth. Sitting down +across from him, she began to carefully clean her skinned knees. Up close he +could see that both her upper-arms were encircled by hand-width bands of +purpling bruises. He frowned, suspecting the cause. + +"Someone almost caught you, didn't they?" + +She nodded, not looking at him, concentrating on picking small bits of gravel +out of her knee. + +"Have you been stealing food for me?" he asked quietly. + +She looked up and nodded, obviously surprised that he needed to ask. He +sighed. + +"I would rather you didn't." + +She frowned, shaking her head, and touched her chest, then lifted her hands as +if to say "what else can I do?" A trickle of rust-colored water ran down her +arm from her hand when she raised it. She looked annoyed and wiped it off +with the cloth. He leaned forward and took one of her hands in his, +inspecting the damage, and found that along with the fresh scrapes and cuts on +the heel of her hand, slightly older scratches marred her palm, and her nails +were raggedly torn. He could tell those injuries were older, for her nails +and the older scratches were cleaner. Wondering how she had gotten the +other scrapes, he held out his hand for the cloth. She eyed him dubiously, +then with some reluctance gave it to him and he began to clean the abrasions +for her. + +"There are places you can go, to get food, that don't involve stealing." he +said gently, trying not to sound as if he were reprimanding her. + +She shook her head. + +"Yes, really. You just need to know where to go." + +She shook her head again, more vehemently and pointed up with her free +hand, then touched the bruises on her arm, and the scrapes on her hand. He +understood that she felt she would be caught if she went somewhere openly. +Perhaps she was right. It was her world, she knew it better than he could. + +"I suppose that's true." he acknowledged, reluctantly. "I'm sorry you were +hurt." + +She shrugged, her usual response to any expression of concern on his part. +He frowned. + +"No, it is not alright! Not at all! I am endangering you. I've got to get +out of here! Will you take me above, where I can contact my ship, and find +some way to correct this situation? It's intolerable!" + +She pulled away, startled by his sudden vehemence, and winced as his +fingers skimmed her injured palm. She shook her head forcefully in absolute +refusal of his request. + +"Why?" he demanded. + +For answer she pulled her knife from its sheath and brandished it at an +imaginary foe, holding her other arm before her face defensively, then she +pointed to his ankle. + +He sighed. "Yes, I know it's dangerous, and I realize I'm not particularly +mobile, but I can't stay here! There must be something wrong, since my +people haven't found me yet. I need to get back!" He saw the stubborn set of +her chin and changed his approach, softening his manner. "I also can do +nothing to help you or the others until I return to my ship. Once there, I can +begin the work needed to free them, and you." + +His change of tactic almost worked. He saw the muscles in her jaw relax, she +looked hesitant for a moment, then the tension returned and she shook her +head again, pointing once more to his ankle, and holding up three fingers. + +"Three what?" + +Making a circle of her fingers, she passed them in an arc above her head. He +scowled. + +"Three days? Too long." he insisted. + +She shrugged, wrapped her arms around her knees and looked away. + +He sighed. Obviously she wasn't going to give in on the subject. She was +every bit as stubborn as Beverly Crusher. He gave her a moment, then held +out his hand again. + +"I wasn't finished with that. Give it back." + +She hesitated, then stuck her hand out gracelessly and let him finish, but +refused to look at him. He wondered what he'd said wrong this time. + +### + +Picard watched Etain sharpen her knife with growing irritation. He was bored, +sick of hiding, tired of being in pain, and jealous of her ability to come +and go as she pleased. On top of that, he was growing seriously worried +about his ship. It was taking too long, something was obviously wrong. +Altogether, he was not in a good mood, the mixture of annoyances and worry +combined into a roiling simmer or frustration. Needing some sort of outlet, +he swore. Etain jumped, startled. He found her reaction was obscurely +satisfying. He favored her with one of his patented icy stares. She seemed to +sway an inch or two farther away, her eyes widening. + +"Must you make that noise?" he enquired frostily. + +She looked down at the knife and whetstone, shook her head, and set the stone +down. Carefully she cleaned the blade and replaced it in its sheath. For +a moment she seemed indecisive, then she picked up the bowl which held her +meager provisions and advanced on him, holding it out, looking for all the +world like some acolyte offering sacrifice. + +"No, thank you," he snapped, before she got within reach. + +She stopped, and turned away, setting the bowl back on the flat sheet of metal +that served as a table. Again, she seemed at a loss, then brightened, and +picked up her one book, turning to bring it to him. + +"I don't want that, either. What I want is out of here!" + +She dropped the book; her face paled, then flushed, and her gaze lowered, +then lifted hesitantly. He saw the pain there and winced. He was being petty, +and she didn't deserve it. She had done nothing but try to help. Belatedly, +he tried to apologise. + +"I'm sorry... I'm not used to inactivity. I..." + +She shook her head violently, and waved a hand, negating his words. Quickly +she touched two fingers to her chest, then pointed up, her way of saying she +was going above. Before he could respond, she had gone. He swore, more +meaningfully this time. His actions had been uncalled for, and he felt worse, +not better, for indulging his bad disposition. Now she was gone again, above. +Every time she went above, she returned in a state of emotional agitation, and +so far had been unable to make him understand why. It had something to do with +the others of her kind, but not, as he had first thought, with their +enslavement. That seemed to make little difference to her. It was something +else, something to do with their size, as far as he could ascertain. In any +case, he had hurt her. + +Feeling more than a little ashamed of himself, he maneuvered over to where she +had dropped her book and retrieved it. Wrapping it carefully in its cloth, he +replaced it in its stone cubbyhole, noting a smaller cloth-wrapped parcel +tucked into a corner of the same hiding place. He almost took it out to look +at it, in hopes that it was another book, but didn't. He had no right to pry +into her belongings, especially not now. He only hoped he had not +irretrievably shattered the fragile trust she had bestowed on him. + +### +______________________________________________________________________________ +copyright 1992, Kellie Matthews-Simmons +matthews_k@cubldr.colorado.edu//matthewk@spot.colorado.edu +all rights reserved + +Standard Disclaimers Apply + +From JULIA@Jetson.UH.EDU Tue Aug 31 16:34:01 1993 +X-VM-v5-Data: ([nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil] + ["70857" "Tue" "31" "August" "1993" "12:43:37" "-0500" "JULIA@Jetson.UH.EDU" "JULIA@Jetson.UH.EDU" nil "1526" "(TNG) Silence, A Novel by Kellie Matthews-Simmons, Part 5" "^From:" nil nil "8"]) +Return-Path: +Received: from Rosie.UH.EDU by depot.cis.ksu.edu SMTP (8.5) + id QAA00530; Tue, 31 Aug 1993 16:33:58 -0500 +Received: from Jetson.UH.EDU by Jetson.UH.EDU (PMDF V4.2-11 #3125) id + <01H2E97JDYZ28XAHXS@Jetson.UH.EDU>; Tue, 31 Aug 1993 12:43:38 CDT +Message-id: <01H2E97JDYYO8XAHXS@Jetson.UH.EDU> +X-VMS-To: @ARCHIVE +MIME-version: 1.0 +Content-type: TEXT/PLAIN; CHARSET=US-ASCII +Content-transfer-encoding: 7BIT +Status: RO +From: JULIA@Jetson.UH.EDU +To: jfy@cis.ksu.edu +Subject: (TNG) Silence, A Novel by Kellie Matthews-Simmons, Part 5 +Date: Tue, 31 Aug 1993 12:43:37 -0500 (CDT) + +CHAPTER FIVE + +Etain sat at the juncture of two tunnels, arms wrapped around her knees as if +to ward off a chill, though the temperature was no lower than normal. She +didn't understand why he had behaved as he had, but the truth behind his +statement had left no room for doubt. He did want out. Out, and up, not just +Above, but to his... ship. The star-ship that he spoke of in tones she would +have reserved for a parent, or a mate. Worse, she didn't understand why she +did not want him to go just as much as he seemed to want it. + +She had not wanted to help him in the first place, now she did not want him +to go. It had been so long, since she had been gifted with another human +presence. It was hard, to let him go, even if he was a Tall-One. Odd, how she +thought of him as human, when he was not. His blood, his skin, his ears, his +mind... all told her he was Other. She would not have thought it possible, +just days before, that she would ever consider a Tall-One fully human. She had +never understood why they seemed so different. Now she knew that they +were different, not just in outlook, but physically, in the same way that she +was different from the small, blind diggers she found in the deepest tunnels. +But Picard was human, nonetheless. + +Finally, she came to a decision, on her own, without consulting her +grandmother, or the Lady. He had to go. Her frequent visits to the kitchens +were becoming dangerous. Soon, someone would see her, despite her +precautions, and she would be caught. Left to herself, she could forage food +elsewhere. But how? Despite her best efforts, he could not walk yet, and if +he ventured above the Darkmind's servants might find and kill him. That meant +she had to find someone who would shield him. Easier thought than +accomplished. She scowled, wondering how she was supposed to find such +help. Then it occurred to her that he had said several times that his... crew +would be looking for him. If so, perhaps she could find one of them. But that +entailed going looking for them; a task more dangerous than her trips to the +kitchens, since it meant exposing herself to even more Tall-Ones. + +Further reflection brought another memory. He had also spoken of a device, a +small metal object, with which he could contact his friends. It had been lost +in his fight with the Darkmind's servants. If she could locate it, he could +call for help. She had not gone to look for it then, because they had been +there, looking for him. But now, if she could find it, he could return safely +to his proper place. Away from her... but then, that was just as well. It was +dangerous to allow others a place in one's life. Painful. Had he not just +proven that to her yet again? + +She stood, and took the left-hand passage, the one that led upward, +eventually coming to the small branch that was too low-ceilinged to allow +walking, the one she had used the night she had brought Picard below. +Following it to its end, she paused cautiously and extended her awareness +above, to see if it was safe to venture out. Sensing none of the Darkmind's +servants about, she reached to open the screen which sheilded the passage +entryway, and stopped suddenly. + +There was something... something odd above. A thing she had never sensed +before. Something large, and... very strange. For a moment she had thought +it an animal, but its thought-patterns were too orderly, almost like a human's, +though she could not read them easily. + +Etain tried harder to access the nature of the being, frowning fiercely in +concentration, sending probes first one way, then another, until finally, like +water finding a weak spot in a child's mud dam, she found a way in. A +trickle at first, then a flood. She hastily cut off the flow of information, +shaking her head at the sheer power of it. The strength of emotions this being +held pent within itself was astonishing, the dark, hot undertones of wished- +for violence made her shudder. But for all its un-human strangeness, two +things were clear. This was no Darkmind. For all its fierceness, it held that +part of itself in tight control. And it knew Picard. Not as prey, but as +leader. She no longer needed to find the metal device, she had found something +far better. Drawing a deep breath, she opened the gate. + +### + +Worf sat immobile, crouched on haunches that had become slightly numb +from too long without movement. He stared at the scuffed, crumbling +ground where he had found Picard's communicator, and cursed himself. He +was responsible for the captain's safety, and he had failed to carry out his +duty. He had known that the Captain seemed disturbed, but had not +watched, not questioned, assuming the disturbance to be some inner, human +thing. He should have known better. Now the Captain was gone, perhaps +dead, perhaps not, but Worf had no way of knowing which. For once he +would have welcomed the silly Counselor, she would be able to tell at least +that much; but he had only Riker's guess that Coran Delvekia was lying about +the supposed terrorists. So he waited, where the captain had last been traced +by the combadge monitor, as he should. He would wait there, without food +or water, until he received understanding of what to do next. + +A sound jerked his head up and he tensed, listening for the slight stone- +against-stone noise he had heard to be repeated. No sound came. He sighed, +and turned his gaze once more toward the earth. As he had hoped, once he had +stilled another sound came. Not the stone sound, but the subtle rustle of bare +feet on dry grasses, the tiny whistle of half-caught breaths. Small, human... +or human-like, female... he could smell her, sense her... he flexed the +muscles in his legs, ready to spring. She came closer, then stopped, almost as +if waiting. He waited as well until he could wait no more. With a growl, he +moved, and caught her wrist as she gasped, but did not move. + +He looked at his hand, which covered almost all of her forearm, at her long +russet hair, at her oddly familiar features, and slowly released her. She +still did not move, save to rub at the welts his grip had left on her arm. He +looked in her eyes, and her gaze did not waver. He saw astonishment in her, +and fear, and recognised the effort it took her not to run. It was one of the +little ones, but one who had never seen a Klingon before, one a little older, +a little more individual than the others. + +He stepped back a few paces, and she seemed to relax slightly, her breath +coming a little more deeply. He nodded. + +"You wish something?" he asked curtly, wondering what she was doing out +in the middle of nowhere... and more importantly, where she had come from. + +She nodded. + +"What?" + +She drew a deep breath and stepped closer to him, reaching out to point to, +but not touch, his combadge with a finger that shook slightly. He looked +from it to her, puzzled. + +"You wish to have my combadge?" + +She sagged a little, and shook her head. After a moment, she pointed to the +ground, then again to his communicator. He was even more puzzled. + +"You wish me to place my communicator on the ground?" + +She shook her head strongly, and scowled, obviously trying to find a way to +communicate her meaning. He waited patiently. Usually the little ones +eventually found the means to express themselves. After two half-hearted +attempts, she finally pulled at his sleeve, and pointed toward the edge of the +canal. He allowed her to guide him to the edge, and watched as she lowered +herself over the side where the drop was the shallowest and then stand there +looking expectantly up at him. He frowned. She obviously intended him to +follow. He crossed his arms on his chest and planted his feet. + +"Why should I accompany you?" + +She rolled her eyes, and looked disgusted. After a moment she touched her +throat, sighed, and held her splayed hands out in front of her, shaking them +in obvious frustation. Then suddenly, her face lit. She had obviously had an +idea. Grabbing a small stick from the ground, she swept her hair back in a +tight knot and stuck the stick through it to hold it in place. Then she turned +toward him with her face set and grim, turned an icy, arch-browed gaze on +him, and deliberately, took hold of the bottom edge of her vest and yanked it +down an inch. + +The impersonation was unmistakable. He stared at her in shock. + +"Captain Picard?" he managed to ask. + +The imperious look disappeared, replaced by a triumphant grin as she +nodded, the motion sending her hair flying loose from its makeshift binding. +He crouched and jumped, landing close enough beside her to startle her into +backing up, against the channel wall. Worf moved out of her space, trying to +stay in control, and not to intimidate her + +"He is alive, he is well?" he demanded with all the civility he could manage. + +She nodded, then bent to touch her leg and make a face, as if in pain. Since +she had not exhibited any sign of pain before, he took that as answer to his +second question. The captain's leg was injured in some way. + +"I understand. Where is he?" + +She motioned for him to follow and walked along the channel floor for about +two meters, then stopped. Carefully she pushed on one edge of a large +boulder there, and it moved, with the distinctive stone-on-stone sound that +had alerted him earlier; swinging open to reveal a narrow opening behind it. +She pointed. + +"He is in there?" + +She nodded, and made a sweeping motion, as if to indicate distance. Worf +ducked and looked into the opening, realizing it was the entrance to a +passageway. He gauged the width of the opening, and decided he could pass +through, barely. He looked back at the woman. + +"Does the passage narrow?" + +She shook her head, and put her palms together, then separated them. + +"It widens?" he guessed. + +She nodded. He reached up and touched his combadge. + +"Worf to Commander Riker." + +The reply was almost instantaneous. "Riker here." The commander's voice +held the sharpness of strain. Worf understood that. The young woman was +staring at his chest, her expression baffled, apparently startled by the voice +without a source. + +"I believe I have had a... revelation, Commander." Worf knew that Riker +would understand. They had agreed not to speak openly, since they +suspected Halvam's Security Forces of having had a hand in the Captain's +disappearence. He heard the commander's sharply drawn breath, then a +moment later he acknowleged Worf's words. + +"I see. Are you well?" + +"I am well, but I have been in the dark, and I may have difficulty walking." + +"I... understand. I will send a team with the necessary equipment to your +current coordinates." + +"Thank you, sir. Worf out." + +He looked back at his guide, found her still staring curiously at his combadge. +Considering her reaction to the communicator, he thought it prudent to warn +her about the transporter. + +"Others will be arriving in a few moments. They are here to help. You need +not fear them. Will you guide us after they come?" + +She lifted her gaze to his, searching his face with her eyes. Slowly she +nodded, then dropped to her knees and settled back, as if to wait there. He +saw no reason for her not to wait where she pleased, and crouched down to +her level. + +"You have courage. That is good." + +She dropped her eyes with a human child's shyness, and shrugged, then the +transporter's chiming tones began and her gaze ranged past him, to widen in +awe. Worf saw her make a peculiar motion with one hand, and edge into the +shadow of the passage as he turned to meet his crewmates. + +### + +Etain watched nothing solidify into something, and become five men. She gaped +like an idiot, and involuntarily made the sign against evil, something she had +not done since she was a child. Once they had fully formed, the tallest of +them, a dark-bearded man nearly as tall as the Fierce-one, whose only analog +in her knowledge lay in ancient tales of trolls and spirits, stepped forward +and began to speak with her companion in quiet, clipped tones. + +All were clothed as Picard, though in differing colors. Two of the newcomers +wore gold the color of old leaves, the same color the Fierce-one wore. Two +wore night-sky-blue, and carried between them a strange sled-shaped object +which seemed to float, as they appeared to bear none of its weight. The tall, +bearded one wore crimson, like Picard. She wondered what the colors +signified, if anything. She scanned them quickly, and to her relief found no +animosity there, only anxiety, and flaring hope. + +After a moment, the bearded-one turned his scrutiny to her. He studied her for +several moments, too long, it felt to her. One eyebrow lifted in a way very +unlike Picard's; though the action was the same, the intent was not. +Something about this expression made her slightly uncomfortable. The smile +which curved the man's mouth did little to erase her discomfort as he +extended his hand, but his voice was even and pleasant when he spoke, and +his words to the point. + +"I'm Commander Riker. I understand you know where the Captain is?" + +She nodded, and briefly touched her fingers to his in greeting, wishing they +would hurry up and let her take them to Picard. She had been in the open far +too long for comfort, and a knot of fearful anticipation had begun to writhe +and coil in her stomach. Impatiently, she gestured for them to follow her. +The bearded-one, Riker, turned to his companions. + +"The stretcher won't fit. Worf and I will go down and see if we can bring him +up without it. Wait here, stay alert, and if you haven't heard from us in +fifteen minutes, come in after us... armed." + +Etain bristled. Armed? Did they think she led them into a trap? It was they +who endangered her, not the other way. She seethed for a moment before she +realized that unlike herself, they had no way of knowing her sincerity. They +were merely cautious, as she would be in their place. She let the anger flow +away and started down the tunnel, trusting them to follow. + +Sudden light filled her eyes and she winced from its brilliance, turning to +find its source. The one called Riker held a small sun in his hand, the glow +too bright for her to look at directly. He turned it away from her, and she +could see the light emanated from a small box. + +"Sorry, didn't mean to startle you." + +The Fierce-one appeared to understand her reaction better. From behind +Riker his low, resonant voice filled the corridor. + +"It is a mechanical device, a... cold torch." + +She nodded. Like the globes near the city, though much brighter. A helpful +device for those unused to the dark. Turning back, she resumed the lead. + +### + +Picard heard them long before he saw them. They made far more noise in the +passage than Etain ever did. The low register of one of the two male voices +he heard was so familiar that he never doubted the identity of its owner. +Worf. His relief at hearing that voice was so intense that it startled him. +He thought he had been dealing with his situation fairly well, but his earlier +mood and his feelings now told him otherwise. All he could think about was +getting back to the ship. + +He was surprised when Etain appeared first, familiar bare feet dangling over +the edge of the low drop before she slid into the chamber. Had she brought +them? His question was forgotten as first Riker, then Worf entered. Their +size made the chamber seem even smaller than usual. + +Riker stood for a moment, staring at him with a peculiar mix of relief, anger +and apprehension on his face. Picard was reminded that he wanted to look at +the log-tape of Riker's return to the ship. That was the expression he really +wanted to see. + +"Number One," he said quietly, acknowledging Riker's presence. + +"Captain... it's good to see you." + +"Likewise, Number One." + +Riker nodded, and after a moment began to speak. "Captain, I..." + +"Forget it, Will. These things happen now and then. And you as well, +Lieutenant Worf. If I insist on haring off without informing you, you cannot +be expected to properly fulfil your duties." + +Both officers nodded, but he expected to have to deal with totally unfounded +mea culpas from each of them at a later time. + +"I am curious as to why it took so long for you to locate me." + +Riker shook his head. "A combination of things, really. Sensor-opaque +materials in the soil, and a ninety-eight percent human population among +them. We still wouldn't have found you if we hadn't had help. Here, I +believe this is yours." Riker held out Picard's combadge. + +Picard took it from him with a grin. "Diplomatic of you not to mention the +fact that I lost my combadge like a first-year cadet. At any rate, I'm +pleased to see you both. There are things I need to attend to." + +"Yes sir." Riker hesitated a moment, then plunged on. "The woman indicated +that you might be injured..." + +"A broken ankle, yes, however it's not too bad now, Etain's worked on it quite +a bit." + +Amused by his first officer's look of relief, Jean-Luc stood, balancing +gingerly on his uninjured foot, accepting Riker's offer of support. As he +turned to thank Etain for her help, he suddenly realized she was not there. +She must have gone while he had been speaking with Riker. + +He immediately understood why she had left. He had hurt her, and she +wanted him gone. Enough to risk going above and finding someone to take +him. The thought was not a pleasant one. He had a feeling that he had just +made a rather vital error. At the moment, he could forsee no particular +consequences, but the feeling was there, nonetheless. He couldn't even leave +her a note apologizing, since she could not read. The only apology he could +possibly offer was to get to the bottom of whatever was going on, and do +something for her, and her people. He sighed, and shook his head. + +"Something wrong, sir?" Riker inquired, concerned. + +"Just my own ineptitude, I'm afraid, Number One." + +Riker lifted an eyebrow, glancing over to where the woman had stood +moments earlier, and frowned. "She's gone." + +Worf nodded. "She left as you were speaking." his voice sounded vaguely +puzzled. "Should I have detained her?" + +Picard shook his head. "No, you did right. All she did was try to help. She +poses no threat at all, not to us at any rate. Shall we?" + +"We're not sure if we'll be able to beam up from here, or if we'll have to go +to the surface first, but we'll give it a shot," Riker touched his combadge. +"Enterprise, come in." + +There was a moment's pause, then a startled sounding O'Brien replied. +"Enterprise here sir, we are receiving you, and we have a clear signal." + +"Three to beam up." + +"Aye, sir. Energizing now." + +The last thing Picard saw before the transporter effect obscured his vision +were the handprints on the wall. + +### + +Etain listened to Picard and the others making their loud noises in her long- +quiet world. She crouched in a side passage, and refused to give vent to the +feelings stirring and twisting inside, hoping that if she did not acknowledge +them, they would go away. The distress she felt was unpleasantly similar to +the way she had felt twenty winters since, the day the Darkmind took away +what was left of the RuaShi. This time the pain was of her own making. She +had allowed herself to care, and in so doing, had given her curse a chance to +work yet again. She had wondered if it had gone away, but it was clear now +that it had not. Instead, everything she cared about went away. + +The Fierce-one had moved to stop her from leaving, and she had gone Inside, +into his mind, to remove the impulse and make him let her go. She had never +done such a thing before, never made another obey her will. Mhaiv had +taught her that to use that path led to soullessness. She begged silent +forgiveness of him, hoping he understood her need. She could not stay to +watch, to feel the friendship that flowed between Picard and the Bearded-one, +Riker. She had felt only the slightest touch of that, and craved it like she +sometimes craved green growing things, and sunlight. + +She waited until the sounds had died away completely before she returned to her +nest. It was quiet, and empty, as it had always been. She sat down and stared +around, trying to reaccustom herself to the lack. She felt tired, as if she +had been days without sleep, as if she had Healed. Stretching out, she tried +not to notice that the cushions were a little warm, and still held a scent +other than her own; and closed her eyes. + +### + +It seemed only a little while later when the sound of footsteps and low male +voices woke her. She sat up, smiling, wondering why they had returned, but +not displeased. Light poured into the chamber from the passage and blinded +her for a moment. As she blinked, trying to see past the glare someone spoke, +and an unfamiliar voice wrapped fingers around her heart and squeezed. + +"Well now, what have we here? A Halfling who's a bit more than half. How +did you escape the net, sweetheart?" + +She rolled to her knees, her hand trembling on the hilt of her blade. She +didn't reach out. She didn't need to. The Darkmind's servants had found her. +The feeling she had ignored today had not been entirely her own pain. Her +meager fore-sense had tried to warn her. A second voice sounded, +whispering something to the first, who laughed. + +"Yes, perhaps Coran should have let the girls grow up. They might have had +their uses, if they had turned out like this one. Ah well, too late. Come on, +we've work to do." + +The light moved, finally, revealing not two, but four, and another just +entering the chamber. Loosening her blade in its sheath, she invoked the +Hunter as they moved toward her; she could not take all of them, but with +His help perhaps she could mark a few before she fell. + +### + +Cool, silver walls came into being around him, carpeted floor vibrating almost +imperceptibly beneath his feet. Picard felt the tension in his shoulders fade +for the first time in three days. He took a breath, testing the scent of the +air. Home. Enterprise; intact; peaceful. He felt the covert hum of her power +singing through him and acknowledged, yet again, that no flesh and blood +female would ever hold the same fascination for him. His sense of rightness, +of well-being was so intense that he forgot and took a step unaided, but when +he did so, pain reminded him and he stopped, teeth set. Etain had worked +wonders with his ankle, but it could not yet bear his full weight. The nearest +of the sickbay tables was several meters away. + +Worf put out a hand as if to help, then hesitated. Suspecting some obscure +Klingon custom held him back, Picard spoke to put him at ease. + +"I would be glad of your assistance, Lieutenant." + +"Certainly, sir." + +Worf stepped forward, both hands extended. Picard, realizing his intent, +quickly shook his head. + +"I believe I can walk, with support, Lieutenant." + +Worf nodded, and dropped one hand, extending his arm instead. Picard was +once again reminded of a lion, not an inapt simile in either temperament or +appearance. Worf was leonine by nature. + +Picard leaned on Worf's proffered arm, stifling a sigh of relief. The thought +of his crew's reaction to his being carried by his security chief was not one +he cared to experience. Beverly Crusher exploded into the room, her face tight +with concern. She searched his face, looking for... something, he wondered +exactly what. He found an impulse within himself to avoid her gaze, feeling +a slight flush. She looked away, seeming a little highly-colored herself. He +resisted shaking his head. That quiet mutual attraction was still there, +sublimated nearly into extinction by both of them, but definitely still there. +Beverly suddenly cleared her throat and pulled her professional demeanor +around herself like a cloak. + +"Would you help the Captain onto the diagnostic table, please, Lieutenant?" + +Worf did as she had asked, then with a nod to the captain, left the room. +Beverly picked up a scanner and turned toward him. + +"So, what seems to be the problem?" + +He nearly chuckled at her words. So... physician-like. "I 'seem' to have +broken my ankle." + +"Ah." She passed her scanner over his leg, read it, frowned, then repeated the +action. After reading the second scan, she looked up, her expression troubled. + +"Jean-Luc, I know damn well you did not leave this ship with a broken ankle, +but this reading is of an injury several weeks old, not several days old! Did +someone down there use a regenerator on you?" + +"In a manner of speaking. The woman who helped me is a healer." + +"A what?" + +"She uses psionic power to speed recovery." + +Beverly frowned. "Unusual. Are you certain she didn't use a regen unit?" + +"Absolutely. She also has a rather unique method of psionically blocking +pain." + +"Interesting. I've heard of such things, even seen a few. Most of the real +ones could not have done something as extensive as this, and many of those who +claim such abilities are frauds." + +"I assure you, Beverly, she's no fraud. There is no way she could have faked +this. She doesn't have access to the technology." + +Beverly scowled, obviously not convinced. "Well, she seems to have done +well enough, as far as she went. Everything is where it's supposed to be, and +healing nicely. An hour or two with a slow fusion unit and you'll be as good +as new," she passed the scanner over the rest of him before looking up again. +"And it seems that, apart from your ankle, you're as healthy as the proverbial +horse. Stay put, I'll be right back." + +As she walked around the corner, he turned to Will Riker. + +"Fill me in, Number One." + +"Yes sir. The Halvami claim that it was an anti-Federation terrorist faction +who attacked you." + +"However, you suspect otherwise." Picard read, filling in the unspoken. +"Why?" + +Riker rubbed his ear, looked uncomfortable, and shrugged. "I'm not sure. +Intuition?" he said, finally. + +"Intuition, Number One? Isn't that Counselor Troi's domain?" + +Riker's smile flashed whitely in the darkness of his beard. "Yes sir, but +since she's not here at the moment..." + +"It's a dirty job, but someone's got to do it?" Picard finished, amused. + +"Something like that, sir." Riker was smiling as well, sharing the old +metaphor's banality. + +"So. Any evidence?" + +"No, none, apart from our earlier suspicions about slavery. I was hoping you +might be able to shed some light on the matter." + +"Mmm." Picard frowned thoughtfully at his hands for a moment, then looked +up. "I would say that your intuition is correct, Number One, however I have +somewhat more reason to suspect them. I was told that Coran Delvekia +would be behind any attack." + +"Told, sir? By whom?" + +"By Seret Ng. I am certain she would be willing to testify." + +"Seret Ng? I'm sorry, but Seret Ng is dead. Ostensibly of heart-failure +during the attack on you." + +Picard stiffened, then shook his head regretfully. "Damn, I was afraid of +that. And she was our only witness, no, wait. Perhaps there is another." + +"Who?" + +"The young woman who brought you to me. She has knowledge of the +events Seret Ng was trying to tell me about when we were separated." + +Riker nodded, frowing. "I see. Would she be willing to speak before a +Federation Council meeting?" + +"I don't know. It could be difficult. She, like all the others of her kind, +is mute, and neither reads, writes or signs in any recognized language." + +Riker looked puzzled. "Then how did she tell you?" + +"She may be mute, but she communicates, after a fashion. It's rather like +playing charades, with a lot of contextual reading and a good deal of +guesswork. She is also a receptive telepath, and I suspect she augments her +attempts to communicate with projective telepathy as well. There were times +I understood her, and I'm still not sure how I did." + +"I see." Riker mused thoughtfully for a few seconds, then looked up, a gleam +in his eye. "Since she's telepathic, we could bring up Lieutenant T'kar. +She's been on Halvam doing that sociological study you asked for, but aside +from Deanna she's the best we have." + +Picard searched his memory, and a face clicked into place. T'kar. Vulcan, a +specialist in xeno-sociology and psychology. Her psi ratings were very high, +among the highest in the fleet. She had been one of three finalists for his +Ship's Counselor position. Starfleet, deciding that his natural tendency +toward non-emotion needed no reinforcing, had assigned him someone with +more 'emotional depth.' + +Despite offers from several other ships, T'kar had chosen to remain aboard +the Enterprise where she felt she had more potential for contact with +previously unknown species. + +"As I recall, most Vulcans prefer not to use their mental abilities in cross- +species interaction, the emotional levels apparently being unsettling to them; +however, as she was up for the Counselor position, Lieutenant T'kar may +have fewer reservations about such things than normal. Good suggestion, +Number One, please ask her if she would be willing to work with Etain in this +matter." + +"Etain? Unusual name." + +"Yes, it is." Beverly Crusher said as she reentered the room carrying a +portable slow fusion unit. She sat down on the edge of the table with her +back to Picard and began fitting it around his injured ankle. "It's Gaelic, I +believe. I remember my Grandmother telling us Old Earth fables as a child, +Etain's among them. She was supposed to have been the most beautiful +woman in all of Ireland, as well as one of the bravest." She paused for a +moment, then went on with studied casualness. "Does she resemble her +namesake?" + +"As a matter of fact, she does." Picard said, quietly. + +"Oh?" she breathed softly, tightening the closure of the device with +unnecessary roughness. Picard winced, then a second later a barely +perceptible smile curved his mouth. + +"In fact, she reminded me quite strongly of another red-headed healer I know +in a number of ways." + +Riker grinned broadly for an instant, then hid it quickly behind his hand as he +feigned scratching his nose. The doctor swung around to stare at Picard. + +"Red-headed?" + +Picard nodded. "Mmmhmm." + +Beverly stared at him for a moment. "What ways?" + +"Pardon?" + +"In what ways did she remind you of m... of this other 'healer'?" + +Picard studied the ceiling nonchalantly, considering. "Hmm, bedside +manner, perhaps." + +Riker took a step back, then another. Picard shot him a look that called him a +coward quite eloquently, and he stopped. + +"I see." She said after a moment, her eyes flashing. "I suppose I shouldn't +ask if that is a positive or a negative comparison." + +"Oh, positive, of course." + +"Of course." The fire in her eyes softened. She knew she was being baited, +and chose not to rise to it. "You stay put until I tell you that you can go." + +Picard frowned. "And how long will that be?" + +"An hour at least. After that, we'll see." + +"Doctor Crusher, I have work to do!" + +"Do it from here. You're not moving without my permission." + +With a sigh Picard sat back, reflecting that Beverly and Etain certainly did +have similar dispositions, at least as far as their patients were concerned. +He didn't like it. He had a growing feeling that something was very wrong, and +felt he needed to be on the bridge, or at least doing something active. With a +long-suffering glance at his first officer he shrugged. + +"Well, Number One, it looks like you'll have the conn a little longer. Contact +Lieutenant T'kar, see if she is willing to help us with Etain. As I recall, +there is legal precedent for the use of telepathic depositions." + +Riker nodded. "Assuming she agrees, where will I find Etain?" + +"The same place you found me. That is her home." + +Riker stared at him, a frown etching its way across his face. Picard's earlier +unease deepened, this time with a specific subject. Something was wrong +with Etain. + +"What is it, Will?" + +"Data mentioned that the Halvami were tracking our transporter activity. At +the time, I didn't think it unusual, but..." + +The unease solidified into real fear. "My God, if she's right about them, and +they know where I was, they'll be after her..." + +"My thoughts exactly." + +"Get her, Number One, now." + +"On my way." + +As Riker strode out, Picard looked down at his ankle and cursed softly. +Beverly looked at him and frowned. + +"You think they would harm her? For sheltering you?" + +"Absolutely. Unless she was lying to me, neither she nor any of the other +'servants' were born mute. She told me they were surgically modified to +prevent them from speaking. If they would do that to a child, what would +they do to an adult?" + +"My God, Jean-Luc... a child?" + +He nodded. "She was probably ten or twelve at the time. She doesn't +remember exactly how old she was when it happened, and seems to have had +no formal education at all." + +"How old is she now?" + +He shrugged. "I'm not certain, twenty-five, at a guess, judging from physical +signs alone." + +"Fifteen years?" Beverly said, aghast. "Fifteen years with no means of +communication? That's inhuman!" + +He nodded grimly. "I agree. Unfortunately it is all too probable." + +### + +Riker chose Worf and two other security officers, Johnson and Narat as the +additional members of his away-team, issued phasers, and transported back +down to the culvert where the entrance to Etain's dwelling was located. The +concealing screen-boulder was gone, leaving the opening obvious. Worf +studied the ground for a moment, frowning. + +"There were many men here, after we were. Their boots have a different sole +construction." + +Riker winced internally, and took a deep breath. "Well, come on." + +Worf posted Narat to guard the entrance to the tunnel, then preceded Riker +into the the access tunnel, Johnson bringing up the rear. As a precaution, they +did not use their lights, and the darkness was so complete Riker could not +even see his hand in front of his face. He wondered how Worf could +remember which turns to take. As they reached the end of the tunnel, Worf +growled, the sound low and chilling. + +"What is it?" Riker whispered, waiting for the Klingon's reply before turning +on the light. If there was anyone there, he didn't want to alert them too soon. + +"Blood." Worf hissed back. "Blood, and fear." + +"Life-form readings?" + +A greenish glow lit Worf's face, momentarily rendering him an ebony +gargoyle as he quickly checked his tricorder. "One, very faint. About a meter +and a half to our left." + +"Damn." Riker switched on his light, and its brilliance actinic after the +darkness. + +He squinted, and as his eyes adjusted he saw that the small room was a +shambles, barely resembling the orderly habitation he had seen before. He +began to pick his way through the mess toward where Worf had picked up +the reading, still blinking from the sudden brightness. Worf put a hand on +his shoulder, stopping him, then pointed, his expression even more grim than +usual. Riker looked, and for a moment saw nothing. Then it registered. +Johnson gagged, turning away. + +"Oh my God..." he said softly, closing his eyes for a moment, but only a +moment; then he punched his combadge. + +"Riker to O'Brien." + +"Here, sir." + +"Four to beam up, on my signal, directly to sickbay; we have a medical +emergency." + +"Standing by, sir." + +Riker knelt beside her, and tried to figure out how best to pick her up. Worf +put a hand on his shoulder, and shook his head. + +"Leave her so. Moving her might... damage her further." + +Riker laughed harshly. "I fail to see how she could get much more 'damaged', +but I'll take your advice." He touched his combadge again. + +"Now, Mr. O'Brien." + +### + +Picard heard O'Brien relay the 'medical emergency' message and went cold, +somehow certain that none of his crew were injured. That left only one +possibility. The certainty was curious, but seemed to go with his earlier +conviction that something was wrong with Etain. He tried to prepare himself +mentally, but nothing could have prepared him for what materialized on the +sickbay floor between his officers; or for the stunning wave of guilt he felt, +knowing that if she hadn't helped him, it would not have happened. He +heard Beverly Crusher gasp, obviously shocked, but she recovered instantly +and was on the floor beside Etain in seconds, her face set and grim as she +worked. Riker moved over to Picard, shaking his head. + +"I'm sorry, sir. We were too late." + +Picard nodded, curtly, acknowledging without blame. "We need Lieutenant +T'kar. Find her." + +Riker nodded and left, Worf followed him. After a few moments, Beverly +stood up. + +"There are no spinal injuries, get her on the table fast. Chisholm, Frey, we +need full life-support fields, now! And get her typed, her blood looks odd, +she's probably not human, so we need to know what she is." + +With a quick nod, Frey hurried away. Two other staffers lifted Etain onto the +central table. Beverly took a deep breath, then turned to face Picard, her +face stark with anger. + +"How could one sentient being could do that to another! What kind of +animals are we dealing with here?" + +"The worst kind... those who know what is right, and yet consciously choose +to ignore it. How bad is she?" + +"Bad. She's in shock, massive internal bleeding, damage to liver, spleen and +kidneys, broken ribs, punctured lung, both arms fractured just above the +wrists... odd, that." + +Picard shook his head. "Not so odd," he lifted his arms in demonstration, as +if to protect his face. "...they're probably defensive injuries." + +"Def... of course. I should have guessed. Another peculiarity, no head +injuries, save some minimal bruising and abrasions." + +"Deliberate, I'm sure. They intended for her to remain conscious for as long +as possible." + +The doctor looked sick for a moment, then looked to where her people were +preparing Etain, and her expression became even bleaker. + +"Jean-Luc, she wasn't lying about not being congenitally mute, someone did a +very thorough job of assuring her silence. Not only were her vocal cords +removed, but the vocal nerves were deliberately destroyed as well. She +couldn't even use a voder." + +"Damn. I was hoping for that option." + +"Whoever silenced her knew what they were doing. It was no amateur job." + +He nodded. "I understand. That's in the past, though. For now, will she +live?" + +"Honestly... I don't know. Right now, the odds aren't good. A lot depends on +her. From what you've said, she seems to be a natural survivor. That may +make the difference." + +He nodded, looked down at his ankle, then looked up again. "Take the regen +unit off." + +"Jean-Luc, I told you... " His gaze locked with hers, and her voice trailed +off. After a moment, she nodded. "It might help. You're the only person on +the ship she knows. Studies have shown that patients sometimes respond +positively to a familiar presence even when deeply unconscious. But you +must promise to complete the treatment later." + +"As soon as I can," he agreed. + +She leaned down and shut the device off, removed it, and helped him over to +where Etain lay. Grabbing a lab stool, she pushed him down onto it and +stepped back. + +"Just try to stay out of the way." + +Picard nodded. "Of course." + +She turned away and began to arrange her instruments. Picard looked at +Etain, and winced. She looked worse up close. There probably wasn't a full +centimeter of her body not bloody, bruised or abraded except for her face. +Even that was not entirely untouched. Feeling ill at ease, he cleared his +throat. + +"Etain, you're aboard the Enterprise. My people are helping you." As he said +it, he wondered if it was a lie. He wasn't sure they would be able to. + +There was no response, not that he had really expected one. He looked up, +saw Beverly watching him. He lifted his hands, helplessly. She nodded +encouragement. He tried again. "Etain, can you hear me?" + +Was it his imagination, or did she stir for a moment? He couldn't read the +medical scanners, so he didn't know if her condition had changed. Her face +was not peaceful; her pain showed even through her unconsciousness. +Damn! The whole situation was his fault. His incurable curiousity had +involved her in the first place, and his thoughtlessness had subjected her to +this. + +He had been too elated by the prospect of going home to make sure she was +in no danger. She had seemed agitated when she brought Worf and Riker, +had she suspected? God... had she known? Could she be precognitive too? +Telepathic, empathic, a healer, and a precog? He'd never heard of one person +having so many metafunctions, but he supposed it was possible. He rubbed +his forehead. + +"Etain, I'm sorry." + +He didn't imagine it this time. She arched, as far as the life-support device +would allow, her face contorted with pain. Her eyes opened, met his. Almost +imperceptibly she shook her head. Simultaneously, the field-generator +alarms sounded. Her eyes closed, her body went limp, and something...a +presence he had not even been aware of until that moment faded from his +mind. The medical team began working even more frantically. He didn't +have to be told what had just happened. He knew. Angry, as he always was +when someone he felt responsible for died, he leaned forward and touched +Etain's face. + +"Damn it Etain, I did not give you permission to leave!" he hissed. + +He felt no response, no stirring. Beverly's face was intent as she worked, not +sparing a glance at him. He closed his eyes. + +"Etain, please, I would not have your death on my conscience," he said softly, +trying to shove the guilt feelings down to where they did not interfere with +his thinking. + +Beneath his fingers he felt her shudder. At the edge of his consciousness he +felt that odd... awareness return. Once more her eyes opened, locked with his. +She was back. He took a deep breath, only then realizing he had been +holding it. The alarms subsided. + +"We got her!" Beverly crowed, triumphantly. "Lock it down... and where the +hell's that blood survey I asked for?" + +Two voices spoke at once, conflicting. + +"I can't seem to..." + +"My God... she's conscious!" + +Beverly whirled. "She's what?" she demanded. "That's impossible..." she +began. The tech interrupted her. + +"Look at her scan-patterns... look at her face!" he insisted, his own face +pale, shocked. + +The doctor looked, swore, and grabbed for a hypo. "The pain must be +intolerable! How can she possibly... never mind. I just hope this works." + +The hypo hissed against the side of Etain's neck. Picard watched her eyes go +unfocused, then drift closed as the medication took effect. Beverly sighed. + +"That's done it, thank God! I've never seen anyone resist a sedative like that. +I gave her enough to put Worf under! Now, where's her typing information, +Frey?" + +The technician standing by the genetic analyzer spoke, his expression +sheepish. "I can't seem to get this thing to work." + +Beverly huffed, irritated. "For heaven's sake Bill, it's a simple enough +procedure, for all that we don't have to use it very often! Here, let me do +it." She walked over to where he stood, inserted the sample, pressed a few +keys and waited, tapping her foot impatiently. After a moment the machine's +small screen lit up. She read the display, and scowled. + +"'Species and genotype unknown'?" she snapped at the silent machine. + +Frey looked smug. "That's what it keeps telling me." + +""Damn it, that's all I need! Frey, go down to Bio for comparisons, I need a +full work-up, and fast... she's stabilized, but I need to get her plasma levels +up before we can really work on her, and if it isn't soon, we may lose her +again!" + +Frey nodded, retrieved the sample from the machine and dashed out with it. +Beverly pushed her hair out of her face and scowled at Picard. + +"There's more to this one than meets the eye, Jean-Luc. What is she?" + +"I don't know. We may be dealing with a prime directive violation. I believe +her people are native to this world." + +"Native to Halvam? But how could the surveys have missed them? How +could we have established a colony on a world already posessing sentient +life?" + +"I don't know, but I intend to find out." He frowned, remembering the +sensation of presence/not-presence he had experienced moments earlier and +frowned. + +"Beverly, is it possible to... develop metafunctions, spontaneously, at my age?" + +Her gaze narrowed. "Under certain circumstances... why?" + +"Because a few moments ago, when Etain 'died', I felt it, here." he touched +his forehead. "Considering the fact that I've always scored in the lowest +percentiles for metafunction, I found that rather odd." + +"You didn't get hit on the head down there did you, or suffer some sort of +severe emotional distress?" + +"No. Why?" + +"Because those are the two occurrences which most commonly trigger latent +metafunctions into operancy." + +Picard shook his head. "Neither of those things occurred. I will admit to being +concerned, and a trifle annoyed, but that hardly qualifies as severe emotional +distress." + +"No, it doesn't," she lifted her scanner and examined him for a moment, then +shook her head. "Your readings are perfectly normal, I see nothing to account +for the change. If it keeps up, we can re-test you, see if you really are going +operant." + +He nodded, frowning, not liking the thought that something unknown was +taking place in his mind. His attention was momentarily distracted when the +doors opened and Riker appeared, escorting a Vulcan woman in Sciences teal. +He recalled her instantly: T'kar. Surprisingly small for a Vulcan, she was +shorter than he. Overlarge eyes in a heart-shaped face managed +simultaneously to convey both impassivity and concern. Unlike the usual +serviceable Vulcan hairstyle, she wore her glossy black hair in a braided +coronet. Before the doors had completely closed behind them, the medtech, +Frey came barrelling through, his expression very disturbed. + +Picard held up a hand to forestall any words from Riker or T'kar, and nodded +toward Frey. His information had a more urgent priority. + +"Your report?" Beverly queried. + +"You're not going to like it," he said unhappily. "We ran the sample three +times, and all the readings were the same: 'Species and genotype unknown'. +Then Barak tested for common hybrids, and got a partial confirmation on the +Vulcan-Human template... but, and this is the really weird thing... it gave us +a massive evolutionary distortion factor, somewhere in the neighborhood of +three to four thousand years! I don't understand how that's possible!" + +"It isn't," Beverly snapped. "Give me that, I'll do it myself." + +"Wait..." All eyes turned toward the Vulcan woman who stood beside Riker. +"May I?" she asked. + +Beverly sighed. "Why not? Everyone else has! Meanwhile, since it's obvious +that we're never going to get a match on her, let's whip up a compatible +synthetic and get to work. We've got a lot to do." + +As the team of physicians moved away, T'kar took the sample and inserted it +into the machine, touched a few keys, then turned to Picard, gesturing toward +Etain. + +"Is she the person from whom the sample was obtained?" she asked. + +"It is." + +"Will it cause any harm if I touch her?" + +"I wouldn't think so, why?" + +"I am curious..." She leaned over and cautiously lifted Etain's hair away from +one ear, then nodded, as if in confirmation. + +Picard was startled. In three days of close quarters, he had not noticed that +Etain had pointed ears, and the slight upward slant of her brows had been +enough within human norms for him to ignore, since she lacked the +distinctive physiognomy and coloration of a full Vulcan. The discovery did +help explain why he had thought her fey, and, now that he thought of it, her +use of the mind-meld. T'kar looked up at him. + +"Commander Riker indicated that you spent considerable time in her +company. Did she demonstrate an unusual degree of metafunction?" + +Jean-Luc's eyes narrowed, startled. He nodded slowly. "Yes." + +"Which talents?" + +"Healing, empathy, and telepathy. I suspect she may also have some degree +of prescience, but I have no direct evidence of that." + +T'kar's nodded thoughtfully, then walked to the scanner and read the results +on the small screen. She shook her head. "I thought the legends were just +that... but here is what seems to be proof," she said softly, obviously +speaking more to herself than to them. + +"What legends, Lieutenant?" Picard prompted. + +T'kar took a deep breath and turned to face him. "It is difficult to +explain... there are so many of the old tales I do not know, but we have a +legend about beings like this. What I recall of it also mentions the +Preservers." + +Picard frowned thoughtfully. "The semi-mythical beings who appear to have +devoted their time to spreading early sentient life-forms among the habitable +worlds in our galaxy?" + +T'kar nodded. "The same. What I recall of the legend indicated that a +Preserver vessel may have come to Vulcan thousands of years ago, and from +a blending of its... cargo and native Vulcans, a group of mixed-species beings +were generated who manifested extraordinary metapsychic abilities, almost +from birth. It also mentioned that nearly all of them were 'fire-colored'..." +she pointed to Etain, "...like her. No doubt that was part of the reason for +the persistence of the legend. Hers is the rarest of colorings among Vulcans. +Only two percent of our population even carries a recessive for it. To +Vulcans, a population of red-haired beings was quite remarkable." + +"Interesting. You believe that legend in some way relates to Etain?" + +"It seems likely. It would certainly explain both her genetic makeup, and the +evolutionary distancing reported by the analyzer. The legends are quite old." + +"An interesting theory. However, it does not explain how she, or the others +for that matter, came to be here." + +"Was she born on Halvam?" + +"To the best of my knowlege, yes; also, she told me that her people were +resident on Halvam before the colonists arrived." + +T'kar's eyebrows went up. "Fascinating. I will have to consult the computer +for the full text of the legend, as I was never told its conclusion. One +thing is clear, she is obviously of the same species as the Halvami workers; +the phenotype is quite recognizable... as if it sprang from a closed genetic +pool...." T'kar was quiet for a moment, then looked up, her eyes lit with an +un-Vulcan intensity. "Captain, I would like permission to return to Halvam and +attempt to obtain genetic samples from some of the others who resemble her." + +"Permission granted... after we are certain your services will not be needed +here, Lieutenant. Has Commander Riker explained what we may need you to +do?" + +She shook her head. "Not fully, Captain. He said you may need my +telepathic ability, but not in what capacity." + +Picard straightened, lacing his fingers together; a clear indication of +discomfort to Riker's experienced eye. + +"What I ask may be difficult for you. I have only the word of a human +woman, Seret Ng, for what occurred, and she was silenced before she could +testify. None of the surviving natives, save Etain, have much knowlege of +what happened, as most were too young to remember. We may need you to +go into her mind to document the occurrence." + +T'kar nodded. "It is a difficult request, but I understand its necessity. +Should she die, you have no witness. I am prepared to do as you ask." + +"Thank you, Lieutenant. Number One, arrange an away team including Lieutenant +T'kar to be dispatched after Etain is stabilized." He did not allow +himself to mention the other possibility. "Send full security, plus someone +from medical to perform the genetic testing... and don't alert the Halvami that +you're coming. Let's see if we can catch them with their (proverbial) pants +down." + +Riker grinned and nodded. "I will see to it personally, sir." + +"These humans who were brought to Vulcan, have your legends any record of +what they called themselves?" Picard asked T'kar, curiously. + +She shook her head. "I am afraid I do not know. As I said, I never learned +the full text of the old stories, as I never thought to need them. I will +access them and report back to you." + +"Very good, Lieutenant." Picard watched the group surrounding Etain for a +moment, then turned back to T'kar. "Lieutenant T'kar, is it possible that +Etain knows the Vulcan self-healing trance?" + +T'kar shook her head. "I believe not. It is a relatively recent development, +only a thousand years old. Even if she is of Vulcan descent, I doubt they +would know the skill." + +"Could you teach it to her?" + +T'kar tilted her head slightly to one side, almost quizzically. "I am not +certain. I could attempt it. It would require the mind-meld, and there could +be danger in using it in such a situation." + +"What sort of danger?" + +"The meld is quite stressful for both parties. She may not be strong enough to +absorb the shock of the intrusion. There is also the possiblitity that if she +were to worsen while we were linked, I could be drawn down with her. +However, I believe it would be worth the risk, if I could help her." + +"I appreciate your help. Etain may be stronger than we think. A few moments +ago, she... died, for a few seconds, I felt it happen. I also felt her return. +She willed herself back. The fact that I did feel it was remarkable, as it is +a type of awareness I have never had before." + +T'kar's eyes narrowed. She reached toward his face, then abruptly stopped, +dropping her hand. "Forgive me. That was rude. May I see what sort of +connection there is?" + +Picard nodded, and T'kar put her fingers on his face in a startlingly familiar +gesture. He braced for the expected surge of sensation, but it did not come. +Instead, a distant coolness seemed to spread from her hand. He was aware of +her presence, but not at all in the same way that he had been aware of Etain +under similar circumstances. After a moment she drew back, and was silent +for several moments. Finally, she looked up. + +"You have a remarkably well-ordered mind, for a human. Have you studied +on Vulcan?" + +He shook his head. "No, I regret I never had that opportunity, although..." he +smiled drily, "...I have been asked that question before. What did you find, +aside from that?" + +She looked at him enigmatically for a moment, then shook her head. "There is +a connection; but I cannot explain it, for I have never seen its like. It is +as if she left something in you, almost like a catalyst which works to enhance +your own natural abilities." + +"What sort of abilities?" Picard asked, skeptically. + +"Empathy. I would speculate that if we administered the Reich series now, +your scores in empathic metafunction would be considerably higher than +normal." + +Her words confirmed his own suspicions. He scowled. The thought that his +mind had been tampered with, no matter how altruistically, was offensive to +him. In addition, he strongly suspected that increased empathy might +negatively impact his ability to make the more difficult decisions he +sometimes had to make. His face must have betrayed his thoughts, for T'kar +spoke again, gently. + +"She has not significantly altered your mind, Captain. It is simply an +enhancement of your natural abilities. It is quite harmless. In fact, it +should be studied, to see if the technique is viable for other species. Still, +if you wish, I believe it could be removed." + +He thought about it for a moment, then shook his head. "Leave it, for now. It +may be useful. Can you help her?" + +Slowly, she nodded. "It is possible, but we must wait until the Doctor has +completed her work, and Etain is as stable as possible." + +"Of course." He resisted looking at Etain again, instead turning his attention +to Riker. + +"Any thoughts, Number One?" + +"If her people were here before the colony, it seems odd that no one reported +their presence earlier. Could the preliminary survey teams have missed a +native population? + +Picard sighed. "During our initial colonization period, some were not +particularly scrupulous about planetary surveys, or the prime directive. +Etain's dwelling was underground, and shielded by sensor-blocking +elements. If the pre-existing population lived in similar underground areas, +they might not have been detected by a standard survey at all." + +"But how could the colonists have hidden a native population for so long, and +so successfully? Surely, if nothing else, one of the 'natives' would have +contacted the Federation." + +"Conceivably they were not advanced enough to understand it was possible," +T'kar offered. + +"Or perhaps they were simply afraid to." Picard said softly. "They seem to +have been actively repressed by the colonists. As I told you earlier, Etain +was not born mute. Nor, I suspect, were any of the others. They were +systematically deprived of all effective means of communication, probably in +order to prevent word-of their plight reaching the proper authorities." + +"If Colonial Affairs hasn't done a sociological study of Halvam for twenty-five +years, I wonder when their last Evaluation was?" Riker asked grimly. + +Picard stared at his first officer for a moment, then he nodded. It was a good +idea. "Find out, Number One, and I want to see that report." + +"Yes, sir!" + +"Captain," Beverly Crusher's voice sounded strained, tired. + +He turned. Her fine-boned, feline face was pale, and the normally invisible +lines around her mouth pulled downward. She pushed a strand of auburn +hair irritably out of her eyes. For just a moment he was pushed back years, +and he saw her face after he told her about Jack. He shook off the unpleasant +memory and brought himself back. + +"We've done what we can. She'll live, barring complications, but it's going to +be a long, difficult recovery. We couldn't use regen stimulants because we've +no idea how her body would react to them, and we couldn't do transplants +because her tissue doesn't match anything we've got on hand. We've taken +samples for cloning, but it will be months before the replacements will be +ready... providing the samples respond positively to the cloning medium in +the first place. We don't generally have any problem cloning either Vulcan or +Human tissue, but who knows about a fusion of the two?" She sighed and +shook her head. "We're going to have to do things the old-fashioned way for +a while." + +"The old-fashioned way?" Riker prodded. + +"Mechanical support. Periodic dialysis, that sort of thing. Not pleasant." + +"No, it doesn't sound like it." Picard said quietly. + +T'kar stepped forward. "I may be able to help. I would like, with your +permission, to attempt to induce a healing-trance in your patient." + +Beverly brightened visibly. "That could be an immense help, if she responds +at all similarly to a Vulcan." + +"I do not know if it will be successful, but I believe it is worth the attempt. +Captain, you say she has demonstrated healing abilities, were you the +subject?" + +"I was." + +"May I access your memory of how she did so?" + +He thought about it for a moment, finally nodded. "I suppose so, but I must +warn you, it is rather... unsettling, even for a human, used to the sort of +sensations evoked. I suspect you will find it even more so." + +T'kar was obviously puzzled. "It was unpleasant? Painful?" + +He had to smile. "No, precisely the opposite. Which is why I think it will be +difficult for you." + +T'kar's eyebrows drew down, and she stared at him for a long moment. +Finally she nodded. "I believe I understand. I will be prepared." + +Once more she placed her fingers on his face, and coolness invaded his mind. +Picard found himself reliving the first time Etain had used her talent on him. +He heard a startled hiss of breath, and the contact was abruptly broken off. +He opened his eyes and found a very flustered-looking T'kar avoiding his +gaze. He chuckled. + +"I warned you." + +She nodded gravely. "You did, and I thank you. As you said, it is quite +unsettling. I have never encountered such an unusual method of relieving +pain." + +"Nor had I," he admitted, wryly. + +"What are you talking about?" Beverly Crusher asked, more than a little +suspiciously. + +T'kar shook her head. "It is not something one can easily describe." + +Picard silently thanked whatever deity ruled close calls. He really didn't +want to go into the precise nature of the side-effects of Etain's healing +abilities. + +"Oh," The doctor's expression was decidedly put out. She tossed her hair in a +familiar gesture of irritation, and shrugged. "Well then, if you will excuse +me, I'm going to my office to update today's log entries." + +"Of course," Picard said charitably, trying not to betray his relief. The +situation was rife with possibilities for awkwardness, none of which he cared +to incur. + +Beverly walked away, not quite stomping, but almost. At times her familial +resemblance to her son could be quite pronounced. He turned back to T'kar. + +"Thank you for your diplomacy, Lieutenant. Were you able to learn what you +needed?" + +"I believe so. What she uses what may eventually have become the self- +healing program, overlaid with a neural shunt which reroutes pain impulses +into pleasure. It should be easy enough to show her how to alter the program +to heal herself, rather than another. It amazes me that she is able to use it +on another, it must take both an extraordinarily strong projective ability, and +a great deal of energy to use it. I know of no full-Vulcan who would be able +to make it work. Her mental assay must be quite remarkable, if she can do +this, and is both a projective and receptive telepath as well. You said you +believed she might also be precognitive?" Picard nodded response, and she +shook her head. "As I said, remarkable. I can attempt the meld now, knowing +what I must show her." + +Picard felt a surge of relief. "Is there anything I can do to help?" + +"If there is any change for the worse in her condition while I am working, +break the contact by moving my hands from her face. If that doesn't bring me +out, you may have to strike me, quite forcefully. Do not be afraid to do so; +you cannot hurt me. If nothing goes wrong, the procedure should take only a +few moments to complete, so if I should remain in the meld for longer than +ten minutes, you must bring me back." + +"I understand. Is that all?" Picard asked, having expected something more +involved. + +T'kar nodded. "It is." She looked toward the table where Etain lay. + +Picard's eyes followed her gaze, saw a technician monitoring the readouts +carefully. + +"Shall we proceed?" she asked. + +"If you are ready." + +"I am. Do you need help? I sensed that she had not had time to complete the +healing." + +He nodded ruefully. "Correct. Until I can find a free hour to use the regen +unit, I'm still an invalid of sorts." + +He stood; she moved his chair, then aided him to it. He was surprised by her +lack of reticence toward being touched. Most Vulcans he had known +conscientiously avoided being touched, or touching. T'kar seemed to have many +mannerisms that were almost human. He wondered if long exposure to humankind +accounted for her atypical behaviour. He watched her settle onto the edge of +the table, and place her hands carefully on Etain's face, T'kar's long fingers +framing Etain's closed eyes as she found the contact-points she sought. T'kar's +eyes closed as well, and for a moment her face was serene, masklike; then +reflected agony etched across it and she moaned. He almost reached to pull her +hands away, but her eyes opened and she spoke. + +"No, not now. If she can bear it, I can. A moment, and I will try again." +T'kar took several deep, steadying breaths, and closed her eyes again. Once +more she winced, but this time was silent. After a moment her expression +smoothed out as she mastered the pain. + +"Computer, mark time, signal at ten minutes," he said quietly, then sat back +to watch. The technician moved closer, obviously curious. After a moment +he whispered. + +"May I ask what she's doing?" + +Picard glanced at him, recalling that his name was Torrez. He nodded. "She +is attempting to teach your patient how to use the Vulcan self-healing +program." + +"Interesting. I've heard of the mind-meld, but never seen it in action before." + +"I have. I've even experienced it." Picard recalled Sarek with a certain +feeling of sadness. It was a shame that such a fine man should be afflicted +with what amounted to senility, with no hope of cure. + +They both watched. After a few moments, Torrez leaned over and checked +some readings, looking surprised. "Well, she seems to be succeeding. Vitals +just improved significantly, and the pain indicators are dropping off." + +"Good." + +Torrez straightened, turned away, then back. He stared at the monitor and +whistled softly. "I think I'd better call Dr. Crusher. She'll want to see +this." + +"See what?" Picard demanded. + +"Not even a Vulcan heals this fast! My God, you can practically see it +happening even without the monitors! Excuse me..." he smacked his +combadge. "Dr. Crusher, report to sickbay immediately." + +"Acknowledged." + +The doctor was in the room almost before the final syllable had cut off. She +conferred with Torrez, scanned the monitors, used a hand-scanner and shook +her head, her expression one of disbelief. She looked up toward the ceiling. + +"Computer, begin full medical report logging immediately. All available +enhancements." + +Turning to Picard, she shook her head. "I've never seen anything like this! +It's practically magic! If I wasn't seeing it with my own eyes, I wouldn't +believe it! Look... " She pointed to an ugly sepia and indigo bruise on +Etain's shoulder. "Watch it for a moment." As he watched, the bruise grew +progressively lighter, fading from a dark palm-sized mark, to pale greenish +one, simultaneously diminishing in size. It did not disappear entirely, but +as she had said, the improvement was almost supernatural. + +"The same thing's happening inside," Beverly said excitedly, leaning down to +study a display, "slower, probably because the damage there is so much more +extensive." + +T'kar shuddered suddenly, breaking the contact, and Beverly moved quickly to +help her sit up. Her hands fell limply to her sides for a moment, then she +lifted them to her face and sat like that, silent, for several seconds. +Finally she let her hands drop once more and she stood, swaying a little. +Beverly put a hand on her shoulder, steadying her. + +"Are you all right, Lieutenant?" she asked, lifting her scanner. + +T'kar took a deep breath and nodded. "Physically, yes. It is difficult, to +become another. Especially such another. Such talent..." She broke off and +turned to Picard, her face strained with uncharacteristically Vulcan +vehemence. "Captain, she must be trained! Even without training she has +abilities we never thought possible. We cannot send her back to that place, to +the things she has endured--it would be inhuman!" + +Picard held up his hands in a gesture of pacification. "I have no intention of +returning her to Halvam... not under the present circumstances, at least. But +explain, please, what do you mean 'she must be trained'?" + +T'kar assumed a very straight, intense posture, leaning forward slightly. "To +let someone as exceptional as she is go without learning is a crime. She is +already so far beyond even the best of us in metafunctions that she is a +considerable resource. With education, she would be priceless. She took +what I showed her, and even in her present state, was able to alter it, improve +it, and you see the result." She waved a hand toward Etain, shaking her head. + +"Lieutenant T'kar, are feeling well? You seem... overwrought," Beverly +asked, obviously as taken aback as Picard was by the level of emotion the +Vulcan woman displayed. + +T'kar looked from one to the other, and seemed to shiver for a moment. She +closed her eyes, and opened them a moment later. "Forgive my unseemly display +of emotion. I have not yet fully reintegrated. To some extent, it is her +fear speaking. She is terrified that she will be sent back." + +Beverly looked puzzled. "You sound as if she were fully aware. How could +you tell that from someone under sedation?" + +T'kar frowned slightly. "Until this moment I had not thought it odd, but in a +way she is conscious. It is as if her mind operates in disconnection with her +body. Your drugs seem to have isolated her conscious mind from her +external awareness, but logical thought continues. I do not know if it is +characteristic of her species, or a talent she alone has produced." + +"Conscious, under fifteen cc's of clophine? I'd say it was impossible, but a +lot of impossible things seem to be happening around here today. I thought her +brain-activity seemed high, but since we're dealing with an unknown... this is +one for the textbooks." + +"In more ways than one, I suspect," Picard said. "Thank you, Lieutenant, for +your efforts. I understand how difficult it is for you, having experienced a +mind-meld once myself. I hope that I will not need to ask such a service of +you again. You are free to go, and when you feel recovered, check with +Commander Riker about that away-team you requested." + +T'kar inclined her head. "Thank you, sir. I will report my findings back as +soon as possible." + +"Not as soon as possible, Lieutenant." Picard said gently, trying not to push. +Her emotional state was obviously fragile at the moment. "Please give +yourself a little time to rest first." + +T'kar nodded stiffly. "As you wish, sir." + +Picard thoughtfully watched her go then turned toward Beverly. "Doctor, I +have a great deal of work to do. Will you allow me to work in my quarters, +and use the regen-unit there?" + +Beverly surveyed him skeptically. "Only if you swear you won't move while +it's on. I don't want to have to re-break your ankle so it will heal properly." + +Picard winced. "You have my word, Doctor. I've no wish to undergo such a +procedure." + +### +______________________________________________________________________________ +copyright 1992, Kellie Matthews-Simmons +matthews_k@cubldr.colorado.edu//matthewk@spot.colorado.edu +all rights reserved + +Standard Disclaimers Apply + +From JULIA@Jetson.UH.EDU Tue Aug 31 16:34:04 1993 +X-VM-v5-Data: ([nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil] + ["26286" "Tue" "31" "August" "1993" "12:43:59" "-0500" "JULIA@Jetson.UH.EDU" "JULIA@Jetson.UH.EDU" nil "480" "(TNG) Silence, A Novel by Kellie Matthews-Simmons, Part 6" "^From:" nil nil "8"]) +Return-Path: +Received: from Rosie.UH.EDU by depot.cis.ksu.edu SMTP (8.5) + id QAA00534; Tue, 31 Aug 1993 16:34:02 -0500 +Received: from Jetson.UH.EDU by Jetson.UH.EDU (PMDF V4.2-11 #3125) id + <01H2E97ZW7PW8XAHXS@Jetson.UH.EDU>; Tue, 31 Aug 1993 12:43:59 CDT +Message-id: <01H2E97ZW7PY8XAHXS@Jetson.UH.EDU> +X-VMS-To: @ARCHIVE +MIME-version: 1.0 +Content-type: TEXT/PLAIN; CHARSET=US-ASCII +Content-transfer-encoding: 7BIT +Status: RO +From: JULIA@Jetson.UH.EDU +To: jfy@cis.ksu.edu +Subject: (TNG) Silence, A Novel by Kellie Matthews-Simmons, Part 6 +Date: Tue, 31 Aug 1993 12:43:59 -0500 (CDT) + +CHAPTER SIX + +Although she had been self-aware all along, awareness of externals returned +to Etain gradually. She first heard the mutter of unfamiliar voices, then +smelled the strange, sharp, inorganic scent of the air, sensed a firm yet +peculiarly yielding surface beneath her, and felt the softness of an unfamiliar +fabric against her skin. She ached a little. Hoping to make some sense of the +unusual sensations, she opened her eyes and blinked at the brightness. After +a moment, her eyes adjusted. The light in the room was bright, yet strangely +soft. She found herself gazing up at a smooth, featureless expanse of cool +grey. + +Unimpressed, she turned her head, and saw a wall of glossy darkness, like +obsidian, broken intermittently by small colored lights which seemed to move +and change. Strangely, that black sheened wall seemed familiar. What did it +remind her of? She searched for the memory, but could not seem to find it. +After a moment, she knew where she was - the recollection of Picard's words +gave her that much, but even that knowledge did little to help suppress the +stirring tendrils of fear she felt. She was alone and disabled in a place of +the Tall-Ones. Lifting herself a little, she discovered that she lay naked on +a raised platform, covered by a thin, soft cloth of deep maroon shot through +with metallic threads. She couldn't imagine anyone using such a rich fabric +for anything as ordinary as a blanket! She sat up, letting the cloth fall away +so she could look at herself. Cautiously, almost with awe, she touched one of +the faded greenish-brown bruises which practically covered her body, bruises +which just hours earlier had been nearly fatal injuries. + +The one who had come into her mind had been female, but she had been too calm, +to precise, too... perfect. Etain could not understand such serenity, and even +feared it a little, but the gift which the cool-minded one had given her was +priceless. Why had she never thought of it before? So simple! She touched +her throat, wondering if it was possible, after so long, to restore what +the Tall Ones had taken from her. If she could restore her own voice, she +could restore the others! She knew she had no energy to even attempt it now, +but someday she would try. + +Looking down, she wondered why people would choose to sleep so far off the +ground. She would never be able to sleep now, for wondering when she was going +to fall. Cautiously she dangled her legs over the edge of the platform and +slid the short distance to the floor. Coming upright made her very aware that +she was stiff, and sore. Not really in pain, not like before, but not normal +either. Indecisively she stood beside the table-like bed, wondering what to do +next. Whatever it was, she could not remain here, in this cold, lifeless, +too-bright, too-large place. She felt small and very alone, and though she +told herself it was nonsense, she was afraid. She could sense many, many minds +here, too many, and she knew none of them, save Picard. She had to find him. + +Being practical, she realized she needed something to wear; unfortunately, +she had no idea where to find her clothes. After a moment she picked up the +blanket, wrapped it around from back to front, crossed the ends and tied them +at the nape of her neck. She was pleased with the result, finding it a far +more appropriate use for the fabric. Feeling less vulnerable clothed, she +closed her eyes and let her othersense range outward, seeking the one +familiar presence she knew she would find in this strange place. + +It was only a few seconds before she sensed him, his mind-pattern familiar but +quiet. He slept. Not terribly far, but farther than she had hoped. His... +ship, Enterprise he had called it, was unfamiliar to her. Finding him would +be difficult. She moved cautiously to the open doorway of the room and looked +out. There were many Tall-Ones in the adjacent room, all busy with various +obscure things. All wore the same style of clothing as Picard, though all those +she saw here were in a blue the color of the night sky, rather than the +blood-color of his. She realized she would stand out terribly. There was only +one way to pass them without their knowing it, she would have to go Unseen. +That thought relieved her. She didn't so much mind that her clothing had +been taken, but she did miss her knife. To go unarmed amidst so many +strangers felt wrong, even though no one else she saw appeared to be armed, +and the fit of their clothing left few places to conceal a weapon. + +She stood quietly and watched the strangers for a time, to see how they +moved, where they went, what they did. She was amazed by the outer door, +which seemed somehow to understand when a person wished to pass and +opened of itself. She hoped it would not sense that she did not belong, and +not allow her to pass. Though these folk did not have the Mindways, they +obviously had other ways just as mystical. Finally, she felt she could wait no +longer without risk of discovery. After a little while, she chose a female who +was close to her own size and coloring, and went inside her, letting herself +absorb the other's purpose, matching her breathing, her movements and +mannerisms, until she almost was the other. Then, holding that essence +before her like a shield, she stepped out. + +Quickly and with determination she crossed the room and approached the +arcane doorway. To her great relief it opened, admitting her to a broad, +bright corridor where many beings walked purposefully toward unknown +destinations. No one challenged her. Her sense of relief was so great she +almost stumbled, her bare feet unused to the soft, strange texture of the +flooring. She had done it. She was free. Now, to find Picard. + +She found a doorway to stand in and stood for a moment in search, sensing +direction, and then began to walk. With few exceptions, all the people she +saw were taller than she was. Some of them were very odd to look at, having +peculiar features like those of a cat, or lizard, some had oddly colored skin. +Once she saw a man whose ears and brows were much like her own, but she +could sense that he was not Rua'Shi, but instead like the Cold-One. To her +surprise she saw children. She had thought that there would only be adults +on this ship that sailed the stars. + +Never had she been forced to remain in the presence of so many for so long +before. Fortunately, most of them ignored her, though a few, primarily +males, stared at her. That scrutiny made her breath come shallow, and +caused uncontrollable tremors to race her spine. She had learned there was +reason to fear males far more than females. She felt surrounded, +claustrophobic for the first time in her life despite the open breadth of the +corridor. She clung to the presence she sensed, the only being she had felt +truly comfortable with since... She stopped that thought abruptly, not +wanting to remember how it had once been. It was too painful. + +Once more ducking into one of the many recessed doorways, she closed her +eyes, reaching out, searching for well-hidden warmth, like a coal under ashes. +She found him. He was... below? Not far, but definitely down. How could +he be down? She had seen no stairs, no ladders, no tunnels. She had walked +a long way since leaving the place where she had awoken. The structure +must be far larger than it appeared if there were more levels to it. From her +niche, she observed the comings and goings of the structure's inhabitants, +hoping to gain a clue from one of them. She supposed it was possible that +they possessed a Talent she lacked, and were able to teleport themselves from +level to level, but she had sensed very little Talent in any of them. Only the +Cold-One had possessed anything she considered true ability, and hers was +quite limited. Perhaps they were somehow shielded. + +After a little time had passed, she noticed a small room at the end of the +corridor whose doors opened and closed, admitting and expelling folk; but +those who exited were never the same as those who entered, even though the +room appeared to have no other exit. She recalled seeing such rooms before, +on Home; they traveled up and down, carrying passengers. She smiled, +pleased with herself for having found the answer, but that still left +unanswered the question of how it functioned. The next time it opened, she +followed the person into the room. The other woman looked at her, and a +small smile curved one corner of her mouth. Etain suspected it was her +clothing which caused the smile, but there was little she could do about it. + +"Rough night, eh?" her fellow-traveler queried. + +Though she did not understand the comment, Etain nodded, hoping that +would be sufficient. The woman nodded back, and spoke again, as if to a +third person, though none was present. + +"Deck three, please." + +At her words, the room began to move. Etain forced herself to stand still, and +not grab the hip-level rail which surrounded the room, pretending that it was +commonplace for a room to move. She realized with exasperation that they +were ascending, not descending. The ship must be huge, for it to have levels +both above and below. Only a few seconds later the room stopped moving, +and the doors opened. She followed the woman out, waited a moment, then +stepped back in. + +She studied the room carefully, in growing despair. Was speaking the only +way to make it move? If so, she was trapped until someone happened to go +to the level she needed. It was impossible! Were there none among these +beings who lacked speech? Was there no other way to make the room move? +A voice spoke, out of nowhere, female, and oddly toneless. + +"Destination please?" + +She jumped, gasped, and stared around, putting her hands to her throat as if +to force sound from it. None came, of course. Was someone watching her? If +so, why did they not come to her assistance? In frustration she struck out, +smacking her hand painfully against an inscribed metal plate. + +"Deck four, acknowledged," the voice replied as she sucked at her scraped +knuckles. The room began to move downward. The plate her hand had +collided with glowed softly. The motion slowed, stopped, and the doors +opened on the hallway where she had stood a few moments earlier. She +began to smile. Boldly, she touched the next plate in the series. The doors +closed, and the downward motion resumed. When the doors opened, she +scanned, and knew she was still too high. She moved her hand lower, +touched a plate several steps down from the lighted one. This time when the +doors opened, she stepped out, following the mental signature she held in her +mind. This level was quieter, few others roamed the wide hall to intimidate +her. Stopping periodically to close her eyes and search, she walked the long +curve of the passageway, finally stopping before a closed door. + +He was there, just a few feet away, behind the door. Cautiously she put her +hands against the cool metal and jumped back, startled, when it parted with a +soft hiss. She had not expected it to be so easy. It seemed beyond +understanding that a place existed where people slept without concealing +themselves for protection. She stepped into the room, and the door slid +closed behind her. The room was easily twice the size of her nest, and +another opening implied a second chamber beyond the first. + +The chamber was oddly shaped, higher at the entryway than at the edge. The +ceiling curved and became wall, then floor at the far edge. There was, to her +mind, a great deal of furniture, all of it sleek, made of metal, glass, cloth, +and a smooth gray-beige substance which resembled leather, though she could +detect no scent of cured hide in the air. Here and there small lights shone, +green, red, blue, yellow; she did not know their purpose, but they were +attractive. From overhead a faint glow lit the room, with the brightness of +one or two candles. A painting on one wall showed a strangely shaped object +silhouetted against stars. She wondered if it depicted the structure within +which she now stood. She had understood that the Enterprise, as he called it, +was a vessel which rode not water, but space, such as the one the Shining +Ones had used. Her curiosity faded. He was not there, so he must be in the +adjoining room. Cautiously she crossed to the doorway which held no door, +and froze, staring. + +What held her panicked gaze was the fiery brilliance of stars which seemed to +float past the window above where he slept. They were so close, so bright, not +at all as they appeared in the teal-shaded night sky she was familiar with. +The backdrop they glowed against was black, as black as the pupil of an eye, +with no hint of light beside the stars. + +Etain shuddered, feeling cold and very small, disoriented by the sudden +realization that only a thin barrier lay between her and the cold emptiness +beyond. She looked away, deliberately veiling the sight. How could he deal +with that above his bed? How did one sleep knowing death waited so close? +No wonder he had not feared the darkness. She shivered again and, perching +a hip on his bed, reached down to touch his shoulder. + +"What the hell?" he snapped, instantly awake and sitting up. + +To her surprise, she sensed anger, irritation, surprise, none of which she had +expected. Fear flooded her, and instinctively she slid off the bed, into a +crouch on the floor, trying to think of a way to communicate her apologies. +She had not meant to anger him. She didn't want him to send her back to her +nest, where the Darkmind's servants might come and hurt her again. She +found herself shivering anew. He cursed softly, and stood, leaning down to +look at her more closely, then she felt the warmth of his hand on her arm as +he drew her to her feet. She avoided his eyes, not daring to reach out with +her othersense, fearing what she would find. + +"Etain, I'm not angry with you, and I certainly won't harm you. You know +that. I was just startled. How did you get in here?" + +She pointed toward the other room, and mimed the door opening. He +looked, then shook his head, chuckling. + +"Wouldn't you know, the one time I forget to engage the privacy lock, I have a +visitor who doesn't know how to knock! How did you find me?" + +She touched her forehead, then her ear. + +"You 'listened' for me? It's a long way here from sickbay, and you're +unfamiliar with the ship, how did you manage? Oh, never mind, that's too +complex a question to answer, isn't it? + +Etain nodded. + +Jean-Luc sighed and put his hand on her shoulder. She jerked away, and +stared up at him, the expression on her face one he had never seen there +before. Just for a moment, she was plainly terrified of him, and there was +something else... an awareness he had never sensed from her. + +He stared back, trying to understand why. She had never flinched from him +before. What had he done to evoke such a reaction? Simply touched her +shoulder. He looked at his hand, at her face, and with a sinking certainty he +knew. That awareness was sexual, something Etain had never evidenced +understanding of before. He closed his eyes momentarily, against the +realization. Apparently Beverly had left out something in her list of Etain's +injuries. And what she had omitted had changed their relationship, probably +irrevocably. Etain was conscious of him as male now, and because of what +had obviously happened to her, she would have a great deal of difficulty in +trusting a man. + +He shook his head. "Ah, gods... that too? I didn't realize..." He looked +steadily at her. "Etain, you know I will not hurt you, you know that," he +said, with deliberate emphasis. "I will not touch you again without your +permission. You have nothing to fear from me, or from anyone aboard my +ship, I give you my word. Do you understand?" + +She eyed him doubtfully, then slowly nodded, though his assurance did not +chase all the wariness from her eyes. + +"I would ask you if you wanted to talk about it, but that wouldn't do much +good, would it?" he asked ruefully. + +She shook her head and tried to smile in response. No smile came. He +waited for any further response, then, when none was forthcoming, he spoke +again. + +"What can I do to help?" + +For just a moment she lifted her eyes to his, looked away. She stared down at +her hands, which were shaking, and leaned forward in a futile effort to hide +the fact that there were tears sliding slowly down her face. + +He almost reached out, but remembering his promise, stopped. The guilt was +back, full-force. Why hadn't he made sure she was safe? + +"Etain, I feel that what happened to you is partly my responsibility. I should +have made certain that you were safe." + +Etain blinked to clear away the tears, and looked at him, obviously puzzled. +She pointed at him, lifting her eyebrows. + +"Me? Yes, me. I sensed something was wrong, but I did not bother to ask. +Did you know what would happen when I left?" + +She frowned, and shook her head. Did he think she would have stayed to +face it, had she known? He must think her braver than she was! She had +sensed that something bad was going to occur, but not how bad. How could +it have been his fault? He had not called the pain-givers, he had not shown +them where to find her. As if reading her thoughts, he spoke again. + +"They tracked our transporter beam to find you. When Riker told me they +had monitored our beam-up, I knew, and I sent him to find you, but by that +time it was too late." + +His words penetrated her consciousness slowly. For a moment she didn't +understand, then she did. They would never have found her if not for him. +In essence, he had called them. She could not keep the feeling of betrayal +from showing in her face, and he flinched, much as she had moments earlier. + +For a moment Etain felt the harsh burn of anger in her stomach, then she +realized that he could not have known, any more than she had. The failure +had been hers, she had not fought hard enough, or well enough. If not for +him, if he had not realized the danger and sent someone after her she would +be dead. She did not like the idea of being dead. What they had done to her +had been terrible, but the thought of death was worse. She knew death, she +had seen it, smelled it, felt it, hundreds of times. She shuddered, +remembering the Dying Time. If she died there would be no one left who +remembered, no one left to seek justice. + +She took a deep breath, and reached for his hand, touched it to her forehead, +her lips and her breastbone, hoping he would remember the gesture. It +occurred to her that it was odd: as long as it was her choice, she did not mind +touching him. + +Apparently he did remember. He let her guide his hand as she wished, and +then lifted it, palm out. + +She pressed her palm against his, then let it fall. + +"Thank you," he said quietly. "I appreciate your clemency." + +She waved her hand, as if to say it was nothing. He shook his head. + +"It was not 'nothing'." He turned and paced a few steps, then turned back to +her, his face set, unreadable. + +"Etain, I want you to know that I understand, perhaps better than most. There +is something you must understand." he paused a moment, obviously trying to +choose the right words. When he finally spoke, it was almost a whisper. "It +was not your fault. Never think it, never believe it. That is not how it is +meant to be, and it was not your fault. No matter how well or how hard you +fought them, you would have lost, because there was no way out. There were too +many of them. The only blame attaches to them, not to you." + +She stared at him, a faint frown creasing her forehead. How had he known? +How could he have known? He did not have Hearing. His only Talent was +Feeling, and little of that. Yet it was as if he had heard her thoughts of a +moment earlier. She extended her own Hearing and touched him, lightly, +then recoiled from what she found, shuddering, her hand involuntarily +touching her own face, feeling for the covering of cold metal, the invasive, +inhuman... things she had sensed in his mind, things she had no words for +and no concept of. He understood. The execution had been different, but the +result in many ways the same. + +"Etain?" he queried softly. + +She let her hand fall and met his gaze, trying to convey both sympathy and +regret. + +"Different, but the same," he said evenly, again echoing her thoughts. "It is +not an easy thing." + +She nodded. To her embarrassment, she suddenly began to yawn, and tried to +hide it. It seemed terribly callous to yawn after such a revelation. To her +relief he did not seem to mind, for he smiled. + +"Tired? I'm not surprised. I take it you came here because you were +uncomfortable in Sickbay?" + +Again, a nod, a rather vehement one. He chuckled. + +"You're welcome to stay. I have bridge duty in a few minutes. Will you be +alright alone, or should I call someone to stay with you? Lieutenant T'kar +would probably be willing to come." + +Etain gave him her standard 'I-don't-understand' look. + +"Lieutenant T'kar?" he guessed. "She is the one who taught you the self- +healing program." + +That triggered the image of the other, the Cool-one. She shook her head. She +would rather be alone than face that one. Besides, here in a small area with +low light and at least one familiar scent, she felt almost at home. She did +not think she would have trouble resting. Save for one thing. She looked up +at the stars, pointed, then put her hands over her eyes. + +Picard chuckled. "They bother you, do they? It's a fairly common reaction. +Computer, opaque window plates please." + +The sparkling vista faded to a solid dark gray, far more comforting than the +moving stars. She relaxed. Just as she began to sit down on his sleeping- +place, a platform at a more reasonable height than the one she had awakened +on, a loud chirping sound startled her, and she turned, seeking its source. +Seconds later, a female voice spoke, not toneless as the one in the moving +room had been. This woman sounded upset. + +"Crusher to Picard." + +To Etain's surprise, Picard grinned as he replied. + +"Picard here. What is it, Doctor?" + +"I don't know quite how this happened, and I assure you we're doing all we +can to find her, but our visitor seems to have disappeared from Sickbay." + +Picard's clipped, severe tone was at odds with his amused expression as he +replied. "Disappeared? How?" + +"I don't know yet. We had no idea that we needed to put a guard on her, and +since her condition was so good, I was only having a tech monitor her every +half hour. Apparently she simply got up and walked away, through a whole +roomful of people, none of whom noticed. We haven't found her yet, though +I really would have thought someone would have reported a naked woman +wandering the corridors by now." + +Picard glanced at Etain, obviously wondering how he had managed to miss +that. Etain fingered the cloth she wore and smiled. He shook his head. + +"She's not naked, Beverly. She's wearing one of your blankets." + +"Oh, well that explains it th...." The voice trailed off without finishing, +then returned a moment later. "Jean-Luc, are you telling me you knew about +this already?" + +"I could hardly help knowing about it Beverly. She's standing in my +quarters." + +"She's... damn it, Jean-Luc, she's been there the whole time? And you let me +go through that?" + +His smile went away. "It seems little enough for a chief medical officer who +has managed to lose, and I mean that literally, a patient who could be an +important witness in a prime-directive violation case." + +There was a moment of silence. When she finally replied, the woman's voice +held a mixture of annoyance and contrition. + +"I'll see to tightening our security procedures, Captain." She placed an odd +emphasis on his title. + +"See that you do, Doctor," Picard replied, with similar emphasis. + +"I'll send someone down to escort her back to Sickbay." + +"No. She will be staying here, until suitable quarters can be arranged." + +Once again there were several seconds of complete silence. After a moment, +the doctor spoke again. "I see. I'll need to verify the status of her health +before I can officially release her from Sickbay." + +"That should be no problem. You know where to find her." + +"I certainly do. Crusher out." + +Etain looked dubiously at Picard. The woman had sounded very annoyed. +She hoped she had not been the cause. She had no wish to annoy anyone. +Annoying people generally resulted in pain. Picard was frowning slightly, +looking at her from beneath his eyebrows in a way that made her +uncomfortable. + +"Well, that's certainly set the cat among the pigeons now, hasn't it?" he +remarked cryptically, moving to touch the wall across from his bed. It +opened, and he removed a set of clothing like those he had worn before. + +His action prompted Etain to notice for the first time that he was not wearing +his usual red and black garb. Earlier she had been too preoccupied to observe +that he wore an overlapped shirt and shorts of slate blue. So, his people did +sometimes wear clothing other than the uniform which so far had been all she +had seen. She felt pleased, thinking that perhaps she would not have to +conform to their standard attire which, though attractive, looked restrictive, +and too warm. + +"If you will excuse me?" he said. It was more of a statement though it was +phrased as a question. + +Etain shrugged, uncertain as to the proper response. He apparently took it as +assent, for he disappeared through an adjoining door. She stood for a +moment, uncertainly, then followed the call of her body and slid beneath the +thin, but surprisingly warm blanket on his bed and closed her eyes. + +______________________________________________________________________________ +copyright 1992, Kellie Matthews-Simmons +matthews_k@cubldr.colorado.edu//matthewk@spot.colorado.edu +all rights reserved + +Standard Disclaimers Apply + +From JULIA@Jetson.UH.EDU Tue Aug 31 16:34:09 1993 +X-VM-v5-Data: ([nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil] + ["47968" "Tue" "31" "August" "1993" "12:44:15" "-0500" "JULIA@Jetson.UH.EDU" "JULIA@Jetson.UH.EDU" nil "978" "(TNG) Silence, A Novel by Kellie Matthews-Simmons, Part 7" "^From:" nil nil "8"]) +Return-Path: +Received: from Rosie.UH.EDU by depot.cis.ksu.edu SMTP (8.5) + id QAA00538; Tue, 31 Aug 1993 16:34:05 -0500 +Received: from Jetson.UH.EDU by Jetson.UH.EDU (PMDF V4.2-11 #3125) id + <01H2E98CFXAI8XAHXS@Jetson.UH.EDU>; Tue, 31 Aug 1993 12:44:16 CDT +Message-id: <01H2E98CFXAK8XAHXS@Jetson.UH.EDU> +X-VMS-To: @ARCHIVE +MIME-version: 1.0 +Content-type: TEXT/PLAIN; CHARSET=US-ASCII +Content-transfer-encoding: 7BIT +Status: RO +From: JULIA@Jetson.UH.EDU +To: jfy@cis.ksu.edu +Subject: (TNG) Silence, A Novel by Kellie Matthews-Simmons, Part 7 +Date: Tue, 31 Aug 1993 12:44:15 -0500 (CDT) + +CHAPTER SEVEN + +When Picard emerged minutes later, re-uniformed, he glanced at the bed and +smiled, shaking his head. It was rather an odd feeling to have another being +consider him the only source of familiarity in a strange world. He wondered +why he understood it so well, as it was not a particularly familiar situation. +Granted, his crew was, in some ways, dependent on him, but not in an +emotional manner. He put away his things and headed for the bridge, +leaving the door unlocked so that Beverly Crusher could get in when she +came by. + +For a moment he thought about the obvious assumption the doctor had made +and chuckled. Ordinarily he wouldn't find such a situation amusing, but +there was something about this one that struck him. He would have to +straighten it out, of course. It wouldn't do to have her annoyed with him for +too long. Knowing he still had a few minutes until he was due on the bridge, +he stepped into the turbolift and gave his destination. + +Arriving in Sickbay, Picard walked into the Doctor's office and stood for a +moment, watching Beverly as she sat at her desk, eyes fixed on the computer +screen in front of her, unaware of his presence. She leaned forward suddenly, +and a touch stopped the downward scroll of the display for a moment, then +her fingers moved down the sensitive surface of the screen and the image +enlarged. He heard her whisper a quiet curse, shaking her head. + +"Beverly Crusher, you are getting incompetent in your old age!" she muttered +softly. "Damn! How could you be so careless? How did you miss that?" + +Picard glanced at the screen. It showed a scan-enhanced image of a +humanoid female. He could not read the patient's name, but he suspected he +knew who it was. He cleared his throat. + +"Doctor..." + +She turned, obviously startled, then sighed. "Captain. I'm sorry, I didn't +hear you." + +"No apology necessary. What is it you missed?" + +She looked away. "I seem to have overlooked something during my first +diagnostic of Etain's injuries. I was so concerned with the life-threatening +injuries that I did not notice it." + +Picard found himself immediately certain he knew what it was she had just +discovered. He wondered if it was a result of his newly enhanced psi, or +simply that he knew her well enough to read her unspoken discomfort. He +relieved her of the burden of trying to tell him. + +"She was sexually assaulted." + +Beverly looked up, surprised, then away again. "How did you know?" + +"There is an... awareness in her now that wasn't there before. An awareness +of me as a male, not just as a person. And fear. She was never afraid of me +before." + +Beverly stared at him for a moment, then an odd expression flashed across +her face for a fraction of a second. Her relief was almost tangible to him. +What had he said to make her feel that? He thought about it for a moment, +and the answer came. His eyes widened slightly. Was he reading something +into her reaction? Had she really been jealous of his imagined relationship +with Etain? He began to see why Deanna sometimes considered her talent more +of a curse. It forced one to confront possibilities one might prefer not to +confront. + +Beverly gave no further sign of emotion. "I see. Unfortunately, treating that +hurt is more in Deanna's field than in mine." + +"I thought it might help for her to have someone with her, preferably female. +I offered to send Lieutenant T'kar, but she rejected that notion quite +vehemently." + +"I'm not surprised." Beverly said drily. "A Vulcan isn't exactly who I'd send +to someone in emotional distress. I'll go up. I have to see her anyway, to +check her over. How does she seem?" + +Picard shook his head. "She seems composed. Remarkably so, really. I can't +imagine myself reacting with anything like the equanimity she displays were +I..." he stopped, frowned, then shook his head. "On second thought, I can. I +have. Perhaps it is a more common reaction than I thought." + +Beverly watched him for a moment, her eyes narrowed in professional +evaluation as she weighed his response. After a moment, she finally chose +not to comment on his remark. +"I wish we had some way to talk with her, to really communicate!" + +"As do I. It seems, between Seret Ng and what little I have gathered from +Etain, that we have two-thirds of a story. We need that missing third. I am +hopeful that we will have it soon. Etain is very bright, I had begun teaching +her Feslan, and she was learning quite easily. Once she learns it, she should +have no problem communicating." He referred to the most common +nonverbal language used in the Federation. + +Beverly nodded, then her expression grew thoughtful. "You know, she might +have enough human ancestry to be compatible for a drip-learning course on +Feslan. I'll check on it." + +"That could save us a great deal of time. I must be on the bridge in a few +moments. Doctor, thank you for your understanding." + +She snorted derisively as she turned and began to gather up equipment. + +"What understanding? I jumped to a conclusion with both feet... but then, I +suppose I can't imagine spending three days alone with you and not..." She +paused, turned back to him and winked broadly. "Later, Captain." + +With that she brushed past him and left sickbay. Picard stared after her, then +shook his head, smiling. She did manage to slide those jabs right under his +guard at the damnedest moments. At least they were comfortable enough +with the subject to joke about it now. There had been a time when it would +have been impossible. Her year's reassignment had given them both time to +reassess, and come to terms with the situation as it must be. He headed for +the bridge. + +Something prompted Picard to look up from the screen displaying the Security +report on Etain's dwelling. He glanced around the room, puzzled as to what +had caught his attention, but nothing out of place to catch his eye, no strange +sound to break the quiet. The Stargazer replica sailed serenely, as usual, the +painting of Spacedock wasn't askew, the brass plate listing all the Enterprise's +forerunners was not in need of polishing. With a slight frown, he turned his +attention back to the report. Her attackers had not taken her without effort. +Security had recovered her knife, its tip broken off, its edges dulled, and had +mapped two different sets of DNA from the blood on its blade. She had fought +them, but had not had the strength to stand up to the six Worf estimated had +been sent against her. Six, against someone not much larger than a child; +advanced weapons against a bronze knife. The thought rankled. What kind of +people was he dealing with? + +He glanced at the objects which lay on the conference-table. At his request, +they had retrieved her book from its hiding place. With it they had found +another cloth-wrapped parcel, whose contents now lay gleaming dull-gold +against the glossy surface of the table. Two knot-chased penannulars, six +bracelets, three rings, and a crescent-shaped necklet so thin it looked as if a +touch would mar its inscribed surface. He had seen similar collections in +museums, dug out of the tombs of prehistoric men and women, behind +screens set to keep out human touch. These were the prized possessions of a +living being, meant to be worn, to be enjoyed. + +The items brought a troubling question into abrupt focus. How had her +culture remained in stasis so long? They had been gone from Earth three- +thousand years or more, and had been intermixed with Vulcan civilization as +well, yet they seemed to have remained a virtual living museum of Earth's +late bronze-age Celts. It simply defied belief that their societal structure +would not have changed out of all recognition after so long. Even if the +colonists had not come along and interfered, could they have survived +without growth? Was the handful of Etain's kin he had seen all that was left? +Had their gene-pool been too small to support viability? Gods! It was +frustrating beyond belief. He had a thousand questions, and not one answer. + +He stood and began to pace the small area near the viewport, stopping once +to tap at the glass of the aquarium and watch the scorpionfish raise its spines +defensively. A wry smile lifted one corner of his mouth. It was an +appropriate mascot for himself; a spiny, defensive creature, easily riled. +Perhaps too appropriate. Without turning he snapped "Come.", then swung +around, startled, as the chime sounded a second after he spoke. The door +hissed open and Guinan stepped inside, regarding him oddly, a little amused. + +"I see she worked on more than just your ankle." she commented quietly. + +Picard nodded slowly, still astonished by the realization that he had +responded before Guinan had requested admittance. He rubbed his forehead, +as if he could feel there some physical manifestation of the unquestionable +change Etain had made in him. + +"I hadn't realized," he began, then stopped, frowning. "I will ask her to +remove it. I prefer myself un-enhanced." + +To his surprise Guinan nodded. "I agree. You were never meant to have +what she has given you. It isn't in your nature." + +Strangely relieved by her concurrence, Picard leaned against the conference +table and waited for her to get around to telling him why she was there. He +had learned long ago not to try and rush Guinan. She would tell him when +she was ready. + +She circled the room once, as if re-familiarizing herself with its contents, +stopped to stare out the viewport for a moment, then turned to him. "You +know I don't like to meddle..." + +"Do I?" he asked, chuckling. + +Guinan grinned in return. "Well, you have me there. So I do like to meddle. +But only when I feel it's necessary." + +"And you feel it necessary now?" + +"I do. This woman you brought aboard is very special." + +He nodded cautiously, wondering in what sense she meant special. + +"I am afraid for her." + +His eyes narrowed. "For her, or of her?" + +"Not of her, she is too like me, like I once was anyway. Lost, afraid, alone," +she shuddered, touching the thick cold transparency of the viewport. "So +alone. And so bright, so much potential." + +"Interesting, that's almost exactly what T'kar said." + +"She was right. A Vulcan would feel it, though not as I do. But I'm afraid +she may have too much potential for the fragility of her state right now. +Things are too uncertain, and she needs connection, something to shore her up." + +Picard tensed, suspecting what her next words would be. He had the feeling +he had heard this speech once before, from Deanna Troi, and knew he could +not possibly comply. To his relief, Guinan looked at him and shook her head, +smiling. + +"No, I'm not suggesting you 'parent' her, Captain. We both know how well +that turned out last time, and I don't think knife-wounds are particularly +good for you. She needs friends, not parents. But even that isn't what I was +going to suggest. The environment here is totally alien. She needs something +familiar." + +Picard's gaze went to the collection on the table and he nodded. "I think I +may have exactly what you want, Guinan. But how do you know this? Have +you spoken with her?" + +"I didn't need to. I hear her as plainly as if we had spoken. I would like to +meet her, with your permission, to let her know that there is at least one +person aboard capable of communicating with her." + +Picard stared at her, then slowly shook his head. "I've been an idiot! Here +I've been relying on amateurs, when I have a professional at my fingertips." + +She shrugged, her expression bland. "I was wondering when you were going +to remember me. I suppose it's because I'm not regular crew, and I can +understand why I slipped your mind. Besides, with so much on your mind..." + +"Enough, Guinan, I was wrong. By all means, take Etain under your wing, +she could use a mother hen right now." + +Guinan winced. "Mother hen? I've been called a lot of things, but mother +hen?." + +"Why not? It's one of your chief talents." + +"Mother I'll grant, but hen? The image is so unattractive." + +"Unlike you." Picard offered with a slight smile. + +Guinan chuckled. "You're forgiven. Where is she?" + +"In my quarters, sleeping." + +Guinan raised non-existent eyebrows. "In your quarters?" + +Picard sighed, wishing he had never offered Etain that convenience. "She was +intimidated by the size and atmosphere of the Sickbay. As I was on my way +here, I thought it would do no harm, however, I have requested that the guest +suite on deck eight be prepared for her. When she awakens, I would +appreciate it if you would escort her there." + +"I should think so. You're going to get a reputation if you're not careful." + +"I somehow doubt it," he returned drily. Turning, he carefully placed Etain's +ornaments and book in the case Security had supplied, and held it out toward +Guinan. "Here. These might supply that sense of connection you were speaking +of. Also, I asked the purser to review Security's recordings of Etain's +dwelling before furnishing the guest suite. Hopefully he has come up with +something she will find reasonably familiar." + +Guinan nodded as she took the case. "Good idea, very good." + +Picard shrugged, his gaze drawn toward the door. That feeling was back. +That peculiar sensation of knowing. Seconds later Riker's voice came over the +intercom, softer than usual, muted, as if he were trying to be quiet. +"Captain Picard to the bridge." + +Guinan and Picard exchanged glances, and she nodded, confirming his guess. + +"She's not asleep anymore." Guinan said softly. + + +He nodded, wondering what Etain was up to now. Entering the bridge, +oddly, the first thing he noticed was Wesley Crusher, whose expression was +one of sheer adolescent desire; the boy was practically drooling. Picard +turned slowly to follow his gaze, knowing exactly who the young ensign was +staring at. It was little comfort finding he was correct. Etain had found her +way to the bridge. And she'd appropriated his sleeping gear as her uniform +du jour. + +The sickbay blanket had been more decorous, as on a woman the wide wrapped 'v' +of his tunic stopped just short of indecency. He wasn't entirely certain how +his shorts were staying on her at all, but since the tunic ended at hip-level, +it was a good thing they were. He closed his eyes for a moment and prayed for +patience. It wouldn't do to frighten her any more than she obviously already +was. Her eyes were riveted on the main screen with its almost infinite view of +space and planet, her face was pale, and her clenched fists white-knuckled. He +remembered her reaction to the far less dizzying view in his cabin and +understood immediately. He shot a glance at Riker, and found his expression +amused and waiting. He sighed, and gave his uniform a particularly irritated +yank. + +"Main viewer off." he said quietly to the young woman at the security station. +She dragged her suspicious gaze away from Etain and nodded, hands moving +quickly. + +"Main viewer off, aye sir." + +The screen faded to pearl-gray and Etain sagged slightly, but recovered before +Picard was more than halfway to her. She shuddered, took a deep breath, then +straightened, and stuck out her chin. Tentatively she took a step toward him, +and as she did, the shorts slid down a good inch. + +There was a collective intake of breath across the bridge, and a sound +suspiciously like a smothered chuckle from Guinan. Etain scowled and +reached down to tug them back into place. Before she could move again, he +crossed the distance and took her arm, gently. + +"Etain, I'm afraid the bridge is off-limits. You should not be here, " + +Etain's gaze dropped, and she nodded, obviously crestfallen. + +Picard turned toward Guinan, the only person aboard who was equipped to +deal with an extremely naive and curious telepath. Deanna would have been +his first choice, lacking the sense of mischief that Guinan had, but since she +was unavailable, that was out. Only Guinan had the infinite calm, the +patience, and the understanding to deal with Etain, whose recent experiences +had no doubt left her somewhat fragile. + +"Come, I have someone you must meet." he turned. "Commander Riker, you +have the conn." + +Riker nodded acceptance, and Picard herded Etain back into the turbolift she +had exited only moments earlier, firmly controlling the urge to pull her tunic +closed. Guinan followed. + +As the doors closed, Guinan reached out and touched her fingers to Etain's +wrist. Etain's head jerked up, and she stared at Guinan in absolute shock. + +"I am Guinan." she said simply. + +Etain stared at her, wide-eyed, for a moment, then slowly lifted her own hand +to rest momentarily against Guinan's. + +"Her name is Etain." Picard supplied. + +Guinan nodded. "I am very pleased to meet you. I sensed you, earlier. I'm +glad you are feeling better now." + +Etain nodded, still staring at Guinan as if she had just descended from heaven +on a cloud. The turbolift slowed, then stopped. Guinan looked at Picard and +smiled. + +"I can take it from here." + +Picard nodded, and turned to Etain. "Go with Guinan, she'll show you to +your quarters. I will come by later." + +Etain nodded, her eyes never leaving Guinan. Picard stepped back as Guinan +held out her hand. "Come child, we have a lot to talk about." + +Etain took it, with the open trust of the child Guinan had named her. As they +moved away down the corridor, Etain reached down and hitched up her +shorts yet again. Picard shook his head, trying not to laugh. + +"Oh, and Guinan," he called. + +She turned, expectantly. + +"For heaven's sake, get her something to wear!" + +The doors hissed closed on Guinan's low chuckle. Picard stood for a moment, +feeling vaguely left out, then shook himself mentally. +"Bridge." + +### + +Etain was overwhelmed with sudden questions. Where had this woman +come from? Why had she not felt her presence before? How could she have +not sensed a being with whom she could freely communicate? Too surprised +and curious to be discreet, she stared at Guinan as she led her down the +corridor. + +She was not tall, perhaps a handspan or so taller than Etain herself. She +moved fluidly, and seemed to be formed completely of smooth curves, no +angles at all. Her skin gleamed like polished dark wood, and though her +expression was serene below the odd head-dress she wore, her eyes were old, +wise, sad, and yet filled with vitality and laughter. They were Maivh's eyes. +Eyes that had seen too much, and yet not enough. She contained her desire to +spy into the woman's mind, but she could sense that she practiced some +version of the Mindways. She fairly glowed with Talents. + +She was so intent on observing Guinan that she nearly ran into her when the +other woman stopped before one of the many doors which lined the +passageway. Embarrassed, lifted her hands in apology, but her companion +only laughed. + +"It's all right. I don't mind. I've been stared at by many in my time. This +is your cabin, you'll be staying here, at least until we figure out what to do +with you." + +The doors opened, and what lay behind them distracted Etain from the fear +Guinan's words had evoked. Her mouth opened in surprise, but she quickly +closed it. Home, it was home. Or almost. The room was scentless, obviously +new, yet so like her own. Someone had gone to great trouble to put her at ease. +After a moment she began to notice the differences, the smooth, white walls, +the soft padding underfoot; still, her first impression had been correct. +Everything fit her, cushions low on the floor, dimmed lights, earthy colors. +As she wandered, taking it in, she noticed a small carving of the Mother +displayed on a shelf against one wall, Her rich fullness rendered in sketchy +detail, very like the one which belonged to her own mother. She smiled, +realizing that whoever had put it there had not understood that the Maiden's +slim lines were more appropriate to her. The small error made no difference, +the effort was what was important. Her nose stung, and she had to blink +hard to push back tears. + +A sudden wave of scent diverted her from her observations, and her mouth +began to water at the rich, spicy odor. Until that moment she had not realized +that she was hungry, in fact, ravenous. Guinan turned away from a panel at +the other side of the room, bearing a tray in her hands. On it were two +transparent cups; one containing a reddish-brown liquid, the other held what +seemed to be water; between the cups sat a bowl from which steam curled +and drifted. Food of some sort, cooked, and still hot. She couldn't remember +the last time she had eaten food still warm from its cooking. She had always +feared that the smoke from a fire might betray her. + +Puzzled, she wondered where had it come from. The food had not been there +when they entered the room, yet it was undeniably real, no illusion conjured +by hunger. Guinan set the tray down on the low table and motioned for her +to sit. She did, and started to reach for the bowl when it occurred to her +that she was making an unwarranted assumption, and the food was not necessarily +for her. Embarrassed, she put her hands in her lap and looked away politely, +then was startled when the other woman placed a hand gently on her arm. + +"Etain, it's yours. I certainly don't need it," she chuckled, as if at some +secret jest. "... but you do. Eat now, and we'll talk when you finish." + +With a quick, and she hoped not ungracious nod, Etain turned her attention +to the bowl which held a mixture of vegetables and an unfamiliar grain. Seeing +no spoon, she carefully tested the temperature with a finger, then finding it +bearable she used two fingers as a scoop to carry a bite to her mouth. It was +delicious, the vegetables slightly crisp, the grain firm but soft, all in a +slightly salty, extremely flavorful broth whose spices were unfamiliar to her. +She saw Guinan smile and made her 'curious' face, wondering what had amused +her. She shook her head. + +"Worf's going to love you." Guinan said cryptically, then reached down and +picked up the odd, pronged object which lay beside the bowl. "Try this." +Demonstrating, she speared a vegetable on the prongs, and caught some of the +grain with the flat side, then lifted it to Etain's mouth. Etain took the bite, +and then the object, studying it. It was like a spoon with two slits cut in +it. Easy enough to use, if one was careful with the pointed end. She +continued to eat, using the utensil. After a few bites she stopped, held it up, +and with the difficulty of long disuse, projected her question. + +__What is this called?__ + +Guinan laughed. "There, I knew you could do it! It's just been a long time, +hasn't it? It's called a fork." + +__A fork? Thank you. And, yes, it has been a long time. The others will not +speak this way, I do not think they have forgotten, but they are afraid to +speak with me.__ + +Guinan looked at her sharply. "The others?" + +Etain nodded, cautiously taking another bite from the fork. She was relieved +that she didn't have to try to sign. Communicating this way, she could eat +and still 'talk'. + +__The others. The Darkmind took them for his slaves, and though many are +as old as I, he keeps them all as children through some magic I do not +understand.__ + +"Whoa, wait just a minute here. I think you need to back up and start at the +beginning. Who is 'the Darkmind'?" + +Etain projected an image. + +"Ugh. Nice fellow. Does he really look like that, or is that his personality +showing?" + +Etain examined the image she had given Guinan critically. Revising it, she +sent it out again, with an apologetic smile. __My feelings have influenced my +view of him. He is evil, but that does not show in his face. This is his true +seeming.__ + +"That's more like it. No running sores, no glowing eyes. Much more realistic. +I might know this person if I ran into him. No name?" + +__If he has one, I do not know it. I call him the Darkmind for that is what he +is.__ + +"I see. This sounds like a long story, that is, if you don't mind telling it." + +Tears flooded Etain's eyes. __I live to tell it. That was my promise, that I +would become fiach fiarsain and sing the tale.__ + +Guinan took a sip of her tea and settled in to listen. It was what she did +best. + +### + +His watch finished, Picard turned the conn over to Data and headed for his +quarters, but before the lift opened on deck eight, he wondered if Guinan was +still with Etain. Knowing how to satisfy his curiosity without interrupting, +he changed his destination and made his way to Ten Forward. + +Guinan was not in evidence, either behind the bar, or in any of the groups +scattered around the room. Disappointed, he was about to leave when he +noted how many eyes were on him, and realized it would look odd for him to +leave, having just entered. Revising his plans, he turned and requested an +armangac from the Mellarian who took Guinan's place while she was gone, +and wished that Will Riker or Deanna Troi was there to talk to. He was all +too aware of the fact that anytime he entered Ten Forward unaccompanied, a +good portion of the crew-members present grew quiet, and a little tense. The +'captain on the bridge' syndrome was something that he had learned, over +time, was unavoidable. Knowing it was a sign of respect didn't make it any +easier to accept. Holding his drink, he turned and casually scanned the room. +Geordi LaForge sat a few tables away, by himself. With a sub-vocal sigh of +relief, Picard made his way over to where his chief engineer sat, toying idly +with a tricorder. An odd recreational device. + +"Mr. LaForge," he said, nodding in greeting. + +"Captain!" La Forge seemed startled, he had obviously not noticed Picard +earlier. He recovered quickly, though, and waved a hand toward the empty +seats at the table. "Will you join me?" + +"For a moment, only. I've no wish to intrude." + +"Not at all. I was just waiting for Wes. I wanted his input on this sensor +modification." + +Picard leaned forward, interested. No one had mentioned any sensor +modification. "What sensor modification?" + +Geordi warmed to his topic instantly. "Commander Riker asked me to work +on it when you," he hesitated a moment, then continued. "...went missing. +As you know, our sensors don't read worth a damn through certain minerals, +and metals. My VISOR has less trouble with some of them, so we've been +trying to develop a sensor mode which operates more like my VISOR." + +"Interesting. It sounds like a good idea." he studied the tricorder for a +moment, then looked up. "Why are you doing this on your own time?" + +Geordi's coloring made it nearly impossible to tell if he was flushed, but he +seemed embarrassed nonetheless. "Well, when you returned it made the +project obsolete; but I wanted to keep working on it. It seemed worthwhile." + +"Indeed, quite worthwhile. However, I think it best left to your on-duty +hours. I look forward to seeing the results of your work; any modification +which improves our sensor capabilities should be given the time and talent it +needs." + +Geordi grinned, obviously pleased. "Really, sir?" + +"Absolutely, Lieutenant. I will note my approval of the project in the ship's +log." + +Geordi half-rose, as if ready to leave. "Thank you, sir. We'll get right on +it." + +"No, Mr. La Forge, you'll finish your off-shift, and then get right on it." + +Geordi resumed his seat, and shook his head, chuckling. "Of course, sir." He +lifted his head, looking beyond Picard toward Ten-Forward's main doors, and +whistled softly. "Whoa, is that Guinan? There's trouble brewing from that +direction! I've never seen her look like that! She looks like an electrical +storm about to break!" + +Picard swiveled, and found himself tempted to agree, though his un-enhanced +vision was confined to her physical expression. He had, perhaps, seen her so +disturbed once, when she had confronted 'Q'. She brushed past the table as if +he wasn't there, and headed straight for the huge viewplate where she stood, +and stared out, her normally placid expression gone, replaced by lines of anger +and stress between her brows, around her mouth. Picard went to stand with her, +quietly, waiting. Finally she turned, shaking her head. + +"We need to talk, but not here. I shouldn't bring this here, this is a place +for healing." + +Picard nodded, knowing exactly what she meant. It was why he had insisted +that Ten Forward be created, and that she run it. "My ready room is +available." he suggested. + +"Good. I'll meet you there. Right now I need to be alone for a few minutes." + +"Of course. I will wait." + +Without acknowledging him, she turned and strode out. Picard followed, +more slowly. + +### + +"She's more like me than I knew, Jean-Luc. I thought I understood, but it's +worse. Much worse." + +Picard tensed, but spoke calmly. "Explain, Guinan." + +"Do you have any idea what was done to her, to them? Slavery, and worse, +genocide. He tried to eradicate her entire species! She managed to save a +few, she had just begun to understand and use her healing talent, damn, it's +worse than the Borg, at least they didn't understand what it was they +destroyed! This one, he knows." + +"Who knows?" + +"I don't know who. She calls him 'the Darkmind'. A tall, good-looking man in +reality, but his mind is exactly as Etain describes. Dark. It has to be, to +conceive of such filth." + +"What is it he has done?" + +"He killed them. All of them, except the few Etain managed to save. +Hundreds of them, in the space of days, dying in man-made agony." she +looked at him, her eyes angry, and bitter. "Your kind has so much good, Jean- +Luc. How can you also be so evil?" + +His gaze fell before hers, and he shook his head. "We seem to have an equal +capacity for either, I cannot excuse, or explain it. It just is." + +She closed her eyes. "It just is. Insh'allah, some would say. The will of +God. Even your gods are out of balance." + +Picard did not reply, knowing no reply he could frame would help. After a +moment, he spoke again. + +"Tell me, Guinan. Otherwise, I cannot help." + +Guinan took a deep breath, and nodded. "It may well be too late to help, but +we have to try. As she told you, her people, she calls them the Rua'Shi, were +on Halvam first, though I don't believe they are native to this world. They +are part human, her people, and perhaps part Rihannsu, or Vulcan. I suspect +they were placed here, long ago." + +"That much we had already surmised. T'kar suspects Preserver influence." + +She looked up sharply, a speculative gleam in her eyes. "Yes, that makes +sense. The long sleep, of course!" + +"The long sleep?" + +"Etain said that they had only recently awoken from something she called 'the +Long Sleep' when the sickness came. I thought perhaps her species +hibernates, but Preserver technology makes more sense. For some reason, it's +been periodically putting them to sleep, and waking them up years later." + +"Odd. I wonder why? Continue." + +"This time, when the Rua'Shi woke, the colony was well-established. They +were surprised, yet accepted the change, they are, or were, a very accepting +people. They studied them surreptitiously, and even began to interact with +them. A few were taken and 'entertained', as is their custom. Two children +were born of matings between RuaShi and colonist; apparently a deliberate +experiment, the Rua'Shi were trying to see if a species so mind-blind could +possibly be human," she chuckled mirthlessly. "They were right to wonder. +Inevitably, a group of colonists found the Rua'Shi city, even hidden as it was, +underground. Because initially they showed no sign of aggression, they were +welcomed, allowed to come and go as they pleased. The man Etain calls the +Darkmind was among them. Six months later, the Rua'Shi began to die. In +four days, all but forty-three had died. All that saved those few was the fact +that Etain had developed enough of her healing abilities to teach their bodies +how to repel the virus, and neutralize it. She said her mother who was also a +healer, helped her find the solution, but died when Etain was only able to +make it work on those her own age, or less." + +An involuntary shudder rippled Picard's spine. He knew now, why Etain's +eyes were so haunted. She had accepted the burden of death, and life for her +people, at an age when most human children had never even faced the reality +of death. And she had known the agonizing futility of finding enough of an +answer to help herself, yet be unable help her own family. He realized, with +shock, that he had very badly underestimated her. Clearing his throat of the +lump that constricted it, he spoke hoarsely. + +"Go on." + +"She took the survivors to another place, nearby. They didn't want to stay +with the dead. Because of that, they had a few months respite, then he found +them. Realizing they were immune to the disease, the first thing he did was +take away their voices so they could not tell anyone what he did to them. +With help from a human woman Etain managed to get away, before he did to +her whatever it was that changed the others." + +"What do you mean, changed?" + +"He altered their metabolism somehow. In point of fact, they are all the same +age as Etain, give or take a few years." + +"Impossible! I've seen them, they're children, no more!" + +"They look like children, act like children, they even think they are children, +but they are not. The youngest of them is only eight years her junior, and +she's nearly thirty-five." + +"Thirty-five?" Picard asked, taken aback. "She looks and acts far younger." + +"I know. Like my people, they were a slow-maturing race even without +human interference, and her lack of socialization accentuates her apparent +youth; but according to her, the others haven't aged a year since they were +captured. They have remained exactly as they were twenty years ago. And +that isn't normal." + +"No, it isn't, but then very little seems normal about this world." he paused, +thoughtfully, then studied Guinan with narrowed eyes. "Would you be able +to identify the man she calls the Darkmind?" + +"I would. Unequivocally." + +"Good. Computer, generate image of Coran Delvekia of Halvam." + +Above the table a holofield sprang into being, resolving into an hologram of +Coran Delvekia. Guinan studied it for a few seconds, then looked to Picard, +face grim." + +"That's him." + +"Damn, I suspected it." + +He was silent a moment, thinking about what she had just told him, finding it +difficult to comprehend. An entire people gone... his first reaction was, +oddly, to wonder why. What had Delvekia feared from a people who, if Etain +was a representative example, could not possibly have been a threat. He +stared at Guinan blankly, and realized she was scowling at him. + +"Don't you care, Jean-Luc? You sit there so calmly!" Guinan demanded hotly. + +He closed his eyes, momentarily at a loss for words as he tried to find a way +to explain his reaction. He was well aware that it looked odd. Finally, he +made the attempt. + +"I care, Guinan, very much. I am as horrified as you, as disgusted... perhaps +more so, since the man who perpetrated this thing is of Human stock. But it +is difficult to grasp the scope, the full nature of it. As an empath, you +cannot help but feel it. It is a unique failing among humans that we have +difficulty in dealing with tragedy on so vast a scale," he sighed, and rubbed +the bridge of his nose, feeling pressed to continue. + +"A single death, of someone close, affects us greatly. We can grasp that, can +feel it. But an entire population gone is too much to comprehend. A part of +the mind shuts down, until it can find a way to understand it, leaving a mask +of calm in its place. Even today there are those who refuse to believe that +the masscre on Tarsus Four took place, though there is indisputable proof. +Their inability to accept it is symptomatic of the same human failing. I don't +excuse it, I can't, but it does exist." + +Guinan shook her head, disgusted. "Humans! Why do I bother?" She shivered. +"If you could feel what she felt... see through her eyes, then perhaps +you wouldn't have this 'failing,' as you put it. Instead of removing that +empathic booster, maybe she should enhance it! Your kind needs to +experience this horror in order to stop repeating it!" + +"You're absolutely right. I can't argue with your reasoning. We do need to +experience such things personally. I suspect I will, when I try to sleep +tonight." He shook his head, his expression taut and grim. "It's too late, +that's the worst thing. We cannot change it, or stop it. We can only try to +repair the damage as best we may. I'd have him in the brig now, save we've no +proof." + +"We do now." + +He shook his head again. "Barely. Telepathic deputation is legally +acceptable, but we need something, anything, to corroborate it before we have +a case we can bring to trial. I would have had a witness, but Seret Ng died +before she could finish telling me her story. I suspect she was killed to +prevent her from speaking with me, though her death was passed off as +heart-failure brought on by the attack on me." + +Guinan shook her head, scowling. "There has got to be something, some way +to prove it." + +Picard straightened suddenly, an idea beginning to take shape. "Perhaps there +is. You said there was an underground city, where they left the dead?" + +Guinan shuddered, swallowing as if to stave off nausea. "Yes. Her memories +are very vivid. They died so fast, there was neither time or hands enough to +bury or cremate them. She did what she could, covering them, laying them +out, but they are all there, right where they died." + +Repressing the image that conjured, he finished her thought. "And with them +probably evidence that the disease that killed them was manufactured. The +pieces finally begin to fall into place! Seret Ng said she had 'done an evil +thing'. She and DelVekia were partners in a genetic-engineering laboratory. +She probably helped him develop the virus or bacterium that killed them. If +we can prove it, if there is a way to trace it back to him, we have our proof!" + +"Interesting, I wonder if the woman who helped Etain escape was Seret Ng, +trying to assuage her conscience?" + +"It seems likely, though by that time it was far too late. But if we can't +make the link, we still have no case." + +"We've got to try. They didn't know about the nature of the disease until +after it was over. Before Delvekia caught the survivors, they thought it had +been some terrible, but natural plague. When he found that some of the Rua'Shi +had survived, Delvekia was so angry that he spoke in front of them. Etain +understood enough of what he was saying to realize that he had unleashed that +devastation on her folk deliberately. She said she tried to kill him then, +but was unable to do so." + +"Unfortunate." he gritted, harshly. + +Guinan looked at him in astonishment. It was indicative of how strongly he +felt, normally such a sentiment would never have passed his lips. She sighed. +"Jean-Luc, death is something we must all deal with, but murder should not +have to be. She was a child, would you wish a lifetime of regret on her?" + +He sighed. "No, Guinan, you know I wouldn't. If we can locate her 'city of +the dead', we may be able to find enough evidence there to support an +indictment. Do you think she would be willing to take a security team there?" + +Guinan nodded, slowly. "I think if you ask, she will. She trusts you." + +Picard shifted uncomfortably. "I can't think why, after what happened." + +"That wasn't your fault, and she knows it." Guinan grinned, her smile +relieving a little of the tension that had developed. "Face it, Jean-Luc, +you're just one of those people everyone trusts, except those who have +something to hide." + +He eyed her, disgruntled. "You make me sound like some damned galactic +boy-scout." he complained. + +Guinan grinned. "If the shoe fits...." + +He stood abruptly, still tense. "Where is she?" + +"Hopefully in the guest suite where I left her, though she seems to have a +tendency to wander off. She knows she's in no danger here, and so feels no +qualms about exploring. She wants to learn, and she's very intelligent." + +"That I know. And, as you know, I have already had experience with her +tendency toward exploration," he chuckled, feeling a little of the tension +leave him. "She seems to be ideal Starfleet material, save for her lack of +education, and a certain inability to follow orders" + +Guinan looked at him, head tilted to one side, eyes sharp and narrowed, like +a bird. "You're absolutely right. She has no real xenophobia at all, which is +odd considering her experiences. It seems that as long as she can sense +sentience, that being is regarded as a person no matter what they look like. +That attitude could be a tremendous asset in Starfleet. You know that most +telepathic species have trouble reading Klingons, but she said that though +Worf is different, he is perfectly readable. You may have just come up with a +solution to her for what seems to worry her the most." + +"Which is?" Picard prompted, curious. + +"What she, and the others, are going to do after all this is over." + +Guinan's words were matter-of-fact, but Picard sensed the seriousness behind +it. Etain's way of life had twice been destroyed. First when her people had +been nearly exterminated, after which she had managed to make a new life +for herself, now once again it had been torn apart. It was an understandable +worry. He frowned, realizing for the first time that something would have to +be done with all of the Rua'Shi. Their world had been irrevocably shattered, +they could not return to it. Nor could they be left to fend for themselves, +especially not, if as Etain had told Guinan, they had been developmentally +arrested. Depending on the cause, the condition might or might not be +reversible. + +He looked up to find Guinan watching him intently and smiled, dryly, +knowing she had followed his train of thought. Sometimes he suspected that +being close friends with a telepath was a lot like being married. He'd heard +that spouses, like telepaths, seemed to know ones' thoughts without even +trying. + +"I'll get someone to work on the relocation problem immediately, Guinan, and +thank you for bringing it to my attention." + +Guinan inclined her head, looking for all the world like one of Earth's famous +Black Madonnas', her headdress uncannily like a halo. + +"I thought you would. I will go down to legal and file my deposition now, if +you've nothing further." + +"Of course, Guinan, you have my thanks." + +She paused as the doors opened and looked back at him, her expression +troubled. + +"Go soon. Something's going to happen. Something bad." + +He nodded, accepting the warning. Guinan could be annoyingly cryptic, but +her warnings were always valid. As she left, he stood, unconsciously +reseating the lower edge of his uniform tunic, and went to ask Etain for help +he wasn't certain she would be willing to provide. + +### + +The guest-suite door was open when he approached, apparently Etain had +asked Guinan to leave it so. Picard released it to close behind him, wanting +privacy for this conversation. Etain sat on the low couch, eyes closed, her +arms wrapped around her book, and her face resting against it. The posture +was simultaneously protective, and possessive, reminiscent of a child with a +favored blanket. As he had requested, Guinan had seen to her clothing, Etain +now wore a loose tunic and leggings of winter-white. Her feet were bare. He +wondered briefly if white was the color of mourning in her culture as it was +in so many. Dull gold gleamed on her fingers, wrists, shoulders, and throat, +all her familiar things, displayed like talismans. He sensed that she was not +asleep, and also that she knew he was there, so he waited, as he waited for +Guinan. After a few moments, she seemed to shudder, and lifted her head to +look at him, then nodded. + +He didn't need to ask what it was she agreed to. He could tell, simply by the +ghosts that he saw reflected in her eyes. How had she known what he had +come to ask? Was he that transparent to her now? It was a disquieting +thought. He had never liked sharing very much of himself. It reminded him, +though, that there was another matter he needed to take care of. He took a +seat in the chair across from her, and thought for a moment, of how to say +what needed to be said. Steepling his fingers, he began. + +"You gave me a gift I am not equipped to use, Etain. I need you to put me +back the way I was." + +She stared at him, a puzzled frown drawing her eyebrows down, and shook +her head. + +He sighed. He had hoped it would be easier. "As you no doubt are aware, +we most humans have very little psionic ability, the ability to use your mind +to speak, to hear, to heal, that sort of thing. We aren't very good at them." + +She nodded. He had the feeling she was amused. + +"You changed something, inside my mind. Unlocked an ability I was unable +to use before. An ability to sense things, especially emotions, with thought +alone." + +She touched her chest, eyebrows lifted. + +Her unspoken "Me?" was obvious. He began to wonder if he, Guinan and +T'kar could be wrong. Then he remembered telling Guinan to come in before +she had asked, knowing that Etain was on the bridge before Riker called, and +knew he was not. + +"Yes, you. Both Guinan and T'kar confirmed it. It wasn't deliberate?" + +She shook her head, and, setting the book aside got to her feet. It was odd, +but she seemed older than before. Perhaps it was the fact that he now knew +how old she was, or possibly it was her clothing that made it seem so. He had +never seen her so completely covered before. She knelt down beside him and +lifted her hand to touch his temple, her eyes closed and her familiar scowl of +concentration creasing her forehead. He felt something. A feather-light +sensation of peculiar intimacy. After a moment she let her hand fall and sat +back on her heels, shaking her head, seeming confused. + +"You feel it?" + +She nodded. + +"Is it your doing?" + +She hesitated, then after a moment, nodded, without conviction. + +Her confusion bothered him. If she didn't know how she had done it, could +she reverse it? + +"Can you undo it?" he asked. + +For several moments, Etain did not respond. Finally, she shrugged. He +frowned. + +"You don't know?" + +She shook her head. For just a moment, he felt afraid, and with the fear, +anger. He didn't want to stay this way. He didn't like it. The new abilities +had begun to affect his thought processes, and it was becoming clear that it +would continue to do so. Her hand closed around his wrist and he looked at +her. There was apprehension in her eyes, and determination as well. After he +met her eyes, she let go, touched her chest, then held out her hands fingers +curved and lifted as she slowly moved her hands toward his face, in her gaze +a question. He nodded. + +"I need you to try. The change is not a part of who I was meant to be." + +She nodded, slowly, and closed her eyes. Her fingers found his face, her touch, +as before, cool and slightly electric. He found his eyes drifting closed as +well, felt as if he were drifting off to sleep, very relaxed, peaceful. + +### +______________________________________________________________________________ +copyright 1992, Kellie Matthews-Simmons +matthews_k@cubldr.colorado.edu//matthewk@spot.colorado.edu +all rights reserved + +Standard Disclaimers Apply + +From JULIA@Jetson.UH.EDU Tue Aug 31 16:34:14 1993 +X-VM-v5-Data: ([nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil] + ["46901" "Tue" "31" "August" "1993" "12:44:45" "-0500" "JULIA@Jetson.UH.EDU" "JULIA@Jetson.UH.EDU" nil "995" "(TNG) Silence, A Novel by Kellie Matthews-Simmons, Part 8" "^From:" nil nil "8"]) +Return-Path: +Received: from Rosie.UH.EDU by depot.cis.ksu.edu SMTP (8.5) + id QAA00542; Tue, 31 Aug 1993 16:34:10 -0500 +Received: from Jetson.UH.EDU by Jetson.UH.EDU (PMDF V4.2-11 #3125) id + <01H2E98YMBKG8XAHXS@Jetson.UH.EDU>; Tue, 31 Aug 1993 12:44:46 CDT +Message-id: <01H2E98YMBKI8XAHXS@Jetson.UH.EDU> +X-VMS-To: @ARCHIVE +MIME-version: 1.0 +Content-type: TEXT/PLAIN; CHARSET=US-ASCII +Content-transfer-encoding: 7BIT +Status: RO +From: JULIA@Jetson.UH.EDU +To: jfy@cis.ksu.edu +Subject: (TNG) Silence, A Novel by Kellie Matthews-Simmons, Part 8 +Date: Tue, 31 Aug 1993 12:44:45 -0500 (CDT) + +CHAPTER EIGHT + +Jean-Luc woke with a start, suddenly completely aware. He felt Etain's +fingers, warm now, leave his face. He opened his eyes to find her still on her +knees beside him. For an instant her face betrayed loss, then she looked +down, letting her hands fall into her lap. She sighed. He sensed a gap, like +the space left by a lost tooth, before the new one grows in, and knew it was +done. Oddly, despite not liking the change, he found he missed it now. He +kept that feeling from his voice as he sat up straighter. + +"Thank you." + +She nodded, still looking at the floor. He wondered what she was thinking, +what she was feeling. Without the empathy, he could no longer interpret her +easily. Was that why she had changed him in the first place? Had she done it +on some instinctive level, to facilitate communication? If so, that explained +much. + +"Are you well?" + +She nodded, looking up finally. She looked tired, but not as drained as she +had after her healings. She also looked unhappy, and resigned. Before he +could ask why, she rose, in that fluid way that reminded him she was not as +human as she looked. She took three steps toward the door, then looked back +at him and motioned for him to follow. +"Wait, where are you going?" + +Her face went bleak. She pointed, towards the floor, then clenched her fist +and put it between her breasts. Sometimes, her elementary sign was as +eloquent as the best human speech. He stood. + +"Not yet, Etain." he said gently. "It will take me a little while to +organize an away team, stay here, rest, I will come get you when it's time." + +With a barely perceptible nod, she turned and went back to the couch, picking +up her book, holding it, unopened, against her. He hesitated a moment, +something was wrong, but nothing he could identify. He remembered Guinan's +comment about Etain's fragility, and hoped she was stronger than she seemed at +this moment. She would have to be, to take him where she needed to. He rose, +wondering why he felt as if he'd been sitting for hours in one position, and +left the room. On his way to his own quarters, he concluded that it was most +likely due to the fact that he hadn't gotten any real exercise in days. As +soon as he had things in hand, he would have to get back on a regular schedule. +It had been a while since he had practiced his fencing, that would be a good +start. + +### + +Guinan stood behind the bar trying to let the familiarity of Ten-Forward wash +away the bitterness, and the nagging feeling of unease that had lingered since +her talks with Etain, and then the Captain. She couldn't shake the feeling +that something terrible had been set in motion. If she could only see what it +was, perhaps she could also see a way around it, but so far that had eluded her. +Her attention was caught by the entry of Will Riker and Wesley Crusher. +>From the gleam of mischief in Riker's eyes, he was up to something. She +moved down toward the end of the bar, close enough to hear their +conversation. She could use a little mischief at the moment. + +"... so you were impressed by our visitor?" Riker asked the younger man. + +Wesley's eyes went unfocused for a moment, then he grinned sheepishly. "I +guess that was a little obvious. She's very pretty, don't you think?" + +Riker ignored the question for a moment and turned toward Guinan. +Knowing Wes couldn't see it from where he stood, he winked broadly at her. + +"Argellan ale, please, Guinan." + +She nodded. "Coming right up, and for you, Wes?" + +Still waiting for Riker's answer, Wesley was a little startled by her query and +had to think for a moment. "Uh, orange juice, I guess." + +She turned to prepare their drinks, ears focused as Riker finally replied. + +"Actually, yes, I do. She is quite attractive." + +Wesley seemed pleased. Guinan turned to place their drinks on the counter +and saw Riker looking absently at the ceiling, something he was prone to +doing when he was trying to stave off laughter. Wesley picked up his glass +and took a sip, which was apparently Riker's cue. + +"You know, she kind of reminds me of your mother." + +Wesley narrowly avoided spluttering his mouthful of juice all over the +counter, managing instead to swallow it as he turned horrified eyes on Riker. + +"My mother?" he demanded in tones similar to those he would have used +had someone had compared Etain to a Regulan blood-worm. + +Guinan smothered a chuckle. Riker's sense of humor could be wicked. + +"Mmmhmm. I noticed it right off." + +"My mother?" Wesley repeated, aghast. "You've got to be kidding!" + +Riker shook his head, innocently. "Don't you think so?" + +"No!" + +"Really? Odd, they're about the same height and coloring, and build. Small, +neat, not excessive... if you know what I mean." + +A blush washed up into Wesley's face and he hastily took a drink. Guinan +could almost see him thinking, trying to find some way to refute his +companion's words. A disgusted frown etched its way across his face as he +realized he couldn't. Then, after a moment, a gleam almost as wicked as +Riker's lit his young face. Guinan waited expectantly as he turned back to +Riker with a canary-eating grin. + +"So, you think my mom's good-looking?" + +Guinan let out one short chortle, then choked it back, disguising it as a cough +as she watched Riker back-pedal, frantically trying to figure a graceful way +out. Before he had found one, his combadge signaled him with three short +chirps. With a look of utter gratitude, he touched it to acknowledge the +signal, and spread his hands apologetically. + +"Sorry, can't talk now, got to go." He picked up his ale and gulped down a +few swallows before he set it down and headed for the door. + +After he had gone, Wesley turned to Guinan with a grin. "So, how'd I do?" + +"Oh, pretty good, I'd say," she answered noncommittally, but returned his +grin. + +"I thought so too." he said, lifting his glass in a silent toast. "Thanks for +the advice. It's the first time I've managed to turn the tables on him." + +"Keep it up, pretty soon he'll go looking for less wary prey." + +Wes laughed and nodded, then wandered away to a table where several +young people his age sat. She watched him go, momentarily startled by the +maturity she saw in him. He had grown up so much of late. But then, +humans did that, they were a fast-maturing species. Guinan wondered how +long it would be before Beverly dropped by to talk about Wes. Guinan had +become her choice of sympathetic ear where Wesley was concerned, since +Deanna had no experience with this phase of parenting, and Guinan had +much. A new group wandered into the bar, and she turned, smiling, to help +them. + +### + +Riker paced nervously outside the Captain's quarters, trying to find the best +way to phrase what he had come to talk about. Finally deciding there was no +best way, he touched the call switch. Almost instantly, Picard's usual +peremptory invitation opened the door. Riker stepped in, much relieved to +find Picard sitting at his desk, looking at his comscreen, alone. That made +it a little easier. + +"Number One, what can I do for you?" + +"We need to talk, sir. Permission to speak freely." + +Picard's eyebrows rose in curiosity. "Of course, Will, please, sit down." + +He motioned to a chair in his living-area, and left his desk to take a seat on +the settee across from it. Riker sat, fidgeted for a moment, then finally +looked up uncomfortably. + +"Captain, I thought I should point out that there are rumors beginning to +circulate about you, and Etain." + +Picard sighed, and made a disgusted face. "Guinan warned me that might +happen, but I thought she was wrong. For heaven's sake, Will, I've spent +scarcely an hour alone in her company since she came aboard!" + +Riker stared at him, surprised. An hour? Picard stared back at him, scowling. + +"Surely you put no credence in these rumors, Number One?" + +"I... ah..." Riker closed his mouth. If the captain wanted to pretend he +hadn't just spent at least the last four hours in Etain's quarters, should he +contradict him? He debated with himself for a moment, and saw Picard's eyes +narrow. He was getting angry. Uh oh. +"I see that you did. I should think you knew me better than that by now. I do +not mix business with pleasure, Will." + +"Captain, wait. I do know that it's not generally in your nature, but +considering the amount of time you've spent..." + +"What, an hour? Aren't you being just a little judgemental?" + +"Damn it, Captain, it wasn't a hour, and we both know it! Four hours ago I +tried to contact you to let you know Deanna was on her way back via long- +range shuttle. You didn't respond. I queried your whereabouts, and the +computer located you in the guest suite on deck eight. I requested that I be +notified when you left it. That happened five minutes ago." + +Picard sat back, obviously nonplussed. "Four hours ago?" + +Riker nodded. + +"Are you certain?" + +"Absolutely." + +Picard got to his feet and began to pace. Suddenly he stopped, and turned, a +suspicious frown on his face. + +"This isn't one of your practical jokes, is it?" + +"No sir, it is not." + +"Computer, ship's time please." + +The computer responded pleasently. "The time is twenty hours, ten minutes, +forty-seven seconds." + +Picard went noticeably pale. + +"Six hours, my God, six hours!" + +"Sir?" + +Picard sat down, slowly, and shook his head. "The last thing I remember +happened almost six hours ago. After I left the bridge I saw Guinan, and then +went to speak with Etain. She agreed to guide an away-team to the Rua'Shi +city so we could search for evidence that the plague which decimated her +people was genetically engineered. Then I asked her to remove the psionic +amplifier which she had somehow activated in me. She agreed to try, and we +began. The next thing I recall happened less than fifteen minutes ago." + +A ripple of discomfort made Riker sit straighter. "You remember nothing +between the beginning of that process, and now?" + +"Not a damned thing. I remember her beginning the meld, and feeling tired. +It seemed only a few minutes later when I woke, and realized she had done as +I asked. The ability she had evoked in me was gone. I had no idea it had +been that long, until you told me, just now. Your attempt to contact me must +have occurred sometime in the interval." + +Riker nodded, scowling. "You voluntarily submitted to this procedure?" + +"Submitted? Will, I asked her to do it! I'm not cut out to be an empath! You +know what the really odd thing is? She didn't even know she'd done it until I +pointed it out. It was totally unconscious on her part." + +Riker sighed. "Captain, you do realize that in six hours, she could have +significantly tampered with your mind." + +Picard nodded. "I understand your fear that she has done so, however I do +not believe she has. However, I am perfectly willing to have Doctor Crusher +perform whatever tests she feels may be necessary to certify that I am still +myself." + +"What makes you so certain that she hasn't done anything? You didn't know +she'd done it in the first place." + +Picard looked at him, his eyes bleak. "What she did was harmless. I have +been... tampered with, in other ways, on three occasions, Number One. The +energy being, the Ferenghi, the Borg.... Believe me, one knows. Also, you +found her, you know what was done to her. A psychic violation is as +traumatic as a physical one. She would not do to another what was done to +her." + +The memory of finding Etain made Riker swallow hard. Of all Picard's +arguments, this one was the most convincing. + +"So, you think it simply took her six hours to undo what she'd done?" + +"I don't know, but I am going to ask her." + +"After we make a trip to sickbay." Riker said, expecting an argument. To his +surprise, he didn't get one. + +"Of course. As I said, I believe it the easiest way to allay your fears. By +the way, exactly when does Counselor Troi arrive?" + +"She should be here any time now. Her ETA was twenty-one hundred +hours." + +"Good. She can add her seal of approval to Dr. Crusher's. Would you ask +Guinan to bring Etain to sickbay, so I can ask her exactly what did happen? +Guinan can serve as interpreter, if necessary." + +Riker nodded. "Of course." + +Picard stood up. After a moment, Riker hastily stood up as well, and +followed him out of the room. + +### + +Deanna Troi had sensed that something was up as far away as Starbase 214. +Her mental connection with Jean-Luc Picard, and the surer one with Will +Riker had told her something unusual was going on, but not what. Once she +would have put her feeling down to her own insecurity, but she had learned +to trust her instincts. She was needed, of that she was certain. To her +irritation, she could only sense a disturbance, not its nature. Even so, it +had been enough to start her scrambling for transportation, not wanting to wait +for her scheduled rendezvous when she was required immediately. + +It had taken her mother's influence to get her aboard the diplomatic long- +range shuttle that was passing Halvam on its way to a rendezvous with the +USS Powell. They had, somewhat reluctantly, agreed to swing in close +enough to transport her over to the Enterprise. She had no doubt but that +Lwaxanna would call in the debt in the not too distant future. Perhaps +another visit to the Enterprise, to pester Deanna, and the Captain, and turn +everything upside-down for the duration of her stay. Deanna only hoped it +was worth it. + +As they came closer, the feelings intensified, and became more perplexing. +There was something different about what she sensed from Picard. +Something... softer? Was that the right word? Not really, Something more +emotional. No, she decided finally, it was something more empathic. It was a +shock to come to that conclusion. What had occurred in her absence, to bring +out in him that particular ability? Not that he did not have a goodly share of +ordinary human empathy, but the empathy of her species, the ability to sense +emotions as others read the written word, that had never been part of his +makeup. + +By the time the ships were within an hour of rendezvous, she began to sense a +new presence, one she had never felt before. A being, terrified, alone, and +desperately unhappy. It was female, but with a peculiar mix of child-like and +mature qualities, not like a Human adolescent, but something far more +reminiscent of a young but physically mature Betazed. Whatever the form it +wore, the power of the mind she sensed was awesome. Even among her own +race, who were among the most psionically gifted races in the galaxy, such +strength was unusual. + +Whoever she was, her presence was, without doubt, the source of the change +in Picard. She could sense the resonances, the tenuous links. Even though in +the three years since she had become Picard's counselor, she had grown +accustomed to dealing with the uncontrolled emotions of others, had learned +to screen them, so they did not cut so deeply into the heart of her self; this +terrible sadness and fear was so powerful it made her want to weep. With +rigid control, she channeled the pain away, and kept herself at least +physically calm. Mentally she was a wreck. + +Her shuttle was in final approach, when suddenly something changed. With +a tremor like the snap of an overstressed harp-string, Picard was himself +again. In that other presence, the sense of aloneness multiplied a hundred- +fold. Deanna clutched the padded armrests of her seat with a stifled moan, +and quickly shut down her sensing ability. It was too much even for her +practiced mind to bear. The Arkanoi ambassador looked at her with concern, +hir feathered ruff flaring as s/he leaned toward Deanna. + +"Are you well, daughter of Lwaxanna?" S/he trilled. + +Deanna straightened, and nodded, smiling reassuringly. The last thing she +needed was for Rlai to tell her mother she was ill. + +"Yes, Ambassador, I'm fine. Just pleased to be home." she lied. + +Rlai shook hir head in agreement. "Understand, home is best." + +Deanna nodded, and hoped it wouldn't be much longer. As if in answer to +her wish, her combadge chirped, and Chief O'Brien's familiar brogue came +over the channel." + +"We have your coordinates, counselor, but unless you want to arrive in a less +than dignified position, I suggest you stand up." + +Deanna laughed. Having no desire to end up sprawled on her rear end on +the transporter pad, she did as he asked, and picking up her bag bowed +politely to Rlai. + +"Thank you Ambassador, for the ride. If I can ever do a service for you, let +me know." + +"Assuredly," Rlai warbled, and ducked hir head until hir beak touched the +spill of pastel pink feathers on hir breast. "Regards to parent." + +"Assuredly," Deanna agreed, and touched her combadge. "Ready, Mr. +O'Brien." + +### + +Rlai's beaky, feathered countenance faded, to be replaced by Miles O'Brien's +wide, pleasant smile. The stocky, good-natured transporter chief was one of +Deanna's favorite people, probably because he had never come to her with +any problem she had to solve, in the next five minutes, or he would have a +breakdown. It was refreshing. He nodded, acknowledging her arrival. + +"Welcome aboard, counselor." + +"Thank you, Mr. O'Brien." Deanna stepped off the transporter dais and +glanced around, having expected Will Riker to meet her. The fact that he +hadn't told her that she was right. Something important was going on. +Cautiously, she tested the emotional waters, and to her relief found that +things were relatively normal. She turned back to the transporter chief. + +"So, Miles, tell me what's been going on here since I left?" + +O'Brien shook his head with a sigh. "Better to ask what hasn't happened since +you left! Have you got a spare hour?" + +"It's been that bad?" She set her bag down and leaned over the transporter +console, propping her elbows on it. "Tell me, I'm all ears." + +O'Brien eyed her up and down, favored her with a broad wink, and shook his +head. "No, that you're not. But anyway, I suppose I should start with the +Captain's disappearance." + +"With what?" Deanna demanded, stunned. + +"Don't worry, we got him back, but he was gone for three days." + +"I see." she relaxed a little. "Go on." + +By the time O'Brien finished, Deanna didn't know whether she was more +confused or less. Despite the fact that he was usually one of the best +information sources on the ship, he had only sketchy details, and rumors she +absolutely did not believe. It was obvious that she would have to get Picard +and Riker to fill in the details. She thanked O'Brien and left the transporter +room after querying Picard and Riker's whereabouts. Finding that they were +both in sickbay made her pace a little quicker, though she was certain neither +of them was hurt. That she would have been able to feel. She felt Guinan's +familiar presence and was pleased that they had brought her in. In her own +absence, Guinan was the best person to call on, as she might be able to help +the owner of the powerful mind that she had sensed earlier was approaching +collapse. + +She entered sickbay and stood quietly in the outer office, unabashedly +eavesdropping both psychically and aurally, before going in. Beverly and +Will were both emitting worry, and annoyance. Comparatively, Picard was +an ocean of calm, though he also seemed a little annoyed. Guinan was... +Guinan, and the newcomer was as bad, if not worse, than before. Cautiously, +Deanna attempted to sort out the tangled skeins of emotion, and managed to +identify the primary threads. Fear, regret, and a confused braid of +love/respect/anger. Taking a deep breath, she stepped into the room. + +Picard saw her first, and his smile was genuine and reassuring. + +"Deanna, welcome home." + +As Picard's greeting was echoed by Will and Beverly, Deanna smiled, unable +to resist as she was suddenly enveloped in the warm mental welcome of three +of her closest friends. If ever she doubted that this was, indeed, home, the +memory of this reception, and countless others like it, would assuage that +doubt. + +"Thank you, Captain, I am very glad to be back." + +She turned toward Guinan and her companion, and froze, as the full impact of +the other's silent pain hit her. She swallowed hard, letting it flow over, +rather than into her, Finally it passed, and she tried to project reassurance +as she studied the one unfamiliar presence in the room. She was small, inches +shorter than Deanna, with hair almost the exact same shade as Beverly +Crusher's, though her skin was darker, almost green-tinged. She wore a loose +ivory-colored tunic and leggings which seemed to bear Guinan's stamp, save +for the gold ornaments which gleamed on it; Guinan's clothes were always +bare of decoration. Although she appeared youthful it took Deanna only +seconds to decide she was an adult, of whatever species she was. The +nuances of emotion she manifested were not those of a child. The red-haired +woman held out her hands, her expression repentant. + +__I am sorry, I have not had to hold my thoughts in check for so long, I have +forgotten how. I did not mean to hurt you,__ she then glanced at Guinan +__...or you.__ + +Deanna nodded. "I understand, it caused no harm, I am fine. I am Deanna +Troi. I am the ship's counselor." She underscored her words with telepathy, +knowing that would convince where words might not. + +"This is Etain," Picard said, easing the awkward pause which threatened. +"She is mute." + +"But she is an accomplished telepath." Deanna said with a smile, offering her +hand. + +Etain reached out, touching Deanna's fingertips with her own. Through the +touch, Deanna heard the bitter response to Picard's introduction which +echoed in Etain's mind. 'Etain, of nothing, and no one, and no place' and +immediately understood the source of the pain she had felt. Etain had sensed +the warmth and welcome Riker, Picard and Crusher had extended, and had +reacted to it with a combination of fierce desire, and jealousy that had been +psychically and physically painful. + +Deanna tried to convey her understanding, but as she did Etain snatched her +hand back, and looked away, her face coloring. Deanna let it go, for the time +being, knowing she would come back to it later. Even without empathy, she +could sense that it would take very little to shatter Etain's control +completely right now. + +Beverly Crusher seemed to understand the need for a distraction, and jumped in. +"Deanna, I'm glad you're here. I've run all the standard psych tests on the +captain, and can find nothing out of the ordinary, but your confirmation +would be reassuring." + +Concerned, Deanna pivoted toward Picard, automatically extending psychic +antennae. "What is it, what's wrong?" + +Picard shook his head. "Nothing, I just need to convince these two of that. +They are concerned that Etain may have meddled in my mind. I've told them +that what she did was to un-meddle. Guinan has confirmed that, but your +judgement would be welcome." + +Picard's words echoed what Troi had felt aboard the shuttle. The sudden +recovery of normalcy. She nodded. + +"I will try, but it really would be helpful to know exactly what you've been +up to since I left. As it is, I don't know what it is I'm looking for." She +complained, testing and prodding nonetheless. + +"It's a long story." + +"I had part of it from Chief O'Brien. I know that you were missing for several +days, and returned injured. Also that shortly after you returned, Will and +Worf brought back a severely injured woman from the surface, who +managed, somehow, to be whole and walking within a matter of hours. That, +I assume, was Etain." + +Picard nodded. "All correct. The parts you are missing will take a little +explaining, but I will try to be brief. Etain is not human, but of a species +she calls Rua'Shi, apparently native to this world. There is a good +possibility that they are Human-Vulcan hybrids. She has, according to Guinan +and T'kar, rather extraordinary array of psionic abilities." + +"What sort of abilities?" + +"Projective and receptive telepathy, healing, empathy, and some degree of +prescience." + +Deanna glanced at Etain, who did not look like she enjoyed being discussed +as if she wasn't there. It was a formidable combination of abilities. +Something Picard had said a suddenly impinged on her consciousness, and +she focused on him again. + +"If her race is native to Halvam, how can they be Human-Vulcan hybrids?" + +Picard exchanged glances with Will Riker, his expression grim. "A good +question, Counselor. We really don't know, though Lieutenant T'kar has a +theory which involves the Preservers. At any rate, it is fairly certain her +people have been all but wiped out by the human colonists. That we can get +into later. I was attacked while investigating, Etain healed me, and hid me +until I was able to return to the Enterprise." + +Deanna opened her mouth to ask the reason for the sudden surge of regret +and guilt Picard broadcast. Before she could, he continued. + +"Apparently at some point during my stay with her, she unconsciously +altered my mind, T'kar said she enhanced my own abilities. I believe she did +this in order to communicate more effectively, since she is unable to speak, +and has never been taught sign. The difficulty occurred when I asked her to +remove that enhancement. It is gone, but apparently it took her six hours to +do it. Six hours of which I have no memory. Will and Beverly are +understandably concerned as to what else she might have done during that +time." + +__I did nothing!" Etain interjected strongly. __Nothing save what he asked. +They have no cause for worry, I would not so impose my will on another. +That way lies darkness!__ + +Troi could sense no deceit. Etain told the truth, at least as she perceived +it. Deanna had one concern, but it was not one she could voice aloud, not +without risking humiliating Etain. Carefully she projected her question on a +narrow band. + +__I know that you believe you made no other changes, but the time involved +is very long. If you were able to make the changes originally without either +of you knowing it, why did it take so long to reverse them?__ + +What she sensed in response to her question was complex. Fear, +embarrassment, regret, sorrow, guilt, and a thread of defiance. Deanna found +that there were strange echoes of Picard in Etain, her thoughts and emotions +ran along oddly similar paths. Had the connection, however temporary, +altered Etain's mind, not Picard's? Her attention was brought back by Etain's +reply. + +__I did not know how to undo it. It took time to learn.__ + +Deanna frowned. Etain was holding back. __That is not all,__ she prompted. + +The guilt grew stronger, and Etain's eyes dropped. She did not reply for +several moments, then, finally, __No,__ she admitted. __I did not want to do +it. I fought myself, one way, and the other, for a long time. I wanted to +keep the bond, it is all I have here. Without it I am alone here. Once I was +not afraid of being alone. Now I am.__ + +Her chin came up, and she met Deanna's gaze full-on. __But I did as he +asked. It is done.__ + +A barrage of images lurked behind Etain's fear, half-seen, indistinct, yet so +clear: enemies, pain, helplessness, complete and utter helplessness; +encroachment on the inmost self. Deanna drew back, shocked, but that short +glimpse had revealed the elusive connection she had wondered about. Etain's +thought-patterns seemed to echo Picard's not because of any psionic +connection, but because they shared a common fear; one which shaped some +of their responses and reactions. The fear of being controlled, of the loss of +self, of defenselessness. All the trauma associated with rape, whether +physical, or mental. She felt tears gathering and quickly blinked them away. + +"I'm so sorry..." she whispered, then realized she had verbalized the thought. +She shook her head and stood up a little straighter as she turned to Beverly. + +"I find nothing out of the ordinary, Doctor. The Captain is fine. Sorting out +the links and disconnecting them was a difficult process, and took a great deal +of time, and energy. I have no reservations about Captain Picard's fitness for +command." + +Guinan grinned. "See? I told you so." + +Beverly relaxed visibly, Deanna felt her worry ease as she sighed and +shrugged. + +"Yes, you did. But I am relieved to have your opinion confirmed." + +Beverly's annoyance had not abated. She rounded on Picard, index finger out +and jabbing toward his chest. + +"You, however, should know better. Next time you decide to have someone +muck around with your mind, you get someone to be an observer!" + +Picard nodded, smiling wryly. "Aye, Doctor." + +Beverly shook her head disgustedly. "You do seem to have a knack for getting +into this sort of situation. I've only been on this ship three years, and +this is the third time some being has decided you'd be a great addition to the +fold!" + +The smile faded from Picard's face, his color seemed to fade, and grow ashen. +"I am well aware of that, Beverly, well aware." + +The doctor frowned, momentarily puzzled, then she realized what she'd +done, dredging up nightmares of the machine-human hybrids who had tried +to make him their own. Her irritation faded instantly, replaced by +compassion, and that more-than-compassion that Deanna occasionally sensed +between the two of them. She put a hand on his arm. "Jean-Luc, I'm sorry. I +didn't mean to remind you." + +"It's all right, Beverly." His color began to come back as he gently moved +Beverly Crusher's hand from his arm, and turned to Riker. + +"Will, assemble an away-team, including bio-medical and archaeological +personnel, when you've done so, Etain will guide you to the Rua'Shi city. +Guinan, please look after Etain until Commander Riker is ready. Counselor +Troi, I would like to speak with you for a few moments in my ready-room as +soon as it is convenient." + +"Of course, Captain. I can accompany you there now." + +"Very good." + +He took a step, hesitated, and looked past Deanna to where Etain stood. + +"Etain, will you be alright with Guinan?" Picard asked, his voice lower, +warmer than usual. + +Etain nodded, subdued. + +"It will not be long, I promise, I know waiting is the worst part." + +Again, Etain's response was a nod. Picard frowned slightly, then shook his +head and headed for the exit. Deanna followed closely, keeping pace with him. +They reached the turbolift and entered it, along with several other crew +members. Deanna wondered about the change in his voice and manner when he spoke +to Etain. He was a difficult man to read, keeping himself under control so +tight even a full Betazed would have trouble reading him. Had he developed +some sort of feelings for Etain? If so, did he even realize it? She decided +he probably did not. It wasn't something he would want to know, and he was +very good about not seeing things he didn't want to see. + +"So, how was your seminar?" + +"What?" Deanna jumped, startled out of her reverie. "Oh, the seminar. Fine, +I suppose. We'll get a few good counselors out of the lot. I'm afraid that I +was somewhat distracted, wondering what was happening here. I could +sense that something was wrong, not what, or when, just a vague sense of +unease. I'm afraid I had to ask a favor of my mother to get transportation +back." + +"I'm sorry for that. I know you don't like to owe your mother favors." + +Deanna laughed. "Captain, no one likes to owe my mother favors! She +invariably collects what is owed! But, what's done is done. I don't regret it." + +"I'm glad, and I appreciate your timing. We have a slight problem which you +may be able to solve." + +"Which is?" + +"What to do with Etain, and her Rua'Shi, once we have them." + +"I'm afraid I need more information before I can make a recommendation, +Captain." + +"I know that. I had intended for you to read my log entries which summarize +the past few days to familiarize yourself with the situation. T'kar may have +some useful comments as well." + +Deanna nodded, but before she could frame a reply, the turbolift doors +opened on the bridge. Picard stepped out, waited just long enough for her to +step out, then took off for the ready-room at a pace just short of a run. She +had always suspected he did that just to see if whoever was with him would +try to keep up, or drop back to a more comfortable pace. She decided to opt +for the latter, and entered the room a few seconds behind him. He was +already seated, scowling at the comscreen, fingers moving surely on +touchpads as he accessed his files. Deanna walked over to the desk and stood +in front of it, hands on her hips. She knew he saw her, because she suddenly +sensed amusement, and saw the nearly imperceptible curve of his mouth. He +finished what he was doing, then looked up. + +"Yes, counselor? Am I to assume I'm 'on your list' again?" + +"You are. Why didn't you tell me it was still bothering you?" + +"Why didn't I tell you what was still bothering me?" he asked blandly. + +"You know very well what I mean. The Borg. Have the nightmares +returned?" + +"No, not often, anyway. In all honesty, do you truly believe I will ever be +completely free of them?" + +Deanna sighed, and sat down in the chair closest to him. "I don't know. I had +hoped so. How bad is it?" + +"I can live with it. I think it has surfaced right now because I feel a sort +of," he smiled. "...empathy, with Etain. At least part of what happened to +her bears some uncomfortable similarities to what happened to me." + +Once again, Deanna felt a wave of guilt from him. She frowned, and leaned +forward. + +"I know what you refer to, I sensed it, when I asked why it took her six hours +to break the bond; and you're right, there are similarities between your +experiences. But why is it you feel responsible for what happened to her? I +know you too well to believe you capable of that." + +Picard stood and began to pace, then stopped to stare at the commemorative +plaque on the wall, and finally looked up, his eyes shadowed. + +"You know me too well, granted. You know me better than any other being in the +galaxy, I suspect. No, I was not, physically, responsible, however it is +difficult for me to dismiss culpability when it was my impatience that created +the opportunity for it to occur." + +"Tell me." she prompted. + +He stood for a few moments before returning to his seat, and turning the +comscreen toward her. "Read the log entries, then I'll fill in the details." + +She nodded, knowing that was the best she was going to get. He wanted time +to rehearse what he was going to say, time to try to camouflage, and conceal +his feelings. That was alright with her, it wouldn't work anyway. Hiding a +smile, she turned to the screen and began to read. + +### + +Counselor Troi left the Captain's office feeling quite dissatisfied. She had +sensed him holding out on her, but, as usual, had been unable to pry loose the +iron grip he kept on his emotions. He had been more than usually forthcoming +about everything that had happened on Halvam, but she suspected that was simply +as cover for what was really bothering him. She wondered if Etain's experience +had brought Picard's memories of the Borg too close to the surface. It had taken +months of work to get him to stop blaming himself for the death and destruction +the Borg had wrought through him. Now those feelings seemed perilously close +to the surface once more. She sighed, not caring that the soft sound drew +curious glances from the bridge personnel as she waited for the turbolift. As +Ship's Counselor, an occasional sigh was her prerogative. + +The lift arrived and she stepped inside, reviewing what Picard had told her +about Etain. It was a wonder she was alive, and mentally functional after all +she had gone through. She was definitely a survivor. Deanna frowned. +Being a survivor sometimes brought its own set of problems, and Etain +obviously had some of those. Her total lack of compunction about stealing +and her desperate need for emotional contact were the most obvious. What +Deanna found surprising was that Etain had latched onto Picard to supply that +contact. Picard, with the exception of a few Vulcans, was one of the least +emotional people she knew. Why choose him? + +She stepped back from her own involvement and looked at the situation +clinically. It did have a sort of logic about it. After so long without +companionship, perhaps Picard's distance was an appropriate interim step, to +help Etain become accustomed to dealing with others before she flung herself +headlong into the give and take of more openly emotional people. + +The Counselor smiled, pleased with her solution, then wryly scolded herself +with a quiet admonition. "You know it's rarely that simple, Deanna Troi. +Don't make unwarranted assumptions." + +The lift doors opened to admit a young human ensign from Engineering and +a pair of Kardassans in Sciences' teals who wore lieutenant's pips. She +nodded pleasantly to the trio, and stepped out of their way, hoping none of +them had heard her talking to herself. After a moment the human cleared her +throat nervously, and turned toward Deanna, worry obvious in the furrows +that marred the smooth, dark skin of her forehead. + +"Counselor Troi, I'm sure you would know. Is everything all right?" + +"How do you mean, Ensign...?" she paused, prompting. + +"Tyrrell, Kattrin Tyrrell," she supplied quickly. "I mean, well, there's been +all kinds of uproar. The Captain was gone, but now he's back, but we're still +here. I thought this was just a routine diplomatic stopover." + +Deanna hid her surprise at the fact that neither Picard or Riker had given out +any explanation for their delay. "Well, Ensign Tyrrell, it was supposed to be +routine, I'm afraid it's become a little more complicated than that. I can't +explain without permission, but it's nothing you need to be concerned about. +It's a Federation judiciary matter." + +Ensign Tyrrell looked faintly disappointed. "Oh." + +Deanna chuckled. "How long have you been with the Enterprise, Ensign +Tyrrell? I don't believe I've met you before." + +"I came aboard thirty-two days ago, at Starbase Eleven." + +"Well, don't worry. You'll get your excitement soon enough. It's rare for us +to go more than a month without any disruptions." + +Tyrrell gave her a slightly embarrassed grin. "Oh. Was I that obvious? + +"Only to a Betazoid." Deanna lied. + +"Good. I'd hate to think I was." + +"Not at all, if you will excuse me, this is my deck." + +The Kardassans moved aside in the peculiarly simultaneous way they had. +Tyrrell nodded her thanks, and Deanna stepped out of the lift onto Deck +Eight. She stood for a moment, trying to decide whether to go to her own +quarters, or visit Etain to see what she could learn about the young woman +firsthand. Curiosity won out, and she headed in the opposite direction from +her own cabin. + +### + +Etain heard the tone she had come to realize meant someone desired entry to +her room. She welcomed the distraction, having dwelled too long on +memories. For a moment she felt helpless, wondering how she was to let her +visitor in. Both Guinan and Picard had spoken to allow someone else access. +She could not. She knew how to let herself out, though, and that should at +least cause the door to open. She stood up crossed to the door, and put her +hand on it. Obediently it slid open with a soft hissing sound. + +Etain found herself nose-to-nose with the lovely dark-haired woman Picard +had called Counselor Troi, who looked a little startled as she took a step back. + +"I'm sorry, were you going out?" she asked. Her voice was melodic, the +sound rounded and fluid. Etain wondered briefly if she sang, and shook her +head in answer, then remembered that like Guinan, this one could hear her. + +__No, but it is the only way I knew to open the door. I cannot tell it to +open, as you do.__ + +The other woman smiled. __I understand. If I may come in, I can show you +how.__ + +Etain nodded and stepped aside to allow her to enter. The Counselor stepped +in, turned, waited for the door to close behind her, then pointed to a small +lighted pad beside the door. + +__Here, to signal it to open, press the top key. This is also how you set your +lock. If you would like to be private, simply touch these three keys +simultaneously. To release the lock, just press the three again.__ + +Etain nodded her comprehension and practiced with the keys for a few +moments, until she felt at ease with the mechanism, then allowed the door to +cycle closed and turned to the Counselor with a smile. + +__Thank you. This place holds many secrets for one uninitiated in its ways. +For instance, I know there is a way to get water, because Guinan did so +earlier, but I do not know how she did it.__ + +Her guest shook her head ruefully. __I'm afraid we do tend to take these +things for granted. May I give you a short course in how to use the +synthicator? You can get anything you need from it.__ + +__My needs are few.__ + +The counselor chuckled. __You may find that having ready access to a vast +array of goods tends to increase the amount of things you think you 'need', at +least until you get used to it.__ + +Etain nodded, thoughtfully. __I can see how that might be, yet what else do I +need?__ she gestured around the room, then to herself. __I have shelter, and +clothing. Apart from that, I need only food and water.__ + +Troi regarded her chuckled ruefully. __I wish my needs were as simple. I'm +afraid I'm rather material. I like things.__ + +Etain looked at her, puzzled, uncertain as to what sort of things the other +woman referred. She was suddenly curious about her, wondering what, +exactly, a counselor did, and why the others could not communicate as she +did. + +__Why is it you can speak with me, you, and Guinan; but the others +cannot?__ + +The counselor looked up, seemingly surprised. Etain noticed for the first time +that her large, dark eyes seemed to have no pupils, or rather, to be all pupil. + +__You don't know? Guinan and I are not human, well, I am half-human, my +father was from Earth. My mother's world is called Betazed, its inhabitants +are telepathic and empathic by nature, unlike most humans. I inherited some +of those gifts from my mother, though they are somewhat tempered by my +human genes.__ + +Understanding came. __So, you are different from Picard, as he is different +from me? Not the same blood, though in some ways similar.__ + +__Yes, exactly.__ + +__And Guinan, she is of Betazed also?__ + +__No. To be honest, I don't know exactly where Guinan is from, though I do +know that her people were largely destroyed by beings called the Borg.__ + +The image the counselor supplied called up sudden pain, terror, memories +not her own, but overwhelming. She shuddered, and her hand crept up to +her face. __Borg. Yes. They hurt him, Picard.__ + +Etain sensed the counselor's sudden, sharp interest. + +__Yes, they did, how did you know that?__ + +__I touched them, inside him. Hidden there, deep, waiting, to tear at him like +carrion-birds when he sleeps. I know that fear. His fear is mine.__ + +The counselor stared at her, obviously shocked. __He let you see that?__ + +Etain shook her head. __Not intentionally. He only meant to comfort, for I +blamed myself, I could not help but see it.__ + +Troi shook her head. __He was right, Etain, never blame yourself. It wasn't +your fault, not at all.__ + +__I know that, now. I am learning to accept it. It is sometimes hard.__ She +met the other's probing gaze evenly, to let her see she was not lying. After a +moment the counselor seemed satisfied. + +__If you ever have trouble believing it, come see me. That's my job, what I do +here.__ + +__What is?__ Etain asked puzzled. + +__I help people deal with their fears, their hopes, their disappointments, +anything emotional.__ + +Etain thought about that for a moment, the concept strange, but not offensive. +__That seems a worthy skill, but is it not very draining?__ + +__Yes, often it is. But it can also be very rewarding.__ + +Etain nodded. __I see that it could be.__ She paused, studying the other +woman's features for a moment, then frowned, puzzled anew by her eyes, +this time by the shadowy coloration around them. Impulsively she leaned +closer and touched a finger to the counselor's brow-arch, where the color +darkened in an outswept stroke. Startled, Troi pulled back, and Etain's gaze +fell as she colored, embarrassed. + +__I'm sorry, I did not mean to startle you, I just wondered.__ + +__About what?__ + +Etain stared at her fingertip and found it frosted with a soft mauve color, +like the dust a moth's wings leave when touched. She held out her finger. +__This. The color. I have never seen eyes like yours, I wondered if it was +part of you.__ + +To her relief the counselor didn't seem offended, in fact, she laughed. __No, +not at all, except that my conceit is a part of me. I use cosmetics, to +enhance my eyes. I'm afraid I'm rather vain about them.__ + +Etain shook her head. __I do not know this word, 'cosmetics.' What is it?__ + +__Here, it's much easier to show you than to try and explain.__ She motioned +for Etain to follow her to the multi-lighted panel across the room, grinning. +__This should be fun, I haven't done this since Tasha...__ + +The thought trailed away into a distant sadness. Etain sensed that the person +of whom Troi had spoken was no longer living. Immediately she regretted +asking about the cosmetics. She didn't want to bring up painful memories. + +__Forgive me, I intrude.__ + +The counselor straightened and sighed. __No, not at all. I just hadn't +thought of her in a long time. She was a friend.__ + +Etain nodded understanding. Death was not an easy thing, she knew that +well. She offered what comfort she could. + +__Her memory lives in you, perhaps that will draw her spirit when the +Mother brings new life through you.__ + +The counselor looked at her oddly, obviously puzzling out her meaning. __If +I understand you correctly, you mean if I have a child, her soul might come to +inhabit it?__ she paused until Etain nodded, then smiled. "That would be +quite an experience. A child like Tasha would certainly make life interesting. +But, let me show you how to use the synthicator, and then we'll play.__ + +__Play?__ + +The counselor smiled. __You'll see.__ + +### +______________________________________________________________________________ +copyright 1992, Kellie Matthews-Simmons +matthews_k@cubldr.colorado.edu//matthewk@spot.colorado.edu +all rights reserved + +Standard Disclaimers Apply + +From JULIA@Jetson.UH.EDU Tue Aug 31 16:34:20 1993 +X-VM-v5-Data: ([nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil] + ["47897" "Tue" "31" "August" "1993" "12:44:58" "-0500" "JULIA@Jetson.UH.EDU" "JULIA@Jetson.UH.EDU" nil "974" "(TNG) Silence, A Novel by Kellie Matthews-Simmons, Part 9" "^From:" nil nil "8"]) +Return-Path: +Received: from Rosie.UH.EDU by depot.cis.ksu.edu SMTP (8.5) + id QAA00546; Tue, 31 Aug 1993 16:34:16 -0500 +Received: from Jetson.UH.EDU by Jetson.UH.EDU (PMDF V4.2-11 #3125) id + <01H2E998TMYE8XAHXS@Jetson.UH.EDU>; Tue, 31 Aug 1993 12:44:59 CDT +Message-id: <01H2E998TMYG8XAHXS@Jetson.UH.EDU> +X-VMS-To: @ARCHIVE +MIME-version: 1.0 +Content-type: TEXT/PLAIN; CHARSET=US-ASCII +Content-transfer-encoding: 7BIT +Status: RO +From: JULIA@Jetson.UH.EDU +To: jfy@cis.ksu.edu +Subject: (TNG) Silence, A Novel by Kellie Matthews-Simmons, Part 9 +Date: Tue, 31 Aug 1993 12:44:58 -0500 (CDT) + +CHAPTER NINE + +Riker stood across the width of the desk from Picard, feet planted firmly, +arms crossed, his very posture radiating stubbornness. + +"No, Captain. Absolutely not. We don't know what we'll find down there, +and I will not put you at risk. You know I'm right on this." + +Picard's face was set, faintly disgusted. "Technically, yes, Number One, but I +still feel I should be there. Guinan said something bad was going to happen." + +"All the more reason for you to stay here! Besides, we haven't let Delvekia +know for certain that we got you back, and if you were seen, it could tip our +hand. It just doesn't make sense for you to go." + +Picard sighed, rubbed the back of his neck, and nodded, finally. "Very well, +you win again, but under protest." + +Riker ruthlessly controlled the grin that threatened to break out, knowing it +would annoy Picard no end. "Protest noted, sir. Would you like to see the +away-team roster I've assembled?" + +"I would, thank you." + +Riker handed the datapadd across the desk and waited while Picard reviewed +it. After a moment, Picard nodded and handed the padd back to him. + +"Looks good, Number One. Why Ensign Aalgan?" + +"He spent two years at the archaeo-biology station on Ettar Seven. I thought +he might be useful here." + +"Good choice. I've asked Mr. Data to review the files on previous Preserver +finds, he may be able to make correlations between our findings here, and +those documented elsewhere." + +"I certainly hope so." + +"When have you scheduled your departure?" + +"Fourteen-hundred hours." + +"Good. Transporter-room Four?" + +"Yes, sir." Riker turned to go, but was brought up short by the Captain's next +words, as offhand as their delivery seemed, he knew they were deadly +serious. + +"Oh, and Commander, issue phasers. Guinan's warnings aren't to be taken +lightly." + +"No, sir, definitely not. I'll have Lieutenant Worf assign extra security as +well." + +"That would be prudent. I'll get Etain, and explain why I'm not going, on the +way to meet you." + +Picard didn't sound as though he were particularly excited by that prospect. +Riker nodded, and left the room, knowing better than to comment. + +### + +Etain stared at herself in the mirror, and couldn't resist reaching out to +touch the smooth, cool surface, wonderingly. The only mirrors she had ever +seen had given back a wavery, golden image that she had assumed was herself. +Seen in this one, she was entirely different, not altogether due to Deanna's +artistry. She was older, but then it had been years since she had bothered to +look at herself. What gave her the most pause was how strongly she had +come to resemble her grandmother. Granted, she had only seen Mhaiv in the +winter of her years, even so she could see that the bones that underlay her +skin were the same, her coloring the same, the set of her jaw had the same, +slightly stubborn look. The resemblance was almost uncanny. Lightly she +traced the contour of one cheek in the mirror. + +"Well?" + +Her eyes met the counselor's in the mirror, and she smiled, tentatively. __I +like it.__ + +Deanna grinned back at her. __I'm glad. I think I'm rather good at it. +Perhaps if I ever tire of counseling, I can go into cosmetology.__ + +Etain understood from Deanna's tone that she was joking, and smiled, though +she didn't understand the reference. She stepped back to get a fuller view of +herself just as the door signal sounded. She walked to the door, hesitated a +moment trying to remember which key to press, then ostentatiously pressed +the correct one. As the door slid open, she glanced back over her shoulder at +Deanna with a triumphant grin. Deanna returned the smile. Etain turned to +see who her visitor was found Picard standing there, looking at her with a +thoughtful, almost puzzled expression on his face. + +She wondered what puzzled him, and motioned him in. He complied, his +gaze sliding past her to the Counselor. After a moment he nodded toward +Etain. + +"Your handiwork, Counselor?" + +Deanna nodded, a tentative expression on her face, her hands behind her +back like a wayward child's, hiding the cosmetic brush she still held. + +Picard studied Etain a moment longer, then a slight smile curved his mouth. + +"Very nice." + +Deanna colored. "I had a good subject to begin with. She's lovely." + +Picard nodded. "I quite agree with you, Counselor." + +Etain looked from one to the other, convinced they were teasing her, but +sensed no insincerity. She frowned, never having thought of herself as +particularly attractive. It was a strange thought. She looked back at Picard, +and realized suddenly why he was there. Instantly her spirits fell. It must +have shown on her face, for his expression softened, and he shook his head. + +"I'm sorry, Etain, but it is time. In order to bring those who hurt you, and +your people, to justice I must ask this of you, otherwise I would not." + +She nodded understanding, eyes on the floor. She felt Picard watching her +for a moment, then he shifted his attention to the Counselor again. + +"Will you go with them? She may need you, to communicate with, if for no +other reason." + +"Of course sir. I would be happy to." + +"Thank you. Commander Riker is assembling the away-team in Transporter- +room Four as we speak. Will you meet us there?" + +Deanna nodded, and took the hint. Moments later Etain and Picard were +alone in the room. Picard began to pace, alerting Etain to his discomfort and +unease. She waited for him to speak, not knowing how to prompt him. +Finally he did. + +"I wanted to accompany you there, but I have been asked, or rather, told to +remain here. It is a regulation, a stricture placed on me by my position. I +have no choice." + +A sudden tightness began to form in her stomach. He was not going. Somehow +that changed things, made them far more difficult, more fearsome. She could +feel that he was unhappy with the situation, but honestly felt he had no +alternative. That made it difficult, she wanted to protest, to refuse to go, +but could not without causing him pain. She took a deep breath, trying to +calm herself, and nodded, without looking up. + +He studied her for a long moment, then sighed. "I'm sorry. I feel I'm letting +you down. I understand you are probably angry with me, with good reason, +but Riker and Worf are the best I have, and the Counselor will be there as +well. You will be safe." + +She nodded again, forcing herself to meet his eyes, to assure him she was not +angry. His jaw tightened at the fear she could not keep from her gaze. She +shook her head vehemently, trying to convey her insistance that he not +punish himself, then pointed toward the door. He nodded. + +"Yes, we need to go. Etain, I will be here when you return, if you need to +talk. Perhaps Deanna or Guinan can translate." + +Once more she nodded, and walked to the door without waiting for him. +Best to get it done, and quickly. He allowed her to exit first, then took the +lead. To distract herself, she wondered what a "transporter-room" was. + +### + +Etain found it strange to walk the long, broad passages in the light. After +the clean sleek newness of the Enterprise, the smooth stone tunnels seemed +strangely unfamiliar. Her companions seemed unusually subdued, none of +them indulging in their usual easy chatter, as if they knew that they should +respect the quiet. She glanced at the walls, and saw that the creamy stone of +the corridor was now streaked with the rich mahogany colored rock from +which the Mother's Gate was cut. She was startled by how quickly they had +reached it, for it seemed too soon to have reached Dhara. The unaccustomed +light and noise of the others had disoriented her. A few feet further on, the +interlace carvings began, confirming their position. Only one more turn and a +few hundred feet lay between them and the Gate. + +A tendril of unease uncoiled in her stomach, speeding her breath, sheening her +skin with cold moisture. She stopped just before the last turning, her fists +clenched. Something was wrong. She had finally come to realize that feeling +was more than simple apprehension. Holding up her hands to halt the +others, she took a few steps ahead and stood, every sense extended, trying to +identify what it was her othersense warned her of. The first thing that came +was scent. The sharp, acrid scent of sweat, the alien smells of manufactured +metal and cloth, the clashing notes of carelessly applied perfumes. Living +smells, in the place where there should be none, where only the dry, sweet +dust of the dead should scent the air. Seconds later she sensed other minds, +confirming what her nose had discovered already, sensed one mind in +particular, burning like a black star among those of lesser darkness. A +shudder went through her. + +"Etain?" + +She jumped. Riker's whispered query seemed to echo and resound in the +stillness. His eyes met hers, questioning. She tried to think how to tell him, +to convey who and what she sensed. It was nearly impossible. It was so +frustrating to be so unable to communicate! A hand touched hers, a +sympathetic presence manifesting. + +__Etain, what is it?__ Deanna asked. + +Etain immediately felt foolish. She had forgotten the counselor's presence. +Having someone to communicate with had not yet become routine. She +pointed ahead. + +__Tall-ones, many of them, waiting ahead. The Darkmind among them.__ + +The counselor's dark eyes widened slightly, but she nodded and turned +immediately to Riker. + +"She senses others waiting for us in the city, including the one she calls the +Darkmind." + +"Delvekia?" Riker asked. + +Etain nodded, recognizing the name. + +"Mr. Worf, do your sensor readings confirm?" + +The Fierce-one nodded, his perpetual scowl deepening. "Sensor readings are +sporadic due to reflection and ghosting, but I am picking up indeterminate +life-sign about approximately thirty-four meters ahead." + +Riker grinned humorlessly. "A surprise party. How nice. Well, shall we see +if we can't surprise them instead? Etain, is there another way into your city?" + +This time she was ready. She turned to Troi to respond. + +__There is, but it will take time to reach it.__ + +Deanna relayed, and Riker's grin became more feral. + +"Are we in a hurry?" he asked, then continued without waiting for an +answer. "Do you think they are aware of the other entrance? Is it obvious?" + +__No. It is small, I doubt they know of it. It was little-used.__ + +Riker waited for Deanna to relay, then nodded, seeming pleased. "Good. +That's what I hoped you'd say. Will you take us there?" + +Etain nodded. That needed no translation, and Riker stepped back to let her +by him, motioning the others to follow. + +"Phasers on stun, and stay alert. We don't know if they've sensed us." + +Etain saw several of them put their hands to the odd-looking devices which +hung from belts. Since they normally wore neither belts or devices, she had +wondered what they were. Matched with their actions, Riker's words seemed +to indicate that they were weapons of some sort. They looked ineffective, +having no sharp edge or point, and were too small to make an effective club. +Strange weapons for a strange people. She led them back the way they had +come, finally reaching the passage which led to the Ghost Gate after a good +half-hour's walk. It was slower going uphill. The side tunnel was small, and +only allowed them to walk single-file, and most of them had to stoop to avoid +the low ceiling. Etain felt momentarily superior that she did not, but then, +the passage had been built for her kind, not for humans. + +### + +As they neared Dhara once more, Etain felt the fine hairs on the back of her +neck rise and her skin began to prickle unbearably. With those symptoms +came sudden memory of the reason why this passage had been little used, +and why it was named the Ghost Gate. It was inhabited by a spirit which +caused discomfort to those who ventured too near. It had never harmed +anyone, but the discomfort was real enough. She glanced back at her +companions, wondering if they sensed it too, and from the frown on Riker's +face, judged that he, at least, had. The odd, pale being who seemed to have +no thoughts spoke suddenly. + +"Commander, I am reading a very strong energy field here." + +Riker seemed to relax. "That explains the sensations I've been feeling, then. +Is it a natural field, dilithium, or cordium?" + +"No sir," Data replied. "It appears to be deliberately generated, the readings +follow too coherent a pattern for the source to be natural. I believe there is +a power conduit of some sort which parallels this passage." + +"A power conduit? Whose, for god's sake? The Rua'Shi were bronze-age at +best!" + +"Yes sir. However, as you recall, there is a high probability that they were +placed here by the Preservers, who often left behind devices using their +technology. This could be their work." + +"Interesting. Haven't all the Preserver sites found to date been non- +functional?" + +"That is correct, sir. It is unusual, however there appears to be a strong +probability that this site is still functioning." + +Riker whistled, shaking his head. "Now that would be a find. Keep scanning, +let me know what you discover." + +"Aye sir" + +Etain had followed the conversation with some bewilderment. When they +had finished, she turned toward Deanna. + +__Who are these 'Preservers' of whom they spoke? What have they to do +with Dhara, and the Kin? Why does this... energy field the Silent-one speaks +explain the ghost?__ + +Deanna chuckled. __It's no ghost, Etain. What you feel is the response of +your body to the energy present in this place.__ + +__I do not understand 'energy'.__ + +__Energy is what powers our ship, what makes the lights aboard it glow, +what powers the sun. There are many different ways to produce it, but that is +what we mean when we say energy.__ + +Etain nodded slowly, the concept somewhat clearer to her, but still not quite +real. There was so much to learn, too much. __And the Preservers, what are +they?__ + +Deanna hesitated a moment, then slowly responded. __We believe your +people may have been brought to this world long ago from somewhere else, +from another world, similar to this, possibly even the same world that Riker +and the Captain are from. There was a race of beings who did this with many +species, we call them The Preservers.__ + +Etain smiled. Finally, something she understood! __You speak of the Shining +Ones. Our songs tell of them, and of the long voyage from First Home to +Second Home, and finally, here, to Third Home. Before Second Home we +were round-eared, like you, and were unskilled in the Mind-ways. It was +there that the Shi came to us, and joined their blood to ours, changing us, and +them.__ + +The expression on the counselor's face was one of astonishment. __Have you +told the captain of this?__ + +Etain felt a moment's apprehension. __I did not, should I have? Did I do +wrong?__ + +Deanna hastened to reassure her. __No, no of course not. But tell me, why +didn't you tell him?" + +Etain looked at her blankly for a moment, then shrugged. __He did not ask. +Is it important?__ + +__Perhaps. It would, at least, have confirmed our suspicions.__ + +__Oh.__ Etain paused a moment, then sent again. __You said First Home +might be the same world that Picard and Riker were born to?__ + +__Yes, my father was of that world as well.__ + +Etain sensed emotions as the dark-haired woman thought of her home, her +parents. They were confused, unclear, very unlike her usual even temper. + +__You have difficulties, at home?__ she asked. + +Deanna looked up, startled, and her eyes met Etain's in quick confirmation. +__How did you... of course. You have that gift as well. Telepathy and +empathy do not always go hand-in-hand,__ She smiled ruefully. __Yes, you +saw clearly. My mother, though I love her dearly, can be somewhat +overwhelming when she sets her mind to something.__ + +__And what she has set her mind to is at odds with your desires?__ + +__Precisely. She is especially forceful on the subject of grandchildren.__ + +Etain frowned thoughtfully, her gaze ranging to where Riker walked a few +steps behind them, then returning to Deanna. __I have seen couples on the +ship, and children...__ her implication was clear. + +Deanna smiled. __True, but it isn't that simple. To be honest, I don't think +I'm quite ready for that yet.__ + +Etain's frown grew deeper. She inhaled deeply, as if testing for a certain +scent, and her gaze traveled Deanna's body before lifting again, puzzled. +__Forgive me, but it is clear that the Mother rules you. I do not understand +why you say you are unready.__ + +Deanna did not reply for so long that Etain wondered if she had somehow +offended the other woman. Finally the Counselor shook her head, obviously +puzzled. + +__I think we have a clash of cultures here. I don't understand what you mean +when you say 'the Mother rules' me. Can you explain?__ + +Once more Etain's gaze swept her companion's body, the she looked down at +herself and touched her chest, then her hips. "You are...__ she paused in +frustration, unable to articulate the concept. She tried again. __Your body +is a woman's in all ways, unlike mine. She has not touched me as She has +you.__ + +Deanna stared, a slight frown marring the smoothness of her forehead. __I +still don't, no, wait, perhaps I do,__ The frown cleared and she smiled. +__Are you trying to say that I am fertile? Of childbearing age, past +menarche?__ + +Etain nodded eagerly. __Yes! Exactly!__ + +Deanna's smile grew gentler. __Etain, just because one is physically mature +does not mean one is emotionally ready to become a parent. Some people +never reach that state.__ + +Etain did not reply, mulling that concept. Since she had been so young when +the others had died, there were many things she did not understand, or only +dimly understood. Certain details of creating children were among them. +Although she had escaped from the Darkmind's prison before he could make +her a child forever, for some reason she had remained untouched by the +Mother's hand. She was half-woman, with age she had gained a slight depth +of breast and hip, but not the changes inside which would make her a +woman. Not that it mattered, there was no mate for her, no one to create a +child with. The only males of her kind left were forever children. + +She stumbled over nothing, and blinked back tears until she could see clearly +again. What did it matter, this journey? Why did she lead these people into a +place that held nothing but silence, and never would? It was their kind who +had brought the silence in the first place. She stopped. The counselor +touched her shoulder reassuringly. + +__It's alright, Etain, to be sad, to mourn for them. It's alright to be angry. +But remember. We are not one, we are individuals, every one of us different, +just as you are. Surely there were good and bad among your folk too." + +Etain tried to remember, had there been? Yes. More than once Mhaiv had +been forced to use discipline. Solt, who had hurt a young woman who +refused him, Cyran who had stolen food others had prepared because she +was too lazy to prepare her own, angry Nela who had lifted his hand against +Mhaiv because he thought he knew more than she, who had lived through +four sleeps to his two! There had been a few, and she could see that left +unchecked, any of them, especially Sela, could have become kin to the +Darkmind. She sighed. She could not condemn all Tall Ones anymore than she +could honestly praise all her own folk. For a little while she had forgotten +their differences, now she was the one who felt different, alien. She pushed +herself away from the wall where she had leaned and looked back at the +others who were watching her anxiously. They were good, and they wanted +to help. She moved on. + +She heard shimmer-skinned Data speaking quietly with Riker as they followed, +something about power again, and more words she did not fully comprehend, +because in the android she could not feel the thoughts which underlay the words. +It was strange to think of the Ghost as thoughtless energy. She had almost +enjoyed the fear of it, now there was only the discomfort without the spice of +the vaguely illicit. They did not like illusions, these First-World humans, +they preferred facts. She liked illusion, at least the illusion that +everything would somehow be right again. It was better than the bleak pain of +knowing it would not. + +### + +The gateway surprised her. She had been so deep in thought that she was +almost through it when she realized where she was. She stopped abruptly, +grabbed the edges of the gate and dug in her heels to keep the others from +pushing her through as they bumped into her, surprised by her sudden halt. +After a moment of confusion, they disentangled and Riker stepped forward, +obviously annoyed. Before he could speak she put her finger to her lips and +pointed. His annoyance disappeared. + +"Dhara?" he whispered. + +She nodded. He looked out, saw how little light there was in the vast cavern +and quietly told those carrying the lights to dim them, then he called Worf +forward. + +"What are we facing, Worf, can you tell anything?" + +The dark warrior held out his-strange box, waited a moment, then nodded, a +feral grin lifting one corner of his mouth. "Aye sir. Readings have cleared +considerably now. Thirty-one men total, placed randomly in groups of two +and three, all carrying standard security-forces phasers, one man alone near +the center of the cavern. We should have no problems." + +"Good. Any sign that they are aware of us?" + +"No sir. They are all within a few yards of the main gateway, in all +likelihood waiting for us to emerge. No doubt their sensors have as much +difficulty with the composition of the passage as ours did." + +"No doubt. Well Mr. Worf, I leave it in your capable hands." + +Etain watched Worf speak with the rest of the security detachment, low- +voiced and urgent, then he turned. + +"We are ready sir. Non-security personnel will wait here until we signal that +is safe." + +Etain sense a momentary surge of irritation in Riker, but he controlled it and +merely nodded. Worf and the others brushed past them as they slipped +quietly into the dimness. Etain watched intently, following Worf's mental +traces. She realized with a shock that he was pleased with his role. He +actually enjoyed this! She shook her head at the strangeness, wondering if all +his kind were so filled with violence. A harsh kind of existence at best, did +they never indulge in the quieter emotions? + +A sudden shrill whine and burst of light made her wince, and within seconds +the air was full of such light and sound, and the startled cries of the men who +had waited in ambush. She felt the abrupt cessation of consciousness in first +one, then another, it seemed only a moment later when all was quiet. Etain +sensed the fierce-one's exultation and knew all had gone as he had planned. +But there was one mind still conscious, one dark, hot, hate-filled mind still +aware. She shuddered, and in concert with the spasm heard his voice, as +silken and menacing as she remembered. + +"Come out little witch, I know you're there. Come face me." + +Without thought she started forward, and then winced in pain as Riker +grabbed her, his big hands clamped hard around her upper arms. His gaze +was fierce as he shook her slightly, like a child. + +"Don't. He's baiting you. Wait for Worf." + +Etain struggled wildly against his strength, frantic to escape the memories it +stirred, until she realized he did not understand that she only wanted free +and would not run. She nodded to convey her comprehension and went still, +and gradually his grip loosened, then fell away. Another shudder racked her, +a bitter taste flooding her mouth as memories roiled and leapt within her. +She spat to keep from having to swallow, knowing if she did the nausea +would overwhelm her. The counselor's presence was a gentle reassurance +beside her, steadying. After a moment the sickness subsided and she turned +her attention outward, listening. There were footsteps, scuffling sounds, then +finally Worf spoke. + +"I have him, sir. You can come down." + +Riker's held breath sighed out and she felt him relax even though he was not +touching her. He picked up one of the cold torches and thumbed it to full +brightness, then ducked out, striding toward the sound of the Klingon's voice. +Deanna stopped her, her eyes concerned. + +"Are you alright?" she asked gently. + +Etain nodded, unable to bring herself to use mindspeech, knowing it would +convey far too much to the empath's sensitive mind. She forced herself to +step out, then stopped, letting the two physicians pass her. She managed to +stop trembling and walked stiffly, wondering why it was so dark, then she +realized that none of them knew how to awaken the lights. Glad for some +normal task, she sent out the command and was pleased when they +responded moments later. She had been half-afraid that they would no +longer answer her, she had changed so much since she had last commanded +them that she barely recognized herself. + +She heard startled comments at the sudden brightening of the room. Deanna +looked at her oddly, but she chose to ignore it. She looked down into the +center of the cavern and stiffened. Worf held the Darkmind, inside the ring of +stones where only the Communcator and her kin should stand. As if that were +not bad enough, the long, flat central stone where Mhaiv's body had rested was +empty. Her stillness shattered, and she ran, passing Riker to skid to a halt +before the ardt-aa, looking vainly for the white cloth, for the slight brown +bones. There was nothing. A fire began to burn in her stomach and she turned, +fists clenched, toward the man who regarded her with a slightly amused air, +though his arms were locked behind him in sleek metal bands. + +He smiled. "Looking for something?" he asked archly. + +She opened her mouth to scream her question, and only a hiss of air emerged, +her throat working painfully as it tried to obey her impossible command. She +began to shake, and reached down to trail her fingers over the stone, +searching for some trace, some remnant. There was nothing. Only the stone +itself, oddly vibrant beneath her touch, warm, almost alive. As if through +water she heard him again. + +"There was some trash there, I had it disposed of. Disgusting mess." + +The burning grew stronger, centered between her breasts. It hurt. Tendrils of +heat seemed to slide upward from the stone, into her hands, pulsing through +her veins to merge with the heat below her heart. She winced, trying to pull +herself away from the ardt-aa, but could not seem to move. She heard +Deanna moan, and knew the empath felt her pain. + +She closed her eyes, found the thread of awareness which tied her to the other +woman and snapped it. She was vaguely aware of Deanna slumping to the ground +near Riker, but knew she was essentially unhurt. Freed of that hindrance, she +looked up at the Darkmind and saw nothing but a man-shaped darkness, something +thick and swirling blackly, shot with red and purple. She would have cried out +if she had been able, the sight was so awful. In that instant she realized that +whatever he had once been, the Darkmind was no longer truly human. + +"So little one, almost the last one left. Too bad you can't save the others. +You took so long getting here that they've run out of time." + +Etain's vision snapped back to normal and she stared once again at a man. +An expression of mock-sorrow twisted his features. What did he mean? Who +was out of time, who couldn't she save? Others? Other what...? Then she +knew, and the moment she knew, she felt them die. Fire, sound, heat, pain +blasted through her mind and she arched in agony, feeling what the last of +her Kin felt in the last few seconds they were aware, as they died. The +moment seemed to last forever, but finally it faded, leaving a vast aching +emptiness where she had cherished those last few links, where all her dreams +had been. + +She opened her eyes with difficulty, found herself on her knees beside the +ardt-aa, her palms still firmly planted on its hot surface, her cheek against +it, feeling almost blistered. She lifted her head slowly, and looked at Worf, +who seemed puzzled by her actions, then at Riker, who was trying to revive the +counselor, the gentleness of his touch betraying their former intimacy; past +him to the two physicians and the others. They seemed to move so slowly, as +if time moved only for her. She realized they did not know. Only she knew +what the monster had done. Finally her gaze came to rest on him as he stood +there gloating. Rage exploded through her, and as it did power poured into +her, drawn into that knot of fire that seemed to have become part of her. + +Her hand lifted, almost of itself, reached, and touched. The Darkmind looked +startled, tried to draw back from the small hand on his chest, but like her he +seemed to be held fast by some force outside himself. She closed her eyes, +and reached out through herself, into him. She knew how to heal, she knew how +to turn pain to pleasure, it was such a small step to reverse those things. +She heard him gasp, and a part of her smiled. She worked harder, sending +impulses of agony shooting along nerve conduits. + +__Hurt!__ she hurled at him. __Like you hurt me, and those I loved!__ + +She felt his shock, knew he had heard her. In the past few seconds, through +some agency she did not understand, she had grasped how to "speak" so that +others could hear. Even a being with almost no trace of Mind could hear when +you spoke with their own voice. He began to struggle, trying to pull away, tryi +ng to free himself, and suddenly she felt sick. It was wrong, to torment him. +What he had done deserved punishment, but to torture made her his equal. She +stopped the pain, felt him sag, gasping, yet still unable to move. + +__I am the last.__ she spoke within him. __My foremothers are those who +decide, for generations and sleeps, by this right I judge you guilty of killing +without provocation, of killing innocents, not just one, but all my kind. There +will never again be a people of my blood, you have destroyed us past hope of +renewal. You have admitted these things of your own free will, you have +done these things of your own free will. What should your punishment be?__ + +She went into his mind, showed him what he had done, not in the smug, +pleased way he saw it, but as she did. She felt him recoil in shock from her +pain as her kin began to die, again when the handful she had saved were +taken, and changed, once more when he took her voice, and when by some +remote means, killed the last of them. She felt him writhe and struggle +against her memories, then finally he gave up. + +__You decide,__ he said, surprising her. She had not thought he would +respond. + +She shook her head. __It is your crime, it must be your punishment.__ + +She sensed fear, hesitation, then decision, followed closely by a furtive +pleasure. + +__Death.__ + +__So be it.__ + +She found the great muscle of his heart, where it pumped the life-sustaining +blood, and stilled it with a thought. As she did, she was surrounded, caught +and held by the dominant memory that surfaced as his life began to fade. +She became a child, a small boy, crouched, crying beneath a table as he sought +to escape the pain inflicted, unimaginably, by the one being he had most +trusted. She heard the frantic child's cries, and the adult's hoarse, angry +bellows, and strained to make sense of the words. But it was not words that +finally made her understand. It was what she saw in the child's mind, the +despairing realization of difference, and the realization that difference was +bad... evil. The trusted-one, though he too had that same difference, would +never forgive that difference. That knowledge created an implacable resolve to +bury that difference so deeply that no one would ever know about it, and to +eradicate all traces of it in others. In that memory she found the birth of +his hate. In that moment she realized that he had in him the potential for the +Mindways, latent abilities so stunted and twisted she had never realized they +were there. + +Remorse flooded through her, and she desperatedly tried to catch the fading +essence and pull it back. If that child still existed within the man, what he +had done was forgivable. A tendril of him reached out to her, and she +snatched at it, willing him to return, but the darkness in him surged upward, +triumphantly. Aghast, she realized that even now he sought to take her with +him. To completely rid his world of the 'evil' as he had meant to do years +before. Frantically she yanked herself away from the darkness. + +With a physical shock as painful as a blow, she found herself back in her own +body, lying across the hot stone, Deanna and the Vulcan physician Selar +leaning over her. Slowly she turned her head and saw a crumpled figure a +few feet away, the other doctor kneeling beside it. She did not need to ask to +know he was dead. Deanna's face was drawn and tight, not even her rare +control could keep her shock and dismay from showing. + +Etain looked away, feeling a dull sense of shame. She had killed. She had +judged and killed, and she had no right. The last with that right had died +twenty years earlier. She had called the ardt-aa's power, and it had woken for +her, but now she had to pay the price for using it uncleanly. She knew now, +that she should not have judged him without finding the reason behind his +actions. What she had done was not just. Had he lived, he could have been +eased, and in that ease he would have found the remorse she sought. + +She sat up, pushed her hair back with fingers that were reddened and +swollen, as if she had held them too long near a fire. Her cheek smarted, and +she ached all over, if such a thing were possible she would have said her +mind felt swollen as well. Her head ached and swam with strange thoughts, +half-formed knowledge that she could not seem to focus, things knew she had +not known before. She saw the physician and the counselor exchange a +glance, and then Deanna spoke, aloud. + +"How do you feel?" + +Etain looked at her, trying to convey her regret, her pain, but knew that +nothing could do that. After a moment she shrugged and swung her feet +over the side of the stone and stood, swaying slightly, feeling dizzy and light- +headed. She walked to where the Darkmind's body lay and stood for a +moment, looking down at him. The human physician looked up at her and +shook his head. + +"He's dead, heart failure. It's odd, though, I don't detect any previous +scarring which would indicate a heart condition." + +She nodded just to give him a response, though she knew that already. For a +moment she stood, indecisive, then she drew her broken-tipped blade from its +sheath, cut off a lock of her hair, and held it out and let it go to drift down +onto the still figure, saying in her mind what she remembered of the ritual +which ended blood-feud. + +__With me, let it end. With you, let it end. Let no other take up this +contest, no other. It is ended.__ + +For a moment longer she stood, feeling all eyes on her, then she turned and +looked at Deanna, touched her chest, then pointed up. She had to return to +the Enterprise, her few things were there, and she needed them to do what +had to be done. + +Deanna seemed to understand her reticence to communicate telepathically +and nodded. "Of course. They can finish-up here, I'll go up with you and +we'll return to the ship to begin collecting the others." + +Etain stared at the counselor blankly. What others? Then suddenly she +understood. She had felt them die because she was linked to them. The +counselor had been half-unconscious when the Darkmind had killed them, +and did not know. None of them knew. Slowly she shook her head, tears +rising uncontrollably. She pointed at the body on the ground, then stopped, +knowing there was no way to communicate what she needed in sign. +Cautiously she shaped the knowledge and opened just enough to send it. +Deanna winced in pain. + +"I'm sorry, I can't understand you." + +Etain tried again. It was hard to concentrate with all the strangeness inside +her head. She seemed unable to focus, and just attempting what little she had +made her head hurt even worse. Again the counselor flinched as she +attempted to listen. + +"Is something wrong, Etain? What I'm getting makes no sense, it's just harsh, +broken images, and pain." + +Etain sat down on the ardt-aa to keep her knees from buckling and raised her +hands helplessly. There was nothing else she could do. She hurt too much to +try and find some other way to communicate. Deanna face swam as she +leaned closer, concern etched on her classic features. + +"Etain? Doctor Selar! I think something's wrong. Would you mind +checking?" + +The tall Vulcan woman stepped close, bending as she leveled her chirping +device at Etain. After a moment she shook her head, her short, sleek hair +swinging with her movement. "There are slight burns on her hands and one +cheek. I read nothing else." + +"Nothing? What about brain function, alpha rhythms?" + +Selar looked down her nose at the counselor, one eyebrow lifted. "Without a +previous scan to compare it to, such a reading would be useless." + +Deanna flushed. She knew that, but concern had prompted her to question +anyway. She turned back to Etain. "Can you walk? It's a long way back to +the surface." + +Etain thought about it, and slowly nodded. Walking did not require much +thought. She could manage it. Probably. + +"Good. I'll speak with Commander Riker and be right back." + +Etain watched her go, staring, feeling half-witted. She wanted to sleep. Just +sleep. Deanna spoke seriously to Riker, who then waved two of the others +over. They nodded to whatever it was he told them, then the three of them +approached Etain. She stood, slowly, as they neared, and then fell into step +beside them as Deanna beckoned her. + +### + +Riker watched Etain follow Deanna toward the underground city's main gate. +Deanna was right, the young woman didn't look normal. In fact, she looked +like nothing so much as the classic video zombie, plodding with glazed eyes +and lifeless expression. He scowled. How was he going to explain this? +Delvekia dropping dead of a heart-attack seemed too opportune. He was +almost certain that Etain had somehow caused it, but he had no way to prove +it either. And could he blame her if she had? After what he had done to her +people, to her? He knew he wouldn't, but would an inquest be so lenient? +Picard would not be pleased with the results of this mission. + +"Commander Riker?" + +Glad of the distraction, Riker looked up. "Yes Data?" + +"I have found something interesting here, I believe that the central stone of +this grouping is not a stone at all, and in fact may be a Preserver artifact." + +Riker's interest was kindled. He stared at the slate-colored slab in the +center of the circle for a moment. It seemed no different from the others +which formed the Stonehenge-like array. Shifting his attention back to the +android, he lifted his brows. + +"What makes you think so?" + +"I was monitoring the area with my tricorder, and each time I passed this +particular stone, the energy readings jumped noticeably. If you follow the +path of the energy conduit we found earlier, it terminates here. Also, just +before Minister Delvekia succumbed, the readings went completely off the +scale. It is my belief that Etain's presence may have triggered some process, +some energy surge which may have resulted in Delvekia's death." + +A sense of relief flooded Riker. If Delvekia's death had been the result of +some accidental discharge of energy, that would solve a lot of problems. +Then he remembered something. + +"The power surge, did it occur while Etain was on the stone?" + +"Energy levels had been increasing before she touched it, but the primary +surge began when she first touched it, and ended approximately the same +time that she regained consciousness. It is still registering some residual +energy." + +"Hmm." He turned and glanced around until he found Selar who was +examining a small white-wrapped parcel of something outside the circle. + +"Doctor Selar, if you would?" + +Selar straightened stiffly, her expression faintly annoyed, as if she were +reluctant to be called from her find. She did not move to meet Riker as he +walked toward her, waiting for him to reach her. + +"Lieutenant Selar." he began with deliberate emphasis on her rank, as a subtle +reprimand. "You examined Etain a few moments ago. What were your +findings?" + +"Nothing, sir, save for slight burns on her palms and left cheek. The +counselor wanted me to check alpha-wave function, but that would have +been useless without a cross-reference. Brain-activity seemed high, but +within normal parameters." + +Riker exchanged a glance with Data, who nodded. + +"The burns could have been caused by the energy field." + +"My thoughts exactly, but what else did it do?" + +"Pardon me, sir?" + +"Deanna said Etain was acting strange, seemed unable to communicate, +listless, not herself. Could it have," he groped for a word, then went on, +"...influenced her?" + +"Influenced her in what way, Commander?" + +"If she's dangerous, and we just sent her up to the ship..." + +Data considered for a moment, then shook his head. "I do not believe that to +be the case. The evidence is almost conclusive that the Rua'Shi are a Preserver +colony, and that the colony's Preserver technology is still functional. It is +far more likely that the device is instructional or protective. From what we +have learned of the Preservers the only weaponry of any kind they left at their +sites was engineered strictly for defense, never offense. If we could find the +control center, I might be able to learn the precise function of this object." + +Riker knew a hint when he heard one. "Find it, Data, and quickly. In the +meantime I'll have Worf send someone to the surface to let the Enterprise +know they should keep a close watch on her, just in case." + +Data nodded and returned to the center of the circle. Riker watched him for a +moment, then turned to Selar who was kneeling once more, unwrapping the white +bundle he had noticed earlier. He experienced a moment of child-like terror +as she carefully opened the cloth to expose a brown skull staring up at him +from a pile of disarticulated bones. He shook the fear off, after all, they +had come to find bones. + +"Rua'Shi?" he queried, though the size of the skull told him it likely was. + +Selar lifted the skull carefully and passed her tricorder around it. After a +moment she nodded. "Yes. In fact, the genetic pattern is so like Etain's +that they could almost be clones. They must have been terribly inbred." + +He watched a moment longer as she respectfully examined the pile of bones, +wondering what it was she looked for. After a moment she sighed. +"Unfortunately she is too badly broken up for me to readily ascertain what +killed her. Odd, though, these fractures are fresh. This breakage happened +recently, within the past week." + +"Or within the past day?" Riker asked, more of himself than her. Etain had +seemed to search the stone, device, he corrected himself. Delvekia had +spoken about having something disposed of. Could these fragile bones be +what Etain had searched for? + +"Quite possibly today. Sir, I recommend that we bring down an +anthropological team as well, there is a great deal here that would be of +interest to them." + +"Noted, lieutenant." + +"There is one other thing of interest here. Look." She held out the skull, +turning it so that the light played off something that shone iridescently from +the temple area. He leaned closer, and saw that what looked like a small +piece of crystal was imbedded in the bone. + +"What is it? Some sort of posthumous decoration?" + +"No, sir. This was done while the being was alive, and he or she lived for +many years after it was done. See how the bone has grown around it? It +cannot have been decorative, since the crystal would have been covered by +skin." + +"Any theories as to what it is?" + +"Not at the moment, but I will investigate further." + +"Good. Carry on." + +### + +It had been over two hours since the away-team had beamed down to the +planet's surface. Picard knew that wasn't an unreasonable amount of time, he +also knew that they would have to send someone to the surface to contact the +ship, because of the sensor difficulties. Still, he couldn't help being +concerned. After Guinan's enigmatic warning, he had more than the usual +cause. On the main viewscreen Halvam rotated slowly, blue, green, white +and tan against its backdrop of stars. If he hadn't known better, he might +have thought it was Earth. He thought for a moment on the message he had +sent, encoded, to Starfleet Command, detailing the situation. He should be +hearing back from them shortly. He had requested that they forward his +findings to the Federation High Council, and he fully expected they would +begin a full investigation. He didn't envy Nor Kelssohn. Even if the man was +not involved in Coran Delvekia's schemes, Halvam would never be the same. +Things were about to change, and drastically. + +The bridge was quiet, almost too quiet. He stood up and idly circled the +bridge, glancing at monitors, looking for some sort of distraction. At the +security station, he finally found one. The ensign who manned it seemed +intent on something, attention focused on a thermal map of the planet below. +Picard studied the display over his shoulder, wondering what he was so +intent on. + +"Something interesting, Ensign Chavez?" + +To his credit the young man didn't jump, only looked up, nodding. + +"Yes, sir. An explosion and fire, a large one, on the western outskirts of +Terrestria." + +For some reason Picard tensed. "How close is that location to the beam-down +point?" + +Chavez shook his head. "I computed that immediately, and it's nowhere near. +About three kilometers north, sir. Planetary authorities have identified the +site as an abandoned storage facility." + +Picard relaxed slightly. "Good. So, why the interest?" + +"The temperature of the fire, and the pattern of spread, sir. I would guess +the fire was set using incendiaries, possibly even an energy device of some +sort," he shook his head. "If someone's trying insurance fraud, they were +pretty careless about it. There's no way this fire was natural." + +"Interesting. Note your observations in the security log. We may want to +send a copy to the Halvami authorities, though they are probably well able to +make such a determination themselves. And, Ensign Chavez, good work. I +doubt many would have noticed." + +The young man seemed pleased. "Thank you, sir, I guess it comes naturally. +On my homeworld, my mother is a fire-fighter, and my father's an arson +investigator." + +Picard smiled. "That would tend to influence one. Please inform me at once +when the away-team reestablishes contact." + +"Certainly, sir." + +Picard resumed his seat, trying not to let his distubance show. + +### +______________________________________________________________________________ +copyright 1992, Kellie Matthews-Simmons +matthews_k@cubldr.colorado.edu//matthewk@spot.colorado.edu +all rights reserved + +Standard Disclaimers Apply + +From JULIA@Jetson.UH.EDU Tue Aug 31 16:34:23 1993 +X-VM-v5-Data: ([nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil] + ["29270" "Tue" "31" "August" "1993" "12:45:18" "-0500" "JULIA@Jetson.UH.EDU" "JULIA@Jetson.UH.EDU" nil "636" "(TNG) Silence, A Novel by Kellie Matthews-Simmons, Part 10" "^From:" nil nil "8"]) +Return-Path: +Received: from Rosie.UH.EDU by depot.cis.ksu.edu SMTP (8.5) + id QAA00550; Tue, 31 Aug 1993 16:34:21 -0500 +Received: from Jetson.UH.EDU by Jetson.UH.EDU (PMDF V4.2-11 #3125) id + <01H2E99M9HY48XAHXS@Jetson.UH.EDU>; Tue, 31 Aug 1993 12:45:19 CDT +Message-id: <01H2E99M9HY68XAHXS@Jetson.UH.EDU> +X-VMS-To: @ARCHIVE +MIME-version: 1.0 +Content-type: TEXT/PLAIN; CHARSET=US-ASCII +Content-transfer-encoding: 7BIT +Status: RO +From: JULIA@Jetson.UH.EDU +To: jfy@cis.ksu.edu +Subject: (TNG) Silence, A Novel by Kellie Matthews-Simmons, Part 10 +Date: Tue, 31 Aug 1993 12:45:18 -0500 (CDT) + +CHAPTER TEN + +Data scanned the area, looking for clues to the location of the control +complex. The power conduit he had noted earlier ran below ground directly +from the passageway to the central "stone", which was of a different +composition than the other stones of the grouping. He noted that the +arrangement of stones was typical of ancient lithic monuments of north- +eastern Europe and Great Britain on Earth; a circle of roughly rectangular +menhirs set vertically, with a central stone which lay horizontally. Usually +such arrangements on Earth had been primitive astronomical observatories, +but these could serve no such function, as they lay far below the surface +where the sky was never visible. + +As he studied the menhirs one by one, he realized that the stones bore fusing +marks, they had been cut using a beam-device similar to a phaser, not hand- +hewn with primitive tools. Since the Rua'Shi had no such technology, he +thought it probable that the Preservers had set up the circle, for whatever +reason they might have had, probably communication with the Rua'Shi. He +reviewed the paper he had read of a Preserver remnant culture discovered by +a previous Enterprise. Their records were still the basis for most formal study +of the beings known as the Preservers. The Preservers had left an obelisk on +that world which had served such a function, as well as being a type of +reverse tractor beam which protected the planet against the meteoric debris +the system was full of. + +Satisfied that the outer circle held no clues for him, Data proceeded to the +central stone. It was three meters long, a meter and a half wide, and about a +meter tall. The upper surface of the stone overhung the base by about three +centimeters, forming a table-like lip. Cautiously he placed his palm against +it, and found it's ambient temperature still fifteen-point-six degrees higher +than that of the surrounding menhirs. The surface was flat, almost polished, +with a metallic blue-black sheen. It was metaloceramic in composition, +containing traces of gold, copper oxide, yttrium and molybdenum. All highly +conductive elements. Finding nothing of special interest on its upper surface, +he knelt beside the stone and searched carefully for markings. Immediately +he found that the edge of the lip was incised in a centimeter-wide band. He +noted with interest that the symbols were not the flowing interlaced designs +he had noted in the passage, but small, regular, slightly angular markings +grouped together. Writing. To be precise, extremely archaic Vulcan. + +A human would have probably have expressed some elation upon finding the +marks, but Data refrained, having not yet developed an expression of +pleasure he believed appropriate to him. It took only moments to decipher +the words, which were repeated twenty-one times in a band around the edge +of the artifact. He wondered what significance the number of repetitions +held. + +"Who moves me moves the world." he read aloud, tilting his head to one +side, quizzically. Could it be that simple? It seemed too easy, but he had to +try. Experimentally he braced his feet, placed his hands against the stone and +pushed. It moved. Not much, but it definitely moved. A human's strength +would probably not have moved it, but his was enough. Apparently it was +hollow, had it been solid his push would not have been sufficient to move it. +He stood up and looked around, spotting Riker and Worf within seconds. + +"Commander Riker, Lieutenant Worf, I believe I have found something." + +He waited patiently for the other officers to arrive, and then motioned for +Worf to take one end of the stone while he lifted the other. Together they +managed to shift the stone a meter to the left, exposing a large opening and a +set of stairs leading down. Yellow light glowed diffusely from within. + +Curious, Data knelt at the opening, trying to see down the stairs. They were +shallow, and led into a large room, but because of the angle he could not +make out much else. There was no indication of danger, no abnormal +readings of any kind, though he could detect at least one substantial power +source. He looked up at Riker. + +"Permission to investigate, sir?" + +Riker hesitated a moment, then nodded. "Permission granted." + +Data nodded, stood, and had taken a step forward, when Riker spoke again. + +"And Mr. Data... be careful." + +Data was about to reply that he was always careful, when he realized with +furtive gratification that Riker's words had been prompted by concern for his +well-being, not by concern for the Preserver installation. He attempted a +smile. "Thank you sir." + +Riker nodded. "Wait, I want try a communicator check before you get too far, +say, ten meters?" + +"Yes sir. Ten meters." Data continued his descent. + +### + +The chamber which the stairs opened onto was huge, Data suspected it underlay +the entire city-cave above it. Most of the space was occupied by box-like +objects of what appeared to be translucent black glass, having approximately +the same basic dimensions as the central stone; three meters by a meter and a +half, by a meter. The boxes were stacked four and five deep, in rows that went +past his visual acuity range. He noticed with interest that their surfaces +were free of dust, reflecting his image, multiplying it, indicating careful air +filtration. He stepped closer and scanned one, found it was empty. The +interior was yeilding to the touch, and molded, as if to conform to the contours +of a human body. They closely resembled sickbay stasis units, and he suspected +that was their function. He checked several rows, and found them all empty. + +Scanning the room with his tricorder, he found two strong power sources, and +worked his way through the rows of gleaming glass until he located the first, +a large chamber whose stasis fields were still intact. Through the shimmering +fluctuations of the fields, he could see shelves holding thousands of small +containers. Evidently whoever had built the chamber considered the containers +contents important, since there were three stasis fields stacked, like layers +of bubbles, to protect them. + +"Data?" A voice queried, Commander Riker's voice. Data realized he had +been so involved in satisfying his curiosity that he had neglected the +communicator check. He tapped his combadge. + +"Here, sir. Are you receiving my transmission?" + +Riker sounded relieved. "Yes, your signal is clear." + +"Good. I have encountered nothing dangerous so far. Most of the room is +occupied by what appear to be individual stasis units. I have located one +functioning stasis chamber, and a second power source a few meters further +on. I am preparing to investigate it now." + +Continuing on toward the second of the two power sources, he passed at least +fifty rows of empty stasis boxes before coming upon a large open area. In the +center of the space was an object which looked more like a piece of art than +anything functional. He scanned it, and lifted his eyebrows in surprise, then +he tapped his combadge. + +"Commander Riker, I have located the second power source." + +"Report." + +"It is roughly cubical, four meters square. It is constructed of a crystalline +substance which conducts and transmits energy with great efficiency. The +external surface is faceted, multicolored, and there appear to be symbols of +some sort on portions of it. It is also surrounded by a force field of stun- +level intensity. If I am not mistaken, this is the primary control unit. I +will attempt closer investigation." + +"Do you think that wise, Data?" + +"The field should not affect me, sir." + +"'Should not', not 'will not'?" Riker asked, pointedly. + +"There is always the possibility that it may increase the intensity of the +field if I attempt to breach it." + +"Wait there, we're coming down." + +Data waited. Moments later Riker and Worf joined him. Riker circled the +object, studying it. He frowned. "What makes you think this is the control +unit?" + +"It is utilizing a tremendous amount of power, and it is the only device in +sensor range which has a force-shield. Also, it bears some resemblance to +Preserver control units found on other worlds, though it appears to be +considerably more sophisticated. Perhaps that explains why it is still +functional." + +"Perhaps." Riker looked at it for a moment longer, then shifted his gaze to +Data and nodded. "Go ahead." + +"Yes, sir." + +He stepped forward and tentatively put his fingers against the outer edge of +the shield. He experienced a vague crawling sensation on his hand, and +wondered if it was similar to the sensation humans called a 'tickle'. When no +increase in the field's activity occurred, he pushed past the gentle resistance +and stepped into the field. + +Nothing unusual happened, save for the momentary illusion of a flash of light +as he passed the boundary, caused by the interaction of the field with his +optic sensors. He was somewhat surprised that it had not been more difficult. +Moving closer, he began to translate the markings. After a moment he turned +to face Riker again. + +"I am certain that this is the control unit. The symbols on it are virtually +identical to those recorded elsewhere." + +"Can you read them?" + +"No sir. It is not a matter of reading, but of interpreting. The Preservers +used tonal communication. I must find the correct basal tone in order to +interpret the symbols." + +"How long do you think it will take?" + +"I have no way of estimating that at this time. The device on Cygnus One was +inadvertantly triggered by the use of a communicator whose tones duplicated +the necessary activation sequence." + +Riker glanced down at his combadge, and looked up again, grinning. "Well, +it's worth a try." He tapped the device and it emitted its customary chirp. +Nothing happened. He sighed. "Oh well. I guess it's back to basics. Do you +need anything?" + +"No sir, I can use the tricorder to generate frequencies. Dr. Selar may wish +to inspect the stasis boxes. There is a high probability that they are the +ones used in transporting the original Rua'Shi to Halvam, though I do not know +why they were left here. She may also be able to determine what the still- +functional unit contains, I believe they are probably biological, otherwise the +stasis field would be unnecessary." + +Riker nodded. "I'll send her down. Worf, post a guard down here to keep an +eye on things, since Data will be occupied." + +"Aye, sir." Worf headed back toward the stairs to call one of his men. Riker +stood for a moment watching Data adjust his tricorder. Data looked up, +curiously. + +"Is there something else, sir?" + +"No, Mr. Data, carry on." he turned and followed Worf, leaving Data alone. + +### + +Riker's hesitation in leaving Data alone was based solely on his desire to +avoid reporting to Picard for a few more minutes. He had already sent the +captured Halvami security men up, and Deanna had taken Etain back as well, +so by now the Captain had to have some idea of what had occurred. He +realized he had erred in not separating Etain and Delvekia as soon as their +confrontation began, and was certain that she had been instrumental in +Delvekia's death. Not that he blamed her, but it was going to be hard to +explain. + +He stood at the top of the staircase watching the medical and anthropological +teams as they searched the dwellings for Rua'Shi corpses to scan. He spotted +Dr. Selar and called to her. She turned, and made her way down to where he +stood, glancing curiously into the opening left when Data had moved the +altar-like central stone. + +"Sir?" + +"How is it going?" + +"Very well. We have been able to determine that all the Rua'Shi found so far +died of the same thing, an pneumonic bacteria with familial resemblences to +both Terran plague, and a Terran diptheria. The fact that both diseases are of +Earth origin is particularly revealing. The carrier-DNA appeares to have been +engineered to be species-particular, and there are signature structures which +appear on several strands. If we can access the records of the Halvami gene- +tech firms we should be able to match them." + +"Excellent Lieutenant, that's exactly what we're looking for. Mr. Data has +located a second chamber below the city, which contains what he believes to +be Preserver artifacts. He also located a stasis chamber which he thought you +might like to take a look at, he said he believes it contains biologicals of +some kind." + +Her expression lightened slightly. "Interesting. I will go at once." + +Riker stepped aside to let her pass. "It's about twenty meters down the left- +hand aisle. You can't miss it." + +She nodded her thanks and brushed past him as she hurried down into the +sub-chamber. Worf approached with two of his security team, and sent them +below as well. Feeling a little left out, he turned to Worf. + +"I'm going above to report to the Captain. Is everything in hand here?" + +"Yes sir, we should have no difficulties while you are gone." + +"Thank you, Lieutenant, carry on." + +Worf nodded and took up a sentry-stance at the head of the stairwell. Riker +headed for the main passage, where he paused a moment to check his locator +to be sure it was registering the markers they had left along the way. It was. +He had no excuse. With a sigh he started up toward the surface. + +### + +Picard heard the security station summons and swung around, looking up at +Chavez as he quickly dispatched a security team to one of the Transporter +rooms. That accomplished, he stepped forward to report. + +"Captain, Chief O'Brien reports that most of the security team has returned, +with thirty members of the Halvami Security Forces in detention. Counselor +Troi and the..." he paused, at a loss. + +"Etain?" Picard guessed. + +Chavez nodded, gratefully. "Yes, sir. She and the Counselor have returned +as well." + +"But not Commander Riker, or Lieutenant Worf, or the medical personnel?" + +"No, sir, not yet." + +Picard frowned thoughtfully, wondering what was going on, but not overly +concerned, since those returning would have already reported any serious +problem. After a moment, he touched the communications pad on the arm of +the conn. + +"Counselor Troi, report." + +"Troi here, sir." Her voice sounded strained. His frown grew deeper. +Something was wrong. Perhaps not significantly so, but he didn't want to +take chances. + +"I would like to see you in my ready room at your earliest convenience, +counselor." + +"Yes, sir. I will be there as soon as I see to Etain." + +"Is there a problem?" + +"I... would prefer to discuss it with you personally, Captain. I will only be +a few moments." + +His frown became a scowl. "Of course, Counselor." + +He sat for a moment, tapping his fingers on the arm of the chair, irritated, +then stood and nodded to Geordi at the Engineering console. + +"You have the conn, Mr. LaForge." + +Geordi nodded, and moved to assume the chair. Picard stalked past him +toward his sanctuary of his ready-room, trying not to let his temper get out of +hand. It always annoyed him when he was unable to garner needed +information as quickly as he desired it. + +### + +Deanna stood outside Picard's door for a moment to compose herself before she +touched the button that would signal her presence. Normally she wasn't the +one who would be reporting on the mission to Picard, that duty usually fell to +Will, or Worf. She wasn't sure how much to tell him. Should she limit +it to facts, or include her own, less-documentable perceptions? She was fairly +certain that Etain had actually killed Coran Delvekia. How, she wasn't sure, +but Etain's actions and reactions had been too obvious for her not to have +been involved. + +She was also afraid that something was seriously wrong with the young woman's +mind, as she suddenly seemed to have lost the ability to communicate. If she +had killed Delvekia the withdrawal might be voluntary, or psychosomatic, rather +than physiological, but she had left Etain in sickbay with Beverly's assistant, +Dr. Naraian, just to be sure. She would have preferred to leave her in Beverly +Crusher's care, but she was off-shift and not due back for another hour. + +Resolute, she touched the annunciator and seconds later the door slid open +and she stepped inside, hoping she didn't look as apprehensive as she felt. +Picard's attention was focused on a small datapad, he keyed in a sequence, +then looked up. She sensed that he had been giving her time to prepare, +which reassured her somewhat. + +"So, counselor, what happened? Something obviously did, as I understand +we now have thirty Halvami Security Forces men in detention, yet no one +appears to have been seriously hurt." + +"One person was killed, captain... or rather, one person is dead. We aren't +entirely certain how it happened." + +"Who?" He snapped, leaning forward. + +"Coran Delvekia." + +Picard's eyes narrowed. "Explain." + +She took a deep breath, and started from the point when Etain had sensed the +trap. When she finished, he sat there for some time before he spoke. + +"I have some difficulty believing that Delvekia conveniently dropped dead of +a heart-attack. What was your impression?" he asked, eyeing her shrewdly. + +She looked away, knowing he had considerable emotional investment in +Etain and not wanting to see his face when she told him what she feared. "I... +think that Etain was responsible, Captain. I don't know how, or why, but I +feel she was involved in it." + +"Any evidence?" he asked, without a pause, his voice even. + +She looked back at him. Only the slight tension in his jaw betrayed him. + +"No, sir, just a feeling. Since it happened she has been unable, or unwilling, +to communicate with me, even through sign. When I attempt to read her, all I +get is confusion, chaos, pain. I left her in sickbay, hoping they could find +some reason for it." + +He nodded. "Thank you counselor, that will be all." + +She turned to go, then stopped. "Sir..., there is one other thing. After she +severed contact with me, I continued to receive some scattered impressions, +though I was still trying to cope with the psychic backlash. What I felt was +death. Not just one person, many, an impression of great heat, and sound. I +didn't have time to comprehend it, but I feel it may have had something to do +with what happened." + +Picard leaned forward, interested. "Could she have been reliving the deaths +of the Rua'Shi twenty years ago? Being in the city again might have triggered +such a memory." + +Deanna thought about it for a moment, then slowly shook her head. "No. It +was no memory. It was too fresh, too immediate. I don't think it was that. +Besides, this was not death due to illness. It was sudden, violent." + +"I see." He paused a moment, then a strange expression came over his face. +"Ensign Chavez monitored a large explosion and fire on the surface, on the +outskirts of Terrestria, about half an hour ago. Halvami authorities +identified the site as an abandoned warehouse complex." + +Deanna felt a sinking sensation. "When I mentioned coming back to the ship +to begin bringing the others aboard, she tried to communicate with me. I +couldn't understand what she was trying to tell me, but whatever it was hurt +terribly." + +Their eyes met in silent communication. Deanna shook her head, rejecting the +idea. "No, he wouldn't have..." + +"I'm afraid it's all too likely." Picard said grimly. He stood up. "She's in +sickbay?" + +Deanna nodded. "I'll come with you. I may be needed." + +### + +Etain was sitting on one of the sickbay tables, her face expressionless and +pale. Picard and Troi started toward her, but were intercepted by Doctor +Naraian who pulled them aside. The stocky Nepalese physician glanced at +her, then back at them, shaking his head. + +"I found little physically wrong with her, just slight burns, the equivalent of +a mild sunburn, on her hands and one side of her face. I've treated those, +they were nothing to worry about. Her mental state is another matter. I would +say she has suffered some non-physical traumatic shock. She is unresponsive +and listless, though tests indicate no neurological damage, indeed, her brain +activity is extremely high, almost surprisingly so, considering her state. +What happened down there?" + +Deanna opened her mouth to answer, then closed it again. She really didn't +know what had happened, she only suspected. + +"I'm sorry, Doctor, I'm not certain. May we speak to her?" + +He sighed. "You can try. I have. It's as if she doesn't hear me, though I +know otherwise." + +The three of them moved to stand close to her, Deanna tried first, putting her +hand lightly on Etain's shoulder. Etain reacted to that, flinching away from +her touch, and Deanna let her hand fall instantly, and tried a different +approach. + +"Etain? Can you hear me?" + +She remained motionless, gaze fixed on some distant, unseeable point. +Deanna looked at Picard and shook her head. + +"Just like before. She doesn't want to hear me. You try." + +He nodded. "Etain. I need to talk to you." + +She blinked, and seemed to waver for a moment, then slowly turned her head +toward him, her gaze slightly more aware than before. Deanna nodded at +Picard encouragingly. He thought for a moment, then spoke again. + +"Etain, I must know. The others, the remaining Rua'Shi. Are they alive?" + +She shuddered visibly, and for a moment full awareness returned to her face, +etching lines of pain and despair across her elfin features. Minutely, she +shook her head, then deliberately turned away, the blankness washing back +over her. + +Deanna blinked back sudden tears. Picard swore softly. The doctor looked +from one to the other, puzzled. + +"What are the Rua'Shi?" he asked. + +"They are..." Picard stopped, closed his eyes for a moment, then corrected +himself, his voice low, pained. "... were, her people. A people who lived on +this world for thousands of years before it was colonized. There were only a +few besides herself left alive, now that they are gone, she is the last. He +managed to do it after all, he's killed all of the Rua'shi except Etain. Damn! +We should have brought the others aboard for protection, even if we did not +yet have sufficient proof of Delvekia's crime to arrest him." + +He suddenly found himself remembering Guinan's warning. Something bad +indeed. If only her warning had been more specific! He reached out to Etain, +to offer support, but drew back his hand before he actually touched her, +remembering her reaction to Deanna's contact. If she had flinched from a +woman, surely a man's touch would be worse, and he had made a promise to her. + +"I'm sorry, I don't understand..." the doctor began. Deanna took him aside to +explain, leaving Picard alone with Etain. + +He watched her for a moment, then moved until he knew he was within her +field of vision, and lowered his voice so that only she could hear him. + +"I must know this as well, did you kill Delvekia?" + +She shuddered, then lifted her gaze to his face and nodded again, eyes fixed +on his. She was obviously afraid, but strangely calm. He sighed. "I was +afraid of that." A thought occurred to him, giving him some hope. "Was it an +accident?" + +She shook her head, still grave. Was he imagining he saw remorse in her face, +or not? He wasn't certain. Rubbing his forehead abstractedly, he wished he +had ignored Riker's prohibitions and gone with the away team. He probably +could have prevented the ensuing fiasco. He turned back to Etain. + +"It seems I am always trying to apologize to you for things that can never be +forgiven, or forgotten. All I have are words, and they can't mean very much +right now. I should never have let you go down there... " he broke off as +shook her head, and with a peculiar smile put one finger to her lips. + +He nodded, smiling wryly. He was babbling, something he had a propensity +for, when unsettled. "Of course. Do you want someone to stay with you? +Deanna, Guinan, myself?" + +She shook her head again, then looked around, frowning. She touched her +chest, then pointed toward the door. He understood immediately. + +"I see no difficulty in that, if the Doctor agrees." + +He turned toward Naraian who had been watching them with interest. + +"Etain would like to go to her quarters, she doesn't feel comfortable here. +Can she?" + +Naraian hesitated, then nodded. "I suppose. There's nothing physically +wrong with her, no medical reason to keep her here, however I think it would +be wise for Counselor Troi to check on her periodically. Once the shock +wears off, she'll have need of her." + +"Of course." Deanna said, bristling just a little. "I would have done so +anyway." + +Picard turned back to Etain, found her standing somewhat unsteadily beside +the table she had been sitting on. Once again he reached to offer her his +support, and drew back, shaking his head. + +"I'm sorry. It's difficult to remember. May I walk you to your quarters?" + +She nodded, and took a step, then stopped, and hesitantly reached out to him. +Surprised, he extended his arm, and she took it, a little gingerly, and they +moved off together, Deanna trailing behind. The doctor watched them go, +the expression on his round face troubled. He made a few notes on his +datapadd and crossed the room to check on one of his other patients. + +### + +After settling Etain in her quarters, Picard motioned for Troi to accompany +him as he walked, but did not speak. While they waited for the turbolift, he +locked his hands behind his back and planted his feet firmly apart in the +posture he tended to adopt when facing an unpleasant decision. Deanna +suspected she knew what it was he found unpleasant. The lift arrived and +they stepped inside, finding they had it to themselves. Picard resumed his +earlier stance, and spoke the destination perfunctorily. After a moment, he +shook his head. + +"Hold." + +The lift slowed and stopped. He turned to Deanna, his expression +unreadable. + +"She did kill him, and it was no accident." + +Deanna felt a small shock, despite having expected it. "She told you?" + +He nodded. "I asked her, she admitted it. What to do now? We have a +Federation Special Counsel on the way to review the situation who will be +here in a matter of hours. Delvekia's death complicates things immensely. +We cannot lie about it." + +The fact that he said that meant he had, if only for a moment, considered it. +She was deeply surprised, but tried not to show it. + +"Of course not. I suspect, though, that given the extenuating circumstances, +she would not be dealt with harshly. I can attest to the mental strain she has +been under, that perhaps at that moment, she was not entirely in her right +mind. Who would be?" + +He stared thoughtfully at nothing for a moment, then sighed. "I suspect +you're right. No one would condemn her, knowing what he had done." he +shrugged his shoulders in an exaggerated roll, trying to ease the tension he +carried there, then spoke again. "Resume." + +The turbolift accelerated smoothly. + +"Captain?" she began, tentatively, not knowing quite how to broach the +subject she wanted to discuss. His personal feelings toward Etain. + +"Yes, Counselor?" His walls were back, hiding everything behind a sheet of +reserve. + +Her nerve failed. "If there is anything I can do to help, let me know." + +"I will, Counselor. Rest assured." + +She wasn't reassured. His damnable control made him such a difficult man to +try to interact with! She sometimes wished he would, just once, give some of +those emotions free rein. It wasn't healthy to keep everything inside. She +sighed. + +"Counselor?" he queried, eyeing her quizzically. That particular look always +made her think of a curious hawk. + +"Nothing, sir," she lied. "Just tired, that's all." + +His expression softened. "Why don't you go to your quarters? It's been a +difficult day, and I'm sure you could use some time to rest." + +"And you?" + +"I'll wait for Commander Riker to return, and work on the summary for the +Special Prosecutor. My day has not been as eventful as yours." + +"I wouldn't say that, the events have simply been different." + +He shot her a slightly puzzled look and shrugged. "Perhaps, but I have work +to do." The turbolift slowed, stopped, and the doors opened onto the bridge. +Picard stepped out and turned to face her. + +"Thank you, counselor. Have a pleasant rest." + +Deanna nodded acknowledgement as the doors closed. In her mind, she +counted slowly to ten. It didn't help. She grimaced, realizing she was more +irritated with herself than him. Why was it so hard to make herself confront +him? It was her job! + +"Damn it!" she swore aloud, just to let off steam. + +"Destination not known, please repeat." + +She glared up at the speaker. Sometimes the computer's voice was uncannily +similar to her mother's. + +"Deck eight." + +The lift began to move again. Deanna brooded. + +### +______________________________________________________________________________ +copyright 1992, Kellie Matthews-Simmons +matthews_k@cubldr.colorado.edu//matthewk@spot.colorado.edu +all rights reserved + +Standard Disclaimers Apply + +From JULIA@Jetson.UH.EDU Tue Aug 31 16:34:31 1993 +X-VM-v5-Data: ([nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil] + ["62273" "Tue" "31" "August" "1993" "12:45:32" "-0500" "JULIA@Jetson.UH.EDU" "JULIA@Jetson.UH.EDU" nil "1360" "(TNG) Silence, A Novel by Kellie Matthews-Simmons, Part 11" "^From:" nil nil "8"]) +Return-Path: +Received: from Rosie.UH.EDU by depot.cis.ksu.edu SMTP (8.5) + id QAA00554; Tue, 31 Aug 1993 16:34:25 -0500 +Received: from Jetson.UH.EDU by Jetson.UH.EDU (PMDF V4.2-11 #3125) id + <01H2E99WANHE8XAHXS@Jetson.UH.EDU>; Tue, 31 Aug 1993 12:45:34 CDT +Message-id: <01H2E99WANHG8XAHXS@Jetson.UH.EDU> +X-VMS-To: @ARCHIVE +MIME-version: 1.0 +Content-type: TEXT/PLAIN; CHARSET=US-ASCII +Content-transfer-encoding: 7BIT +Status: RO +From: JULIA@Jetson.UH.EDU +To: jfy@cis.ksu.edu +Subject: (TNG) Silence, A Novel by Kellie Matthews-Simmons, Part 11 +Date: Tue, 31 Aug 1993 12:45:32 -0500 (CDT) + +CHAPTER ELEVEN + +"Captain?" + +Picard turned, momentarily startled, then smiled in greeting. "Guinan! Away +from your post, aren't you?" he asked, indicating the corridor where they +stood, two decks away from Ten-Forward. + +Guinan nodded, but unexpectedly did not smile, and her normally placid +features seemed troubled. He tensed in response. + +"What is it?" + +"Etain. Something's wrong." + +"Wrong? In what way?" + +She shook her head. "I don't know, exactly. There is a darkness in her I +can't reach her through. I would help, but since she returned from Halvam +with the away team, she has not 'spoken', or sought me out, nor will she +answer my attempts to do so." + +Picard frowned. He suspected he knew why, but that didn't lessen his concern. +"Perhaps she has spoken with Deanna." + +Guinan shook her head slowly, a frown creasing her forehead. "Perhaps, but I +don't think so. She needs you." + +Before he could respond, she turned and glided away. He stared after her, +scowling, and shook his head. What good was his help, since communication +with Etain was, for him, a matter of trial and error? He continued on his way +to his quarters, and before he had gone a dozen paces, he was stopped again. + +"Captain, may I have a word with you?" + +He stiffened. Deanna. He had the distinct the feeling he knew what she was +going to say, it took no metapsychic ability to do so. He stopped and turned. + +"Of course, counselor." + +She glanced around, paused a moment, uncharacteristically hesitant. +"Sir, it's about Etain." + +He sighed. "I suspected that. Go on." + +"It's difficult to explain. She has deliberately isolated herself, cut herself +off from all communication. I believe that her withdrawal is directly related +to the events in Dhara, but that is merely informed conjecture. All I have to +go on, is that for a few moments, after Delvekia killed her kin, she was open +to me, and she was in such pain, such despair, after that she closed me out. +Since then, she has made only one attempt to communicate, which failed, nor has +she moved from her quarters since we left her there. I have requested +admittance, but she's engaged the lock and refuses to acknowledge my requests. +I'm worried, sir. I don't know what she might be capable of, given the +circumstances." + +Deanna's worry, combined with Guinan's combined to form a strong sense of +unease in him. "You believe her to be mentally unstable," he asked carefully. + +Deanna's expressive face twisted in a pained grimace, and she closed her eyes +for a moment before whispering. "I do. I think, right now, she wants to die, +and that desire seems stronger than her will to live." + +Picard stared at the counselor for a long moment, trying not to betray the +shock he felt at her words. Etain's will to live was strong, it had sustained +her in solitude for twenty years, it had healed her when a lesser being would +likely have died of the wounds she had received. For the counselor to say that +she had lost that will was almost beyond belief. He lowered his voice. + +"Are you telling me you think she would suicide?" + +Deanna's gaze slid away. "I... believe she has decided to die." + +Picard was shaken. Of all the possibilities he would associate with Etain, +suicide was the least probable, but Guinan, and now Deanna were telling him +otherwise. He could not refute two such unimpeachable sources. A frisson of +fear shuddered through him. He had no strong personal taboo against suicide, +but the thought that Etain might do so was abhorrent. + +"I will speak with her, or try to" + +Deanna seemed to relax somewhat. "Thank you, captain. I think you are the +only one she might listen to. I will be in my office, if you need me, if she +needs me." + +"Thank you counselor." + +Deanna turned away, but not before he saw the gleam of tears in her eyes. He +watched her hurry away, then turned and stared down the corridor at Etain's +door. + +Above it, the status light glowed coldly blue, indicating that the lock-system +was engaged. Only a security override would open the door without her +permission. He took a deep breath, went to stand before it, and after a moment +he reached to touch the com. + +"Permission to enter." + +"Permission denied. Occupant requests privacy." the computer responded +instantly. + +"Inform occupant of caller's identity." + +"Complying." + +Long seconds crept by. He waited, impatiently. Finally the computer spoke +again, it's programmed pleasantness at odds with its words. + +"No response. Privacy lock remains engaged. Please try again later." + +He sighed. He had hoped he would not have to do this. "Security override +privacy lock. Picard, Jean-Luc, Captain, USS Enterprise." + +Again seconds passed. "Identity confirmed, security override accepted." + +The door slid open, revealing darkness inside, the air felt cool, and slightly +damp, like her cave. Etain had apparently requested a familiar environment. +He stepped inside, and the door hissed closed behind him. + +"Etain?" + +His soft query drew no response. He stood still for a moment until his eyes +adjusted to the darkness, then moved forward. A few steps into the room, his +foot encountered something small and hard, and he knelt to find out what it was. +Strands of some soft, fine material surrounded several small objects. Lifting +one, he discovered it to be one of her penannular pins. + +Some of the strands clung to it for a moment before falling off. The brooch +seemed to have been left in a sort of nest of the substance. He reached down +again to identify the other objects hidden: the other brooch, her rings, all +her ornaments except the lunnula were there. He replaced the penannular where +he had found it, and stood, a cold awareness tingling along his skin. The +little mound screamed of ritual, a sacrifice of some sort. + +He walked carefully to the door of her sleeping-room, but encountered no more +offerings. He stood still in the doorway, listening, and, to his relief, heard +the slow, even sound of breathing. + +"Etain?" he ventured again, still quiet. + +The breathing caught, but she did not answer. He smiled wryly, as if she could! +He was no Guinan or Troi to hear her thoughts. He moved into the room. + +"Lights, low level, gradual." + +Illumination grew steadily, like dawn breaking. He almost gasped, wondering if +he had imagined hearing her breathe. She was white, chalk-white, her hands +rusty-red where they clasped the hilt of her broken blade just below her +breasts. White face, white clothes, red hands, closed eyes, stillness, knife, +all registered in a flash. She looked thin, almost skeletal. It took him a +moment to realize why her face seemed so like a skull. Her hair was gone, no +more than half an inch remained to give the impression that she lay crowned +with blood. He remembered the nest of fine strands which had surrounded her +ornaments, and realized what it was. Her hair. He went to his knees beside +her and touched two fingers to the hollow beneath her left ear, and was relieved +to feel the steady tic of her pulse. + +"Etain?" + +Only the faintest flicker of her lashes betrayed that she had heard him. He +glanced at his fingers, and found them dusted with white, only then realizing +that the whiteness came from some sort of cosmetic, as did the red on her hands. +A smudge of rust showed on the white fabric beneath her hands where some had +rubbed off. He relaxed a little, knowing she was not injured, yet. Though it +no longer had a point, he knew exactly how sharp the little dagger's edge could +be. He studied her more closely, saw that the lunnula lay around her throat, +its once-smooth curve marred by a jagged tear which made two truncated horns +out of what had been a single crescent. Again ritual, he knew it had to be +such. Its destruction signified something, but what? + +"Etain, look at me." He did not request, he commanded. Though no other +motion betrayed her, her eyes opened, slowly lifted to meet his. He recoiled +from the hopelessness he saw there. Deanna had been right about Etain's state +of mind. + +"Why?" he whispered, meaning a thousand different things. + +__Because I have killed, I have forsworn all that I hold dear. I have become +death.__ + +Picard's eyes narrowed. Did she know, could she possibly know, the significance +of those words? How different had been the man who had said them last, how +different their respective guilt. Oppenheimer had given man a weapon to +destroy millions, Etain had killed one man. A man even he had to admit, had +deserved to die. Even as he thought it, a sudden realization burst over him. +He had heard her, as clearly as if she had spoken aloud. + +"Etain, I heard you! How?" + +__I am not sure. It seems as if I learned it from Deanna, who communicates +with her imzadhi so, though he is human, and as mind-blind as you. She tried +to teach me before, but until I touched the ardt-aa and called its power to +kill the Darkmind, I was unable.__ + +"Wait, back up, Deanna's what?" + +Instead of a name, he saw a picture, the flash of teeth in dark beard, +mischievous and disconcertingly direct blue eyes. Riker. Now that was +interesting. He had always wondered, there were currents, and subtleties he +had sensed, but never been able to confirm. No wonder it sometimes seemed +those two were a step ahead of him. + +"Can you speak so with anyone?" he asked. + +An odd expression crossed her face, and she slowly shook her head. __No, not +anyone, not yet. Soon, though, I think.__ + +He did not press her. There were more important matters to discuss. + +"What was it you said unlocked this ability?" + +She nodded. __The ardt-aa, the place where the Shining Ones speak. Where my +mother's mother lay, until the Darkmind swept her away like the leavings of a +meal. I put my hands on the stone, and my hatred woke something, I had +thought the Old Power was gone, broken, but it filled me then, and gave me +strength to act on my desire, to kill.__ + +Picard frowned thoughtfully, realizing she spoke of the central stone in the +lithic circle which lay in the center of Dhara, the one Data had discovered was +a doorway to the Preserver installation below. + +"Interesting. I suspect Mr. Data will be intrigued by that bit of information. +But why would it give you the ability to communicate, if your desire was only +to kill?" + +__I needed to tell him why he died.__ + +Her reply was succinct, and plausible. The Preserver's technology was still +active, many of the devices they had found in the 'control room' functional. It +made sense that the central stone was a channel of some sort. But why would +they have left such a dangerous tool in the hands of primitives? If anyone +could access it, any Rua'Shi, that is, it could easily have become an +instrument of petty vengeance. Was that why there had been so few Rua'shi left +to die of Delvekia's engineered plague? Had they killed each other off? Dhara +had been built to house thousands, yet they had found the remains of only +eight-hundred. Etain's next words countered his speculation. + +__Only one in each generation could use the ardt-aa. Just one, and she the +greatest of us. It was her duty and her right, to judge. Three times since +the Rua'shi came to Third Home it has been used, now four. But I was not +chosen, I was not trained, I alone must bear the blame, for I did as you have +said. I killed, of my desire, not of calm justice.__ + +Things were beginning to fall into place, finally. He was starting to +understand. + +"Why have you shut out Counselor Troi, and Guinan?" + +Etain stared at him for a moment, seeming puzzled by his sudden change of +topic, then she looked away. + +__I do not wish to hurt them. I would not hurt anyone, ever again. I have +killed in anger. I locked the door, against them, against you. You came +anyway.__ + +"I had to. I cannot let you do this." + +Anger flashed across her face, as quick and hot as lightning. __You cannot +stop me!__ + +Despite her anger, there was an uncertainty to her projection, a defiant veneer +with nothing behind it. He regarded her steadily for a moment, understanding +beginning to come. He began to smile. + +"Can't I?" + +__You cannot.__ she affirmed again, more surely this time. + +He nodded. "I cannot command you, I have no authority to do so, I can't +restrain you, and you know that as well, but I can ask you. Do not do this +thing. Do not let him win." + +She closed her eyes, and turned her head on the cushions, the first real +movement she had made since he had entered. + +__I do not understand. Do not let who win?__ + +Picard sat down, close beside her, so close he knew she could not shut out his +presence, or his words. + +"You understand perfectly well!" Picard snapped harshly, then softened his tone +abruptly. "Etain, he has destroyed your people, all but you. Now, though he's +gone, you will let him destroy you too. Who will sing, then, for your lost +ones? Who will tell their stories? Who will remember them as they were, not +as they became?" + +She curled away from him, doubling in on herself, one hand still clutching the +blade, the other covering her face, leaving red streaks on the white. + +__You do not understand! I have broken the oldest, most sacred of our laws. +He could not help what he was, yet I judged him evil, and ended him. Now I am +the last, and there is no one left to absolve me!__ + +"Absolve yourself!" he snapped. "Coran Delvekia called death to him, he asked +for it with every death he caused. You were merely the channel through which +it came." + +Etain shook her head, fiercely. __I judged him, in anger; I lashed out, in +anger, what is to say I will never do so again?__ + +At last, the real fear. He had gotten down to it, through all the false +layers. He felt, momentarily, a sense of elation, and wondered if this was how +Deanna felt when she brought a patient to this point, how Beverly felt when she +saved a life. Then he realized it wasn't over yet. The fear was revealed, but +needed to be assuaged. That sobered him quickly, and he chose his words +carefully. + +"Etain, you know you would not. In each of us there is a point past which we +may not be pushed. It takes a lot to reach it. You know, I too, have killed." + +She waved her hand, dismissingly. __You are a warrior, it is expected of you. +I am a healer.__ + +He was momentarily amused by the image her words conjured. He did not see +himself so. "Perhaps in a sense that is true, however, to use your analogy, +in order to cure the patient, one must kill the disease. If it had continued +to spread unchecked, it might have destroyed not just your people, but his own +as well. What he did was wrong, and that he was allowed to do it was wrong, +but there are many who would have stopped him, if they had known," he paused, +not knowing quite how to express his next thought. After a moment, he +continued. "You killed a man, and that was wrong. You will have to come to +terms with that, you will have to accept it. Though ordinarily I would never +condone such a thing, I must admit you had more than just cause; however my +absolution is meaningless. You must forgive yourself." + +She did not respond. Instead she turned onto her stomach and placed one arm, +wrist up, on the cushions, with the other, she brought the knife up until it +rested lengthwise against her skin there. Her hand trembled. He held his +breath, resisting the urge to grab the thing and throw it across the room. It +had to be her decision. Besides, if he tried it, with her Vulcan heritage, she +would probably throw him across the room. + +He waited, and watched, too tense, but unwilling to make a move which would +precipitate her act. A bead of mahogany blood appeared beside the blade, then +another. then suddenly she rolled to her knees and threw the knife at the wall. +The blade hit the smooth metal and shattered. She stared after it, shaking, +her face a mask of anguish. + +__I cannot! I do not want to die!__ + +"I did not think you did." he said softly, and put a hand on her shoulder, in +a gesture of comfort which came awkwardly to him. She turned swiftly, shaking +his hand free, fear and distrust in her eyes. + +He understood immediately. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean..." + +The fear went out of her instantly and she shook her head regretfully. __I +know you did not. I must learn to accept it. I cannot live always in fear of +the slightest touch.__ she smiled suddenly, the expression strange in the red +and white mask of her face. __You have spoken truthfully. I accept what I +have done, and I will atone however I may, but I will not fear myself again. +Thank you, for caring.__ + +He felt a flush darken his face. As always, the open discussion of his emotions +embarrassed him. She looked at him oddly, her head tilted to one side. + +__There is no shame in caring. Why do you feel there is?__ + +Picard sighed. The question. The one he had been asked over and over again +throughout his life. The one he had no answer for. He shook his head. "To be +honest, I don't really know. I've always been this way, I suspect I always +will be." + +Etain looked at him for a moment longer, then nodded. __Yes. I think you will. +What you give, you give easily, but never openly. Understand, though, that +whatever you are willing to give, I will gladly accept. You have given back my +life life, twice over.__ + +Her gaze was level, her changing eyes a clear, quiet gray-green, like the north- +atlantic sea in winter. Momentarily the color stirred a fragment of childhood +memory, of walking down a stone-scattered beach behind his parents and older +brother, dreaming of the men who had once sailed the many-masted ships of +another age, wistfully wishing he could have been one. He had done his best. +A different sea, perhaps, and a different ship, but no less an adventure. He +snapped back to the present to find Etain regarding him with a slightly bemused +air. + +Chagrined to have been caught daydreaming, he shook his head. "You owe me +nothing. I did what my duty requires." + +Etain shook her head. __Your duty requires you to risk yourself?__ + +"At times, yes, it does. But I saw no risk here." + +She looked askance at him. __You did not fear I might hurt you?__ she asked +pointedly. + +"Of course not! Why should I?" + +She seemed embarrassed. __I do not know, but others fear me. I am honored by +your care. Your different culture may argue otherwise, but I am debt-bound to +you. If you need me, I will come, unless I am prevented by death.__ + +Picard felt himself caught by her gaze again, and knew her meaning went deeper +than he cared to explore. He glanced away to break the connection. + +"Thank you. I will remember." + +Etain nodded, then looked down at her hands and smiled wryly, fanning her +fingers out, displaying them to herself. __When Deanna showed me how to +request cosmetics, I do not suppose she had this in mind. Will you wait a +moment, for me to remove this?__ + +He nodded, wondering abstractedly what it was he was waiting for. She rose +and left him alone. He speculated for a moment on exactly what her implication +had been, then deliberately turned his thoughts away. She returned a few +moments later, her face still pale, but naturally so, the stained tunic and +leggings exchanged for a moss-green gown vaguely reminiscent of a greek chiton. +It was clasped on each shoulder by her gold penannulars, and her rings once more +graced her fingers. The broken lunnula was gone. Picard frowned suddenly. +The ornaments had been in the outer chamber. She had gone into the bathroom +and had not come out till now, she had not passed him going to retrieve them. +How had she gotten them? + +__Do you think you have seen all my talents, Jean-Luc?__ + +The amused thought came, obviously in answer to his unspoken query. He +turned to stare at her, unsettled. + +"Am I so easy to read?" he queried. + +__Sometimes. It is easier now. Things inside me are changing, some things +physical, some things not. I hear all of you more easily now, but I can also +screen you more easily. I will have time to learn all the new things while I +learn to be part of this world, since my world is gone. Deanna has taught me +some, Guinan more, but even she cannot help me with some talents, for she does +not have them.__ + +Picard coughed, taken aback by the thought that this small, fey creature who +was still in many ways quite primitive might be Guinan's superior in talent. +Very few knew who, and what, Guinan was, and even of those, none knew precisely +the extent of her abilities, yet Etain claimed some that Guinan did not have? +He would have said it impossible, but in his lifetime he had come to understand +that virtually nothing was impossible. + +He studied her a moment longer, she looked fragile, as if a good breeze might +carry her away. It was her hair, partly, emphasizing the fineness of her bone +structure. She seemed to hesitate a moment, then lifted one hand to touch the +short-cropped cap of russet. An odd smile curved her lips as she closed her +eyes, and drew her fingers through it, down her throat, past her shoulder to +rest on the upper curve of her breast. Magically, the strands beneath her +fingers seemed to lengthen, following her their path. When she lifted her hand, +the illusion remained, a single long lock amidst the cropped cap. Or was it +illusion? Cautiously he touched it and found it quite real. + +"Good God..." he breathed softly, astonished. + +__It is little different from healing. Both involve the manipulation of the +body on a molecular level.__ + +His eyes narrowed. What could she know of molecules, as uneducated as she +was? To his surprise, she laughed, silently. + +__I do not give you the words, Jean-Luc, I give you the image, your mind +supplies the words. In you, I can only speak with your voice, had you not +noticed?__ + +He thought for a moment, then nodded. "Now that you mention it, it does seem +a little like talking to myself." + +She grinned. __And you speak most eloquently. I understand why the Borg +chose you, no, do not shut me out! You still dream of them, in the darkness. +You still fear what they did to you, as I fear what was done to me. I can help, +let me!__ + +He shook his head. "How do you know of the Borg?" + +"You told me. You showed me, to ease my fears. Do you not remember?" + +He did remember, but the depth of her perception still shook him. She had only +touched him for a few seconds that time, how could she have gained so much +knowledge of him in so short a time? + +She put her hand on his arm, her eyes pleading for his understanding. + +__Because I care, and I am not ashamed that I do. I know what to do, how to +heal this. Let me take away the nightmares!__ + +"How can you heal it in me, but not in yourself?" he asked pointedly. + +Color flooded her face and her eyes fell, then lifted again, candidly. + +__It is always easier to heal another. Healing oneself is far more difficult. +You have trained yourself to deal with fear. I never have. I have always lived +with it, but never dealt with it. Perhaps, by healing you, I may learn to heal +myself.__ + +He sat for a long time, considering it. It was odd for her to want to heal him +now, at a time when it was her own psyche that needed healing, but at the same +time it was almost understandable. She had spent most of her life trying to +heal and help others. It was familiar to her, and perhaps even necessary for +her self-esteem. Finally he sighed. + +"Beverly and Will are going to have my hide for this." + +Etain's face lit up. __Then you will allow it?__ + +"You know I will." + +### + +Though she had won, Etain felt no surge of triumph. It was not a contest to +celebrate the victory of. It was something far, far different. She was not +so naive as she had been, she knew what she owed this man was impossible to +repay, but she would give what she could. She sat down beside him and lifted +her left hand to his face, positioning her fingers carefully, feeling the +strong, hard curve of bone beneath the warmth of skin. Slowly opened herself, +past skin, muscle, bone, and blood, to the depths, not just the surface of his +mind. + +Fear. Memories of dark pain and invasion momentarily threatened to overwhelm +her, surging upward to mingle with her own memories, so similar, too similar. +She pulled away with a gasp, momentarily afraid of him, of his species, and his +sex. Then she felt the reassuring contact of his hand over hers. + +"No. No fear. You know I won't hurt you." + +She opened her eyes, read the promise in his and nodded. + +__Never.__ + +She lifted her hand once more to lay her fingers against his face, to ease the +connection she sought. She searched, gently, through and around memories, +until there, the same helpless anger, the same fruitless struggles against a +stronger foe. She had found in him her own fear. Tenuous shadow-links +radiated from that cluster of memories, shadows which waited, to overwhelm +him in sleep, in waking. She extended her 'hand' and hooked mental 'fingers' +into the gauzy shadows. In another place, she felt him shudder, heard him +moan, and paused a moment. + +__I must do this, Jean-Luc, to free you, but I will take away the pain, it will +not hurt.__ + + She lifted her other hand to his face, to route the pain into pleasure. His +hand caught hers. + +"No." he spoke, hoarsely. "Let it hurt. Some pain must be." + +She nodded, acquiescing, and closing her 'fingers' into a fist, she ruthlessly +tore away the phantoms which haunted him. His cry was mental, but no less a +scream. Quickly she wove new connections so he would not forget, but would +no longer find terrors in his memories, and his tension began to ease, finally +fading completely. One last time she searched, looking for any vestige of +pain. She found none, at least, none related to his experience with the Borg. +He had not agreed to more, so reluctantly she drew her hand from his face and +leaned back. + +__It is done.__ + +"Yes. I know." he opened his eyes, frowning slightly, as if puzzled. "Did +you learn this from Deanna as well?" + +__No. The ardt-aa taught me. This, and other things,__ she turned away, +fighting the welling sadness as she thought of what she had been given, and +what she had lost. __I suppose that, my being the last Rua'Shi, it had no +other more appropriate candidate to give the Gifts to. Strange, it did not seem +to realize that, as the last, I would have no one to use them for.__ + +Picard shook his head. "If it gave you these skills, it must have known you +would have use for them. I can think of no greater gift than that of healing, +a gift you already had inborn. To accomplish with a touch what months of +struggle could not achieve is a formidable talent indeed, one my people need +perhaps more than yours ever did." + +Etain started to reply, but was cut off by the comsignal at the door. They +both jumped like guilty children, staring at the ceiling from which the tone +had emanated. Seconds later a voice spoke as well. + +"Etain? Captain Picard? It's Deanna Troi, may I come in?" + +Picard chuckled, shaking his head, his voice pitched low, for Etain's ears only. +"I knew I'd get caught. Ah well, best to own up to it now," he turned toward +the connecting doorway and spoke clearly. "Come." + +They heard the distinctive hiss of the outer door unsealing, seconds later the +Counselor appeared in the inner door, her face anxious and tense. Her hair was +loose, and she was out of uniform, clutching a dark blue robe over her +nightdress. Clearly, she'd come straight from bed. Seeing them, she relaxed +visibly. + +"You're alright, then." she said, with audible relief. "Forgive me, but I... +heard you, Captain. You seemed in pain." + +"I was, but no longer." Deliberately he let himself think of the Borg. For +the first time since being taken over by the human-machine constructs, the +thought didn't bring a cold sweat, or pounding heart. He shook his head, awed. +"Etain was merely exorcising a ghost." + +Deanna looked puzzled, her gaze darting back and forth between them. + +"A ghost, captain?" + +"The Borg." + +Deanna's expressive eyes widened. "The Borg? I don't understand, what do you +mean?" + +Etain knew that Picard could never explain what she had done, so she spoke for +him. __I tempered the fear, Deanna. It was too much, too deep for him to do +himself. Left alone, it would have taken him, eventually, and he would have +been a prisoner of it. I went inside, found the linkages, broke them, and wove +new ones. Now the fear is bound, and will never be free to devour him.__ + +Deanna turned swiftly toward her. "You did what?" she exclaimed, more than a +little accusation in her tone. + +Etain recoiled both mentally and physically from the anger she sensed. Not +expecting it, she had not barriered against it. Before she could gather her +wits for a reply, not understanding Deanna's anger, Picard spoke. + +"Enough, counselor. It was my decision to make. And she's right, you know, it +has been getting worse lately. For a while, it seemed I had a handle on it, +but apparently I did not." + +The counselor bristled visibly. "You let an amateur do something that delicate? +You let someone with no training, someone who just kil..." she stopped, closed +her mouth and shook her head as if speechless. + +Etain heard the unsaid word and flinched from it, then remembering her resolve, +straightened, and sought a reason why the normally compassionate counselor +would have so deliberately inflicted hurt. After only seconds, the answer came +and Etain stared at Deanna in sudden surprise. Deanna was jealous! She was +certain of it, for she herself had experienced it all to often to not recognize +it in another. There was fear there as well, the kind of fear that comes when +one discovers another is more talented than oneself. + +In fact, the counselor had some right, as it was her duty to perform the sort +of work which Etain had just done, and on top of that, she was humiliated that +Etain had succeeded where she had not. Etain's pleasure in her accomplishment +faded suddenly. In helping one, she had hurt another. Would she ever learn +the rules of this society? They were so confusing, so arbitrary and abstract! +Feeling suddenly very tired, she rose and crossed to place her hand on Deanna's +arm. She felt the muscles tense beneath her fingers, and knew the other woman +had only just resisted yanking her arm away. + +__I am sorry, I only meant to help. I owe so much, it seemed little enough in +recompense. I never meant to usurp your place, nor could I.__ + +In the face of Etain's sincerity, Deanna's anger faded, and she looked almost +sheepish. She looked from Etain to the Captain and back again, and the anger +became uncertainty. + +"I'm sorry. It's really none of my business. I was just worried, that's all. +I see now that nothing's wrong. I'll go." + +And she did. Without another word. Picard watched her go, puzzled, obviously +wondering what accounted for the turnabout. Etain sighed, and caught the door- +frame as sudden dizziness threatened her stability. She slid to her knees, +leaning her forehead against the cool satiny texture of the wall. She had the +odd sensation of being in a narrowing tunnel, and then she felt Picard's hands +at her waist and shoulder, and heard him speak, his voice tight and urgent. + +"Picard to Crusher." + +A few seconds later the doctor replied. "Crusher here." + +Etain was puzzled for a moment, not having sensed the Doctor's arrival, then +she remembered. Disembodied voices spoke from the walls here. The doctor +wasn't present, but speaking from wherever she was. + +"Please report to Etain's quarters. She's passed out." + +"On my way." + +Picard lifted her, causing the dizziness to increase to nausea, then, +blessedly, he put her down on the bed. She felt his fingers against her wrist, +then her forehead. + +"As if you could tell if she were ill!" she heard him mutter under his breath. + +Completely conscious despite her lethargy, Etain tried to summon the energy to +tell him she only needed food and rest, but couldn't. Besides, she wasn't +altogether certain it was true. Since the ardt-aa had touched her, she had +sensed changes, not just in her mind, but in her body as well. Something was +happening, she just wasn't sure what. Though she found Beverly Crusher +intimidating, her knowledge of the ways of the body far surpassed Etain's +haphazard comprehension. She would surely know what the happening. + +The wait wasn't long. Only a few minutes passed before she heard the outer +door open, and the doctor's voice. + +"Jean-Luc?" + +"In here, Beverly." Picard replied. + +"Good god!" the doctor exclaimed. "What's she done to her hair? Ah well, +that's her business." + +Seconds later, Etain heard the insect-like chirping of Beverly's scanner, then +a few seconds of silence passed. Finally, impatient, Picard prompted. + +"Well, Doctor?" + +"Some of these readings are odd, but primarily it looks like simple exhaustion, +her blood-sugar levels are so low as to be non-existent, it's no wonder she +passed out!." + +"What is it you find odd?" + +"Her blood chemistry, some levels are much higher than my projected baselines, +probably due to stress." The doctor's voice changed, became warmer, more +amused. "If you don't mind my asking, what were you two doing?" + +"Not what you're thinking." Picard answered, traces of amusement and irony +clearly present in his voice. "We were talking. Deanna had just left, and +Etain was standing by the door when she collapsed. I brought her in here, and +called you." + +If she had been able to muster the energy, Etain would have laughed. Picard +had phrased his answer to carefully leave out the fact that he had once again +allowed Etain to do mindwork on him, in direct contradiction to the Doctor's +wishes. He had also rendered the Doctor's other speculations null by +introducing Deanna as a third party. He was very good with words. + +"I see." Beverly Crusher's voice held just an edge of disbelief. "Well, let's +see what I can do here." + +There were more insectile chirps, then a hiss and stinging sensation against +her shoulder. Within seconds a surprising sense of wellbeing swept through +her. She opened her eyes to find the doctor's face above her, her expression +an odd mixture of amusement and concern. + +"Better?" Beverly queried. + +Etain nodded, and started to sit up. Immediately Picard offered his hand, and +she took it, without hesitation, allowing him to pull her upright. The Doctor +took a step back and shook her finger at Etain. + +"You eat something, and then you get some sleep, do you understand me?" she +asked sternly. + +Etain nodded, feeling a flush of embarrassment climb her cheeks. She had been +foolish to expend energy on something as insignificant as her hair, and hated +the fact that her foolishness had been exposed. + +"Good." Crusher's tone softened. "And stop by Sickbay tomorrow, when you get +time, I'd like to check your blood-chemistry again when you're more normal." + +For the third time, Etain nodded, then she looked at Picard. + +__Will you thank her for me? She has been very kind. And please, ask her what +it was she did to make me well so quickly, I am curious.__ + +Picard nodded, and relayed Etain's words. Etain was pleased to see the other +woman smile. + +"You're quite welcome. As for what I gave you, just a little shot of glucose +with electrolytes and vitamins as a quick-fix to keep you going until you eat. +You ought to go into medicine, you know. You'd make a fine..." + +The doctors voice trailed off suddenly, and she fixed narrowed eyes on Picard. + +"How did you know she wanted to ask me that?" + +Picard smiled. "Trade secret." + +"Jean-Luc." Beverly's voice dripped warning. + +Picard spread his hands, indicating truce. "It's a new skill she picked up +from Counselor Troi. Apparently she can bespeak certain humans telepathically. +She believes that soon she may be able to speak to anyone, not just those most +familiar to her." + +Beverly crossed her arms and lifted her eyebrows in patent disbelief. "To my +knowledge, the only human Deanna can communicate with is Riker, and that +only because they were lov..., I mean, close friends." + +Picard lifted an eyebrow back at her. "Deanna's abilities are somewhat limited +by her human genes. Etain's are rather more extensive. And, thank you Doctor, +for your information. It seems there is a great deal I didn't know about my +counselor and my first officer." + +Beverly flushed. "Don't you dare tell Deanna I let that slip!" + +"Of course not." Picard assured her smoothly. + +Etain shifted uncomfortably. She seemed to have an uncanny ability to +precipitate little spats between the doctor and Picard, and she wished they +would stop. The tension was quite unpleasant. Both of them looked at her when +she moved, and she wished they had not done that either. She put her arms +around her knees, drawing in on herself protectively, avoiding their eyes. +There was a long silence, then, finally, the doctor spoke. + +"Sorry. We've no business inflicting this nonsense on you. Come see me +tomorrow, remember." + +Etain looked up, and nodded, a smile curving her mouth in acknowledgement +and thanks. Beverly nodded in return and left the room. Picard was silent +for a moment longer, then he sighed. + +"Beverly's right. I apologize as well. Can I get you something to eat?" + +Etain shook her head, then remembered she had a better means of +communication, she was unused to it. + +__No, thank you, I will get it. I would like to be alone for a while, please.__ + +Picard hesitated."Are you sure?" he asked quietly. + +Even if she had not had access to his thoughts, she would have understood his +meaning. She straightened. + +__I am. You do not need to be uneasy, I have let go of death, and I will not +embrace it again. You have my promise.__ + +He stood for a moment longer, then nodded. "That is more than sufficient. +When you feel up to it, you should contact counselor Troi and Guinan. They've +been worried about you." + +__At the moment I suspect Counselor Troi is more annoyed than concerned, but I +will do as you ask.__ + +"Good. I will see you later. We have some important matters to discuss." + +With that, Picard left the room, leaving her to wonder what important matters +waited. She began to relax, slowly. The tension between Jean-Luc and Beverly +had affected her more than she had realized. She wondered why they did not +simply act on their desires. It seemed so much less complicated than denying +their wishes, when they were perfectly obvious. She frowned. It was probably +one of their senseless human rules. Perhaps it was a blessing that the Maiden +had never released her, especially now that all those she might have taken to +mate were gone. + +For a moment she allowed herself to imagine how it might have been, imagine a +mate, like wild Sevhn whom she had loved fiercely with a little girl's desire; +perhaps a child as dark and beautiful as her father. A darker vision usurped +her dream, the memory of Sevhn, no longer beautiful, his face blue, frozen in +the agony of trying to draw breath when none would come. Her eyes filled with +tears which she hurriedly wiped away, clenching her teeth against the sobs +which threatened to break as ugly gasps from her mutilated throat, then, +realizing there was no one there to hear, let herself go. + +### + +Deanna stepped into Ten-Forward, eyes searching the bar for Guinan's familiar +face. She was not there, and, disappointed, she began to turn away. + +"You look as if your best friend just died. What's wrong?" + +With a surge of relief she turned to find Guinan's probing gaze on her. + +"Guinan! I'm glad to see you." + +"You could have fooled me." the other woman commented drily. + +"I know, I'm sorry. I feel so foolish, but I knew you would understand. Do +you have a few moments?" + +"Of course, what would you like?" + +"Oh, nothing, I just wanted to talk." + +"Not even chocolate ice-cream?" + +Deanna hesitated, there was nothing like a good shot of theobromine to cheer +one up. A reluctant smile twitched the corners of her mouth and she nodded. + +"On second thought..." + +"I thought so. Go, sit, I'll bring it to you." + +Deanna chose a table, an isolated one far away from the main crowd, and hoped +no one would come to speak with her before Guinan returned. Whether it was +luck, or her glum expression which kept others away, her wishes were respected. +Guinan returned bearing a traditional glass dish within which rested three +artfully symmetrical mounds of vanilla and chocolate ice-cream flanked on +either side by bananas, swimming in a glistening sea of chocolate syrup. The +confection was topped with a cloud of whipped cream, whereon sat the +ubiquitous neon-red cherry, stem intact. Deanna grinned, and snatched the +cherry from atop the mountain, and bit the fruit from the stem. + +"Calories removed?" Deanna queried, chewing. + +Guinan winked. "Of course. As always." + +"Good. I'd hate to think however many thousand this concoction has were going +straight to my hips!" + +Picking up a spoon, she carefully dug a bite of ice-cream out from the center +mound and savored it slowly. She felt Guinan watching her, head tilted +slightly to one side like a curious cat. + +"So, counselor, what can I do for you?" + +Deanna sighed and put down her spoon. "I've made a perfect fool of myself, +Guinan. I embarrassed myself, and, I'm afraid, the Captain as well, along with +hurting Etain's feelings." + +"What, all that, in so short a time? An impressive feat! Tell me." + +Between bites, Deanna explained, outlining the scene in Etain's cabin. When +she finished, with that, she sighed. + +"...so you see, by calling Etain a killer, I had to have hurt her, and by +reprimanding the captain I implied he isn't to be trusted. Then it hit me. I +was afraid, and I was a little jealous. I haven't really been able to help the +captain with his nightmares, I'm not that skilled. I was jealous because she's +better than I am, and I was suddenly afraid that she might take my place." + +Guinan shook her head. "I hardly think Starfleet is going to replace an +experienced counselor with a traumatized woman-child." + +Deanna waved her spoon in the air, not realizing she still held it. + +"Oh, I know that, Guinan, rationally, but the part of me that responded isn't +rational! I can't believe I acted so immaturely! The captain must have been +appalled!" + +"I imagine he understood. He most often does." + +A swell of depression swept Deanna and she slouched, elbows on the table, chin +propped on her hands. + +"Yes. He does. But that doesn't change the fact that it happened." + +"No, you're right about that." + +"Guinan, compared to her, I feel like an amateur. I could never do what she +did," Deanna whispered, troubled by the fact, and upset that it bothered her +as much as it did. + +Guinan chuckled. "To let you in on a little secret, compared to her I seem +like an amateur! I suspect she has no equal, at least not in this continuum. +Once she has fully matured, and come into all her talents, her closest +competition will be the Q. Unfortunately they lack the one thing which would +make them truly great. They aren't human. She is." + +Deanna stared at Guinan wide-eyed, shocked. Finally she managed to speak. +"How can you say she is as powerful as the Q, and in the same breath call her +human? The Q are, well, a primitive would call them demi-gods." + +"As would I. But Etain is not. She is human, fully. She has known love and +hate, pain, and death, and will die herself. She has compassion. The Q don't, +and can't. That is their greatest failing, one Etain does not share. She +cares, deeply, perhaps too deeply. When someone else hurts, so does she." + +"But to be so powerful, she has killed once already!" + +"And tried to die herself to atone for it! We both know how close to the edge +she stood. I don't think she'll ever kill again, do you, honestly?" + +Deanna thought about it, and finally shook her head. "No. Honestly, no. But +she does frighten me a little." + +"There is nothing to fear in her, but she needs training, guidance, love, or +she will never become what she could be. The Captain has asked me for +suggestions on where to send her, and I don't know what to tell him. The +Vulcans could teach her much, but they cannot love her. The Deltans could also +teach her much and they would love, her but they lack the stability she +desperately needs. My world would have been ideal, but it no longer exists. It +seems there is no place she would feel at home." + +Guinan's words triggered a wave of homesickness in Deanna. Betazed held all +those things for her. Stability, love, learning, peace. She looked up at +Guinan with sudden resolution. + +"Yes, there is." She put down her spoon and stood up. "Thank you Guinan, +you've been a great help!" + +"I have?" Guinan asked, "How? Wait, where are you going?" + +Deanna squared her shoulders determinedly. "I'm going to talk with my +mother." + +### + +For the second time in as many days, Deanna stood outside Picard's door, +fidgeting, trying to muster enough nerve to speak to him. She was annoyed by +her own reticence, normally she had no difficulty speaking to him on any +subject. It was just that this one was a little touchy. She glanced over +toward Riker, his big frame slightly slouched in the contours of the conn. He +smiled at her and nodded, mouthing a silent "Go on". She touched the signal +before she could change her mind. Seconds later Picard's unmistakable command +opened the door for her. + +She stepped inside and stopped, surprised by the presence of a second person in +the room, a woman she did not know, seated across the table from the Captain, a +cup of tea half-consumed in one hand and an assortment of datachips and padds +in front of her. + +"I'm sorry, Captain, I didn't realize you were occupied. I can come back..." + +He shook his head and motioned her closer. "No need, Counselor. We were just +finishing. Counselor Deanna Troi, this is Watcher Kadin Sho, of the +Federation's legal branch. I have been going over the Halvami situation with +her." + +Deanna acknowledged the introduction, studying the newcomer. She appeared to +be in her mid-fifties, thin and wiry, her white, spun-sugar hair cut in a +short, no-nonsense fashion which only served to accentuate its flyaway nature. +Her eyes were icy blue, the color startling against the burnt-sienna of her +skin, and the lines around her eyes and mouth said she probably frowned more +often than she smiled, though she didn't appear short-tempered. She eyed +Deanna with equal candor, rising to extend her hand for the traditional +handshake, which she gave firmly. + +"I am pleased to meet you, Counselor Troi. It seems we've a mess on our hands, +haven't we?" + +Deanna glanced at the Captain, found no clue as to how she should respond in +his steady gaze, and nodded slowly. + +"I'm afraid so. It is a very sad, very complex situation." + +Kadin Sho nodded, a marked gravity in her demeanor. "It is indeed." Her +bright gaze shifted to Picard. "I would like some time to go over these +documents, and then I would like to meet the Rua'Shi woman, Etain. After that, +I will need time to process the information." + +Picard rose. "I will have Lieutenant Marsh see you to your quarters. Let me +know when you are ready for Etain." + +Deanna waited while the Captain summoned Marsh and dispatched the special +prosecutor, then turned his attention back to her. + +"Well, Counselor, what do you think?" + +She considered a moment, choosing her words carefully. "She appears to be very +intelligent, and very practical. I think she is an excellent choice. I find +it interesting that they sent an Efrosian." + +"So do I. That should be to our benefit. Their reputation as adjudicators +cannot be equaled; and Watcher Sho is among the best. What did you wish to +ask me?" + +For a moment she stared at him blankly, then remembered. "I wanted to speak +with you about Etain. I realize we won't know if she will be allowed complete +freedom when all is said and done, but if she is, we need someplace for her to +go." + +"I am aware of that, Counselor." he said, his voice dripping irony. + +She gritted her teeth. "I know that, sir, I'm just laying a little groundwork. +I have a suggestion." + +He looked slightly surprised, and curious. "Go on." + +"Guinan and I believe she would be most at home on a world where the majority +of the population is telepathic. That narrows our choices considerably. Vulcan, +Delta, Tarvis 7, and my own homeworld, Betazed. We have discussed the +possibilities, and agree that Betazed is probably the most suitable." She took +a deep breath, and forged ahead. "In light of that, I have contacted my mother +and asked that she accept guardianship of Etain until such time as she has +completed her basic education and metapsychic training. Of course it all hinges +on whether or not Etain is freed, after the hearings." + +For several seconds Picard was totally immobile. Deanna found herself not +breathing, and forced herself to begin again. Finally, he spoke. + +"Although your mother and I have our differences, I must admit, it seems a +reasonable solution. Lwaxana has the precisely the sort of influence, drive +and resources necessary for a situation like this." + +A vast feeling of relief came over Deanna, so vast that she almost missed the +slight upward quirk of one corner of his mouth as he continued in the same dry +tone. + +"Besides, giving her something to occupy her may be just the thing to keep her +out of our hair for a while." + +She stared at him, and a slow smile curved her mouth. "I must admit to having +had similar thoughts, sir." + +"I would be surprised if you had not." He paused a moment, then smiled. "She +didn't do so badly with you." + +Deanna laughed wryly. "Thank you... I think. She should be on her way here +now. She wouldn't agree to wait for the results of the adjudication." + +Picard lifted an eyebrow. "Did you really expect her to?" + +"No, sir, not really. I simply thought it best to warn you." + +"I appreciate that. I'll ask Worf to keep us both alerted as to her time of +arrival. Oh, and Counselor..." + +"Yes, sir?" + +"Should the situation ever arise again, please discuss such matters with me +prior to discussing them with your mother." + +Deanna nodded, embarrassed. "I will sir. I would have done so this time, but +I impulsively called her first to pose the question, hypothetically of course. +She saw through that, as I should have known she would." + +Picard chuckled. "Yes, you should have. She may be deliberately obtuse at +times, however she is by no means an unintelligent woman." + +"'Deliberately obtuse,' I suppose that is one way to put it." + +"One way, yes." + +The look they exchanged was full of understanding. Deanna sighed. "I'll be in +my office if I am needed. Thank you, sir." + +"No, thank you Counselor." + +Deanna nodded and left the room, feeling much happier than she had a few +minutes earlier. + +### + +Jaron Kelssohn stared out into the deepening teal and wine shadings of the +sunset, his shoulders hunched forward, head down, to all appearances oblivious +to the uniformed man who stood behind him. The fading light cast rosy shadows +in his silver hair. After several minutes of uncomfortable silence passed he +sighed and turned. + +"So, Davan. How bad is it?" + +"Bad. Very bad. I don't think it could get much worse. A Federation +prosecutor arrived by warp-shuttle to review the case. An Efrosian woman." + +Kelssohn let himself sag further, as if disheartened by the news. "Efrosian? +What caste?" + +Davan met his gaze evenly. "First Watcher." + +Kelssohn stiffened, just enough. "First... gods, it has to be Kadin Sho. I've +heard of her. She was the prosecutor at Torbas Five. The Torbasians lost +everything." + +Davan nodded grimly. "I know. I remember. So what do we do?" + +"Do?" Kelssohn echoed. "What can we do? We can hope that Coran didn't implicate +all of us. If so, then perhaps we can still see our way clear of this. If not... +well, I suggest we make arrangements to leave. Quietly, and with as much +as we can carry. What do you think, Dav? How deep did he drop us?" + +Davan stared at the floor, scowling fiercely, then ran a hand through his +greying brown hair, shaking his head. + +"I wish to god I knew. He was always very careful, until recently. After the +Ygdrasil was damaged and he learned that the Enterprise was coming instead, he +suddenly began to make the most amateur mistakes! Leaving the halflings to tend +the Fleeter's rooms was inconceivable, then he compounded the error by trying +to kill Picard. I should have refused to go along with it, but I thought he had +some plan, something to back it up with. Instead I find he's improvising. +Setting up an ambush in the halfling city was like admitting his guilt! I +can't say how much he might have left for them to find." + +"And now they've frozen his files, his assets, everything. We can't even get +in to look without them knowing about it." He paced thoughtfully, like a +massive, white-pelted bear scenting prey. After a moment he stopped and looked +up, his pale blue eyes gleaming. "What if we launch our own investigation? We +could say we knew nothing of Coran's activities, and are," Kelssohn smiled +mirthlessly, "...deeply shocked by recent events." + +Davan thought about it for a moment, then shook his head. "It wouldn't wash. +Picard has thirty of my men, and they know where the wind's from. No doubt +I've already been implicated in at least the most recent series of events." + +"And me?" Kelssohn asked softly. + +"I... don't know. We were always careful to avoid mentioning your involvement, +but some may have guessed." + +"Mere guesses cannot convict, my friend. It sounds as if I've a fighting +chance. You, on the other hand, do not. I can make arrangements for you to +be... spirited away. I have several connections who would be glad to help." + +Davan's expression remained carefully neutral as he considered the offer, then +he shook his head with seeming regret. "No, I can't accept, generous though +the offer is. It might, somehow, be traced back to you. I think I had best +find my own way." + +Kelssohn sighed theatrically. "Ah well, we must each do as we think best. +Will I see you again?" + +"Perhaps. One never knows," Davan answered evasively, shrugging. + +"Well then, farewell, old friend, and thank you for your years of service." + +Kelssohn held out his hand. Davan took it, after an almost imperceptible +moment of hesitation. They shook hands with showy warmth, then Kelssohn +turned back to the sunset once more. Davan watched him a moment, his +expression unguarded, and vastly suspicious. Finally he turned and walked +toward the door. + +"Good luck." Kelssohn called, pivoting to watch him go. + +Davan nodded, distracted, and left the room. Kelssohn stared after him a +moment, then began to smile as he returned his attention again to the last +vestiges of the day's light. He chuckled once. + +### + +Davan Delvekia stood outside the door, listening. He heard Kelssohn's laugh, +and knew his suspicions were correct. He was being set up. Well, he thought, +two could play that game. He wasn't comptroller of security for nothing. + +### + +Kadin Sho stared out at the stars, her face expressionless as she Watched, +unseeing, letting her mind range as it willed. Her very lack of concentration +freed her intellect to jump and wander, pulling seemingly innocuous facts into +a cascade of order. Things began to make sense, a strange, convoluted sense. +She blinked, focused, and came back to the present with a serene smile. Turning +she touched the companel at her left hand. + +"Captain Picard?" she queried. + +"Picard here." His voice was calm, incurious. + +"Kadin Sho," she said, identifying herself. "I would like to meet Etain now." + +"Of course. I will bring her." + +"No. I wish to see her alone." + +There was a pause, then he spoke again. "Watcher Sho, I believe you are aware +that Etain cannot speak. Either Counselor Troi or Guinan can serve as +interpreter." + +"No. Alone. I believe we will be able to communicate. You may bring her here, +but you must leave her at the door, and do not tell her who I am, or why I am +here." + +"She has a right to counsel, Watcher Sho." + +She smiled. He was cautious. "I understand your worry, Captain, but I am +charged with making a determination as to whether this case is prosecutable. +In order to do that, I need to know a something about the character of our only +witness. I make no judgements as to her guilt or innocence, I am only here to +determine probable cause. If you wish to check the legality of my methods, you +may. I can wait. If you are wondering about my credentials, I suggest you +access the complete files on the Torbas Five incident. I was assigned there as +preliminary investigator as well." + +There was another pause, then he spoke again. "No, that will not be necessary. +I will do as you wish." + +"Thank you, Captain." + +She dropped her hand from the companel and sat down to wait. + +### + +Etain followed Picard down the corridor, curious, and nervous. She felt as if +she should be running, not walking. He was uncomfortable about something, but +had not revealed what, or where he was taking her. + +__Picard?__ + +"Yes, Etain?" + +A passing crewmember glanced at him, curiously, probably wondering why the +Captain had responded as if someone had asked him a question, when no one +else had spoken. Etain hurriedly touched his sleeve to make her query more +visual. The crewman's gaze wandered away as Picard stopped and turned +toward her. + +__Where are you taking me?__ She accompanied her mental speech with +gestures, in case anyone else was watching. She didn't want to give the +impression that Picard was talking to himself. + +His expression remained grave. "To meet someone." + +__Who?__ + +"A woman, beyond that I cannot tell you." + +__Why... no, you cannot tell me that either, can you?__ + +"Correct. Nor should you attempt to find out in any other way." + +She stared at him without comprehension for a moment, then stiffened +indignantly. __I would not! I do not enter unasked!__ + +"No, I know that. I only meant... well, never mind that. I suppose that was a +non-telepath's paranoia showing. I'm sorry." + +__You should be,__ she retorted, apparently not mollified. __Take me to her +then, this mysterious woman. I am most curious about her.__ + +He nodded, and continued ahead. She followed, a pace behind, still a bit +annoyed that he would think so little of her self-restraint. She was still +annoyed when he stopped and indicated a door. + +"Here. She has asked to see you alone." + +That startled her. Why would someone she did not know wish to see her alone? +She searched his face for suddenly needed reasurrance, and found it in his +calm. Whoever this was, she was no threat. She nodded, a little nervous, and +touched the small button which would announce her presence. Immediately the +door opened. + +"Come in. I am here." + +She glanced once more at Picard, who nodded toward the open door. She +straightened her shoulders and stepped inside. Alone. + +### + +Kadin studied the small figure intently. She was nervous, that was betrayed by +her breathing. She was also curious; her gaze direct and probing. Kadin stood +up. + +"Thank you for coming. I am Watcher Sho, also called Kadin. I am here to look +into what has gone before." + +Etain nodded, a slight frown creasing her forehead. Kadin noted her raggedly +cut hair, and remembered reading Picard's personal log, his explanation for +both the short, and the long strands. It had made interesting reading. Though +she knew the Rua'Shi woman was probably over a hundred and thirty five years +old, given the fact that she claimed a Sleep, which they estimated at a hundred +years, and thirty five 'waking' years, she looked like a human of about twenty +five. A young twenty five, at that. + +"You killed a man." She stated the fact flatly, suddenly. + +Etain did not flinch, or cower. Her gaze remained steady as she slowly nodded. +Kadin was pleased by her response. + +"Was it justified?" + +Again, Etain nodded. Her gaze never wavered. + +Kadin considered her answer, thoughtfully, then posed another question. + +"What would you do if you found that someone else was guilty of the same +crime?" + +Etain's frown deepened, after a moment she shook her head, obviously not +understanding the question. Kadin rephrased it. + +"What would you do if you discovered the man you killed had accomplices? +People who aided him." + +The young woman's face paled to ivory and for the first time her glance +faltered as she stared off into the distance, at nothing. After several seconds +had passed, she shivered, and her eyes returned to meet Kadin's. She put her +palms together, then thrust them abruptly out and apart, turning her head aside +with an expression of distaste. For a moment she remained so, head averted, +eyes closed, hands out, then she looked back, her eyes asking for understanding. + +Kadin nodded. + +"Yes. Very clear. Only one more thing... you have said that Coran Delvekia +admitted, in front of you, that he killed your people. Is that true?" + +One last time, Etain's gaze sought and held hers, and she nodded, gravely. +Unequivocally. Kadin had her answer. + +"Thank you, you may go." She smiled slightly. "I suspect the Captain is +waiting outside. Feel free to tell him what I asked." + +Etain nodded, and moved to go, then suddenly turned back. She was smiling. +Kadin felt her projection of gratitude, almost verbal in its clarity. She +nodded. + +"You're welcome." + +### +______________________________________________________________________________ +copyright 1992, Kellie Matthews-Simmons +matthews_k@cubldr.colorado.edu//matthewk@spot.colorado.edu +all rights reserved + +Standard Disclaimers Apply + +From JULIA@Jetson.UH.EDU Tue Aug 31 12:51:25 1993 +Return-Path: +Received: from Rosie.UH.EDU by depot.cis.ksu.edu SMTP (8.5) + id MAA11372; Tue, 31 Aug 1993 12:51:21 -0500 +Received: from Jetson.UH.EDU by Jetson.UH.EDU (PMDF V4.2-11 #3125) id + <01H2E9AAWTEW8XAHXS@Jetson.UH.EDU>; Tue, 31 Aug 1993 12:45:51 CDT +Message-id: <01H2E9AAWTEY8XAHXS@Jetson.UH.EDU> +X-VMS-To: @ARCHIVE +MIME-version: 1.0 +Content-type: TEXT/PLAIN; CHARSET=US-ASCII +Content-transfer-encoding: 7BIT +Status: RO +From: JULIA@Jetson.UH.EDU +To: jfy@cis.ksu.edu +Subject: (TNG) Silence, A Novel by Kellie Matthews-Simmons, Part 12 +Date: Tue, 31 Aug 1993 12:45:49 -0500 (CDT) + +CHAPTER TWELVE + +Etain found that the strange woman was right. Picard was waiting for her when +she stepped out of the dimly-lit room into the bright corridor. He was a few +steps away, back to her, seemingly absorbed in the study of some feature of the +wall. She smiled at the small deception. + +__Picard.__ + +He turned, his expression concerned, and a little surprised. +"That was quick." + +__Yes. It was. That is a remarkable person, I am honored to have met her.__ + +He nodded, frowning thoughtfully. "What, if you don't mind my asking, did she +say to you?" + +__I do not mind. She asked me four questions. If I killed a man, if it was +justified, what would I do if I discovered he had accomplices, and did the +Darkmind tell me he killed my folk. I answered them.__ + +He looked slightly shaken. "You answered them... just like that?" + +She wondered suddenly if she had done something wrong. __Should I not have? +I did not think to lie.__ + +He let out a short, explosive sigh. "No. Of course not. How did you answer +her? Did you speak, as we do?" + +__No, I...__ + +She stopped suddenly, distracted and puzzled by a strange new awareness. A +feeling that someone called her, that she was needed somewhere. But where did +it come from? What was it, or who was it that called? The call was wordless, +yet urgent. + +On the wall an amber light began to flash, and the Bearded-One's voice called +Picard, who scowled and touched the bright metal symbol on his chest. Behind +her, she heard the soft sound of Watcher Sho's door as it opened. Time seemed +to slow strangely, and she could not breathe. She felt her knees give way as +she tried to call for help, then everything disappeared into an eye-aching blue +haze. + +### + +Picard thought for a moment that Etain's attention had been caught by the +sudden appearence of the yellow-alert signal, but as he responded to Riker's +hail he realized that she had stopped communicating moments before the alert +had begun. She had a peculiar, listening expression on her face; one hand +outstretched, as if halted in mid-motion. Beyond her he saw Kadin Sho step out +of her cabin, obviously curious about the alert. He listened to Riker without +hearing him as a blue glow began to suffuse the space where Etain stood, and +she began to crumple slowly even as her solidity faded. + +The Watcher cried out a warning and started forward, as he did. Their hands met +in empty air. No one stood between them. Shaken, they stared at each other +for a moment. Picard recovered first, and stepped back, studying the area +carefully, assuring himself that there was no trace of Etain. Only then did he +touch his combadge, his voice controlled. + +"Commander Riker, would you please repeat that last?" + +"Aye sir. Seconds ago the entire Preserver complex suddenly became sensor +apparent, and some sort of energy probe originating there swept the ship. We +are showing no damage or casualties, but I think you should get up here." + +His eyes met the Watcher's, she still looked unnerved. He suspected he did as +well. "We have one 'casualty', Number One. Etain just disappeared." + +Riker's response was a soft curse. Picard agreed with him. +"I'm on my way, Will, Picard out." + +He had already started for the closest turbolift, when the Watcher's voice +stopped him. + +"Captain, I thought you should know, I am recommending this case for +prosecution." + +He nodded, and resumed his stride. + +### + +The lift doors opened onto a scene which seemed bizarrely normal. Everyone in +place, a sensor map glowing on the screen, nothing seemed out of the ordinary +save for Data's carefully inflected voice over the communication channel. He +headed for the con which Riker vacated at his approach. Listening to the +android's monologue, Picard was instantly aware that he had missed something +important. + +"...which appears to be robotic. My readings indicate that she is currently +unconscious." + +Riker interrupted, unconsciously raising his voice slightly, as if to better +project across the vast distance. + +"A moment, Mr. Data. I need to bring the Captain up to date." + +"Of course." + +Riker held himself stiffly, formally as he turned toward Picard, who felt +himself tense in response. + +"What is it?" + +"Etain's there, sir. In the Preserver complex. Data contacted us as soon as +he realized the communicator interference was gone. He said he was continuing +his attempts to find the tonal key to the Preserver control system when +suddenly the whole thing lit up, and became functional. Then Etain appeared +in a blue field, apparently some sort of transporter effect. Before he could +reach her, she was surrounded by a level-six force screen, and a robotic device +is doing something." + +"Doing something?" Picard echoed, appalled. "What kind of something?" + +Data's voice supplied the answer. "Something medical, possibly surgical. I +cannot determine precisely what it is from my current position, and am +prevented from moving by the proximity of the force screen, but the delicacy of +motion and instrumentation indicates activity a medical nature." + +A second voice spoke suddenly, startling all of them. + +"This is Lieutenant Selar. I was working near the stasis chamber when this +began, and have now reached the scene. I am ninety degrees from Lieutenant +Commander Data's position, and have a much clearer view. I can confirm that +the robot is performing some sort of surgical function, involving Etain's left +temple." + +She paused for a moment, leaving them to imagine dire thoughts. When she +spoke again, her voice was softer. + +"Fascinating. I see now, what it is. Commander Riker, do you recall the +implants I found on that one Rua'Shi skull? The small, crystalline implants?" + +Riker nodded, frowning. "Yes, Lieutenant." + +"The robot is currently implanting similar devices in Etain." + +"For what purpose?" Picard demanded. + +"I do not know, sir. I have not been able to determine their function." + +Data spoke again. "If my conjecture is correct, they are probably used to +facilitate communication between the Preserver computer, and Etain. This +entire outpost uses complex crystalline structures to transmit and receive +power and communication signals. I have already documented this." + +Picard heard the lift open, and he glanced back to find out who it was. The +Counselor hurried down the ramp to take her usual place at his left hand, and +shook her head at his unspoken query. + +"I sense nothing unusual at the moment, other than our own agitation." + +He nodded, and looked to Riker. "The sensor map, what does it show?" + +"The yellow areas are those which before now were impervious to sensor scans. +Now they're wide open. What we took for element interference was apparently a +screen, generated by the Preserver controller. Evidently it had to drop the +screens to find Etain and transport her back to Halvam." + +Picard nodded, studying the screen. "The tunnel system is rather more +extensive than we realized." He looked thoughtful. "I wonder why it has been +screening the area all these years? Once the Rua'Shi were gone, it seems to +make no sense." He looked back up again, his expression concerned. "Mr. Data, +Lieutentant Selar, anything new?" + +Selar replied. "The robot appears to have completed the operation, and is once +more inactive. Etain is still unconscious, but does not appear to have been +harmed. She will probably wake on her own shortly. I am monitoring some low +level brain activity. Interestingly, I read almost identical activity patterns +coming from what Data believes to be the central computer." + +"Thank you. Commander Riker, in my ready room, if you would." With that he +stood and walked up the ramp toward the door. Riker and Troi exchanged +glances. Both of them were fairly certain they knew what he was going to say. +Riker quickly stood and followed him. Once they were sequestered from the rest +of the crew, Picard immediately launched his attack. + +"I want an away team down there immediately, medical, technical, and security. +I'm going down as well." + +Riker stifled a sigh. He'd been expecting that. He weighed the probable +consequences against the amount of argument and rank-pulling he was likely to +get. Even he had to admit that it was unlikely that the situation was +physically dangerous for the captain, given the nature of the site. He nodded, +grudgingly. + +"Yes, sir. As long as you understand that I plan to enter my protest in the +log." + +Picard looked startled, as if suprised that Riker hadn't put up more of a +fight. Then a very slight smile lit his eyes, though it did not reach his +mouth. + +"Understood, Number One. Will you arrange the away team?" + +"Of course." + +### + +Fear. She was afraid. There was someone, something, with her. Something she +didn't know, but that spoke to her in a continuous low voice which made no +sense. Her head ached as she tried to make sense of it. Words formed, what? +Not what she knew, exotic, liquid words, almost songs... + +Song. That was it. The something sang to her, in the voices of her foremothers. +With a wrenching shift of perspective she found understanding, realized they +sang in a tongue she had not used for decades, not since she and her kin began +to think in the language of their captors. + +__We are those who were before you. Do not fear. We are you. Do not fear.__ + +They were inside her head, where she could not rid herself of them, threatening +her very self with their presence in an invasion as terrifyingly real as the +men who had raped her. With a mental scream she tried to close them out, +physically lashing out against them, hands hitting at empty air because there +was nothing there to impact. Nothing. They sang on, over and over, the same +phrase. + +__Shut up!__ she shrieked soundlessly, frantic to silence them, to stop the +maddening constancy of their song. It worked. The voices stopped. + +She opened her eyes and sat up, hoping to find it a nightmare, but doing that +only made things worse. She did not know where she was. Instead of the +familiar strangeness of the Enterprise, she lay on the floor of a vast chamber, +walled with black-glass boxes that were oddly recognizable. Black glass... she +remembered having a similar feeling of recognition after waking on the +Enterprise, but had not been able to remember then, either. Was this some part +of the ship she had not seen before? Tentatively she reached out, searching +for Picard, Guinan, Troi, anyone. + +She touched only a single presence. Cool, curious, unemotional. She turned +toward the being she sensed and saw the Vulcan physician, Selar, regarding her +from some distance away, through a barrier of softly coruscating light. + +__Selar, please! What is this place?__ + +The woman started, obviously discomforted by the mental touch, but after a +moment she replied, verbally. + +"This is the heart of the Preserver complex which lies below the city you call +Dhara." + +Etain looked around, frowning, and slowly got to her feet. __Below Dhara? Is +there anything below Dhara, save the earth itself? Are you certain?__ + +Selar nodded. "I am. May I inquire as to how do you feel?" + +As Selar spoke, a curious chiming sound filled the air, and the familiarities +Etain had sought were suddenly present. Picard, Troi, the Fierce one, the +Doctor; as well as others she did not know. She began to feel somewhat better, +seeing them. + +Etain started to reply to Selar's question with a rote answer. __Fine, I am +fi...," suddenly she stopped. "No, I am not fine. My head hurts, and there +were voices..." + +There was a ripple of surprise through the little group. Doctor Crusher stared +at Etain, her brows drawn down thoughtfully as she lifted her scanning device +and pointed it at herself. After a moment she lowered it again and looked at +Picard. + +"I heard her, just then." she stated. Her words were echoed by the others, +even Worf, whose scowl was deeper than usual. Picard nodded. + +"Etain told me yesterday that she thought she would be able to communicate +with anyone soon. It looks as though she has made that breakthrough." + +"It would seem so." the doctor agreed. + +Picard returned his attention to Etain, and stepped forward, almost touching +that barrier. There was an expression of mingled concern and relief on his +face. + +"You heard voices? What sort of voices?" he queried gently. + +She thought hard. __Singing voices. Women. My mothers, and their mothers... +no. Me. It was my voice, ten times over, but at the same time, not my voice, +someone else's.__ She looked up at him, her terror stark and real. __I am +mad. I am mad, aren't I? Is that why I am here, to keep you safe? Did I hurt +someone?__ + +"No!" The word came simultaneously from Picard and Troi. They glanced at +each other, and with a slight nod, Troi deferred to Picard. He took a deep +breath. + +"Etain, you haven't harmed anyone, and you're not mad. We believe that this +machine," he indicated the multicolored crystalline structure to her left, +"is attempting to communicate, through you. Some sort of communications device +has been placed in you, that's why your head hurts." + +She stared at him, and shuddered, feeling suddenly sick. Inside her? Where? +Why? She lifted shaking hands toward her face, to where her temples ached and +throbbed. She reached inside, and found alienness there. Something foreign and +cold and not-her. Her stomach rebelled, but somehow she managed not to vomit. +Again, against her will. Again. But like Picard, this time. Her hands +clenched into fists as she spun around to face the alien thing that Picard had +called a machine. + +__I will not have it! I will not be used, not again! You did not ask me, and +I will not do it! No!__ + +Once more she put her hands to her face, and closed her eyes. Inside, past the +known paths and structures, to the small strangenesses on either side. She +sent mental fingers below one, and began to weave new bone, trying to force it +up, out of her. Pain burst in red and black waves and she staggered. On the +other side of the light-wall three people stepped forward as if to catch her, +and were forced back in a flare of brilliance. Through a haze of pain and +inner-directedness she heard Picard swear, and that small familiarity felt +somehow strengthening. She pushed again, trying to ignore the pain. Inside +her mind the voices began once more. + +__No... child do not! You need us! We need you!__ + +__I need no one!__ she insisted. __I do not know you. You are here against +my will! You hurt me! I do not need pain!__ + +She structured more cells beneath the implant, and suddenly the inner voices +fell silent. She slid to her knees, weak with effort and pain. Long seconds +spilled by, without sound. She swayed slightly, letting her hands fall. The +things were still there, in her, but it seemed she had won. They were quiet. +She let herself breathe deeply, trying not to perceive the agony in her head. +Then the voices spoke again. Voices she both knew, and didn't know. Many +voices, in one. + +"We are sorry. Forgive us. We did not ask. We did not perceive it necessary, +but see now that it was. We did wrong." + +She looked around, saw the startled expressions on the faces of the others, and +knew she was not mistaken. That voice had been audible, not just in her head, +and it had spoken in her new tongue, so they could all understand. Picard +focused on the machine and asked the question she had wanted to. + +"Who are you?" + +"We are the Ban-Chomraida, the Communicators. Those who have gone-before. +We are Etain, she is us, though each of us was different." + +Etain stiffened. The Communicators! That was what Mhaiv had always called +herself. Etain had always thought it odd that she sometimes spoke of herself +as more than one. Picard's mouth thinned. + +"You speak in riddles." he said, his tone faintly disgusted. + +"Etain knows." the voices replied, then, more gently. "She just does not +realize it yet." + +"Etain?" Picard asked. She looked at him, and nodded, slowly. + +__My grandmother called herself the Communicators, sometimes. She said the +one who spoke with the Singing Ones for the clan on the ardt-aa was always +called that. But she is dead, years gone, even her bones are gone!__ She +turned back toward the machine. __You cannot be her.__ + +"She is one of us. We are her, and more than her." + +"Captain, if I may, I have a theory." + +Everyone turned to look at Dr. Selar, who appeared suddenly ill at ease with so +much attention on her. She straightened, and locked her hands behind her back. + +"When I examined the remains we found above, I found one whose genetic structure +was so like Etain's as to be virtually identical. I thought at first that was +because the Rua'Shi's gene-pool was so small that they had become badly inbred; +but in examining others, I found considerable diversity. Only that one person +had so similar a genetic structure. That person was also the one who had been +fitted with small crystalline implants in precisely the same place that Etain +received them. I have since then discovered that the stasis chamber contains +genetic material from two-thousand-forty-two different Rua'Shi, which was +probably preserved for genetic work. These things lead me to believe that +Etain may be a full clone or partial genetic adaptation of the person whose +remains I examined above." + +Picard nodded slowly. "That would explain their riddle. 'We are her, and more +than her.' It makes sense. Perhaps this device has somehow stored the memories +of each of Etain's previous clones, and the combined memories have formed a... +persona of sorts." + +Etain had moved to within a few inches of the light-wall to listen. She did +not understand any of it. __Please, Picard, explain to me. I understand that +Dr. Selar believes me to be a clone of my grandmother, Mhaiv, but what is a +'clone'? And how can one store memories?" + +"A clone is like an identical twin, only more so. A person whose every cell is +identical to yours. As for how one can store memories, I can't answer that, +because I don't understand the process myself. I do know that several +civilizations have had the ability, including, I believe, the Vulcans." he +looked to Selar for confirmation. She nodded. + +"Yes, after a fashion." + +Etain was more confused than before. __How can I be my grandmother's twin? +We were born Sleeps apart.__ + +Picard shook his head. __Time doesn't matter if you have the correct +technology, which this place quite likely does." + +__And this is a place of the Shining Ones? What you call the Preservers?__ + +"We believe so, yes. In all likelihood, this is also where the Rua'Shi spent +their Sleeps." + +In the midst of complete bewilderment, something suddenly made sense. It +explained why she kept thinking the black-glass walls were familiar. She had +seen them before, but in the daze of Sleep, and so had not truly remembered +them. Having just that single point of reality gave her an anchor. She +realized she had allowed herself to grow distracted by their words, and with +summoning strength from somewhere inside she turned once more the she sparkling +column in the center of the room. + +__What do you want from me?__ + +"It is your time now. You are the newest of us." + +She shook her head, slowly, trying to ignore the pain it caused to do so. +__There is no one left to speak for, don't you realize that?__ + +"But there are. There are the not-yet-born." + +Etain flinched visibly. __There can be no others. I am the last.__ + +"There is a way. Those you came with know how to cause it. This place is too +old, it no longer has the ability to create life as it once did. You were its +last successful attempt. Now you must have their help for the Rua'Shi to +continue." + +In her mind a half-formed understanding of the concept they were expressing +began to take shape. She suddenly realized that the knowledge came from +Them, through those alien things in her head. Furious at the invasion, she +pushed the knowledge away. + +__Stop! Do not use me so!__ Instantly the subtle flow of information ceased. +She turned again to Picard. + +__What do they mean? Do you understand them?__ + +His eyes narrowed as he nodded, slowly. + +"I believe that I do," he looked past her, addressing his next words to the +Communicators. "The genetic samples in the stasis chamber. You want us to use +them, to clone the Rua'shi they were taken from, and recreate the race that +way?" + +The burst of affirmative sound was loud enough to make the entire group wince, +some covering their ears. When the reverberation had died away, Etain began to +shake her head. + +__No!__ + +There was a moment of silence. Then a single word fell into the silence, the +machine-voices full of pain. + +"Why?" + +__Because, we are no more. It would be wrong, to pretend otherwise. The +Rua'Shi are gone, there are none left who remember them. They are dust. Our +world is no more, our city is empty, our ways forgotten. Even I am no longer +Rua'Shi. Though my blood and bones and skin are still Rua'Shi, my mind is not. +I am too changed, too different. I have forgotten too much, and I have learned +too much. We died as a people even before the little ones were killed. There +are no fearsin left, no mothers, no fathers, no grandparents... no one to teach +us how to be Rua'Shi! I cannot do it, I know too little of what we were. Even +if we create living beings in their image, they would not be Rua'Shi, their +souls would be of your world, because all that made us uniquely Rua'Shi is +gone, irrevocably gone. It would be like trying to heal a corpse, when life +has been gone so long that not even a faint trace of its warmth still remain. +No, foremothers, we are no more, let it be.__ + +Behind her she heard someone crying, and knew it was Deanna Troi. She felt her +own tears start, but blinked them away. The voices did not reply, but suddenly +the light-barrier faded. + +Etain turned, surprised, to see Picard tentatively extend his hand past where +it had been. Nothing happened. From her right, Data spoke, startling her. +She had not realized he was there. + +"Captain, the Preserver power-grid appears to be shutting down. Peripheral +areas first, in a random pattern. I estimate twenty minutes to full shutdown." + +"Thank you Data." Picard replied quietly. He walked forward, the Counselor a +step behind him, until he stood beside her, gazing at the shining pillar. + +"Etain, are you certain? We can do it. Our technology is certainly up to the +task. We have the chance to save your people, to let the opportunity pass +would be a terrible, irreplaceable loss." + +The tears she had held back began to push past her control, as she shook her +head. + +__They know I am right. You see it. As a people we can never be the same.__ + +"You are partially right, the Rua'Shi could not be recreated as they were, but +Etain, all civilizations change! It is a part of life, and change should be +positive. Your people are uniquely talented, with skills that could help many. +I will respect whatever decision you make, but I want you to be sure. I don't +want you to regret your decision." + +Some of her certainty began to fade. There was logic in his argument. She +rubbed her head, trying to ease the pain. + +The counselor put a hand on her arm. "Right now you are in pain, and you are +confused, and afraid. Perhaps you should postpone your decision a little while. +We can transfer the genetic samples to the Enterprise for safekeeping while you +rest and allow yourself time to think." + +Slowly she nodded. It seemed to make sense. + +__I will do as you say. It makes sense. But, please,__ she touched her +temple again, and looked at Picard. __I want them gone. You understand. Can +it be done? I could try to do it myself, but it hurts, and the pain makes it +difficult.__ + +"I suspect that Dr. Crusher can do something about that, but before she does +will you do something for me?" + +__What?__ she asked, trying not to be suspicious. Too many people wanted +something from her. + +"Ask the machine, the Communicator, not to shut down. The information it +contains is priceless to us, if possible, we would like to be able to keep a +research team here to learn from it." + +She considered his request, and saw nothing harmful in it. Awkwardly she +reached through the tenuous connection to where she sensed the dull spark of +intelligence within the orderly construct. __Wait,__ she asked it. The spark +brightened. Could a machine be hopeful? Its response was a wordless question. + +__?__ + +__Do not go. I need time, to consider this, and those who have aided me wish +to learn from you. Will you allow this?__ + +There was a pause, then it replied, its voices once more harmonious. __If you +will consider, we will allow them to learn that which will not harm them. This +we will do.__ + +__Thank you. Farewell.__ + +The machine-voices did not reply, but Etain thought she sensed a certain +satisfaction in it. She looked up at Picard. __It is done. It will allow you +to learn from it.__ + +His relief was almost tangible. "Thank you, it will be invaluable." He +beckoned the Doctor forward. "Beverly, can you remove the communication chips?" + +The doctor scanned her for a moment, then nodded. "A piece of cake. But not +here. I'd like to get her back to sickbay." + +Etain stared at her, puzzling over what a sweet had to do with her request. +Her expression made Deanna laugh as she took Etain's arm. + +"What Beverly means is that it will be easy. Come, let's get back to the ship." + +Etain nodded and took a few steps, then stopped, at a loss. In response to +Deanna's curious look, she shrugged sheepishly. __I do not know how to get +there from here. Can you show me?__ + +The counselor grinned. "Even better, I'll take you," she touched the badge +on her breast. "Troi to Enterprise, three to beam up, these coordinates." + +>From nowhere, a musically accented man's voice replied. "Aye, Counselor. +Standing by." + +"Now, please, Mr. O'Brien." + +### + +The world around her dissolved, then re-formed. She stood once more on the +Enterprise, in a small chamber on a raised dais. The experience was peculiar, +but not frightening. A stocky man with curly sand-colored hair stood behind a +console, regarding her with curiousity, and almost recognition. She wondered +why. Deanna and the doctor stepped off the platform. She followed them, +turning the past hour's events over in her mind. She had been certain she had +done the right thing, now suddenly she was not sure. Picard's comment about +change made sense, yet, the Rua'Shi had changed little since they had come to +Third Home. At least, the tales made it seem so. Why? What had kept them +from changing? There had to be something. As they walked, she looked up. + +__Deanna?__ + +"Yes, Etain?" + +__Was your mother's world a place of the Shining Ones?__ + +"No, I'm afraid not. We evolved on our own... as far as we know. Anything is +possible." + +__What of First Home, what you call Earth? Did the Preservers make that +world?__ + +_No. They took several seed-cultures from Earth, though. Why do you ask?" + +__I wondered why we had not changed. We changed a little after Second Home. +Before that, our leaders were men, and we were not so careful with each other, +but the changes they brought were small. If we came from First Home, why have +we not changed as much as they did? Why do we not have ships that sail the +stars, why do we not have machines that unmake and make us?" + +Deanna shook her head thoughtfully. "I don't know." + +Etain frowned. __I think it is because they did not wish us to change. That +alone explains why. But change is natural. To not change is unnatural.__ her +troubled expression cleared. __It was right to wait. Do you think I could +also wait to decide?__ + +Deanna looked puzzled for a moment. "Decide what?" + +__About the,__ she paused, searching for the word, __...genetic samples.__ +A gentle smile curved her mouth. __As you once said, I do not think I am ready +yet to become a parent. Especially not to a people. There is much I must +learn first.__ + +Deanna smiled back. __I understand, and I think you have made a wise +decision.__ + +__Thank you.__ she frowned slightly, and turned to the doctor. __I will not +need your help now. I have decided to keep them. Generations of myself have +worn them, and perhaps someday I will need them. For now, they know not to use +me without my permission, and will not do so again. Perhaps their presence +will help me deal with my fears.__ + +"You're sure?" Beverly asked gently. "Removing them would be a simple +procedure, painless." + +Etain nodded. __I do not fear the pain, I just feel it would be best this +way.__ + +"As you wish, but if you have any problems, or just change your mind, I'm +available." + +__I will remember. May I go to my quarters now?__ + +The doctor nodded. "I don't see why not." She indicated a side-passage and +pointed down it. "Sickbay's right there. I'm almost always there, or +reachable." + +__Thank you.__ + +"Anytime." She turned and headed the way she had pointed. Etain watched her +for a moment, then glanced at the counselor, who was studying her with a slight +frown on her face. + +__Is something wrong, Deanna?__ + +__You tell me. You've been through a lot, but you seem to be coping. Is that +real, or just on the surface?__ + +__To be honest, I am not sure. So much has changed, and will change. I would +like for it to stop, if just for a little while, so I can catch my breath. I +think I am a little afraid.__ + +__Of?__ Deanna prompted. + +__Myself. The future, as well as the past. There is so much to fear, but +perhaps more to excite. I need time to absorb it all, to deal with it.__ + +__Yes, you do. And I think I know the ideal place for you to do that.__ The +counselor's bright gaze dropped, and she surveyed her hands with unaccustomed +interest. Etain sensed she was uncomfortable, but not why. After a moment, +she went on. + +__I hope you won't object, but I've made arrangements for you to stay on +Betazed for a while, as long as you want. With my mother.__ + +Etain was momentarily stunned, and stared at the other woman, openmouthed. +Finally she found words. __Why? What have I done that deserves such +generosity?__ + +Deanna's discomfort grew, along with a rueful smile. __If I were you, I'd +reserve judgement. You haven't met my mother.__ + +__No, but I have met you. The child reflects the parent.__ + +The smile became a chuckle. Etain sensed a curious mixture of love and +exasperation from the dark-eyed woman opposite her. __Not always, Etain, not +always. My mother is... unique. You'll see, when you meet her, she's on her +way here now to meet you.__ + +__Now? You are sure?__ + +__Very. But please remember, you are not obligated to stay with her. We can, +I'm sure, make other arrangements. I felt that Betazed would be a good place +for you, since most of its inhabitants are telepathic. My mother has plenty of +room, and she enjoys company. It seemed a workable solution to your dilemma.__ + +Etain shook her head in disbelief. __You offer me more than a place to live. +You offer me your own family! How could I refuse? Why would I?__ + +__You haven't met my mother yet. As I said, remember you always have other +options.__ + +Etain regarded her dubiously. Surely her mother couldn't be that bad. __I +will remember. Will you come with me, and tell me about Betazed? It would be +good to know what to expect,__ she shivered involuntarily, __...and I do not +really want to be alone right now.__ + +__I would enjoy that, but let's go to Ten-Forward, instead of your quarters.__ + +__What is Ten-Forward?__ + +__You'll see.__ + +### + +Deanna led her to a pair of wide doors inset with clear ovals which bore the +same symbol all the Enterprise folk wore on their breasts. Etain's curiosity +had all her senses alert as they neared their destination. The first thing she +discerned was an overall feeling of well-being, even pleasure, from many +different sources. She also felt Guinan's presence, like a sleeping-fur, warm +and comforting. As the doors slid open to admit them, her nostrils flared as +she inhaled the myriad aromas. Living beings, plants, food, drink... her eyes +widened, was that ale she smelled? It had been eons since she had smelled that +particular fragrance. The combination was not unpleasant, and had a singularly +intimate quality to it that reminded her of festival times. Nearly everyone in +the large room was smiling. Even the huge transparent walls which spilled the +light of a thousand suns into the room failed to intimidate her in this +atmosphere. She turned to Deanna, delighted. + +__What is this place?__ + +__This is Guinan's domain. A place to rest, relax, and indulge. It's one of +my favorite places, especially when I don't want to be alone. I see Wes +Crusher over there, and I know he wanted to meet you.__ + +Etain was startled. __Me? Why?__ + +Deanna laughed. __I think you'll figure that out for yourself. Come on.__ + +She let herself be led over to a table near the far end of the room. A slim, +ash-brown-haired young man sat there, so intent on a small device he held that +Deanna had to speak to him twice to gain his attention. He looked up, a slight +flush washing across his cheekbones. + +"Deanna, sorry, I didn't hear you. I was just..." his voice trailed off as +he noticed Etain. He closed his mouth, and darted a swift, uncomfortable +glance at the counselor who smiled brightly. + +"Wes, this is Etain. Etain, Wesley Crusher." + +Etain put out her hand, palm-up and lifted. He hesitated a moment, then met +her hand with his. As his hand touched hers, not only could she sense his +interest, but she felt a shock of precognition. Something about this young man +was far from usual. She could not sense why, or what it was that made, or +would make, him important, she just knew that he was. Vaguely she recalled +seeing him before, on the Bridge. His name registered suddenly. Crusher, like +the doctor's. She studied him more closely, but saw no strong resemblance, +other than a certain delicacy of build. + +__You are related to the Doctor?__ she asked, hoping her thought-touch +wouldn't startle him too much. + +He stiffened, and once again his eyes slid toward the counselor, a clear +question in his gaze. She chuckled. + +"Relax, Wes. Yes she's a telepath, and a very good one, but she's using it on +a conversational level only. She can't hear anything you don't want her to +hear. I know it feels odd at first, but I think you'll get used to it. Just +answer her aloud, as you would in any conversation." + +He nodded and looked back at Etain, a lopsided smile lighting his rather +serious face. "I didn't mean to be rude, but you startled me. Yes, Doctor +Crusher's my mom." + +__I wondered, since you share part of her name.__ she paused a moment, +searching for something to say. Inspiration came in the form of a question. +__I remember you, from the Bridge. I do not understand why they call it that, +it does not look like a bridge to me.__ + +He grinned. "No, it doesn't, does it? It refers to a time when the bridge of +a sailing ship was a small platform that extended over the main deck. Back +then it did look like a little like a bridge." + +Etain smiled back, his friendliness an antidote for the grief she didn't want +to think about. __Thank you, now it makes more sense. What is that?__ + +She pointed to the device he had been so intent on. He looked down at it, and +frowned a little. + +"I'm not sure you'd understand, it's pretty technical." + +She smiled ruefully. __You're probably right. I know little that is... +technical. Perhaps you could help me to understand some of this?__ she +gestured around, at the room, at the gleaming surface that separated them from +space. __I know from the tales of the time of the Shining Ones that to go out +there would mean death, how do you keep it out there, and us here?__ + +Wesley's expression was one of pure joy. Etain sensed the smile Deanna hid +behind her hand as she pretended to rub at her nose. She was obviously pleased +with something. Silently Etain queried her. + +__What amuses you?__ + +__You couldn't have chosen a better thing to ask if I'd prompted you! Wes was +born to teach; he loves to explain things. If he can't explain something, he +studies it until he can. I think...__ + +Whatever it was she had thought was interrupted by Worf's resonant voice +issuing from the air. + +"Counselor Troi, to the bridge." + +She sighed. "Will you be alright if I leave you in Wesley's care? I have to +go now, but I'll be back as soon as I can.__ + +For just a moment Etain felt a sharp splinter of fear twist inside her. She did +not want to be alone with a male she didn't know. Then she looked at the open, +interested face of the young man across from her and knew he would not harm +her. Picard had told her that no one on his ship would touch her unasked, and +she knew he was right. They were very different people from those who had +hurt her. Looking up at Deanna, she nodded. + +__Yes, I will. Thank you.__ + +The counselor's dark gaze lingered a moment. She had caught that moment of +fear. __Are you sure?__ she asked, probingly. + +Etain nodded. __I am sure.__ + +Deanna smiled. __Good. I am glad.__ + +__So am I.__ Etain echoed, returning her attention to Wesley. + +### + +Davan checked his scratch-built transponder, making certain it was set +correctly. It would ensure that to sensors, as well as to prying eyes, his +small shuttle would pass as a common ferry. No one would think twice about +granting him clearance for takeoff. Just to be certain, guessing that Jaron +had a voice-scanner checking all clearance request, he had also installed a +modulator to disguise his voice. He wasn't going to bear the brunt of the +investigation alone. He knew he had little chance of escaping. His jury- +rigged transponder might get him past Spaceport security, but only because he +had designed the system it needed to fool. He wasn't stupid enough to think +he would be able to deceive the Enterprise's more refined sensors, no doubt +they would catch the signal doubling caused by his modifications. It made no +difference, since the Enterprise was his destination in any case. All he had +to do was get there in one piece. He keyed in the ignition sequence, and +opened a com channel. + +"Terrestria Port, this is the Cantal Mahar, requesting permission to depart, +following previously filed flight-plan." + +There was a moment of delay before Terrestria answered. Not unusual. The +voice over the speaker sounded bored. + +"Cantal Mahar, clearance granted. Please lock your controls into Terrestria +Guidance's signal." + +He took a deep breath, and gave his controls over to the guidance computer. +This was it. This was where they would do it, if they suspected him. His hand +hovered over the cutoff pad, only a slight tremor betraying his fear; ready to +take control back from Guidance at a second's notice. He would have preferred +to guide the ship himself, but didn't want to risk the suspicion asking for a +manual liftoff would generate. + +Slowly the shuttle rose, lifters engaging flawlessly. So far, so good, he +thought. He felt the ship turn, as it should, and nose up slightly as the main +engines kicked in. He felt himself pressed back into his seat-cushions for a +moment before the gravity compensators came on-line, and he scanned the +monitors, looking for anything out of the ordinary. Nothing. His hand stopped +shaking. He was almost clear of the outer atmosphere. The voice on the com- +channel startled him. + +"Cantal Mahar, please confirm destination." + +He stiffened. This was not usual procedure. He scowled, wondering if the +request meant they were specifically curious about him, or if it merely +indicated a general tightening of security. Schooling his voice to careful +nonchalance, he thumbed the communicator and replied. + +"It's on my flight-plan, folks. The good ship 'Enterprise.' I've got a +shipment of exotic fabrics and non-transporter viable foodstuffs ordered by +various crewmembers. Is there a problem? I cleared duties on the stuff." + +There was a long pause before Terrestria replied. Long enough to restart the +tremor in his hand, though the ship still moved as it should. + +"Confirmed, Cantal Mahar. Have a nice ride." + +Was he imagining a hint of sarcasm in those words? His hand moved a centimeter +closer to the pad. The ship cleared atmosphere, and the com signaled him again. + +"You're on your own now, we're finished with you." + +He stiffened. He would recognize Jaron's voice anywhere! His hand slammed +down onto the release key only seconds after the ship gave a sudden lurch, and +began to nose downward. + +Swearing, he managed to level it out with only a little hull-scorching and +pointed it toward the Enterprise before pushing the little craft to its maximum +impulse speed, knowing they'd be on his tail with some credible reason to +destroy him within seconds. Frantically he resorted to his alternate plan. + +"Enterprise, this is Davan Delvekia, I'm on my way, and I need sanctuary." + +"This is Enterprise." a low, resonant voice returned almost instantly. He +knew it well. The Klingon. "Stand away. Do not approach." + +"Damn it, Enterprise! They'll rip me to shreds! I have no weapons and only +minimal shields! I have to see Watcher Sho! I have information she needs!" + +Eyes on the fast-approaching blips on his screen, he didn't care who heard him. +It didn't matter anymore. What mattered was staying alive. He'd been a boy +when Coran and Jaron had exterminated the Halflings. There was no way they +could pin it on him. The only thing he was guilty of was following Coran's +orders for the past ten years . + +A different voice responded to his second request, different, but no less +familiar. He smiled grimly. He had suspected they had recovered Picard, but +hadn't been able to confirm it without access to his usual network of +intelligence. + +"Davan Delvekia, this is Captain Jean-Luc Picard. Approach to one-hundred +meters and hold there. We will provide shields." + +He maneuvered his little craft into the silver giantess' shadow. He watched on +the monitor as Enterprise's shields sprang to life, with him inside their +protective bubble. The pursuing craft peeled away from the barrier moments +before they would have impacted. Only then did he allow himself the luxury of +relief. + +He put the ship at station-keeping and waited. No doubt they would want to +scan him for potential threat, and do a little checking on his background. Not +to mention dealing with the aroused hornet's nest of ships still waiting for +him just outside the great ship's shields. He turned his comunit to Security +frequencies and listened in as his own second ordered the Enterprise to +surrender him. He waited with them for the reply, which wasn't long coming. +Picard's reply sounded faintly amused. + +"I'm sorry, Captain al-Qadri, but I cannot do that, at least not until I have +reviewed his request for sanctuary. He has offered no hostility toward us, and +it is against precedent to refuse such a request out of hand. I will let you +know when we have made a decision." + +Davan silently blessed Khalid's loyalty, knowing the pilot should have been +able to catch the Cantal Mahar before it had reached the Enterprise. He +strongly suspected that the only reason he was still alive was that Khalid had +refused to destroy his former commander. It was a shame, for Davan had no +doubt the young man would pay for that 'failure,' unless they arrested Jaron +first. Thankfully Khalid had no family for Jaron to strike through. Picard's +next words commanded his full attention. + +"Captain al-Qadri, you state that the man is a criminal, but do not list his +crime. Of what is he accused?" + +The voice which replied was not Khalid's, but Jaron's. He must have been +monitoring communications from the surface. + +"This is Jaron Kelssohn, Captain Picard. We suspect that Davan instigated the +recent series of terrorist attacks, including the attempt made on you." + +There was a moment's pause before Picard replied. When he did, his tone was +even drier than before. + +"I see. Thank you, Guide Kelssohn. That is quite interesting. Doesn't it +seem a little odd to you that a man accused of plotting to kill me would then +request sanctuary of me?" + +"Not if he intends to complete his mission once aboard your ship." + +"My security chief assures me there is little in the way of weaponry aboard his +craft." + +A slight edge crept into Jaron's tone of hearty concern. Davan wished he had +visual. + +"Davan Delvekia is expert in several martial arts. He has no need of weapons." + +Davan chuckled, Jaron was laying it on a bit thick. He definitely heard +amusement in Picard's voice this time. + +"I'll keep that in mind, Guide Kelssohn. Now, if you will excuse me..." + +"You're going to take him?" Kelssohn interrupted, obviously dismayed. + +"I am going to consider his request, and to do so, I prefer to speak with him +face-to-face. I'm sure you understand." + +"Of course." Kelssohn had his vocal mask back in place, sounding as if he +weren't terribly concerned by Picard's decision. Davan grinned mirthlessly. +Served him right. + +"Enterprise to Cantal Mahar." + +The Klingon's voice again. Something in his tone made Davan sit up straighter +as he answered. "Cantal Mahar." + +"This is Lieutenant Worf, Enterprise Security. We will beam you aboard, but +you understand we must search you and your vessel for weapons and restricted +items. To do this requires your permission." + +Davan stiffened, his eyes drawn irresistably toward the rear of the ship. +After a moment, he gritted his teeth and answered. "Understood, Lieutenant +Worf. Search away." + +"Stand by to transport." + +"Thank you, Enterprise. Standing by." + +He got to his feet and waited for the peculiar sensation caused by the +molecular transporter. He felt it begin, saw the walls of his ship fade like a +chalk-drawing in the rain, and sighed. He was almost home free. + +### + +Picard looked away from the screen to Counselor Troi, who had taken her +accustomed place at his left hand a few moments earlier. + +"Well, counselor. How did you read that little exchange?" + +She frowned thoughtfully for a moment, then shook her head. "It's hard to say. +The whole thing was very confusing. Both of them are lying, or hiding +something, both of them were angry, and frightened; yet I sensed a certain +amount of humor from Davan Delvekia that was definitely not present in Jaron +Kelssohn. I can't help but wonder what he found humorous." + +A gleam of amusement lit Picard's eyes. "I rather suspect it was the same +thing I found humorous. Jaron Kelssohn cannot possibly have believed I would +find any sort of real threat in his recitation of Delvekia's ostensible martial +arts prowess. Perhaps if he and I were to be alone I might be a little +apprehensive, but the man will be surrounded by security, a virtual prisoner! +It seemed a slightly desperate ploy." + +Deanna nodded. "Yes. Desperate is exactly how I would describe him. He had +that feeling about him." + +"And Delvekia?" + +"At first, yes, when he thought we were not going to shield him, but that faded +almost immediately. I don't mean to say he's acting in complete altruism, or +that he is completely safe, but I believe he means what he says." + +"We'll find out, won't we?" he stood abruptly. "Mr. Worf, check him +thoroughly for weapons, and hold him in 'protective' custody in the brig." As +the Klingon nodded and strode toward the turbolift, Picard turned to Deanna. + +"Will you accompany me? I suspect we will need your abilities. I will ask +Watcher Sho to join us as well." + +"And Etain?" Deanna queried. "Shouldn't she be there?" + +Picard hesitated a moment, then shook his head. "No. If we find we need to +bring her in, we can, but I don't see that her presence is necessary, and what +Delvekia has to say could prove traumatic for her. I think she's had enough of +that of late. Number One, you have the conn." + +Deanna glanced at Will Riker as she moved to accompany Picard, her expression +sympathetic. If Picard noticed Riker's grimace of annoyance at being left out, +it didn't show. + +### +______________________________________________________________________________ +copyright 1992, Kellie Matthews-Simmons +matthews_k@cubldr.colorado.edu//matthewk@spot.colorado.edu +all rights reserved + +Standard Disclaimers Apply + +From JULIA@Jetson.UH.EDU Tue Aug 31 16:34:36 1993 +X-VM-v5-Data: ([nil t nil nil nil nil nil nil nil] + ["39200" "Tue" "31" "August" "1993" "12:46:05" "-0500" "JULIA@Jetson.UH.EDU" "JULIA@Jetson.UH.EDU" nil "885" "(TNG) Silence, A Novel by Kellie Matthews-Simmons, Part 13" "^From:" nil nil "8"]) +Return-Path: +Received: from Rosie.UH.EDU by depot.cis.ksu.edu SMTP (8.5) + id QAA00558; Tue, 31 Aug 1993 16:34:32 -0500 +Received: from Jetson.UH.EDU by Jetson.UH.EDU (PMDF V4.2-11 #3125) id + <01H2E9ALCFSU8XAHXS@Jetson.UH.EDU>; Tue, 31 Aug 1993 12:46:06 CDT +Message-id: <01H2E9ALCFSG8XAHXS@Jetson.UH.EDU> +X-VMS-To: @ARCHIVE +MIME-version: 1.0 +Content-type: TEXT/PLAIN; CHARSET=US-ASCII +Content-transfer-encoding: 7BIT +Status: O +From: JULIA@Jetson.UH.EDU +To: jfy@cis.ksu.edu +Subject: (TNG) Silence, A Novel by Kellie Matthews-Simmons, Part 13 +Date: Tue, 31 Aug 1993 12:46:05 -0500 (CDT) + +CHAPTER THIRTEEN + +Davan was only a little worried when Worf escorted him not to the bridge, but +to the brig. It made sense, considering the circumstances, though he was used +to better treatment. He would have to get used to being on the receiving end +of security for a change. He accepted the spartan bareness of the cell with +equanimity and waited for Picard and Kadin Sho to appear. When they did, +another woman was with them. Not the Halfling, but a voluptuous dark-haired, +dark-eyed woman. Though her form-fitting azure dress was not a uniform, she +wore a Star Fleet combadge at her shoulder. His eyes narrowed as he studied her +more closely, realizing that her dark-in-dark eyes were the hallmark of a +Betazoid. So much for lying. Well, he hadn't planned to do much of that in +any case. He would just have to steer the conversation away from sensitive +areas. + +He stood politely, and nodded as Picard introduced first himself, then Watcher +Sho and Counselor Deanna Troi. He wondered for a moment what it would be like +to have a beautiful woman in a position as intimate as that of Ships' Counselor. +Especially a beautiful woman who was an empath. After a moment he realized +the empathic part probably put a very effective block on the sort of things he +was thinking. Worf stood in the background, arms crossed on his chest, face +fixed in a perpetual scowl. His presence brought Davan's wandering thoughts +back to the subject at hand as effectively as Picard's question. + +"So, Captain Delvekia. You said you had something you wished to tell Watcher +Sho. She is here, you are here..." he let the sentence trail off, prompting +a reply. + +Davan nodded. "Yes, I do. I have information that bears directly on her +current investigation. But I'll be honest with you, I want something for it." + +Picard smiled drily. "I rather imagined you did." + +Watcher Sho took a step forward, her shoulders stiff, face frozen in an arrogant +frown almost as intimidating as the Klingon's. "The Federation does not buy +information, Ser Delvekia. especially information of dubious value. We know +that you were involved in the recent attempt on Captain Picard's life, an attack +which deliberately or not cost a woman her life. We suspect, but have not yet +proven, that you were also a party to the destruction of the handful that +remained of Halvam's native population, the Rua'Shi." + +"No! I had nothing to do with that! It was Coran, alone. I'd have stopped +him, if I had known. I'd have stopped a lot of what he did, if I could have." + +Both Picard and the Watcher looked at the Counselor, who nodded minutely. +"He is telling the truth..." + +Davan almost smiled, but the urge faded as she continued. + +"...as far as it goes. There were some things he would have stopped his +brother from doing. We do not know what those things were." + +"Thank you, Counselor." Watcher Sho said softly, then returned her gaze to +Davan. "Continue, Ser Delvekia. What do you have that is worth my lowering +myself to bargain for?" + +Davan took a deep breath, trying to calm the nervous surge of acid in his +stomach. + +"You want information on how the Halflings were destroyed, and by whom. I know +those things, but under Federation law you cannot force me to testify. It has +to be voluntary. I'll volunteer in exchange for a little leniency on certain +things. + +Picard and the Watcher exchanged glances. Davan wondered what that +exchange meant. The Watcher's icy blue-white gaze focused on him, bringing a +slight shiver to his back. + +"What kind of leniency?" she asked flatly. + +He didn't hesitate. He knew what he needed. "I know you plan to charge me, +it's inevitable. I will plead to complicity after the fact, and that's all." + +If possible, her eyes became even colder. "I see. You were 'taken in' by your +brother, made a... a..." + +"A dupe." Picard supplied the archaic word. "You expect us to believe that?" + +Davan shook his head. "No. Of course not. But I expect you to charge me with +such, or no testimony. And without it, you'll never be able to put together a +case that will convict the only living person who was co-responsible for the +massacre. You'll have a solid case against my deceased brother, against Seret +Ng, and various other Halvami public servants of twenty-five years ago, most +deceased; but not against him. He covers his tracks well." + +"How old are you?" The Watcher asked, out of the blue. Davan blinked, then +answered. + +"Thirty-six, why?" + +She merely nodded, and didn't answer. + +He scowled, and repeated his question more forcefully. "Why?" + +Picard pinned him to the wall with a look. He began to respect the stories he +had heard about the man and dismissed as hyperbole. He looked down. "Sorry." + +Picard didn't acknowledge the apology, but looked away, at the Watcher. + +"So, Watcher Sho?" + +"I need time to Watch, Captain Picard. A half hour, perhaps a little more. I +will let you know then." + +Picard nodded, and the trio turned to leave. Davan resisted the urge to demand +an instant decision. He was in no position to make demands. + +### + +Outside the brig, Watcher Sho stopped, shaking her head, a frustrated grimace on +her face. "There is something missing, some important element not found. I do +not believe the man in your brig was involved in the original crime, since he +was only ten or eleven when it was carried out; although his actions since then +are certainly suspect. How can he give effective testimony? He must know his +character is not unassailable, and his testimony would be hearsay, and thus +inapplicable. It does not make sense that he would ask for a bargain with us +based on so little. He must have something, some evidence, which supports his +claims." + +Picard nodded, eyes distant. "Yes, of course, that does stand to reason. And +since he must have anticipated that he would not be allowed to return to Halvam, +it's a safe guess that whatever it is, he brought it with him." He wheeled +around to look at Worf. "Lieutenant Worf, when Delvekia was beamed aboard, +was he carrying anything?" + +"No sir. I searched him myself, thoroughly, he came aboard with only his +clothing." + +"Damn, then it has to be on his ship." + +Worf nodded. "I planned to search the vessel as soon as your interview with +Delvekia was finished. I will pay particular attention to anything which might +be considered evidence." + +"Thank you, Mr. Worf, make it so." + +Worf nodded and strode purposefully off down the corridor. The Watcher gazed +after him, her expression hopeful. + +"May the Eight Eyes aid his search." + +Picard didn't recognize her reference, but concurred with the sentiment. + +### + +Deanna was halfway back to Ten Forward from the brig when she was paged +again, this time by Riker. She stopped, sighed, and touched her combadge. + +"Troi here." + +"Deanna, we just received a communication from your mother. She was a bit put +out that you weren't available, but she said to tell you she'd be here in about +an hour." + +"An hour!" Deanna exclaimed, taken by surprise. "What did she do, flag down a +racing yacht?" + +There was a moment of silence, then a chuckle. "Deanna, sometimes you amaze +me. As a matter of fact, that's exactly what she did. Actually, she played +ship-tag for a while, transferring from one vessel to another until she found +one going this direction at a speed she approved of. She's quite a +resourceful woman." + +"Tell me about it," she acknowledged sourly. "Well, thank's for the warning. +If you need me, I'll be in Ten-Forward." + +"Need a little fortification before facing the dragon?" he queried with +amusement. + +"That wasn't my intention, but it's not a bad idea. Troi out." + +She stood for a moment, mastering her apprehension. She had done the right +thing, she knew it, Guinan and Picard agreed with her, so why was she so +nervous? She thought about it, and realized that a good deal of her +apprehension stemmed more from her own strained relations with her mother than +from any worry about how Etain might interact with her. That realization +lightened her mood considerably. + +To her surprise, upon entering Ten-Forwad she found that neither Wesley +Crusher or Etain were anywhere to be seen. She turned to the bar to ask Guinan +where they had gone, and found Marekur there instead. She asked him anyway, +and he shrugged, expressing his regret that he did not know where they had +gone. She circled the room once, hoping she had just overlooked them, but the +effort only confirmed her earlier impression. She frowned, wondering where +Wes would have taken Etain. It would be like him to want to show off his +favorite parts of the ship, so either main engineering, or the engineering labs +were likely spots. + +"Counselor Troi?" + +She looked around, startled, to find Miles O'Brien at her elbow, a large mug of +amber-colored liquid in one broad hand, the other waving toward the table +where she had left Wesley and Etain. + +"Were you looking for Wes Crusher, and the Faerie-girl?" + +She blinked, puzzled. "Faerie?" + +He grinned. "Aye, faerie, elf, you know, the little red-head with the pointed +ears." + +"Etain. Yes. But she's not a faerie, she's... well, her people called +themselves the Rua'Shi." + +His expression went very odd, and he said something in a language she didn't +understand, though part of what he said sounded very much like Rua'Shi. She +shook her head. + +"I'm sorry, I didn't catch that. + +"No, you wouldn't." His accent seemed suddenly more noticeable. "Did you +know, Counselor, that in the Gaelic, my mother tongue, the little folk are +called the sidhe? And that the word for red is ruadh? Strange, isn't it? +Perhaps faerie isn't so far off. In any case, the two of them and Guinan went +off together, I think they were headed for the engineering labs." + +"Thank you very much, Mr. O'Brien. You should mention that word correspondence +to the Captain, or to Data. I think they would be very interested, as they've +postulated that at least some of the Rua'Shi's ancestors may have come from +Earth." + +"I'll do that, counselor." His gaze ranged past her to someone just entering +the room, and his face lit in a wide smile. + +Deanna sensed a surprising depth of emotion from him, and turned to see who it +was he'd smiled at. Two women had entered the room together, she recognised +them as technicians from the botany section. One was a leggy blonde named +Torla, the other a petite woman with straight, black hair and asian features. +Keiko, if she had the name right. She wondered briefly which of them the smile +was meant for, and excused herself to go in search of her stray friends. +O'Brien didn't seem to notice. + +Outside Ten-Forward, Deanna stopped at a companel and queried Wes Crusher's +wherabouts. She had been right. He was in the engineering lab, no doubt with +Etain. She hoped he was tempering his pedagogical tendencies, for Etain's +sake. She'd had to absorb more new things in the past few days than most +people learned in a year. + +### + +The engineering lab was nearly deserted, only a few people working on projects, +most of them casting curious glances toward the trio that sat in the far corner +of the room. Etain and Wesley faced each other across a table, Guinan sat next +to Etain, her expression faintly bemused. Etain had one hand on Wesley's face, +fingers positioned in a disturbingly familiar manner, both of them had their +eyes closed. Deanna stiffened, then glared at Guinan. + +__What is going on here?__ She demanded, sub-vocally, hurrying across to +hover beside the tableaux, distressed. + +Guinan looked up at her curiously, completely undisturbed. +__An experiment.__ + +__What kind of experiment?__ + +__An experiment in learning. Etain mentioned that the machine had tried to +feed information directly into her mind, but that she had refused it, because +it was under duress. Wesley got all excited about the potential for direct +transference of learning via telepathic contact, and insisted they try it. +It's harmless, Deanna, calm down.__ + +__Calm down? Beverly will skin me alive if anything happens!__ + +__Nothing's going to happen, believe me, except that Etain may learn a lot more +about physics than she really wanted to know. I've been monitoring, there's +nothing to worry about.__ + +Deanna concentrated hard, but sensed no disturbance from either of the two +experimenters. She relaxed a little, only slightly mollified. __I still don't +think it was a very good idea.__ + +__Would you rather I had let them run off and try it by themselves? You know +how Wesley gets when he has a theory to test.__ + +Deanna smiled a little, and answered verbally, low-voiced. "Yes, I do, at that. +Is it working?" + +"It's hard to say. We'll have to wait and ask when they're through." + +"How long have they been at it?" + +"Not long, about ten minutes. I suspect they're about ready to stop." + +Deanna studied the two again, shaking her head. "If it does work, it seems +like cheating, somehow." + +Guinan eyed her with an expression of disappointment. "Does everything have +to be learned the hard way? Does it really matter how knowledge is gained, as +long as it is gained?" + +Deanna considered that for a moment, and nodded thoughtfully. "I suppose you're +right. I guess it's my own prejudice showing. If I had to learn things the +hard way, everyone else should too, right?" + +Guinan correctly interpreted her question as rhetorical, and didn't answer. +Movement drew Deanna's attention as Etain let her hand fall and sat back, +rubbing her eyes. Wesley opened his eyes, stretched, and yawned. Guinan +looked expectantly from one to the other. + +"Well?" she hinted. + +Wesley looked at Etain, equally curious. She smiled brilliantly, reached for a +datapadd that lay unused on the desk and touched several keys before turning +the pad around so Wes could see it. He looked, then grinned. + +"It does work!" + +Deanna leaned over to look, expecting some arcane equation or other. What +glowed on the small dark screen was not mathmatical symbols, but letters. +Etain had written the words: 'Etain thanks you'. For a moment Deanna was +puzzled, then it hit her. Etain had not been able to read or write. Wes had +taught her something far more immediately useful than physics. He had given +her the ability to communicate. + +Without warning, Etain leaned across the table and kissed a very startled Wes +Crusher, who promptly proceeded to turn the same shade as his uniform. After +a moment Wes recovered his equanimity and smiled, a little shyly, clearing his +throat. + +"You're welcome." he muttered, glancing around as if to see if anyone had been +watching. When he realized that several people had indeed been watching, his +color heightened again, though less noticeably than before, and a hint of a +smile lurked around the corners of his mouth. + +Deanna was no less startled by Etain's gesture than Wesley had been. For Etain +to voluntarily express herself in such a manner was an immense step forward. +Just a day earlier, she had flinched from even accidental touches. Perhaps she +was dealing with things as well as it seemed on the surface. She decided to +forgo the admonition she'd been about to deliver about misusing telepathy. It +was clearly irrelevant. Etain studied her quizzically for a moment, then +'spoke.' + +__You seem disturbed, is something wrong?__ + +Deanna summoned a smile and shook her head, wishing Etain would stop stealing +her lines. __No, nothing. I just came to tell you that my mother will be +arriving soon.__ + +__Soon?__ Etain asked, surprised. __I thought it took many days to travel +here from Betazed.__ + +Deanna laughed wryly. __For most people yes. Mother's very resourceful." Her +words evoked her earlier conversation with Will Riker. She realized her +'Lwaxana tolerance levels' were dangerously low. Not good. She needed time to +calm down and prepare herself for the whirlwind that was her mother. Not that +she was going to get it. She was going into this meeting more frazzled than +she cared to. + +"Would you like to go discuss Betazed now, as we had planned to earlier?" she +asked Etain brightly. + +Etain regarded her searchingly for a moment, then shook her head. __No. I am +a little tired. If you don't mind, I will go to my quarters and rest. I think +that would be best.__ + +Through her relief, Deanna wondered if she'd just been outmaneuvered. She was +quite certain that Etain had sensed her turmoil and deliberately opted to give +her time to deal with it. She would make a fine counselor, some day, if she +chose that path. "You're probably right. I'll walk you back, if you like." + +Wesley's face fell. Etain, though she wasn't looking at him, must have sensed +it, for she shook her head. + +__No, Wesley has already volunteered to escort me. I will go with him.__ + +Deanna nodded, biting the inside of her cheek to govern her smile, knowing it +would wreak havoc on the young man's confidence if she allowed it to escape +her control. She wondered if Etain's manner toward Wes indicated interest, but +decided it probably did not. In fact, it probably indicated that she felt he +was non-threatening. She suspected that was not exactly what Wes wanted her to +feel. It was a good sign, though, that she had allowed another male into her +sphere of acceptance. It would ease her dependence on Picard. She watched +them walk from the room, and turned to Guinan. + +"Interesting." + +"Always. Your mother's going to have her hands full." + +"Yes, she certainly will. Have you ever met my mother, Guinan?" + +The dark-skinned woman shook her head. "No, I haven't had the privilege. I +have, however, met a lot of people who have met your mother. It seems no one +ever forgets meeting her." + +"That's the truth. I do love her, you know." + +"Yes. I know. But you've had to work hard to stay out of her shadow, haven't +you?" + +Deanna nodded, then smiled, amused. "Counseling the Counselor, Guinan?" + +"Isn't that what a bartender's for? And as your counselor, I'm telling you +that you need some time to yourself. Why don't you bring your mother by Ten- +Forward later, I'll buy her a drink." + +"I may just do that. I think the two of you should meet." + +"So do I." Guinan said in her usual enigmatic manner, and left the room. + +### + +Even without empathy, Etain would have sensed that nearly everyone in the room +was apprehensive, it showed in their faces, in their nervous motions, in their +very scent. Their anxiety reinforced Deanna's descriptions of her mother as +rather formidable. She recognized the room as the one containing the machine +that unmade people in one place and then made them again in another. They +must be planning to use it to bring Deanna's mother aboard. A voice spoke, +unfamiliar, a man's voice. Stressed. + +"Enterprise, come in please." + +"Enterprise here." The man behind the console replied. The unfamiliar man +spoke again. + +"Enterprise, this is the Atalanta. Mrs. Troi is ready to beam over." This +time he sounded relieved. + +"Acknowledged, Atalanta." + +The Captain squared his shoulders and nodded to the man behind the console. + +"Energize, Mr. Hollyfield." + +The dais shimmered with flecks of manycolored light, moving like sparks in the +wind. The embers coalesced into two pillar-shapes, and then into beings, a +woman, and a very tall, pale man with a death's head gauntness. Etain stepped +back involuntarily, shrinking from the frightening figure. Deanna touched her +shoulder reassuringly. + +"That's just Mr. Hom. He's very gentle, you needn't be afraid of him." + +Only a little comforted, she directed her gaze to the woman who was stepping +off the dais, imperiously extending her hand to Picard, who had stepped forward +to assist her. + +She was dark-haired, and dark-eyed like Deanna, and her figure, though more +mature, was equally voluptuous. Her shimmering green and gold dress was like +nothing Etain had ever seen, cut to emphasize its wearer's figure, wildly +impractical, the bodice and so revealing she might just as well have worn the +heavy, floor-length skirt alone.- She was a little taller than Deanna, and her +face was lined with years of smiles. + +"Jean-Luc!" she exclaimed in a loud, affectionate voice. "How lovely to see +you again, you dear man." + +Beside Etain, Deanna winced. Picard's smile was rather rigid as he answered. + +"It's always a pleasure to welcome you aboard, Mrs. Troi." + +Etain was shocked to realize he'd just lied, outright. It was the first time +she had ever known him to lie. Mrs. Troi appeared oblivious to his discomfort +as she took a step away and surveyed him critically. + +"Have you put on some weight, Jean-Luc? And what happened to the dress +uniforms?" + +Picard's stance stiffened further. "The occasion did not call for dress +uniforms, Mrs. Troi," he stated firmly, not deigning to answer her other +question. + +She sighed loudly. "What a shame. I did like those tights-things, but then, +they do show every kilo, don't they?" + +Without waiting for an answer, she eyed Riker in the same analytic fashion, +made a disappointed 'tchk'-ing sound and turned to Deanna, speaking to her +daughter telepathically. + +__Maybe you were right about this one after all, little one. He's not holding +up well at all. You're looking a bit washed out yourself. And your hair! +Goodness, child, isn't there a hairdresser on this ship?__ + +Deanna managed to hold onto her temper as she greeted her mother verbally. + +Etain stared at the newcomer in disbelief. Her rudeness was outrageous! Her +amazement deepened as she felt the woman send out blatant empathic probes, +scrutinizing the unsheilded human minds for their responses, without regard for +privacy. Etain reacted without thought, instinctively. She interposed her +will between the woman and her friends like a wall of stone, and caught the +extended probes with her own, like an adult catching the hand of a child caught +stealing. + +The woman turned toward her, outrage written large on her expressive face. + +"How dare you!" she gasped, yanking herself free of Etain's mental hold with +some difficulty. "Do you know who I am? I am Lwaxana Troi, Daughter of the +Fifth House, Keeper of the Sacred Chalice of Reiks... who are you?" + +If Etain hadn't been so angry, she might have been intimidated, but the +knowledge that she was right gave her nerve. + +__I am Etain,__ she replied firmly. __And you may be those things, but you are +also rude! What gives you the right to go unasked into another's mind, or to +insult and give offense where none was offered you?__ + +Mrs. Troi gaped at her, then closed her mouth and turned to the Captain who +quickly hid a broad grin behind his hand and a contrived cough. Etain realized +from his reaction that in her agitation she had unintentionally broadcast her +reprimand publicly, they had all heard her, not just Deanna's mother. + +"Do I have my usual suite, Captain?" she demanded icily. + +"Of course, Mrs. Troi. May I help you..." + +"No." she cut him off mid-sentence. "Mr. Hom will bring my things. I know +the way. I see no reason to stand here and be insulted!" + +With that she sailed out of the room, trailed by the tall man carrying a large +rounded object. After the doors closed behind her, there was half a minute of +absolute silence, then Deanna began to laugh. Riker joined her, even the +Captain chuckled. The man at the console looked as confused as Etain felt. +She looked at Deanna, then to Picard. Riker wiped his eyes, and shook his head, +still smiling. + +"Congratulations, m'lady. A complete rout." + +__I do not understand,__ she complained. + +Deanna managed to stop laughing long enough to gasp, "I'll explain it to you, +in a moment. After I catch my breath." + +Etain nodded, still perplexed. Continuing to chuckle, Picard moved toward the +door. + +"Watcher Sho is expecting me. I'll see you later." + +Riker regarded Deanna with amusement. "I want to hear this. Go on." + +Deanna took a deep breath, then started to laugh again. Riker leaned back +against the wall, crossed his arms on his chest and looked over at Etain with a +grin. + +"This may take a while." + +Picard stood outside the Watcher's cabin, waiting for her to answer, still +amused by the scene in the transporter room. It was high time someone gave +Lwaxana Troi a taste of her own medicine. He sobered after a moment, though, +realizing that if Lwaxana didn't come around, Etain might have just effectively +ruined Deanna's well-conceived plan. He was still pondering that when the door +opened. + +"Captain, you look distressed. Is something wrong?" + +"Nothing that need concern you, thank you. Have you come to a decision?" + +She frowned. "No. I have not. I need that missing piece." + +Picard nodded. "I understand. Perhaps this will help." + +He held out a holodisk. She took it from him, eyebrows lifted in curiosity. + +"Lieutenant Worf found this aboard Delvekia's ship. It was hidden in the aft +engine housing, behind the reactor shielding, in an idrium plated box. It +would have escaped any standard search, but Worf is rather more efficient than +most security officers. It is a computer-notarized recording of Seret Ng +outlining the reasons for and the implementation of the destruction of the +Rua'Shi. Dates, places, exact information which can be easily verified. It +implicates only a handful of people, very few apparently even knew of the +Rua'Shi's existence. Interestingly, Davan Delvekia is not among those named. +Whatever his crimes, it appears you were right about him. Among those she +indicts are herself, Coran Delvekia, and Jaron Kelssohn." + +She looked at it, a smile forming. "Delvekia's 'insurance.' I knew he had to +have something. But where did he get it?" + +"Probably from Seret Ng. I would venture to guess she made it shortly before +our meeting, and meant to give it to me there, as she addresses me by name at +the start of the recording." + +"This will do it, you know. This will give us the case, without doubt." + +"I know. Shall I have Worf take Jaron Kelssohn into custody?" + +"No, not yet. The rest of my team should be arriving within the day, and I +think it would be best for my people to make the arrest. Just have him +watched." + +"Already accomplished. Worf informs me he has had security personnel on the +ground and here keeping Kelssohn under surveillance since my disappearence. +He and Riker suspected he was involved in that. Worf's tracking him via his +security implant." + +"His what?" + +"He has an implant that monitors his vital signs and whereabouts at all times, +courtesy of Halvami Security. Worf discovered his code and has been +monitoring it." + +She looked impressed. "This Lieutenant Worf sounds like a worthy officer. +Would that I had his like on my staff." + +"I wouldn't be without him. He is one of the best I have, and I have more than +my share of the best in StarFleet. He has proven invaluable." + +"No doubt. If you will excuse me, I would like to view this now." + +"Of course, but may I ask one last question?" + +"Certainly." + +"Etain. What are your plans for her?" + +The Watcher sighed. "Etain, yes. She killed Coran Delvekia, but it can be +persuasively argued that it was in self-defense, and under extreme provocation. +It could even be that she was not entirely in her right mind. I do need her +here both to testify, and for input as to the final settlement of the case, +she being the last living representative of her people." She fell silent and +stared off at nothing for a moment, then nodded decisively. "I will keep her +with me until the trial is over, and then release her to some responsible party +for a probationary period, perhaps two years. During that time she will +receive counseling, and if she shows no tendency toward violence, she will be +released uncharged. I don't believe anyone, other than Jaron Kelssohn, can +possibly object to that." + +Picard nodded. "It sounds a reasonable course." + +"Do you wish to be considered for the position of probationer?" + +He stared at her, a bit shocked. "Gods, no! This is the last place she should +be, and in any case, I'm not cut out for that sort of role." + +Kadin smiled. "I suspected you would refuse, but it seemed polite to offer. +Have you any candidate in mind?" + +Picard thought instantly of Lwaxana. "We may, I'll have let you know." + +"I will await your word. Thank you for your efforts, your help has been +indispensable. + +"You are more than welcome. I only wish we'd been able to intervene earlier." + +"You and I both, Captain Picard. Good evening." + +With a nod he acknowledged her dismissal and headed for his cabin for a little +peace. + +### + +The door signal emitted its distinctive triple tone, and Picard stiffened, +wondering for a moment if his caller were Lwaxana Troi. He sincerely hoped +not, though after her go-round with Etain earlier that day, he rather suspected +she was sulking in her room. With a sigh he put down his book and sat up. +"Come." + +The door slid open and he relaxed immediately. Not Lwaxana, Etain. In one +hand she held her book, in the other a small disc'corder. He motioned her +inside. + +"Come in, please." + +She nodded and stepped hesitantly inside. He gestured toward the couch. +"Please, sit down. What can I do for you?" + +She sat, gingerly, on the edge of the couch, as if ready to leap up and flee. +She glanced down at her hands, then decisively held out her book to him. He +took it, eyebrows lifted, waiting for her to enlighten him. She frowned +slightly, slowly lifted her hands, and executed a series of motions with hands +and fingers. He smiled. + +"Yes, I understand you. That's very good. Who's been teaching you Feslan?" + +She signed rapidly. He smiled. "Wesley Crusher? That was thoughtful of him. +Now, what did you want to ask me?" + +She signed again, her movements hesitant and awkward, but understandable to +anyone who knew the language. He frowned. + +"Me?" + +She nodded. + +"I suppose so, although why you want a recording of me reading your book is +quite beyond me." + +Etain began to sign, then suddenly stopped, shaking her head. __I'm sorry. I +cannot find that sign. What is 'remember'?__ + +He showed her, drawing two fingers across his forehead. She copied the +movement. __Like this?__ + +"Yes, exactly." + +She sighed. __There is so much to remember, it is good to learn that sign, it +seems I need it. It is far easier to speak mind to mind, yet Deanna tells me +it is impolite to do so with strangers so I must use this Feslan of yours.__ +She looked at him anxiously. __Do you object when I speak this way to you?__ + +"Not at all." he assured her quickly. "It's a little disconcerting, but I +understand your preference, especially now while Feslan is still new to you." + +She nodded. __Thank you. Deanna says I must not use the mindspeech too much, +or I will not retain the things I have learned, but surely this cannot hurt. +You say you do not understand why I wish to have this recording. I will try to +explain.__ She looked off into the distance, her gaze fixed on nothing. __I +have many memories, Picard, most of which I would prefer to forget. There are +a few, though, that I would keep. Your voice is one of those. You were kind +to me, when I most needed kindness.__ + +To his surprise Picard felt himself color. He cleared his throat in +embarrassment and looked down at the book he held. "I would be honored, then." + +Her gaze returned to his face, direct and candid. __Thank you.__ + +"No thanks are needed." he gestured to the device in her lap. "Do you know +how to use that?" + +She nodded. __Yes. The one who sees by machine showed me. He said that a +child could do it, and obviously he is right, for I had no difficulty.__ + +Picard was momentarily perplexed by her phrase, then he realized who she +meant and began to smile. "`The one who sees by machine.' Geordi. Do you +have nicknames for all of us?" + +She gazed at him blankly. __Nicknames?__ + +"Like what you just called Geordi." + +__Ah.__ she shrugged. __Not all of you, no. Worf is the fierce one, Riker +the bearded one, T'kar the cool one, Deanna the warm one, Data the silent one, +for I cannot hear him. It is easier for me to remember them so.__ + +"And me?" he prompted. + +She shook her head. __I have no need of a... a help to remember you.__ + +He decided to stop asking questions whose answers he didn't really want to +know, and to cover his discomfort he turned instructive. + +"The word you wanted there was mnemonic. Something which aids the memory." + +She nodded. __Thank you. I will remember.__ + +He opened the book. "Ready when you are." + +She relaxed finally, tucking her feet beneath her as she settled back against +the cushions and activated the recorder. He was amused to note that she was +barefoot. Shoes were one concession she had not yet made. He wondered how +long it would take before she adapted to that as well. + +### + +Picard read the final words and closed the book, setting it down and reaching +over to take the recorder from Etain's limp fingers and deactivate it. She had +fallen asleep three stories earlier, but he had continued anyway, not knowing +if he would get a chance to finish the recording at another time. He placed +the book on his table with the recorder on top of it, then sat and watched her +for a moment, realizing how much she had changed in the short time he had known +her. She had been half-feral, virtually a child, with almost no knowledge +outside herself and her narrow experience, yet she had adapted to almost +inconceivable change with astonishing ease. She had changed physically, still +small but no longer thin. No doubt ready access to food had done that for her; +but there were other, more subtle changes as well, a maturity of expression and +depth of emotion that had not been there before. Hardly surprising, +considering her experiences of the past few days. He no longer tended to think +of her as a child, though he hadn't yet begun to see her as a woman. It was a +peculiar, twilight state. + +She moved, rearranging herself more comfortably, pillowing her head on one arm. +He shook his head, suppressing a chuckle at her penchant for drifting off in his +quarters, and wondering if her obvious need for rest had anything to do with +her battle of wills with Lwaxana Troi. He got to his feet quietly and went to +his bed to get her a blanket, and covered her with it, then picked up the book +he had been reading and left. He wanted no more rumors. + +### + +Guinan knew Picard had entered Ten Forward even before she turned around. The +sudden repetition of his title made the rounds, causing a echo-like sussuration +around the room. It was unusual for him to be there now, near the middle of +his off-shift. Usually he would be in his quarters. She extended a subtle +probe in his direction, found him introspective and a little melancholy. She +knew immediately who the cause was, if not why. With a smile she excused +herself from the table she had joined and went to procure a cup of tea, Earl +Grey of course, to take to the table he had chosen which sat some distance from +the others, and commanded a good view of stellar panorama which dominated the +outer wall. She set the cup down in front of him and seated herself while he +took a sip and nodded his thanks. She leaned forward, resting her chin on one +hand. + +"So...?" + +He lifted an eyebrow, pretending not to understand. She lifted one back at him. + +"Don't give me that look," she said acerbically. "What are you doing in here?" + +"Having a cup of tea." he replied blandly. + +"Mmm, so I see. Why are you doing it here, instead of in your quarters?" + +"Because my quarters are otherwise occupied, and I'm taking your advice." + +She frowned. "What advice?" + +"Etain's fallen asleep there again, and since both you and Will have counseled +me on keeping my reputation pristine, as it were, I thought it prudent to +absent myself." + +"Oh." I see," she was silent for a moment. "She's in love with you, you +know." + +He flinched slightly, turning his tea cup in slow circles. "I wouldn't put it +quite that way, but yes, I am aware that she has formed an... emotional +attachment to me." + +Guinan smiled narrowly. "Cautiously stated." + +Picard shrugged. "Your point?" he queried. + +"I was just wondering what you plan to do about it." + +He shook his head. "I wasn't planning on doing anything about it." + +"I see." + +He scowled at her fiercely. "Damn it Guinan, don't do that!" + +"Do what?" she asked innocently. + +"Say 'I see,' like that. It's very annoying." + +"I see." + +He took a deep breath, let it out slowly, then looked at her askance and began to +chuckle. "You did that on purpose," he accused. + +"Who, me?" She asked ingenuously. + +"Yes, you." He shifted his gaze back to her face, and returned to the previous +subject. "Why do you ask?" + +"Incurable nosiness?" she offered, then shook her head, suddenly serious. "No, +I was just hoping you weren't planning to try and discourage her." + +He shook his head again. "No. I don't think she needs any more hurt right now. +She won't mention it, neither will I. In any case, she'll forget about me soon +enough, once away from here." + +Guinan chuckled. "Aren't we modest today?" + +He shot her a disgusted glance and took a sip of tea before continuing. +"Speaking of Lwaxana Troi, which we weren't, has she been in?" + +Guinan grinned, both at his obvious change of subject and at the subject itself, +"No, though I heard about her encounter with Etain from Deanna. She almost +couldn't stop laughing long enough to tell me about it. She said Etain was her +mother's just reward. I think after the initial shock wears off, they'll get +along quite well." + +"I certainly hope so. I will admit that after having put up with Lwaxana on +several occasions, it was rather entertaining to see someone best her." + +"Deanna and Will both agree with you." + +"I wonder how long it will be before she comes out?" Picard mused. + +Guinan gestured toward a table around which a crowd was clustered. "They're +putting odds on it over there." + +A slow smile began to spread across Picard's face. "How interesting. What +sort of odds?" + +Guinan's nonexistant eyebrows rose expressively. "Jean-Luc, I'm ashamed of +you!" + +"No you're not," he said, his voice rich with amusement. + +She chuckled. "You're right. I'm not. Come on, let's check it out." + +He shook his head ruefully. "Sorry, they'd stop the minute I got within +hearing distance. No, you go, and let me know." + +"Suit yourself, but I think it'd be good for them to see you with your hair +down... so to speak." + +He stared at her a moment as if he couldn't quite believe his ears, then shook +his head. "Not likely, Guinan, not likely. And watch it." + +She stood, smoothly, and nodded. "Watching it, sir." + +### +______________________________________________________________________________ +copyright 1992, Kellie Matthews-Simmons +matthews_k@cubldr.colorado.edu//matthewk@spot.colorado.edu +all rights reserved + +Standard Disclaimers Apply + +From JULIA@Jetson.UH.EDU Tue Aug 31 16:34:45 1993 +X-VM-v5-Data: ([nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil] + ["54253" "Tue" "31" "August" "1993" "12:46:21" "-0500" "JULIA@Jetson.UH.EDU" "JULIA@Jetson.UH.EDU" nil "1077" "(TNG) Silence, A Novel by Kellie Matthews-Simmons, Part 14" "^From:" nil nil "8"]) +Return-Path: +Received: from Rosie.UH.EDU by depot.cis.ksu.edu SMTP (8.5) + id QAA00562; Tue, 31 Aug 1993 16:34:38 -0500 +Received: from Jetson.UH.EDU by Jetson.UH.EDU (PMDF V4.2-11 #3125) id + <01H2E9AX5CUS8XAHXS@Jetson.UH.EDU>; Tue, 31 Aug 1993 12:46:22 CDT +Message-id: <01H2E9AX5CUU8XAHXS@Jetson.UH.EDU> +X-VMS-To: @ARCHIVE +MIME-version: 1.0 +Content-type: TEXT/PLAIN; CHARSET=US-ASCII +Content-transfer-encoding: 7BIT +Status: RO +From: JULIA@Jetson.UH.EDU +To: jfy@cis.ksu.edu +Subject: (TNG) Silence, A Novel by Kellie Matthews-Simmons, Part 14 +Date: Tue, 31 Aug 1993 12:46:21 -0500 (CDT) + +CHAPTER FOURTEEN + +Etain woke up. Her arm had fallen asleep and the unpleasant stinging-tingling +sensation had finally intruded into her almost-nightmares enough to wake her. +She sat up slowly, disoriented, catching the blanket as it slid off her, and +wondered where she was. It took only seconds to remember, and feel embarrassed. +She hadn't meant to fall asleep, but being read to seemed to have that effect +on her. She could sense that Picard was no longer present and felt a pang of +disappointment. There was little time left before she had to voyage to a world +utterly foreign to her with Deanna's mother. A woman she had managed to +thoroughly antagonize. She sighed heavily, she seemed to have quite a talent +for annoying people. There was so much to learn, would she ever know all of +it? + +Carefully she folded the blanket and set it on the couch, then picked up the +recorder and touched the playback pad. Picard's voice began, reading the first +few words. Satisfied she turned the device off and lifted her book. After +gazing at it for several minutes, she stood up and walked over to the Picard's +bookshelf and studied it until she found a volume of the same approximate size +and color, then slipped her own book in beside it and stepped back to gauge the +effect. It looked as if it belonged there. She smiled sadly, touched the +book's spine with one finger, saying goodbye, then finally she picked up the +recorder again and left the room. + +### + +As she walked toward her rooms, Etain suddenly stopped and turned back, half- +tempted to go and retrieve her book. After a moment's struggle she sighed and +shook her head, enforcing her earlier decision. A few steps further on, she +stopped again, this time by the nagging feeling that there was something she +ought to be doing. Before she could decide what it was, a door across the hall +opened and an imperious 'voice' summoned her. + +__Come here, child, we must talk.__ + +She stiffened. Deanna's Mother. + +__Stop thinking about me in capital letters like that. My name is Lwaxana,__ +her tone softened. __Please, come in.__ + +Etain turned and slowly walked toward the open door, dreading the encounter. +For a moment she stood on the threshold, and peeked in, looking around for the +tall, pale man who had accompanied Deanna's mother. He was nowhere to be +seen, the only occupant of the room was Lwaxana herself, lounging on a couch, +resplendent in a shimmering garment of metallic purple. She beckoned to Etain, +who reluctantly stepped inside. The hiss of the door closing behind her was +depressingly final. For several long seconds they stood and looked at each +other, then both tried to speak at once. + +__I am sorry if I embarrassed you...__ + +__Forgive my bad temper, child...__ + +Lwaxana laughed, and Etain smiled, unable to laugh. After a moment Lwaxana +began again. + +__I see we've been thinking along the same lines. That should make this easier. +You were absolutely right earlier, I was being rude; but you see, it is the way +I am, and they're all used to me. I venture to say they even expect it of me. +If I didn't needle Jean-Luc a little he'd be disappointed, whether he admits it +or not.__ + +Etain looked at her doubtfully, and Lwaxana nodded. __Take my word for it. I +only do it to loosen things up a bit, they get so dreadfully full of themselves +sometimes, and so drearily serious. Getting their dignity off-kilter is good +for them.__ + +Etain began to smile a little. She could see Lwaxana's point. They were all +rather serious, but then, circumstances had contributed to seriousness of late. +Perhaps she was right, they did need to... loosen up. Herself included. + +__I did not understand, I'm sorry.__ + +__I know that now. And it was partly my fault. I overreacted. I do take +things for granted some times, and I guess I can be rather full of myself as +well. Can we start over?__ + +Etain nodded. __I think I would like that.__ + +__Good, because it would make things a little difficult if we couldn't. Will +you sit down and tell me about yourself? Deanna had told me only the barest of +bones, and aside from that I have learned only a little about you myself.__ + +Etain sat, her curiosity piqued. __What is it you have learned?__ + +__That you have extraordinary mental abilities, are extremely loyal, +protective, and well-intentioned, and you also have excellent taste in men.__ + +Etain stared at her, puzzled by her last comment. __I do not understand.__ + +Lwaxana studied her intently for a moment, then shook her head. __No, I don't +suppose you do, at that. Well, you will, once your body finishes playing catch- +up. I was referring to the good Captain,__ she sighed theatrically. __It is +such a shame he's one of those 'married to his ship' sort of men. I've tried +and tried, but to no avail. He simply will not be distracted.__ + +Etain's puzzlement grew into true bewilderment. __Please, explain.__ + +Lwaxana looked nonplussed. __Oh dear, your education has been sorely +neglected, hasn't it? I'll have to speak to Deanna about that. Anyone with an +ounce of sensitivity should have seen that you're in Change! She really should +have noticed!__ + +Etain was beginning to get annoyed. Lwaxana might as well have been speaking +another language for all the sense she made. She did not try to hide her +irritation. __Speak plainly! I do not understand you!__ + +Lwaxana's brows lifted. __My, my, a little touchy are we? Well, that's +understandable, having one's hormones in flux will do that. You want plain +speaking, you'll have it. How old are you?__ + +Unprepared for that, Etain had to think a moment. __I am not certain, it was +hard to keep track, but I think I have thirty-four of your years, and a single +Sleep.__ + +__A Sleep? Oh, yes, Deanna did mention something about hibernation cycles. +Well then, have you any idea at what age your people normally become +physically mature?__ + +__Between twenty and twenty-five, not counting Sleeps.__ + +__So, you're long overdue, aren't you?__ + +Etain nodded, feeling a wave of depression wash over her. __I am. The Maiden +still claims me, I have not been touched by the Mother's hand.__ + +__Well, my dear, that's in the process of changing, even as we speak. I'd +venture to guess that your diet has improved drastically of late, hasn't it?__ + +__Yes. Here I am never hungry.__ + +Lwaxana scowled, her quick temper flaring. __Never hungry? By the Chalice, I +thought it was simply an inefficient diet, not an insufficient one! Has no one +here noticed that you're changing?" + +Etain thought about it and nodded slowly. __I have, but I do not know the +cause. The doctor said that some of my...__ she hesitated, groping for the +right concept, __...my readings, were different, but she did not know why, and +I have not pursued it.__ + +Lwaxana lifted her eyes in exasperation. __What a bunch of idiots!__ She +leaned forward and put her hand over Etain's, reassuringly. __What you sense +is your body maturing, you're becoming a woman.__ + +Etain's eyes narrowed, a furrow etching between her eyebrows. __I am already +female.__ + +__Yes, and no. I believe that you would say that the Mother has touched you. +Do you understand that?__ + +Etain's skin tightened as if a cold wind had blown over her, and her eyes went +wide. She shook her head, slowly at first, then with increasing vehemence, her +breathing shallow and fast. With a painful, inarticulate gasp she leapt to her +feet, fists clenched. + +__No! No, not now! I can't! I don't want it! Why would She do that to me? +Even if I did, there is no one left... no one! Must I die as well?__ + +Lwaxana stared at her, obviously taken completely by surprise by Etain's +reaction. + +__Die? Child, what on earth is the matter? It is a time of joy, why do you +fear it?__ + +Etain shuddered, and without trying to explain, surrendered her flooding +memories to Lwaxana who recoiled, aghast. It took her a moment to gather +herself, and when she did her projection was as gentle as her hand was on +Etain's hair, stroking softly like a mother with a much younger child. + +__I cannot say how sorry I am. I did not know, Deanna did not tell me... but +then, I didn't give her much of an opportunity to do so. All I can say is that +is not how it should be, and I hope someday you will learn that. But, though +you have good reason to fear sex, I don't understand why you fear physical +maturity. The two do not have to go hand-in-hand. Why do you associate +maturity with death?__ + +Etain's expression grew even bleaker. __Because if I become a woman, then one +day the Burning will come, and with the others dead, there is no one for me. I +will die.__ + +Lwaxana regarded her oddly. __The Burning? Heavens, little-one, you sound +like a Vulcan!__ + +__They tell me that I am, partly, that the Vulcans were the ones we called the +Shi, who joined their blood to ours at Second Home. Do you tell me they have +the Burning? I do not believe it! They are too... controlled!__ + +Lwaxana chuckled. __Believe me, they have it. Much as they hate to admit it, +they have it. And they have ways to get around it that you must learn. No one +dies of it, not any more.__ + +__You are sure of this?__ Etain asked dubiously. It sounded far too easy. + +__Absolutely.__ Lwaxana smiled reassuringly. __There would be a lot of dead +Vulcans around if it wasn't so. There are medicines and disciplines which help, +and we will certainly see that you have access to both. Even if that were not +the case, you do not necessarily have to take a mate of your own kind. As long +as you are mentally and physically compatible, any humanoid species would do. +Andorians, Betazoid, Vulcans, Humans, a Klingon might prove interesting...__ +Lwaxana's voice trailed off as she gazed speculatively at nothing. + +Etain realized that the concept should not have been a surprise to her, after +all, had not Bryn and Athlan been children of Tall Ones? Yet, somehow it was. + +__This is so?__ she asked, uncertainly. + +__It is. I know of many cross-species pairings. Vulcans are quite prone to +taking Human mates. You are apparently the product of such. Children may even +be possible, should you want them, medical science has become quite adept at +supporting cross-species unions. Deanna's father was Human, and she turned +out nicely, if a little serious.__ + +Etain had to smile. Despite their surface estrangement, it was obvious that +Lwaxana's love for her daughter ran very deep, and she already knew how the +counselor felt about her mother. She searched for the proper response, and +found it. + +__Deanna is very beautiful, in all ways.__ + +Lwaxana preened. __Yes, she is, isn't she? She takes after my side of the +family,__ she patted the couch beside her. __Come, sit down again... there, +better. Have I managed to put that fear to rest?__ + +Etain nodded. __Yes. I would sense it if you were lying to me. I will not +die.__ + +__No, that you will not.__ She leaned forward suddenly and took Etain's hands +in hers. __As for the other... only time, talk, and the right man will prove +that out. I assure you, it is worth the effort you will need to make to +overcome your fears.__ + +Etain shivered involuntarily at the thought. __If you say so.__ + +### + +The sudden hush that fell in Ten-Forward made Picard look up, wondering what +had caused it. He glanced around, noticed the direction that everyone else was +looking, and turned toward the doors. It was all he could do not to gape like +a half-wit as Lwaxana Troi entered the room like a three-masted-frigate under +full sail, Etain trailing in her wake. Etain, and Lwaxana? In one room, +apparently reconciled, after only four hours? He wouldn't have believed it if +he hadn't seen it with his own eyes. Apparently neither could anyone else. + +After a moment, conversations began again, siffly, and most of the crowd around +one particular table thinned out almost instantly, leaving a few disappointed- +looking souls, and one rather smug hostess. Picard caught Guinan's eye as she +reached to pick up somethingfrom the table, and lifted an eyebrow at her. She +grinned, continued her motion, and tucked whatever it was into her sleeve. He +wondered if she'd cheated, after all, her abilities could give her an edge. +Probably not, but with Guinan, one never knew. His gaze returned to Lwaxana, +who had obviously spotted him and changed course toward his position. He waited, +for once actually interested in what she would say. To his surprise, she +exhibited none of her usual flamboyance as she seated herself. Etain smiled at +him, then to his surprise, she turned away and walked over to Guinan. + +"What plans have been made regarding Etain, Captain?" + +He returned his attention to Lwaxana. "Regarding Etain... in what context?" + +"She has told me what happened, all of it. She and I both understand she will +almost certainly be called to account for Coran Delvekia's death. I need to +know what sort of charges will be pending, so I can arrange appropriate +counsel." + +Picard was somewhat taken aback. He'd never seen this side of Lwaxana before, +the completely level-headed, take-charge side. For the first time an +comprehensible personality link with Deanna was clear. He straightened. + +"I spoke with Watcher Sho about that earlier," he began. Lwaxana interrupted. + +"Kadin Sho? Of Efros?" + +Picard nodded. Lwaxana looked pleased. + +"Good, a sensible woman, and a fine prosecutor. Good choice." + +"I agree. As I was saying, I spoke with her earlier and she indicated that at +this time she does not plan to prefer charges. She feels the circumstances +fall under a combination of self-defense and temporary mental aberrancy. She +will, however, recommend her for a probationary period of two years, during +which Etain must reside with a responsible party. The probationary +recommendation will also specify that she receive extensive counseling." + +Lwaxana nodded, eyes assessing him shrewdly. "At your suggestion?" + +"No, though I would have made such, had it been necessary." + +"Mmm. Well then, it looks as if there is no bar to my taking her home to +Betazed." + +"Only one. She will have to remain here until the proceedings are completed, +both as a witness, and as the legal representative of the Rua'Shi. It could +take some time." + +"Yes, it could. Well then, it looks as if I have a great many arrangements to +make. If you will excuse me..." + +"Of course, Mrs. Troi." He stood, politely, and helped her to her feet as +tradition demanded. She held onto his hand for a moment after she stood, eyes +downcast. He tensed, waiting for the proverbial 'other shoe' to drop. After +a moment she spoke. + +"Etain made me aware that I have been excessively rude. I'm sorry for that. I +did not intend to be so." she looked up finally, and there was a definite +twinkle in her eyes. "I only meant to be a little rude. Thank you, Captain." + +She let go of his hand and sailed away before he could respond. He watched her +go, shaking his head, unable to decide if he was amused or irritated. He +looked for Etain, but didn't see her, she must have gone while he had been +engaged in conversation. He realized with some pleasure that his quarters +were his own once more. He was tired, it would be good to get at least a +little rest. + +On his way back, he thought about the fact that they would be departing within +a day. His orders had been to proceed on to their original destination, a +mapping mission of a low-temperature nebula, as soon as Legal had things in +hand. He was both anxious to do so, and a little reluctant. He would liked +to have seen things settled before he left, but that might take months, it was +impossible. + +He realized that he would miss Etain, he genuinely enjoyed her presence. Perhaps +that bond she had forged had, to some extent, influenced him more than he had +thought. He found he was frowning and forced himself to stop. Rationally, he +knew it had nothing to do with her temporary enhancement of his empathic side. +That was gone, and had not influenced anything permanently. No, he had to +admit that it was an integral part of his nature to avoid emotional attachments, +and it always took him by surprise when he found that he had, without +comprehending it, allowed someone to become close. He found himself doing it +rather more frequently of late. He smiled to himself, ruefully. Counselor +Troi would be pleased, since she was constantly after him to be more open with +his emotions. + +Thinking about Deanna brought back memories of the countless sessions spent on +the Borg, and the startling fact that he could now think of them without nearly +paralyzing fear, and more importantly, without the abyssal guilt. There was +still guilt, still fear, those would never leave him, but they were finally +under control. What a gift... an impossible gift. He should have something to +give in return, but what could possibly equal that? + +He was still mulling that thought as he entered his quarters. Just as he set +his book down on the table and headed for his room to change, Worf's voice came +over the companel. He sighed, allowed himself a millisecond's slouch, then +straightened and responded. + +"Picard here." + +"Captain, I believe Guide Kelssohn is attempting to flee." + +Picard rolled his eyes in exasperation. Couldn't the man have chosen some +other time to go renegade? Why did it always seem to work out this way? + +"On my way, Lieutenant. Please notify Watcher Sho." + +### + +The Watcher met Picard in the turbolift, her expression troubled as they rode +together toward the bridge. After a moment she spoke. + +"It seems I should not have waited, I did not mean to give him time to escape." + +"I doubt he will, Watcher. Mr. Worf is quite efficient." + +"That I have had some experience with. I trust you are correct." She paused a +moment, then continued. "Lwaxana Troi paid me a visit earlier. I did not know +she was aboard. She has requested trusteeship of Etain." + +"I rather thought she might." + +"She is the person you had in mind?" + +"Yes, she is, at Counselor Troi's suggestion." + +"It should prove an interesting arrangement. The woman-child, and the child- +woman. I wonder which is truly the elder? I had not realized when you +introduced us that the Counselor was Lwaxana's daughter. Interesting, I should +have made the connection, but they are very unlike. A fact for which I would +imagine you are grateful." + +"You cannot imagine how much." Picard agreed, shuddering involuntarily at the +thought of Lwaxana Troi in the Counselor's seat. "You appear to know her." + +"Does not everyone? The lady Troi has her hands in many pots." + +Picard chuckled as the doors opened onto the bridge. If anyone was surprised +to hear it, they masked it well. He strode down the ramp and seated himself in +the seat Will Riker had just vacated. He motioned for the Watcher to take the +seat usually occupied by Counselor Troi. She shook her head, and remained +standing. + +"Report, Lieutenant Worf." + +Worf nodded, and launched into his explanation. "As you know, I have been +tracking Kelssohn's personal monitor signal. He has boarded a Hkkkai passenger +vessel, scheduled to leave in less than one hour for the Bithrant system. I was +able to access the passenger manifest on file with Terrestria Port Authority, +he was not listed. Further study revealed a passport registration for a man +named Nor Eslan matching his physical description, and using his retinal +scan and identity-codes. Lieutenant Commander Data has been unable to find a +valid passport issued under that name. This appears to confirm my suspicions +that Kelssohn is attempting to escape using falsified documents." + +"Bithrant is in The Triangle, is it not?" The Watcher asked, referring to the +area of space which was treaty-shared by the Federation, the Klingon Empire, +and marginally, by the Romulan Empire. Triangle systems were notorious as +refuges for criminals from every sector of known space. + +"It is." Worf confirmed. + +"If he makes it to the Triangle, we'll never get him back." + +"That is so, were he to get that far. However, though the ship is currently +under Halvami jurisdiction, once they leave orbit they will be subject to our +authority, and we can order her to stand to and surrender Kelssohn, as a known +criminal." + +The Watcher shook her head. "No. He is not yet wanted, since a warrant has not +been issued." + +Picard was startled that she hadn't taken care of that yet. It could take hours +for it to be issued. The matter being a Federation rather than a Starfleet one, +it would take a Federation justice to issue the warrant, Picard did not have +the necessary jurisdiction. That meant finding a Federation justice. + +"Computer, location and identity of the Federation justice nearest our current +position." + +"Working..." there was a short pause, then the voice spoke again. "At this +time, the nearest United Federation of Planets justice is Justice Aron Nghedi +at Starbase 72." + +He looked at the Watcher somewhat pointedly. + +"I suggest you contact him immediately, you may use my ready room, it has full +communications access." + +She nodded. "Thank you, that would be helpful." + +"May I ask why you have not issued a warrant?" he asked quietly as he +accompanied her to the door to allow her access to his sanctum sanctorum. + +She nodded. "Of course. It was precisely because I wished to avoid this +situation. I delayed issuing the warrant until the rest of my staff arrived, +in hopes that he might not attempt to flee. My thought was that an orderly +transfer of power to Kelssohn's replacement could be arranged to spare Halvam +some of the shock his arrest will undoubtedly cause. Apparently I misjudged +his level of panic." + +"I see, thank you." + +Picard relaxed a little, her reasoning was sound. He was glad that her +omission had not been an oversight or poor planning, as neither of those fit +with his assessment of her character. He opened the door for her and returned +to stand just behind and between the operations and navigation stations, his +usual haunt when he was too keyed-up to sit. After a moment he glanced back at +Worf. + +"Let me know if the situation changes." he said, though he knew it was +unnecessary. + +"Aye, sir." + +He studied the planet on the screen, watching the patterns formed by clouds +passing over the variegated colors of land and water. It always seemed ironic +how serene any planet seemed when viewed from this distance. Deceptively so, +in too many cases. Rarely did the scars of greed or hatred mark a planet so +deeply as to show from space. It was a shame that closer examination rarely +revealed such tranquility. + +### + +Though still tense, Picard had given up pacing out of compassion for his bridge- +crew's nerves, and was seated in the center seat. Finally, Worf broke the +silence. + +"The Gksstant's engines are on-line, they are preparing to leave orbit." + +Picard nodded, having been expecting it. He hadn't believed the Watcher would +be able to get her warrant issued that quickly. He rubbed his thumb absently +across his lower lip as he thought for a moment, then looked up. + +"Have they filed a route?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"Good, feed it into the navigation computer. Ensign Henley, give them ten- +minutes' lead, then follow them. Be leisurely, and stay out of their sensor +range, I don't want to alert them to our intent." + +"Aye, sir." The young woman at the navigation station paused a moment to read +the route codes as they flashed across her console, then keyed in her own route. +Minutes passed, then she looked up. + +"Course plotted and laid in, time is now ten minutes from Gksstant's mark." + +Picard nodded. "Thank you, Ensign, take her out. And remember, not too close." + +She smiled. "Aye sir, not too close." + +### + +They had been following the Gksstant for close to two hours when Kadin Sho +finally emerged from his ready-room, looking somewhat worn, but smiling. + +"It is done," she said as she came to stand beside him. "It took some doing, +he was reluctant, given the short notice, but once I made him aware of the +situation, he finally agreed to do it. We should receive confirmation of it +at any moment now." + +"Good. I was beginning to worry that we would miss our window of opportunity." + +"I could not let that happen. Crimes of this nature must not go unpunished. +On Efros, we would..." She broke off, and lifted her head to stare at the +viewscreen intently. "We are no longer orbiting Halvam. Why?" + +"We're following the Gksstant." + +She appeared surprised. "I had not realized it had been so long. I was too +absorbed in presenting my case." + +"Captain." Worf spoke into the pause. "Message incoming from Starbase 72." + +"On screen." + +"Enterprise, this is Justice Aron Nghedi, do you read?" + +Picard studied the man whose image gazed out at him. He looked to be in his +sixties, wirily built and ascetic-looking, almost regal. He was very dark- +skinned, with thick, short-cropped greying hair. His face was deeply lined, +his eyes dark, and penetrating. As a Federation justice he wore no uniform, +but his clothing were of conservative cut and sober color. Picard +unconsciously reseated the lower edge of his tunic before replying. + +"This is Captain Picard, Justice Nghedi, and yes, you are quite clear." + +"Picard? A pleasure to meet you, Captain, if this can properly be called a +meeting. But, to the matter at hand. I trust I do not need to fill you in +regarding the Halvami situation, since it was you and your people who uncovered +it. Suffice it to say, that I have agreed that there is enough evidence to +hold Guide Jaron Kelssohn of Halvam on suspicion of a colonial Prime Directive +violation, multiple counts of murder, and conspiracy. A warrant has been issued +for his arrest, it should be in your data bank now. I formally request that +you act in this matter on behalf of the United Federation of Planets as you +see fit." + +"Thank you, Justice Nghedi. I will. Picard out." + +The justice acknowledged his sign-off with a slight inclination of his head, +then his image faded, replaced by the star-filled view from the forward sensors. +Picard stood. + +"Ensign Henley, set an intercept course, full impulse." + +"Aye, sir," she said, fingers flying, "plotted and laid in, sir." + +"Engage." + +There was no perceptible acceleration as the ship leaped forward. Picard had +always been bothered by that, in some dark corner of his mind. It seemed he +should be able to feel the change in power somehow, like the change from sub- +light to warp-speed which was heralded by the doppler shift of the starlight. +He looked up at Worf, waiting, tense, at the Security station. + +"Hail the Gksstant, Mr. Worf. Ask her to stand to, and surrender Jaron +Kelssohn." + +"Aye sir." The Klingon's massive hands clenched once as he spoke with the +other ship, the only sign of his craving for battle. + +Picard was slightly surprised when the other ship immediately slowed, then +stopped. He had not expected it to be quite that easy. He studied its image +on the viewer, and thought he understood why. The Gksstant was obviously +incapable of a fight, or, for that matter, of a flight. The ship was so +ancient he wasn't entirely sure what held it together, but he wasn't ruling out +corrosion. + +"Enterprise, this is Captain Hros, of the Gksstant." + +A face appeared on the viewscreen, a woman, or rather, a female Hkkkai. Her +face was a mottled shade of bluish-purple that on a human would have had him +calling for medical assistance. He recalled that among the Hkkkai the color +her anxious gaze was a startlingly similar hue. She leaned forward in her seat +as she continued, which had the effect of making all the bridge crew draw back, +instinctively. + +"I assure you that we would be pleased to surrender this Kelsson person, were +he aboard, but there is no one by that name. You must have mistaken us for +some other vessel." + +"We have the correct vessel, Captain Hros," Worf responded. "The man we seek +may be using the name Nor Eslan." + +"Eslan?" She blinked, her inner-eyelids a white flash across her vertical- +pupiled eyes. "Haaais, bring me the passenger manifest." + +After a moment she looked down at something, and back up. "Yesss," her accent +slipped momentarily into the sibilance of her native speech. "Eslan we have." +She looked offscreen, to someone on her bridge. "Haaais, you have let a criminal +on board! Bring him at once!" + +She moved in an odd manner, followed by a slapping sound and a startled yelp +of pain from the unseen Haaais. Picard recalled that Hkkkai were possessed of +extremely strong, barb-tipped tails, which they did not hesitate to use. He +suspected the unfortunate Haaais had just borne the brunt of Hros' irritation. + +The order given, Hros returned her attention to the viewscreen and attempted to +smile, baring toothless gums and a two-inch pair of curved ivory fangs. +Picard tried not to shudder in response. + +"Sssorry, Captain of Enterprise. Haaais is not the most intelligent of Hkkkai, +but he does what I say. I should have checked passenger credentials myself." + +Picard knew she was fishing for him to tell her she was free to go, once she +had given up Kelssohn. He strung her out a little. + +"Yes, Captain Hros. You should have," he told her severely. "If you had +checked your passenger's credentials through properly, you would have found +there is no Nor Eslan. I wonder if any of your other passengers might be +carrying falsified credentials." + +Hros' color became even darker, and her tongue flicked out in agitation. "None, +I assss... assure you! None at all. My ship is completely respectable! It is +just that there are only four of us, and so much work..." + +"I am sure it is, Captain, you are obviously understaffed," +Picard said soothingly. "I'm sure it was simply by chance that this person +happened to choose your vessel." + +"Yes, yes precisssely! Ah, here is that wretch, Haaais, with the criminal." + +Hros finally moved away from the viewer and allowed a full-screen scan of her +bridge. It was remarkably well-equipped, and in good condition, considering +the state of the vessel's exterior. + +His trained eye scanned her set-up assessingly, and recognized several pieces +of state-of-the-art equipment. Her throne-like seat appeared to be carved from +real wood, was heavily padded, and upholstered in what looked like tapestry. +There was definitely more to the Gksstant than first glance would assume. + +To one side of the conn stood two very large Hkkkai males, holding a human +between them. One of the Hkkkai had a pair of parallel slashes across the side +of his face which oozed dark fluid, no doubt a souvenir of Hros' tail barbs. +His prisoner was a big man, silver-hair in disarray, and wearing freight- +workers' coveralls, but all too familiar. Picard nodded to him. + +"Guide Kelssohn. What a pleasant surprise." + +"Picard," he acknowledged drily. "I'm afraid I can't say the same." + +"I didn't think you would. Mr. Worf, take a security detail to ... 'welcome' +Guide Kelssohn to the Enterprise." + +"Aye captain." Worf barked several names into the companel, ordering them to +report to the transporter room, and left. + +Hros's face loomed close to the screen once more. + +"What has the criminal done?" She asked curiously. + +"Suspected criminal, Captain Hros." Picard corrected her, though in this case +it nearly went against the grain to grant innocence until guilt was proven +unequivocally. "His guilt will be determined by a court. As for what he may +have done, you will be learning that shortly, I have no doubt, from the media. +Thank you for your cooperation, you are free to go as soon as we have Kelssohn +aboard." + +Her relief was obvious as her color lightened to pale violet, the normal color +of a Hkkkai female. As she expressed her thanks, he wondered what the cargo +was that she was so anxious to protect. The Hkkkai had a reputation for +disdaining Federation laws, so her giving up Kelssohn so readily clearly +indicated she had something aboard she didn't want them to know about. +Something illegal, no doubt. The image on the screen returned to the starfield, +and Worf's voice came over the com. + +"Guide Kelssohn is aboard, sir. Shall we escort him to the brig?" + +"Yes, Mr. Worf. Do so. The Watcher and I will join you there in a few +moments." + +"Aye sir, Worf out." + +### + +A commotion brought Davan to his feet to see what was going on. Unfortunately +he couldn't see anything from his cell. He heard a voice complaining about the +'accommodations' and stiffened in disbelief. Jaron? Here? It seemed unlikely, +but that tone of bland arrogance was too familiar to belong to anyone else. He +frowned. If they had Jaron, that meant they had evidence, of some kind. Other +wise they would not have been able to arrest him. His thoughts went +immediately to the recording of Seret Ng he had stashed in his ship. Could +they have found it? He had taken great pains to make it all but impossible to +find. But... they had Kelssohn. + +The Klingon spoke, loud and reprimanding. The argument was apparently resolved, +not, he suspected, to Kelssohn's liking, for he heard the subtle whine of a +force-shield springing into place in a nearby cell. Despite his worry, he +couldn't suppress a grin at the muttered expletive he overheard. It was good +to know he wasn't alone. His guilt was nothing compared to Kelssohn's and he +knew a jury would be aware of that. He settled back onto the narrow but not +uncomfortable bed and waited, listening intently, waiting for further +developments. + +His wait wasn't long. Within minutes, he heard new voices, Picard, and the +Efrosian Watcher. He heard the woman list off the charges against Kelssohn, +and mentally added a few. He heard Kelssohn protest both his innocence, and +his arrest. If he hadn't known better, the affronted, grieving tone Jaron used +would almost have convinced him. Apparently neither Watcher Sho or Captain +Picard were convinced. They spoke for a few minutes more, saying nothing of +particular interest to Davan, then he was startled as they moved to stand +before his cell. He stood, immediately, and walked to within a few centimeters +of the force-screen. Despite himself, he began to hope. + +"Captain Picard, Watcher Sho... have you considered my offer?" + +"I have," the Watcher stated gravely. + +"And?" he prompted nervously. + +"I have decided not to prosecute you for involvement in the original massacre +of the Rua'Shi, but only because at the time you must have been a boy of what, +ten? Eleven? I doubt even the most felonious of eleven-year-olds could have +had a hand in designing or administering the plague which destroyed them. As +for your crimes since then, we will see what the evidence presents. If you +wish to testify for the prosecution, it is possible that the justice and jury +assigned to this case may be more inclined to leniency. Then again, they may +not. It is up to you. Your testimony would be useful, but not necessary. We +have the sworn statement of one who was involved, as well as corroborating +testimony from the sole Rua'Shi survivor." + +Davan's hopes fell to the floor and shattered. They had Seret Ng's recording. +What else could she mean? Then her other statement sank in. Sole survivor. + +"Survivor? Coran blew them all to hell and gone! How could anyone survive +that? It melted titanium girders!" + +"You knew?" The Watcher gasped, shocked. + +"No!" Davan exclaimed. "But I saw the site, no one could have survived that!" + +"Etain wasn't in the fire." Picard said, flatly. "She was in the Rua'Shi city, +Dhara, guiding the away team Coran tried to ambush. Fortunately, she was able +to detect him, and his men, in time." + +"Etain?" Davan asked, puzzled. He'd been in charge of the Dormitory for three +years, when he was still a lieutenant. None of them had been named Etain. +Abruptly a memory surfaced, a few days before the fire, one of his men had been +involved in an altercation behind a restaurant not far from the Dormitory. He +had sworn that he had seen a mysterious halfling female. The restauranteur +who'd knocked him unconscious with some sort of kitchen utensil had filed a +complaint against him, accused him of stealing food, and had also said he'd +tried to molest a young woman. They hadn't been able to locate the girl. +The men Coran had sent to kill Picard's rescuer had also described a physically +mature halfling female. With sickening clarity Davan remembered listening to +the five men who returned unscathed joking and bragging about the mission, +and he knew, as Coran must have known in the end, that she had somehow +survived. He ran a hand through his hair, shaken, wondering how she could have. +It was almost as unthinkable as a halfling surviving the fire. More than +that, how could she have been well enough two days later to lead a Starfleet +away-team to Dhara? + +Picard spoke as if reading his mind. "If I find that you had anything to do +with what happened to her... "He left the sentence unfinished. + +As Davan looked at Picard's grim face, at the harsh lines suddenly graven there, +he thanked every deity he could think of that he hadn't been the one who'd +issued that order. + +"I had nothing to do with that. Coran was running the show, until he died. +Strange, I never knew he had a heart condition." + +Picard and Watcher Sho exchanged a speaking glance. Davan wondered what +had prompted it. To his astonishment, Picard smiled, very slightly, not very +pleasantly. + +"He didn't." + +### + +Sitting alone in her room, Etain eavesdropped shamelessly, and with +satisfaction. She had killed the worst of them, but those who had aided the +Darkmind were caught, and would be brought to justice. Having met the Watcher, +she now had no doubt about that. She poked at her own feelings, prodding, +searching, until she was assured that there really was no part of her that +wanted to do to these two what she had done to the Darkmind. That was gone, +the worst of her rage burned away in a cleansing flash. Not that it was all +gone, she suspected that it might never go away, not completely, but it was +under control now, like Picard's fears of the Borg. It would never be able to +rise up and destroy her. She sighed, and withdrew herself from their thoughts +only a little guiltily. She knew she should not have listened without their +permission, but her need had outweighed her manners. + +She stretched to relieve the ache in her lower back, and longed for the hot- +springs of her childhood. Their showers were pleasant, but not what she needed +at the moment. Her attempt to sleep in a 'real' bed, like theirs, had only +proven to her that sleeping in beds did not agree with her. This sleep-time +she would return to her c_s, her nest of cushions on the floor. + +Feeling restless and odd, she got to her feet and paced a few steps. Why was +she restless? Things were coming to conclusions. She knew where she was to go, +her course, at least for a little while, was set. She thought of Lwaxana and +smiled, glad that she had not spoiled her chance there. The Counselor's mother +was not who she would have chosen as a teacher, but at least life with her +would not be unpleasent. Etain had had a lifetime of fear, of hiding, of +enforced ignorance. She never wanted to experience those things again. + +With a peculiar sense of exhilaration, she began to dance, a simple, childhood +dance, remembering the songs the fiarsain had sung for them so long ago. She +danced until she got dizzy, and laughing silently, let herself fall, winded, +onto the couch. A drawing ache bloomed in her stomach. Was she hungry? She +thought for a moment about using the machine which made food, but could not +think of anything she wanted. A trickle of something mahogany snaked down +her inner thigh. She stared at it blankly, and realized suddenly what it was. + +Panic gripped her, and she tried to gather her wits enough to go inside, to +find what was wrong, then it came to her that nothing was wrong. Hadn't +Lwaxana told her? Peace returned, and she started to smile again. She would +not fear it. She would welcome it. She thought hard to remember what Mhaiv +and Briit had told her about the ceremonies which attended the event. It had +been a long time, and she hadn't paid much attention at the time, but one thing +she did recall; it was a thing only for women. Still smiling, she reached out. + +__Lwaxana, Deanna, Guinan? Are you there?__ + +A moment later, somewhat startled assurances came to her. Lwaxana must have +sensed that moment of fear, for her thoughts were tinged with concern. + +__Are you alright, child? Are you well?__ + +__I am well, I am alright, but I am no longer a child. The Mother has touched +me, finally. Will you come, and celebrate with me?__ + +The Counselor seemed puzzled, but Guinan knew. Etain could almost feel her +smile. + +__Of course we will! In fact, we'll bring along Beverly and Kadin Sho, too, if +that's alright.__ + +__I would like that.__ + +__Wait, I don't understand.__ Deanna protested. __What are we celebrating?__ + +Etain sensed a quick exchange between Lwaxana and her daughter, felt Deanna's +startled comprehension, quickly followed by gladness. + +__I didn't realize you were not... though I should have. I will come, +certainly. Congratulations!__ + +### + +Data was on his way to engineering to meet with Commander LaForge about his +experimental sensor modifications when he stopped, tilting his head slightly to +one side, listening intently. Someone was singing in the corridor. To be more +precise, several someones, all female, judging from the pitch. The singing was +accompanied by a rhythmic repetition of a hollow 'doum' sound, and a lot of +laughter. He was puzzled. Listening grew easier as the singers approached, he +still could not see them, but he could hear them. He recognized the language +as Betazoid, but was unable to translate the meaning of the words, as some were +pronounced in a slurred fashion which made them difficult to decipher. + +The singers appeared from around a corner. Lwaxana Troi was in the lead, +tapping on a small, wasp-waisted drum, followed by Etain, then Counselor Troi, +Guinan, and finally Doctor Crusher. Etain wore what appeared to be leaves in +her hair, and was swathed in a garment which bore a startling resemblance to a +bed-sheet. The entire group was flushed of face and grinning. He detected +alcohol molecules in the air as they approached, alcohol, not synthehol. They +were not just singing, they were dancing, or attempting to. Their efforts were +somewhat uncoordinated. Deanna waved at Data as they passed him, and continued +in their odd behavior, bursting into even louder laughter once past him. He +stared after them, puzzled, until they disappeared around another curve, heading +in the general direction of Holodeck Three. Deciding he was not going to be +able to make sense out of their behavior with what little information he had, +he turned and moved on. + +Rounding the corner from which the group had emerged, he came face-to-face +with the Captain, staring back in the direction from which Data had just come +with a rather bemused expression on his face. Data felt safe in assuming that +the reason for his bemusement was probably the same as his own. He stopped, +waited a moment for the Captain to register his presence, then proceeded with +his question. + +"Captain, if I may ask, what..." + +The Captain interrupted, shaking his head. "I have absolutely no idea. None +at all." + +"Oh. I see." Data had learned that was the appropriate response in such a +situation, even if one didn't really see at all. + +Picard chuckled. "Sometimes, Mr. Data, human behavior is incomprehensible +even to other humans. Let it rest." + +"Aye sir. Thank you." + +"For what?" Picard asked, rhetorically it seemed, as he turned and walked away. + +Data pondered the incident for a moment longer, then filed it for future +reference and continued on his way. + +### + +Epilogue + +Picard glanced up as the lift doors opened, and nodded slightly, acknowledging +Deanna Troi's presence on the bridge. She smiled back broadly, obviously +pleased about something. She seated herself, arranging her azure skirt to her +liking, then turned toward him. + +"I received some news from my mother today, Captain, I thought you might like +to hear it." + +He lifted an eyebrow sardonically. "I take it she has decided we are not her +favorite vacation spot after all?" + +Deanna laughed, and shook her head. "No, the news isn't that good, I'm afraid. +No, this actually doesn't really concern my mother, but rather Etain." + +Picard sat up a little straighter, immediately interested. "Yes? How is she?" + +"She's fine, doing extremely well, in fact. The private tutors mother hired +have been very pleased with her progress, and her therapist also reports that +she is making headway. All in all, she is far ahead of where they thought she +would be by now. But more importantly, the trial ended two days ago." + +Picard's smile faded. "And?" he prompted. + +Deanna's expresssion grew serious. "Jaron Kelssohn was convicted on all counts. +Davan Delvekia was convicted of conspiracy, and several other offenses, though +not so many as Kelssohn. A few others were indicted and convicted as well, +though apparently most of the original conspirators are now dead. Surprisingly, +Etain requested that they be treated leniently, apparently because she feels +their behavior was psionically influenced. They've all been recommended for +extended rehabilitation on Oranos Five." + +Picard shook his head, frowning. "It seems so little, when one considers the +magnitude of what they did there. Did they ever explain why they did it?" + +Deanna sighed. "Not to anyone's satisfaction, Kelssohn just keeps on with the +usual nonsense about not wanting to lose the colony. We know from what Etain +told us that Coran Delvekia was psionically talented, and that his father was +terrified of psi-users, and fanatical in condemning them. If he found that his +own son was talented, he would no doubt have stuck out at him. A child forced +into that kind of fear and self-loathing could not help but be mentally +unstable, fearing and rejecting his gifts. He may have seen in the Rua'Shi a +threat of exposure, as well as fundamentally jealous of their open use of their +gifts. He may unconsciously have used his own talent to gain influence, and to +manipulate others into helping him obliterate the Rua'Shi, thus eliminating +what he perceived as a threat to his own safety." + +Picard scowled. "I cannot believe a parent would..." he began, then hesitated +and shook his head. "No, I suppose I can, though one would hope that they would +not. If it's true, it was not entirely Delvekia's fault that he became what he +did. That explains Etain's reaction to his death more clearly. She must feel +dreadful." + +Deanna tilted her head slightly to one side as she gazed at him, alerting him +to the fact that she was puzzled by his behavior. "You could ask her. It's +not as if we don't know how to contact her. She and mother leave for Betazed +within the week. Mother says Etain is very well, and looking forward to +attending classes at the Reiks Academy." + +Picard's eyebrows lifted. "The Reiks Academy? Isn't that a little advanced for +someone with only six months of formal schooling?" + +"Apparently not. Mother informs me that Etain passed the entrance examination +in record time. It appears she's put that auto-learning technique she and Wes +developed to good use." + +"So it does." He stared off at nothing for a moment, then turned his attention +back toward her. "Did she mention what decisions were made about the +Preserver site, the city, or about the possibility of cloning from the +preserved genetic material?" + +Deanna nodded. "As the last surviving Rua'Shi, Etain has complete control over +all Rua'Shi holdings, however she has agreed to allow Federation scientists +full access to Dhara and the Preserver complex, for as long as she sees fit. +She has not yet decided on the genetic material, and has placed it in +Federation safekeeping, with the proviso that no one is to experiment with it. +She does not yet feel it time to make a final decision." + +He nodded. "I understand. It must be very difficult for her. It seems oddly +coincidental that you should receive word now. Last night I was looking for my +copy of Tacan Elidaz' Eilor, when I found Etain's book there, the one which had +her name-story in it. I didn't even know it was there, until now. A gift, I +suppose, though it seems odd that she didn't mention it." + +Deanna eyed him, thoughtfully. "Mmm. Interesting." + +Picard rolled his eyes and sighed in exasperation. "Did you know that you +sound exactly like Guinan when you say that?" + +"Do I?" Deanna asked mock-innocently. "I wonder why?" + +Not deigning to reply, Picard turned back toward the viewscreen with its +uninterrupted view of space, a thoughtful frown creasing his forehead. The +Counselor decided that discretion was the better part of valor, and settled +back to enjoy the view as well. + +### + +Etain stood at the viewplate and watched the stars shift and stream away as the +ship traveled. She smiled a little, remembering a time not-so-long gone when +such a view would have terrified her. Now, it drew her, distracting her from +the task at hand, ostensibly helping Lwaxana try to decide which of her myriad +gowns to wear for their arrival on Betazed. Mostly, though, her thoughts were +as far from such matters as the stars she watched. For over half a year she +had been in a kind of stasis, waiting for the trial to be over. Now that it +was, the sudden freedom felt strange. She was free, the Federation jurors had +decided her killing of Coran Delvekia fell under self-defense, despite what she +felt were damning indications to the contrary. She had not held back, had told +them what she had done, and why, yet still, they had declined to convict her. +What recompense she could make for having killed him, she would have to decide +for herself. Perhaps they had sensed that what she chose would be more than +they would have imposed on her. They had been more than fair, startlingly so. +She was now the guardian of her people's future... or lack thereof. Not that +she wanted that responsibility, but as the last of her kind, they had thought +it appropriate. She was not ready yet to take up that burden, though. She +needed time, she needed freedom. First. + +She thought about all the stories Lwaxana had told her about Betazed. If only +half of them were true, she would surely enjoy life there, but knew she could +not stay there forever. Not only could she not remain indebted to Lwaxana so +long, but there were too many worlds she had never seen. During the months of +waiting she had learned something about herself. More than anything else, she +needed to know. Not just to learn what she could from books, or the minds of +beings who were willing to share their knowing with her. She wanted to know +firsthand, to discover for herself. That she could not do confined to one +world. + +She wanted to see the bronze sky and feel the heat of the Second Home, the world +called Vulcan. She wanted to see the vast oceans and green continents of the +First Home, Earth. After that, she would learn as many worlds as she could, +their ways, their philosophies, their visions. Only then might she be wise +enough to make the decision that haunted her dreams. The fate of her people +lay in her hands, in her body. She could not take that duty lightly. It +required wisdom, and that was only gained through experience. + +Wisdom. The word conjured three people immediately. Mhaiv, Guinan, and Picard. +She wondered if she would ever have that sort of wisdom. Thinking of Picard and +Guinan made her wonder where the sleek silver form of the Enterprise glided now, +what distant, fascinating place did she explore? That way of life called to +her, she could see herself aboard such a ship, among such people, but was it +because of her need to know, or because of the emotional ties she felt to the +inhabitants that ship? She did not know that either, yet. In time, she would +know, and decide. Decisions always required time. + +Finally, she felt Lwaxana's intense dark gaze on her and looked up to find her +foster-mother watching her quietly, a gown held, forgotten, in her hands. + +__Are you well, little one?__ she queried, gently. + +Etain smiled slightly. __Yes, I am well. I was thinking of what is to come. +There is so much to learn, yet, despite all I have already learned.__ + +__Yes, there is. You are very wise, to know that.__ + +Etain was startled. She had just been thinking about wisdom... After a moment, +she shook her head. __You must stop 'listening' without permission, my +mother.__ + +Lwaxana wrinkled her nose disdainfully. __Where's the fun in that? Come now, +you're far too serious tonight. Will you play for me?__ + +Hiding a smile, Etain opened the pouch which hung from her belt, and took out +her flute. It had arrived one day, during the waiting, addressed to her, with +no sender's name attached, but she had known instantly whose gift it was. +There was only one person who knew what it would mean to her, and what it +should look like. Lwaxana had looked at her askance when she had received it, +but for once had not pried. The red-gold wood gleamed in the light as Etain +rubbed her fingers absently over the carved interlace that ran down its spine +and encircled the finger-holes, then lifted it to her lips and began to play. + +### +______________________________________________________________________________ +copyright 1992, Kellie Matthews-Simmons +matthews_k@cubldr.colorado.edu//matthewk@spot.colorado.edu +all rights reserved + +Standard Disclaimers Apply + diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/silicon.rev b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/silicon.rev new file mode 100644 index 00000000..f249920b --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/silicon.rev @@ -0,0 +1,214 @@ +WARNING: The following article contains spoiler information regarding this +week's TNG episode, "Silicon Avatar". Those not wishing details surrounding +the show's plot, mood, characters, events, and small fish named Ethel should +perhaps consider moving on to another post at this time. + +Well, *I'm* depressed. + +Talk about your depressing endings...masterfully manipulated in that regard +(and a few others, though not all). More, after this synopsis from your local +station (well, okay, me): + +While Riker, Data, and Bev are visiting the Melona Four colony, the +Crystalline Entity appears and utterly destroys it, although all but two of +the colonists are saved. The Enterprise is sent to track the Entity down, +with the help of xenologist Kyla Marr--a woman who, although capable, has no +trust for Data, due to Lore's previous assistance given to the Entity in the +past. Picard, realizing that if her attitude will be a problem, it's best to +know early, assigns her to work with Data in nearly every detail. + +She doesn't take to it well initially--she accuses him of collaborating with +the Entity (thus "explaining" why this group of colonists wasn't killed like +all the other attacks in 20-plus years), and reveals that her interest in the +Entity began when her son was killed at Omicron Theta (Data's homeworld). +However, after Data has provided help in several occasions (including finding +a way to track the Entity by a method Dr. Marr had overlooked), she appears to +realize that he really *isn't* much like Lore. + +As the Enterprise follows the Entity (which is apparently headed for the +Brechtian cluster), Picard has to point out to Marr that the intent is *not* +to kill the Entity unless they absolutely have to--he'd prefer to find a way +to communicate with it, and see if its needs can be supplied in some other +way. Marr is understandably skeptical, but agrees to work with Data to find a +method of communication. + +They find one--and Marr further finds that through Data's programmed memories +and experiences of the Omicron Theta colony, she can, in some respects, hear +her son again. (After the Entity captures and "consumes" the inhabitants of +another ship, Data reads one of her son's journal entries aloud in his voice, +bringing tears to Marr's eyes.) + +They eventually find the Entity and begin broadcasting a series of graviton +pulses to it. It appears to respond, and emits a pattern which is almost +undoubtedly a sign of intelligence, although they cannot yet decipher what the +pattern of pulses means. Picard is elated--but then Marr, who wrote most of +the program, alters it to emit a _continuous_ pulse of gravitons with rapidly +increasing amplitude, and locks the program in such a way that neither Data +nor Geordi can stop the emission before the Entity is shattered. + +Data takes Marr back to her quarters, her mind virtually snapped. She asks +"Rennie", through Data, to tell her that he understands she did it for him. +Data demurs: from what he knows of her son through his journals and vivid +memories, he believes Rennie would be very sad at the loss of both the Entity +and of his mother's brilliant career. + +That should do. (Yes, it's a bit shorter than usual--I think it was a little +more easily summarized than most. Besides, I'm tired. :-) ) Now, on to some +comments. + +It's an interesting situation when the alleged blockbuster of "Redemption II" +(which, although riddled with holes and annoyances, did provide an interesting +enough ride that it got a 6.5) is the worst show of the season. But so far, +that seems to be the case--this was a pretty solid outing. + +I'll get the gripes out of the way first, I think. So... + +First, I'm a little bit annoyed that we rarely, if *ever*, see a scientist who +isn't somehow obsessed, or overbearing, or some other form of bad guy. It's +analogous to the "Admirals are all idiots" syndrome, but I don't mind that +one. I do mind this one--we're not *all* like that, after all! (I make no +claims as to which category I fall into, however. :-) ) That's just a +general gripe--Marr was written well enough that I'm willing to overlook it in +this case. But I *do* wish we'd see some non-Enterprise scientists who +weren't so unlikeable (when the first three I can think of are Marr, +"Evolution"'s Dr. Stubbs, and "Where No One Has Gone Before"'s Kosinski, +there's a clear trend). + +Along vaguely similar lines--although Marr was a well-written and +well-motivated character (a bit of a surprise, actually; I didn't think so at +all in her first few scenes, but most or all of it was set right), Ellen +Geer's performance occasionally didn't hit things quite right. Most of her +"hostile" scenes in the second act didn't feel quite right to me, despite the +fact that they made perfect sense in context. And her final appeal to +"Rennie" was ever so slightly too over-the-top for me. It's a minor +point--her more important scenes (those in Data's quarters, and her final one +on the bridge) were well-played, and that's what really counts. But it's +worth mentioning. + +Finally, I'm unsure about the Treknological aspects of the show. First of +all, gamma rays are *not* in the 10 keV range--that's X-rays. Second, I don't +believe proton-antiproton annihilation will make emissions at that +frequency--but I'm not at all sure about that, and I'm sure someone more +experienced can correct me on that. The prospect of using gravitons seems +marginally titchy, since I believe gravitons are theorized to move only at c +(i.e. they wouldn't work if you're broadcasting to something a few light-years +away), but since we know so little about them (like, we've yet to *actually +see one* :-) ), I'm not sweating that much. + +Major plot problem: the only other time we saw the Entity, Lore *was +communicating with it*--and it was clear that the Entity understood in +"Datalore", based on its actions early in its appearance. This is a huge bit +of retconning that makes much of "Datalore" somewhat difficult to explain, and +I don't like it. I'm sure they could have come up with *something* to make +both fit (and I'm sure r.a.s. will before too long :-) ), but it needed to be +done. That's really my only strong objection to the show. + +Now, on to some of the good points. + +After two weeks of railing about Riker acting like a bozo (and a week before +where he got virtually no air time in an allegedly important role), it was +refreshing to see Riker done right. Yes, he was flirting outrageously with +Carmen in the teaser (if you haven't seen the show yet, the details of the +colony's destruction are *far* more extensive than I gave in the synopsis, and +are well done)--but it felt human for once. (In fact, I *actually* found +myself thinking a bit of Hawkeye Pierce in that scene, and Hawkeye almost sets +the standard for TV flirting. :-) ) His actions throughout the Entity's +attack on the colony were precisely as required, and were well played--it's +not often that I manage to empathize with Frakes's portrayal, but I did +here, both when Carmen was killed off and when he and Data emerge from the +cave to see the absolute wasteland that the colony has become...brr. Finally, +Riker took *exactly* the right tone when he was questioning whether they +perhaps *should* just kill the Entity--right down to ever so slightly +bristling when Picard suggested he was acting for personal reasons. A rare +congratulations to Frakes for a superb job this go-round. + +It was also nice to see them make good work out of a development I don't +particularly care for, i.e. Data's professed complete lack of emotions. Based +on his actions in past shows ("The Measure of a Man", for instance), I don't +believe that it's particularly apt, but it was put to good use here. Only +someone as unfeeling as Data could avoid reacting to Marr's accusations +initially, and only someone as unfeeling as Data could have delivered a +condemnation such as the one Marr got at the end. Beautiful. + +And this was definitely one of Cliff Bole's better directing jobs. While I do +tend to get into the show, it's rare that I have much of an emotional reaction +to it. Two different scenes managed to evoke precisely what the writers +intended--absolute shock and dismay at the scene of the ravaged colony (I'm +reminded of the current cover to Donaldson's _The Wounded Land_ +there...obligatory Donaldson reference :-) ), and feeling Marr's pain when +hearing her son's journal in his voice. It wasn't all Bole's doing--in part, +one of the reasons the former scene worked so well was that Riker looked +_convincingly_ stricken by it, and another was the music there. But Bole was +responsible for much of it, no doubt. Nice work. + +As to that music...it's definitely time to give Jay Chattaway as much work as +he can handle. First, he does a memorable job on "Darmok"; now, this. His +piece at the sight of the ravaged colony is probably the most powerful, and +vivid, piece I've heard from TNG since the sighting of the Borg ship in +BOBW1--enough so that it took a conscious effort of will not to stand. If he +keeps this up, I'm going to have to start agreeing with people who're bored by +the music from TNG's other musicmakers, since this is just so far above the +rest. (He's no James Horner or John Williams yet, but he's definitely doing a +solid job.) + +The effects were generally excellent. There was one exception--the "shaking" +in the cave when the Entity attacked outside was pretty cheesy (reminded me of +"Devil's Due", in fact--and that's not a memory I cherish :-) ). But the +shots of the Entity were breathtaking, particularly those in the teaser--both +beautiful and menacing at the same time. Computer-generated effects or no, it +was a vivid image. + +Let's see...what else is there. Oh, yes, Dr. Marr. As I said, I didn't find +her all that believable _initially_--and I didn't buy her sudden "okay, fine, +everyone's terrific--Data, the Entity, everything" conversion. However, the +conversion _wasn't_ quite legit--the part with Data was (and was not a part I +objected to), but she'd simply changed towards the Entity in order to better +have access to destroy it. Her clear obsession about her son was built up +rather slowly--nicely done, since that's the sort of thing that can *very* +easily be made a rotten plotline. About the only scene I didn't eventually +accept was her initial arrival--it was necessary to show how strong she was +there to show just how much she crumbles at the end, yes, but I couldn't +swallow it. She *almost* makes up for it with her offhand "of course, the +last person [her son] would tell [about a girlfriend] would be his mother," +though. :-) + +A few random notes: + +--Nice use of Data's programmed memories. If there was ever a time and a way +to use them, this was it--it makes perfect sense that someone with a relative +at the colony should be avidly curious. + +--So there's "no predetermined limit" on Data's existence, eh? I'm sure they +didn't actually *intend* for this to impact on those who just saw the +director's cut of "Blade Runner" in LA over the past few weeks, but...:-) + +--Picard's "remarkable", complete with raised eyebrow. I think that's the +most Vulcan I have *ever* seen our friend the Captain. Interesting image. + +So, that would seem to do it. Not quite a perfect outing, but a very strong +one. So, Da Numbers: + +Plot: 7. It would've been an airtight 10, but for the "how the HELL did Lore + talk to it, then?" retcon. +Plot Handling: 10. Bliss. +Characterization: 9. A bit off for some of Marr's less believable moments, + but apart from that, everyone was in character, and *well* in + character. + +TOTAL: 9.5, upping quite a bit for music/FX. Good work, guys. + +NEXT WEEK: + +"Disaster" strikes the Enterprise. I really hope those are the worst scenes, +'cos if they're the best... + +Evenin', all. + +Tim Lynch (Cornell's first Astronomy B.A.; one of many Caltech grad students) +BITNET: tlynch@citjuliet +INTERNET: tlynch@juliet.caltech.edu +UUCP: ...!ucbvax!tlynch%juliet.caltech.edu@hamlet.caltech.edu +"Travel...Arrival...years of an inch and a step toward a source..." + --Suzanne Vega, "Pilgrimage" +-- +Copyright 1991, Timothy W. Lynch. All rights reserved, but feel free to ask... diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/sins.rev b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/sins.rev new file mode 100644 index 00000000..eccc0f95 --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/sins.rev @@ -0,0 +1,139 @@ +Newsgroups: rec.arts.startrek +Distribution: rec +Subject: Lynch's LATE Spoiler Review: "Sins of the Father" +Keywords: TNG, Worf, traitor, father, brother +WARNING: This posting contains spoilers for this week's TNG episode, "Sins +of the Father", which you've all probably seen already anyway, since I'm late. +:-( If you haven't, be warned. + +Honest. Duck. + +Hmm. This was..interesting. I'm not yet sure how high it's scoring, but it +was certainly interesting. + +(By the way, the reason this is appearing on Saturday, rather than Thursday, is +that the station showing the program on Sunday unexpectedly died last week. +It's better now, so hopefully "Allegiance" will come out all right.) + +Anyway, here's a quick synopsis: + +The Enterprise takes on board one Commander Kern, Klingon Defense Force, as the +return favor to Riker's visit aboard the Pagh. Upon arriving, he immediately +jumps on everyone for various inefficiencies and the like. Everyone, that is, +except for Worf. Riker makes a formal suggestion to Kern that he adapt slightly +to Federation ways, just as Riker adapted to Klingon ways aboard the Pagh. He +says "This is not a Klingon ship," to which Kern replies, "No, Commander, it is +not--if this were a Klingon ship, I would have killed you for offering your +suggestion." + +Soon, however, we find out the real reason Kern came aboard the Enterprise. He +is Worf's younger brother. (Shades of Sybok, but this is better done--Worf +didn't know he existed either.) He was only 1 Turn old (yes, Turn--someone's +been reading Anne McCaffrey) when Worf and his family left for the Khitomer +outpost, and was left with a friend of the family. Very few people in the +Empire know his true lineage. He came on board to see how "Klingon" Worf is. +When he discovers Worf is satisfactory, he tells Worf, "The challenge is yours +to make." Their father, Mogh, has been accused of treachery in the destruction +of the outpost, and Worf must go before the High Council to clear his father's +name. If he challenges and fails, he will be condemned as a traitor and exe- +cuted. + +Worf immediately decides to go, and asks Picard for leave. Picard refuses, +saying that if a respected officer is going to be tried for a capital crime, +his Captain must be at his side. Worf chooses Kern as his cha'dIch (essen- +tially his second) for the trial. When he arrives, Durris (the son of his +father's greatest rival) makes the formal accusation, and Worf makes the +challenge. + +The leader of the Council, Kempeck, privately urges Worf not to continue the +challenge, saying no dishonor will come to him if he departs before the mokba, +the formal presentation of evidence. Worf refuses. Durris ambushes Kern in +a tunnel below the city, telling him to let Worf stand alone, and saying that +he knows Kern's true lineage. Kern refuses, and is severely wounded by an +assassin. He will recover, but cannot be cha'dIch. Worf asks Picard to serve-- +he accepts. + +Thanks partially to the Enterprise computers, and partially to Picard's zeal in +finding the one other survivor of the Khitomer massacre, Worf's nurse Kahlest +(who lives in the Old Quarter, a rather rough part of town), the truth is dis- +covered. It was Durris's father who betrayed the outpost and sent the defense +codes to the Romulan attackers, but his family is influential, and the truth +could bring the Council down. They chose to implicate Mogh, not expecting Worf +to challenge, OR that there was a second son of Mogh. The judgment stands, but +Worf, rather than allow himself and his brother to die, accepts Discommodation: +essentially admitting his father's guilt and allowing the Council to turn its +back on him (assumedly forever). He wishes his brother to remain alive, to one +day clear Mogh's name. + +Okay. Now, some comments. + +This was, in general, a very sound episode. Most of the scenes on Klinzhai +(which is, of course, not named such--more on that later) were very nicely +done, and the characterization of the Klingons, in general, was sound, as were +those of the regulars. Some examples: + +--Kern's subtle insults to Worf to provoke him before revealing himself. +--Durris stripping Worf of his sash upon the formal accusation, saying "you + shall not wear the emblem of our people". +--Worf's dressing-down of Kern, insisting on certain rights: "Aboard this + ship, you are my first officer, and I shall obey you. But in the + Council Chambers, you are MY cha'dIch, and you do NOT insist." +--Picard accepting Worf's invitation to be cha'dIch--IN KLINGON. Wonderful to + hear those syllables fall from his lips. + +I may think of others while typing--if so, I'll mention them later. :-) + +I did have a few minor quibbles. Most notably, there was no real motivation +behind Durris's attack on Kern. I suspect Kern would not have done as well as +Picard in tracking down Kahlest. It clearly had something to do with the whole +conspiracy of the High Council, but something clearer would have been nice. + +Also, I'm surprised that Worf allowed Picard and company to use so much infor- +mation from the Enterprise computers to get the evidence used in his favor. I +don't exactly know why, but I can't quite picture Worf seeing that as complete- +ly honorable. That may be a personal bias, though. (Heh--as if some of this +stuff I write ISN'T personal bias. :-) ) + +By the way, any lingering worries that perhaps the Khitomer outpost and +Norindra III (from the legendary "Yesterday's Enterprise") were perhaps one and +the same planet (a thought I'd managed to justify to myself) have now been +dispelled. Not only do all Federation peoples also refer to Khitomer as +Khitomer, but the nearest Federation starship to Khitomer during the attack was +the Intrepid-- NOT the Enterprise-C. Let the matter be put to rest. + +Now, about the "Klinzhai" question. They don't name the planet Klinzhai, but +that's okay, because they don't name it AT ALL. Picard simply orders the ship +to "The First City of the Klingon Imperial Empire". A decent compromise +between admitting the novels exist (gasp!) and alienating a lot of John M. +Ford fans. + +Perhaps it's because I'm six days late with this and still tired, but I really +don't have much more to say about the show. It was quite good, and I recommend +it, but it wasn't quite a 10. Let's see what happens. + +Plot: 9. It was just an 8, but the further insistence of the High Council on + letting the charges stand even when they've been found out was unexpec- + ted enough to jump it up. +Plot Handling: 8.5. I wanted some motivation for the attack on Kern. +Characterization: 9.5. A couple of the Klingons were slightly too human, but + quite good apart from that. +Technical: 9. The analysis of the time-synchronization of the Intrepid sensor + logs with the Romulan logs was interesting, but there was a tad too + much stock footage. + +TOTAL: 9. Nice work. I like it. + +NEXT WEEK: + +Picard is kidnapped and his place taken by a duplicate. Looks interesting, but +my main attention got caught by someone who appears to be of the race of Capt. +Rixx. (Remember him?) + +Tim Lynch (Cornell's first Astronomy Major) +BITNET: H52Y@CRNLVAX5 +INTERNET: H52Y@VAX5.CIT.CORNELL.EDU +UUCP: ...!rochester!cornell!vax5.cit.cornell.edu!h52y +"Then you will have to fight--something Starfleet does not teach you!" +"You may test that assumption at your convenience." + + diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/smartin.rev b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/smartin.rev new file mode 100644 index 00000000..6ff3926e --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/smartin.rev @@ -0,0 +1,69 @@ +WARNING: The following post may contain spoilers for this week's TNG episode, +"Samaritan Snare". Proceed with caution. + +Okay, fine, be that way. + +Well, after "Q-Who", I suppose anything would be a letdown. This really +could've been better, though. + +This episode was one of those that was great on characterization, but sadly +lacking on plot. Even with two plots, it had problems :-). Here's a quick +synop of the plots: + +Plot One: The Enterprise, with Riker in temporary command (see plot two), +intercepts a distress call. Answering it, they find a ship of beings known as +the Packlets. (sp?) These people seem very, very dumb--it's really a wonder +how they ever achieved space travel at all. They say their ship is "broken", +but when Geordi beams over to fix it, we eventually find that it's a ruse. +Seems that the Packlets don't like waiting for technology, so they steal it; +through a hostage situation, generally. The situation is resolved, but I +won't say how. + +Plot Two: Picard is forced to go "ashore" at Starbase 515 for cardiac +replacement, an operation which is usually very straightforward...usually. He +also ends up sharing the shuttle there with Wesley, who is en route to take some +exam or other. + +Now, my usual rambling: + +As I've already said, the best thing about this episode was the characteri- +zation. They gave us a lot of insight into Picard, and just generally do +everyone else right (even Troi, for a nice change of pace). It seems that +Picard was somewhat cocky as a youth; that is, until he got into a barroom +brawl with some Nausicaans and ended up with a spear through his heart. Most +of the scenes between him and Wesley are excellent, and I recommend them +(barring, of course, those who vomit whenever Wes is onscreen). + +Unfortunately, it's not so good otherwise. The plot with the Packlets started +off pretty terrible, but improved. The resolution of that plot is actually +quite nice. Sadly, though, it didn't entirely make up for having to sit +through the abysmal talk of the Packlets. It was nice in moderation, but it +didn't stay in moderation. Bleh. + +The plot with Picard, on the other hand, just wasn't very good. The parts with +Picard worried about his image on the ship were nice, but that's about all it +had going for it. The scenes with the surgeon were abominable. Get someone who +can act next time, okay? Yeesh. + +In sum, it was nice to see, but not something I'll want to go back and see +often. + +Plot: 5. 3 for Picard, but 7 for Geordi. +Plot Handling: 7. 7 for each, actually. +Characterization: 9. Very nice, but not quite up to some. +Technical: 8. Nice. Not thrilling, but nice. + +TOTAL: 7.25------> 7. I'm rounding down this time, 'cause it's not really up +at 7.5 level. Oh well. + +Next Week: + +A world full of clones, that seem to want a certain captain and his first +officer to donate some genes...hmmm. + +Tim Lynch (Cornell's first Astronomy Major) +BITNET: H52Y@CRNLVAX5 +INTERNET: H52Y@VAX5.CIT.CORNELL.EDU +UUCP: ...!rochester!cornell!vax5.cit.cornell.edu!h52y +"Don't tell me. Their rubber band broke, right?" + ---Lt. Geordi LaForge diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/spacebat.cro b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/spacebat.cro new file mode 100644 index 00000000..1ffd60cd --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/spacebat.cro @@ -0,0 +1,1253 @@ +Subject: Space battle - *NEW POST* + +This story is the result of a local BBS set up at my last college. One +conference we created was for `duelling' verbally. This is one of the better +ones that resulted - a SF space battle between the Enterprise-D, the +Millennium Falcon, and the INS Warrior (a ship (& crew) designed by G.Smith +for a RPG). +It is supplied as it was written - apart from me running it through a spelling +checker and tidying up some of the more horrendous grammar. + +I can only take responsibility for the sections written by ISTJROCHBERR, +because that's me :-) + +Ok - so this sounds as if its not worth reading. I mean, pitching ships from +different universes is usually a bad idea; the writer has usually made up his +mind before he starts. With 3 or 4 writers its a bit more interesting.... + + Jon R-B + +---8<-------------------------------------------------------------------------- + + <<< V$IST:[IST.SPRINT.NOTES]BATTLEZONE.NOTE;1 >>> + -< BATTLEZONE Mk. IV ON-LINE >- +=============================================================================== +Note 3.0 Enterprise, Millennium Falcon, and INS Warrior 54 replies +VAX::ISTGSMITH1 "Shockwave,Terrorist with no cause" 37 lines 6-MAY-1992 16:06 +------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + Somewhere near the Gorn Border a strange ship sped a shadow's width away + from reality. Its hull seemed similar to a Klingon Stronger Bird but + its crew where neither Klingon or Vulcan, and its technology from + some distant time. The ship was hurtling at an incredible rate into + Federation space, the only traces of it were Photino streams examining + the real universe that it was ghosting through. + + A strange angular faced human looked up from the holographic display + floating above the black panel in front of her. + "Captain, two ships at 1 LY range." + + Captain Allen looked up with interest. + + "Display", he ordered sharply. + "Aye Sir." + Holographic projections of both ships appeared, floating in front of + the chair. The first was a large saucer with an attached secondary + hull. Out of this hull, supported on pylons, was two glowing blue + nacelles. The second craft was a much smaller saucer, covered in a + mishmash of uncovered pipes, instruments and primitive systems, a + makeshift cockpit jutted from the craft's side. + + "Analysis Battlecomp" + "No I.D. on resonance scans. Configuration does not match known + U.E. or Agonian Craft.", a disembodied voice purred," smaller craft has + minimal energy emissions, larger has comparable emissions with ours" + + "Lieutenant Python", Allen snapped. + "Wot?", the 300kg Morldon growled back. + "Prepare for combat, set for hyperdrive exit", Allen smiled as the + big reptiles face split into an extremely toothy grin. + "We Gonna kick some bottom boss?", he growled; his huge ridged + forehead creasing in excitement. + "That depends on them." + + With a streak the Spectre dropped out of Hyperdrive. Moments later + it shimmered and vanished. +=============================================================================== +Note 3.1 Enterprise, Millennium Falcon, and INS Warrior 1 of 54 +VAX::HLTSCARTER "The Harlequin" 10 lines 6-MAY-1992 16:15 +------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + The battlecom bleeped into a semblance of life in the Falcon, spat + sparks then blew a fuse. + "Chewie, check that out, it seems that we've got two FO's on the outward + bounder, one suckers bigger n an imperial star destroyer and the other's + a bit fuzzy" Solo strapped himself into the cockpit and kicked in the + manual override on the controls... + "wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwaaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrgggggggggg" said Chewie + informatively... + "You what? It masses 90,000 tons?" Solo prepared for what could be a + very short battle... +=============================================================================== +Note 3.2 Enterprise, Millennium Falcon, and INS Warrior 2 of 54 +VAX::ISTGSMITH1 "Death Angel returns with vengeance" 15 lines 7-MAY-1992 15:56 +------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + The Spectre vanished from the sight of even the most sensitive of + sensor systems. + + "Lieutenant Python", Captain Allen started. + "Wot Now?!" + "Stop slobbering on the Navigator and prepare to transfer power to + weapon systems on my mark" + "We not gonna talk to them boss?" + "Python, what type of vessel still uses ion drives on large + vessels" + "Urrrrr, Agonian Cutters Boss!" + "Exactly, we lost an old Seeker class explorer here recently; we + can't take the chance" + + +=============================================================================== +Note 3.3 Enterprise, Millennium Falcon, and INS Warrior 3 of 54 +VAX::ISTJROCHBERR "As far as the eye can see..." 9 lines 8-MAY-1992 13:08 +------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + "Oh I don't believe it!" yelled Solo, kicking the sensor bank, "what's + happened now?" + + Chewie began hitting keys randomly until the 3 NavComps stopped + bickering for a moment and froze him out. + + "I've got a bad feeling about this Chewie" said Han, getting that + familiar sinking feeling that told him he was in a heap of trouble + again. +=============================================================================== +Note 3.4 Enterprise, Millennium Falcon, and INS Warrior 4 of 54 +VAX::ISTSPRINT "Friendly Female 19-21 Wanted!" 23 lines 8-MAY-1992 14:51 +------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + On board the Enterprise everything was ticking over nicely. + + "Mr. Data, What do we have out there?" + + "The smaller of the two vessels is a converted freighter of some + kind, using old ion drives, estimated top speed of just over light + speed. With low powered lasers by our standards. + The larger ship is has not yet been identified, but it's certainly + of equal, if not better, power to the Enterprise." + + "Anything else?" + + "Yes, the larger vessel has powered up it's weapon systems and seems + set to attack the freighter. I estimate that the freighter has a 0.2% + chance of survival if left to fend for itself." + + "Hmmm....Right go to Yellow alert. Mr. Worf, Hail the freighter and + ask if they want our assistance." + + "Captain I don't think they can answer....It looks like their primitive + radio systems are only partially active." + + "Very well Mr. Wolf, but try anyway...." +=============================================================================== +Note 3.5 Enterprise, Millennium Falcon, and INS Warrior 5 of 54 +VAX::ISTJROCHBERR "As far as the eye can see..." 28 lines 11-MAY-1992 10:59 +------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + "Chewie, what the hell is that crackling noise? Is another circuit + frying?" + + "Gwarrrarrguuuuuughhhhhhhhhhoooar" replied Chewbakka helpfully. + + "Nahhh, the video channel has been bust for weeks. I think that ponsy + ship over there is hailing us. Reply to them will ya, I'm still trying + to get a fix on that energy surge. I've got this hunch that there's + another ship out there." + + (Back on the Enterprise) + + "Captain Picard, I am receiving a reply from the small freighter" + + "On screen" + + "They aren't sending a video signal Captain." + + "Well do what you can Worf." + + "Yessir. Its coming through now." + + "Gwarrrarrrarghhhuarrughwaaaaaa" + + "Mr. Data?" + + "Sir, I believe it is a primitive language. I'm not entirely certain + what he's saying." +=============================================================================== +Note 3.6 Enterprise, Millennium Falcon, and INS Warrior 6 of 54 +VAX::ISTGSMITH1 "Death Angel returns with vengeance" 13 lines 11-MAY-1992 16:18 +------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + Suddenly there was a shimmer in space as 270,00 cubic metres of warship + became visible again. + "Transmit messages now, Vargrous" + The depressed Saurian in the Communications chair typed a few + glowing symbols on the black plastic of the console. Twin Tachyon Beams + leapt from the Spectre to the two other craft. Encoded in trinary was + the message. + "ALIEN VESSELS. END YOUR DISPUTE AND LEAVE OR BE DESTROYED. YOU + ARE CURRENTLY IN INVASION OF THE RIMWORLDS SECTOR OF THE UNITED + EMPIRES" + + After the microsecond burst was delivered the ship shimmered and + vanished again. Not even leaving engine trails unhidden. +=============================================================================== +Note 3.7 Enterprise, Millennium Falcon, and INS Warrior 7 of 54 +VAX::ISTJROCHBERR "As far as the eye can see..." 10 lines 11-MAY-1992 16:31 +------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + "There! I saw it Chewie. Its not an Imperial ship either. Don't go + much on its tachyon beam; barely scratched the shields" + + "Groarrugghuarrgh" + + "Ok, so it was a communication beam. Whadditit say?" + + "Warrrggggurrururughrgh" + + "Yeah? Well *you* try fixing it on only 30 bucks!" +=============================================================================== +Note 3.8 Enterprise, Millennium Falcon, and INS Warrior 8 of 54 +VAX::ISTGSMITH1 "Death Angel returns with vengeance" 3 lines 11-MAY-1992 17:05 +------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + "There not leaving, Python" + + "Oh goody!", exclaimed the Morldon, trying not to slobber uncooly. +=============================================================================== +Note 3.9 Enterprise, Millennium Falcon, and INS Warrior 9 of 54 +VAX::ISTJROCHBERR "As far as the eye can see..." 6 lines 11-MAY-1992 17:08 +------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + "Captain, we have just been hailed in an unknown code." + + "Open a hailing channel. Transmit our identification and peaceful + intents on all frequencies in all languages until we receive a reply" + + "Aye Sir" +=============================================================================== +Note 3.10 Enterprise, Millennium Falcon, and INS Warrior 10 of 54 +VAX::ISTGSMITH1 "Death Angel returns with vengeance" 5 lines 11-MAY-1992 17:25 +------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + "They are attempting to reopen communications, should I reply?" + + "Negative; to reply we'd have to drop cloak and I don't want to be + ambushed by that big weird Motha. And keep your eye on the small one as + it must have some capability if it was going against the other." +=============================================================================== +Note 3.11 Enterprise, Millennium Falcon, and INS Warrior 11 of 54 +VAX::ISTGSMITH1 "Death Angel returns with vengeance" 27 lines 13-MAY-1992 13:13 +------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + Storm's brow furrowed. "They're not leaving, and I think I gave 'em + enough time to respond. Attack sequence alpha 180 mark 35, beta + trailing. Transfer power to weapons on my mark ..... NOW!" + + The Morldon's hand hovered above the firing symbol which glowed red as + power and sensor tracking was returned to the weapon system. The + screens HUD showed a lock and the huge dark green fist came down on the + panel. + + The Spectre appeared with a shimmer behind the Enterprise, a ball of + intense plasma leapt from the nose aperture rapidly brightening as it + streaked toward the Enterprise. The aft shields exploded with + cherenkov radiation as they collapsed, the residual plasma scorched the + port engine badly. At the same instant the twin PPC's turned on each + wing and unleashed pulses of phased plasma which flashed in front of + the smaller freighter. + "What happened?", Storm shouted. + "The predict program out anticipated the freighter, sir.", the + starboard gunner yelled, "they dodged into our fire instead of away!" + + The blurred image of the Spectre soared over the Enterprise. + "Their aft shields are down and their FTL drive has sustained + serious damage", the sensor operator reported calmly, "They are + attempting weapons lock but our EW is preventing it." + "Prepare to re-cloak", Storm commanded. + The Spectre's weapons started to power down and the Spectre started to + shimmer again....... +=============================================================================== +Note 3.12 Enterprise, Millennium Falcon, and INS Warrior 12 of 54 +VAX::ISTSPRINT "Friendly Female 18-23 Wanted!" 14 lines 13-MAY-1992 13:23 +------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + Meanwhile on the Enterprise... + + "Red Alert! Aft Shield Failed..." + + "Damn....Mr. Crusher turn us around, get the forward shields towards + them, Mr. Data Fire a wide angled arc of phasors and Photon Torps in + the general area of that ship.....If only 1 or 2 of them hit I'll + help." + + "La Forge here Captain....We can't take another hit like that on the + rear.....I'm trying everything I can but It'll be at least 3 minutes + before I can rechannel some power from elsewhere to the aft shields." + + "Very well Geordi do what you can." +=============================================================================== +Note 3.13 Enterprise, Millennium Falcon, and INS Warrior 13 of 54 +VAX::NATDADAMSON "Dave Lister" 5 lines 13-MAY-1992 14:10 + -< Worf Here... >- +------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + "Sir might I suggest we concentrate all Phasor Fire on the decloaking + ships forward shields then assemble an away team and beam on board when + their shields are down. They fight with no honour!" Growled Lt Worf. +=============================================================================== +Note 3.14 Enterprise, Millennium Falcon, and INS Warrior 14 of 54 +VAX::ISTGSMITH1 "Death Angel returns with vengeance" 11 lines 13-MAY-1992 14:24 +------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + The probing phaser, guided manually by Worf clipped the rear shields of + the Spectre moments before it vanished from sight. + "It will now be far enough away to reduce our chances of hitting + with a phaser strike to 0.000001%", Data announced. + + Aboard the Spectre. + + "Glancing strike to rear quadrant, shields held", the sensor + operator reported. + Storm shouted into the comlink, "Colonel Cantor, get your I.S.T. + armed and ready. We could be transporting you aboard shortly." +=============================================================================== +Note 3.15 Enterprise, Millennium Falcon, and INS Warrior 15 of 54 +VAX::NATDADAMSON "Dave Lister" 10 lines 13-MAY-1992 15:26 +------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + "Captain they fight most dishonourably, no Klingon would run from a + battle, they fight like Romulans! I suggest we fire a wide angle spread in + their last known position!" Growled Worf again. + + "Mr Data, can we get a fix on their last known position? Lt Worf arm + all Phasers and Photon Torpedos to their maximum Effectiveness, Mr + LaForge divert 60% Warp Power to Shields, 40% to Phaser Banks. Mr + Crusher advance Half impulse" Captain Picard Commanded. "Councillor Troi + can you sense anything that would be of any use to us? Mr Worf I want a + full report on the damage we sustained in that last attack" +=============================================================================== +Note 3.16 Enterprise, Millennium Falcon, and INS Warrior 16 of 54 +VAX::ISTGSMITH1 "Death Angel returns with vengeance" 17 lines 13-MAY-1992 16:52 +------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + With a shimmer the ship appeared again, from the least expected angle. + Dead Ahead. The plasma bolt crashed into the ships forward shields + which flared as they crumpled under the onslaught. Phased plasma + pulses slammed into the starboard nacelle as the craft passed over the + main saucer. The Enterprise's return salvo penetrated the crafts + shields and scorched along the vessels inner wing. The shields glowed + as the photon torpedo burst was deflected, yet the phaser had already + done its damage. + + "Cloak up! Damage Report.", Storm snapped. + "Tachyon Beam Dictor Array Damaged, shields at 48%, two torpedo + Pallets vaporised, rear missile launcher disabled, casualties in + Med. Bay and engineering.", the computer intoned. + "Ensign Kell, are they aboard?", Storm inquired as a lucky torpedo + exploded nearby rocking the vessel. + "Affirmative, I.S.T. power armour units successfully transported." + "Retreat to safe range", Storm ordered. +=============================================================================== +Note 3.17 Enterprise, Millennium Falcon, and INS Warrior 17 of 54 +VAX::NATDADAMSON "Dave Lister" 43 lines 13-MAY-1992 17:12 + -< Your Move.... >- +------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + "Damage report, Mr Worf" shouted Captain Picard. + + "Sir we have major secondary hull damage to the upper decks of the + hull section, deck 34-36 have been penetrated, Warp Drives are off + line, 40 Dead, 55 Injured sir" + + "Mr Laforge we need those warp engines and Shields on line NOW" + + "Sir, major damage to the warp field generator. We can't maintain warp + power never mind bring them on line, I am working at a bypass to bring + the port generator on-line again but we can't enter a warp field. We + need major repairs at the nearest Starbase. I should be able to bring + the shields back on line soon, but only at thirty percent." + + "Acknowledged. Seal off all affected decks Mr Worf, scan for any external + radiation." + + "Sir, I am scanning intruders on deck 24" Growled Worf + + "What are they Mr Worf?", demanded Picard. + + "Unknown Sir, some kind of humanoid life form inside suit armour." + + "Send security teams down there immediately, shoot to kill Mr Data hail + the unknown craft, all subspace channels, send the following message; + + `We of the Federation ship Enterprise wish to know your business in + our sector, and this is an act of aggression against the whole + Federation of Planets.' + + Mr Data, also send a message to the nearest Starbase. Indicate + immediate assistance is needed here and inform them of our situation." + + "Aye Sir" + + "Commander Riker, take yourself and Mr Crusher to the Battle bridge. + Councillor Troi will you also accompany them and prepare for Saucer + Separation if necessary." + + "Ensign scan for any Sub Space fluctuations and transmissions, it must + displace something and move us at full impulse on a reverse course." + + Picard looked out of the view screen thoughtfully waiting for the next + move.. + +=============================================================================== +Note 3.18 Enterprise, Millennium Falcon, and INS Warrior 18 of 54 +VAX::ISTGSMITH1 "Death Angel returns with vengeance" 10 lines 13-MAY-1992 17:23 +------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + Down on deck 24 the battle raged. 10 men in battle armour were gunning + down targets with strange projectile weapons with tremendous rates of + fire. Stun blasts from Phasers had just bounced off the suits while + the power-armoured Soldiers had no qualms about the ship losing + atmosphere. + + On the Bridge Wes found definite traces of something moving, + however it was very slight perturbations in random directions across + thousands of kilometres. + +=============================================================================== +Note 3.19 Enterprise, Millennium Falcon, and INS Warrior 19 of 54 +VAX::NATDADAMSON "Dave Lister" 7 lines 13-MAY-1992 17:27 +------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + "Set Phasors to maximum setting" Growled Mr Worf as he opened fire + on one of the suits, melting a hole in the chest. "Captain Picard, they + are firing strange projectile weapons which could penetrate the hull." + + "Confirmed Mister Worf, Chief O Brien is it possible to lock on to + the targets And beam them off the Enterprise. Ensign Crusher Determine + what those sub space interference is and lock on." +=============================================================================== +Note 3.20 Enterprise, Millennium Falcon, and INS Warrior 20 of 54 +VAX::ISTJROCHBERR "As far as the eye can see..." 59 lines 14-MAY-1992 13:55 +------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + Meanwhile, back on the Falcon + + "SH*T! What happened Chewie??" + + "Gwarrrruurrggggg!" + + "Yeah, well we were lucky. See what you can do. Maybe you can hot + wire the shield generator. We'd better suit up in case that hull + breach gets worse." + + "Woaarrrrraarrgggg!" + + "Are you kidding? We can't even get top speed sub-light, let alone + jump out of here.... + + "Whose side do you think we're on?" + + "Gwooooarrggggah!" + + "Yeah, I guessed you'd say that. Why do we never pick the winning + side?? + + "How long before we can take another hit like that?" + + "Whhaaaaaa!" + + "Well how much can we take then?" + + "Waaaaaaa!" + + "Ok, well if I get it wrong again this'll be the shortest offensive in + history. What would Luke do?" + + Solo concentrated on the lessons in the force that Leia and Luke had + been teaching him + + "Hey! I can see the other ship!! Its like a big wobbly yellow glowing + mass!!" + + "Waoaararar?" + + "I told you, I gave them up! I'm being serious here. Maybe being with + Leia has rubbed some of that force stuff on me. I think I can make the + Falcon look like that as well" + + Han's brow furrowed in concentration. + + "I've done it!" he beamed. + + "Hwaaaararagagagahahaga" + + "Hey, don't knock it! Its working isn't it?" + + + On board the Spectre + + "Sir! We've lost the small freighter, and it wasn't due to gunfire. + It somehow survived the last assault, and just vanished a few seconds + ago" + + +=============================================================================== +Note 3.21 Enterprise, Millennium Falcon, and INS Warrior 21 of 54 +VAX::ISTGSMITH1 "Death Angel returns with vengeance" 13 lines 14-MAY-1992 14:16 +------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + Storm closed his eyes and concentrated, "They've got a psyker on + board." + "You gonna zap 'im boss?", asked Python. + "No. He seems to be human, possibly a prisoner. Resume attack on + larger vessel." + Several phaser beams stabbed through the void. + "Dey're firin' at der false sensor wotsits, Boss!" + "Good, lets close in." + + Aboard the Enterprise the last power armoured troop fell, active + plasma grenade clutched in his dying hands. The troops had sold their + lives dearly, and one final payment was due. + +=============================================================================== +Note 3.22 Enterprise, Millennium Falcon, and INS Warrior 22 of 54 +VAX::NATDADAMSON "Dave Lister" 52 lines 18-MAY-1992 12:59 +------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + "Sir the invader appears to have dropped a hand grenade" shouted Worf + into his hand comm. + + "O'Brien I don't care how you do it; lock onto the alien power source on + that deck and beam it outta here now!" + + "Aye Sir" + + The transporter beam materialised in front of Worf, pulsed and + flickered unsteadily, then the grenade disappeared along with a six foot + section of the hull. The lights flickered pitifully then went out + casting the whole deck into darkness. + + "Sir. Major power failure on this deck; the transporter beam took out a + whole six foot section of the deck" Worf peered down into the darkness. + + "At least we are still in one piece, Mr Worf." Replied Riker. + "Deanna, are you sensing anything out there yet?" Riker looked at her + closely. + + Deanna concentrated hard, her brow furrowed in intense concentration. + Then she opened her eyes. + + "I sense a great threat coming towards us, and some kind of deception + taking place, I am not sure what.." She shook her head sadly. + + "Commander Data, scan area for any sub space fluctuations, maybe now + that that ship is damaged it maybe giving off radiation." + + Data's hands flicked quickly across the console. + + "Sir, the Freighter class ship has disappeared from our sensors. Sensors + are picking up some radiation that is not background directly ahead." + Data said calmly. + + "Helm swing us hard to port, Data lock on all phasers and photon + torpedoes wide angle spread... Fire!" Commanded Riker. + + Numerous photon torpedos and phaser blasts went flying towards + apparently empty space. + + "Captain we have got the port warp drive on line, at 50%" + + "Bring them on line commander LaForge, divert all power to the + reverse screens, port and star board shields. Helm; full impulse power + now.." + + Picard once again gazed at the view screen.. + + "Sir, Star Fleet say that you have full control of the situation, the + Excelsior will be here in approximately 3Hrs 45Min, 32 Seconds..." + + "By that time, Mr Data, we may be space debris..." +=============================================================================== +Note 3.23 Enterprise, Millennium Falcon, and INS Warrior 23 of 54 +VAX::ISTJROCHBERR "As far as the eye can see..." 13 lines 18-MAY-1992 13:22 +------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + "Woooaaaararararaggghhhhhh" + + "Yeah, I see it. They're still firing blind." + + Solo pressed some buttons on the comms set, then kicked it + + "Hey, saucer ship. You're firing blind. Concentrate your weapons on a + narrow spread, target heading 039 mark 4, speed 3.76, running true, but + not for long I reckon." + + "Chewie, get us out of the blast range fast. We'll open up on the same + position as soon as the other ship does......and do it fast; I've got + this feeling that they're one step ahead of us" +=============================================================================== +Note 3.24 Enterprise, Millennium Falcon, and INS Warrior 24 of 54 +VAX::NATDADAMSON "Dave Lister" 18 lines 18-MAY-1992 13:41 + -< Da Da Daaaaaa >- +------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + "We are being hailed by the Freighter class ship" said Data. + + "On screen Mr Data" + + "Sound only, Sir" + + The crackling message came through from the Falcon. + + "Interesting Sir, that is in exactly the same place as the leakage of + radiation.." + + "Lay in new target, concentrate all phaser fire on that point, hold + the photon torpedoes until their shields are down, then launch." + + "Yes Sir" replied Data, his hands flying swiftly over the console.. + + 'I hope these are right' thought Riker.. +=============================================================================== +Note 3.25 Enterprise, Millennium Falcon, and INS Warrior 25 of 54 +VAX::ISTGSMITH1 "Death Angel returns with vengeance" 15 lines 18-MAY-1992 16:37 +------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + From the opposite side of the ship that the message had indicated a + vessel shimmered out of the void. The Spectre's fusion cannon flared, + it's bolt screaming through space toward the smaller ship. The Falcon + jinked around the oncoming bolt, but the hull was seared by its proximity. + + Bolts streamed from the PPC's and hammered into the side of the + Enterprise, a deadly barrage of subparticulate plasma. The shields on + the Spectre flickered briefly. + + At four key points on the enterprises main saucer, five figures + formed out of glowing energy. + "Lieutenant Sizlek here, we are aboard and proceeding to bridge." + The troops levelled their Lacerator assault rifles and headed off down + the corridor. +=============================================================================== +Note 3.26 Enterprise, Millennium Falcon, and INS Warrior 26 of 54 +VAX::ISTJROCHBERR "As far as the eye can see..." 28 lines 18-MAY-1992 16:52 +------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + "I'll kill Luke when I see him. Load of mumbo-jumbo. + + "Chewie, what's our status?" + + "Gwarrararaaagaghagagahagaggg!" + + "That bad? Well do what you can. See if you can get that 2nd-hand R2 + unit on-line. I'll get Lando another one, if we make it" + + "Woooaararararar" + + "Ok. Yeah? Captain who? Picard? Weird name. Nah, I can't afford + visual. Ok, Ok, I was wrong! Listen, I reckon you've got visitors on + board. Yes, I am sure this time, my sensors told me, not some weirdo + force thing. Yeh, well we've got our hands full here as well. Can't + you do something? Listen bud, I work for myself, allright? Oh, we're + getting dictatorial are we? Right, well I am *General* Han Solo of the + Resistance. What do you mean `against who'? Haven't you heard of the + Empire?" + + BOOOMMM! + + "Sh*t! Never mind that, at least you aren't shooting at me, so I guess + you're Ok. We'll sort this out later. + + "Chewie, get on the horn to Luke, or better still, the fleet. We need + some serious backup here. I'll fly this crate; we're going to need all + the luck we can get." + +=============================================================================== +Note 3.27 Enterprise, Millennium Falcon, and INS Warrior 27 of 54 +VAX::ISTGSMITH1 "Death Angel returns with vengeance" 22 lines 18-MAY-1992 17:08 +------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + The Spectre pulled away from the two ships as phaser fire slashed + against its aft shield ..... the shields deflected most of the strike, + but some penetrated. The phaser strike carved along the top of the + starboard wing. + + "Oi, EW is damaged", Python growled. + "Status!", Storm shouted as the ship rocked under the continuing + attack. + "E.W. is down to 30%, self repair is engaging, estimating 40 + seconds 'til cloak may be re engaged.", the computer intoned. + "All stations, this is a code 1 situation. Python, all out attack. + Do not disengage until targets or we are destroyed" + + The Spectre flipped over and surged back towards the Enterprise. + + "Shields to double front, launching torpedo, firing all weapons.", + Python announced happily. + + As the Spectre hurtled at the Enterprise, bolts tore from the PPC's + and a huge gobbet of energy disgorged from the main cannon. At the + same time a small vessel detached from the Spectre, and shimmered into + invisibility as it streaked toward the Enterprise... +=============================================================================== +Note 3.28 Enterprise, Millennium Falcon, and INS Warrior 28 of 54 +VAX::NATDADAMSON "Dave Lister" 35 lines 18-MAY-1992 17:17 + -< Soon... >- +------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + "Security alert, intruders on deck 3 Security alert" The calm computer + voice sounded above the fury that was taking place in the bridge of the + Enterprise. + + "Worf see to that will you" Shouted Riker picking himself up of the + floor. + + "Sir the Enemy ship has failed to Cloak up again, I suggest we + concentrate all Phasor power on the forward shield." Suggested Data + calmly. + + "Make it so Mr Data" Said Picard quickly. + + Phaser fire blazed out from the saucer section of the Enterprise + Striking the strange alien ships shields, they glowed Bright red then + failed for a brief second allowing several direct hits on the front + section of the Alien ship. The shields where hurriedly brought back on + line by the alien crew. + + "Sir direct hits on the forward part of their ship, damage unknown." + Replied Data. + + "Commander Worf here Captain, Four enemy life forms are proceeding to + Turbo lift 3, I suggest we evacuate all Turbo Lifts now, but keep power + on, trapping them within.." + + "Make it so Mr Worf" Replied Picard, a brief moment of worry flicked + past his face, then a smile lit it up again. + "It is so obvious Number one, we have been targeting all of the ship + hoping to get a hit, but that is like shooting in the proverbial barrel + of fish and hoping to hit the right one. Mr Data, concentrate all phaser + fire on it's forward Weapons mounts, then when they have been eliminated, + bear down on their main power supply.." + + Picard grinned to himself, soon they shall know, soon.. + +=============================================================================== +Note 3.29 Enterprise, Millennium Falcon, and INS Warrior 29 of 54 +VAX::ISTJROCHBERR "As far as the eye can see..." 36 lines 18-MAY-1992 17:21 +------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + "Chewie, she's going all out! Battle comp says...... " + + fizzle, fizzle, buzz, THUMP, beep + + "That all power is on the front shields. How many plasma torps did we + pick up on Beta 9?" + + "Worgggg" + + "We'll launch them all up its tail pipe, then get the hell out of here + and rendezvous with the Grigath. Luke will have joined them by then." + + "Wahhhhahhahahah" + + "Yeah, I saw the small ship detach, but he was heading for Picard's + ship" + + "Is that R2 on-line?" + + "Grooaarara" + + "Yeah, well I don't care if it *does* blow by tomorrow. I told you, + I'll get Lando another one. Good work Chewie. + + "Ok, buckle up, this could get bumpy" + + The Falcon dodged in, moving unpredictably through an imaginary + asteroid field, Solo's brow furrowed with concentration. They wouldn't + catch him out *this* time. + + "Ok Chewie, stand by with the plasma bolts *and* all guns. + Steady..... Ok..., FIRE!" + + A barrage of laser fire intermixed with torpedoes raced from the diminutive + Falcon. + "Good. I want all power NOW!" + + The Falcon leaped away, like a small boy running for his life after he's + hit the school bully over the head with a spade. An analogy not all + that far from the truth. +=============================================================================== +Note 3.30 Enterprise, Millennium Falcon, and INS Warrior 30 of 54 +VAX::NATDADAMSON "Dave Lister" 15 lines 18-MAY-1992 17:21 +------------------------------------------------------------------------------- +Back on board the Enterprise: + + "Mr Data bring us hard to port, full impulse power now! Engage!" + + Data's hands flew across the comms panel, typing in the manoeuvre + quickly, swinging the Enterprise to Port. The glowing bolt of energy + struck a glancing blow across the starboard shields, fusing the main + starboard shield generator. + + "Sir, we have lost the starboard shield generator, I am bringing the + port one across now, but they are down to 25%" + + "Dammit Mr Laforge I want more power. Divert all unnecessary power to + the shields, operate the ship on minimum life support, I want all + power to weapons and shields.." +=============================================================================== +Note 3.31 Enterprise, Millennium Falcon, and INS Warrior 31 of 54 +VAX::ISTGSMITH1 "Death Angel returns with vengeance" 24 lines 18-MAY-1992 17:35 +------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + As the Spectre curved away from the Enterprise there was a massive + explosion on it's aft section. + + "Damage Report: Forward shield generators temporarily overloaded, + medbays and labs destroyed, troops killed and E.W. inoperative." + "Range from Alpha?", Storm asked the computer. + "491 km" + "Time to Impact?" + "Two seconds." + "Shields DOUBLE AFT!" + + The torpedo dropped its cloak less than ten metres from the Enterprise's + shields, then 1 tonne of antimatter painted the sky white. + + An explosion of fire raged off the Spectre's aft shields, collapsing + them, sparks flew across the bridge as systems overloaded. + + "Status of enemy ships?", Storm rasped. + "Sensors damaged.", the computer replied apologetically. + "Go to auxiliaries" + + Storm waited, impatient to see if the enemy could survive the + equivalent of 500 photon torpedoes. The sensors revealed the metallic + mass of target alpha, but no energy fields could be detected yet... +=============================================================================== +Note 3.32 Enterprise, Millennium Falcon, and INS Warrior 32 of 54 +VAX::NATDADAMSON "Dave Lister" 34 lines 18-MAY-1992 17:55 + -< Bang..... >- +------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + The lights on the bridge flickered briefly then went out, Picard + looked around him slowly, Data was slumped across the comms port, Riker + was thrown forward and lay in-between the Helm and Comms. + "Mr Data, report" He said weakly. + "Sir my body functions have been temporarily wiped out by a large piece + of shrapnel entering my lower back severing the vital path ways there. + The enemy ship appeared to drop a large mass of Antimatter on the ship, + I cannot tell you what our status is at the moment." Data said slowly, + his mouth slurring the words. + + Picard got up slowly, to his left a single red alert light flickered + bathing the whole bridge with a pitiful glow, a small fire was + smouldering on the Security panel. Picard pressed his communicator. + + "Commander LaForge; Report" he said weakly. + + "Sir, aft and starboard shields have fused, forward are down to 5%, + the whole front part of the saucer section appears to have been + obliterated and the port nacelle is down. We are in a bad way, we only + have enough power to operate one phaser bank and that is only for a few + seconds" Geordie's voice faded in and out. "Then we are on emergency life + support.." + + Picard looked around the bridge, things looked grim. + + Outside the Enterprise looked like a ghost ship, the main deflectors + where down, the starboard and port field generators were non-existent, + only shattered sparking remains. The front section of the Saucer was + totally obliterated, debris scattered for hundreds of Km in all directions. + + Picard staggered over to the Comms port. + "This is the Federation Ship Enterprise, we surrender." He shut of the + comms port and checked on his crew... +=============================================================================== +Note 3.33 Enterprise, Millennium Falcon, and INS Warrior 33 of 54 +VAX::ETMDMAPLE "Terry Troll" 16 lines 18-MAY-1992 18:39 +------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + + "Surrender? Sir, you can't be serious." cried Ryker. "If so, I believe you + are unfit to Captain this ship and I must take over. Can't you see we + must even the odds a little. Our shields are almost ruined and we can't + even locate our enemy." + + "What do you suggest we do then ?" replied Picard in a sarcastic tone. + + "I suggest we head at full speed to the Gavan Nebula. The enemy's + cloaking device and shields will be useless. And although we would loss + what little shields we have remaining, we could separate the saucer + section and so double our chances of survival and victory." Ryker + stated. + + "Make it so. Number one." + +=============================================================================== +Note 3.34 Enterprise, Millennium Falcon, and INS Warrior 34 of 54 +VAX::NATDADAMSON "Dave Lister" 4 lines 18-MAY-1992 19:43 + -< Aha.. >- +------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + "But Sir, at the current rate of impulse power we would be unable to + make the Gavana Nebula for 12days 3hrs 4 min 32seconds, also Commander + La Forge stated we only had emergency back up power. I agree with the + Captain" Says Data's slurring voice from the comm panel. +=============================================================================== +Note 3.35 Enterprise, Millennium Falcon, and INS Warrior 35 of 54 +VAX::ISTGSMITH1 "Death Angel returns with vengeance" 14 lines 19-MAY-1992 10:11 +------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + The Spectre limped back toward the Enterprise. + + "They've signalled surrender!", the Aethlyn sensor operator + exclaimed. + "Open hail. If our cloak and shields are down we might as well + communicate. Besides, who's heard of Agonian replicants surrendering?" + + "Channels open" + Storm stood up and faced the holographic image of Picard. + "I am Captain Kyle Storm of the INS Warrior, we will accept your + surrender only after two members of your bridge crew are transferred + aboard for medical examination. If you attempt to lock weapons or + raise shields, you will be destroyed for the protection of the United + Empires" +=============================================================================== +Note 3.36 Enterprise, Millennium Falcon, and INS Warrior 36 of 54 +VAX::ISTGSMITH1 "Death Angel returns with vengeance" 12 lines 19-MAY-1992 10:22 + -< 85000 light years away >- +------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + Somewhere across the galaxy, 85 days away at warp 9. + + "Admiral, INS Warrior has failed to report in." + "Class of INS Warrior?" + "Spectre!" + "That's the target, recall patrol craft and prepare for jump", + Garratt said leaning back into his command chair. + + The communications chief activated the microfrequency + communicators. + "All fighters, Recall. INS Warning will be jumping in two + hours....." +=============================================================================== +Note 3.37 Enterprise, Millennium Falcon, and INS Warrior 37 of 54 +VAX::NATDADAMSON "Dave Lister" 29 lines 22-MAY-1992 10:55 + -< Here you go... >- +------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + 'Medical examination, what does that mean?' Picard thought to himself + as he cast his eyes around the shattered bridge of the Enterprise. 'Is it + that we are now to become medical experiments for these things?' + + "This is Captain Picard of the Federation ship Enterprise, what do you + mean by medical examinations?" Picard cast his eyes around the bridge. + + Riker shook his head slowly, reorienting himself on the bridge, + Deana, slowly climbed back into her seat and massaged her temples. + + "We took a big hit there Captain" Riker said to Picard, checking the + other members of the bridge crew. It was obvious that some of their + missions had ended. + + "Yes you are right there Commander Riker" Slurred Data "Before the + sensors went off line we detected an explosion roughly equivalent to a + ton of antimatter exploding out side our shields, this caused massive + external damage to the Enterprise." + + "You alright Data" Asked Riker. + + "My neural pathways are still intact, but my bodily functions are + significantly impaired, a large piece of shrapnel penetrated my lower + spinal region, thus cutting the circuits there." + + Meanwhile some where out in the far reaches of the sector a strange + cuboid ship sped in at warp 9.8, an ominous feeling penetrated the + whole sector..... +=============================================================================== +Note 3.38 Enterprise, Millennium Falcon, and INS Warrior 38 of 54 +VAX::ISTJROCHBERR "As far as the eye can see..." 18 lines 22-MAY-1992 11:40 +------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + "Woah! Chewie, slow us down a sec. Would you look at that! That + cannon could stop a Star Destroyer! Let the fleet know, I want to go + back and have a look" + + "Waarararrraraggghghghghgh" + + "Yeah, well she looks pretty damaged. I think those plasma torps did a + good job. What have we left in reserve if things get hot?" + + "Gruummm" + + "Yeah? Well we'd better be careful." + + The Falcon turned about and approached the two ships cautiously. + + + Meanwhile the cuboid ship veered away and headed out of the sector, + presumably on other business. +=============================================================================== +Note 3.39 Enterprise, Millennium Falcon, and INS Warrior 39 of 54 +VAX::ISTGSMITH1 "Death Angel returns with vengeance" 21 lines 22-MAY-1992 15:46 +------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + The doors of the bridge exploded, twenty IST troops swung in through + the gap, weapons trained. None of them slumped even after climbing up + the inside of the turbolift shaft. + + "INS Warrior, strike team now on enemy bridge.", four troopers + levelled their weapons at the battered but angry Worf. + + "Commander of unidentified vessel", Storms voice crackled from the + Spectre, "We wish to examine crew members to look for signs of them + being genetic creations of the Agonians." + + As he finished, angry violet glows built up around Riker, LaForge, + and Data. + "You have my word they will be returned unharmed, however, if they + turn out to be Agonian Replicants your vessel will be annihilated." + + Storm flicked off the communicator and turned to his engineer. + "Status?", Storm asked wearily. + "7 minutes till shields repaired, 8 till cloak and fusion cannon + will take 1 hour." + +=============================================================================== +Note 3.40 Enterprise, Millennium Falcon, and INS Warrior 40 of 54 +VAX::ISTGSMITH1 "Death Angel returns with vengeance" 7 lines 27-MAY-1992 12:48 +------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + "Sir we now have shielding capability. 1 minute till cloak is repaired." + + + Storm considered whether to reactivate his shields. + + "Where's that small fragger?", Storm wondered out aloud. The + Sensor operator started to scan. +=============================================================================== +Note 3.41 Enterprise, Millennium Falcon, and INS Warrior 41 of 54 +VAX::ISTJROCHBERR "As far as the eye can see..." 14 lines 1-JUN-1992 15:16 + -< Bye bye Falcon >- +------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + "Chewie, I don't like the look of this. That big bird is powering up + again" + + "GWARRRRRAHHHHARRG" + + "Yeah, I saw the scan sweep as well. Lets get outta here. We can be + with the fleet in 2 hours, and if we piggyback on the return we can get + back here in another 30 mins. The Admiral will want to see this with + his own eyes." + + The Falcon spun round and started weaving away at full speed, small + electrical fires arcing over various parts of her superstructure. + Within a short period of time Solo had successfully escaped from + another sticky situation, but only just. +=============================================================================== +Note 3.42 Enterprise, Millennium Falcon, and INS Warrior 42 of 54 +VAX::ISTGSMITH1 "Death Angel returns with vengeance" 19 lines 1-JUN-1992 16:47 +------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + "Course Tracked, standing by; Hyperdrive now available" + + "Return the humans to their craft. Send our techs as a repair team + and apologise to Picard. Ask him to wait to meet a ambassador from the + UE who will likely be here shortly.", Storm ordered. + + Moments later the IST Lieutenant had reported the group + transported. + "Helm manoeuvre to position, Navigator; extrapolate their course and + lock it in." + + "Helm, HIT IT!" + + The massive Spectre suddenly stretched infinitely long, then like a + released rubber band it's aft end streaked away to follow the forward, + leaving a bright flash of the photonic boom. + + Aboard the Spectre Storm studied the small speck of the retreating + freighter as it slowly drew closer... +=============================================================================== +Note 3.43 Enterprise, Millennium Falcon, and INS Warrior 43 of 54 +VAX::ISTJROCHBERR "As far as the eye can see..." 31 lines 1-JUN-1992 17:08 +------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + "WAEEEERRGGGGGHHHHH!!" + + "They did WHAT??!!!" + + "GWWARRRR" + + "Radio ahead to the fleet, see if they can give us any backup. Has + that R2 repaired the jump drive yet?" + + "GRR" + + "Never mind. Looks like we won't win this on speed anyway. Turn on + the comms, Chewie, and lets have a word with that ship" + + Chewie turned some knobs, punched some buttons, paused, punched some + hardware, and finally got the comms on line. + + "This is General Han Solo of the United resistance against the Empire. + Who the hell are you? Are you a new Empire ship or what?" + + "Chewie, we're not going to make it if that cannon opens fire on us. + Where's the nearest planet? Maybe we can go atmospheric." + + Chewie began coaxing the ageing course computer into giving an + intelligent answer. + + "Well?" + + "GYUUMMRRRARARARGGGGGHHHAHHHH!" + + +=============================================================================== +Note 3.44 Enterprise, Millennium Falcon, and INS Warrior 44 of 54 +VAX::ISTGSMITH1 "Death Angel returns with vengeance" 6 lines 2-JUN-1992 12:12 +------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + The Spectre dropped out of Hyperdrive just 1 km in front of the + Falcon. It flipped over and accelerated toward it, weapons charging. + + "Resistance to the Empire, hey; Python waste `em" + + A deadly barrage of plasma bolts tore toward the Falcon..... +=============================================================================== +Note 3.45 Enterprise, Millennium Falcon, and INS Warrior 45 of 54 +VAX::ISTJROCHBERR "As far as the eye can see..." 16 lines 5-JUN-1992 15:43 + -< Oh Smeg >- +------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + "WHOA! Evasive Chewie!" + + Using every ounce of skill Solo dodged the lethal bolts. + + "Hey, you guys play for keeps," he yelled at the still open comms link. + + "How come the Emperor needs Star Destroyers when he's got ships like + yours?" he continued. + + Another barrage descended on the Falcon. Sweat beaded on Solo's + forehead as he played his favourite game; staying alive. + + "Anyway, since when has the Empire started calling its ships `INS'??" + + + +=============================================================================== +Note 3.46 Enterprise, Millennium Falcon, and INS Warrior 46 of 54 +VAX::ISTGSMITH1 "The Eyes of a Stranger" 6 lines 9-JUN-1992 09:50 +------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + Storm was getting irritated, "Full offensive manoeuvring, Op's attempt + to lock tractor beam. First we catch him then we dissect him..." + + + + A ghostly beam of light stabbed toward the dodging Falcon. +=============================================================================== +Note 3.47 Enterprise, Millennium Falcon, and INS Warrior 47 of 54 +VAX::ISTJROCHBERR "As far as the eye can see..." 15 lines 9-JUN-1992 12:17 +------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + "Chewie, she's got a tractor beam on us. Can we shake it?" + + "GWARRRARRHHGHGH. WARRGGGAGGGA" + + "Yeah, I kinda guessed so. Ok, reopen a channel to the ship" + + Chewbacca did so. + + "We're coming quietly. What terms are you offering??" + + "Chewie, if these terms are bad we'll reverse the polarity of the main + drive and electrify the hull. If it doesn't fry us first we'll be able + to break the beam and dive for that S2 planet. The hull probably won't + take the re-entry with the damage we've got, but we might make it in + the pods. Hold on, their reply's coming through..." +=============================================================================== +Note 3.48 Enterprise, Millennium Falcon, and INS Warrior 48 of 54 +VAX::ISTGSMITH1 "The Eyes of a Stranger" 4 lines 9-JUN-1992 12:25 +------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + "Our terms are that you lower your shields and kill your drives, + immediately. Failure to comply will result in your obliteration." + Storm flicked the channel off. + "Python, lock PPC's on target and await command to fire" +=============================================================================== +Note 3.49 Enterprise, Millennium Falcon, and INS Warrior 49 of 54 +VAX::ISTJROCHBERR "As far as the eye can see..." 7 lines 9-JUN-1992 12:27 +------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + "And then what? All you're offering is a one-way ticket to oblivion. + Anyway, you can fry us without us dropping our shields. What + guarantees will you make?" + + Solo switched to receive. + + "Chewie, have you wired that polarity switch yet?" +=============================================================================== +Note 3.50 Enterprise, Millennium Falcon, and INS Warrior 50 of 54 +VAX::ISTGSMITH1 "The Eyes of a Stranger" 5 lines 9-JUN-1992 15:22 +------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + "None. You are under threat of immediate destruction unless you submit + to medical examination" + + Storm flicked the channel off again and turned to Python. + "If they lower their shields, then lower ours." +=============================================================================== +Note 3.51 Enterprise, Millennium Falcon, and INS Warrior 51 of 54 +VAX::ISTJROCHBERR "As far as the eye can see..." 12 lines 10-JUN-1992 13:07 +------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + "What do you reckon Chewie?" + + "GWARRAGGAGHH" + + "Yeah, I guess so" + + Solo turned the comms back on + + "It still sounds like a bad deal to me. I've been at the hands of your + `doctors' before at Lando Calrisian's sky city. Lord Vader organised a + little welcoming party. Give me one good reason to comply, or I'll + have to take my chances with your blasters" +=============================================================================== +Note 3.52 Enterprise, Millennium Falcon, and INS Warrior 52 of 54 +VAX::ISTGSMITH1 "The Eyes of a Stranger" 1 line 10-JUN-1992 14:55 +------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + "Lieutenant Python ... FIRE!" +=============================================================================== +Note 3.53 Enterprise, Millennium Falcon, and INS Warrior 53 of 54 +VAX::ISTJROCHBERR "As far as the eye can see..." 17 lines 11-JUN-1992 12:53 +------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + "GWRARRRRRAAAAGGGHHHHHH!!" + + Solo twitched the flight controls + + "It grazed us Chewie. We can't even take another one like that now." + + Solo switched on the Comms. + + "Ok, you've convinced me. Powering down all systems" + + "Chewie, power down main drive, weapons & shields, what's left of them + anyway" + + "WAHHHHRRHHHHRHHGGHGHHHHH" + + "Have you got any better ideas?? Anyway, I kinda get the feeling that + this guy's on the level." +=============================================================================== +Note 3.54 Enterprise, Millennium Falcon, and INS Warrior 54 of 54 +VAX::ISTGSMITH1 "The Eyes of a Stranger" 35 lines 11-JUN-1992 13:59 +------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + Glows suddenly enveloped Solo and Chewbacca, when they died again; they + were in a strange room with 20 troops in battle armour carrying + `Lacerator' heavy armour piercing assault rifles. + + Solo and Chewbacca were taken to the medical bay and examined. + + * * * + + Meanwhile, on the Bridge the Communications officer looked up from his + panel and said to Storm. + + "INS Warning is hailing she is about to come to our assistance." + "Signal them to wait 1 hour and then come." + "Medical to Storm, our prisoners are NOT Agonian replicants." + "What the hell were they doing here then? Engineer send a repair crew + back with them, comm, hail Warning; tell `em were coming home" + + A little while later the Falcon was repaired and a consignment of + antimatter torpedoes where given to Solo as reparations. + + The Spectre turned in the void then streaked into Hyperdrive. + + 10 days later it emerged and approached a ten kilometre long Battle + Cruiser. + + The communications crackled, "This is the Odin Class Heavy Battle + Cruiser, INS Warning; identify yourself." + + "This is Captain Kyle Storm of the Spectre Class Light Cruiser, INS + Warrior; request landing clearance." + "Affirmative Warrior, docking bay 31" + + A massive set of doors folded open a long the flank of the huge + ship. + "INS Warrior, Welcome home..." + +=============================================================================== + + ** The End ** + +So, you read all the way to the end! Congratulations - I didn't think anyone +would! So, what did you think? Let me know by email (dyhec@uk.ac.westminster) + +I apologise that the style was fairly dodgy in places, and I'm sure there are +major consistancy errors, but it was written by a number of people with no +collaboration at all. I enjoyed it, anyway! + + Jon R-B +-- ++------------------------------------------------------+--------------------+ +| J o n a t h a n R o c h - B e r r y | Insert witty | +| MSc Software Engineering, Westminster University, UK | comment here | ++------------------------------------------------------+--------------------+ + diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/speculat b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/speculat new file mode 100644 index 00000000..ba7ea11d --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/speculat @@ -0,0 +1,913 @@ +Subject: TNG Spec. Chronology 1/6 + +Star Trek: The Next Generation +Speculative Chronology Version 1.4 +by Scott Hollifield +Last modified on 10/1/93 + +NOTES: This chronology was written with the full account of information +presented in the series and in _Star Trek Chronology: The History of the +Future_, by Michael Okuda and Denise Okuda. Any exceptions will be +limited to instances where the original information appears to be +mistaken; such instances will be noted in the footnotes. + +Information that appears in [brackets] is generally NON-canon, and is +presented in the spirit of fictional elaboration, to "fill in the gaps" +as it were. Much of it is in fact based at least partly on trivia from +the series or Okuda chronology; other information was created +independently. The intent here was to provide the characters and their +world with a more of a fully-developed history than the one we have now. + +Some information given here has been established by the series, but the +year in which it happened as not been officially established. Such +information also appears in [brackets]. + +This is a "living" chronology in that it can always be added to, or +modified. If you have any suggestions or corrections for future +updates, feel free to send them my way at: +scott.hollifield@the-matrix.com. + +Footnotes are indicated with a karat and parentheses, i.e. (^1), (^2), +etc. + +With one exception, this chronology does not include information about +the characters of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. A DS9-inclusive revision +is planned once the episodes "Homecoming", "The Circle" and "The Siege" +have aired, and implications arising from the events in those episodes +are made clear. + + +2293 The crew of the USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-A) is ordered to stand +down. + +2299 [The construction of a new Excelsior-class Enterprise, +NCC-1701-B, is complete at the Antares shipyards and is +commissioned. Her first commanding officer is Captain Spock.] + +2301 [Amanda Grayson dies at the age of 93. Her son, Captain Spock, +relinquishes command of the Enterprise, and resigns from active +duty, spending the next several years living alone on Vulcan.] + +[Captain Vincent Cabot takes over command of the Enterprise. He +proceeds to lead her on an expansive tour of exploration +which rivals that of the original Enterprise.] + +2302 [Dr. Leonard H. McCoy is promoted to the rank of admiral and is +appointed to the position of Surgeon-General of Starfleet.] + +2305 Jean-Luc Picard is born to Maurice and Yvette Picard in LaBarre, +France, on Earth. + +2307 [The Enterprise-B begins an eighteen-month survey of the +uncharted space beyond the Gourami sector, resulting in six +successful first contacts with intelligent civilizations.] + +2315 [Katherine Pulaski is born to Richard and Uriel Pulaski in Saint +John's, Newfoundland, on Earth.] + +2311 The Tomed incident occurs. [The Romulan Empire stumbles upon a +devastating new application in cloaking technology, which is +used initially to "cloak away" enemy ships to a parallel +dimension, but begins to inexplicably destroy lifeforms in the +vicinity, Romulan and otherwise. A mad Romulan praetor embarks +on a campaign of attempted genocide by using the new weapon +against Federation outposts and ships in the Tomed sector, +along the Federation edge of the Neutral Zone, despite evidence +that the weapon's power is supplied by an uncontrollable alien +force. This results in a brief but bloody skirmish in which +thousands of lives are lost on both sides. Most of the crew of +the ravaged USS Enterprise, including Captain Cabot, are +included among the casualties. The conflict comes to an end +when the praetor's power is wrested by saner internal factions +on Romulus, and the praetor himself executed. The new Romulan +leadership vows an isolationist policy toward the Federation +which lasts for 53 years.] + +2322 Jean-Luc Picard applies to Starfleet Academy, but is rejected. +However, his admission test score is sufficient to allow him to +reapply the following year. + +[Cyberneticist Dr. Noonian Soong drops out of the public eye and +secretly relocates to the colony on Omicron Theta Four. He +continues to submit and publish articles in cybernetics +journals, as he progresses with his work on the positronic +artificial brain.] + +2323 Jean-Luc Picard enters Starfleet Academy on his second +application. The superintendent of the Academy is a full +Betazoid. As a freshman cadet, Picard passes four upperclassmen +on the last hill of the 40-kilometer run on Danula Two, becoming +the only freshman ever to win the Academy marathon. One of +Picard's interests is archaeology, and he studies the legendary +Iconians. + +2324 Beverly C[heryl] Howard, the future Beverly Crusher, is born in +Copernicus City, Luna, to Paul and Isabel Howard. + +2325 [Jean-Luc Picard's interest in archaeology is nurtured by +Professor Galen, the Academy's chair of archaelogical science. +The two form a close academic relationship.] + +2326 [Lwaxana Troi, of Betazed, marries an human Starfleet Officer, +Ian Andrew "Alex" Alexander. Alexander assumes Lwaxana's +surname when married, and is thereafter known as Alex Troi. +(^1)] + +2327 Jean-Luc Picard graduates from Starfleet Academy. He is class +valedictorian. He spends a portion of the remainder of the +year on Farspace Station Earheart, awaiting assignment. While +here, he is injured in a brawl with three Nausicaans which +requires him to undergo an artificial heart operation. [By the +end of the year, he is assigned to be a helm officer on the USS +Yukawa.] + +[Ambassador Sarek of Vulcan takes a second human wife, Perrin +Duvall of Earth. The ceremony is held privately on Vulcan.] + +2328 [The Cardassian Union] (^2) begins their occupation of the +Bajoran homeworld. + +[Leah Brahms is born to Warren and Zoe Brahms on the Federation +colony world of Raitlae Two.] + +[Jean-Luc Picard transfers to the USS Lemnitzer and is promoted +to the rank of lieutenant (j.g.).] + +2329 [Lt. Picard attends the wedding of Ambassador Spock on Vulcan, +as a member of the Starfleet Diplomatic Corps honor guard. +Later in the year, he is promoted to full lieutenant.] + +[While approving of his son's choice of wife, Sarek reacts +coldly to the marriage itself, believing it to be an attempt by +Spock to upstage Sarek's own recent wedding. As an indirect +result of the disagreement, Spock emerges from retirement and +joins the diplomatic service.] +>>> Continued to next message + + + +Path: newserv.ksu.ksu.edu!moe.ksu.ksu.edu!vixen.cso.uiuc.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!wupost!csus.edu!netcom.com!netcomsv!matrix!scott.hollifield +From: scott.hollifield@the-matrix.com (Scott Hollifield) +Newsgroups: rec.arts.startrek.misc +Subject: TNG Spec. Chronology 2/6 +Message-ID: <2295.3844.uupcb@the-matrix.com> +Date: 2 Oct 93 17:03:00 GMT +Distribution: world +Organization: The MATRIX - Birmingham, AL - 205-323-2016 +Reply-To: scott.hollifield@the-matrix.com (Scott Hollifield) +Lines: 147 + +>>> Continued from previous message +[When her parents obtain a divorce, Beverly Howard is sent to +live with her grandmother on Aveda Three.] + +2330 [Picard transfers to the USS Marshall where he serves as as a +tactical officer and the ship's Second Officer; he is also +promoted to lieutenant commander.] + +[Admiral McCoy is forced to retire from Starfleet at long last. +He is 103 years old.] + +2331 [Picard is promoted to the position of First Officer and to the +rank of commander.] (^3) + +[The USS Stargazer (NCC-2893) is commissioned. Its first +commanding officer is Capt. Walker Keel.] + +2332 [Cmdr. Picard transfers to the Stargazer, where he serves as +First Officer under Capt. Keel. While on the Stargazer, he +becomes good friends with both Keel and an officer named Jack +Crusher.] + +2333 Jean-Luc Picard [is promoted to the rank of captain and] assumes +command of the Stargazer, embarking on a historic mission of +exploration. At age 28, Picard is among the youngest officers +ever to captain a starship. [He replaces Captain Keel, who +takes time off from starship duty to teach classes at the +Academy.] + +[Katherine Pulaski enrolls in Starfleet Academy medical school.] + +[Vash is born on Saris One, a pre-Federation human colony.] + +[A new line of starships, the Ambassador class, is initiated +with the commissioning of a new Enterprise (NCC-1701-C), on the +the 100th anniversary of James T. Kirk's birth, at Earth Station +McKinley. The Ambassador class is intended primarily to be a +starship of diplomacy rather than exploration, although the +Enterprise-C and her crew become accomplished in both. +Ambassador Spock and his wife are present at the commissioning +ceremony. The Enterprise is given over to the command of +Captain Rachel Garrett, who has just completed a successful +five-year mission on the Nebula-class USS Yamato.] (^4) + +[Starfleet creates the office of Ship's Counselor to accomodate +the needs of the crew on mass-personnel ships like the new +Ambassador-class line. This position relieves the psychology- +related duties of the Chief Medical Officer, and will become +even more important when the Galaxy-class program, designed to +include accomodations for entire families, becomes active 24 +years later.] + +2334 [Yuri Sergeyovich Rozhenko is born to Sergey and Helena Rozhenko +in Babruysk, Byelorussia, on Earth. He is their only human +son. Shortly after Yuri's birth, the Rozhenkos move to the +farming world of Gault.] + +2335 William T. Riker is born in Valdez, Alaska, on Earth. He is the +son of Kyle [and Laura] Riker. + +Geordi La Forge is born in the African Confederation on Earth to +Edward M. and Alvera K. La Forge. + +2336 Deanna Troi is born on Betazed. She is the child of Lwaxana +Troi and Starfleet officer [Alex] Troi. + +The science colony in Omicron Theta [Four] is destroyed by what +is later known as the Crystalline Entity. All life-forms on the +planet are absorbed or destroyed by the Entity, apparently aided +by the errant android Lore. Scientist Noonian Soong, who had +constructed a second android, Data, manages to record the +memories of all the colonists in the new android. Soong +conceals the still-dormant Data in an underground location, then +escapes from Omicron Theta, although it is believed at the time +that Soong was among the casualties at the colony. + +2336 [Sergey Rozhenko joins the crew of the USS Intrepid as a warp +field specialist.] + +2337 Natasha Yar is born at the Federation colony on Turkana Four +[to Ryland and Anastasia Yar]. + +Will Riker's mother [Laura] dies, leaving him to be raised by +his father, Starfleet civilian advisor Kyle Riker. + +2338 Data is discovered at the remains of the colony on Omicron Theta +by crew of the Federation starship USS Tripoli. + +2340 Worf is born on the Klingon homeworld of Qo'noS, the son of Mogh +[and Mura]. + +Ro Laren is born on Bajor [to Ro Seval and Dirla Farys]. + +Geordi La Forge, aged five, is caught in a fire. His parents +rescue him after a couple of minutes. Although he was not hurt, +Geordi would later recall that these were the longest couple of +minutes of his life, and that it was some time before he would +allow his parents out of earshot. + +[Sixteen-year-old Beverly Howard moves back to Earth following +the death of her grandmother.] + +2341 Data enters Starfleet Academy. The Academy had ruled that Data +is a sentient life-form and thus was eligible for consideration +for entry, a decision objected to by [Lt.] Bruce Maddox. (^5) + +[Katherine Pulaski graduates with a medical degree from +Starfleet Academy. Her first assignment is as a medical officer +for a deep space exploration mission on the USS Chamberlain.] + +[Five-year-old Deanna Troi is "bonded" with an Earth boy, Wyatt +Miller.] + +2342 Ishara Yar, younger sister of Tasha Yar, is born on Turkana Four. + +Tasha Yar, aged five, is orphaned when her parents are killed by +crossfire between rival gangs. She is left to care for her +younger sister, Ishara. + +(April 9) Jean-Luc Picard stands up the future Jenice Manheim +in the Cafe' des Artistes in Paris. + +Beverly Howard enters the Starfleet Academy medical school. + +2343 Starfleet approves early design on the Galaxy-class starship +development project. + +[First contact is made with the Pakleds, a race of technology- +scavengers who do not have a regulated government of any real +kind. The contact, between the Pakled vessel Rangar and the USS +Rayleigh, begins well, as the Pakleds seem intent on being +"friends" with the Rayleigh's crew, but ends on a sour note +following an unsuccessful attempt on the Pakleds' part to steal +replicator technology from the Starfleet vessel.] + +Geordi La Forge, aged eight, gets his first pet, a Circassian +cat. + +2344 The USS Enterprise (NCC 1701-C), under the command of Captain +Rachel Garrett, is nearly destroyed defending a Klingon +outpost on Narendra Three from a Romulan attack. A few members +of the Enterprise crew are reported to have been captured by +the Romulans following the battle. One of them, a 29-year-old +Natasha Yar from an alternate future, is chosen as a consort +by a Romulan official. +>>> Continued to next message + + +Path: newserv.ksu.ksu.edu!moe.ksu.ksu.edu!vixen.cso.uiuc.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!wupost!csus.edu!netcom.com!netcomsv!matrix!scott.hollifield +From: scott.hollifield@the-matrix.com (Scott Hollifield) +Newsgroups: rec.arts.startrek.misc +Subject: TNG Spec. Chronology 3/6 +Message-ID: <2296.3844.uupcb@the-matrix.com> +Date: 2 Oct 93 17:03:00 GMT +Distribution: world +Organization: The MATRIX - Birmingham, AL - 205-323-2016 +Reply-To: scott.hollifield@the-matrix.com (Scott Hollifield) +Lines: 147 + +>>> Continued from previous message +Young William Riker goes fishing with his father, Kyle Riker, +near their home in Valdez. The younger Riker is able to hook +a big fish, but his father insists on reeling it in. The +incident would bother Will for many years. + +[At the age of eleven, Vash leaves her homeworld by stowing +away on a cargo freighter.] + +2345 Data graduates from Starfleet Academy with honors in exobiology +and probability mechanics. [His first assignment is aboard the +science vessel USS Prokhorov.] + +Kurn is born, son of Mogh, and brother to Worf. + +Sela is born on Romulus. + +[Dr. Pulaski rises to the rank of full lieutenant.] + +2346 Mogh suspects a Klingon named Ja'rod of plotting with the +Romulans against the Klingon emperor. He follows Ja'rod to +the Khittomer outpost. Expecting the trip to be relatively +short, Mogh arranges for family friend Lorgh to care for his +younger son, Kurn. Mogh's wife and elder son, Worf, +accompany Mogh to Khittomer. + +Romulans attack the Klingon outpost at Khittomer. The USS +Intrepid, responding to a distress call, is one of the first +ships on the scene to offer aid. Sergey Rozhenko, a warp +field specialist on the Intrepid, rescues six-year-old +Worf and adopts him as his son, to be raised on the farm world +of Gault. + +[While the USS Stargazer is being refitted, its crew is laid +over on Earth for eighteen months, during which cadet Beverly +Howard is introduced to Stargazer officer Jack Crusher by Walker +Keel.] + +[Dr. Katherine Pulaski joins the microtherapy group at the +Stroycicz Reserach Station. While there, she authors a ground- +breaking paper entitled "Linear Models of Viral Propogation".] + +2347 Worf at seven years of age gets into trouble at school on +Gault for beating up several teenage boys. + +Ro Laren witnesses her father's brutal torture and murder at +the hands of Cardassian forces. + +Starfleet Command orders a change in the design of the Starfleet +emblem. + +2348 Starfleet officer Jack Crusher marries medical student Beverly +Howard. They had been introduced by Walker Keel, a close friend +of Jack Crusher and Jean-Luc Picard, although Picard would later +recall that he had not yet met Beverly at this point. + +Jean-Luc Picard visits his family in LaBarre. It is his last +trip home prior to his convalescence after the Borg encounter +of 2367. + +[The newlywed Crushers honeymoon at Angel Falls, Venezuela, on +Earth.] + +2349 Wesley Crusher is born to Jack and Beverly Crusher. When Wesley +is ten weeks old, Jack records a holographic message that he +hopes Wesley will play when he reaches his eighteenth birthday. + +The alternate future Lt. Yar is executed following an attempted +escape from Romulus with her daughter, Sela. + +[Data is transfered to the USS Compton.] + +[The Cardassian Union's imperialist forces make several assaults +upon Federation space, prompting hostility to flare into open +warfare.] + +[Lt. Cmdr. Ian Andrew Alex Troi, nee' Alexander, is one of +twelve casualities when his ship, the USS Horizon, is fired upon +by Cardassian forces.] + +2350 Beverly Crusher graduates with a medical degree from Starfleet +Academy. + +Kyle Riker leaves his son, William, at age 15. Kyle and Will do +not speak again until 2365. + +[Captain Walker Keel returns to space as he assumes command of +the USS Horatio.] + +[Starfleet Command orders a change in design of the Starfleet +uniform.] + +2351 Sergey and Helena Rozhenko, along with their adopted son, Worf, +and another son, move from the farm world of Gault back to +Earth. + +[Kyle Riker signs up with the Diplomatic Corps' civilian +advisory service, and is stationed at Starbase 107.] + +[Data is promoted to lieutenant (j.g.).] + +[Dr. Crusher begins serving her first residency, on Starbase +59.] + +[Dr. Katherine Pulaski is transferred to the USS Spruance, where +she serves as Assistant Chief Medical Officer.] + +2352 Fifteen-year-old Natasha Yar escapes from the failed colony at +Turkana Four. Her younger sister Ishara, who has joined one of +the gangs on the planet, declines to leave with her. Shortly +after Tasha's depature, the colony breaks off contact with the +Federation. + +Beverly Crusher is transferred to Delos Four, where she serves a +residency under Dr. Dalen Quaice. + +[At the age of sixteen, Deanna Troi enrolls in the psychology +program at the University of Science on Betazed.] + +2353 Starfleet civilian advisor Kyle Riker is the sole survivor of a +Tholian attack on [Starbase 107]. [His was the only active life +sign picked up by the rescue ship, USS Spruance.] He recovers +his health under the care of [the Spruance's Asst. CMO] Dr. +Katherine Pulaski, a relationship which turns to romance between +the two. + +William Riker enters Starfleet Academy. One of his friends is +fellow student Paul Rice, who would eventually command the USS +Drake prior to Rice's death on Minos. The superintendent of the +Academy is a native of Vulcan. + +Geordi La Forge enters Starfleet Academy. His major field of +study is engineering. + +[Data is transferred to the USS Giraud, where he serves as Chief +Science Officer.] + +[Capt. Picard and the USS Stargazer are dispatched to Cardassian +space to make preliminary overtures to a peace settlement. Not +ready for peace at this time, the Cardassians chase the +Stargazer back to Federation territory.] + +[Convinced that archaeology holds the key to a life of wealth +and adventure, Vash enrolls in a science academy. She receives +mediocre but passing grades.] +>>> Continued to next message + + +Path: newserv.ksu.ksu.edu!moe.ksu.ksu.edu!vixen.cso.uiuc.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!wupost!csus.edu!netcom.com!netcomsv!matrix!scott.hollifield +From: scott.hollifield@the-matrix.com (Scott Hollifield) +Newsgroups: rec.arts.startrek.misc +Subject: TNG Spec. Chronology 4/6 +Message-ID: <2297.3844.uupcb@the-matrix.com> +Date: 2 Oct 93 17:03:00 GMT +Distribution: world +Organization: The MATRIX - Birmingham, AL - 205-323-2016 +Reply-To: scott.hollifield@the-matrix.com (Scott Hollifield) +Lines: 146 + +>>> Continued from previous message +2354 Lt. Jack Crusher dies on a USS Stargazer away team mission under +the command of Captain Picard. + +Captain Picard, aboard the USS Stargazer, visits Chalna. + +[Grieving over her husband's death, Dr. Crusher moves to Earth +with her son Wesley, where she begins serving as a tissue +specialist with the Starfleet Medical Auxilliary unit in San +Francisco.] + +[Dr. Pulaski is promoted to Chief Medical Officer on the USS +Spruance when the residing CMO, Dr. Sorenson, retires.] + +2355 The Stargazer, under the command of Picard, is nearly destroyed +in a conflict in the Maxia Zeta system by an unknown adversary, +eventually learned to be a Ferengi spacecraft. Picard saves his +crew by employing what is later termed the "Picard maneuver". +The ship is abandoned, and the crew drifts in lifeboats and +shuttlecraft for ten weeks before being rescued. + +Captain Picard is court-martialed for the loss of the Stargazer +by Starfleet prosecutor Phillipa Louvois. + +[After Picard is exonerated of charges stemming from the +Stargazer incident, he and Phillipa Louvois strike up a romantic +relationship that ends when Louvois is promoted and transferred +away.] + +Worf, aged 15, reaches the Age of Ascension. + +[Deanna Troi graduates with a degree in Psychological Science +from the university on Betazed. She goes on to apply +successfully for Starfleet Academy as well as a one-year +accreditation due to her previous education.] + +[Dr. Beverly Crusher is promoted to the rank of full +lieutenant.] (^6) + +2356 [Capt. Picard signs on for a one-year tour on the USS Conestoga, +where he assists in the exploration training of a class of +Academy cadets.] + +[During a diplomatic mission to Cerebus Three, Admiral Mark +Jameson acquires a youth drug used by the natives there.] + +[Dr. Katherine Pulaski is hand-picked for the position of Chief +Medical Officer of the USS Repulse by Captain Taggart.] + +2357 William Riker graduates from Starfleet Academy. [His first +assignment is as a navigation officer aboard the USS Kinkaid.] + +Geordi La Forge graduates from Starfleet Academy with a major in +engineering. [His first posting is as an engineer on the USS +Tomonaga.] (^7) + +Worf enters Starfleet Academy. He is the first Klingon to serve +in Starfleet. Worf's stepbrother also enters the Academy, but +finds it not to his liking, and returns to his former home on +Gault. (^8) + +[Tasha Yar enters Starfleet Academy.] + +The USS Galaxy, prototype for the Galaxy-class starship program, +is commissioned. [The decision is made by Starfleet to +eliminate the position of Chief Science Officer from the +personnel hierarchy of all Galaxy-class ships, due to the +unprecedented size of their anticipated crews; instead, a new +hierarchy of semi-autonomous Science sub-departments is put +into place, each with its own chief officer.] + +2358 Major work progresses on the Galaxy-class starship Enterprise, +under construction at the Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards in +orbit around Mars. The project is under the overall supervision +of Cmdr. Orvil Quinteros. Significant contributions to the +design of the warp propulsion system are made by Dr. Leah +Brahms, a junior member of engineering team 7, and a graduate +of the Daystrom Institue. + +[Deanna Troi graduates from Starfleet Academy. Her first +assignment is on Betazed working as a staff psychologist +for the Federation Diplomatic Corps stationed there. She also +takes further classes at the University.] (^9) + +[Data is transferred to an Ops position on the USS Chesapeake; he +is also promoted to full lieutenant.] + +[Dr. Crusher is promoted to the rank of lieutenant commander and +to the position of Chief of Surgery at the medical center.] + +2359 [While at the Academy,] Worf meets K'Ehleyr [who is working +there as a instruction assistant teaching classes about the +Federation's history with the Klingon Empire]. The two have +an unresolved relationship. + +[Will Riker is transferred to a tactical position on the USS +White and is promoted to lieutenant (j.g.).] + +[Ro Laren enters Starfleet Academy. She is the third Bajoran +to serve in Starfleet.] + +[Dr. Crusher receives her first starship assignment, as a +medical officer on the USS New Orleans.] + +[Geordi La Forge transfers to the USS MacNaughton, where he +serves in the engineering department.] + +2360 [Will Riker is promoted to Chief Tactical Officer of the USS +White.] + +[Data is transferred to the USS Trieste.] + +[While on the MacNaughton, Geordi switches specializations from +engineering to navigation, for reasons unknown.] + +[Deanna Troi is promoted to the rank of lieutenant (j.g.).] + +[The Galaxy-class USS Yamato, NCC-1305-E, is commissioned and +launched from Utopia Planetia. Its commanding officer is +Captain Donald Varley.] + +[K'Ehleyr leaves her job at the Academy and joins the diplomatic +service as a Federation envoy to the Klingon Empire. She is the +third person ever to hold such an office, and the first Klingon +to work as a Federation diplomat.] + +2361 [Tasha Yar and Worf both graduate from the same Academy class +and make it onto the same first assignment, as part of the +security team on the USS La Gloire.] + +Will Riker and Deanna Troi meet on Betazed and fall in love. +[Riker is stationed there for nine months working with the +Federation Diplomatic Corps while waiting for another starship +assignment.] He is also promoted to the rank of full lieutenant +while on Betazed. + +Vash begins working as an assistant to Professor Samuel +Estragon. + +The USS Potemkin makes last Federation contact with the failed +colony on Turkana Four prior to the Enterprise visit in 2367. + +[Dr. Crusher is promoted to Assistant Chief Medical Officer on +the New Orleans.] +>>> Continued to next message + + +Path: newserv.ksu.ksu.edu!moe.ksu.ksu.edu!vixen.cso.uiuc.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!wupost!csus.edu!netcom.com!netcomsv!matrix!scott.hollifield +From: scott.hollifield@the-matrix.com (Scott Hollifield) +Newsgroups: rec.arts.startrek.misc +Subject: TNG Spec. Chronology 5/6 +Message-ID: <2298.3844.uupcb@the-matrix.com> +Date: 2 Oct 93 17:03:00 GMT +Distribution: world +Organization: The MATRIX - Birmingham, AL - 205-323-2016 +Reply-To: scott.hollifield@the-matrix.com (Scott Hollifield) +Lines: 149 + +>>> Continued from previous message +[Geordi La Forge is transferred to the USS Victory, where he +serves as a helm officer.] He serves under the command of Capt. +Zembata, and [frequently] works with [the ship's Second +Officer,] Lt. Susanna Leijten. + +[Cadet Ro Laren is forced to repeat a year's worth of Academy +credits as punishment for being involved in an incident where +she abandoned her flight team on a test mission in order to +achieve a higher score.] + +[Ambassador Sarek begins exhibiting nominal symptoms of Bendaii +syndrome. He keeps his condition a secret initially, but wife +and close associates eventually deduce the truth.] + +2362 Riker leaves Betazed for a transfer to the USS Potemkin [as +Chief Tactical Officer], promising to meet Deanna on Risa in +six weeks. + +Lt. Riker was part of an USS Potemkin away team on Nervala +Four when, unbeknownst to anyone, a transporter fluke created +a duplicate of Riker who remained on the planet while the +original left with the Potemkin. + +[Riker is given a promotion to lieutenant commander and decides +to stay on the Potemkin instead of meeting Deanna. He later +transfers to the USS Hood, where he serves as Capt. DeSoto's +first officer for a year and a half.] + +[After her relationship with Will Riker ends, Deanna Troi +rethinks her career and takes her first space assignment, as +Station Counselor on Starbase 11. She is one of the first chief +psychologists on a Federation space station. She is promoted +to the rank of full lieutenant along with the transfer.] + +Dr. Dalen Quaice begins a tour of duty at Starbase 133. He +remains at that posting until the death of his wife, Patricia, +in 2367. + +[Dr. Crusher is transferred to the USS Valiant, where she serves +as Chief Medical Officer for two years. She is also promoted to +the rank of commander.] + +[Ensign Worf receives a reprimand for "overzealous behavior" +while serving as a security officer on the La Gloire, and is +transfered against his will to the Ops station.] + +[Tasha Yar is promoted to lieutenant (j.g.).] + +[While serving on the Victory, Ens. Geordi La Forge gets the +opportunity to pilot Captain Jean-Luc Picard on an inspection +tour via shuttlecraft. It is the first meeting between the +two officers.] + +[Lt. Monroe Kosinski first meets the mysterious "Traveller" from +Tau Alpha C. He takes on the Traveller as his assistant, which +enables him to advance his work in warp propulsion +significantly.] + +[Lt. Data gets the opportunity to observe a wormhole while +serving on the Trieste. It is, in fact, the first unipolar +wormhole (i.e. with one stable pole, or end) discovered by +the Federation.] + +2363 Ens. Geordi La Forge is a member of the Victory away team, led +by Lt. Susanna Leijten, investigating the disappearance of +49 persons at the colony on Tarchannan Three. Five years later, +all five members of this away team are mysteriously compelled to +return to the same planet. (^10) + +[At the age of 26, Tryla Scott becomes the youngest Starfleet +officer in history to attain the rank of captain, due in part +to both early admission to and early graduation from the +Academy. She is given command of the USS Renegade.] + +[Tasha Yar is promoted to the positions of Chief Tactical +Officer and Chief Security Officer on the La Gloire, as well as +the rank of full lieutenant. Worf is promoted to the rank of +lieutenant (j.g.) and begins serving under Lt. Yar's direct +command in tactical and security.] + +[A tentative cease-fire is established between the Federation +and the Cardassians, for the first time in fourteen years. It +manages to last four years, until both sides can agree to an +official truce.] + +The Galaxy-class starship Enterprise, NCC-1701-D, is launched +from Utopia Planitia. Its official date of commission is +40759.5. (^11) + +[Ambassador Spock speaks publicly in favor of peace talks with +Cardassia. His father disapproves of the open airing of Spock's +opinions, believing Spock to be motivated by disrepect of +Sarek's more moderate position. The dispute proves to be the +final one between father and son, and Sarek breaks off all +communication with Spock.] + +2364 Cmdr. Will Riker (^12) is offered the opportunity to command the +USS Drake but declines the assignment in order to serve on the +Enterprise. + +Data [is promoted to lieutenant commander and] transfers to the +Enterprise to serve as chief Ops officer and Second Officer. + +Dr. Crusher transfers to the Enterprise where she begins serving +as Chief Medical Officer. + +Geordi La Forge transfers to the Enterprise. + +Deanna Troi transfers to the Enterprise as Ship's Counselor +[and is promoted to the rank of lieutenant commander]. + +Lt. Yar and Lt. Worf both transfer to the Enterprise. + +[Ro Laren graduates from Starfleet Academy. Her first +assignment is as a helm officer on the USS Wellington.] + +[Navigation records made by the USS Enterprise during an +journey out of the galaxy (while under the control of a +Traveller from Tau Alpha C) lead to the development of the Deep +Space project, a program of specially-equipped space stations +placed at remote locations to monitor frontier activity at the +farthest reaches of explored space. The first, Deep Space One, +is constructed in the L'louri sector, along the Enterprise's +flight path toward galaxy M33.] + +First official contact is made with the Ferengi Alliance. + +2365 Dr. Crusher accepts a position [as Administrative Chair of +Exobiology] at Starfleet Medical headquarters [in Bern, +Switzerland,] on Earth. She is replaced as Chief Medical +Officer on the Enterprise by Dr. Katherine Pulaski. + +[Dr. Pulaski brings with her Dr. Selar, a Vulcan officer who +serves as the Enterprise's Assistant CMO. When Pulaski leaves +the ship after a year, Selar decides to remain on board.] + + +Geordi La Forge is promoted to full lieutenant and to the +position of Chief Engineer, replacing [Lt. Anthony] Logan. + +Worf is promoted to the rank of full lieuteant. + +[Ensign Ro sparks the incident at Garon Two, which results in +the deaths of eight members of the Wellington's crew. She is +court-martialed and sentenced to a six-year imprisonment at +Jaros Two.] +>>> Continued to next message + + +Path: newserv.ksu.ksu.edu!moe.ksu.ksu.edu!vixen.cso.uiuc.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!wupost!csus.edu!netcom.com!netcomsv!matrix!scott.hollifield +From: scott.hollifield@the-matrix.com (Scott Hollifield) +Newsgroups: rec.arts.startrek.misc +Subject: TNG Spec. Chronology 6/6 +Message-ID: <2299.3844.uupcb@the-matrix.com> +Date: 2 Oct 93 17:03:00 GMT +Distribution: world +Organization: The MATRIX - Birmingham, AL - 205-323-2016 +Reply-To: scott.hollifield@the-matrix.com (Scott Hollifield) +Lines: 116 + +>>> Continued from previous message +2366 Dr. Crusher returns to the Enterprise as Chief Medical Officer. + +[Dr. Pulaski returns to the Repulse as Chief Medical Officer +following her one-year tour on the Enterprise.] + +Geordi La Forge is promoted to the rank of lieutenant commander. + +The final truce between the United Federation of Planets and the +Cardassian Union is signed. + +2368 Ro Laren is released early from prison by Admiral Kennelley, and +transfers to the USS Enterprise, where she assists in a +crucial diplomatic mission invoving Bajoran terrorists. Picard +requests a stay of duty for her on the Enterprise. + +The Cardassian occupational forces on Bajor are finally driven +off by the Bajoran resistance. Though chaotic and unstable, +a new Bajoran government is installed on the planet. (^13) + +2369 The Federation, with the cooperation of the Bajoran government, +begins administration of an orbiting station around Bajor, +which the Federation rename Deep Space Nine. It is commanded +by Commander Benjamin Sisko. + + +---------------------------------- + +FOOTNOTES: + +(^1) This explains why we've been given two seemingly conflicting +names for Deanna Troi's father, Ian Andrew ("The Child") and +Alex ("Conundrum"). + +(^2) The Okuda chronology refers to the "Cardassian Empire", but in +"Chain of Command", the actual Cardassian soveriegn entity is +referred to as the Cardassian Union. + +(^3) Picard's highly accelerated rate of promotion is made necessary +by the established fact that he made captain at the age of 28, +six years after graduating from the Academy. + +(^4) There have been six ships to bear the name Yamato in Starfleet +history to date; the sixth, NCC-1305-E, was the Galaxy-class +sister ship to the Enterprise-D. Its predecessor, the Nebula- +class NCC-1305-D, is the Yamato referred to here. + +(^5) Bruce Maddox is a commander in "The Measure of a Man", but since +the hearings at which he was present for the question of Data's +sentience happened over twenty years earlier, Maddox was +undoubtedly of lower rank. + +(^6) Graduates of the eight-year medical program at Starfleet Academy +typically emerge with a rank of lieutenant (j.g.) at the time of +graduation. + +(^7) The Okuda chronology specifies that "one of" Geordi's "first +assignments is aboard the USS Victory", but there's no evidence +that the Victory was one of his first postings. In fact, +evidence seems to point toward the Victory as being Geordi's +*last* ship before the Enterprise. + +(^8) If Worf's human foster brother traveled with his parents, which +is a safe assumption, then his home would be on Earth, not +Gault. The show specifies neither. + +(^9) This explains why Troi was a "psychology student" when she met +Riker, as established in "Menage a Troi". Without further +information, this knowledge alone would seem to suggest that +she had not yet entered Starfleet; yet, given the continuity +from "Second Chances", Troi would have had to enter the +Academy at an unusually late age, and undergone an unusually +rapid level of promotion, under those circumstances. Ocaam's +Razor prevails in this chronology. + +(^10) The Okuda chronology places this event in 2362 instead of 2363. +This is incorrect if one goes by the Okuda's chronology's +assumption that the beginning of each season (41000.0, 42000.0, +etc.) coincides with the beginning of a calendar year. The +justification for the Okuda date is Susanna Leijten's remark +that the original Tarchannan mission took place five years +prior, when it would have been four years going by the "1000 +stardates=1 year" system. + +(^11) The pre-"Farpoint" Enterprise mission to Carnel, where Picard +meets Tasha for the first time ("Legacy"), is regarded as +out-of-continuity for the purposes for this chronology, even +though the Okudas regard it as canon. Such an assumption +would require the Enterprise to have gone on a mission before +Riker, LaForge and the Crushers came aboard. This chronology +works with the premise that "Farpoint" was the Enterprise's +first mission. + +(^12) "The Icarus Factor" establishes that Riker was a lieutenant +commander when approached by Picard to be a first officer on +the Enterprise. Presumably, some time passed between Picard's +offer and Riker's final transfer to the Enterprise, during +which he was both promoted to commander and also offered the +command of the Drake. + +(^13) This date is largely conjectural. It is established that the +Federation presence at Bajor (at the beginning of Star Trek: +Deep Space Nine) is put into place shortly after the Bajorans +regain power on the planet; it stands to reason that the +provisional government would have to be present at least six +months or so before the Federation would feel it prudent to +install representation. This would place the overthrow of +the Cardassians in the previous calendar year, 2368. + +=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- +scott.hollifield@the-matrix.com +"So... worry much about Western civilization? Collapsing, or hadn't you +. noticed? -- Elizabeth Perkins, _About Last Night..._ +=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- + + + diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/st-drink.txt b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/st-drink.txt new file mode 100644 index 00000000..455ac0c7 --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/st-drink.txt @@ -0,0 +1,140 @@ + STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION + + DRINKING GAME + + + RULES + + Have one sip of beer per successfully met condition + + +Anybody: + + 'Open hailing frequencies' + 'Medical emergency' + 'Belay that order' + 'Energise' + 'Hell','Damn' and other swearing. See Rikers special swearing + rules. + +Picard: + + 'Make it so' + 'Engage' + 'Come' - two if said in personal quarters + 'Captain's log' - two if supplemental + 'Proceed' + 'Number One' + +Worf: + + 'Impressive' + 'Admirable' + 'Grrrrr' ( A simple sneer qualifies) + +Data: + + 'Fascinating' + 'Accessing' + +DRINK WHENEVER: + +Riker swears - two drinks; three if it's 'hell'; whole beer if he + asks 'what the hell is going on' +Riker walks forward as if he's trying to knock an imaginary door + down with his forehead. +A female character has flawless makeup after she's been through the + ringer. +Picard straightens his uniform + +Data's innards are revealed + +Data uses his strength + +Data is cut off mid sentence - two drinks if it's a list of + synonyms. +Geordie's visor is taken or knocked off + +Beverly can't figure out some bizarre medical problem + +Deanna senses something really shocking + +Deanna gives us Betazoid insight into something really obvious + +O'Brien has a line (this gets brutal after the third season - weak + drinkers may pass) +A crew member drinks - two if it's Picard; three if it's Picard + drinking tea; four if the tea is identified as Earl + Grey. +A bridge officer is shown in casual clothes (one drink per scene, + per officer) = two drinks if it's Beverly in a + sweater; two drinks if it's Picard in his chest + revealing bedwear. +A bridge officer appears in dress uniform (one drink per scene, per + officer) +Every time somebody is addressed by his or her first name - two if + there's some kind of sexual tension going on. +Every time they use transporter room three. + +A shuttle craft seems like an unsafe place to be. + +Somebody reads a book. + +Somebody preaches the Prime Directive - two if it's NOT Picard + +Somebody preaches about Humanity's Unique Potential + +Picard has an accident or is attacked - two drink; three if it + draws blood +Picard is possessed - four drinks + +An 'old earth saying' is brought up - two if Data has to have it + explained to him. +Patrick Stewart tries to speak French + +Wesley talks back to his Mom. + +Somebody implies that Ten Forward is a Happening Place + +They fade for an advertisement playing the 'ominous horns' + +Klingon is spoken - two drinks per scene in which Klingons are + alone and have no obvious reason to speak English + but do anyway. +Each scene in which a nifty new Romulan ship is shown + +There's a token alien in the background with no lines - two if it's + a Vulcan. +Yellow Alert - one drink +Red Alert - two drinks +Intruder Alert - three drinks + +Another Captain or Star Fleet Command officer is on screen. + +There's a countdown + +Every time a bridge command is handed over + +The Enterprise crew avoids a confrontation instead of blasting + away. +Each scene in which the Enterprise actually fights (shots must be + fired) - two drinks. +Whole beer whenever the saucer section separates. + +They contact somebody on the communicator/intercom without going to + a panel or touching anything. +A communicator isn't working or is blocked - two if it's out of + range. +New Trek contradicts a fact from Old Trek (Unfortunately, players + may be too drunk to adjudicate this rule) +You're thirsty + + + -This game was designed and written by no attributable source. + + +{ed Clearly a drinking game beyond the capacity of most humans.} + + +ij' + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/st-isop.txt b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/st-isop.txt new file mode 100644 index 00000000..ee050aee --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/st-isop.txt @@ -0,0 +1,147 @@ + + STAR TREK: IN SEARCH OF POWER + + +"Sulu, set path to the root directory and install the ram disk for 320k. We're +taking her out." + +"Aye, sir." + +"Scotty, I want full power to the megabit ram chips and to the hard drives." + +"Captain, yer overloadin' her as it is. The power supply just isn't built to +take two hard drrrives." + +"Power, Scotty! I want more power! Chekov, install the disk cache. Spock, any +word on the millions of instructions per second?" + +"Fascinating, Captain. It seems as if the turbo accelerator board is +overrunning the hard drive, which, due to its poorer response time, is slowing +down the system performance." + +"Scotty, where is that power!?" + +"Captain, I'm givin ye all she's got. It's that miserable 80986 with the 512k +bit bus multiplexed down to one pin. The wee beastie has these teeny weeny +little segments that can only handle so much. You'll have to install an +extended memory board, do bank switching, and allocate a huge ram disk if you +want to go any faster." + +"Chekov, install the EMS board." + +"Yes, sir." + +"Uhura, any word from mainframe command?" + +"Well, Captain, we're received several interrupts from the serial port, but +because we're not multitasking, the data is just sitting there." + +"Scotty, how much longer until we can shift into Unix?" + +"Captain, if ye can squeeze another 60 megabytes onto that hard disk, we might +have room for Unix and a couple of system utilities. Possibly an application. +We'll need to increase the clock speed to 28 gigahertz. I think we can do it, +but there are too many unknowns, too many bugs in the system! We'll have to do +a proper shakedown." + +"Spock?" + +"Unix is a massive system, Captain, and the commands have to be decoded from +hieroglyphics invented back in ancient times. It may be more than we can +handle." + +"Sulu, put in the 60 meg hard drive, install Unix for mouse drive. Prepare to +go to Task speed on my signal." + +"Mouse drive? ......Aye, Captain." + +"Now! Yes, Bones? What do you want?" + +"Jim, you just have a little spreadsheet work, mailing labels, and some word +processing. Don't you think you're overdoing it a bit?" + +"Sulu?" + +"Captain, she's shifting into multitasking. Task one. Task two.... Captain, I'm +losing control at the helm. It looks like we've encountered a bad sector." + +"Put it on visual, Sulu." + +"Captain, the VGA is not responding, sir. Shifting resolution into EGA mode." + +"Spock? What's the problem?" + +"Unknown, Captain. Unix seems to be rerouting all input to a null device." +Trying 'grep'", now muttering, "whatever that is." + +"Scotty, what's happening with those '/dev' subdirectories?" + +"Captain, she canna take much morrre.... Another fifteen seconds and me math +chips'll burrrn up for surrre...." + +"Scotty, we're not using the math chip." + +"Sorry, Captain, but I haven't been able to say that for twenty minutes." + +"Uhura, notify mainframe command." + +"Captain, either communications is breaking up, or you're dropping into +Shakespearean stutter mode again." + +"Captain, she canna take much morrre.... Another fifteen seconds and me math +chips'll burrrn up for surrre...." + +"Enough Scotty!" + +"Captain! I'm getting a message from mainframe command......Apparently, sir, +they're going to time-warp previously forgotten modes of data handling, it +looks like SQL syntax is forming in the language port now." + +"Scotty, quick, pop-up the menu shields. This could be a trick to get us back +to card punching." + +"I'm sorry, Captain, but Dbase LCXIX doesn't have pop-ups that work yet." + +"Chekov, we need hardcopy! Fire HP LaserJet!" + +"Aye, sir." + +"Bones, how do I see which tasks are active?" + +"I'm a doctor, Jim, not a command shell!" + +"Scotty! Why can't I get a directory on this thing!!?" + +"Captain, ye just canna have a mouse driven pull down menu system with Unix. +It's like matter and antimatter, the system's too bogged down. Yer drainin me +quartz crystals." + +"Chekov, report." + +"Captain, the little arrow is responding, but it gets to the side of the screen +before the windows have a chance to move..." + +"Spock? What's happening to our multitasking?" + +"It appears as if the needs of the one are outweighing the needs of the many." + +"Captain, she's not even runnin on reserve now. We'll have to do a cold boot +for surrre." + +"Reboot scotty " + +"I can't captain..we have lost cmos" + +"Install floppy backup" + +"We can't captain..intense magnetic radiation from overloading thre power +supply has wiped the backup floppies" + +"Doctor"? + +"it's dead jim" + +"Bones?" + +"It's dead, Jim." + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/st-locat b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/st-locat new file mode 100644 index 00000000..b8f89665 --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/st-locat @@ -0,0 +1,2019 @@ +Subject: STAR TREK LOCATIONS [Updated: Mar 13, 1994] +Summary: This posting contains references to locations as they have + appeared or have been mentioned in any Star Trek television + series or feature film release. + +Archive-name: star-trek/locations + + + STAR TREK LOCATIONS + ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ + by: D. Joseph Creighton + Joe_Creighton@UManitoba.CA + + Updated: Mar 13, 1994 Copyright (c) 1992 - 1994 All rights reserved. + You are free to distribute this list in its electronic format provided +that its contents are not changed and this copyright notice remains attached. +----------------------------------------------------------------------------- +- Only information from "Star Trek", "Star Trek: The Next Generation", + "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine", and the feature films will be considered + for use in this list. +- All notations will be listed with their first appearance in any series. +- Numbering (unless noticed as otherwise): + planets->Roman numerals; systems->alphabetic; starbases->Arabic numerals +- Please feel free to notify me of any corrections and/or suggestions. + +* This list is primarily for my personal use and reference. Therefore, any + interpretation of canon material is left up to the reader. +* Updates of this list will be posted monthly (on or around the 13th) and + are available via anonymous ftp from the following sites: + rtfm.mit.edu in /pub/usenet/news.answers/star-trek/locations + ftp.cc.umanitoba.ca in /startrek/locations. +* This list is current up to and including: + TNG "Eye of the Beholder" + DS9 "Playing God" +----------------------------------------------------------------------------- + + + + + +--- REGIONS, BODIES, PHENOMENONS --- + +Alpha Quadrant ST VI:TUC +Alwaner Nebula TNG "Rightful Heir" +Amagosa DeAspera Cluster TNG "Schisms" +Andromeda Galaxy TOS "By Any Other Name" +Argolis Cluster (six systems) TNG "I Borg" +Argosian Sector DS9 "Babel" +Argus Sector TNG "Gambit, Part I" +Belati Sector TNG "Ethics" +Beta Quadrant ST VI:TUC +Bajoran Sector TNG "Chain of Command, Part I" +Black Cluster, Sector 97 TNG "Hero Worship" +Borgilus Nebula TNG "Lessons" +Brechtian Cluster TNG "Silicon Avatar" +Cavis Alpha Sector TNG "Evolution" +Chalmra Vortex, Gamma Quadrant DS9 "Vortex" +Crab Nebula TNG "Manhunt" +Delta Quadrant TNG "The Price" +Deltivid Asteroid Belt TNG "Deja Q" +Denorias Belt (charged plasma field) DS9 "Emissary" +Dingkeery Arm, Gamma Quadrant TNG "The Price" +Epsilon 9 Sector TNG "Samaritan Snare" +FGC13 (Cluster) TNG "Schisms" +FGC47 (Nebula) TNG "Imaginary Friend" +Fledka Asteroid Belt DS9 "Rivals" +Galaxy M-33 TNG "Where No One..." +Gamma 7 Sector TNG "Unnatural Selection" +Gamma Quadrant TNG "The Price" +Garamin Sector TNG "Rightful Heir" +Giles Belt TNG "The Most Toys" +Glaceen Sector DS9 "Babel" +Hanoli Rift DS9 "If Wishes Were Horses" +Hekarus Corridor TNG "Force of Nature" +Horami Cluster TNG "The Vengeance Factor" +Hyralan Sector TNG "Gambit, Part II" +Igo Sector TNG "Realm of Fear" +Ikainian Asteroid Belt TNG "Mind's Eye" +Kadasian Sector TNG "The Wounded" +Kaleb Sector TNG "Face of the Enemy" +Karaya Sector TNG "Birthright, Part I" +Klingon Neutral Zone TOS +Latar Nebula DS9 "Q-Less" +Legana Sector TNG "Second Chances" +Lonka Cluster TNG "Allegiance" +Lorenz Cluster TNG "Arsenal of Freedom" +McAlister C5 Nebula (11 LY from Minos Korva) TNG "Chain of Command, Part I" +Mar-Oscura Nebula TNG "In Theory" +Mempa Sector TNG "Redemption" +Mikoria Quazar TNG "The Pegasus" +Mogawna Quadrant TNG "Where Silence Has Lease" +Morab Sector TNG "Time's Arrow" +Murasaki 312 TOS "The Galileo Seven" +Murasaki Quasar TNG "Data's Day" +Mutara Nebula ST II:TWOK +Mutara Sector ST III:TSFS +Nagami Nebula TNG "Clues" +Neutral Zone TOS +NGC321 (Star Cluster) TOS "A Taste of Armageddon" +Onias Sector (near Romulan Neutral Zone) TNG "Future Imperfect" +Outer Cometary Cloud TNG "Sins of the Father" +Paulson Nebula TNG "The Best of Both Worlds" +Pelloris Asteroid Field TNG "Cost of Living" +Phoenix Cluster TNG "The Game" +Phyecus Sector TNG "Up the Long Ladder" +Pleiades Cluster TNG "Home Soil" +Quad L-14 ST:TMP +Quadrant 9 TNG "Heart of Glory" +Quadrant 448 TOS "The Deadly Years" +Romboy Droniger Sector TNG "Samaritan Snare" +Romulan Neutral Zone TOS "Balance of Terror" +Sector 001 TNG "The Best of Both Worlds" +Sector 5 ST IV:TVH +Sector 23 TNG "The Measure of a Man" +Sector 30 TNG "The Neutral Zone" +Sector 31 TNG "The Neutral Zone" +Sector 63 TNG "Conspiracy" +Sector 97 TNG "Hero Worship" +Sector 396 TNG "The Offspring" +Sector 1156 + (over two sectors away from Darcaya System) TNG "Masks" +Sector 1607 TNG "The Pegasus" +Sector 3556, Delta Quadrant TNG "The Price" +Sector 9569 TNG "Transfigurations" +Sector 19658 TNG "Parallels" +Sector 21305 TNG "Ensign Ro" +Sector 21459 TNG "The Chase" +Sector 21503 TNG "The Wounded" +Sector 21505 TNG "The Wounded" +Sector 21527 TNG "Chain of Command, Part II" +Sector 21947 TNG "Suddenly Human" +Selcumby Drama Sector (five systems) TNG "Pen Pals" +Septimus Minor TNG "The Ensigns of Command" +Solarian Sector TNG "The Inner Light" +Staleeby Asteroid Belt, Sector 396 TNG "The Offspring" +Talos Star Group TOS "The Cage" +Telleris Cluster DS9 "Q-Less" +Typhon Expanse TNG "Cause and Effect" +Vega Omicron Sector TNG "The Icarus Factor" +Voltara Nebula TNG "The Chase" +Zed Lapis Sector TNG "Skin of Evil" +Zeta Gellis Cluster TNG "Transfigurations" +, Gamma Quadrant + (located in an uncharted binary system) DS9 "Battle Lines" + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +--- SOLAR/STAR SYSTEMS --- + +Acamar TNG "The Vengeance Factor" +Alpha Centauri TOS "Metamorphosis" +Alpha Leonis TNG "The Vengeance Factor" +Alpha Omicron (seven or more planets) TNG "Galaxy's Child" +Alpha Onias TNG "Future Imperfect" +Altair TOS "Amok Time" +Argaia (near Cardassian border) TNG "Lower Decks" +Argo TNG "Silicon Avatar" +Atalia TNG "The Chase" +Bersallis (three or more planets) TNG "Lessons" +Beta Casius TNG "Haven" +Beta Coupsic TNG "The Icarus Factor" +Beta Magellon TNG "11001001" +Beta Niobe (went nova) TOS "All Our Yesterdays" +Beta Oragae (binary system) TOS "Turnabout Intruder" +Beta Renna TNG "Lonely Among Us" +Beta Stromgrin TNG "Tin Man" +Bilaren TNG "True Q" +Borratis TNG "The Emisarry" +Bras Lota (two or more planets) TNG "Peak Performance" +Cabral TNG "Homeward" +Calder TNG "Gambit, Part I" +Carraya TNG "Rightful Heir" +Clarius DS9 "The Nagus" +Cornelia TNG "Where Silence Has Lease" +Dala TNG "Symbiosis" +Darcaya + (over two sectors away from Sector 1156) TNG "Masks" +Delphi Ardu (eleven planets; unexplored) TNG "The Last Outpost" +Delta Ranna TNG "The Survivors" +Detrian (new born star) TNG "Ship in a Bottle" +Devidia, Morab Sector TNG "Time's Arrow" +Diamidian TNG "Clues" +Dracana TNG "Legacy" +Draycon TNG "Face of the Enemy" +Eladrell TNG "Darmok" +Endicor TNG "Time Squared" +Edron, Gamma Quadrant (twin companions; + ~70,000 LY from Bajor) DS9 "Emissary" +El Orean DS9 "Rivals" +Epsilon Indy TOS "The Enemy Within" +Epsilon Mynos TNG "When the Bough Breaks" +Epsilon One-Nineteen (dead sun; reborn) DS9 "Second Sight" +Epsilon Sola TNG "Conundrum" +40 Eridani A TOS "Amok Time" +Fealin TNG "The Outcast" +Galvon Five TNG "Data's Day" +Gamalon TNG "Final Mission" +Gamma Eradon TNG "Redemption II" +Gamma Hydra TOS "The Deadly Years" +Gamma Oregulon TNG "Reunion" +Garth (neighbouring system to Malkor III) TNG "First Contact" +Gernika TNG "Galaxy's Child" +Halley TNG "Heart of Glory" +Hanoli (destroyed by subspace anomaly expansion + in the mid-23rd century) DS9 "If Wishes Were Horses" +Hekarus TNG "Force of Nature" +Hyashi TNG "Tin Man" +Illicom TNG "We'll Always Have Paris" +Indri TNG "The Chase" +J Two-Five TNG "Q Who" +Karaya, Karaya Sector TNG "Birthright, Part II" +Karrats DS9 "The Siege" +Kataan (six planets; star novaed 1000 yrs ago) TNG "The Inner Light" +Kazeus Binary TNG "The Neutral Zone" +Kerlan TNG "The Chase" +Kilarn TNG "The Nth Degree" +Kleone TNG "The Game" +Korridon TOS "Journey to Babel" +Krios TNG "Mind's Eye" +Lapolis DS9 "Emissary" +L-370 (seven planets; all destroyed) TOS "The Doomsday Machine" +L-374 (at least four planets; two left) TOS "The Doomsday Machine" +Lician TNG "Conundrum" +Lima Sierra (4 planets) TNG "Loud as a Whipser" +Loran TNG "The Chase" +Lygos TNG "Rascals" +Maricor TNG "Ethics" +Maxia Zeta TNG "The Battle" +Meara (six planets) TNG "Conspiracy" +Meldrar I (lunar prison) DS9 "Necessary Evil" +Mesalina TNG "Ethics" +Minos Korva (11 LY from McAlister C5 Nebula) TNG "Chain of Command, Part II" +Moab TNG "The Masterpiece Society" +Modine TNG "Imaginary Friend" +MS TNG "Descent" +M-24 Alpha TOS "The Gamesters..." +Myrichri VII TNG "Interface" +Nelbato TNG "The Most Toys" +Nell (two or more planets) TNG "Violations" +Nelvana, Romulan Neutral Zone TNG "The Defector" +Nequencia TNG "Birthright, Part II" +Ohniaka TNG "Descent" +Omega TOS "Requiem for Methuselah" +Omega Saggita TNG "The Outrageous Okona" +Omicron TNG "Manhunt" +Omicron Pascal TNG "11001001" +Operlyne TNG "Symbiosis" +Orelious Minor DS9 "Paradise" +Oxmal TNG "Power Play" +Paradas (at least four planets) DS9 "Whispers" +Parvenium TNG "The Inner Light" +Pegos Minor TNG "We'll Always Have Paris" +Pelia TNG "The Host" +Pheban TNG "A Matter of Honor" +Praxilla (star destroyed in experiment) TNG "Half a Life" +Quayar TNG "The Wounded" +Ramatis TNG "Loud as a Whipser" +Ramazad TNG "The Chase" +Rechelli TNG "The Child" +Rigel TOS "The Doomsday Machine" +Rua TNG "The Chase" +Rubikin (adjoining Strenab) TNG "Justice" +Selcumby One, Selcumby Drama Sector TNG "Pen Pals" +Selcumby Two, Selcumby Drama Sector TNG "Pen Pals" +Selcumby Three, Selcumby Drama Sector TNG "Pen Pals" +Shelia TNG "The Ensigns of Command" +Sherlaya Six TNG "Cost of Living" +Sigma Draconis TOS "Spock's Brain" +Sigma Erani TNG "The Most Toys" +Sigma Three TNG "Hide and Q" +6-11 TOS "The Return of the Archons" +Sol TOS +Solarian TNG "Ensign Ro" +Space Quadrant 904 TOS "The Squire of Gothos" +Strenab (adjoingin Rubikin) TNG "Justice" +Taleed Beta TNG "The Loss" +Talos (eleven planets) TOS "The Cage" +Tau Cigna TNG "The Ensigns of Command" +Taugus TNG "Gambit, Part II" +Tellun TOS "Elaan of Troyius" +Terlina TNG "Inheritance" +Theta One-Sixteen TNG "The Royale" +Tiarchanon TNG "Identity Crisis" +Triacus TOS "The Enemy Within" +Tycho TOS "Obsession" +Tyran TNG "The Quality of Life" +Valo TNG "Ensign Ro" +Vandor TNG "We'll Always Have Paris" +Veyton TNG "Suspicions" +Vilmoran (seven planets) TNG "The Chase" +Vorath, Gamma Quadrant DS9 "Q-Less" +Wolf 359 TNG "The Best of Both Worlds" +Zairtzi Seven TNG "When the Bough Breaks" +Zendi Sabu TNG "The Battle" + (Dyson Sphere) TNG "Relics" + + + + + + + + +--- PLANETS --- + +Adelphus IV TNG "Data's Day" +Acamar III, Acamar TNG "The Vengenace Factor" +Akrayde VII TNG "Captain's Holiday" +Aldaya, Epsilon Mynos TNG "When the Bough Breaks" +Aldron IV TNG "Coming of Age" +Algeron (planet?) TNG "The Pegasus" +Alpha 177 TOS "The Enemy Within" +Alpha Aradoni II TOS "Wolf in the Fold" +Alpha Corina V TOS "Wolf in the Fold" +Alpha Majoris I TOS "Wolf in the Fold" +Alpha Moon, Peliazel TNG "The Host" +Alpha Onias III, Onias TNG "Future Imperfect" +Altair III TNG "Encounter at Farpoint" +Altair VI TOS "Amok Time" +Altec, Omega Saggita TNG "The Outrageous Okona" +Altoor VII TNG "Birthright, Part I" +Angel One TNG "Angel One" +Angosia III TNG "The Hunted" +Antidi III TNG "Manhunt" +Antos TOS "Whom Gods Destroy" +Antos IV TOS "Whom Gods Destroy" +Arakang VII DS9 "Q-Less" +Archer IV TNG "Yesterday's Enterprise" +Argelius II TOS "Wolf in the Fold" +Argus X TOS "Obsession" +Arianus TOS "Let That Be Your Last..." +Arlof IX TNG "The Neutral Zone" +Armus IX TNG "Angel One" +Arret TOS "Return to Tomorrow" +Atalia VII, Atalia TNG "The Chase" +Atrea IV TNG "Inheritance" +Axanar TOS "Whom Gods Destroy" +Babel (codename) TOS "Journey to Babel" +Bajor (at least five moons) DS9 "Emissary" +Bajor VII (at least three moons) DS9 "Whispers" +Bajor VIII (six colonies) DS9 "Past Prologue" +Balisty DS9 "The Nagus" +Barkon IV TNG "Thyne Own Self" +Barson II TNG "Eye of the Beholder" +Barzaan II TNG "The Price" +Benzar TNG "Coming of Age" +Bersallis III, Bersallis TNG "Lessons" +Beta Agni II TNG "The Most Toys" +Beta Antares TOS "A Piece of the Action" +Beta III, 6-11 TOS "The Return of the Archons" +Beta XII-A TOS "The Day of the Dove" +Beta Moon, Peliazel TNG "The Host" +Beta Thorador (planet?) TNG "Redemption" +Betaline Kel (planet?) TNG "Redemption II" +Betazed TNG +Bilana III (approx. 3 LY from Layma II) TNG "New Ground" +Binus, Beta Magellon TNG "11001001" +Blue Horizon (developed by Gideon Seyetik) DS9 "Second Sight" +Bokara VI TNG "Face of the Enemy" +Boraal II (atmosphere dissapated) TNG "Homeward" +Borratis III, Borratis TNG "The Emissary" +Brax DS9 "Q-Less" +Brayel IV TNG "Deja Q" +Brekka, Dala TNG "Symbiosis" +Brentalya TNG "New Ground" +Browda IV TNG "Allegiance" +Cairn TNG "Dark Page" +Calder II, Calder TNG "Gambit, Part I" +Caldos IV (terraformed) TNG "Sub Rosa" +Caldonia TNG "The Price" +Camus II TOS "Turnabout Intruder" +Capella IV TOS "Friday's Child" +Carraya IV, Carraya TNG "Rightful Heir" +Cardassia TNG "The Chase" +Cardassia IV DS9 "The Homecoming" +Cardassia V DS9 "Shadowplay" +Castel I TNG "Suddenly Human" +Celfala Prime (near Draylon II) DS9 "Sanctuary" +Celtris III TNG "Chain of Command, Part I" +Cestus III TOS "Arena" +Ceti Alpha V TOS "Space Seed" +Ceti Alpha VI (destroyed) ST II:TWOK +Cetlic III DS9 "Emissary" +Chalna TNG "Allegiance" +Chandra V TNG "Tin Man" +Chantil III TNG "Darmok" +Cheron TOS "Let That Be Your Last..." +Chya VII TNG "Booby Trap" +Clauvdia III TNG "The Dauphin" +Colendia IV DS9 "Playing God" +Corcoroli V TNG "Allegiance" +Cosla II DS9 "The Alternate" +Costalane TNG "Cost of Living" +Daled IV TNG "The Dauphin" +Deanius III TNG "Contagion" +Deilos IV TNG "Remember Me" +Delb II TNG "The Drumhead" +Delta IV ST:TMP +Delta Vega TOS "Where No Man..." +Deneb II TOS "Wolf in the Fold" +Deneb IV TNG "Encounter at Farpoint" +Deneb V TOS "I, Mudd" +Deneva TOS "Operation: Annihilate!" +Desica II TNG "Gambit, Part I" +Devidia II, Devidia TNG "Time's Arrow" +Dilicium IV TNG "Unification II" +Dilula II TNG "The Best of Both Worlds 2" +Ditalix B, Meara TNG "Conspiracy" +Dorat I TNG "Unification" +Dracana IV, Dracana TNG "Legacy" +Dracon IV TNG "Gambit, Part I" +Drago IV (within 3 LY of Cardassian space) TNG "Homeward" +Drama IV, Selcumby II TNG "Pen Pals" +Draycon IV, Draycon TNG "Face of the Enemy" +Draylon II (near Celfala Prime) DS9 "Sanctuary" +Dynomicus VII TNG "A Fistful of Datas" +Earth, Sol TOS +Eden TOS "The Way to Eden" +Eden ST V:TFF +892 IV TOS "Bread and Circuses" +Ekos TOS "Patterns of Force" +Elas, Tellun TOS "Elaan of Troyius" +Eladrell IV TNG "Darmok" +Elba II TOS "Whom Gods Destroy" +Emila II TNG "A Matter of Perspective" +Eminiar VII TOS "A Taste of Armageddon" +Enan VI TNG "Time Squared" +Epsilon Canarus IV TOS "Metamorphosis" +Epsilon Hydra VII DS9 "Q-Less" +Excalabia TOS "The Savage Curtain" +Exo III TOS "What Are Little Girls..?" +Filina III DS9 "Dramatis Personae" +Forkis III TNG "Parallels" +Gailen IV (Federation colony) TNG "Suddenly Human" +Galas II TNG "Darmok" +Galor IV TNG "The Offspring" +Galorndon Kor TNG "The Ememy" +Gamalon V, Gamalon TNG "Final Mission" +Gamaras V TNG "Captain's Holiday" +Gamma II TOS "The Gamesters..." +Gamma VII-A (destroyed) TOS "The Immunity Syndrome" +Gamma Canaris N TOS "Metamorphosis" +Gamma Horami II, Horami Cluster TNG "The Vengeance Factor" +Gamma Hydra II, Gamma Hydra TOS "The Deadly Years" +Gamma Hydra IV, Gamma Hydra TOS "The Deadly Years" +Gamma Tauri IV TNG "The Last Outpost" +Gamma Trianguli VI TOS "The Apple" +Gault TNG "Heart of Glory" +Gagaran IV TNG "Unnatural Selelction" +Garadias IV TNG "The Next Phase" +Garon II TNG "Ensign Ro" +Garon IV TNG "The Next Phase" +Garushda TNG "Tin Man" +Genesis, Mutara Sector (destroyed) ST III:TSFS +Germulon V DS9 "Paradise" +Gideon TOS "The Mark of Gideon" +Gon-el IV TNG "Disaster" +Graves' World TNG "The Schizoid Man" +Harrakis V TNG "Clues" +Harrod IV TNG "The Perfect Mate" +Harrok IV, Latar Nebula DS9 "Q-Less" +Haven, Beta Casius TNG "Haven" +Heirata III TNG "Violations" +Hekarus II, Hekarus TNG "Force of Nature" +Hercoze III TNG "The Price" +Hogas II TNG "Brothers" +Holberg 917-G TOS "Requiem for Methuselah" +Hottar II TNG "The Offspring" +Iconia TNG "Contagion" +Indri VIII, Indri (biosphere destroyed) TNG "The Chase" +Iotia TOS "A Piece of the Action" +Iratin V TNG "The Most Toys" +Isis III TNG "Too Short a Season" +Ivadni IV TNG "Clues" +Izar TOS "Whom Gods Destroy" +Janus VI TOS "Devil in the Dark" +Jerido (fifth moon of Bajor) DS9 "Progress" +Juri IV TNG "The Best of Both Worlds" +Kabatris TNG "Angel One" +Kafka IV DS9 "Invasive Procedures" +Kaldra IV TNG "Violations" +Kalon II TNG "Half a Life" +Kanda IV TNG "Darmok" +Kataan, Kataan TNG "The Inner Light" +Kelva, Andromeda TOS "By Any Other Name" +Kendal II TNG "Remember Me" +"Kentanna" DS9 "Sanctuary" +Kerl, Kerlan TNG "The Chase" +Kesprit III TNG "Attached" +Khitomer TNG "Yesterday's Enterprise" +Keeair TNG "The Chase" +Klaestron IV DS9 "Dax" +Kling TNG "Heart of Glory" +Kora II DS9 "Duet" +Koltair IV TNG "We'll Always Have Paris" +Korbin II TNG "New Ground" +Korridon, Korridon TOS "Journey to Babel" +Krios, Krios TNG "Mind's Eye" +Kresalia TNG "The Price" +Kronos ST VI:TUC +Lagobus X DS9 "Second Sight" +Laggon II TNG "Code of Honor" +Lalya IV TNG "Identity Crisis" +Lambda Paz (moon of Pentarus III) TNG "Final Mission" +Landris II TNG "Lessons" +Lapa IV TNG "Me'nage a' Troi" +Largo V DS9 "Babel" +Larieshe IV TNG "Darmok" +Layma II (approx. 3 LY from Bilana III) TNG "New Ground" +Licia, Lician TNG "Conundrum" +Loran III, Loran TNG "The Chase" +LS VI, Gamma Quadrant (6 LY from wormhole) DS9 "The Alternate" +Lyar TNG "Liaisons" +Lygos VII, Lygos TNG "Rascals" +Lunar V (moon of Angosia III) TNG "The Hunted" +Lunar V Base (Bajoran moon) DS9 "The Siege" +M-113 TOS "The Man Trap" +Mabo VI (single moon) TNG "Power Play" +Makus III TOS "The Galileo Seven" +Malena II TNG "Violations" +Malkor III (2000+ LY from Earth) TNG "First Contact" +Malkus IX TNG "Loud as a Whipser" +Malona IV (stripped of life by crystal entity) TNG "Silicon Avatar" +Mariposa, Phyecus Sector TNG "Up the Long Ladder" +Markus II TOS "Requiem for Methuselah" +Markus XII TOS "The Enemy Within" +Marlonia TNG "Rascals" +Mars, Sol TNG "The Best of Both Worlds 2" +Melas II TNG "Ship in a Bottle" +Melindy VII TNG "Darmok" +Melnos IV TNG "Lessons" +Melvala IV TNG "Inheritance" +Memory Alpha TOS "The Lights of Zetar" +Mentaka III TNG "Who Watches the Watchers" +Merak II TOS "The Cloudminders" +Meudo V TNG "Disaster" +Millica III TNG "Tapestry" +Minara TOS "Turnabout Intruder" +Minas V TNG "Tapestry" +Minos TNG "Arsenal of Freedom" +Miradin DS9 "Q-Less" +Miridian VI TNG "Future Imperfect" +Mizarr II TNG "Allegiance" +Moab IV, Moab TNG "The Masterpiece Society" +Mordon IV TNG "Too Short a Season" +Moria IV DS9 "Dramatis Personae" +Moricon VII TNG "Tapestry" +Muendella, Telleris Cluster DS9 "Q-Less" +Narendra III TNG "Yesterday's Enterprise" +Nawme IV TNG "Hollow Persuits" +Neinmen, Zairtzi Seven TNG "When the Bough Breaks" +Nell III, Nell TNG "Violations" +Nelvana III, Nelvana TNG "The Defector" +Nervala IV TNG "Second Chances" +Neural TOS "A Private Little War" +New Halana DS9 "Second Sight" +Neygor TNG "Birthright, Part I" +Nimbus III, Neutral Zone ST V:TFF +Norpin IV TNG "Rascals" +Norpin V TNG "Relics" +Oceanis IV TNG "The Game" +Odet IX TNG "The Child" +Ohniaka Three, Ohniaka TNG "Descent" +Omega IV TOS "The Omega Glory" +Omicron IV TOS "Assignment: Earth" +Omicron Ceti III TOS "This Side of Paradise" +Omicron Theta TNG "Datalore" +Onara III, Dala TNG "Symbiosis" +Ophyicus III TOS "Mudd's Women" +Orealius IX (astroidal) TNG "Booby Trap" +Organia TOS "Errand of Mercy" +Orion TOS "Journey to Babel" +Pacifica TNG "Conspiracy" +Parada II, Paradas DS9 "Whispers" +Parada IV, Paradas (seven moons) DS9 "Whispers" +Pasiphony V TNG "Too Short a Season" +Parliament, Beta Renna TNG "Lonely Among Us" +Peliazel, Pelia TNG "The Host" +Pellius V TNG "11001001" +Pentarus II TNG "Final Mission" +Pentarus III TNG "Final Mission" +Pentarus V TNG "Final Mission" +Penthara IV TNG "A Matter of Time" +Phendouse V TNG "Loud as a Whisper" +Pholar III TNG "Dark Page" +Platonius TOS "Plato's Stepchildren" +Pollux IV TOS "Who Mourns for Adonais?" +Praxis (Klingon moon; over 3/4 destroyed) ST VI:TUC +Proctol II TNG "In Theory" +Psi 2000 TOS "The Naked Time" +Pyris VII TOS "Catspaw" +Pythra V DS9 "Rivals" +Q TOS "Conscience of the King" +Quadra Sigma III, Sigma Three TNG "Hide and Q" +Qualar II TNG "Unification" +Rakhar, Gamma Quadrant DS9 "Vortex" +Ramatis III, Ramatis TNG "Loud as a Whipser" +Ramazad, Ramazad TNG "The Chase" +Ranna IV, Delta Ranna TNG "The Survivors" +Raynas VI TNG "Q Who" +Regula, Mutara Sector ST II:TWOK +Regulus V TOS "Amok Time" +Reina VI TNG "Pen Pals" +Rekok Saronia TNG "Man of the People" +Relva VII TNG "Coming of Age" +Rigel IV TOS "Wolf in the Fold" +Rigel V TOS "Journey to Babel" +Rigel VII TOS "The Cage" +Rigel XII TOS "Mudd's Women" +Rigley's Pleasure Planet TOS "Man Trap" +Rochanie III DS9 "Dramatis Personae" +Romulus TOS +Rua IV, Rua TNG "The Chase" +Rubikin III, Rubikin TNG "Justice" +Ruso V (astroidal) TNG "The Dauphin" +Ruteeya IV TNG "The High Ground" +Rysa TNG "Captain's Holiday" +Sarpeidon, Beta Niobe (destroyed in sun nova) TOS "All Our Yesterdays" +Saturn TNG "The First Duty" +Scalos TOS "Wink of an Eye" +Seary IV TNG "The Most Toys" +Seltic III TNG "The Wounded" +Septal Minor IV TNG "The Best of Both Worlds" +Sherman's Planet TOS "The Trouble with Tribbles" +Signa XIV TOS "Tomorrow is Yesterday" +Solarian IV TNG "Ensign Ro" +Solayas V TNG "Loud as a Whisper" +Sorana VIII TNG "We'll Always Have Paris" +Sorata IV TNG "Shades of Gray" +Sosha III TNG "The Chase" +Stirus IV TNG "Code of Honor" +Straleb, Omega Saggita TNG "The Outrageous Okona" +Suven IV TNG "Rascals" +T'Lani III DS9 "Armageddon Game" +T'Lani Prime DS9 "Armageddon Game" +Tagra IV, Argolis Cluster TNG "True Q" +Takara TNG "Suspicions" +Talos IV TOS "The Cage" +Tanika IV TNG "A Matter of Perspective" +Tantalus Five TOS "Dagger of the Mind" +Tarella TNG "Haven" +Tarsus IV TOS "Conscience of the King" +Tasus III TNG "11001001" +Tataris V DS9 "Q-Less" +Tau Alpha-C TNG "Where No One..." +Tau Ceti III TNG "Conspiracy" +Tau Cigna V, Tau Cigna TNG "The Ensigns of Command" +Taurus II TOS "The Galileo Seven" +Tavila Minor TNG "Imaginary Friend" +Taygus III TNG "Qpid" +Tazna V TNG "Darmok" +Terlina III, Terlina TNG "Inheritance" +Terosa Prime DS9 "Second Sight" +Tessen III TNG "Cost of Living" +Tethis III TNG "Clues" +Thala VII TNG "The Dauphin" +Thanatos VII TNG "Phantasms" +Thasus TOS "Charlie X" +Thelca IV TNG "Lessons" +Theta VII TOS "Obsession" +Theta VIII, Theta One-Sixteen TNG "The Royale" +Theydat IV TNG "When the Bough Breaks" +Tiarchanon III, Tiarchanon TNG "Identity Crisis" +Tiburon TOS "The Savage Curtain" +Tilonus IV TNG "Frame of Mind" +Titan, moon of Saturn TNG "The First Duty" +Titus IV TNG "Realm of Fear" +Tobin III TNG "Chain of Command, Part II" +Tormin V TNG "Chain of Command, Part I" +Triacus TOS "And the Children Shall..." +Triskelion, M-24 Alpha TOS "The Gamesters of..." +Troyius, Tellun TOS "Elaan of Troyius" +Turkana IV TNG "Legacy" +Tycho IV, Tycho TOS "Obsession" +Tyra VII-A, Tyran TNG "The Quality of Life" +Udala Prime TNG "Gambit, Part I" +Ultima Thul DS9 "Dramatis Personae" +Vacca VI, Cabral TNG "Homeward" +Vagris III DS9 "Q-Less" +Valo I (three or more moons) TNG "Ensign Ro" +Valo II TNG "Ensign Ro" +Valo III TNG "Ensign Ro" +Valt Minor TNG "The Perfect Mate" +Vandor IV, Vandor TNG "We'll Always Have Paris" +Vega IX TOS "Mirror, Mirror" +Vegra II, Zed Lapis TNG "Skin of Evil" +Velara III, Pleiades Cluster TNG "Home Soil" +Velos VII DS9 "Babel" +Vendikar TOS "A Taste of Armageddon" +Ventax II TNG "Devil's Due" +Vilmora II, Vilmoran TNG "The Chase" +Volchek Prime DS9 "The Nagus" +Vulcan, 40 Eridani A TOS "Amok Time" +Yadera Prime DS9 "Shadowplay" +Yonada (astroidal body) TOS "For the World is Hollow..." +Zalcon TNG "Transfigurations" +Zeon TOS "Patterns of Force" +Zeta Alpha II TNG "The Best of Both Worlds" + TOS "Requiem for Methuselah" +, Gamma Quadrant + (located in an uncharted binary system) DS9 "Battle Lines" + TNG "Descent" + TNG "Liaisons" + (160 M km from Orelious Minor) DS9 "Paradise" + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +--- COUNTRIES, PROVINCES, STATES, CITIES --- + +Aberdeen, Scotland, Earth TNG "Sub Rosa" +Alameda, California, USA, Earth (20th Cent.) ST IV:TVH +Anchorage, Alaska, Earth TNG "The Icarus Factor" +Australia, Earth (21st Cent.) TNG "Attached" +Bozeman, USA, Earth (19th Cent.) TNG "A Fistful of Datas" +Brussels, European Alliance, Earth TNG "The Price" +Canada, Earth TOS "The Trouble With Tribbles" +Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Earth TNG "The First Duty" +Chicago, Illinois, USA, Earth (20th Cent.) TOS "A Piece of the Action" +Deadwood, USA, Earth (19th Cent.) TNG "A Fistful of Datas" +Edinburgh, Scotland, Earth TNG "Sub Rosa" +First City, Klingon Imperial Empire TNG "Sins of the Father" +France, Earth TNG "We'll Always Have Paris" +Glasgow, Scotland, Earth TNG "Sub Rosa" +Heliopolis, Alpha Aradoni II TOS "Wolf in the Fold" +Hindrics Pool Province, Bajor DS9 "Shadowplay" +India, Earth TOS "Space Seed" +Indianapolis, USA, Earth TNG "The Neutral Zone" +La Barre, France, Earth TNG "Family" +Leningrad, Russia, Earth TOS "I, Mudd" +Marta Community, Southern Continent, Malkor III TNG "First Contact" +Nahalek Province, Rakkar DS9 "Vortex" +New Marteem-vaz, Atlantic Ocean, Earth TNG "The Survivors" +Old Bandi City, Deneb IV TNG "Encounter at Farpoint" +Onkor Village, Prit border TNG "Attached" +Paradise City, Nimbus III ST V:TFF +Paris, France, Earth TNG "We'll Always Have Paris" +Rapid City, USA, Earth (19th Cent.) TNG "A Fistful of Datas" +Resic, Northern Province, Kataan TNG "The Inner Light" +Russia, Earth TOS "I, Mudd" (?) +San Francisco, California, USA, Earth ST:TMP +Sausalito, California, USA, Earth (20th Cent.) ST IV:TVH +Scotland, Earth TOS (?) +Secaucus, New Jersey, USA, Earth TNG "The Neutral Zone" +Tombstone, Arizona, USA, Earth (19th Cent.) TOS "Spectre of the Gun" +United States of America (USA), Earth TOS "The Omega Glory" +Valdez, Alaska, Earth TNG "The Icarus Factor" + + + + + + + + + + + + + +--- OTHERS --- + +Argus Array (deep space telescope) TNG "The Nth Degree" +Arkaria base TNG "Starship Mine" +Benecia Colony, Beta Oragae TOS "Turnabout Intruder" +Bersallis III Outpost (Federation), Bersallis + (destroyed by firestorm) TNG "Lessons" +Camp Khitomer (near Romulan border) ST VI:TUC +Cardassian Navigation Control Post 24 DS9 "The Homecoming" +Colony Beta Six TOS "The Squire of Gothos" +Comm Station Epsilon 9 (destroyed by V'ger) ST:TMP +Communication Relay Station 47 + (near Klingon border) TNG "Aquiel" +Communication Relay Station 194 TNG "Aquiel" +Crasnar Outpost (massacred by Talarian forces) TNG "Suddenly Human" +Darmok Colony, Melindy VII TNG "Darmok" +Darwin Station, Gagaran TNG "Unnatural Selection" +Deep Space Three Station TNG "Interface" +Deep Space Four Station TNG "The Chase" +Deep Space Five Station (Regula 1 type) TNG "Parallels" +Deep Space Nine Station (Cmdr Benjamin Sisko) DS9 - All + (Cardassian name: Terak Nor) +Earth Colony II Research Station TNG "Tapestry" +Earth Station Babruisk TNG "Family" +Earth Station McKinley TNG "The Best of Both Worlds 2" +Experimental Colony, Gamma Hydra IV TOS "The Deadly Years" +Farpoint Station, Deneb IV (dissolved) TNG "Encounter at Farpoint" +Fastbase Starbase Erheart TNG "Samaritan Snare" +Feloris Colony TNG "The Perfect Mate" +Gallitepp Labour Camp DS9 "Duet" +Hailium Experimental Station TOS "Mudd's Women" +Hanolin Colony DS9 "The Siege" +Jupiter Outpost Nine-Two TNG "The Best of Both Worlds 2" +Khitomer Outpost (destroyed) TNG "Heart of Glory" +Klingon Outpost, Narendra III TNG "Yesterday's Enterprise" +Lician Central Command (15,311 people) TNG "Conundrum" +Lithium Cracking Station, Delta Vega TOS "Where No Man..." +Lya Station Alpha (orbital) TNG "Ensign Ro" +Mars Defence Perimeter TNG "The Best of Both Worlds 2" +Mars Station TNG "Booby Trap" +Martian Colony TOS "Wolf in the Fold" +McKinley Rocket Base, Earth (1968) TOS "Assignment: Earth" +Mimas Station, Mimas of Saturn TNG "The First Duty" +Milona IV Colony (destroyed) TNG "Silicon Avatar" +Morska (Klingon listening post) ST VI:TUC +MS One Colony TNG "Descent" +New Berlin Colony TNG "Descent" +New Paris Colony, Makus III TOS "Galileo Seven" +New Providence Colony, Juri IV (destroyed) TNG "The Best of Both Worlds" +Norcan Outpost TNG "The Defector" +Norpin Colony, Norpin IV TNG "Rascals" +Norpin Colony, Norpin V TNG "Relics" +Outpost 06 TNG "The Defector" +Outpost 23 (location Top Secret) TNG "Future Imperfect" +Outpost MZ 5 TNG "Heart of Glory" +Outpost Seran T-1 TNG "Booby Trap" +Outpost Terra 9 (destroyed) TNG "The Neutral Zone" +Paralex Colony, Sherlaya VI TNG "Cost of Living" +Pellio Station DS9 "Invasive Procedures" +Pentarus Station TNG "Final Mission" +Relageth Refugee Camp, Bajor DS9 "Shadowplay" +Research Station 75 TNG "Face of the Enemy" +Remmler Array TNG "Starship Mine" +Rigel Colony, Rigel TOS "The Doomsday Machine" +Rura Penthe (dilithium mine/penal asteroid) ST VI:TUC +Science Station 402, Kilarn TNG "The Nth Degree" +Science Station Delta 05 (destroyed) TNG "The Neutral Zone" +Science Station Tango Sierra TNG "The Child" +Singa Refugee Camp, Bajor DS9 "Shadowplay" +Solarian IV Colony (destroyed) TNG "Ensign Ro" +Spacedock, Earth (orbital) ST:TMP +Space Station K7 TOS "The Trouble With Tribbles" +Space Station Regula 1, Regula (orbital) ST II:TWOK +Starbase TNG "Home Soil" +Starbase, Hottar II TNG "The Offspring" +Starbase 2 TOS "Turnabout Intruder" +Starbase 4 TOS "The Enemy Within" +Starbase 6 TOS "The Menagerie" +Starbase 9 TOS "Tomorrow is Yesterday" +Starbase 10 TOS "The Deadly Years" +Starbase 11 (Commodore Stone) TOS "Court-Martial" +Starbase 23 TNG "Suspicions" +Starbase 24 TNG "Redemption" +Starbase 35 Sierra TNG "The Neutral Zone" +Starbase 41 DS9 "Playing God" +Starbase 47 TNG "Parallels" +Starbase 55 TNG "Relics" +Starbase 67 TNG "Disaster" +Starbase 73 TNG "Time Squared" +Starbase 74, Tasus III (orbital) TNG "11001001" +Starbase 82 TNG "The Game" +Starbase 83 TNG "Q Who" +Starbase 84 TNG "Heart of Glory" +Starbase 87 TNG "Homeward" +Starbase 105 TNG "Yesterday's Enterprise" +Starbase 112 TNG "Identity Crisis" +Starbase 123 TNG "Tin Man" +Starbase 129 TNG "Parallels" +Starbase 133 (orbital, Earth) TNG "Remember Me" +Starbase 152 TNG "Tin Man" +Starbase 153 TNG "The Emissary" +Starbase 157 TNG "The Best of Both Worlds" +Starbase 173 TNG "The Measure of a Man" +Starbase 179 TNG "A Matter of Honor" +Starbase 185 TNG "Q Who" +Starbase 200 TOS "The Alternative Factor" +Starbase 211 TNG "The Wounded" +Starbase 214 TNG "A Matter of Time" +Starbase 218 TNG "Lessons" +Starbase 219 TNG "Phantasms" +Starbase 220 TNG "Night Terrors" +Starbase 231 TNG "Thyne Own Self" +Starbase 227 TNG "Gambit, Part I" +Starbase 234 TNG "Redemption II" +Starbase 247 TNG "The Pegasus" +Starbase 260 TNG "In Theory" +Starbase 295 TNG "Decent, Part II" +Starbase 301 TNG "Conundrum" +Starbase 313 TNG "Galaxy's Child" +Starbase 324 TNG "The Best of Both Worlds" +Starbase 328 TNG "Eye of the Beholder" +Starbase 336 TNG "The Emissary" +Starbase 343 TNG "The Vengeance Factor" +Starbase 401 DS9 "Whispers" +Starbase 410 TNG "Clues" +Starbase 416 TNG "Brothers" +Starbase 440 TNG "Violations" +Starbase 495 TNG "Interface" +Starbase 514 TNG "Hero Worship" +Starbase 515 TNG "Samaritan Snare" +Starbase 621 TNG "Sub Rosa" +Starbase 718 TNG "The Neutral Zone" +Starbase G-6, Quadra Sigma III TNG "Hide and Q" +Starbase Lyra 3 TNG "The Hunted" +Starbase Montgommery TNG "The Icarus Factor" +Starfleet base, Cestus III (destroyed) TOS "Arena" +Starfleet Headquarters, San Francisco ST:TMP +Star Station India TNG "Unnatural Selection" +Station Lya 4 TNG "The Most Toys" +Station Negala 4 TNG "Deja Q" +Station Salem 1 TNG "The Enemy" +Surplus Depo Z-1-5, Qualar II TNG "Unification" +Tanika IV Research Station (orbital; destroyed) TNG "A Matter of Perspective" +Terenko Colony TNG "Thyne Own Self" +Tyran Partical Fountain, Tyra VII A (orbital) TNG "The Quality of Life" +Utopia Planetia, Mars Station TNG "Booby Trap" +Velos VII Internment Camp (closed s.d. 46302) DS9 "Babel" +Yaderan Colony, Yadera Prime DS9 "Shadowplay" + Federation Outpost, Calder II TNG "Gambit, Part II" + + + +Article: 27335 of rec.arts.startrek.tech +Path: news.kth.se!sunic!ugle.unit.no!trane.uninett.no!eunet.no!nuug!nac.no!ifi.uio.no!sics.se!eua.ericsson.se!erinews.ericsson.se!cnn.exu.ericsson.se!convex!cs.utexas.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!gatech!bloom-beacon.mit.edu!hookup!olivea!news.hal.COM!decwrl!tribune.usask.ca!canopus.cc.umanitoba.ca!djc +From: djc@cc.umanitoba.ca (D. Joseph Creighton) +Newsgroups: rec.arts.startrek.misc,rec.arts.startrek.tech,rec.answers,news.answers +Subject: STAR TREK LOCATIONS [Updated: Nov 14, 1994] +Followup-To: poster +Date: 14 Nov 1994 16:53:15 GMT +Organization: The University of Manitoba +Lines: 965 +Approved: news-answers-request@MIT.Edu +Message-ID: <3a84lr$cmp@canopus.cc.umanitoba.ca> +Reply-To: Joe_Creighton@UManitoba.CA (D. Joseph Creighton) +NNTP-Posting-Host: toliman.cc.umanitoba.ca +Summary: This posting contains references to locations as they have + appeared or have been mentioned in any Star Trek television + series or feature film release. +Xref: news.kth.se rec.arts.startrek.misc:48892 rec.arts.startrek.tech:27335 rec.answers:8323 news.answers:31852 + +Archive-name: star-trek/locations +Last-modified: Nov 14, 1994 + + + STAR TREK LOCATIONS + ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ + by: D. Joseph Creighton + Joe_Creighton@UManitoba.CA + + Updated: Nov 14, 1994 Copyright (c) 1990 - 1994 All rights reserved. +----------------------------------------------------------------------------- + You are free to copy this list for personal use, or to make it available + for redistribution in its electronic format, provided that: + (1) it remains wholly unedited and unmodified, + (2) no fee or compensation is charged for copies of or access to + this list (save for any download/connect time charges from a + commercial online service), and + (3) this copyright notice remains attached. + + This list is primarily for my personal use and reference. Therefore, any + interpretation of canon material is left up to the reader. +----------------------------------------------------------------------------- + + - Only information from "Star Trek", "Star Trek: The Next Generation", + "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine", and the feature films will be considered + for use in this list. + - All notations will be listed with their first appearance in any series. + - Numbering of locations uses the following format: + planets->Roman numerals; systems->alphabetic; starbases->Arabic numerals + - Please feel free to notify me of any corrections and/or suggestions. + + - Updates of this list will be posted monthly (on or around the 13th) and + are available via anonymous ftp from the following sites: + rtfm.mit.edu in /pub/usenet/news.answers/star-trek/locations + ftp.cc.umanitoba.ca in /startrek/locations + * A World Wide Web browsable version of this list can be found at URL: + http://www.ee.umanitoba.ca/~djc/startrek/locations.html + * This list is current up to and including: + DS9 "The Abandoned" +----------------------------------------------------------------------------- + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +--- REGIONS, BODIES, PHENOMENONS --- + +Alpha Quadrant ST VI:TUC +Alwaner Nebula TNG "Rightful Heir" +Amagosa DeAspera Cluster TNG "Schisms" +Andromeda Galaxy TOS "By Any Other Name" +Argolis Cluster (six systems) TNG "I Borg" +Argosian Sector DS9 "Babel" +Argus Sector TNG "Gambit, Part I" +Belati Sector TNG "Ethics" +Beta Quadrant ST VI:TUC +Bajoran Sector TNG "Chain of Command, Part I" +Black Cluster, Sector 97 TNG "Hero Worship" +Borgilus Nebula TNG "Lessons" +Brechtian Cluster TNG "Silicon Avatar" +Cavis Alpha Sector TNG "Evolution" +Chalmra Vortex, Gamma Quadrant DS9 "Vortex" +Crab Nebula TNG "Manhunt" +Delta Quadrant TNG "The Price" +Deltivid Asteroid Belt TNG "Deja Q" +Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) + between Federation and Cardassian space DS9 "The Maquis, Part I" +Denorias Belt (charged plasma field) DS9 "Emissary" +Dingkeery Arm, Gamma Quadrant TNG "The Price" +Dorias Cluster (at least twenty star systems) TNG "Bloodlines" +Epsilon 9 Sector TNG "Samaritan Snare" +FGC13 (Cluster) TNG "Schisms" +FGC47 (Nebula) TNG "Imaginary Friend" +Fledka Asteroid Belt DS9 "Rivals" +Galaxy M-33 TNG "Where No One..." +Galdon Terr DS9 "Blood Oath" +Gamma 7 Sector TNG "Unnatural Selection" +Gamma Quadrant TNG "The Price" +Garamin Sector TNG "Rightful Heir" +Giles Belt TNG "The Most Toys" +Glaceen Sector DS9 "Babel" +Hanoli Rift DS9 "If Wishes Were Horses" +Hekarus Corridor TNG "Force of Nature" +Heugoran Nebula (near DMZ in Federation space) TNG "Preemptive Strike" +Horadin Sector TNG "The Big Goodbye" +Horami Cluster TNG "The Vengeance Factor" +Hyralan Sector TNG "Gambit, Part II" +Igo Sector TNG "Realm of Fear" +Ikainian Asteroid Belt TNG "Mind's Eye" +Kadasian Sector TNG "The Wounded" +Kaleb Sector TNG "Face of the Enemy" +Karaya Sector TNG "Birthright, Part I" +Klingon Neutral Zone TOS +Latar Nebula DS9 "Q-Less" +Legana Sector TNG "Second Chances" +Lonka Cluster TNG "Allegiance" +Lorenz Cluster TNG "Arsenal of Freedom" +McAlister C5 Nebula (11 LY from Minos Korva) TNG "Chain of Command, Part I" +McCorda Sector TNG "Emergence" +McPhereson Nebula (supernova remnant) TNG "Emergence" +Mar-Oscura Nebula TNG "In Theory" +Mempa Sector TNG "Redemption" +Mikoria Quazar TNG "The Pegasus" +Mogawna Quadrant TNG "Where Silence Has Lease" +Morab Sector TNG "Time's Arrow" +Murasaki 312 TOS "The Galileo Seven" +Murasaki Quasar TNG "Data's Day" +Mutara Nebula ST II:TWOK +Mutara Sector ST III:TSFS +Nagami Nebula TNG "Clues" +Neutral Zone TOS +NGC321 (Star Cluster) TOS "A Taste of Armageddon" +Omarian Nebula, Gamma Quadrant DS9 "The Search, Part I" +Onias Sector (near Romulan Neutral Zone) TNG "Future Imperfect" +Outer Cometary Cloud TNG "Sins of the Father" +Paulson Nebula TNG "The Best of Both Worlds" +Pelloris Asteroid Field TNG "Cost of Living" +Phoenix Cluster TNG "The Game" +Phyecus Sector TNG "Up the Long Ladder" +Pleiades Cluster TNG "Home Soil" +Quad L-14 ST:TMP +Quadrant 9 TNG "Heart of Glory" +Quadrant 448 TOS "The Deadly Years" +Romboy Droniger Sector TNG "Samaritan Snare" +Romulan Neutral Zone TOS "Balance of Terror" +Sector 001 TNG "The Best of Both Worlds" +Sector 5 ST IV:TVH +Sector 23 TNG "The Measure of a Man" +Sector 30 TNG "The Neutral Zone" +Sector 31 TNG "The Neutral Zone" +Sector 63 TNG "Conspiracy" +Sector 97 TNG "Hero Worship" +Sector 396 TNG "The Offspring" +Sector 1156 + (over two sectors away from Darcaya System) TNG "Masks" +Sector 1607 TNG "The Pegasus" +Sector 3556, Delta Quadrant TNG "The Price" +Sector 9569 TNG "Transfigurations" +Sector 19658 TNG "Parallels" +Sector 21305 TNG "Ensign Ro" +Sector 21459 TNG "The Chase" +Sector 21503 TNG "The Wounded" +Sector 21505 TNG "The Wounded" +Sector 21527 TNG "Chain of Command, Part II" +Sector 21947 TNG "Suddenly Human" +Selcumby Drama Sector (five systems) TNG "Pen Pals" +Septimus Minor TNG "The Ensigns of Command" +Solarian Sector TNG "The Inner Light" +Staleeby Asteroid Belt, Sector 396 TNG "The Offspring" +Talos Star Group TOS "The Cage" +Telleris Cluster DS9 "Q-Less" +Typhon Expanse TNG "Cause and Effect" +Vega Omicron Sector TNG "The Icarus Factor" +Volon Colonies, DMZ DS9 "The Maquis, Part I" +Vodrey Nebula TNG "Firstborn" +Voltara Nebula TNG "The Chase" +Zed Lapis Sector TNG "Skin of Evil" +Zeta Gellis Cluster TNG "Transfigurations" +, Gamma Quadrant + (located in an uncharted binary system) DS9 "Battle Lines" +, Bryma System DS9 "The Maquis, Part II" + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +--- SOLAR/STAR SYSTEMS --- + +Acamar TNG "The Vengeance Factor" +Alpha Centauri TOS "Metamorphosis" +Alpha Leonis TNG "The Vengeance Factor" +Alpha Omicron (seven or more planets) TNG "Galaxy's Child" +Alpha Onias TNG "Future Imperfect" +Altair TOS "Amok Time" +Argaia (near Cardassian border) TNG "Lower Decks" +Argo TNG "Silicon Avatar" +Atalia TNG "The Chase" +Barradas TNG "The Emisarry" +Bersallis (three or more planets) TNG "Lessons" +Beta Aurigae (binary system) TOS "Turnabout Intruder" +Beta Casius TNG "Haven" +Beta Coupsic TNG "The Icarus Factor" +Beta Magellon TNG "11001001" +Beta Niobe (went nova) TOS "All Our Yesterdays" +Beta Renna TNG "Lonely Among Us" +Beta Stromgrin TNG "Tin Man" +Bilaren TNG "True Q" +Bras Lota (two or more planets) TNG "Peak Performance" +Bryma DS9 "The Maquis, Part II" +Cabral TNG "Homeward" +Calder TNG "Gambit, Part I" +Callinon, Gamma Quadrant + (seven or more planets) DS9 "The Search, Part I" +Cambus TNG "Firstborn" +Carraya TNG "Rightful Heir" +Clarius DS9 "The Nagus" +Colla TNG "Firstborn" +Cornelia TNG "Where Silence Has Lease" +Dala TNG "Symbiosis" +Darcaya + (over two sectors away from Sector 1156) TNG "Masks" +Delphi Ardu (eleven planets; unexplored) TNG "The Last Outpost" +Delta Rana TNG "The Survivors" +Detrian (new born star) TNG "Ship in a Bottle" +Devidia, Morab Sector TNG "Time's Arrow" +Devolin TNG "The Pegasus" +Devron (Neutral Zone) TNG "All Good Things..." +Diamidian TNG "Clues" +Dichon Alpha (Class Nine Pulsar) TNG "Emergence" +Dracana TNG "Legacy" +Draycon TNG "Face of the Enemy" +Eladrell TNG "Darmok" +Endicor TNG "Time Squared" +Edron, Gamma Quadrant (twin companions; + ~70,000 LY from Bajor) DS9 "Emissary" +El Orean DS9 "Rivals" +Epsilon Indy TOS "The Enemy Within" +Epsilon Mynos TNG "When the Bough Breaks" +Epsilon One-Nineteen (dead sun; reborn) DS9 "Second Sight" +Epsilon Sola TNG "Conundrum" +Falla (mirror universe system) DS9 "Crossover" +Fealin TNG "The Outcast" +Ferrius Prime DS9 "The Maquis, Part I" +40 Eridani A TOS "Amok Time" +Galador II DS9 "The Maquis, Part I" +Galvon Five TNG "Data's Day" +Gamalon TNG "Final Mission" +Gamma Eradon TNG "Redemption II" +Gamma Hydra TOS "The Deadly Years" +Gamma Oregulon TNG "Reunion" +Garth (neighbouring system to Malkor III) TNG "First Contact" +Gernika TNG "Galaxy's Child" +Halley TNG "Heart of Glory" +Hanoli (destroyed by subspace anomaly expansion + in the mid-23rd century) DS9 "If Wishes Were Horses" +Hekarus TNG "Force of Nature" +Hokton VII, DMZ DS9 "The Maquis, Part II" +Hyashi TNG "Tin Man" +Hittarian TNG "Firstborn" +Illicom TNG "We'll Always Have Paris" +Indri TNG "The Chase" +J Two-Five TNG "Q Who" +Karaya, Karaya Sector TNG "Birthright, Part II" +Karemma, Gamma Quadrant DS9 "The Search, Part I" +Karrats DS9 "The Siege" +Kataan (six planets; star novaed 1000 yrs ago) TNG "The Inner Light" +Kazeus Binary TNG "The Neutral Zone" +Kerlan TNG "The Chase" +Kilarn TNG "The Nth Degree" +Kleone TNG "The Game" +Korridon TOS "Journey to Babel" +Krios TNG "Mind's Eye" +Lapolis DS9 "Emissary" +L-370 (seven planets; all destroyed) TOS "The Doomsday Machine" +L-374 (at least four planets; two left) TOS "The Doomsday Machine" +Lima Sierra (4 planets) TNG "Loud as a Whipser" +Loran TNG "The Chase" +Lygos TNG "Rascals" +Lysian TNG "Conundrum" +Maricor TNG "Ethics" +Maxia Zeta TNG "The Battle" +Meldrar I (lunar prison) DS9 "Necessary Evil" +Mesalina TNG "Ethics" +Minos Korva (11 LY from McAlister C5 Nebula) TNG "Chain of Command, Part II" +Mira (six planets) TNG "Conspiracy" +Moab TNG "The Masterpiece Society" +Modine TNG "Imaginary Friend" +MS TNG "Descent" +M-24 Alpha TOS "The Gamesters..." +Myrichri VII TNG "Interface" +Nelbato TNG "The Most Toys" +Nell (two or more planets) TNG "Violations" +Nelvana, Romulan Neutral Zone TNG "The Defector" +Nequencia TNG "Birthright, Part II" +Ohniaka TNG "Descent" +Omega TOS "Requiem for Methuselah" +Omega Sagitta TNG "The Outrageous Okona" +Omicron TNG "Manhunt" +Omicron Pascal TNG "11001001" +Operlyne TNG "Symbiosis" +Orelious Minor DS9 "Paradise" +Oxmal TNG "Power Play" +Paradas (at least four planets) DS9 "Whispers" +Parvenium TNG "The Inner Light" +Pegos Minor TNG "We'll Always Have Paris" +Pelia TNG "The Host" +Pheban TNG "A Matter of Honor" +Praxilla (star destroyed in experiment) TNG "Half a Life" +Quayar TNG "The Wounded" +Ramatis TNG "Loud as a Whipser" +Ramazad TNG "The Chase" +Rechelli TNG "The Child" +Regulan DS9 "The Maquis, Part I" +Rigel TOS "The Doomsday Machine" +Rua TNG "The Chase" +Rubicun (adjoining Strenab) TNG "Justice" +Rymus Major (two suns) DS9 "Profit and Loss" +Secarus DS9 "Blood Oath" +Selcumby One, Selcumby Drama Sector TNG "Pen Pals" +Selcumby Two, Selcumby Drama Sector TNG "Pen Pals" +Selcumby Three, Selcumby Drama Sector TNG "Pen Pals" +Shelia TNG "The Ensigns of Command" +Sherlaya Six TNG "Cost of Living" +Sigma Draconis TOS "Spock's Brain" +Sigma Erani TNG "The Most Toys" +Sigma Three TNG "Hide and Q" +6-11 TOS "The Return of the Archons" +Sol TOS +Solarian TNG "Ensign Ro" +Soltok IV DS9 "The Maquis, Part I" +Space Quadrant 904 TOS "The Squire of Gothos" +Strenab (adjoingin Rubicun) TNG "Justice" +Taleed Beta TNG "The Loss" +Talos (eleven planets) TOS "The Cage" +Tambor Beta Six (white dwarf) TNG "Emergence" +Tau Cigna TNG "The Ensigns of Command" +Taugus TNG "Gambit, Part II" +Tellun TOS "Elaan of Troyius" +Terlina TNG "Inheritance" +Theta One-Sixteen TNG "The Royale" +Tiarchanon TNG "Identity Crisis" +Topin (binary; unstable protostar) TNG "Preemptive Strike" +Triacus TOS "The Enemy Within" +Tycho TOS "Obsession" +Tyran TNG "The Quality of Life" +Ufandi (at least three planets) TNG "Firstborn" +Valo TNG "Ensign Ro" +Vando TNG "We'll Always Have Paris" +Veyton TNG "Suspicions" +Vilmoran (seven planets) TNG "The Chase" +Vorath, Gamma Quadrant DS9 "Q-Less" +Wolf 359 TNG "The Best of Both Worlds" +Xendi Kabu TNG "Bloodlines" +Xendi Sabu TNG "The Battle" +Zairtzi Seven TNG "When the Bough Breaks" + (Dyson Sphere) TNG "Relics" + + + + + +--- PLANETS --- + +Adelphus IV TNG "Data's Day" +Acamar III, Acamar TNG "The Vengenace Factor" +Akrayde VII TNG "Captain's Holiday" +Aldea, Epsilon Mynos TNG "When the Bough Breaks" +Aldron IV TNG "Coming of Age" +Algeron (planet?) TNG "The Pegasus" +Alpha 177 TOS "The Enemy Within" +Alpha Aradoni II TOS "Wolf in the Fold" +Alpha Carinae V TOS "Wolf in the Fold" +Alpha Majoris I TOS "Wolf in the Fold" +Alpha Moon, Peliazel TNG "The Host" +Alpha Onias III, Onias TNG "Future Imperfect" +Altair III TNG "Encounter at Farpoint" +Altair VI TOS "Amok Time" +Altec, Omega Sagitta TNG "The Outrageous Okona" +Altoor VII TNG "Birthright, Part I" +Angel One TNG "Angel One" +Angosia III TNG "The Hunted" +Antede III TNG "Manhunt" +Antos TOS "Whom Gods Destroy" +Antos IV TOS "Whom Gods Destroy" +Arakang VII DS9 "Q-Less" +Archer IV TNG "Yesterday's Enterprise" +Argelius II TOS "Wolf in the Fold" +Argus X TOS "Obsession" +Arianus TOS "Let That Be Your Last..." +Arlof IX TNG "The Neutral Zone" +Armus IX TNG "Angel One" +Arret TOS "Return to Tomorrow" +Atalia VII, Atalia TNG "The Chase" +Atrea IV TNG "Inheritance" +Axanar TOS "Whom Gods Destroy" +Babel (codename) TOS "Journey to Babel" +Bajor (at least five moons) DS9 "Emissary" +Bajor VII (at least three moons) DS9 "Whispers" +Bajor VIII (six colonies) DS9 "Past Prologue" +Balisty DS9 "The Nagus" +Barkon IV TNG "Thyne Own Self" +Barradas III, Barradas TNG "The Emissary" +Barson II TNG "Eye of the Beholder" +Barzan II TNG "The Price" +Benzar TNG "Coming of Age" +Bersallis III, Bersallis TNG "Lessons" +Beta Agni II TNG "The Most Toys" +Beta Antares TOS "A Piece of the Action" +Beta III, 6-11 TOS "The Return of the Archons" +Beta XII-A TOS "The Day of the Dove" +Beta Moon, Peliazel TNG "The Host" +Beta Thorador (planet?) TNG "Redemption" +Betaline Kel (planet?) TNG "Redemption II" +Betazed TNG +Bilana III (approx. 3 LY from Layma II) TNG "New Ground" +Binus, Beta Magellon TNG "11001001" +Blue Horizon (developed by Gideon Seyetik) DS9 "Second Sight" +Bokara VI TNG "Face of the Enemy" +Boraal II (atmosphere dissapated) TNG "Homeward" +Brax DS9 "Q-Less" +Bre'el IV TNG "Deja Q" +Brekka, Dala TNG "Symbiosis" +Brentalya TNG "New Ground" +Browda IV TNG "Allegiance" +Cairn TNG "Dark Page" +Calder II, Calder TNG "Gambit, Part I" +Caldos IV (terraformed) TNG "Sub Rosa" +Caldonia TNG "The Price" +Callinon VII, Callinon DS9 "The Search, Part I" +Camor V TNG "Bloodlines" +Camus II TOS "Turnabout Intruder" +Capella IV TOS "Friday's Child" +Carraya IV, Carraya TNG "Rightful Heir" +Cardassia TNG "The Chase" +Cardassia IV DS9 "The Homecoming" +Cardassia V DS9 "Shadowplay" +Cardassia Prime DS9 "The Wire" +Castel I TNG "Suddenly Human" +Celfala Prime (near Draylon II) DS9 "Sanctuary" +Celtris III TNG "Chain of Command, Part I" +Cestus III TOS "Arena" +Ceti Alpha V TOS "Space Seed" +Ceti Alpha VI (destroyed) ST II:TWOK +Cetlic III DS9 "Emissary" +Chalna TNG "Allegiance" +Chandra V TNG "Tin Man" +Chantil III TNG "Darmok" +Cheron TOS "Let That Be Your Last..." +Chya VII TNG "Booby Trap" +Clauvdia III TNG "The Dauphin" +Colendia IV DS9 "Playing God" +Colla III, Colla TNG "Firstborn" +Corcoroli V TNG "Allegiance" +Cosla II DS9 "The Alternate" +Costalane TNG "Cost of Living" +Daled IV TNG "The Dauphin" +Dayas IV DS9 "Blood Oath" +Deanius III TNG "Contagion" +Deilos IV TNG "Remember Me" +Delb II TNG "The Drumhead" +Delta IV ST:TMP +Delta Vega TOS "Where No Man..." +Deneb II TOS "Wolf in the Fold" +Deneb IV TNG "Encounter at Farpoint" +Deneb V TOS "I, Mudd" +Deneva TOS "Operation: Annihilate!" +Desica II TNG "Gambit, Part I" +Devidia II, Devidia TNG "Time's Arrow" +Dilicium IV TNG "Unification II" +Dilula II TNG "The Best of Both Worlds 2" +Ditalix B, Mira TNG "Conspiracy" +Dorat I TNG "Unification" +Dorvan V TNG "Journey's End" +Dracana IV, Dracana TNG "Legacy" +Drago IV (within 3 LY of Cardassian space) TNG "Homeward" +Draken IV TNG "Gambit, Part I" +Drama IV, Selcumby II TNG "Pen Pals" +Draycon IV, Draycon TNG "Face of the Enemy" +Draylon II (near Celfala Prime) DS9 "Sanctuary" +Dynomicus VII TNG "A Fistful of Datas" +Earth, Sol TOS +Eden TOS "The Way to Eden" +Eden ST V:TFF +892 IV TOS "Bread and Circuses" +Ekos TOS "Patterns of Force" +Elas, Tellun TOS "Elaan of Troyius" +Eladrell IV, Eladrell TNG "Darmok" +Elba II TOS "Whom Gods Destroy" +Emila II TNG "A Matter of Perspective" +Eminiar VII TOS "A Taste of Armageddon" +Enan VI TNG "Time Squared" +Epsilon Canaris IV TOS "Metamorphosis" +Epsilon Hydra VII DS9 "Q-Less" +Excalabia TOS "The Savage Curtain" +Exo III TOS "What Are Little Girls..?" +Filina III DS9 "Dramatis Personae" +Forkis III TNG "Parallels" +Gailen IV (Federation colony) TNG "Suddenly Human" +Galas II TNG "Darmok" +Galor IV TNG "The Offspring" +Galorndon Kor TNG "The Ememy" +Gamalon V, Gamalon TNG "Final Mission" +Gamaras V TNG "Captain's Holiday" +Gamma II TOS "The Gamesters..." +Gamma VII-A (destroyed) TOS "The Immunity Syndrome" +Gamma Canaris N TOS "Metamorphosis" +Gamma Horami II, Horami Cluster TNG "The Vengeance Factor" +Gamma Hydra II, Gamma Hydra TOS "The Deadly Years" +Gamma Hydra IV, Gamma Hydra TOS "The Deadly Years" +Gamma Tauri IV TNG "The Last Outpost" +Gamma Trianguli VI TOS "The Apple" +Gault TNG "Heart of Glory" +Gagaran IV TNG "Unnatural Selelction" +Garadias IV TNG "The Next Phase" +Garon II TNG "Ensign Ro" +Garon IV TNG "The Next Phase" +Garushda TNG "Tin Man" +Genesis, Mutara Sector (destroyed) ST III:TSFS +Germulon V DS9 "Paradise" +Gideon TOS "The Mark of Gideon" +Gon-el IV TNG "Disaster" +Graves' World TNG "The Schizoid Man" +Harrakis V TNG "Clues" +Harrod IV TNG "The Perfect Mate" +Harrok IV, Latar Nebula DS9 "Q-Less" +Hattoria (near Neutral Zone) TNG "All Good Things..." +Haven, Beta Casius TNG "Haven" +Heirata III TNG "Violations" +Hekarus II, Hekarus TNG "Force of Nature" +Hercoze III TNG "The Price" +Hogas II TNG "Brothers" +Holberg 917-G TOS "Requiem for Methuselah" +Hottar II TNG "The Offspring" +Iconia TNG "Contagion" +Indri VIII, Indri (biosphere destroyed) TNG "The Chase" +Iotia TOS "A Piece of the Action" +Iratin V TNG "The Most Toys" +Isis III TNG "Too Short a Season" +Ivadni IV TNG "Clues" +Izar TOS "Whom Gods Destroy" +Janus VI TOS "Devil in the Dark" +Jerido (fifth moon of Bajor) DS9 "Progress" +Juri IV TNG "The Best of Both Worlds" +Kabatris TNG "Angel One" +Kafka IV DS9 "Invasive Procedures" +Kaldra IV TNG "Violations" +Kalon II TNG "Half a Life" +Kanda IV TNG "Darmok" +Karemma homeworld, Karemma DS9 "The Search, Part I" +Karil Prime DS9 "The Jem'Hadar" +Kataan, Kataan TNG "The Inner Light" +Kelva, Andromeda TOS "By Any Other Name" +Kendal II TNG "Remember Me" +"Kentanna" DS9 "Sanctuary" +Kerl, Kerlan TNG "The Chase" +Kesprit III TNG "Attached" +Khitomer TNG "Yesterday's Enterprise" +Keeair TNG "The Chase" +Klaestron IV DS9 "Dax" +Klardia III TNG ? +Kling TNG "Heart of Glory" +Kora II DS9 "Duet" +Koltair IV TNG "We'll Always Have Paris" +Korbin II TNG "New Ground" +Korridon, Korridon TOS "Journey to Babel" +Krios, Krios TNG "Mind's Eye" +Kresalia TNG "The Price" +Kronos (verified DS9 "The House of Quark") ST VI:TUC +Ladonia III DS9 "The Wire" +Lagobus X DS9 "Second Sight" +Lalya IV TNG "Identity Crisis" +Lambda Paz (moon of Pentarus III) TNG "Final Mission" +Landris II TNG "Lessons" +Lapa IV TNG "Me'nage a' Troi" +Largo V DS9 "Babel" +Larieshe IV TNG "Darmok" +Layma II (approx. 3 LY from Bilana III) TNG "New Ground" +Ligon II TNG "Code of Honor" +Loran III, Loran TNG "The Chase" +LS VI, Gamma Quadrant (6 LY from wormhole) DS9 "The Alternate" +Lyar TNG "Liaisons" +Lygos VII, Lygos TNG "Rascals" +Lysia, Lysian TNG "Conundrum" +Lunar V (moon of Angosia III) TNG "The Hunted" +Lunar V Base (Bajoran moon) DS9 "The Siege" +M-113 TOS "The Man Trap" +Mab-Bu VI (single moon) TNG "Power Play" +Makus III TOS "The Galileo Seven" +Malena II TNG "Violations" +Malkor III (2000+ LY from Earth) TNG "First Contact" +Malkus IX TNG "Loud as a Whipser" +Malona IV (stripped of life by crystal entity) TNG "Silicon Avatar" +Maranga IV TNG "Firstborn" +Mariposa, Phyecus Sector TNG "Up the Long Ladder" +Markus II TOS "Requiem for Methuselah" +Markus XII TOS "The Enemy Within" +Marlonia TNG "Rascals" +Mars, Sol TNG "The Best of Both Worlds 2" +Melas II TNG "Ship in a Bottle" +Melindy VII TNG "Darmok" +Melnos IV TNG "Lessons" +Melvala IV TNG "Inheritance" +Memory Alpha TOS "The Lights of Zetar" +Merak II TOS "The Cloudminders" +Meudo V TNG "Disaster" +Millica III TNG "Tapestry" +Minara TOS "Turnabout Intruder" +Minas V TNG "Tapestry" +Minos TNG "Arsenal of Freedom" +Mintaka III TNG "Who Watches the Watchers" +Miradin DS9 "Q-Less" +Miridian VI TNG "Future Imperfect" +Mizarr II TNG "Allegiance" +Moab IV, Moab TNG "The Masterpiece Society" +Mordan IV TNG "Too Short a Season" +Moria IV DS9 "Dramatis Personae" +Moricon VII TNG "Tapestry" +Muendella, Telleris Cluster DS9 "Q-Less" +Narendra III TNG "Yesterday's Enterprise" +Nawme IV TNG "Hollow Persuits" +Neinmen, Zairtzi Seven TNG "When the Bough Breaks" +Nell III, Nell TNG "Violations" +Nelvana III, Nelvana TNG "The Defector" +Nervala IV TNG "Second Chances" +Neural TOS "A Private Little War" +New Bajor DS9 "Crossover" + (identified as being in the Gamma Quadrant) DS9 "The Jem'Hadar" +New Gaul TNG "Bloodlines" +New Halana DS9 "Second Sight" +Neygor TNG "Birthright, Part I" +Nimbus III, Neutral Zone ST V:TFF +Norpin IV TNG "Rascals" +Norpin V TNG "Relics" +Oceanis IV TNG "The Game" +Odet IX TNG "The Child" +Ohniaka Three, Ohniaka TNG "Descent" +Omega IV TOS "The Omega Glory" +Omicron IV TOS "Assignment: Earth" +Omicron Ceti III TOS "This Side of Paradise" +Omicron Theta TNG "Datalore" +Onara III, Dala TNG "Symbiosis" +Ophiucus III TOS "Mudd's Women" +Orealius IX (astroidal) TNG "Booby Trap" +Organia TOS "Errand of Mercy" +Orion TOS "Journey to Babel" +Pacifica TNG "Conspiracy" +Parada II, Paradas DS9 "Whispers" +Parada IV, Paradas (seven moons) DS9 "Whispers" +Pasiphony V TNG "Too Short a Season" +Parliament, Beta Renna TNG "Lonely Among Us" +Peliazel, Pelia TNG "The Host" +Pellius V TNG "11001001" +Pentarus II TNG "Final Mission" +Pentarus III TNG "Final Mission" +Pentarus V TNG "Final Mission" +Penthara IV TNG "A Matter of Time" +Phendouse V TNG "Loud as a Whisper" +Pholar III TNG "Dark Page" +Platonius TOS "Plato's Stepchildren" +Pollux IV TOS "Who Mourns for Adonais?" +Praxis (Klingon moon; over 3/4 destroyed) ST VI:TUC +Proctol II TNG "In Theory" +Psi 2000 TOS "The Naked Time" +Pyris VII TOS "Catspaw" +Pythra V DS9 "Rivals" +Q TOS "Conscience of the King" +Quadra Sigma III, Sigma Three TNG "Hide and Q" +Qualar II TNG "Unification" +Rakhar, Gamma Quadrant DS9 "Vortex" +Ramatis III, Ramatis TNG "Loud as a Whipser" +Ramazad, Ramazad TNG "The Chase" +Rana IV, Delta Rana TNG "The Survivors" +Raynas VI TNG "Q Who" +Regula, Mutara Sector ST II:TWOK +Regulus V TOS "Amok Time" +Reina VI TNG "Pen Pals" +Rekok Saronia TNG "Man of the People" +Relva VII TNG "Coming of Age" +Rigel III TNG "All Good Things..." +Rigel IV TOS "Wolf in the Fold" +Rigel V TOS "Journey to Babel" +Rigel VII TOS "The Cage" +Rigel XII TOS "Mudd's Women" +Rigley's Pleasure Planet TOS "Man Trap" +Risa TNG "Captain's Holiday" +Rochanie III DS9 "Dramatis Personae" +Romulus TOS +Rua IV, Rua TNG "The Chase" +Rubicun III, Rubicun TNG "Justice" +Ruso V (astroidal) TNG "The Dauphin" +Ruteeya IV TNG "The High Ground" +Sagitta XII TNG ? +Sarona VIII TNG "We'll Always Have Paris" +Sarpeidon, Beta Niobe (destroyed in sun nova) TOS "All Our Yesterdays" +Saturn TNG "The First Duty" +Scalos TOS "Wink of an Eye" +Seary IV TNG "The Most Toys" +Seltic III TNG "The Wounded" +Septal Minor IV TNG "The Best of Both Worlds" +Sherman's Planet TOS "The Trouble with Tribbles" +Signa XIV TOS "Tomorrow is Yesterday" +Solais V TNG "Loud as a Whisper" +Solarian IV TNG "Ensign Ro" +Sorata IV TNG "Shades of Gray" +Sosha III TNG "The Chase" +Straleb, Omega Sagitta TNG "The Outrageous Okona" +Styrus IV TNG "Code of Honor" +Suven IV TNG "Rascals" +T'Lani III DS9 "Armageddon Game" +T'Lani Prime DS9 "Armageddon Game" +Tagra IV, Argolis Cluster TNG "True Q" +Takara TNG "Suspicions" +Talos IV TOS "The Cage" +Tanika IV TNG "A Matter of Perspective" +Tantalus Five TOS "Dagger of the Mind" +Tarella TNG "Haven" +Tarsus IV TOS "Conscience of the King" +Tasus III TNG "11001001" +Tataris V DS9 "Q-Less" +Tau Alpha-C TNG "Where No One..." +Tau Ceti III TNG "Conspiracy" +Tau Cigna V, Tau Cigna TNG "The Ensigns of Command" +Taurus II TOS "The Galileo Seven" +Tavila Minor TNG "Imaginary Friend" +Taygus III TNG "Qpid" +Tazna V TNG "Darmok" +Terlina III, Terlina TNG "Inheritance" +Terosa Prime DS9 "Second Sight" +Tessen III TNG "Cost of Living" +Tethis III TNG "Clues" +Thala VII TNG "The Dauphin" +Thanatos VII TNG "Phantasms" +Thasus TOS "Charlie X" +Thelca IV TNG "Lessons" +Theta VII TOS "Obsession" +Theta VIII, Theta One-Sixteen TNG "The Royale" +Theydat IV TNG "When the Bough Breaks" +Tiarchanon III, Tiarchanon TNG "Identity Crisis" +Tiburon TOS "The Savage Curtain" +Tilonus IV TNG "Frame of Mind" +Titan, moon of Saturn TNG "The First Duty" +Titus IV TNG "Realm of Fear" +Tobin III TNG "Chain of Command, Part II" +Tormin V TNG "Chain of Command, Part I" +Triacus TOS "And the Children Shall..." +Triskelion, M-24 Alpha TOS "The Gamesters of..." +Troyius, Tellun TOS "Elaan of Troyius" +Turkana IV TNG "Legacy" +Tycho IV, Tycho TOS "Obsession" +Tyra VII-A, Tyran TNG "The Quality of Life" +Udala Prime TNG "Gambit, Part I" +Ultima Thul DS9 "Dramatis Personae" +Umith VIII, DMZ DS9 "The Maquis, Part II" +Vacca VI, Cabral TNG "Homeward" +Vagra II, Zed Lapis TNG "Skin of Evil" +Vagris III DS9 "Q-Less" +Valo I (three or more moons) TNG "Ensign Ro" +Valo II TNG "Ensign Ro" +Valo III TNG "Ensign Ro" +Valt Minor TNG "The Perfect Mate" +Vando VI, Vando TNG "We'll Always Have Paris" +Vega IX TOS "Mirror, Mirror" +Velara III, Pleiades Cluster TNG "Home Soil" +Velos VII DS9 "Babel" +Vendikar TOS "A Taste of Armageddon" +Ventax II TNG "Devil's Due" +Vilmora II, Vilmoran TNG "The Chase" +Volchek Prime DS9 "The Nagus" +Volon II, Volon Colonies + (Cardassian side of DMZ) DS9 "The Maquis, Part I" +Volon III, Volon Colonies + (Cardassian side of DMZ) DS9 "The Maquis, Part II" +Vulcan, 40 Eridani A TOS "Amok Time" +Yadera Prime DS9 "Shadowplay" +Yonada (astroidal body) TOS "For the World is Hollow..." +Zalcon TNG "Transfigurations" +Zeon TOS "Patterns of Force" +Zeta Alpha II TNG "The Best of Both Worlds" + TOS "Requiem for Methuselah" +, Gamma Quadrant + (located in an uncharted binary system) DS9 "Battle Lines" + TNG "Descent" + TNG "Liaisons" + (160 M km from Orelious Minor) DS9 "Paradise" + DS9 "The Jem'Hadar" +, Omarian Nebula + (Dominion homeworld) DS9 "The Search, Part I" + (Trill homeworld) DS9 "Equilibrium" + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +--- COUNTRIES, PROVINCES, STATES, CITIES --- + +Aberdeen, Scotland, Earth TNG "Sub Rosa" +Alameda, California, USA, Earth (20th Cent.) ST IV:TVH +Anchorage, Alaska, Earth TNG "The Icarus Factor" +Australia, Earth (21st Cent.) TNG "Attached" +Bozeman, USA, Earth (19th Cent.) TNG "A Fistful of Datas" +Brussels, European Alliance, Earth TNG "The Price" +Cambridge, Earth (25 ys after Stardate 47988) TNG "All Good Things..." +Canada, Earth TOS "The Trouble With Tribbles" +Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Earth TNG "The First Duty" +Chicago, Illinois, USA, Earth (20th Cent.) TOS "A Piece of the Action" +Deadwood, USA, Earth (19th Cent.) TNG "A Fistful of Datas" +D'kor Province, Bajor DS9 ? +Edinburgh, Scotland, Earth TNG "Sub Rosa" +First City, Klingon Imperial Empire TNG "Sins of the Father" +France, Earth TNG "We'll Always Have Paris" +Glasgow, Scotland, Earth TNG "Sub Rosa" +Heliopolis, Alpha Aradoni II TOS "Wolf in the Fold" +Hindrics Pool Province, Bajor DS9 "Shadowplay" +India, Earth TOS "Space Seed" +Indianapolis, USA, Earth TNG "The Neutral Zone" +Iowa, USA, Earth ST IV:TVH +La Barre, France, Earth TNG "Family" +Leningrad, Russia, Earth TOS "I, Mudd" +Marta Community, Southern Continent, Malkor III TNG "First Contact" +Nahalek Province, Rakkar DS9 "Vortex" +New Berlin DS9 "The Maquis, Part I" +New Marteem-vaz, Atlantic Ocean, Earth TNG "The Survivors" +Old Bandi City, Deneb IV TNG "Encounter at Farpoint" +Onkor Village, Prit border TNG "Attached" +Paradise City, Nimbus III ST V:TFF +Paris, France, Earth TNG "We'll Always Have Paris" +Rapid City, USA, Earth (19th Cent.) TNG "A Fistful of Datas" +Resic, Northern Province, Kataan TNG "The Inner Light" +Ropol City DS9 "The Maquis, Part I" +Russia, Earth TOS "I, Mudd" (?) +San Francisco, California, USA, Earth ST:TMP +Sausalito, California, USA, Earth (20th Cent.) ST IV:TVH +Scotland, Earth TOS (?) +Secaucus, New Jersey, USA, Earth TNG "The Neutral Zone" +Tombstone, Arizona, USA, Earth (19th Cent.) TOS "Spectre of the Gun" +United States of America (USA), Earth TOS "The Omega Glory" +Valdez, Alaska, Earth TNG "The Icarus Factor" + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +--- OTHERS --- + +Aerowath Colony DS9 "The Wire" +Argus Array (deep space telescope) TNG "The Nth Degree" +Arkaria base TNG "Starship Mine" +Benecia Colony, Beta Aurigae TOS "Turnabout Intruder" +Bersallis III Outpost (Federation), Bersallis + (destroyed by firestorm) TNG "Lessons" +Bryma Colony, Bryma, DMZ DS9 "The Maquis, Part II" +Camp Khitomer (near Romulan border) ST VI:TUC +Cardassian Navigation Control Post 24 DS9 "The Homecoming" +Colony Beta Six TOS "The Squire of Gothos" +Comm Station Epsilon 9 (destroyed by V'ger) ST:TMP +Communication Relay Station 47 + (near Klingon border) TNG "Aquiel" +Communication Relay Station 194 TNG "Aquiel" +Corvat Colony DS9 "Blood Oath" +Crasnar Outpost (massacred by Talarian forces) TNG "Suddenly Human" +Darmok Colony, Melindy VII TNG "Darmok" +Darwin Station, Gagaran TNG "Unnatural Selection" +Deep Space Three Station TNG "Interface" +Deep Space Four Station TNG "The Chase" +Deep Space Five Station (Regula 1 type) TNG "Parallels" +Deep Space Nine Station (Cmdr Benjamin Sisko) DS9 - All + (Cardassian name: Terok Nor) +Earth Colony II Research Station TNG "Tapestry" +Earth Station Babruisk TNG "Family" +Earth Station McKinley TNG "The Best of Both Worlds 2" +Elumsbur Detention Center, Bajor DS9 "Second Skin" +Experimental Colony, Gamma Hydra IV TOS "The Deadly Years" +Farpoint Station, Deneb IV (dissolved) TNG "Encounter at Farpoint" +Fastbase Starbase Erheart TNG "Samaritan Snare" +Feloris Colony TNG "The Perfect Mate" +Gallitepp Labour Camp DS9 "Duet" +Hailium Experimental Station TOS "Mudd's Women" +Hanolin Colony DS9 "The Siege" +Jupiter Outpost Nine-Two TNG "The Best of Both Worlds 2" +Khitomer Outpost (destroyed) TNG "Heart of Glory" +Klingon Outpost, Narendra III TNG "Yesterday's Enterprise" +Lithium Cracking Station, Delta Vega TOS "Where No Man..." +Lya Station Alpha (orbital) TNG "Ensign Ro" +Lysian Central Command (15,311 people) TNG "Conundrum" +Mars Defence Perimeter TNG "The Best of Both Worlds 2" +Mars Station TNG "Booby Trap" +Martian Colony TOS "Wolf in the Fold" +McKinley Rocket Base, Earth (1968) TOS "Assignment: Earth" +Mimas Station, Mimas of Saturn TNG "The First Duty" +Milona IV Colony (destroyed) TNG "Silicon Avatar" +Morska (Klingon listening post) ST VI:TUC +MS One Colony TNG "Descent" +New Berlin Colony TNG "Descent" +New Paris Colony, Makus III TOS "Galileo Seven" +New Providence Colony, Juri IV (destroyed) TNG "The Best of Both Worlds" +Norcan Outpost TNG "The Defector" +Norpin Colony, Norpin IV TNG "Rascals" +Norpin Colony, Norpin V TNG "Relics" +Outpost 06 TNG "The Defector" +Outpost 23 (location Top Secret) TNG "Future Imperfect" +Outpost MZ 5 TNG "Heart of Glory" +Outpost Seran T-1 TNG "Booby Trap" +Outpost Terra 9 (destroyed) TNG "The Neutral Zone" +Paralex Colony, Sherlaya VI TNG "Cost of Living" +Pellio Station DS9 "Invasive Procedures" +Pentarus Station TNG "Final Mission" +Relageth Refugee Camp, Bajor DS9 "Shadowplay" +Research Station 75 TNG "Face of the Enemy" +Remmler Array TNG "Starship Mine" +Rigel Colony, Rigel TOS "The Doomsday Machine" +Rog Prison (Ferengi) TNG "Bloodlines" +Rura Penthe (dilithium mine/penal asteroid) ST VI:TUC +Science Station 402, Kilarn TNG "The Nth Degree" +Science Station Delta 05 (destroyed) TNG "The Neutral Zone" +Science Station Tango Sierra TNG "The Child" +Singa Refugee Camp, Bajor DS9 "Shadowplay" +Solarian IV Colony (destroyed) TNG "Ensign Ro" +Spacedock, Earth (orbital) ST:TMP +Space Station K7 TOS "The Trouble With Tribbles" +Space Station Regula 1, Regula (orbital) ST II:TWOK +Starbase TNG "Home Soil" +Starbase, Hottar II TNG "The Offspring" +Starbase 2 TOS "Turnabout Intruder" +Starbase 4 TOS "The Enemy Within" +Starbase 6 TOS "The Menagerie" +Starbase 9 TOS "Tomorrow is Yesterday" +Starbase 10 TOS "The Deadly Years" +Starbase 11 (Commodore Stone) TOS "Court-Martial" +Starbase 23 TNG "Suspicions" +Starbase 24 TNG "Redemption" +Starbase 35 Sierra TNG "The Neutral Zone" +Starbase 41 DS9 "Playing God" +Starbase 47 TNG "Parallels" +Starbase 55 TNG "Relics" +Starbase 67 TNG "Disaster" +Starbase 73 TNG "Time Squared" +Starbase 74, Tasus III (orbital) TNG "11001001" +Starbase 82 TNG "The Game" +Starbase 83 TNG "Q Who" +Starbase 84 TNG "Heart of Glory" +Starbase 87 TNG "Homeward" +Starbase 105 TNG "Yesterday's Enterprise" +Starbase 112 TNG "Identity Crisis" +Starbase 123 TNG "Tin Man" +Starbase 129 TNG "Parallels" +Starbase 133 (orbital, Earth) TNG "Remember Me" +Starbase 152 TNG "Tin Man" +Starbase 153 TNG "The Emissary" +Starbase 157 TNG "The Best of Both Worlds" +Starbase 173 TNG "The Measure of a Man" +Starbase 179 TNG "A Matter of Honor" +Starbase 185 TNG "Q Who" +Starbase 200 TOS "The Alternative Factor" +Starbase 201 DS9 "The Abandoned" +Starbase 211 TNG "The Wounded" +Starbase 214 TNG "A Matter of Time" +Starbase 218 TNG "Lessons" +Starbase 219 TNG "Phantasms" +Starbase 220 TNG "Night Terrors" +Starbase 231 TNG "Thyne Own Self" +Starbase 227 TNG "Gambit, Part I" +Starbase 234 TNG "Redemption II" +Starbase 247 TNG "The Pegasus" + (Admiral Riker, 25 yrs after Stardate 47988) TNG "All Good Things..." +Starbase 260 TNG "In Theory" +Starbase 295 TNG "Decent, Part II" +Starbase 301 TNG "Conundrum" +Starbase 310 TNG "Journey's End" +Starbase 313 TNG "Galaxy's Child" +Starbase 324 TNG "The Best of Both Worlds" +Starbase 328 TNG "Eye of the Beholder" +Starbase 336 TNG "The Emissary" +Starbase 343 TNG "The Vengeance Factor" +Starbase 401 DS9 "Whispers" +Starbase 410 TNG "Clues" +Starbase 416 TNG "Brothers" +Starbase 440 TNG "Violations" +Starbase 495 TNG "Interface" +Starbase 514 TNG "Hero Worship" +Starbase 515 TNG "Samaritan Snare" +Starbase 621 TNG "Sub Rosa" +Starbase 718 TNG "The Neutral Zone" +Starbase G-6, Quadra Sigma III TNG "Hide and Q" +Starbase Lyra 3 TNG "The Hunted" +Starbase Montgommery TNG "The Icarus Factor" +Starfleet base, Cestus III (destroyed) TOS "Arena" +Starfleet Headquarters, San Francisco ST:TMP +Star Station India TNG "Unnatural Selection" +Station Lya 4 TNG "The Most Toys" +Station Negala 4 TNG "Deja Q" +Station Salem 1 TNG "The Enemy" +Surplus Depo Z-1-5, Qualar II TNG "Unification" +Tanika IV Research Station (orbital; destroyed) TNG "A Matter of Perspective" +Terenko Colony TNG "Thyne Own Self" +Tyran Partical Fountain, Tyra VII A (orbital) TNG "The Quality of Life" +Utopia Planetia, Mars Station TNG "Booby Trap" +Velos VII Internment Camp (closed s.d. 46302) DS9 "Babel" +Yaderan Colony, Yadera Prime DS9 "Shadowplay" + Federation Outpost, Calder II TNG "Gambit, Part II" + Klingon Outpost, Maranga IV TNG "Firstborn" + + + diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/st-satnl.txt b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/st-satnl.txt new file mode 100644 index 00000000..2305159b --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/st-satnl.txt @@ -0,0 +1,714 @@ +1 + +This is a transcription of the Saturday Night Live sketch, "The Last Voyage +of the Starship Enterprise" + + + +THE LAST VOYAGE OF THE STARSHIP ENTERPRISE + +(Saturday Night Live -- June, 1976) + +CAST: + + Captain James T. Kirk -- John Belushi + Mr. Spock -- Chevy Chase + Lieutenant Uhura -- Doris Powell + Mr. Sulu -- Leo Yoshimura + Doctor McCoy -- Dan Aykroyd + Mr. Scott -- Dan Aykroyd + Herb Goodman -- Elliot Gould + Cutis -- Garrett Morris + +(OPEN ON: VTR OF 1968 NBC COLOR LOGO OF PEACOCK UNFOLDING) + + ANNOUNCER : + The following program is brought to you in living color by NBC. + +(CUT TO: THE BRIDGE OF THE STARSHIP ENTERPRISE. MUST INCLUDE CAPTAIN'S +CHAIR, HELM AND NAVIGATOR STATIONS, MAIN VIEWING SCREEN, COMMUNICATIONS +STATION, LIBRARY COMPUTER STATION, RED HANDRAIL, BANKS OF LIGHTS AND +SCREENS, AND TURBO-LIFT WITH WORKING ELEVATOR DOORS... THE TIME IS THE +TWENTY-THIRD CENTURY.) + +(SFX: BRIDGE SFX) + +(SPOCK IS SPEAKING INTO INTERCOM ... ) + + SPOCK: + +(WITH SOME METALLIC ECHO) + Captain Kirk to the bridge! Captain Kirk to the bridge! + +(KIRK ENTERS BRISKLY THROUGH TURBO-LIFT DOORS) + +(SFX: PNEUMATIC DOOR) + + KIRK: + + Yes, Mister Spock. + + SPOCK: + + Sensors are picking up an unidentified vessel, Captain, headed straight + toward us. + + KIRK: + + Range, Mr. Sulu? + + SULU: + + Point zero four light years, sir, and closing fast. + + + KIRK: + + Lieutenant Uhura, open a hailing frequency. + + UHURA: + + I've been trying to raise them but there's no response, sir. + + KIRK: + + (PUSHES BUTTON OR TALKS INTO MICROPHONE) This is Captain James T. Kirk + of the starship Enterprise. Identify yourself. (TO UHURA) Put them on + the viewscreen, full magnification. + + UHURA: + + Aye aye, sir. + +(SFX: VIEWSCREEN SOUNDS) + + KIRK: + + (PUSHES BUTTON OR TALKS INTO MICROPHONE) Repeat -- identify yourself. + +(CUT TO: MOCKUP OF BRIDGE SCREEN ON WHICH IS KEYED A MAROON '68 CHRYSLER +LIMO "DRIVING" TOWARD THE VIEWER THROUGH A FIELD OF STARS WHICH CONTINUALLY +RECEDE, TO INDICATE MOTION ...) + + What kind of ship is that, Mr. Spock? + + SPOCK: + + Fascinating, Captain. It would appear to be an early gas combustion + + vehicle, at least two or three hundred years old. + + KIRK: + + + + (TO SPOCK) Run it through the computer. Find out what those little + numbers mean. I want answers. + + SPOCK: + (TO COMPUTER) Process visual feed. Analyze and reply. + + KIRK: + + I have a hunch, Mr. Spock, that we are about to face a menace more + terrifying than the flying parasites of Ingraham B; more insidious + + + than the sand-bats of Manark 4; more bloodthirsty than the vampire + clouds of Argus 10. I have a hunch that "thing" out there is more + deadly than the Klingons, the Romulans, and the Gorns, all rolled + into one. + +(SFX: COMPUTER) + +(A STRIP OF PAPER COMES OUT FROM CONSOLE ...) + + SPOCK: + + Here is the readout, Captain. The computer has identified the alien + vessel as a 1968 Chrysler Imperial with a tinted windshield and retrac- + table headlights. + + KIRK: + + And the little blue and orange numbers? + + SPOCK: + + That's called a "California license plate", and it's registered, or + was in 1968, to a corporation known as "NBC". + +(SFX: COMPUTER SFX) + +(MORE PAPER STRIP COMES OUT FROM CONSOLE SLOT ...) + + SPOCK: (CONT'D) + + Wait, here's something more. The computer isn't sure, but it thinks + this NBC used to manufacture cookies. + + KIRK: + + Could that (POINTS AT SCREEN) be some sort of illusion, Mr. Spock? + + SPOCK: + + It's no illusion, Captain. Scanner readings indicate two life forms + inside that craft. + + + KIRK: + + Mr. Sulu, increase speed to warp factor eight. + + SULU: + + But, sir, that's only for the most extreme emergencies. The ship can't + take it. + + KIRK: + + You heard my order, Mr. Sulu. + + SULU: + + + Aye aye, sir. + +(CUT TO: MODEL SHOTS OF THE STARSHIP ENTERPRISE ZIPPING THROUGH SPACE, +OLLOWED CLOSELY BY THE CHRYSLER LIMO) + + +(MUSIC: STAR TREK THEME) + +(SUPER: STAR TREK) + + +(SUPER: THE LAST VOYAGE OF THE STARSHIP ENTERPRISE) + + KIRK: + + Captain's Log, Stardate 3615.6. On a routine delivery of medical + supplies to Earth Colony 9, we are being chased through space by an + automobile three centuries old, owned by a company that manufactured + cookies. It would all seem silly if it weren't for this feeling of + dread that haunts me, a sense of impending doom. + +(MUSIC: OUT) + +(CUT TO: BRIDGE ...) + +(SFX: BRIDGE SOUNDS) + + SULU: + + They're right behind us, Captain. + + KIRK: + + Let's lose them, Mr. Sulu. Prepare for evasive action. Helm hard to + port! + +(THEY LURCH TO RIGHT AS CAMERA TILTS) + + Hard to starboard! + +(THEY LURCH TO LEFT AS CAMERA TILTS) + + Hard to port! + +(THEY LURCH TO RIGHT AS CAMERA TILTS) + + SPOCK: + + Frankly, Captain, I'm exhausted. + + KIRK: + + Me too. Stabilize, Mr. Sulu. + +(CAMERA LEVELS) + + SULU: + + Look, Captain! + +(CUT TO: MODEL OF CHRYSLER LIMO, MUCH CLOSER THAN BEFORE) + + It's no use. We can't shake them. + + KIRK: + + Then we'll give them a fight they won't forget. (INTO INTERCOM, WHICH + MAKES FOR SOME METALLIC ECHO) All hands! Man your battle stations! + +(SFX: WHOOPING ALARM) + + This is not a drill! Red alert! Man your battle stations! Red alert! + + SPOCK: + + But, Captain -- + + + KIRK: + +(METALLIC ECHO LOST) + + Lock phasers on target, Mr. Sulu. + + SULU: + + Phasers locked on target, sir. + + SPOCK: + + But, Captain, you can't -- + + KIRK: + + Stand by to fire. + + SULU: + + Phasers standing by, sir. + +(SFX: FADE WHOOPING ALARM OUT ...) + + SPOCK: + + But, Captain, we don't know who the aliens are or what they want. To kill + them without warning would be highly illogical. + + KIRK: + + Fact -- their intentions are unknown. Fact -- I am responsible for the + lives of 430 crewmen. And, fact -- I can't afford to take any chances. + (TO SULU) Fire main phasers! (PAUSE WHEN NOTHING HAPPENS) I said, "Fire + main phasers!" + + SULU: + + (FRANTICALLY HITTING BUTTONS) I'm trying, sir. Nothing is happening. + + KIRK: + + Arm and lock photon torpedoes, Mr. Sulu. + + SULU: + + They're not working either, Captain. + + KIRK: + + Deflectors up. + + + + SULU: + + Captain, the helm does not respond. The controls are dead. + + + SPOCK: + + We're slowing down, Captain. We're stopping. + +(THE LIGHTS DIM AND FLICKER A BIT IN THE BRIDGE ... ) + + KIRK: + +(PRESSING BUTTON OR TALKING INTO MIKE) + + +(SFX: BEEP) + + Bridge to Engine Room, acknowledge. + + + SCOTTY: + + + Scotty here, Captain. + + KIRK: + + What in blazes is going on, Scotty? + + + SCOTTY: + + I dinna know, Captain. We're losing power and I don't know why. + + + + KIRK: + + Well, do something, man. Go to manual override. Cut in auxilliary + systems. + + SCOTTY: + + Saints preserve us, Captain, but even the emergency systems are out. + + KIRK: + + Well, fix it, Scotty. I don't care how, but fix it. The lives of 430 + crewmen hang in the balance. Kirk out. + + SPOCK: + + Life support systems are still operative, Captain. + + + KIRK: + + + But for how long, Mr. Spock, for how long? Lieutenant Uhura, inform + Starfleet Command of our situation. + + UHURA: + + + All communications are dead, Captain. + +(SFX: PNEUMATIC DOOR) + +(FROM TURBO-LIFT, McCOY BURSTS INTO ROOM ... ) + + + McCOY: + + Jim, Jim, I -- I .... Jim -- + + KIRK: + + + Great god, man, spit it out. + + McCOY: + + + + The aliens have boarded us, Jim. And they're headed this way. + + + KIRK: + + But how, Bones? How did they get on board? Did they beam on? Did + they suddenly materialize? + + McCOY: + + No, they just sort of stepped out from behind the curtains. + + + SPOCK: + + Describe them, Doctor. + + McCOY: + + There's two of them. Bipeds, humanoid in appearance. Their clothing is + drab except for a bright piece of cloth worn around the neck of the + leader. + + SPOCK: + + Was there anything else odd about their clothing? + + McCOY: + + I'm a doctor, not a tailor, dammit! Wait, there was one other thing + about them that seemed strange. They spoke English! Quick, Jim, I + hear them coming up the turbo-lift! They'll be here in seconds! + + KIRK: + + We'll be ready for them, Doctor. + +(KIRK, SPOCK, AND McCOY QUICKLY WHIP OUT THEIR PHASERS AND TRAIN THEM ON +THE TURBO-LIFT DOORS) + +(THE DOORS OPEN AND CLOSE TO ADMIT HERB GOODMAN AND CURTIS ...) + +(SFX: PNEUMATIC DOORS) + + Welcome aboard the starship Enterprise. I'm Captain James T. Kirk, + representing the United Federation of Planets. + + GOODMAN: + + (ABOUT TO GLAD-HAND KIRK) Hi, I'm Herb Goodman, head of programming + for the network. + + KIRK: + + Stand back. I won't hesitate to shoot. + +(GOODMAN SORT OF IGNORES HIM AND ADDRESSES THE GROUP ... ) + + + GOODMAN: + + Can I have your attention? (TO CURTIS) Curtis, you want to turn off + those sound effects? + + CURTIS: + + Sure thing. + +(EXITS OFF CAMERA, NOT INTO TURBO-LIFT) + + GOODMAN: + + (ADDRESSING GROUP AGAIN) Everyone, please, can I have your attention? + I have an announcement to make. + +(SFX: BRIDGE SOUND EFFECTS GRIND TO SILENCE LIKE A RECORD SLOWING DOWN + AND STOPPING) + +(AT THE SAME TIME, THE BLINKING LIGHTS ON THE PANELS FADE AND GO OUT ...) + + + Due to the low Neilsens, we at NBC have decided to cancel "Star Trek". + + KIRK: + + (TO SPOCK AND McCOY) Fire at my command. + + GOODMAN: + + On your way out, stop by the cashier's office and pick up your checks. + + KIRK: + + Set phasers on "stun." Fire. + +(THEY SET PHASERS ON STUN AND ATTEMPT TO FIRE AT GOODMAN, BUT NOTHING HAPPENS) + + McCOY: + + + They're not firing, Jim. + + KIRK: + + (CASUALLY) Try "kill". + + +THEY SET PHASERS ON "KILL" AND AGAIN TRY TO SHOOT GOODMAN, BUT NOTHING +HAPPENS ...) + + McCOY: + + Nope, still nothing. + + GOODMAN: + + (TO THE THREE OF THEM ABOUT PHASERS) You'll make sure the property + department gets those things back, won't you, fellows? + + SPOCK: + + + Most peculiar, Captain. I can only conclude that they possess some sort + of weapons deactivator. In which case, I shall merely render him uncon- + scious with my famous Vulcan nerve pinch. + + GOODMAN: + + Of course, if it was up to me you could keep them -- as souvenirs, give + 'em to your kids, whatever. But, you see, they're planning to market a + complete line of Trekkie merchandise, and I have to send these to Taiwan + to be copied. + +(AS HE SPEAKS, SPOCK APPROACHES HIM AND ATTEMPTS TO KNOCK HIM OUT WITH THE +VULCAN NERVE PINCH. IT HAS NO EFFECT WHATSOEVER AND SPOCK DOES DISBELIEF +TAKE ON HIS HAND) + +(SPOCK TRIES NERVE PINCH A SECOND TIME, AND GOODMAN THINKS HE'S ADMIRING +HIS SUIT) + + Isn't that fabric something? You just can't buy material like this in + + the States. No way! But I was lucky enough to find this great little + + tailor who flies in from London four times a year -- + +(SPOCK, NONPLUSSED, TURNS TO WALK AWAY) + + Oh, Nimoy, we'll need those ears back too, I'm afraid. + +(HE PULLS OFF THE TIPS OF SPOCK'S EARS AND POCKETS THEM) + + McCOY: + + (TO GOODMAN) For God's sake, man, we're on a five-year mission to + explore space, the final frontier, and dammit, we've only been out + three years! + + GOODMAN: + + Sorry, but it's those Neilsens. If it was up to me, of course .... + + KIRK: + + What are those "Neilsens" that the alien keeps mentioning, Mr. Spock? + + + SPOCK: + + If I remember my history correctly, Captain, Neilsens were a primitive + system of estimating television viewers once used in the mid-twentieth + century. + + McCOY: + + If Man were meant to fly, he'd have better ratings, is that what you're + saying, Mr. Goodbody, whatever your name is? (TO SULU AND UHURA) Come + on, George, Nichelle, let's go tie one on. + + UHURA: + + I'm with you, Kelley. + + SULU: + + Maybe I'll just go home. + + KIRK: + + (TO McCOY) Belay that kind of talk, Doctor McCoy. + + McCOY: + + (TO KIRK) Forget it, Bill. We lost. It's over. (TO SPOCK) Are you + coming, Leonard? + +(SPOCK TRIES VULCAN NERVE PINCH ON McCOY) + + (BRUSHING HIM ASIDE) Knock it off, you joker! + +(McCOY, UHURA, AND SULU EXIT. SPOCK STARTS TO EXIT ... ) + + KIRK: + + (A BIT DESPERATE NOW) Wait, Mr. Spock. We have yet to try Vulcan + mind meld, where you actually enter the alien's brain, merge with + his intelligence, and read his thoughts. + + SPOCK: + + I entered Mr. Goodman's mind while you were talking to Dr. McCoy, Captain. + +(CURTIS ENTERS HERE OR A LITTLE BEFORE, NOT REALLY NOTICED, AND STARTS TO PRY +APART THE SET WITH A CROWBAR) + +(SPOCK CONTINUES SPEAKING, OBVIOUSLY SHAKEN BY WHAT HE HAS SEEN IN GOODMAN'S +MIND ... ) + + + It was all ... all dark and empty in there. And ... and there were little + mice in the corners and spiders had spun this web -- + + KIRK: + + (GRABBING HIM) Spock! + + SPOCK: + + I kept bumping my head on the ceiling, and -- + + + KIRK: + + (SHAKING HIM) Snap out of it, Spock! + + SPOCK: + + (WITH A SHUDDER) It's okay, Captain. I'm all right now. + + GOODMAN: + + What do you think, Curtis? Any chance we can sell this junk to + "Lost in Space"? + +(CURTIS HAS PRIED APART A SECTION OF THE SET AND IS TURNING IT AROUND ...) + + + CURTIS: + + Well, it all comes apart. + + KIRK: + + (TO CURTIS) Hey, get away from there! + +(CURTIS DOES NOT TAKE HIM SERIOUSLY, AND THROWS HIM A MOCKING SALUTE) + + + CURTIS: + + Right on, Buck Rogers! Is that an order? + + KIRK: + + No, it can't end like this. I won't let it! This is MY ship! I give + the orders here! I give the commands! I am responsible for the lives + of 430 crewmen, and I'm not going to let them down! There's got to be + a way out! (POUNDS PANEL IN FRUSTRATION) + + SPOCK: + + You are becoming quite emotional, Captain. Needless to say, my trained + Vulcan mind finds such open displays of emotion distasteful. Emotion, + you see, interferes with logic, and it is only by dealing with problems + in a logical, scientific fashion that we can arrive at valid solutions. + Now, with regard to the alien takeover of the Enterprise, I would suggest + that we seek some new alternative, based upon exact computer analysis, of + course, and taking into consideration elements of -- (SUDDENLY BREAKS DOWN + INTO SOBBING WACKO) Oh, God! I don't believe it! We're cancelled! How + could they do this? Everybody I know loves the show! I have a contract! + What about my contract? I want my ears back! (ETC ...) + + GOODMAN: + + (LEADING SPOCK OFF) Curtis, can you give me a hand here? + + CURTIS: + + I have a couple Valium in my tool box. Maybe that'll help. + +(GOODMAN AND CURTIS HELP SPOCK OFF THE SET ... ) + + KIRK: + + So it's just me, is it? Well, I've been in tougher spots. Surrender? + No way. I'd rather go down with the ship. + + GOODMAN: + + (EXITING) Oh, Shatner, your agent called you. Something about a mar- + garine commercial. He said he'd call back. + +(KIRK IS LEFT ALONE. TIRED, DEFEATED, HE SINKS INTO HIS COMMAND CHAIR AND +PUNCHES THE BUTTON TO MAKE HIS FINAL ENTRY) + + KIRK: + + Captain's log, final entry. We have tried to explore strange new worlds, + to seek out new civilizations, to boldly go where no man has gone before. + And except for one television network, we have found intelligent life + everywhere in the galaxy. (HE GIVES THE VULCAN SALUTE) Live long and + prosper. (KIRK CLOSES HIS FINGERS) Promise. Captain James T. Kirk, + SC 937-0176 CEC. + +(PULL BACK TO SHOW HIM ALONE IN WHAT IS NOW OBVIOUSLY A SET IN A TV STUDIO, +WITH SOME OF SET BROKEN UP AND ONE PIECE TURNED AROUND SO ONE CAN READ "STAR +TREK BRIDGE #4" CRUDELY PAINTED ON THE BACK. CONTINUE PULLING BACK TO SHOW +CAMERAS -- WITH CONTEMPORARY NBC LOGO MASKED -- BOOMS, TECHNICIANS) + +(SLOW FADE .....) + +[1] Tfiles: (1-2,?,Q) : \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/st-thefi.p1- b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/st-thefi.p1- new file mode 100644 index 00000000..be1b79a2 --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/st-thefi.p1- @@ -0,0 +1,921 @@ +From SCHEETZ@bms.com Thu Oct 22 16:33:06 1992 +Status: RO +X-VM-v5-Data: ([nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil] + ["6942" "" "22" "October" "1992" "17:37:32" "-0500" "SCHEETZ@bms.com" "SCHEETZ@bms.com" nil "158" "" "^From:" nil nil "10"]) +Return-Path: +Received: from cliff.bms.com by depot.cis.ksu.edu SMTP (5.65a) + id AA11273; Thu, 22 Oct 92 16:33:03 -0500 +Received: from watson.bms.com by cliff.bms.com (PMDF #2529 ) id + <01GQ9A3XE9ZK000VGJ@cliff.bms.com>; Thu, 22 Oct 1992 17:32:46 EST +Received: from bms.com by bms.com (PMDF #2529 ) id + <01GQ9A9WSDCW9D6S4R@bms.com>; Thu, 22 Oct 1992 17:37:32 EST +Message-Id: <01GQ9A9WSDCY9D6S4R@bms.com> +X-Envelope-To: jfy@cis.ksu.edu +X-Vms-To: IN%"jfy@cis.ksu.edu" +Mime-Version: 1.0 +Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7BIT +From: SCHEETZ@bms.com +To: jfy@cis.ksu.edu +Date: 22 Oct 1992 17:37:32 -0500 (EST) + + + +Hi Netters, + + Ever wonder how the UFP worked before the Prime Directive was implemented? +Well, I'm in the process of writing a story about the pre-Directive explorers +in the Star Trek universe. This Story takes place before James Kirk and his +merry band of space explorers were ever born. So join me won't you as we +travel the galaxy aboard the USS Horizon(Mentioned in TOS "A Piece Of The +Action"). I hope you enjoy. + + + + + + +STAR TREK THE FIRST GENERATION: THE ADVENTURES OF THE USS HORIZON + +CHARACTERS: + +CAPTAIN STUART MANN +COMMANDER ROGER BOEMAN(FIRST OFFICER) +LTCOMMANDER PETER BRYCE(SCIENCE OFFICER) +LTCOMMANDER AMANDA JACOBS(CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER) +LTCOMMANDER SERGE KOSYGIN(CHIEF ENGINEER) +LIEUTENNANT SANDRA CONROY(COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER) +LIEUTENNANT JOSEPH COLETTI(NAVIGATION) +ENSIGN HEINRICH RICHTER +ENSIGN ANNA MCKAY +ENSIGN AKIRA OKIYAMA +ENSIGN ROBERT JENSEN +ENSIGN WILLIAM DAVIS + +AND 212 CREWMEN AND WOMEN(TO BE NAMED LATER) + + + +PART ONE: + + Stuart Mann took a deep breath as he stepped onto the bridge. He had done it +several times before without hesitation. This time, however, was different. +This time they were setting course for the vast unknown. Stuart sat in the +command chair and stared out the viewport. He felt like he should memorize the +position of each star. Like taking a final look at someone you wouldn't be +seeing for a long time. Captain Mann reached for his log recorder and +proceeded to make an entry. + +CAPTAINS LOG FOR MARCH 30,2094 USS HORIZON + +THE HORIZON HAS COMPLETED IT'S PRE-LAUNCH TESTS WITH FLYING COLORS AND WE ARE +FINALLY READY TO GET UNDERWAY. THE REASON FOR THIS SHIP'S CONSTRUCTION IS AT +HAND. AS I SIT HERE ON THE BRIDGE I WONDER WHAT WE'LL FIND OUT THERE. WE HAVE +MET MANY ALIEN LIFE FORMS ALREADY WITHOUT EVEN MAKING A CONSCIOUS EFFORT. NOW, +WE'LL ACTUALLY BE SEARCHING FOR THEM AND NOT ACCIDENTALLY STUMBLING ON TO +THEM. I WOULD BE LYING THROUGH MY TEETH IF I SAID I WASN'T EXCITED AT THE +POSSIBILITIES. OUR RACE HAS SEEN SO MANY WONDERFUL AND FRIGHTENING THINGS +ALREADY. WHAT ELSE IS WAITING IN THE VOID AHEAD? MABYE I SHOULD GET THIS SHOW +ON THE ROAD AND FIND OUT INSTEAD OF SPENDING THE NEXT THREE YEARS SITTING HERE +CONTEMPLATING THE FUTURE. + + Captain Mann replaced the log recorder and activated the intercom. "Mister +Kosygin, are we ready to go?", Mann asked waiting for a reply from his chief +engineer. + + "Da captain, we are.", LtCommander Kosygin answered with a thick Russian +accent. + + "Very well.",said the Captain for the sake of answering. "Mister Coletti, is +the course laid in?",the Captain inquired of his chief navigator. + + "Aye sir, course set.", replied Lieutennant Coletti. + + "Good. Engage warp engines and take us to warp one.", commanded Captain +Mann. Lieutennant Coletti immediately adjusted the controls and the starfield +ahead of them began to expand. + + "Warp one achieved.", Coletti reported as the velocity indicator confirmed +his statement. The Captain allowed himself a brief strech as he sat back in +his chair. The mission everyone had been waiting for had finally begun. +Coletti breathed a sigh of relief as he admired the view form his position. He +always enjoyed his position as navigator. Sitting in the front of the bridge +he felt he had the best seats in the house. + + As everyone settled into their respective seats LtCommander Bryce decided to +look over his own log entry. + +SCIENCE OFFICERS LOG FOR MARCH 30,2094 USS HORIZON + +THE NEW SENSOR ARRAY OF THE HORIZON IS AMAZING. WE NOW HAVE THE CAPABILITY OF +SCANNING ENTIRE PLANETS AND DETERMINING WHETHER THEY CAN SUPPORT HUMAN LIFE. +WE NO LONGER HAVE TO SEND DOWN A PROBE TO TAKE SAMPLES. WE CAN ALSO DETECT +LIFE FORMS BEFORE SHUTTLING DOWN. IF NOTHING ELSE THESE SENSORS WILL +DEFINITELY MAKE MY JOB EASIER. + + Satisfied with the entry Bryce logged it into his log recorder. Although it +would be easier to log in by voice Bryce always perferred typing it in. This +way, he thought, he could smooth out the report and make it look more +professional. + + "Lieutennant Conroy, give me ship-wide intercom please.", Mann ordered as he +straightened his uniform. Sandra Conroy quickly manipulated the controls and +reported,"channel open sir." + + "Attention crew, this is Captain Mann. I just want you all to know that your +work in preparing for this mission has been exemplary. I can only ask that you +continue that fine work for the remainder of our mission. I can't tell you +what lies ahead, however, I am confident in your abilities as Starfleet +personnel. I know that whatever we face we will not be un-prepared. Again I +thank you all for your efforts and I pray for our safety as we enter the +unknown. That is all.", said Captain Mann as he motioned to Sandra to cut the +channel off. Lieutennant Conroy quickly responded to his silent order. + +CHIEF ENGINEERS LOG FOR MARCH 30, 2094 USS HORIZON + +THE CAPTAIN HAS JUST ORDERED US TO WARP ONE. THE ENGINES ARE PERFORMING +WIHTOUT SO MUCH AS A WIMPER. I AM SURE THEY WILL SERVE US WELL OVER THE NEXT +THREE YEARS AND BEYOND. THE INTRODUCTION OF AN AUXILLIARY DRIVE (THE IMPULSE +ENGINE) IS DEFINITELY AN INTERESTING DESIGN CONCEPT. ONE I HOPE WILL BE +INCORPORATED INTO ALL FUTURE VESSELS. WITH ALL THE INNOVATIONS YOU WOULD THINK +WE'D HAVE A DECENT GALLEY. I GUESS THAT'S SOMETHING I'LL HAVE TO LIVE WITH +FOR NOW. + +CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICERS LOG FOR MARCH 30, 2094 USS HORIZON + +I AM NOT PARTICULARLY OVERJOYED WITH THE LAYOUT OF THIS SICKBAY. IN MY +PERSONAL OPINION THE SIZE OF THE SICKBAY IS INADEQUATE. NOT TO MENTION THE +FACT THAT IT'S COMPLETELY CUT OFF FROM THE EXAMINATION ROOM. NO DOUBT A DOCTOR +HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE DESIGN OF THIS SHIP. I MUST SPEAK WITH THE CHIEF +ENGINEER AND SEE IF SOMETHING CAN BE DONE TO RECTIFY THIS FIASCO. + +FIRST OFFICERS LOG FOR MARCH 30, 2094 USS HORIZON + +I'VE BEEN LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS MISSION EVER SINCE I WAS ASSIGNED TO THIS +SHIP. IMAGINE ME, FIRST OFFICER ABOARD THE FLAGSHIP OF THE FLEET! I COULDN'T +BELIEVE IT WHEN I SAW MY NAME ON THE CREW MANIFEST. I HAVE A FEELING THIS IS +GOING TO BE ONE HELL OF A TRIP. + +COMMUNICATION OFFICERS LOG FOR MARCH 30, 2094 USS HORIZON + +THE WARP RADIO SYSTEM RECENTLY INSTALLED ABOARD THE HORIZON IS INDEED A GREAT +INNOVATION. WE WILL NO LONGER HAVE TO DROP RELAY BOUYS ALONG OUR FLIGHT PATH +TO MAINTAIN COMMUNICATION. I LOVE THIS POSITION ESPECIALLY REGARDING OUR +CURRENT MISSION. JUST THE THOUGHT THAT I WILL BE ONE OF THE FIRST PEOPLE AN +ALIEN RACE WILL HEAR. IT'S JUST PLAIN EXCITING! + +NAVIGATORS LOG FOR MARCH 30, 2094 USS HORIZON + +THE CONTROL CONSOLE FOR THE HORIZON'S NAVIGATION SYSTEM IS VERY WELL LAID OUT. +I DO, HOWEVER, THINK IT'S A LITTLE MUCH FOR ONE OPERATOR TO H HANDLE. I MAY +BRING THIS UP TO THE CAPTAIN AND SEE WHAT HE THINKS. + + The Horizon moved out into space. It's crew awed at the prospect of +traveling where no man has gone before. + + +END OF PART ONE + + + +From SCHEETZ@bms.com Thu Oct 22 16:33:25 1992 +Status: RO +X-VM-v5-Data: ([nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil] + ["6297" "" "22" "October" "1992" "17:37:54" "-0500" "SCHEETZ@bms.com" "SCHEETZ@bms.com" nil "128" "" "^From:" nil nil "10"]) +Return-Path: +Received: from cliff.bms.com by depot.cis.ksu.edu SMTP (5.65a) + id AA11341; Thu, 22 Oct 92 16:33:23 -0500 +Received: from watson.bms.com by cliff.bms.com (PMDF #2529 ) id + <01GQ9A4DKQCG000VGJ@cliff.bms.com>; Thu, 22 Oct 1992 17:33:07 EST +Received: from bms.com by bms.com (PMDF #2529 ) id + <01GQ9AAD624W9D6S4R@bms.com>; Thu, 22 Oct 1992 17:37:54 EST +Message-Id: <01GQ9AAD624Y9D6S4R@bms.com> +X-Envelope-To: jfy@cis.ksu.edu +X-Vms-To: IN%"jfy@cis.ksu.edu" +Mime-Version: 1.0 +Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7BIT +From: SCHEETZ@bms.com +To: jfy@cis.ksu.edu +Date: 22 Oct 1992 17:37:54 -0500 (EST) + + + + +Star Trek the 1st Generation: The Adventures of the USS Horizon Part Two + +Captain's Log for April 3,2094 USS Horizon:Captain Stuart Mann + +We have finally reached the outer perimeter of Federation space. With the +final frontier ahead we say farewell to known space. + + Captain Mann sat in his chair waiting for something to happen. He realized +that the chances of something happening the minute they left Federation +territory were nonexistant at best. Regardless, he wished something would +happen. "Be careful what you wish for Captain,", he thought to himself,"you +may just get it." + + LtCommander Kosygin was standing in sickbay admiring the work his +engineering crew had done on the new accessway to the examination room. "Now +that's more like it!", exclaimed Doctor Jacobs as she entered the examination +room. Serge faced her. + + "I take it you're pleased with it then?", he asked with a tone of pride in +his voice. + + "Pleased? I'm ecstatic! It only took you guys four days to do it. Is that +how long it takes to knock a hole in the wall these days?", Amanda asked with +a hint of sarcasm. + + "A hole in the wall!?", Serge thundered. "I'll have you know that we had to +re-route seven power conduits and two coolant tubes to make room for that "hole +in the wall"!" Serge's temper soared like a fighter jet. Quickly deciding that +she did not want to explain to the captain why his chief engineer had a +cardiac arrest while in sickbay Amanda decided to surrender before she got +slugged. + + "You're right of course. I shouldn't have been rude about it.", she offered. +Suprised at his quick victory all Serge could say was "That's right.". Before +he could offer his own apology the ship shook violently. As the alert klaxon +sounded LtCommander Kosygin was off. His destination: the lift to engineering. +He was concerned about what happened, but, was more concerned about how the +ship handled it's first "turbulance". + + On the bridge the captain straightened up in his chair. After a visual +survey of the bridge he concluded that the bridge crew were o.k. "Damage +report.", the captain ordered on complete reflex. + + "Reports coming in now sir.", Lieutennant Conroy answered. Captain Mann +waited for the reports. Commander Boeman made his way to the sensor station +where he met with the science officer. + + "What happened Pete?", Boeman asked ignoring protocol. LtCommander Bryce +glanced over to him. + + "I'm still scanning sir, but, from what I'm getting it's safe to say that +we're not in Kansas anymore." As he turned to report all he could think about +was his log entry reference to this being a 'hell of a trip'. + +Captain's Log for April 4,2094 USS Horizon: Captain Stuart Mann + +Well, we started this trip off with a bang. According to our science officer +we have traveled through a hole in space. He is still studing the sensor +reports and will hopefully be able to tell us where we are. Lieutennant Conroy +continues to hail Starfleet Command with no success. So far that is our best +hope of determining our position. How far away are we. Our chief engineer is +busy repairing damage sustained to the ship's warp engines. Fortunately the +damage is minimal and he should be available for the staff meeting we are +about to start. If nothing else the ship is still spaceworthy. The question +that remains is where do we go from here? + + The conference room of the USS Horizon was silent. The officers sat +motionless not wanting to be the first to speak. After a few moments the +captain entered. "O.k. Mister Bryce, what happened?", Captain Mann asked as he +took his seat at the head of the conference table. Everyone's attention +focused on Peter Bryce. Bryce, feeling the pressure, turned to the captain. +The Horizon has traveled through a "tunnel" or "wormhole" in space.", Bryce +paused to allow for any reaction. The other officers sat silently. "As for our +position? I just don't know. The sensors are not capable of determining +position if we are out of known space. As you all know it's our job to chart +the surrounding stars so other ships could navigate. I'm afraid that there are +no "familiar" stars within sensor range. The only thing I can tell you +conclusively is that we are lost." Bryce lowered his head feeling that he had +let everyone down. + + "We're all in this together.", the captain said as he sensed his science +officer's feelings. Captain Mann then tapped the intercom button for the +bridge. "Lieutennant Conroy, any response from Starfleet?", he asked then +waited for a reply. + + "No sir, nothing yet.", Sandra answered. "We may be a few com-days away from +Starfleet sir." + + "No doubt.", the captain said, hoping that it may boost the morale a little +that he hadn't given up. "Well, we can't just sit here until we get a +response. Unless I hear any objections I think we should continue with our +mission." The captain waited for a vote in the negative. Not one of the +officers spoke against the idea. "I'll take that as an affirmative then." +Captain Mann tapped the intercom button for engineering. "Mister Kosygin, are +we ready to move?", Stuart inquired of the chief engineer. + + "Da captain, we are 100% operational. We await only your order.",Serge said +as his russian voice reverbated through the ship's intercom system. + + "Very well. LtCommander Kosygin, prepare to go to impulse speed." + + "Da captain.", answered Serge and the intercom went silent. + + "Lieutennant Coletti, full impulse.", ordered captain Mann as he entered the +bridge. + + "Heading sir?", Coletti asked out of habit then immediately regretted it. +Joe turned to the captain and was about to apologize but the captain cut him +off. + + "Just go Lieutennant.", the captain answered with a grin. Lieutennant +Coletti smiled in response the returned his attention to the control board in +front of him. + + "Full impulse, aye.",said Lieutennant Coletti as he looked out the viewport. + +Captain's Log Supplemental + +We have decided to continue our mission. We are hopeful, no, confident that we +will get a response from Starfleet soon. Of the crew I can say this: I have +never served with such a brave group of people. I only hope their faith is +rewarded and we will some day find our way home. + +End Of Part Two + + +From SCHEETZ@bms.com Thu Oct 22 16:33:44 1992 +Status: RO +X-VM-v5-Data: ([nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil] + ["5637" "" "22" "October" "1992" "17:38:08" "-0500" "SCHEETZ@bms.com" "SCHEETZ@bms.com" nil "113" "" "^From:" nil nil "10"]) +Return-Path: +Received: from cliff.bms.com by depot.cis.ksu.edu SMTP (5.65a) + id AA11389; Thu, 22 Oct 92 16:33:40 -0500 +Received: from watson.bms.com by cliff.bms.com (PMDF #2529 ) id + <01GQ9A4QKS9S001F7P@cliff.bms.com>; Thu, 22 Oct 1992 17:33:24 EST +Received: from bms.com by bms.com (PMDF #2529 ) id + <01GQ9AANLOIO9D6S4R@bms.com>; Thu, 22 Oct 1992 17:38:08 EST +Message-Id: <01GQ9AANLY5U9D6S4R@bms.com> +X-Envelope-To: jfy@cis.ksu.edu +X-Vms-To: IN%"jfy@cis.ksu.edu" +Mime-Version: 1.0 +Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7BIT +From: SCHEETZ@bms.com +To: jfy@cis.ksu.edu +Date: 22 Oct 1992 17:38:08 -0500 (EST) + + + +Star Trek the First Generation: The Adventures of the USS Horizon Part 3 + +Captain's Log for April 11,2094 USS Horizon: Captain Stuart Mann + +Our sensors are currently tracking an object on a direct course to our +position. Lieutennant Conroy is trying to hail the object in the hope that it +may be a vessel that can assist us in determining our position. + + Lieutennant Conroy sat at her station. She wished that she would get a reply +soon. "What if they can't translate our message?", she thought to herself. As +if her console wanted to cheer her up, it crackled to life. She quickly tied +in the translation programs and sighed in relief. "Captain!", she reported,"We +are getting a reply from the unknown contact sir. Running translation programs +now." Captain Mann turned to face Sandra. She couldn't help but notice the +look of relief on his face. The look seemed to help her relax a little. +"That's why he's the captain.", she thought to herself. Finally the +translation was completed. "Captain, I have a translation.", she began,"They +identify themselves as the Patrol Cruiser Tillar they ask us to maintain our +current position and await their arrival." + + "Well, that's not an unreasonable request. Mister Coletti stand down the +impulse engines and activate station keeping thrusters." With a quick "Aye +sir" Coletti carried out the captain's orders. "Lieutennant Conroy send them a +message that we will comply with their wishes and await their arrival.", +captain Mann hesitated then added,"Also, tell them we mean them no harm." +Commander Boeman looked at him quizzicly. "You can't be too careful.", +answered the captain to his first officer's silent question. Sandra snapped to +her task and sent the message. + + "This is what it's all about.", said Boeman. + + "Sir?", Lieutennant Coletti said. + + "The reason we're out here Joe. Seeking new life. New life has just asked us +to hold our position. We don't even know what they will be like. Will they be +humanoid? The possibilities are infinite. It's an exciting prospect.", Boeman +replied. + + "Yes sir. I guess I just never thought about it that way.", Lieutennant +Coletti looked to the viewport. He became excited to be one of the first to +see the alien ship. + + "Captain, I have a sensor reading.",LtCommander Bryce began,"The ship is +cylindrical with what appears to be an engine nacelle. I'm picking up readings +indicative of fusion exhaust." + + "Fusion? Well, at least we know that we can out-run them if we have to.", +Stuart surmized. + +Captain's Log Supplemental + +The alien vessel is only minutes away now. I can't help but get a lump in my +throat. This is the first time an Earth vessel has made first contact. In the +past it has been the aliens coming to us. + + "There it is sir!", Lieutennant Coletti reported. The half hour they waited +seemed like a year. Captain Mann stood up from his chair hoping to get a +better look at the ship approaching them. + + "Captain we are recieving another message. Translators running.", +Lieutennant Conroy said as she cleared the lump in her own throat. Captain +Mann grinned to himself happy that he wasn't the only one. "Message translated +sir. They ask us to identify ourselves." + + "Run the "welcome speech" Lieutennant.",ordered the captain. Lieutennant +Conroy sent the prepared greeting of the Federation. It was called the +"welcome speech" because of it's length. With the captain's permission she +edited it to a few sentences instead of the ten paragraphs of the original. +Her version included the ship's name, it's origin, and it's peaceful +intentions. + + "Message sent sir." + + "So it begins.",said the captain. They then waited as the alien vessel +translated their message. Within ten minutes the reply came. Leiutennant +Conroy had the response quickly. The computer now had a rudementary knowledge +of the alien language. + + "They wish to welcome us to their planet sir. They say they are always happy +to meet new friends. Their ship is the Tillar. They come from the planet +Callid. They invite us to follow them to their planet.", Sandra looked at the +captain. + + "Well, that's a friendly enough invitation. Tell them we accept.",the +captain turned to Lieutennant Coletti. "Mister Coletti ready the impulse +engines. Do not exceed the Callidan's speed. We don't want to tip our hat too +soon. I still want to be ready if need be." + + "Aye sir.", answered Coletti as he set the ship engines. The Callidan ship +moved slowly on it's way with the Horizon close behind. + +Captain's Log Supplemental + +The Callidan home world is not unlike Earth of the tewntieth century. It is a +highly industrialized world. Their technology is seemingly behind ours. +Perhaps a cultural exchange would be beneficial. Our sensors have given us the +ok to shuttle down. Although the atmosphere is more dense then our own it is +not unbreathable and Dr. Jacobs sees no reason why it should be toxic to +humans. Myself, LtCommander Jacobs, LtCommander Bryce and Ensign Richter will be shuttling down. +We have been invited by the "Prime Leader" of the planet ,Deene Marter, to a +banquet in our honor. + + The shuttle slowly accelerated from the landing bay and made it's way +through the planet's atmosphere where it was meet by a Callidan airship. +Captain Mann watched out the window as Ensign Richter piloted the shuttle +down. Stuart noticed that the shuttle was overtaking the airship. "We're all +anxios to get there Ensign.", said Captain Mann without moving his head to +face the Ensign. Ensign Richter understood the comment and decellerated. + +End of Part Three + + +From SCHEETZ@bms.com Thu Oct 22 16:33:48 1992 +Status: RO +X-VM-v5-Data: ([nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil] + ["8328" "" "22" "October" "1992" "17:38:22" "-0500" "SCHEETZ@bms.com" "SCHEETZ@bms.com" nil "196" "" "^From:" nil nil "10"]) +Return-Path: +Received: from cliff.bms.com by depot.cis.ksu.edu SMTP (5.65a) + id AA11416; Thu, 22 Oct 92 16:33:45 -0500 +Received: from watson.bms.com by cliff.bms.com (PMDF #2529 ) id + <01GQ9A4QKS9S001F7P@cliff.bms.com>; Thu, 22 Oct 1992 17:33:32 EST +Received: from bms.com by bms.com (PMDF #2529 ) id + <01GQ9AAXJ30W9D6S4R@bms.com>; Thu, 22 Oct 1992 17:38:22 EST +Message-Id: <01GQ9AAXJ30Y9D6S4R@bms.com> +X-Envelope-To: jfy@cis.ksu.edu +X-Vms-To: IN%"jfy@cis.ksu.edu" +Mime-Version: 1.0 +Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7BIT +From: SCHEETZ@bms.com +To: jfy@cis.ksu.edu +Date: 22 Oct 1992 17:38:22 -0500 (EST) + +Newsgroups: rec.arts.startrek.misc +Path: synapse.bms.com!watson.bms.com!scheetz +From: scheetz@watson.bms.com (Christopher Scheetz) +Subject: Star Trek The 1st Generation Pt 4 +Message-ID: <16OCT199221094700@watson.bms.com> +News-Software: VAX/VMS VNEWS 1.4-b1 +Sender: news@synapse.bms.com +Organization: Bristol Myers Squibb Pharmaceutical Research Institute +Date: Sat, 17 Oct 1992 02:09:00 GMT + +Star Trek The First Generation: The Adventures Of The USS Horizon + +Captain's Log April 11,2094 USS Horizon: Captain Stuart Mann + +We are about to land on the planet Callid. So far there has been no show of +force(that I'm familiar with). The airship has gone on it's merry way. What +are we about to see? We are the first Terrans to visit this world. What will +their reaction to us be? + + "Captain welcome!", Deene Marter trumpeted as the away party came into the +entrance hall. The interior of the mansion was lavishly decorated. An air of +royalty was sensed by the Horizon's crew. Deene Marter stood on a raised +platform from the hall floor. He was a portly humanoid, however, he held +himself with regality and grace. He was flanked by two others. The two were +equally stout. They seemed to be servants of the Deene. One held a lavishly +ornate device with a wire that led to his ear. + + "Perhaps this is the interperter.",thought Bryce as he surveyed the room. + + "Thank you for inviting us sir.",was Stuart's reply. His own translator was +working very quickly now. + + "Please join me for a bite to eat.", offered the Deene. He motioned their +attention to doorway beyond the one he now occupied. The captain couldn't help +but grin to himself as he saw the Deene and his entourage waddle away toward +the other room. The away team quickly followed them into another ornate room. +"Sit Captain, judging from your appearance you must be starving." The +Captain's party sat down with the Deene. One of the servants backed away to +the doorjam and stood. The interperter remained by the Deene's side. He bent +and whispered to Deene Marter. Without hesitation Dr. Jacobs had her scanner +out. As she scanned the food the captain turned to Deene Marter to explain her +actions. + + "Please don't be offended she is merely checking to see if your food is +toxic to us." Stuart waited as Marter's interperter whispered the translation +in his ear. + + "You need not apologize Captain. I know that some races cannot injest our +food. No need to worry.", Deene Marter assured the captain. "So, what planet +did you say you were from again?", the Deene inquired. + + "Earth sir, but we represent a federation of planets.",the captain +explained. + + "Oh a federation. How wonderful.",the Deene looked very interested. + + "The food is ok sir.", reported Dr. Jacobs. + + "Thank you doctor.",Stuart said. "According to the doctor your food is not +toxic to us.",reported the captain to the Deene. + + "Wonderful. Then let's eat." The Deene quickly grabbed the leg of a baked +animal and proceeded to devour it. The away team paused at the ferocity of +Deene Marter's eating. The Captain, not wanting to be rude, followed suit. He +immediately motioned the others to follow his example. Within a few seconds +the table was in a frenzy of eating. + + After the meal the captain spoke."That was excellent. My compliments to the +chef." + + "I'm pleased that you liked it.", was the Deene's reply. + + "I know that this may sound presumptuious of me but, I was hoping you may be +able to help us.", said the captain. + + "Not at all my dear friend how may I be of assistance?" + + "During dinner you mentioned that you were in contact with several worlds +through your trade. I was wondering if you or any of your associates may know +where our planet is and how to get there from here." + + "I say are you lost?", asked Marter as a spark of intelligence radiated his +brain. + + "Yes we slipped into a hole in space and here we are." + + "Oh I see. This is serious indeed. I will see to it immediately." + + "Thank you sir.",said Mann. + + "Yes quite. You do understand of course that I just can't do this without +something in trade?" Stuart grinned as if he knew this was coming. + + "What exactly were you thinking of?",he asked. + + "Well, I am rather fond of that translator device of yours.", replied the +Deene. + + "That sounds fair. I'll tell you what. I'll give you two translator units +and plans to make more if you see about our getting home." + + "Yes I like that deal. I'll see to it. In the mean time please go and see +our lovely city.", Marter suggested. + + "That sounds like an excellent suggestion.", agreed Stuart and he stood up. +He held out his hand to the Deene. Deene Marter looked back questioning his +action. + + "Is something wrong with your hand?", he asked. + + "No sir, this is how we seal a bargain on Earth.",he explained. + + "Oh I see.", said Deene Marter as he held out his hand parallel to Stuart's. +Stuart grabbed the Deene's hand and shook it. "Oh yes I see now.",he said. "Go +with Callid captain.", said the Deene as he motioned his servents to follow +him. The away team followed them out of the dining room and out to the +entrance hall. + +Science Officer's log April 11,2094 USS Horizon: LtCommander Peter Bryce + +The atmosphere of Callid is thick but not unbearable. The city itself is +reminisant of the Roman Ruins, but, only slightly. It's hard to describe +something you've never seen before. + + "Captain, a garden.", reported Ensign Richter. The party looked over to see +it. It was a large garden in the center of the city square. The group decided +to check it out. As they approached they saw statues surrounding the garden. +The garden was lush green with yellow, blue and orange blossoms. The captain, +however, was more interested in the statues. + + "They must be sculptures of the alien races the Callidans have traded +with.", observed the captain. As he surveyed the statues he found something he +never would have guessed he'd see. Something familiar. "Is this what I think +it is?", asked the captain of anyone who would listen. + + "It can't be.",added Peter Bryce. + + "It looks like one to me.",offered Amanda. The statue was of a humanoid. He +was tall and slender. He carried what looked like a rifle and a dagger +strapped to his side. Under his feet were bones. His hair was neatly cut and +he had pointed ears. + + "That can't be a Vulcan.",said Stuart,"They are scientists not warriors." + + "Regardless that would seem to be a Vulcan sir.",said Bryce. Before the +Captain could ponder the notion his communicator beeped. He quickly retrieved +it from his belt. + + "This is Captain Mann, what is it?", asked the Captain. + + "Sir this Is Commander Boeman. We are tracking three ships traveling at warp +speed to this position." + + "That's not good. Raise the shields. We'll be back as soon as we warn the +Deene. Mann Out." Stuart replaced the communicator on his belt. "You three get +back to the shuttle and get it ready to go. I'll meet you as soon as I warn +the Deene. Off you go.",ordered the captain. + + "Aye sir.", they said in unison and off they went. Stuart headed to the +Mansion. + + When he arrived in the entrance hall noone was there. "Deene Marter!", he +yelled. + + "What is it captain?", said Marter as he entered. + + "We are tracking several ships heading this way at high speed. I suggest you +get up your defences." + + "NO no. They are only my friends rushing to your aid.",said the Deene in a +unconvincing tone. + + "Oh,",said Stuart,"then I'd better get to my ship so I can greet them." + + "No you can have your meeting here. There is no reason to go back to your +ship." Stuart for the second time saw something he recognized. This time in +Deene Marter's face. It was the look of fear. + + "What are you afraid of?", inquired the Captain. + + "Afraid what are you talking about?",was the Deene's reply."I simply think +your meeting would be better facilitated here!" + + "I've had it with your stalling Deene. Good bye.",said the Captain as he +stormed out of the room. + + "Stop Him!",screamed the Deene. Before Mann could reach the door two armed +figures moved in front of him. The Captain was so taken aback by what was +standing in front of him he could only mutter one word. + + "Vulcans?" + +End of Part Four + + + + +From SCHEETZ@bms.com Fri Oct 23 19:58:34 1992 +Status: RO +X-VM-v5-Data: ([nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil] + ["6129" "" "23" "October" "1992" "21:02:59" "-0500" "SCHEETZ@bms.com" "SCHEETZ@bms.com" nil "145" "" "^From:" nil nil "10"]) +Return-Path: +Received: from cliff.bms.com by depot.cis.ksu.edu SMTP (5.65a) + id AA07535; Fri, 23 Oct 92 19:58:32 -0500 +Received: from watson.bms.com by cliff.bms.com (PMDF #2529 ) id + <01GQAVJXVEXC000X4Z@cliff.bms.com>; Fri, 23 Oct 1992 20:58:08 EST +Received: from bms.com by bms.com (PMDF #2529 ) id + <01GQAVQ02IHS9D6W8B@bms.com>; Fri, 23 Oct 1992 21:03:00 EST +Message-Id: <01GQAVQ02IHU9D6W8B@bms.com> +X-Envelope-To: jfy@cis.ksu.edu +X-Vms-To: IN%"jfy@cis.ksu.edu" +Mime-Version: 1.0 +Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7BIT +From: SCHEETZ@bms.com +To: jfy@cis.ksu.edu +Date: 23 Oct 1992 21:02:59 -0500 (EST) + +Newsgroups: rec.arts.startrek.misc +Path: synapse.bms.com!watson.bms.com!scheetz +From: scheetz@watson.bms.com (Christopher Scheetz) +Subject: Star Trek the 1st Generation Pt 5 +Message-ID: <23OCT199219141604@watson.bms.com> +News-Software: VAX/VMS VNEWS 1.4-b1 +Sender: news@synapse.bms.com +Organization: Bristol Myers Squibb Pharmaceutical Research Institute +Date: Sat, 24 Oct 1992 00:14:00 GMT + +Star Trek the First Generation: The Adventures of the USS Horizon Pt 5 + + "Vulcans? What do you know of Vulcans?", asked the one of the figures +standing before Captain Mann. Stuart stood dumbfounded at what he was seeing. + + "They look like Vulcans.", he thought. He didn't reply. His translator was +still wrestling with the new language. The one who had spoke moved closer. He +grabbed for the wire connecting the translator with Stuart's ear. Stuart +reflexivly moved and avoided his lunge. + + "It's just his translator!", yelled Deene Marter as he approached the trio. + + "I know that they aren't a warlike race.", answered Captain Mann to the man's +initial question. The man's own translator went into action immediately after +Stuart's statement. Captain Mann was aued at the speed of man's translator. + + "You lie! Vulcan is a myth!", he replied. "You only wish to confuse us +using fairy tales." He regained his composure quickly. + + After a shorter interval Stuart's translator interperted the man's words. +"I don't lie.", was his only reply. + + "Good, that will make it much easier.", answered the man. Stuart's +communicator beeped. Stuart reached for it but stopped half way as the other +figure trained his weapon on him. + + "They are going to wonder where I am." said Captain Mann. + + "Let them.", replied the first man. He held out his hand."Give it to me.", he +said. Stuart didn't wait for the translation. He knew what he wanted. Captain +Mann slowly grabbed his communicator. As he went to hand it over adreniline +took over and he quickly opened it. + + "Get away.....", was all he managed to say. Stuart's entire body erruped in +pain. He felt as if he were on fire. He slumped to the ground as the pain +overwhelmed him. + + "Captain?!", screamed Lieutennant Conroy as Captain Mann's message was cut +off. Commander Boeman vaulted out of the chair and was next to Sandra in +seconds. + + "What happened?" + + "All he said was 'get away' then it went dead.",was her reply. Commander +Boeman bowed his as if he was exhausted. "Tell the away team to get back +here.", said Boeman as he regained his posture. + + "But the Captain?", said Sandra. She was a bit shocked by the Commander's +order. + + "That's the order Lieutennant!", answered Boeman a little louder than he +should have. + + "Aye sir." Sandra manipulated the controls. "Horizon to away team....return +to the ship immediately." Sandra waited for the objection she knew would +follow. + + "The Captain's not back yet.", reported Ensign Richter. + + "This is a direct order from Commander Boeman.", she answered. Sandra +listened to the background chatter of the away team as they heard the news. + + "We're on the way.", said Richter in a somber tone as the communication line +ceased. + + "What's the distance of the unknown ships?", asked Boeman as he retained his +place in the command chair. + + "20,000 kilometers and closing rapidly sir.", reported the Ensign at the +sensors. + + "Will the Shuttle have enough time to get back?" + + "If the unknowns remain at their current speed, yes." + + "Good.",Commander Boeman said to himself. "Ensign McKay, charge lasers and +torpedoes." Boeman sat disgusted that he had to utter those words. + + "Aye sir, charging weapons systems.", replied Anna McKay as she set the +controls. + + "What about the Captain?", asked Amanda as the shuttle doors locked. + + "Mabye you should ask them.",said Ensign Richter as he pointed out the view +port. Down the street ran seven men. They were obviously not the indiginous +population. They held what seemed to be guns. Two of the men fired. The away +team felt the impact on the outer hull. Richter scrambled to start the +engines. Fear fueled his actions and the engines roared to life. Everyone held +tight to their seats as the shuttle launched from the platform. They all +alowed themselves a sigh of relief as the shuttle gained altitude. + + On the Horizon the bridge crew sat at their positions. The stress of the +situation was slowly tearing at them. Commander Boeman found himself wishing +the unknown craft would hurry up and get there just for the sake of something +to do. + + "Commander, the power readings from the unknowns is increasing. They may be +powering up their own weapons." reported Ensign Jensen. Before he could wait +for a reply from Boeman he added,"Commander, the shuttle has just left the +Callidan atmosphere!" + + "Alert the landing bay. I want them in here now!" + + "Aye sir.", answered Lieutennant Conroy. + + The shuttle approached the Horizon's landing bay and landed. Quickly +LtCommander Bryce was in a lift and on his way to the bridge. + + "The shuttle has landed sir.", reported Sandra. + + "Raise shields now.", ordered Boeman. "Mister Coletti, get us out of orbit." +Coletti quickly manipulated the controls and the ship lunged out of orbit. + + "Lieutennant Conroy, try to hail the unknowns. Tell them we do not wish to +invoke hostilities but we will defend ourselves." + + "Aye sir.", said Lieutennant Conroy as she sent the message. + + "Commander, they are repling in our language!", shouted Sandra in amazement +before she even acknowledged what they had said. "Sir, they say they don't +care." Sandra's amazed tone was replaced by one of worry. + + "Dammit! Who are these people?", Roger asked himself silently. "Fine, if it's +a fight they want it's a fight they'll get. Red alert, battle stations!" +yelled Commander Boeman as the lighting changed to a blood red glow. Fire on +the first ship in range McKay." + + "Aye sir", answered Ensign McKay. + + "Ship's now in firing range.", reported the sensor officer. Boeman turned to +see LtCommander Bryce at the station. Bryce glanced back and then resumed his +duty. + + "Fire!" + + +Newsgroups: rec.arts.startrek.misc +Path: moe.ksu.ksu.edu!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!darwin.sura.net!jvnc.net!synapse.bms.com!watson.bms.com!scheetz +From: scheetz@watson.bms.com (Christopher Scheetz) +Subject: Star Trek the First Generation Pt 6 +Message-ID: <13NOV199220214151@watson.bms.com> +News-Software: VAX/VMS VNEWS 1.4-b1 +Sender: news@synapse.bms.com +Organization: Bristol Myers Squibb Pharmaceutical Research Institute +Date: Sat, 14 Nov 1992 01:21:00 GMT +Lines: 64 + + +Star Trek the First Generation:The Adventures of the USS Horizon Part 6 + + The Horizon's laser emitters erupted in a streak of light as it fired on the +enemy ships. The lead ship shook as the laser fire raked it's forward shield. + + On the bridge Commander Boeman studied the effect of the ship's lasers on the +unknown cruiser. He looked to Peter Bryce and inquired,"Did the lasers have +any effect?" Bryce answered the commander without taking his eyes off the +sensor viewer. + + "I'm reading a power drop in their forward shield array. Looks like we have a +chance." Boeman returned his attention to the battle ensuing out the view +port. One of the ships was moving away toward the planet covered by the other +two. Commander Boeman decided to worry about the two that remained first. + + Anna McKay continued firing the ships lasers at the oncoming attackers. Sweat +beaded across her forehead as she manipulated the controls. She was itching to +fire the torpedoes but she refrained knowing that Commander Boeman had to +order it's use. She decided it wouldn't hurt to suggest this action. +"Commander, I suggest we use the torpedoes sir. The lasers are doing ok but +it's two against one here." Boeman didn't answer for a moment. He seemed to be +thinking about it. Suddenly the ship rocked as the two attackers fired +simultaneously. It was a strange beam not unlike the Horizon's lasers however +these weapons glowed brightly with scorching power. The ship rocked violently +as the blasts impacted on the shields. LtCommander Bryce almost lost his +footing as the ship shook. Regaining his senses he checked the ships systems. + + "Sir, that attack took out almost half of our shield power!" + + "Which section?",asked Boeman the tone of shock evident in his voice. + + "All of them!",answered Bryce trying as hard as he could to mask his panic. +Boeman reacted similarly but could not waste time thinking about his own fear. + + "Ensign McKay, you have clearance to fire torpedoes." As he said it he +depressed a button on the arm of the captain's chair marked "TORPEDO +CLEARANCE". Ensign McKay aimed the weapons and fired. From the underside of +the horizon four glowing projectiles launched. Boeman watched as the until now +untested torpedoes found their marks on the enemy ships. The torpedoes +exploded with a fury unsurpassed in sheer energy. The ship bucked as the shock +waves shot back at them. After the impact only one of the ships remained and +what was left wasn't going anywhere. Boeman unclenched his hand from the arm +of the command chair and shook it. + + "Damage report.",ordered Commander Boeman. The bridge crew checked their +stations. Lieutennant Conroy monitored the inter-ship channels for reports. + + "Our shields are down to five percent of normal. It's a miracle they held.", +reported Bryce. + + "Sir, there is a crack in the hull between deck two and four. Several +passages have been sealed off to compensate.", repeated Sandra from the report +she just recieved and then started again,"Engineering reports that the main +engine must be taken off-line so they can repair downed power conduits. +Sickbay reports seven wounded by internal explosions due to the impacts. Three +are in critical condition.",Sandra's eyes began to well with tears as she +thought about them. + + "What about the third ship?", inquired Boeman of his science officer. Bryce +checked his readings. + + "The ship is still heading to Callid.", answered Bryce. + + diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/st-timel b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/st-timel new file mode 100644 index 00000000..65e70add --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/st-timel @@ -0,0 +1,368 @@ +Subject: A Star Trek Timeline (part 1 of 2) + +The following is a Star Trek timeline based primarily on cannonicial +(sp?) sources. It was posted previously with severe warnings not to get +get carried away with falmes for inaccuracy, etc. The result was only +one person responded to the last post. Therefore, please feel free to +comment in any fashion you desire -- flames, death threats, complaints, +corrections, etc. Thanks and enjoy. + +----------------------- +S O U R C E S : +ST:TOS* - Star Trek: The Original Series (* = season) +ST:TMP - Star Trek: The Motion Picture +ST:TMPN - Star Trek: The Motion Picture Novelization +ST:TWOK - Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Khan +ST:TSFS - Star Trek III: The Search For Spock +ST:TVH - Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home +ST:TFF - Star Trek V: The Final Frontier +ST:TUC - Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country +ST:TNG* - Star Trek The Next Generation (* = season) +NGTM* - Star Trek: The Next Generation Technical Manual (*=page number) +ST:DS9 - Star Trek: Deep Space Nine +SPEC - Speculation + +597,630 BC - Circa, The Age of Makto. The Tkon Empire is destroyed when + its central star goes supernova. The only known remnant of + the empire is Portal 63 in the Delphi Ardu System. ST:TNG1 + "The Last Outpost" + + 47,725 BC - Bele begins his hunt for Lokai. ST:TOS3 "Let That Be Your + Last Battlefield". + 7728 BC - The Yonadan asteroid is launched. ST:TOS3 "For the World is + Hollow and I Have Touched the Sky". + 3834 BC - Birth date of the "immortal" Flint on Earth (Mesopotamia). + Flint existed on Earth as Leonardo da Vinci, Johannes + Brahms and other artists/intellects before travelling to + Holberg 917-G, where he intends to die (circa 2270.) + ST:TOS3 "Requiem For Methuselah." + +0700 8th Century +0765 Circa. The start of the Solari Wars on Solais 5. In 2365 the + warring factions on Solais ask for Federation help in transporting + the mediator Riva to their planet to negotiate for peace. ST:TNG2 + "Loud as a Whisper". + +0300 4th Century +0360 Circa. The Kaelonians adopt their ritual suicide The Resolution, + dictating that every member of their race commits suicide at age + 60. ST:TNG4 "Half a Life" + +1300 14th Century +1367 The mythological "Contract of Arda" is made on Ventax 2. Arda + guarantees 1000 years of peace in exchange for the soul of every + lifeform on the planet when the contract expires. ST:TNG4 "Devil's + Due". +1370 Circa. The Kataan sun goes supernova. The USS Enterprise, NCC-1701- + D, makes contact with a probe from Kataan in 2368. ST:TNG5 "The + Inner Light". + +1700 18th Century +1770 The start of the Eminian War. ST:TOS1 "A Taste of Armageddon". + +1800 19th Century +1868 Circa. An unidentified alien race from the Uxmal Star System + imprisons the consciousness of several hundred prisoners from their + world on the moon of Mabu 6. ST:TNG5 "Power Play". + +1893 August 12. Data arrives in San Francisco (from 2369) after being + inadvertantly caught in a time dialation. ST:TNG5 "Time's Arrow, + Part 1". + +1900 20th Century +1930 Circa. Using the Guardian of Forever, Leonard McCoy accidentally + travels (from 2270) back in time to the 1930's and alters history. + James Kirk and Spock follow and are able to correct the alteration + and return to their own time. ST:TOS1 "The City On The Edge Of + Forever". +1939 Approximate birth date of Frank Oppenhouse on Earth. ST:TNG1 "The + Neutral Zone". +1959 Approximate birth date of Claire Raymond on Earth. ST:TNG1 "The + Neutral Zone". +1967 An encounter with a black star sends the Enterprise back in time to + Earth (from 2270.) After removing evidence of their appearance, the + Enterprise is able to return to its own time. ST:TOS1 "Tomorrow Is + Yesterday". +1968 The Enterprise travels back in time to study how the Earth avoided + an atomic war during the 1960's (from 2271.) ST:TOS2 "Assignment: + Earth". +1975 Circa. The Voyager 6 probe is launched from Earth. The probe + disappeared into a "black hole" and was presumably found by an + alien intelligence that modified the probe and sent it back to look + for its creator on Earth. ST:TMP. +1986 The renegade Kirk and crew time travel to Earth (from 2286) to + capture a pair of Humpback whales needed to answer the call of an + orbiting probe that is threatening to sterilize the planet. ST:TVH. + 1992 "Chicago Mobs of the Twenties" is published. ST:TOS2 "A Piece + of the Action". Khan Singh comes into power on Earth. ST:TOS1 + "Space Seed". +1994 Approximate date of death for Claire Raymond, Ralph Oppenhouse and + L.Q. Sonny Bonds. ST:TNG1 "The Neutral Zone." +1995 Circa. The Eugenic Wars on Earth. ST:TOS1 "Space Seed", ST:TWOK. +1996 The SS Botany Bay, carrying Khan Singh and his followers in + cryogenic freeze, is launched from Earth. ST:TWOK. + +2000 21st Century +2000 Circa +. Humpback whales are hunted into extinction on Earth. + ST:TVH. +2020 The Nomad space probe is launched from Earth, its mission to seek + out alien life forms. The probe would eventually meet and combine + with an alien probe named Tan-Ru. This malign combination would be + discovered and destroyed by the Enterprise in 2271 ST:TOS2 "The + Changeling". +2024 The Irish Unification. ST:TNG3 "The High Ground". +2030 Circa. Birth date of Zefram Cochrane on Earth. ST:TOS2 + "Metamorphosis". +2036 The New United Nations declares: "No Earth citizen can be made to + answer for the crimes of their race or forbears". ST:TNG1 + "Encounter At Farpoint, Part 1". +2040 Circa. Television begins its decline as a popular entertainment + medium on Earth. ST:TNG1 "The Neutral Zone." +2043-2047. The Mind Control Revolts on Earth. ST:TMPN +2050 Circa. The process of cryogenics falls out of favor on Earth. + ST:TNG1 "The Neutral Zone." +2061 Zefram Cochrane's engineering team develops a prototype CDP + (continuum distortion principle) engine capable of light speed + travel. NGTM-54. +2065 Approximate date Zefram Cochrane relocates to Alpha Centauri + colony. NGTM-54. +2070 Circa. The galactic survey vessel Valiant is destroyed while + attempting to leave the galaxy. ST:TOSP "Where No Man Has Gone + Before". +2079 The New United Nations has been abolished by this time. ST:TNG1 + "Encounter At Farpoint, Part 1". + + + + +.......... +Robert Oliver, tallman%ailanth.uucp@wang.com +via Ailanthus Project +1 207-989-6562 - Brewer, Maine. +.......... + +Path: moe.ksu.ksu.edu!unlinfo.unl.edu!wupost!usc!sol.ctr.columbia.edu!destroyer!uunet!das.wang.com!wang!ailanth!tallman +From: tallman%ailanth.uucp@wang.com (Robert Oliver) +Newsgroups: rec.arts.startrek.misc,rec.arts.startrek.tech +Subject: A Star Trek Timeline (part 2 of 2) +Message-ID: +Date: Wed, 29 Jul 92 14:25:15 EST +Organization: Ailanthus Project +Lines: 215 +Xref: moe.ksu.ksu.edu rec.arts.startrek.misc:8289 rec.arts.startrek.tech:4345 + +(Part 2) + +2100 22nd Century +2120 Circa. Zefram Cochrane (87) disappears from Alpha Centauri. ST:TOS2 + "Metamorphosis". +2160 Circa. The last challenge to the Ligonian Right of Supercedence + (prior to 2364.) ST:TNG1 "Code of Honor" Circa. The planets Altec + and Straleb are colonized and will eventually form the Madena + Coalition. ST:TNG2 "The Outrageous Okona". Circa. The + Romulan War. The Starfleet Charter is established soon after the + war ends. NGTM-133. +2161 Circa +. A Federation scout visits the Delos System (Brekke and + Ornara). ST:TNG1 "Symbiosis". +2161 The United Federation of Planets is founded. ST:TNG5 "The Outcast". + Starfleet Academy is founded at San Francisco, Earth. SF Academy + Logo. +2164 Approximate date the Ornaran Plague breaks out on Ornara. The + plague is cured soon after, but the Brekkians continue to provide + the "cure", felicium, which has become an addiction to the + Ornarans. ST:TNG1 "Symbiosis". +2165 Circa. Daedalus class USS Essex, NCC-173, is destroyed: Mabu 6 + moon. ST:TNG5 "Power Play". +2168 The colony on Moab 4 is established. This earth colony was + established as a genetically pure environment designed so that + every member was bred for a specific task. ST:TNG5 "The Masterpiece + Society." +2169 Birth date of Sarek on Vulcan. ST:TOS2 "Journey To Babel". +2170 The USS Archon visits Beta III, Star System 6-11, and does not + return. ST:TOS1 "The Return Of The Archons". The USS Horizon visits + Iotia and leaves behind the book Chicago Mobs of the Twenties, + after which the Iotians modeled their culture. ST: + TOS2 "A Piece Of The Action". +2196 The last Daedalus class starship taken out of service. ST:TNG5 + "Power Play". + +2200 23rd Century +2213 Birth date of Amanda Grayson. ST:TOS2 "Journey to Babel". +2215 Starfleet begins development of its first photon torpedo design. + NGTM-128. +2220 The first Federation contact with Eminar 7. ST:TOS1 "A Taste of + Armageddon". +2227 Birth date of Leonard H. McCoy on Earth (Georgia). ST:TNG1 + "Encounter At Farpoint, Part 1". +2231 The SS Columbia crashes on Talos IV. ST:TOS1 "The Menagerie". +2237 Birth date of James Tiberius Kirk on Earth (Iowa). ST:TOS2 "The + Deadly Years". +2245 Constitution class USS Enterprise, NCC-1701, commissioned: San + Francisco Yards, Earth. Enterprise was first commanded by Captain + Robert April. NGTM-3. +2246 Dr. Richard Daystrom invents duotronic computer technology. ST:TOS2 + "The Ultimate Computer". +2250 The USS Valiant is lost after contact with Eminar 7. ST:TOS1 "A + Taste of Armageddon". +2253 Spock enters Starfleet Academy. ST:TOS2 "Journey to Babel". +2255 James Kirk enters Starfleet Academy. ST:TOS1 "Shore Leave". +2259 James Kirk graduates from Starfleet Academy. SPEC. +2256 An unidentified ship crashes on Thasus, the only survivor is + Charlie Evans. Charlie is given special abilities by the Thasians + in order to ensure his survival. ST:TOS1 "Charlie X". +2257 Events of "The Cage". ST:TOS1 "The Menagerie". +2258 James Kirk visits the planet Neural. ST:TOS2 "A Private Little + War". +2260 Lt. James Kirk is stationed on the Constitution class USS Farragut, + NCC-1702. ST:TOS2 "Obsession". +2261 UFP 100th Anniversary. ST:TNG5 "The Outcast". +2265 Circa. Starfleet Academy bans the dangerous Colvoid Starburst + maneuver when it results in the death of 5 students. ST:TNG5 "The + First Duty". Roger Korby's expedition disappears. ST:TOS1 "What Are + Little Girls Made Of?". +2266 The UFP, Klingon Empire and Romulan Star Empire jointly colonize + Nimbus III. This attempt at peaceful co-existence was a complete + failure, resulting in a barren world inhabited by the dregs of each + society. ST:TFF +2270 Star Trek: The Original Series - Season One. ST:TWOK. The + Federation cargo ship Antares is destroyed by Charlie Evans. + ST:TOS1 "Charlie X". +2271 Star Trek: The Original Series - Season Two. SPEC. Starfleet makes + operational a second photon torpedo design. NGTM-128. Constitution + class USS Constellation, NCC-1017, destroyed by the Doomsday + Machine. ST:TOS2 "The Doomsday Machine". Constitution class USS + Intrepid NCC-1708, destroyed by a giant "amoeba." ST:TOS2 "The + Immunity Syndrome". +2272 Star Trek: The Original Series - Season Three. SPEC. Constitution + class USS Defiant, NCC--1717, lost in a dimensional rift. ST:TOS3 + "The Tholian Web". +2275 The Enterprise returns from its five-year mission. SPEC. James Kirk + is promoted to Admiral (Chief of Starfleet Operations). ST:TMP. + Spock begins his study of Kolinahr on Vulcan. ST:TMPN. +2276 The Enterprise refit begins. William Decker is promoted to Captain + of the Enterprise. ST:TMPN +2277 Events of Star Trek: The Motion Picture. William Decker and Ilia + listed as MIA. ST:TMPN & ST:TMP. The Enterprise insignia is adopted + as the symbol for all of Starfleet. NGTM-3. +2278 Soyuz class USS Bozeman, NCC-1941, enters a time-rift and exits in + the Typhon Expanse in 2368. ST:TNG5 "Cause And Effect". +2279 Birth date of (Admiral) Mark Jameson. ST:TNG1 "Too Short a Season" +2284 The Enterprise is assigned to Starfleet Academy as a training + vessel. NGTM-3. +2285 Circa. Approximate date Soyuz class starships are taken out of + service. ST:TNG5 "Cause And Effect". +2285 Events of Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Khan & Star Trek III: The + Search For Spock. Spock dies on board the USS Enterprise, Mutara + Nebula. Khan Noonian Singh dies on board the USS Reliant, Mutara + Nebula. Miranda class USS Reliant, NCC-1864, destroyed in the + Mutara Nebula. Oberth class USS Grissom, NCC-638, destroyed in the + Mutara Sector, orbiting the Genesis Planet. David Marcus dies on + the Genesis Planet, Mutara Sector. Constitution class USS + Enterprise, NCC-1701, destroyed in the Mutara Sect + or, orbiting the Genesis Planet. ST:TWOK, ST:TSFS & NGTM. +2286 Events of Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home & Star Trek V: The Final + Frontier. Constitution class USS Yorktown commissioned and later + redesignated USS Enterprise, NCC-1701-A. ST:TVH, ST:TFF & NGTM-3. +2294 Excelsior class USS Excelsior, NCC-2000, begins its mission + charting the Reydovan Sector. ST:TUC. +2297 Events of Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country. ST:TUC. A Klingon + expedition makes first contact with Ventax 2. ST:TNG4 "Devil's + Due". + +2300 24th Century +2302 The last Federation contact with Angel One (prior to 2364.) ST:TNG1 + "Angel One". +2305 Birth date of Jean-Luc Picard on Earth (LaBarre, France.) ST:TNG5 + "Conundrum". +2307 Birth date of (Dr.) Timicin on Kaelon 2. ST:TNG4 "Half a Life". +2311 The last Federation contact with the Romulan Star Empire (prior to + 2364.) ST:TNG1 "The Neutral Zone". +2313 Yuta kills Penthor-Mul, a member of the Lornack Clan. ST:TNG3 "The + Vengeance Factor". +2314 Mark Jameson marries Anne. ST:TNG1 "Too Short a Season" +2319 The hostage situation on Mordan IV is resolved by Mark Jameson. + Civil war breaks out soon after. ST:TNG1 "Too Short a Season". +2323 Jean-Luc Picard enters Starfleet Academy. SPEC. +2327 Jean-Luc Picard graduates from Starfleet Academy. ST:TNG5 "The + First Duty". +2328 The Cardassians annex the Bajoran homeworld. ST:TNG5 "Ensign Ro". +2337 The government of the Turkana IV colony begins to lose control of + the populace. ST:TNG4 "Legacy". +2338 Data is discovered on Omicron Theta by the USS Tripoli. ST:TNG1 + "Datalore". +2340 January 14. Birth date of Ro Laren. ST:TNG5 "The Next Phase". (this + date may be incorrect) +2342 April 9. Jean-Luc Picard fails to meet Janice (Manheim) at the Cafe + des Artistes, Paris, France. ST:TNG1 "We'll Always Have Paris". + Data graduates from Starfleet Academy. ST:TNG5 "Redemption, Part + 2". +2343 July. Galaxy class Starship Development Project begins. NGTM. +2344 Ambassador class USS Enterprise, NCC-1701-C, destroyed in the + Narendra System while defending a Klingon outpost under attack by + Romulans. NGTM. +2345 Birth date of Sela on Romulus. ST:TNG4 "Redemption, Part 2". +2347 Jean-Luc Picard's last visit to his home village in LaBarre, France + (prior to 2367.) ST:TNG4 "Family". +2348 Circa. The United Federation of Planets and the Klingon Empire form + an Alliance. ST:TNG5 "Redemption, Part 2". +2349 Birth date of Wesley Crusher. ST:TNG1 "Coming of Age". Dr. Paul + Manheim disappears to the Pegos Minor System to continue his + studies of non-linear time. ST:TNG1 "We'll Always Have Paris". + Natasha Yar (from "Yesterday's Enterprise") dies on Romulus. ST:TNG + 4 "Redemption, Part 2". +2350 June 3. The initial construction begins on Galaxy class USS + Enterprise. NGTM-14. +2352 Beverly Crusher meets Dr. Daylon Quaice. ST:TNG4 "Remember Me". The + colony at Turkana IV severs its relations with the Federation. + ST:TNG4 "Legacy". +2353 Birth date of Jeramiah "Jono" Rosa on Galon 4 Colony. ST:TNG4 + "Suddenly Human". +2355 The Constellation class USS Stargazer, NCC-2893, is attacked and + disabled by a (then unknown) Ferengi vessel in the Maxia Zeta Star + System. The Ferengi vessel was destroyed and the Stargazer was + abandoned. ST:TNG1 "The Battle". +2356 The last Tarellian plague ship is believed destroyed (prior to + 2364.) ST:TNG1 "Haven". The Tallerians attack the colony at Galon + 4. ST:TNG4 "Suddenly Human". +2357 Galaxy class USS Galaxy, NCC-70637, commissioned. NGTM-17. The + Federation freighter Odin is disabled by an asteroid, the survivors + making their way to the planet Angel One. ST:TNG1 "Angel One". +2359 Peace is achieved in the civil war on Mordan IV. ST:TNG1 "Too Short + a Season". +2360 Admiral Mark Jameson contracts Iverson's Disease. ST:TNG1 "Too + Short a Season" +2361 Dr. Daylon Quaice is stationed at Starbase 133. ST:TNG4 "Remember + Me". The last contact by a Federation vessel (Potempkin) with the + Turkana IV colony (prior to 2367.) ST:TNG4 "Legacy". UFP 200th + Anniversary. ST:TNG5 "The Outcast. +2362 (Ensign) Geordi LaForge is stationed on the Constellation class USS + Victory, NCC-9547. ST:TNG4 "Identity Crisis", "The Outrageous + Okona". +2363 October 4 - Galaxy class USS Enterprise, NCC-1701-D, commissioned: + Utopia Planitia Starfleet Yards, Mars. NGTM-17. +2364 Star Trek: The Next Generation - Season One. ST:TNG1 "The Neutral + Zone." Oberth class SS Tsiolkovsky is destroyed by a fragment of + stellar material. ST:TNG1 "The Naked Now". Lt. Natasha Yar is + killed by Armus on Vagra 2. ST:TNG1 "Skin Of Evil". + Ambassador class USS Horatio is destroyed during the Conspiracy + Incident. ST:TNG1 "Conspiracy". Starfleet begins searching for a + suitable test star for the Kaelonians. ST:TNG4 "Half a Life" +2365 Star Trek: The Next Generation - Season Two. SPEC. Miranda class + USS Lantree, NCC-1837, is destroyed to contain a DNA virus. ST:TNG2 + "Unnatural Selection". Galaxy class USS Yamato, NCC-1305-E, is + destroyed by a computer virus in the Romulan Neutral Zone, orbiting + Iconia. ST:TNG2 "Contagion". +2366 Star Trek: The Next Generation - Season Three. SPEC. +2367 Star Trek: The Next Generation - Season Four. SPEC. The 39-ship + Starfleet armada is destroyed by the Borg at System Wolf 359. + ST:TNG4 "The Best Of Both Worlds, Part 2". The Federation + freighter Argos is destroyed in the Turkana System, orbiting + Turkana IV. ST:TNG4 "Legacy". +2368 Star Trek: The Next Generation - Season Five. SPEC. Sarek dies on + Vulcan. ST:TNG5 "Unification, Part 1". + + +.......... +Robert Oliver, tallman%ailanth.uucp@wang.com +via Ailanthus Project +1 207-989-6562 - Brewer, Maine. +.......... + diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/st_a.txt b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/st_a.txt new file mode 100644 index 00000000..b6d33754 --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/st_a.txt @@ -0,0 +1,1022 @@ +Path: uuwest!spies!mips!pacbell.com!pacbell!sactoh0!mholtz +From: mholtz@sactoh0.sac.ca.us (Mark A. Holtz) +Newsgroups: rec.arts.startrek.misc,rec.arts.startrek,rec.arts.startrek.current +Subject: Star Trek TNG List of Lists [1/2] (April 1, 1992) +Message-ID: <1992Apr4.020619.29994@sactoh0.sac.ca.us> +Date: Sat, 4 Apr 92 02:06:19 GMT +Organization: Sacramento Public Access Unix + + Star Trek TNG List of Lists + compiled by Mark Holtz + (Revised April 1, 1992) + +[NOTE: I still have about 3.4" of material to be added or corrected to these +lists. If you submitted a change, and they're not included, they're still on +a printout. ;)] + +DISCLAIMER: "Star Trek", "Enterprise", and all other related items are +copyright and trademarks of Paramount Communications. Any infringement of +these lists on Paramount's legitimate copyright and trademarks are purely +unintentional, and will be corrected upon proper notification. These lists +are for the enjoyment of the reader only, and may not be sold. Some items in +these lists are taken from Mike Brown's "ST:TNG Program Guide", and no +copyright infringement is intended. This list is only intended to supplement +Mr. Brown's guide, not replace it. You are highly recommended to purchase Mr. +Brown's guide. + +This is the Star Trek TNG Lists of Lists. It contains a listing of all the +episodes for "Star Trek: The Next Generation" TV series, plus some added +notes. (Due to length considerations, there is a separate TOS/TAS, Movies, +and DS9 List of Lists) This list comes out around the 1st and 16th of every +month, except July and August, when it will come out on the 1st only. +However, a posting may not come out due to events beyond my control. + +If you are wondering why I compile these lists, it is strictly out of the +enjoyment of "Star Trek", and enjoy a wealth of information from other people +who post on the electronic networks. After being irritated by the ever +constant requests for episode lists on Usenet, I decided that, in the middle +of 1990, to post a list of episodes on a regular basis. It soon grew from +that, and, with the contributions of other people, these lists grew to what +you see today. (And still growing). The only payment I ask is thanks and +contributions, I am not making a dime off these compilations. + +To contact the compiler, try the following e-mail addresses: + Usenet: mholtz@sactoh0.sac.ca.us (preferred) + Compuserve: Use Usenet gateway +Fidonet Netmail: Mark Holtz@1:203/53.5 (The Itchy & Scratchy Show) + US Snail: Mark Holtz + c/o Valley Mfg. & Eng. Co. + 11358 Amalgam Way, Unit 2 + Rancho Cordova, CA 95670 + +Special Requests for Lists: This list is NOT available from the author at +sactoh0. However, FTP sites, BBSs, and e-mail servers are available to +requests. + +Table of Contents +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +Upcoming Episodes of "Star Trek: The Next Generation" + Air Schedule + Brief Descriptions + Also Rumored +"Star Trek: The Next Generation" Episode Listings + Cast Listings + Season 1-5 Episode Listings + Syndication Notes + Changes from season to season + Major Species Appearances + Audio Problems? + Stardates + Working Titles + What is canon? + Ranks and Insignia + Picard Surrenders + Picard Violates The Prime Directive + Command Offered To Commander Riker + Saucer Separation + Shuttlecraft + Family Relations + Attempts At Self-Destruct + Time Travel + The Crew Taken Over + Enterprise Exceeds Warp Limits + TOS Crossovers in TNG + Trek in Other Lands + Security Codes + Convention Hints + How Many Episodes? + Birthdays + The Merry Men (and Women) of Qpid + Money In The Future + Religion In The Future + Did you know . . . + In-Jokes + Differences in "Encounter At Farpoint" + Operation SNAFU + Data Using Contractions +Mike Brown's Program Guide +Thanks to . . . . +Wesley Eugene "Gene" Roddenberry +12345671234567123456712345671234567123456712345671234567123456712345671234567 + "On the next exciiiiting episode of + STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION" + +REMEMBER: All information in this section is rumor, and comes from various +sources, including Usenet's rec.arts.startrek.info. Most of the information +below has appeared previously on the electronic networks. Also, all +information is subject to change. + +Sat. Date Week Of Episode Title +========= ============= =============================== +Mar 28 92 Mar 30-Apr 5 The First Duty +Apr 4 92 Apr 6-Apr 12 New Ground *>REPEAT<* +Apr 11 92 Apr 13-Apr 19 Hero Worship *>REPEAT<* +Apr 18 92 Apr 20-Apr 26 Cost of Living +Apr 25 92 Apr 27-May 3 The Perfect Mate + +[The following is rumor only] + +May 2 92 May 4-May 10 Imaginary Friend +May 9 92 May 11-May 17 Violations *>REPEAT<* +May 16 92 May 18-May 24 The Masterpiece Society *>REPEAT<* +May 23 92 May 25-May 31 I, Borg +May 30 92 Jun 1-Jun 7 The Next Phase +Jun 6 92 Jun 8-Jun 14 [Episode 225] +Jun 13 92 Jun 15-Jun 21 Conundrum *>REPEAT<* +Jun 20 92 Jun 22-Jun 28 [Episode 226] *>Season Finalle<* +Jun 27 92 Jun 30-Jul 5 Power Play *>REPEAT<* +Jul 4 92 Jul 6-Jul 12 Ethics *>REPEAT<* +Jul 11 92 Jul 13-Jul 19 The Outcast *>REPEAT<* +Jul 18 92 Jul 20-Jul 26 Cause And Effect *>REPEAT<* +Jul 25 92 Jul 27-Aug 2 The First Duty *>REPEAT<* +Aug 1 92 Aug 3-Aug 9 Cost of Living *>REPEAT<* +Aug 8 92 Aug 10-Aug 16 The Perfect Mate *>REPEAT<* +Aug 15 92 Aug 17-Aug 23 Imaginary Friend *>REPEAT<* +Aug 22 92 Aug 24-Aug 30 I, Borg *>REPEAT<* +Aug 29 92 Aug 31-Sep 6 The Next Phase *>REPEAT<* +Sep 5 92 Sep 7-Sep 13 [Episode 225] *>REPEAT<* +Sep 12 92 Sep 14-Sep 20 [Episode 226] *>REPEAT<* +Sep 19 92 Sep 21-Sep 27 *>Season Six Premere<* + +The First Duty - Wesley is involved in a cover-up of a fatal shuttlecraft +accident at the Starfleet Academy. Picard and Beverly travel to the academy +to find out what's going on. Ray Walston ("My Favorite Martian") playes +Boothby, the Academy groundskeeper. + +Cost of Living - Lwaxana Troi returns, and she is taking Alexander under her +wing. + +The Perfect Mate - An alien shapeshifter appears to all the men on the ship +as the perfect woman. + +Imaginary Friend - An alien assumes the role of a little girl's imaginary +friend. GUINAN RETURNS!!!!! + +I, Borg - The Enterprise recovers a single adolescent Borg male, and must +decide what to do with him. Geordi is the one who try to reform the boy. +(Sounds a lot like Vendetta) + +The Next Phase - + +[Episode 225] - + +[Episode 226] - + +Also Rumored . . . +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +Dueling Q's - This story may be cancelled due to cost overruns. However, if +this story goes through, it will feature our friend Q and another Q in some +sort of Oylmpiad. Guess where our friend Q is going to recruit his team from. +And the other Q may be William Campbell or Corbin Bersen. + +"Origins" - Features Q and reveals Guinan's past. + +- Picard and Q switch places for a day. +-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+- + "Space, the final frontier, + these are the voyages of the starship Enterprise + it's continuing mission, + to explore strange new worlds, + to seek out new life and new civilizations, + to boldly go where no one has gone before." + + "Star Trek: The Next Generation" + +Regular Crew (includes major repeated guests) +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +Starring . . . + +Patrick Stewart - Captain Jean-Luc Picard + - Locutus of Borg (The Best of Both Worlds) + - also directed: In Theory, Hero Worship +Jonathan Frakes - Commander William Riker (First Officer) + - Odan (The Host) + - also directed: The Offspring, Reunion, The Drumhead, Cause + and Effect + +Also Starring . . . + +LeVar Burton - Lt. Commander Geordi LaForge (Chief Engineer) + (Season 2 - Lieutenant) + (Season 1 - Lieutenant-Junior Grade) +Denise Crosby - Lieutenant Natasha "Tasha" Yar (Security Chief) + (Died in Action on "Skin of Evil") + [See also Guest Cast] +Michael Dorn - Lieutenant Worf (Security Chief) + (Season 1-2 - Lieutenant JG) +Michelle Forbes - Ensign Ro (Introduced in Ensign Ro) + - See also Guest Cast +Whoopi Goldberg - Guinan (Manager - Ten-Forward) +Gates McFadden - Commander Beverly Crusher (Chief Medical Officer) + (Seasons 1, 3-present) + (Crusher was in Starfleet Medical during Season 2) + - Choreographer: Data's Day +Colm Meaney - Transporter Chief Miles Edward O'Brien +Diana Muldaur - Commander Kate Pulaski (Chief Medical Officer-Transferred) + (Special Appearances in Season 2) +Marina Sirtis - Counselor Deanna Troi + (Lt. Commander rank is mentioned in "Encounter At Farpoint", + "The Child", "Disaster", and "Conundrum") +Brent Spiner - Lt. Commander Data (Second Officer) + (listed in Starfleet records as "NFN NMI Data" - No First + Name, No Middle Initial - "Measure of a Man") + - Lore (Datalore, Brothers) + - Dr. Noonian Soong (Brothers) +Wil Wheaton - Ensign Wesley Crusher (Seasons 3-4 - Now in Academy) + (Seasons 1-3 - Acting Ensign) + (Season 1 - Civilian) + [See also Guest Cast] + +Guest Stars +~~~~~~~~~~~ +NOTE: Denise Crosby, Michelle Forbes, and Wil Wheaton are listed as guest +stars in the shows mentioned below, thus they are in this section also). + +Chad Allen - Jono (Suddenly Human) +Corbin Bernsen - Q2 (Deja Q) +Brian Bosnell - Alexander (New Ground, Ethics, Cost of Living) +Cat - Spot (Data's Cat - Data's Day, In Theory) +Rosalind Chao - Keiko Ishikawa/O'Brien (Civilian) (Data's Day, The Wounded, + Night Terrors, In Theory, Disaster, Violations) +Charles Cooper - K'mpec (Sins of the Father, Reunion - Died) +Denise Crosby - Lieutenant Tasha Yar (Yesterday's Enterprise) + - Romulan Commander in Shadows (The Minds Eye-uncredited, + Redemption-uncredited) + - Sela (Redemption II, Unification) +John DeLancie - Q (Encounter at Farpoint, Hide and Q, Q-Who, Deja Q, Qpid) +Elizabeth Dennehby - Commander Shelby (The Best Of Both Worlds) +Michelle Forbes - Dara (Half A Life) +Matt Frewer - Berlingoff Rasmussen (A Matter Of Time) +Susan Gibney - Leah Brahms (Booby Trap, Galaxy's Child) +Kelsey Grammer - (Cause and Effect) +Jennifer Hetrick - Vash (Captain's Holiday, Qpid - now with Q) +Ashley Judd - Ensign Robin Lefler (The Game) + (Ashley is a sister of country singer Wynnona Judd) +Andreas Katsulas - Tomalak (The Enemy, The Defector, Future Imperfect) +DeForest Kelley - "Admiral" (Encounter at Farpoint) +Mark Lenard - Sarek (Sarek, Unification I - Died) +Carolyn McCormick - Minuet (11001001, Future Imperfect (non-speaking) ) +Eric Menyuk - The Traveler (Where No One Has Gone Before, Remember Me) +Joanna Miles - Perrin (Sarek, Unification I) +Lycia Naff - Ensign Sonya Gomez (Q Who, Samaritan Snare) +Bebe Neuwirth - Lanel (First Contact) +Leonard Nimoy - Ambassador Spock (Unification II) +Joe Piscapo - The Comic (The Outrageous Okona) +Suzie Plakson - Dr. Selar (The Schizoid Man) + - K'Ehleyr (The Emissary, Reunion - Died) +Majel Barrett-Roddenberry - Lwaxana Troi (Haven, Manhunt, Menage a Troi, Half + A Life) + - TNG Computer +Saul Rubinek - Kivas Fajo (The Most Toys) +Robert Schenkkan - Lt. Cmdr. Dexter Remmick (Coming of Age, Conspiracy-Died) +Dwight Schultz - Lieutenant Reginald "Reg" "Broccoli" Barclay (Hollow + Pursuits, The Nth Degree) +David Ogden Stiers - Timicin (Half A Life - Ceremonial Death) +Carel Struycken - Mr. Homm (Haven, Manhunt, Menage a Troi, Half A Life) +Malachi Throne - Pardek (Unification) +Beth Toussaint - Ishara Yar (Legacy) +Ray Walston - Boothby (First Duty) +Wil Wheaton - Wesley Crusher (The Game, First Duty) +Paul Winfield - Tamarian Captain (Darmok) + +KEY: Eps. - Episode Number according to Paramount Count. + Sat. Date - The saturday in which the episode is first sent via + satellite to the various stations + Week Of - Paramount's Official Week-Of for TNG broadcast + PCode - Production Code Number + Stardate - First given stardate in episode (if known) + Episode Title - Title of the week's episode + +First Season +~~~~~~~~~~~~ +Eps. Sat. Date Week Of PCode Stardate Episode Title +==== ========= ============= ===== ======== =============================== +1&2. Sep 26 87 Sep 28-Oct 4 721 41153.7 Encounter At Farpoint + + The crew of the Enterprise is put on trial by a mysterious force called + "Q" for all the crimes of mankind. + + 3. Oct 3 87 Oct 5-Oct 11 103 41209.2 The Naked Now + + Romance, danger and chaos result when a mysterious contaminant renders the + crew of the Enterprise intoxicated. + + 4. Oct 10 87 Oct 12-Oct 18 104 41235.25 Code Of Honor + + Kidnapped by aliens known as Ligonians, Lieutenant Tasha Yar battles for + her freedom and the welfare of a diseased Federation planet. + + 5. Oct 18 87 Oct 19-Oct 25 107 41386.4 The Last Outpost + + Held captive over an unknown planet, the away teams of the USS Enterprise + and Ferengi starships must pass an important inquisition by a mysterious + life form known as Portal, before they are allowed to continue their + journeys through space. + + 6. Oct 24 87 Oct 26-Nov 1 106 41263.1 Where No One Has Gone Before + + Teenager Wesley Crusher and a dying alien are the crew's only hope for + escape from a bizarre galaxy where thoughts become real. + + 7. Oct 31 87 Nov 2-Nov 8 108 41249.3 Lonely Among Us + + Passing through a series of complex energy patterns, the Enterprise crew + find themselves trying to solve the mystery surrounding the murder of + Assistant Chief Engineer Singh and the altered personalities of Lt. Worf, + Dr. Crusher and the Captain. + + 8. Nov 7 87 Nov 9-Nov 15 109 41255.6 Justice + + When Wesley is sentenced to death for innocently violating a foreign + planet's customs, Captain Picard is forced to chose between negotiating + for Wesley's life or adhering to the Federation's prime directive which + prohibits interfering with another civilization's way of life. + + 9. Nov 14 87 Nov 16-Nov 22 110 41723.9 The Battle + + A thought altering device, controlled by a Ferengi Captain seeking revenge + on Picard for his son's death, threatens the life of the Captain and the + safety of the Enterprise. + + 10. Nov 21 87 Nov 23-Nov 29 111 41590.5 Hide And Q + + The Enterprise is once again challenged by the dangerous and powerful "Q" + who offers Riker god-like powers in exchange for Riker's membership in the + "Q" continuum. + + 11. Nov 28 87 Nov 30-Dec 6 105 41294.5 Haven + + Deanna Troi is caught between her feelings for Riker and her devotion to + family customs when she faces a prearranged marriage. + + 12. Jan 9 88 Jan 11-Jan 17 113 41997.7 The Big Goodbye + + When the holodecks malfunction, the Captain and two crew members become + trapped in San Francisco, 1941, where they are held hostage by murderous + gangsters. + + 13. Jan 16 88 Jan 18-Jan 24 114 41242.4 Datalore + + Data's android look-alike formulates an evil masterplan that could destroy + the Enterprise. + + 14. Jan 23 88 Jan 25-Jan 31 115 41636.9 Angel One + + While the away team struggle to save male fugitives on a planet run by + women, the Enterprise is ravaged by an highly infectious virus. + + 15. Jan 30 88 Feb 1-Feb 7 116 41365.9 11001001 + + The Enterprise is hijacked by an alien species who need the ship's + computer to regenerate the one damaged on their own planet. + + 16. Feb 6 88 Feb 8-Feb 14 112 41309.5 Too Short A Season + + The Enterprise escorts a Federation admiral to a planet to negotiate the + release of hostages, but the planet's governor wants to kill him in + revenge for a previous hostage crises that ended in tragedy. + + 17. Feb 13 88 Feb 15-Feb 21 118 41509.1 When The Bough Breaks + + Wesley and several children from the Enterprise are kidnapped by a sterile + civilization which hopes to use them to rebuild their race. + + 18. Feb 20 88 Feb 22-Feb 28 117 41463.9 Home Soil + + A powerful microscopic life form declares war on humans, takes over the + Enterprise's lab and computers, and threatens to destroy the ship. + + 19. Mar 12 88 Mar 14-Mar 20 119 41416.2 Coming Of Age + + While Wesley endures the grueling Starfleet Academy entrance exam, Captain + Picard faces an investigation into his competency as a commander. + + 20. Mar 19 88 Mar 21-Mar 27 120 41503.7 Heart Of Glory + + Lt. Worf is torn between his loyalty to the Enterprise and his fierce + Klingon heritage when two Klingon fugitives take over the ship. + + 21. Apr 9 88 Apr 11-Apr 17 121 41798.2 The Arsenal Of Freedom + + Picard and the away team fight for their lives on a planet run by a + computerized weapons system. + + 22. Apr 16 88 Apr 18-Apr 24 123 Unknown Symbiosis + + The Enterprise is caught in the middle when two alien races wage a bitter + battle over cargo which one of them needs for survival. + + 23. Apr 23 88 Apr 25-May 1 122 41601.3 Skin Of Evil + + A rescue mission turns to tragedy when one of the Enterprise officers is + killed by an evil alien. + + 24. Apr 30 88 May 2-May 8 124 41697.9 We'll Always Have Paris + + Captain Picard is unexpectedly reunited with his first love in the midst + of an investigation into lethal time warp experiments. + + 25. May 7 88 May 9-May 15 125 41775.5 Conspiracy + + Captain Picard and Commander Riker travel to Earth to investigate a + conspiracy in the highest ranks of Starfleet command. + + 26. May 14 88 May 16-May 22 126 41986.0 The Neutral Zone + + While traveling to a meeting with hostile Romulans, the crew discovers a + ship containing three frozen Americans from the 20th century. + +Second Season +~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +The start of the second season was delayed until late November due to a +writer's strike which lasted from March 7, 1988 to August 7, 1988. + +Eps. Sat. Date Week Of PCode Stardate Episode Title +==== ========= ============= ===== ======== =============================== + 27. Nov 19 88 Nov 21-Nov 27 127 42073.1 The Child + + While preparing to transport a deadly plague to a research lab, the crew + is stunned by the announcement of Counselor Troi's pregnancy. + + 28. Nov 26 88 Nov 28-Dec 4 128 42193.6 Where Silence Has Lease + + The crew is held hostage in a mysterious void by a being who wishes to + observe the many ways in which humans die. + + 29. Dec 3 88 Dec 5-Dec 11 129 42286.3 Elementary, Dear Data + + Pretending to be Sherlock Holmes, Data uses the holodeck to solve a + mystery that threatens Dr. Pulaski's life. + + 30. Dec 10 88 Dec 12-Dec 18 130 42402.7 The Outrageous Okona + + While the Enterprise crew play host to a witty renegade captain, Data + struggles to acquire a sense of humor. + + 31. Jan 7 89 Jan 9-Jan 15 132 42477.2 Loud As A Whisper + + The future of a warring planet depends on a deaf mediator, who suddenly + loses his ability to communicate. + + 32. Jan 21 89 Jan 23-Jan 29 131 42437.5 The Schizoid Man + + A brilliant but terminally ill scientist seeks eternal life by + transferring his mind into Data's body. + + 33. Jan 28 89 Jan 30-Feb 5 133 42494.8 Unnatural Selection + + The crew grapples with a mysterious disease which accelerates the aging + process, causing humans to die of old age within a matter of days. + + 34. Feb 4 89 Feb 6-Feb 12 134 42506.5 A Matter Of Honor + + Riker's loyalties are put to the test when he is assigned to a Klingon + vessel which plans to attack the Enterprise. + + 35. Feb 11 89 Feb 13-Feb 19 135 42523.7 The Measure Of A Man + + When Data refuses to be disassembled for research purposes, Picard is + enlisted to defend his rights in court. + + 36. Feb 18 89 Feb 20-Feb 26 136 42568.8 The Dauphin + + Wesley finds romance with the beautiful young ruler of Daled Four whose + secret power could destroy the Enterprise and her crew. + + 37. Mar 18 89 Mar 20-Mar 26 137 42609.1 Contagion + + The Enterprise's computer system falls prey to a mysterious electronic + "virus" which programs the ship to self destruct. + + 38. Mar 25 89 Mar 27-Apr 2 138 42625.4 The Royale + + Investigating the discovery of a piece of metal bearing a United States + Air Force insignia, the Away Team finds itself trapped in the world of + "The Hotel Royale", a novel come to life. + + 39. Apr 1 89 Apr 3-Apr 9 139 42679.2 Time Squared + + The U.S.S. Enterprise discovers a Federation shuttle containing an exact + double of Captain Picard from six hours in the future. + + 40. Apr 22 89 Apr 24-Apr 30 140 42686.4 The Icarus Factor + + Riker's long-lost father reappears on the eve of his departure to become + captain on a new starship. + + 41. Apr 29 89 May 1-May 7 141 42695.3 Pen Pals + + Data races against time to save the life of a little alien girl on a + planet doomed for destruction. + + 42. May 6 89 May 8-May 14 142 42761.3 Q Who + + The crew is hurled [a distance of 7,000 light years] by the malevolent + "Q", who sets them up for destruction by a race of half-human, half-robot + aliens known as the Borg. + + 43. May 13 89 May 15-May 21 143 42779.1 Samaritan Snare + + While Picard fights for his life in surgery, Geordi is held hostage by the + leaders of an alien race. + + 44. May 20 89 May 22-May 28 144 42823.2 Up The Long Ladder + + The crew's rescue of a missing earth colony leads to the discovery of a + civilization composed entirely of clones. + + 45. Jun 17 89 Jun 19-Jun 25 145 42859.2 Manhunt + + In her search for the perfect mate, Troi's mother beams aboard the + Enterprise -- and sets her sights on Captain Picard. + + 46. Jun 24 89 Jun 26-Jul 2 146 42901.3 The Emissary + + An official mission becomes a personal matter when Worf's former love is + sent to the Enterprise to mediate a dispute between Klingons and the + Federation. + + 47. Jul 8 89 Jul 10-Jul 16 147 42923.4 Peak Performance + + A simulated war game turns deadly when the crew is ambushed by a Ferengi + battleship. + + 48. Jul 15 89 Jul 17-Jul 23 148 42976.1 Shades Of Gray + + Commander Riker is struck down by a deadly microbe which invades his + central nervous system and attacks his brain. + +Third Season +~~~~~~~~~~~~ +Eps. Sat. Date Week Of PCode Stardate Episode Title +==== ========= ============= ===== ======== =============================== + 49. Sep 23 89 Sep 25-Oct 1 150 43125.8 Evolution + + The crew fights for survival when a mysterious force attacks the ship's + life support systems. + + 50. Sep 30 89 Oct 2-Oct 8 149 Unknown The Ensigns Of Command + + Data races against time to save a human colony that's been marked for + death by aliens. + + 51. Oct 7 89 Oct 9-Oct 15 151 43142.4 The Survivors + + The crew travels to Rana IV, a remote colony where just two of its 11,000 + inhabitants have miraculously survived a devastating attack. + + 52. Oct 14 89 Oct 16-Oct 22 152 43173.5 Who Watches The Watchers + + Mistakenly believing Captain Picard to be a god, the members of a + primitive culture seize Troi and prepare to sacrifice her to him. + + 53. Oct 21 89 Oct 23-Oct 29 153 43198.7 The Bonding + + When the ship's archaeologist is killed on a mission led by Worf, the + Klingon feels responsible for the son she left behind. + + 54. Oct 28 89 Oct 30-Nov 5 154 43205.6 Booby Trap + + The Enterprise is caught in a booby trap that captures the ship and + converts its energy into lethal levels of radiation. + + 55. Nov 4 89 Nov 6-Nov 12 155 43349.2 The Enemy + + After Geordi is stranded on a storm-ravaged planet, the crew's attempts to + rescue him are hindered by an aggressive Romulan warship. + + 56. Nov 11 89 Nov 13-Nov 19 156 43385.6 The Price + + Counselor Troi is swept off her feet by a dashing delegate who uses + unethical methods to conduct his business on board the Enterprise. + + 57. Nov 18 89 Nov 20-Nov 26 157 43421.9 The Vengeance Factor + + The crew's attempts to mediate a violent dispute between warring clans is + sabotaged by a mysterious assassin. + + 58. Dec 30 89 Jan 1-Jan 7 158 43462.5 The Defector + + A Romulan defector leads the crew into a showdown that could erupt into a + full scale war. + + 59. Jan 6 90 Jan 8-Jan 14 159 43489.2 The Hunted + + The Enterprise is bombarded by a soldier who is the victim of government + mind control which turns him into a violent killer. + + 60. Jan 27 90 Jan 29-Feb 4 160 43510.7 The High Ground + + Doctor Crusher's abduction by a radical terrorist group thrusts the crew + into an explosive civil war on Rutia Four. + + 61. Feb 3 90 Feb 5-Feb 11 161 43539.1 Deja Q + + The crew is surprised by the appearance of their mischievous nemesis, Q. + [Additional info: Q is stripped of his powers, and is sent to the + Enterprise] + + 62. Feb 10 90 Feb 12-Feb 18 162 43610.4 A Matter Of Perspective + + Riker is suspected of murdering a respected scientist who had accused the + Enterprise officer of seducing his wife. + + 63. Feb 17 90 Feb 19-Feb 25 163 43625.2 Yesterday's Enterprise + + The course of history is altered when a time rift brings a starship + Enterprise from the past into the present with a crew which includes Tasha + Yar. + + 64. Mar 10 90 Mar 12-Mar 18 164 43657.0 The Offspring + + Data becomes a father when he creates an android using a transfer of his + own neural programming. [Jonathan Frakes directs] + + 65. Mar 17 90 Mar 19-Mar 25 165 43685.2 Sins Of The Father + + When his long-lost brother appears on the Enterprise, Worf is thrust into + a life-or-death battle for his family's honor. + + 66. Mar 24 90 Mar 26-Apr 1 166 43714.1 Allegiance + + Without the crew's knowledge, Captain Picard is kidnapped and replaced by + an evil impostor. + + 67. Mar 31 90 Apr 2-Apr 8 167 43745.2 Captain's Holiday + + While on vacation, Picard becomes entangled in the search for a missing + weapon from the future. + + 68. Apr 21 90 Apr 23-Apr 29 168 43779.3 Tin Man + + The crew is thrust into a deadly showdown with the Romulans over a newly + discovered life-form in a remote star system. + + 69. Apr 28 90 Apr 30-May 6 169 43807.4 Hollow Pursuits + + The crew struggles to help a young engineer who's obsession with the + fantasy world Holodeck is endangering the ship. + + 70. May 5 90 May 7-May 13 170 43872.2 The Most Toys + + The crew leave Data for dead when his shuttle craft explodes during a + dangerous mission. + + 71. May 12 90 May 14-May 20 171 43917.4 Sarek + + The Enterprise is plagued by an outbreak of violence when it is visited by + a renowned Vulcan ambassador. + + 72. May 26 90 May 28-Jun 3 172 43930.7 Menage A Troi + + The Enterprise is thrown into chaos when Counselor Troi and her mother are + kidnapped by the Ferengi. + + 73. Jun 2 90 Jun 4-Jun 10 173 43957.2 Transfigurations + + The Enterprise rescues a mysterious humanoid whose remarkable powers + affect the entire crew. + + 74. Jun 16 90 Jun 18-Jun 24 174 43989.1 The Best Of Both Worlds + + The evil Borg capture Picard in an attempt to conquer the human race. + +Fourth Season +~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +Eps. Sat. Date Week Of PCode Stardate Episode Title +==== ========= ============= ===== ======== =============================== + 75. Sep 22 90 Sep 24-Sep 30 175 44001.4 The Best Of Both Worlds-Part II + + Riker must choose between saving Picard and saving humanity when the Borg + use the kidnapped captain as part of their plan to destroy Earth. + + 76. Sep 29 90 Oct 1-Oct 7 178 44012.3 Family + + While the Enterprise undergoes repairs on Earth, crew members reunite with + family as Picard comes face to face with his jealous brother. + + 77. Oct 6 90 Oct 8-Oct 14 177 44085.7 Brothers + + After being summoned home by his elderly creator, Data clashes with his + evil brother, Lore. + + 78. Oct 13 90 Oct 15-Oct 21 176 44143.7 Suddenly Human + + Picard risks war when he refuses to return a human boy to the alien father + who raised him, and may have abused him. + + 79. Oct 20 90 Oct 22-Oct 28 179 44161.2 Remember Me + + Wesley's experiment with warp fields result in the mysterious + disappearance of the crew. + + 80. Oct 27 90 Oct 29-Nov 4 180 44215.2 Legacy + + A rescue mission leads the crew to the birthplace of their late comrade + Tasha Yar, where they encounter her mysterious sister. + + 81. Nov 3 90 Nov 5-Nov 11 181 44246.3 Reunion + + When Picard is chosen to mediate a Klingon power struggle, Worf confronts + the Klingon who disgraced him. [Jonathan Frakes directs.] + + 82. Nov 10 90 Nov 12-Nov 18 182 44286.5 Future Imperfect + + After an Away Team mission fails, Riker awakens in sickbay to discover + sixteen years have passed and he now commands the Enterprise. + + 83. Nov 17 90 Nov 19-Nov 25 183 44307.3 Final Mission + + After being accepted to Starfleet Academy, Wesley accompanies Picard on a + final mission, only to find himself struggling to keep the captain alive. + + 84. Dec 29 90 Dec 31-Jan 6 184 44356.9 The Loss + + Counselor Troi resigns her post after experiencing a mysterious loss of + her empathetic powers. + + 85. Jan 5 91 Jan 7-Jan 13 185 44390.1 Data's Day + + A friend's impending wedding compounds Data's confusion about the nuances + of human feelings. + + 86. Jan 26 91 Jan 28-Feb 3 186 44429.6 The Wounded + + Picard must stop a renegade Federation starship which is making unprovoked + attacks on a former enemy's ship. + + 87. Feb 2 91 Feb 4-Feb 10 187 44474.5 Devil's Due + + Picard fights to save a terrorized planet from a powerful woman who claims + to be the devil. + + 88. Feb 9 91 Feb 11-Feb 17 188 44502.7 Clues + + Picard and the crew are shocked to discover that Data is lying to them. + [Additional note: The Enterprise travels through a worm hole in which most + of the crew is knocked out for apparently 30 seconds. However, there are + signs that say that they were out longer.] + + 89. Feb 16 91 Feb 18-Feb 24 189 Unknown First Contact + + Critically wounded during a first contact mission, Riker is mistaken for a + hostile alien. + + 90. Mar 9 91 Mar 11-Mar 17 190 44614.6 Galaxy's Child + + The Enterprise as a parent? Seems so, when it accidentally kills a + space-borne creature whose child comes to believe NCC 1701-D is its + mother. + + 91. Mar 16 91 Mar 18-Mar 24 191 44631.2 Night Terrors + + Trapped in a rift in space, the crew of the Enterprise are plagued by + unexplained paranoia and hallucinations. + + 92. Mar 23 91 Mar 25-Mar 31 192 44664.5 Identity Crisis + + Dr. Crusher races against time to locate a parasite that threatens to + transform Geordi into an alien creature. + + 93. Mar 30 91 Apr 1-Apr 7 194 44704.2 The Nth Degree + + A crew member is endowed with super human intelligence by an alien probe + and threatens the fate of the Enterprise. + + 94. Apr 20 91 Apr 22-Apr 28 193 44741.9 Qpid + + The mischievous Q turns Picard into Robin Hood and sends him on a quest + designed to force him to prove his love for an old flame. + + 95. Apr 27 91 Apr 29-May 5 195 44769.2 The Drumhead + + A search for a spy aboard the Enterprise turns into a witch hunt in which + Picard is implicated as a traitor. [Jonathan Frakes directs] + + 96. May 4 91 May 6-May 12 196 44805.2 Half A Life + + Picard risks war when he offers asylum to a visiting scientist who wishes + to escape the ritual suicide mandated by his society. + + 97. May 11 91 May 13-May 19 197 44821.3 The Host + + Dr. Crusher's love is put to the test when she falls for an alien who + exists in different "host bodies" in order to survive. + + 98. May 25 91 May 27-Jun 2 198 44885.5 The Minds Eye + + Romulan forces kidnap Geordi and turn him into a killing machine. + + 99. Jun 1 91 Jun 3-Jun 9 199 44932.3 In Theory + + Data experiments with love by pursuing a romantic relationship with a + fellow crew member. [Patrick Stewart Directs] + +100. Jun 15 91 Jun 17-Jun 23 200 44995.3 Redemption + + As civil war threatens the Klingon Empire, Worf's loyalties are torn + between the Federation and his people. + +Fifth Season +~~~~~~~~~~~~ + {Stardates will be added when the episode airs in Sacramento, which is + usually the Saturday during the week-of airing.} + +Eps. Sat. Date Week Of PCode Stardate Episode Title +==== ========= ============= ===== ======== =============================== +101. Sep 21 91 Sep 23-Sep 29 201 45020.4 Redemption II + + Picard risks all-out war with the Romulans when he involves Starfleet in a + Klingon civil war. + +102. Sep 28 91 Sep 30-Oct 6 202 45047.2 Darmok + + The crew is rendered helpless when Picard is kidnapped and forced to go to + war with an alien captain. + +103. Oct 5 91 Oct 7-Oct 13 203 45076.3 Ensign Ro + + Picard suspects a high-level Federation conspiracy when the crew is + ordered to locate the terrorist leader of a renegrade race. + +104. Oct 12 91 Oct 13-Oct 20 204 45122.3 Silicon Avatar + + Picard struggles to communicate with a mysterious, destructive force + before a visiting scientist can destroy it. + +105. Oct 19 91 Oct 21-Oct 27 205 45156.1 Disaster + + While hosting the winners of a primary-school science contest, the + Enterprise is completely disabled by a rare natural phenomenon, leaving + Troi in command on the bridge. + +106. Oct 26 91 Oct 28-Nov 3 206 45208.2 The Game + + The fate of the Federation is in Wesley Crusher's hands when he returns to + find the crew of the Enterprise addicted to a dangerous new game. + +107. Nov 2 91 Nov 4-Nov 10 208 45233.1 Unification I + + Picard and Data travel to Romulas to investigate an unauthorized mission + undertaken by the Federation's legendary Mr. Spock. + [Dedicated to Gene Roddenberry] + +108. Nov 9 91 Nov 11-Nov 17 207 45245.8 Unification II + + Picard and Mr. Spock clash over a proposed reunification of the Romulans + and the Vulcans. + [Dedicated to Gene Roddenberry] + +109. Nov 16 91 Nov 18-Nov 24 209 45349.1 A Matter Of Time + + Picard's quest to save an endangered planet leads him to violate the Prime + Directive when he seeks advice from a visitor from the future. + +110. Jan 4 92 Jan 6-Jan 12 210 45376.3 New Ground + + Worf leans some painful lessons about parenting when his son Alexander + arrives to join his father on the Enterprise. + +111. Jan 25 92 Jan 27-Feb 2 211 45397.3 Hero Worship + + A young boy who is the sole survivor of a devistated ship becomes obsessed + with simulating Data. [Patrick Stewart Directs] + +112. Feb 1 92 Feb 3-Feb 9 212 49429.3 Violations + + Troi, Riker, and Dr. Crusher fall into unexpected comas while the + Enterprise plays host to an alien race. + +113. Feb 8 92 Feb 10-Feb 16 213 45470.1 The Masterpiece Society + + Picard's efforts to save a genetically engineered society from a natural + disaster threaten to distroy it. + +114. Feb 15 92 Feb 17-Feb 23 214 45492.2 Conundrum + + While suffering from an unexplained case of amnesia, the crew find + themselves fighting a war they do not understand or remember. + +115. Feb 22 92 Feb 24-Mar 1 215 45571.2 Power Play + + Inhabited by alien spirits, Data, [O'Brien,] and Troi overthrow the bridge + of the Enterprise. + +116. Feb 29 92 Mar 2-Mar 8 216 45587.3 Ethics + + Loyalty and ethics clash when a paralyzed Worf asks Riker to help him + commit suicide. + +117. Mar 14 92 Mar 16-Mar 22 217 - The Outcast + + A rescue mission leads to a dangerous romance between Riker and a + rebellious member of an androgynous race. + +118. Mar 21 92 Mar 23-Mar 29 218 45652.1 Cause and Effect + + The Enterprise is trapped in a time warp that forces the crew to endlessly + repeat the same experiences. + +119. Mar 28 92 Mar 30-Apr 5 219 45703.9 The First Duty + + Caught between loyalty to his friends and the need to tell the truth, + Wesley becomes involved in a cover-up when his Starfleet Academy squadron + suffers a deadly collision. + +120. Apr 18 92 Apr 20-Apr 26 220 - Cost Of Living + + Preparing for her wedding aboard the Enterprise, Troi's free-thinking + mother causes trouble between Worf and his son. + +121. Apr 25 92 Apr 27-May 3 221 - The Perfect Mate + + [No official description is available] + +{The following is rumor only until confirmed by Mike Brown} + +122. May 2 92 May 4-May 10 222 - Imaginary Friend + + [No official description is available] + +123. May 23 92 May 25-May 31 223 - I, Borg + + [No official description is available] + +124. May 30 92 Jun 1-Jun 7 224 - The Next Phase + + [No official description is available] + +125. Jun 6 92 Jun 8-Jun 14 225 - [UNKNOWN] + + [No official description is available] + +126. Jun 20 92 Jun 22-Jun 28 226 - [UNKNOWN] + + [No official description is available] + +Sixth Season +~~~~~~~~~~~~ +Eps. Sat. Date Week Of PCode Stardate Episode Title +==== ========= ============= ===== ======== =============================== +127. Sep 19 92 Sep 21-Sep 27 227 - *>Season Six Premere<* + + [No official description is available] + +Syndication Notes +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +"Star Trek: The Next Generation" is a syndicated program that is sold to each +individual station. It is not part of the FOX network, although many stations +that have purchased TNG are also part of FOX. + +The first run episodes are uplinked to the local stations on the Saturday and +Sunday of the Satellite Date. This uplinking is done through Keystone +Communications (formerly WOLD Communications), through Telstar 301. The +program is uplinked on saturdays through Transponder 9 (5V) at 1800 ET/1500 +PT, and on sundays through Transponder 9 (5V) at 1400 ET/1100 PT. The +carriers are wide-band, and are: 6.2-left, 6.8-right, and 5.8-mono. No +scrambling is employed in the uplink. The station then airs the episode for +the first time anytime during Paramount's official week of (Monday through +Sunday). + +It is currently against Paramount contract to cut short the closing credits +and the Paramount logo in first-run episodes. If your station is cutting the +credits, then write to both the offending station and: + + Paramount Pictures Corporation + TV Syndication and Promotion + 5555 Melrose Ave. + Los Angeles, CA 90038 + +Currently, the episodes from seasons one through four (up to "In Theory", +"Redemption I" is not included) are currently available for daily syndication +from Paramount television. With the exception of "Encounter At Farpoint", +there is no editing by Paramount television in order to make room for more +commercials. Any such editing is being done by your local station. "Encounter +At Farpoint" is being distributed as a two-part episode, with several scenes +being moved around, some other scenes being shortened or cut, and some of the +audio being changed. + +Currently, it is permissible for Star Trek: The Next Generation to be subject +to "Syndication Exclusivity" rules. Thus, if, on your local cable system, +both your local station and a out of town station both carry TNG, your local +station can have the out of town station's TNG broadcasts be blacked out on +cable. + +Currently, Columbia House Video Library is distributing TNG on VHS video +tape. "Encounter At Farpoint" is carried on these series of tapes as a +two-hour movie, as seen originally in 1987. However, the box says two-part, +since the original run of cassettes was the two-part chopped version. All the +other episodes are being distributed in a uncut form. The episode are ordered +according to Production Code number, and the cassettes being distributed only +go up to the first season, although a second season may be offered. To order, +call Columbia House for more information at 1-800-538-7766. + +"Encounter At Farpoint", "The Naked Now", and "Code Of Honor" are available +directly from Paramount Home Video in both video tape and (possibly) laser +disc through your local video store. However, there is no word on when or if +more episodes will be released. +-- + Mark Arthur Holtz <:> UUCP: PacBell.COM! -> mholtz!sactoh0 +* Keeper - Star Trek List of Lists <:> ucbvax!csusac! / +* Compiler - "The Simpsons" Air Dates <:> + and "The Simpsons" Episode Guide <:> Internet: mholtz@sactoh0.sac.ca.us diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/st_b.txt b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/st_b.txt new file mode 100644 index 00000000..4521cc8d --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/st_b.txt @@ -0,0 +1,1373 @@ +Path: uuwest!spies!mips!pacbell.com!pacbell!sactoh0!mholtz +From: mholtz@sactoh0.sac.ca.us (Mark A. Holtz) +Newsgroups: rec.arts.startrek.misc,rec.arts.startrek,rec.arts.startrek.current +Subject: Star Trek TNG List of Lists [2/2] (April 1, 1992) +Message-ID: <1992Apr4.020937.75@sactoh0.sac.ca.us> +Date: Sat, 4 Apr 92 02:09:37 GMT +Organization: Sacramento Public Access Unix + +Changes from Season to Season +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +During the series progress, changes are made to various areas to reflect the +shows evolution, or to fix some problems. Some of these changes are noted +below: + +From "Encounter At Farpoint" (Pilot) to 1st Season +-================================================- +Opening credits changed from actor's name only to actor and character name. +Troi outfit was changed from blue "mini-skirt" to non-uniform dress with rank +pips removed. +Troi's hair tied into tight bun. + +From 1st to 2nd Season +-====================- +Wesley Crusher changes from shirt with rainbow strip to all grey uniform. +Worf is made permanent Security Chief (from red to gold uniform). +Geordi LaForge is made permanent Chief of Engineering (from red to gold +uniform). +Ten-Forward is made as a permanent set. +Guinan (Whoopi Goldberg) is added to crew. +Dr. Beverly Crusher (Gates McFadden) is transferred to Starfleet Medical, and +is replaced by Dr. Kate Pulaski (Diana Muldaur). +Cmdr. Riker has grown a beard. +The Con and Ops chair were changed from the couch style chairs to regular +style chairs. +Wesley Crusher was made Acting Ensign. +Worf wears a new, aluminum-like sash instead of the old, foil-like sash. +The stardates now advance in a more logical manner during a season instead of +being somewhat random during TOS and the first season of TNG. + +From 2nd to 3rd Season +-====================- +The first portion of the opening title sequence is replaced from the planets +to various views of the galaxy. +Dr. Kate Pulaski (Diana Muldaur) was mysteriously replaced with Dr. Beverly +Crusher (Gates McFadden). +The uniforms were replaced from the 1 piece collar-less uniforms to the +looser two-piece uniforms with collars. +Geordi LaForge is promoted to Lt. Commander. + +From 3rd to 4th Season +-====================- +Wesley was made full Ensign before going to Starfleet Academy. +Star Trek is now broadcast in Dolby Surround Sound. + +From 4th to 5th Season +-====================- +Title sequence was slightly rearranged, with the "Star Trek: The Next +Generation" logo coming out of a video-tunnel like effect. +Captain Picard occasionally wears a blue-grey uniform with a red jacket. +In the conference room, the wall relief containing the Enterprise lineage can +been changed to some other pattern. +The Enterprise's comissioning plaque is starting to tarnish. + +Major Species Appearences +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +The following is a listing of appearence of major races in TNG: + +The Borg +-======- +"Q Who" - Q introduces the Enterprise to the Borg. One notable scene is where +the Borg cut a section out of the Enterprise and pull it out. + +"The Best of Both Worlds" - A single Borg ship kidnaps Captain Picard, turns +him into Locutus of Borg, and head towards sector 001-Earth. + +"The Best of Both Worlds - Part II" - The crew fight to release Captain +Picard from Locutus of Borg. + +Cardassians +-=========- +"The Wounded" - A renegade Federation captain is making unprovoked attacks on +Cardassian ships. + +"Ensign Ro" - The Cardassians fake a Bajoran attack to get the Federation to +turn against the Bajora. + +Ferrengi +-======- +"The Last Outpost" - The Enterprise chases after a stolen T-9 Energy unit. + +"The Battle" - A Ferengi Daimon seeks revenge for Picard killing his son in a +battle a few years ago. + +"Peak Performance" - During a simulated space battle, the Ferengi demand the +surrender of the Hathaway. + +"The Price" - The Ferengi take part in the negotiations of a wormhole. + +"Captain's Holiday" - A Ferengi tries to get the Tox Uthat. + +"Menage A Troi" - A Daimon falls in love with Lwaxana Troi, and kidnaps +Lwaxana, Deanna, and Riker. + +"Unification II" - A fat Ferengi is secretly selling technology to the +Romulans. + +Klingons +-======- +(excluding Worf, who has appeared in every episode) + +"Heart of Glory" - Three Klingons, who long for the old days of the Empire, +get rescued by the Enterprise. + +"A Matter Of Honor" - Riker takes part in a officer exchange program aboard +the Pagh. + +"The Emmisary" - An old girlfriend of Worf's, K'Ehleyr, is part of a mission +to meet a Klingon ship which has been in "deep sleep" for years. + +"Yesterday's Enterprise" - In the alternative timeline, the Klingon Empire +and the Federation are at war. + +"Sins Of The Father" - Worf's father, Mogh, is accused of betraying Khitomer +to the Romulans. When the true nature of the events might be a cause of a +civil war, Worf is faced with taking his own life to perserve honor. Rather +than die, Worf accepts discommendation. + +"Reunion" - Picard is asked to choose a new leader of the Klingon empire. + +"The Drumhead" - Trials begin when a Klingon exchange officer is found to be +giving Federation secrets to the Romulans. + +"The Mind's Eye" - The Klingons accuse the Federation of supplying phasers to +rebels of the Klingon Empire. + +"Redemption" - A civil war begins when a son of Duras challenges Gowron's +right to become leader. + +"Unification I" - Gowron supplies a cloaked ship for Picard and Data to +travel to Romulas. + +"Q" +-=- +"Encounter At Farpoint" - "Q" challenges the crew to find the secret of +Farpoint Station. + +"Hide And Q" - "Q" tempts Riker with the power of the "Q" + +"Q Who" - "Q" sends the crew for their first encounter with the Borg. + +"Deja Q" - "Q" is stripped of his powers and is sent to the Enterprise. + +"Qpid" - "Q" sends the crew to Sherwood Forest and makes Picard...Robin Hood. + +Romulans +-======- +"The Neutral Zone" - The Romulans announce that they are back. + +"Contagion" - On a planet in the Neutral Zone, both the Enterprise and a +Romulan ship get infected with a computer virus. + +"The Enemy" - Stranded on a stormy planet, LaForge discovers a survivor of a +crashed Romulan ship. + +"The Defector" - A Romulan defects over to the Enterprise with information +that could prevent...or cause...a war. + +"Tin Man" - The Enterprise races against the Romulans to meet up with "Tin +Man", a living lifeform. + +"Future Imperfect" - Riker believes that he is a prisoner of the Romulans. + +"Data's Day" - A visiting Vulcan ambassador turns out to be a Romulan spy in +disguise. + +"The Mind's Eye" - The Romulans "program" LaForge, and use him to try and +cause a war between the Klingons and the Romulans. + +"Redemption" - The Duras family is being helped by the Romulans. + +"Unification" - Sela uses Spock as part of a ploy to take over the planet +Vulcan. + +Audio Problems? +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +During the fourth and fifth season episodes, if your station broadcasts TNG +in stereo, yet, sometimes during the broadcast, the audio seems to disappear +during the broadcast for a couple of seconds or seems to be coming out of the +wrong channels, then you have a problem which can only be corrected at the +broadcast station. Call up your local station and talk with the chief +engineer. Tell him (or her) that Star Trek: The Next Generation, starting in +the fourth season, has Dolby Surround as part of the stereo audio. This Dolby +Surround information is confusing the "audio anti-phase detector", and that +the detector should be removed to avoid future problems with the TNG audio. +Then, thank the Chief Engineer for his time. + +Stardates +~~~~~~~~~ +After the random stardates in the original "Star Trek", the powers that be +decided on a more logical way to determine a stardate. Thus, the following +came about. + +EXAMPLE: "Captains Log: Stardate 45076.3" + +The "4" represents that the series takes place in the 24th century. +The "5" represents the season number of TNG without exception. +The "076" represents the portion of a season that advances during TNG. +The ".3" represents a portion of a day thereof. + +During the pre-recorded sub-space messages and recorded logs of away teams, +both the current stardate and the current time (in 24-hour military format, +down to the second). They are recording on the bottom of the screen. ("The +Defector", "Identity Crisis") + +Working Titles +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +"Time To The Second" -> "Time Squared" +"Send In The Clones" -> "Up The Long Ladder" +"Beyond Tomorrow" -> "Legacy" +"When Honor is Lost" -> "Reunion" +"Civil Wars" -> "Half A Life" +"Barriers" -> "New Ground" +"Terror In Ten-Forward" -> "Power Play" + +What is canon? +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +According to various sources, this is what is considered acceptable, or +canon, for potential TNG episodes: +* Almost all of the original series (except for obvious conflicts) +* All of Star Trek: The Motion Picture +* Most of Star Trek II, III, IV, and VI +* All of the TNG episodes +* "TNG Technical Manual" by Mike Okuda and Rick Sternbach + +The following is not acceptable: +* Star Trek (The Animated Series) +* Star Trek V: The Final Frontier +* All Star Trek Novels (yes, even the ones Gene Roddenberry wrote) +* All fanzines and fan written material +* Mr. Scott's Guide to the Enterprise +* Worlds Of The Federation +* All FASA Material + +Ranks and Insignia +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +Admiral - Triangular shoulder board with gold braid enclosing six gold +circles of varying size. + +Rear Admiral - The same as an admiral, except with five gold circles of +varying size. + +Branch Admiral - A color-coded triangle with the apex facing inward set on a +white shoulder board surrounded by silver oak leaves. The triangle colors +are: + + Medical Corps and Sciences - Navy Blue + Security and Engineering - Mustard Yellow + Command and Navigation - Wine Red + +Fleet Captain - Five solid gold circles +Captain - Four solid gold circles +Commander - three solid gold circles +Lieutenant Commander - two solid gold circles and one empty gold circle +Lieutenant - two solid gold circles +Lieutenant (Junior Grade) - One solid gold circle and one empty +Ensign - One solid gold circle +Ensign (Junior Grade) - One empty gold circle +Midshipman - One gold starburst worn on the right uniform lapel. + +NOTE: During seasons one or two, some of the pips were in silver. + +According to Gene Roddenberry, there are no enlisted ranks in Starfleet. +However, in "Family", Sergei Sarjenka (Worf's Father) mentions something +about meeting another Chief Petty Officer. Later on, in the same episode, +Sargei mentions that he, an enlisted man, managed to raise an officer. Also, +in "The Drumhead", the part-Romulan part-Human medical technician said that +he was anxious to get into space, so he did to become an enlisted man. This +will indeed contradict what Gene has said. + +In "Future Imperfect", some of the ranks in effect 15 years from season 4 +are: + +Admiral - Four Gold Bars +Captain - Four Silver Bars + +The other ranks are based upon the "normal" TNG ranks. They are formed by +substituting a bar for a solid circle and a narrow bar for an empty circle. +The rank is part of the insignia/communicator. + +Picard Surrenders +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +"Encounter at Farpoint" - Picard says "Transmit the following in all +languages and in all frequencies: 'We surrender'." + +"The Last Outpost" - The crew assume that the Ferengi have them immobilized, +and attempt to surrender, but the Ferengi surrender first, believing that the +Enterprise have them immobilized. + +"The Outrageous Okona" - Picard drops shields "In case we decide to surrender +to them." + +"A Matter of Honor" - Picard surrenders to Riker on the Pagh. + +"Peak Performance" - Riker asks Picard "Would you care to surrender now?" +even before the war games begin. Later, the Ferengi drop by, and demand the +surrender of the Hathaway. + +"The Defector" - The Romulans ask Picard to surrender, but he doesn't. + +"Yesterday's Enterprise" - Alternate-Picard refuses to surrender to the +Klingons. + +Picard violates the Prime Directive +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +In "The Drumhead", it is recorded that Picard violated the Prime Directive +nine times while in command of the Enterprise. While it was not directly +specified what the nine violations were, this is what is believed to be the +Episodes which contained these violations: + +"Justice" - In order to save Wesley from the death penalty for (accidentally) +violating one of the Edo laws. + +"Angel One" - The crew barely managed to save the survivors of a Federation +ship from death for trying to change the society of Angel One. + +"Pen Pals" - Data communicates with a girl whose planet was slowly +self-destructing. + +"Up the Long Ladder" - Picard essentially forced the clone race to live and +breed with the Bringloidi, despite the strong resistance of the clone race +and the fact that this would completely destroy the non-sexual nature of the +clone race. + +"The Ensigns of Command" - The Enterprise manages to delay a Sheliak vessel +from destroying a Federation colony on Tau Cygna Five, even though the planet +is part of the Sheliak Corporate. + +"Who Watches the Watchers" - The Enterprise treats a Mintakan person for +serious injuries as a result of a Federation observation's post's cloaking +device's failure, ending with that race believing Picard was a God. + +"The High Ground" - The Enterprise engages in a commando raid in order to +rescue Captain Picard and Beverly Crusher on a warring world. + +"Legacy" - The commando raid might have radically changed the balance of +power on the planet. + +"First Contact" - The Enterprise contacts a planet in order to rescue +Commander Riker. + +Since then, the following violations occurred: + +"The Masterpiece Society" - When the Enterprise is forced to make contact +with a colony on ???????? in order to prevent them from being distroyed by a +stellar fragment that is passing by, and causes changes in that colony. + +Command Offered to Commander Riker +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +"The Arsenal of Freedom" - USS Drake (mentioned--offered before Enterprise) +"The Icarus Factor" - USS Aries +"Best of Both Worlds" - USS Melbourne + +Riker actually commands a ship, albiet temporarily, in the following +episodes: + +"A Matter Of Honor" - Klingon Ship Pagh +"Peak Performance" - USS Hathaway +"The Best Of Both Worlds-Part II" - USS Enterprise NCC-1701D +"Redemption II" - ???? during a blockade + +Saucer Separation +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +The TNG Enterprise, being a starship carrying families, has the ability to +separate into a saucer and warp drive section in case of an emergency +situation. When separated, the saucer section is capable of only impulse +speed, while the warp drive section turns into a formidable battle machine. + +"Encounter at Farpoint" - While Worf takes the saucer section to Farpoint +Station, Picard takes the warp drive section to meet up with the Q entity. + +"Arsenal of Freedom" - Geordi takes the Warp Drive section in order to +destroy the defense device on Minos. + +"Best of Both Worlds - Part II" - In order to retrieve Locutus/Picard, the +Enterprise separates into two sections. While the Borg attach the warp drive +section, the rescue shuttle with Worf and Data launches from the saucer +section. + +Shuttlecraft +~~~~~~~~~~~~ +The following shuttlecraft, associated with the Enterprise, have appeared in +TNG: + +NCC-1701D-2 - "Sacharov" (used in ?????) +NCC-1701D-10 - "Onizuka" (used in ?????) + +Family Relations +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +Here are the various characters, and the family members seen or mentioned. +Words in [brackets] indicates character's current status. + +Jean-Luc Picard - Brother-Robert Picard (Jeremy Kemp - "Family"), + Sister-In-Law-Marie Picard (Samantha Aggar - "Family"), + Nephew-Rene Picard (David Tristan Birken - "Family") + +William Riker - Father-Kyle Riker (Mitchell Ryan-"The Icarus Factor") + +Beverly & Wesley Crusher - Jack Crusher (Doug Wert-"Family" [holodeck]) + +Data - "Father"-Dr. Noonian Soong ("Brothers"), Brother-Lore ("Brothers"), + "Grandfather"-Dr. Ira Graves (W. Morgan Sheppard-"The Schizoid Man" + [deceased]), "Daughter"-Lal (Hallie Todd-"The Offspring") + +Deanna Troi - Mother-Lwaxana Troi (Majel Barrett-see guest cast) + +Worf, Son of Mogh - Father-Mogh (mentioned in "Redemption"), Brother-Kern + (Tony Todd-"Sins of the Father", "Redemption"), + Mate-K'Ehleyr (Suzie Plakson-"The Emmisary", "Reunion" + [killed]), Son-Alexander (Jon Steuer-"Reunion", Brian + Bonsall-"New Ground", "Ethics", "Cost of Living"), + Grandfather Worf (Michael Dorn, Star Trek VI) Foster + Father-Sergey Rozhenko (Theodore Bikel-"Family"), Foster + Mother-Helena Rozhenko (Georgia Brown-"Family") + +Tasha Yar - Sister-Ishara Yar (Beth Toussaint-"Legacy") + +Miles Edward O'Brien - Wife-Keiko (see guest cast), Daughter-Molly (seen in + "Disaster", named in "The Game") + +Geordi LaForge - No family references mentioned. + +Attempts at Self-Destruct +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +"11001001" - Picard and Riker try to self destruct in order to prevent the +possibility of the Enterprise falling into enemy hands.. + +"Where Silence Has Lease" - Picard tries to self destruct for Nagilum. + +"Contagion" - Virus-induced sort-of-self-destruct-like-thing. + +"Brothers" - Picard attempts to engage the self-destruct sequence in order to +regain control of the Enterprise, but fails. + +Time Travel +~~~~~~~~~~~ +"We'll Always Have Paris" - Dr. Paul Manhein's time experiment causes small +loops to occur in time. + +"Time Squared" - Due to a strange energy vortex, a duplicate Picard from the +future arrives on a shuttlecraft + +"Yesterday's Enterprise" - A worm hole is created, causing the Enterprise-C +to travel through time. + +"Captain's Holiday" - Two Vorgons travel from the 27th century to get the Tox +Uthat. + +"Future Imperfect" - Riker thinks he's in the future + +"A Matter Of Time" - Berlinghoff Rasmussen steals a time machine from a 26th +century time traveler and travels to the future to visit the Enterprise. + +"Cause and Effect" - The Enterprise and the Bozeman gets caught in a time +loop. For the Enterprise, it was for around 17 days. For the Bozeman, it was +around 80 years. + +Also, the Traveler ("Where None Have Gone Before" and "Remember Me") could be +considered a time traveler. Maybe. + +The Crew Taken Over +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +"The Naked Now" - The entire crew gets a virus that is like intoxication. + +"Lonely Among Us" - While passing through an energy cloud, a intelligence is +picked up, taking over Worf, Beverly Crusher, Assistant Chief Engineer Singh, +and Captain Picard. + +"The Battle" - A Ferengi "thought-maker" is used of Daimon Bok to cause +Captain Picard to relive the Stargazer incident that occurred nine years +previous. + +"Hide and Q" - Q takes over Data, and tells Riker that he has been given the +powers of the Q. + +"Conspiracy" - Several members of Starfleet high command are taken over by +the "Blue Gill" creatures. + +"The Child" - A glowing white sphere enters the Enterprise, and causes Troi +to become pregnant with an alien child. + +"The Schizoid Man" - Data gets taken over by Ira Graves, who transfers his +mind over to Data. + +"Contagion" - Data gets infected with an alien virus. + +"Allegiance" - Captain Picard gets kidnapped, and is replaced by an evil +imposter. + +"The Best of Both Worlds" Parts I & II - Captain Picard is kidnapped by the +Borg, and is turned into Locutus of Borg. + +"Brothers" - A homing program in Data is activated by Data's creator: Dr. +Noonian Soong. + +"Clues" - Troi gets taken over by an alien race that simply wants to be left +alone. + +"Identity Crisis" - LaForge and another member of Starfleet gets taken over +by a parasite from an earlier away team mission in 40???.?. + +"The Nth Degree" - Barclay gains the intelligence of an alien probe. + +"The Mind's Eye" - LaForge is brainwashed by the Romulans, and made to +accomplish a Romulan mission. + +"The Game" - Riker brings back a electronic game from Riasa which not only +addicting, but provides a form of mind control for everyone on board ship. +Under this mind control, Riker, LaForge, Troi, and Dr. Crusher deactivate +Data. + +"Violations" - Troi, Riker, and Dr. Crusher face inexplicable comas while a +group of aliens are on board. The comas are caused by a nightmare. + +"Conundrum" - The entire crew, including Data, is affected by sudden amnesia, +and is involved in a war. + +"Power Play" - Troi, O'Brien, and Data is taken over by the spirits of cadet +prisoners on a penal colony set up by the Ux-Mal. + +Enterprise Exceeds Warp Limits +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +The Enterprise is able to only achieve Warp 9.5 "with extreme risk" +(Encounter at Farpoint). However, there have been various times when this +'speed limit' has been exceeded. + +"Where No One Has Gone Before" - In a warp field experiment with the +Traveler, Wesley's distraction caused the Traveler to phase in and out, and +causes the Enterprise to travel 2.7 million light years in a few seconds. + +"When The Bough Breaks" - When Captain Picard insists that the Aldean people +return the children kidnapped from the Enterprise, the Enterprise is hit with +a bolt of energy that causes it to travel such a distance that it would take +3 days to travel back to Aldea at Warp 9. + +"Q Who" - Q, with the snap of his fingers, send the Enterprise seven thousand +light years away for their first encounter with the Borg. Also, when the +Enterprise is being chased by the Borg, LaForge reads the speed off as Warp +9.65. + +"The Nth Degree" - Barclay, with the knowledge gained from an alien probe, +creates a space distortion that causes the Enterprise to travel halfway +across the Galaxy. + +TOS Crossovers In TNG +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +"Encounter At Farpoint" - DeForest Kelley makes an appearance as an unnamed +admiral who hates transporters and notices that Data, with all that +knowledge, doesn't have pointed ears. + +"The Naked Now" - The records from the original Enterprise ("The Naked Time") +were used to combat a microbe that causes drunk-like effects. + +"Sarek" - Mark Lenard makes an appearance as Sarek. + +"The Unification" - Leonard Nimoy makes an appearance as Spock, as well as +Mark Lenard as Sarek. + +Also: Diana Muldaur, a guest star on two different episodes of TOS, appears +on a regular basis as Dr. Pulaski during the second season of TNG. Majel +Barrett, who played Number One ("The Cage") and Doctor/Nurse Chapel, is used +as the TNG computer voice, and has appeared as Deanna Troi's mother, Lwaxana +Troi. + +Trek in Other Lands +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +These are the titles of the Star Trek series in other lands: + +England - The series is broadcast on BBC2 Wednesdays at 6 PM. However, some + notes on the following episodes: + "Conspiracy" - The scene with the mother creature is edited out. + The Icarus Factor" - The pain sticks ceremony is heavily edited. + "Shades of Grey" - The flashbacks include the scene from + "Conspiracy" with the mother creature....intact! + "The High Ground" - This episode is unaired because the theme of + the episode, terrorism, could cause problems. In this episode, Data + makes a reference to a sucessful use of terrorism in 2017. +Finland - "Star Trek - Uusi Sukupolvi"/"Star Trek - The Next Generation" +Germany - "Raumschiff Enterprise: Das Naechste Jahrhundert"/"Starship + Enterprise: The Next Century" - Dubbed +Isreal - "Masa beyn haKokhavim, haDor haBa"/"Trek Among The Stars, The + Generation the Next" - In English with Hebrew & Arabic Subtitles + It is currently shown Monday afternoons from 3:00-3:45 PM as part of + a children's afternoon show called "Dagi Digitali" +Japan - "Star Trek '88: SHIN UCHUU DAISAKUSEN"/"Star Trek '88: New Mission In + Space" +Lebanon - "alrhlt byn alkwakb aljyl alqadm"-In English with Arabic subtitles + It is current being shown on Lebanon's Middle East TV (METV) + Tuesday evenings at 8:00 PM. +Puerto Rico - "Viaje a las Estrellas"/"Trip To The Stars" +Quebec - "Patrouille d'Espace"/"Space Patrol" + +Security Codes +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +Auto-Destruct Sequence in "11001001": (V) + +Activation - +Picard and Riker place their hands on the computer terminals for finger scan. +Computer: "Recognized - Picard, Jean-Luc, Captain. Recognized - Riker, +William T., Commander." +Picard: "Set auto-destruct sequence." +Computer: "Does the first officer concur?" +Riker: "Yes, set auto-destruct sequence . . . now." +Computer: "Auto-destruct will detonate in four minutes and fifty-nine +seconds." + +De-Activation - +Picard: (lays hand on bridge computer console) "Cancel auto-destruct." +Computer: "Does the first officer agree?" +Riker: (lays hand on computer console) "Affirmative." +Computer: "Auto-destruct cancelled." + +(NOTE: While the auto-destruct can be activated in Engineering, it can only +be deactivated on the bridge.) + +Secured Message Code in "Conspiracy" (UV): + + +Picard Secured Message Code in "The Defector": (V) +(Picard and Data are viewing information on Nelvana system) +Computer: "Captain Picard, priority one message from Starfleet coming in on +secured channel." +Picard: "In my ready room. Computer, delay time." +Computer: "Two hours twenty-two minute delay from time of transmission at +Starfleet Command on Lion Three." +Picard: (having entered his ready room) "Computer, key access Four One Two +Mark Eight Zero Picard, Jean-Luc Starfleet Priority Code Gamma. Decode. Begin +Message." +(Message begins). + +Ferengi Captain's Security Code in "Menage a Troi" (V): +Lwaxana Troi: "Oh, I'll need your access code." +Daimon Tog: "Yes, my beloved. Computer, access code kei yuri dactei. . . " + +Dr. Farek: (Interrupting) "TOG! Be silent! I knew you were not to be +trusted." + +Data's Lock on command functions in "Brothers" (V): +Spoken: One Seven Three Four Six Seven [Three] Two One Four Seven Six Charlie +Three Two Seven Eight Nine Seven Seven Seven Six [Four] Three Tango Seven +Three Two Victor Seven Three One One Seven Eight Eight Eight Seven Three Two +Four Seven Six Seven Eight Nine Seven Six Four Three Seven Six LOCK + +Display: One Seven Three Four Six Seven Two One Four Seven Six Charlie Three +Two Seven Eight Nine Seven Seven Seven Six Three Tango Seven Three Two Victor +Seven Three One One Seven [One] Eight Eight Eight Seven Three Two Four Seven +Six Seven Eight Nine Seven Six Four Three Seven Six LOCK + +Numbers in [Brackets] are unique to the series they appear in (i.e. missing +from the other). + +Computer Recognition Command Levels in "Brothers": (UV) +Data: Alpha-1 +Picard: Alpha-2 +Riker: Omega-3 (In "Power Play") + +Klingon File Security Access Codes in "Reunion": (UV) +K'Ehleyr's Access Level: "Padoch-Cha" +Required Access Level: "Duco-Cha" + +T'Pel's (Romulan Spy Selak) clearance code to Data for information in "Data's +Day": (UV) +Kappa-Alpha-Four-Six-Zero-One-Seven-Zero-Four + +LaForge's Access Code to in "The Minds Eye": +LaForge: "Computer, reroute the power flow in Cargo Bay 4 transporter through +the auxiliary replicator system." +Computer: "Please verify command with necessary protocol." +LaForge: "Initiate protocol 364-B." +Computer: "Verify priority clearance." +LaForge: "Recognized LaForge Theta 2 997." +Computer: "Acknowledged. Power has been rerouted through auxiliary power +distribution system code number 44762." + +(Note, this code was also used in "Hollow Pursuits") + +Riker Command Override in "Power Play": +When the bridge was taken over: "Computer, transfer command to Engineering, +full security alert." This effectively shut down all control panels, +including Con and Ops. + +After Troi, O'Brien, and Data leave the bridge: "Computer, re-enable bridge +control, security protocol authorization Riker Omega Three." + +Convention Hints +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +Patrick Stewart - May or may not allow taping of convention appearance. He + considers convention appearances to be a personal + experience to be shared with those in the audience. +Brent Spiner - He is very protective of his privacy, and rarely makes + convention appearances, partially due to a bad experience with + a fan at a convention in New York. He does not allow the video + taping or the photographing of convention appearances. +Gates McFadden - Do not videotape convention appearance. +Wil Wheaton - He doesn't allow videotaping. The explanation for this was that + someone had taped him before and sold these tapes without his + consent or paying him. +Michael Dorn - "I don't LIKE prune juice, Worf likes prune juice, I don't." +Marina Sirtis - While she does allow for videotaping of her convention + appearances, she reminds everyone that videotaping is a + privilege, and not a right. No flash photography when Q&A + starts. Also, she has no idea about how the pips work, + nothing about Engineering, why Worf changed uniform color, + and similar topics. + +Please remember, these actors are taking their personal time in order to +appear at conventions. Some of these actors do not give out autographs, +others do. The "no videotaping" rule is due to the fact that some +unscrupulous people taping the convention appearances and then resell the +tapes without royalties going to the actor. + +How Many Episodes? +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +In order to be counted as appearing on an episode, the character must appear +or be heard in the episode. Holograms and flashbacks don't count. + +NOTE: This section is still being worked on. + +Patrick Stewart - ___ episodes as Captain Picard + + 2 episodes as Locutas of Borg + (Directed 1 Episode) +Jonathan Frakes - ___ episodes as Commander Riker + (Directed 3 Episodes) +Levar Burton - ___ episodes as Lt. LaForge +Denise Crosby - ___ episodes as Lt. Yar (including "Yesterday's Enterprise" + + 3 episodes as Sela +Michael Dorn - ___ episodes as Worf +Gates McFadden - ___ episodes as Dr. Crusher +Marina Sirtis - ___ episodes as Deanna Troi +Brent Spiner - ___ episodes as Data + + 2 episodes as Lore + + 1 episode as Dr. Noonian Soong +Wil Wheaton - ___ episodes as Wesley Crusher +Colm Meaney - 45 episodes as Chief O'Brian/Transporter Chief/Other +Whoopie Goldberg - 22 episodes as Guiman +Diana Muldaur - 20 episodes as Kate Pulaski +Majel Barrett - MANY episodes as Enterprise Computer Voice (most uncredited) + + 4 episodes as Lwaxana Troi + +Birthdays +~~~~~~~~~ +February 2, 1955 - Brent Spiner + 16, 1957 - LaVar Burton + 23 - Majel Barrett Roddenberry +March 20 - John de Lancie (Q) + 29, 1959 - Marina Sirtis +July 13 - Patrick Stewart + 29, 1972 - Will Wheaton +August 19, 1938 - Diana Muldaur + 19, 1921 - Gene Roddenberry + 19, 1952 - Jonathan Frakes + 28, 1949 - Gates McFadden +November 13, 1949 - Whoopi Goldberg + 24, 1957 - Denise Crosby +December 9 - Michael Dorn + +The Merry Men (and Women) of Qpid +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +Picard -> Robin Hood +Riker -> Little John +Data -> Friar Tuck +Worf -> Wil Scarlet. Is not a merry man. +Laforge -> Alan A Dale +Vash -> Maid Marian +Q -> The Sheriff of Nottingham + +(NOTE: I have not read or seen "Robin Hood", so some of those spellings are +bound to be wrong.) + +Money In The Future +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +"Encounter At Farpoint" - Beverly Crusher buys a roll of cloth, and has her +account on the Enterprise billed. + +(maybe) "Conspiracy" - The planet where the Starship Captains meet is +Digitalis B, and is said to be owned by Digitalis Mining Corporation, which +may imply something of the Federation's economic structure. + +"The Neutral Zone" - Picard mentions that they no longer use money. + +"The Price" - There is a bidding war going on for the use of a wormhole, and +Picard mentions how much toll the Ferengi might charge if they get the rights +to use that wormhole. + +"A Matter Of Perspective" - Dr. Apgar's reason for developing the Krieger +wave generator was to sell it to the highest bidder. + +"Unification II" - When Riker enters the bar, he is asked to toss a couple of +coins into the jar for a song. Riker responds that he doesn't have any money. + +Religion In The Future +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +"Who Watches The Watchers" - Picard is thought to be a god by the populance. + +"Data's Day" - In Data's log, a Hindu festival of lights is mentioned. + +Did you know . . . +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +. . . That Geordi LaForge is named after a real Star Trek fan named George +LaForge? George LaForge died from muscular dystrophy in 1975. + +. . . That Gene Roddenberry's full name is Eugene Wesley Roddenberry, thus, +in creating Wesley Crusher, Gene used his own first name and based the +character on what he wanted to be like when he was young?> + +. . . Industrial Light and Magic (ILM) did the special effect shots only for +"Encounter At Farpoint". However, they get credit in every episode because of +the extra stock footage for Enterprise fly-bys and such. + +. . . That William Riker and Deanna Troi is based upon Ilia and Decker from +"Star Trek: The Motion Picture"? + +. . . That while "Skin of Evil" was aired after "Symbiosis", they were +produced in the reverse order. Near the end of Symbiosis, when the Onnarans +and Brekkans beam off, she is seen in the background, waving goodbye as the +doors close. (UV) + +. . . That "Star Trek: The Next Generation" has made over $500,000,000 in +syndication and merchandising. + +. . . If you look closely at the Enterprise during the fly-by in the opening +credits, you can see someone walking past the windows. According to Mike +Okuda in the "Star Trek: The Official Fan Club Magazine" (#60), this is +Captain Picard. + +. . . "The Child" and "Devil's Due" were originally scripts for the proposed +"Star Trek II" television series. The "Star Trek II" series idea was +scrapped, and instead, the sets were used for the shooting of "Star Trek: The +Motion Picture" + +. . . The junkyard in "Unification I" consisted mostly of ships dragged out +from wherever Mike Okuda could find 'em. Some of the models included: models +from the unmade first Star Trek movie (years before Star Trek: The Motion +Picture), models from ILM that were never used, models of the Enterprise that +didn't come out of the mold right, and a very unusual looking Enterprise. +Some of the models were designed by Greg Jein and Robert McCall. + +. . . "A Matter Of Time" was written partially because Robin Williams, a fan +of the show, wanted to appear. However, when the script was ready for +shooting, Robin was unavailable, so Matt Frewer was cast instead. + +. . . That the shuttle Onizuka, which Data used in "Ensigns of Command", was +named in tribute to one of the Space Shuttle "Challenger" astronauts. + +. . . During the fifth season, a thirty-second ad during one of the show's 10 +national ad slots in a first-run episode costs $200,000. + +. . . Gene died at the same time the crew was filming "Hero Worship"? + +. . . That "Star Trek: The Next Generation" is on the list of shows endored +by the Viewers for Quality Television. Other VQT endored shows include +"Cheers", "Designing Women", "LA Law", "Life Goes On", "Murphy Brown", +"Northern Exposure", "The Trials Of Rosie O'Neill", "Law & Order", "Quantum +Leap", "60 Minutes", "China Beach", "thirtysomething", and "Beauty and the +Beast". +(The VQT should not be confused with the American Viewers of Quality +Television. The VQT seeks to change television by encouraging and nurturing +high quality television, while the AVQT seeks to change television by +boycotting or threatening thse who produce low quality televsion. For more +details, write to: Viewers For Quality Television, PO Box 195, Fairfax, VA +22039). + +In-Jokes +~~~~~~~~ +"Unknown" - In this episode, Doctor Crusher prescribes the active ingredient +fo SuperGlue. + +"Unknown" - In this episode, Daled 4 is a planet's name. Daled is the fourth +letter in the Hebrew alphabet, and has the numeric value of four. (UV) + +"The Naked Now" - During the scan of records, we see a parrot wearing a +Starfleet shirt, complete with insignia, with nacelles, an obvious reference +to Gene Roddenberry. ("The Great Bird" = Gene) This same screen also +reappears in "Conspiracy". + +"Conspiracy" - The planet Digitalis is a slight rearrangement of a medicine +takn by heart patients. + +"The Neutral Zone" - On the family tree of Clare Raymond, which is recalled +by Troi, there are references to various shows, including: W. Hartnell m. P. +Troughton (DW), J. Pertwee m. T. Baker (DW), and P. Davison m. C. Baker (DW), +and J-L. Picard m. W. Riker. Other references include Gilligan's Island and +M*A*S*H. + +"Loud As A Whisper" - (DP) The conference table, "made to resemble indigenous +rock", had various markings on them. Most notable to Lovely Angels/Dirty Pair +fans are the marking "Kei" and "Yuri". + +"The Measure Of A Man" - When Riker is showing off Data's arm to the JAG +representative, there is a pad on her desk which lists Data's parts, +including "Nausican Valve" and "Totoro Interface". Also, it is noted that +part of Data's construction is made out of something called "Yurium". (DP) + +"The Dauphin" - The title comes from the french term "Le Dauphin", and is +used to designate the heir to the royal throne. + +"Contagion" - The Iconian artifact has various markings on it, including "Kei +and Yuri" (DP), "Dirty Pair" (DP), "Gundam" and "Totoro." Also, the various +views as seen through the portal include: Toronto's City Hall and Nathan +Phillip's Square (depicting the arches over the reflecting pool/skating +rink), and Toronto's City Council Chambers. + In this episode, another Galaxy Class Starship is mentioned. . . the +Yamato. This was originally the flagship of the Japanese fleet that fought in +World War II at both the Coral Sea and Midway before it was sunk by Torpedo +Bombers from an American carrier. Many years later, a Japanese Animation +series was done up, in which a battleship is reconfigured to become a +starship in order to recover something called the "Cosmo DNA". This series +was called "Starship Yamato", however, this series was known in the United +States as "Star Blazers". + +"The Icarus Factor" - The TNG art department had a field day putting in +in-jokes. The mat has the chinese character of "sei", or "star" (as in +"starry sky". The two scrolls hanging on the walls say, in Japanese syllabic +characters (hiragana), "urusei yatsura", a pun of "ususai yatsura" ("noisy +neighbors" or "annoying neighbors", a Japanese animation. + Also, while lunging at Riker, Riker's father says (in a terrible accent), +"youroshiku onegaishimasu", literally saying "Please do me the favor of being +kind to me", but has the meaning of the English phrase "Pleased to meet you." + Various other markings include "Kei" (DP), "Yuri" (DP), "Akira", and +"Tonari No Totoro". In addition, the scrolls hanging on the walls also say, +"Ataru", "Lum", and "Uresai Yatsura". + +"Samaritan Snare" - Picard mentions "Nausicaans" in a conversation with +Wesley on the shuttlecraft. + +"Up The Long Ladder" - When Picard is looking at the list of ships trying to +find the Mariposa, another ship listed is the Buckaroo Banzai captained by +John Whorfin and built by the company that the red Lectroids had made. The +same company name was seen on the USS Hathaway (Yoyodyne Propulsion Systems +(of Grover's Mill, NJ :-) ) + +"Hollow Pursuits" - The anti-grav units contain a flux capacitor. Nothing +big, until you consider that the flux capacitor was a essential part of the +DeLorean/Time Machine in "Back To The Future". + +"Menage a Troi" - The Ferengi Security code begins with "Kei Yuri" (DP). + +"Transfigurations" - (DW) In the sick bay, against the wall, there is an +outline of the top portion of the TARDIS, upside down. Also, three roundals +can be seen against the wall. They show up again in several episodes after +this one. + +"Qpid" - The scene where Worf smashes Geordi's lute, then says "Sorry" is +completely reminiscent of a scene in Animal House at a toga party. Also, +Princess Bride fans might want to note that the dialog during the sword fight +with Picard/Robin Hood, where he says "There is something you should know . . +. . I'm not from Nottingham.", is reminiscent of a sword fight in the movie +where similar dialog is uttered. + +"In Theory" - The line "Now would be a good time", spoken by Picard, is +completely reminiscent from Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home. Also, while it may +not be visible in the actual show, someone on the production crew re-labeled +the shuttle pod "PONTIAC NC-1701-D". + +"Darmok" - The writers were playing around with the words in this episode, +with DARMOK, the letters reversed, becomes KOMRAD (comrade). JILARD also +becomes JLpIcARD. + Also, Gilgamesh is based upon Gigamesh (from Sumerian lore), a character +described as a combination of Solomanm, Ulysses, and Hercules combined into +one. One of the important factor's after his friend's death is Gigamesh's +fear of death, although never playing a factor in battle, results in his +constant search for immortality, but, in one manner or another, comes very +close, but always manages to miss. + +"The Outcast" - Among the technical phrases used, "Reverse the polarity of +the neutron flow" was a phrase commonly used by the third doctor (Jon +Pertwee) during Doctor Who. (UV) + +Doctor Who (DW): A cult British Science Fiction series which ran on BBC1 from +1963 to 1989. The title character is known only as "The Doctor", a time lord +who travels through time and space in a TARDIS (Time And Relative Dimensions +In Space). The TARDIS is bigger on the inside than on the outside, and can +change outward appearance, however, the Doctor's TARDIS, being a broken down +Type-40, is stuck in the shape of blue British Police Call Box. The Doctor +himself can, at point of death, regenerate into a totally different body and +personality. The series can be seen on several PBS stations and the (to be +launched in late 1991) Sci-Fi Channel. + +Lovely Angels/Dirty Pair (DP): A Japanese anime series where the two main +characters, "Kei" and "Yuri", are members of World Welfare Foundation. Their +job is to take care of problems that crop up. However, they usually leave the +place in worse shape then they arrived, and it's usually not their fault. The +series itself has had TOS in-jokes in it also. + +Differences in "Encounter At Farpoint" +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +Currently, "Encounter At Farpoint" is being distributed in both a two-part +form and a two-hour movie form. The two-hour movie was shown as the first +episode of TNG, the repeat was shown as a two-part episode. Currently, the +stations that are showing TNG as a daily syndicated program have "Encounter +At Farpoint" as a two-part episode. + +Unfortunately, the two-part episode is heavily butchered. Among the changes +from the two-hour movie version: + +* The movie version starts out with the credits, the two-parter starts out + with a teaser instead. +* In the movie version, Riker sees what happens in two sections. In the + two-parter, the second section is cut out. +* The two-parter had the rejoining of the saucer section with the warp drive + section being majorly edited. +* A section where Picard is talking to Dr. Crusher about Wesley is cut. +* A scene where Geordi talks to Dr. Crusher about his VISOR was moved to part + two. It appeared in the first half of the movie version. +* Some of the audio was changed, and somewhat "sweetened" (Mike Brown term), + in the two-part version. + +To add additional confusion, Paramount has officially retired the two-hour +movie, and has made available for the videotape and laserdisc series an +unbutchered two-part episode of "Encounter At Farpoint." + +Operation SNAFU +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +Opening Credits (1st & 2nd Season) - During the opening sequence, the +graphics are a departure from the Sol system, beginning with Eath with the +sun in the background, and featuring fly-bys of Jupiter and Saturn. During +this sequence, the camera pans right, and we see sunlight off the left side +of Earth and Jupiter, but the right side of Saturn, indicating that Saturn is +backlit. (UV) + +"Code Of Honor" - While on the planet, watch Deanna's arms. In the group +shots, Deanna's arms are at her sides, while, in the close-ups, her arms are +behind her back. (UV) + +"Datalore" - Upon beaming down to the planet's surface, Commander Riker gives +the stardate as 4124.5. A little later, Captain Picard gives it as 41242.45. +(V) + +"Skin Of Evil" - When Riker is being pulled into Armus, the away team runs +towards Armus. However Geordi drops his phaser into Armus. In the next scene, +the away team is standing around calmly, and Geordi's phaser is back in his +pocket. (UV) + +"Conspiracy" - At the beginning of the episode, while Picard is asleep, Riker +tells LaForge to increase speed to Warp 6. Laforge replies, "Aye Sir, full +impulse." Later on, in that same episode, Picard says "Mr. LaForge, ahead +warp six." Geordi responds with "Aye, sir, full impulse." (UV) + +"The Enemy" - Picard says to Tomaluk that he will be escorting the Romulan +ship to the Neutral Zone. Yet, in the closing shot, the Enterprise and the +Romulan Ship take off in two different directions. (V) + +"The Royale" - The surface temperature of the planet is less than absolute +zero. Also, after they beam the piece of the ship out of orbit, O'Brien and +Riker pick it up with their bare hands (coming from space, it should have +been close to zero Kelvin itself). Plus, after beaming down, they then scan +the atmosphere to see if it's safe to breathe. (V) + +"Loud As A Whisper" - Data has learned sign language and is now interpreting +what the mediator is saying. Data quotes the mediator as saying "My friends +have died" or something like that, before it is even signed. (V) + +"Yesterdays Enterprise" - At the end of the episode, Geordi talks with +Guinan. However, he is wearing an open neck uniform. (V) + +"Sins of the Father" - The sound effects people must have fallen asleep every +time someone got slapped. (V) + +"Sarek" - The music recital in this episode contained several errors. First, +the quartet seating is towards the audience, not toward each other. Classical +music was originally developed with the performers facing each other in order +to get visual cues. The performing in front of the audience did not come +about until much later.Second, the Allegro is by Brahm's, not Mozart. +Thirdly, the Allegro is sextet, not a quartet. (UV) + +"The Best Of Both Worlds" - In the scene where the away team is on the Borg +ship, Beverly notices Picard/Locutus behind six Borg soldiers. Yet, when Worf +rushes to rescue Picard, the soldier have disappeared. (V) + +"Brothers" - The code which Data gives to lock the Enterprise computer system +differs between the spoken version and the version displayed on the screen. +(See "Security Codes") (V) + +"Remember Me" - In the final act, when Wesley and the Traveler are entering +the equations into the computer, watch Wesley's hand. He closes his eyes, and +then places his hand on the case, about three inches below the entry pad. +While he is making his entries, his hand starts moving up, while the sound +effect people keep making the sounds in time. (V) + +"Legacy" - During the card trick with Data, Riker's hand keeps on changing +position during the trick when the camera switches. (UV) + +"Reunion" - After K'Eyhlar dies, Alexander the child runs away, and Worf lets +out his primal scream, we see her body being lowered to the floor. As she is +finally settled, her eyes flutter open and closed several times (as, +presumably, the actress, Suzie Plakson, "gets her bearings"). Also notice +that her head is facing towards her left. However, when her body is shown +full-on from the perspective of her feet (as Worf tells Alexander to "look at +death, and never forget"), her head is facing slightly towards her *RIGHT*, +and remains that way for the rest of the scene (a prime example of a scene +being shot in several takes). (V) Also, Dr. Crusher and her aide comes from +the bedroom, not from the corridor. (UV) + +"The Drumhead" - After the first hearing with J'Ddan, Worf and J'Ddan leave +the hearing room. The doors open, as they are walking though the doorway, the + +doors start to close, but hesitate, open back up and then close after they +leave the doorway. Looks like someone pulled on the rope too soon :-) (V) + Also, Satie says that Captain Picard took command of the Enterprise at +Stardate 41162. This is in error . . . it was 41152. (V) + +"Half A Life" - Near the end of the episode, when Lwaxana Troi is standing +next to the mirror and then begins to walk away from it, for a brief instant +the boom from the mic is visible in the reflection. (V) + +"In Theory" - In the teaser, Data finishes telling Jenna the reasons why she +broke up with Jeff. She and Data then close up the photon torpedo, and she +moves off to a control panel. On top of the torpedo rests a black, hand-sided +deviceamajig. Data stands up, holding some sensormajig in his left hand. The +scene then shifts to Data walking towards Jenna, and the sensormajig is now +in his RIGHT hand (with no indication that he ever shifted it there), and +Jenna is holding the deviceamajig she left on top of the torpedo (with no +indication that she ever went back to get it). (V) + +"Redemption II" - In part one of this story, Worf said that he would be +serving on the Bortas. Yet, in this episode, he is serving on the Hectar, +with no explaination about the transfer. + Also, Picard says to Guinan that Yar died a year prior to Guinan joining +the crew. However, "Skin of Evil" was the fourth to last story of the season, +and Guinan is first seen in the second season premere "The Child", suggesting +only 3-4 months between the two stories. + Picard refers to the battle on Narendra III as taking place 24 years ago +to Sela, and 23 years ago to Guinan. (V) + +"Ensign Ro" - When Ensign Ro takes off her jacket, her communicator is on her +jacket. However, when she hands the jacket to the little girl, her +communicator jumps to her uniform, with no action of putting the communicator +there. (V) + +"Silicon Avatar" - In the second act, look closely at the tricorder that Dr. +Marr holds during the conversation between Dr. Marr and Data. During the +conversation, she has her tricorder open. She then closes it, then reopens +it, but holds the tricorder UPSIDE DOWN!!!! (V) + +"Disaster" - In the scene where Dr. Crusher and Geordi are evacuating all the +air out of the cargo bay, Geordi hits the button that closes the cargo bay. +The pushing of the button and resulting door closing are audibly heard, even +though sound doesn't travel in a vacuum. (Probably dramatic reasons) Also, +when the ship starts shaking, they cut to ten forward, where the stars are +shaking right along with the ship. (V) + +"The Game" - When the crew are forcing Wesley to play the game, and ???? is +holding his eyes open, Wesley blinks. (V) + +"Unification I" - When Dr. Crusher is examining Data in order to prep him +(and Picard) to Romulas, she asks if Data's ears are detachable, to which +Data says that they are not. Yet, in "Datalore", Data's brother, Lore, is +clearly shown without ears. A design change? + +"Unification II" - After Spock, Picard, and Data have knocked out the Romulan +guards, and Spock has Sela at gunpoint, Picard has no gun in his hand. After +a camera switch, Picard then holds a Romulan phaser "pistol". A minute later, +after a scene with the Enterprise, Picard is still standing in the same +place, but with a Romulan phaser "rifle". (UV) + After Data gives Sela the famous "Spock Pinch", and when Picard, Data, and +Spock leave the room, look at the glass pyramid in Sela's office. There is a +reflection of a cameraman chewing gum. (V) + +"New Ground" - Alexander states that he was born on stardate 42305. Unless +the equivelent of 01000 stardate equals aproximately one year, Alexander +would be only 2 and a half years old. Also, the creature which Riker saves +from the lab is obviously a hand puppet. (V) + +"The Masterpiece Society" - Geordi states that his VISOR covered the range +from 1 Hertz to 1 Terahertz. While this covers radio, microwave, and far +infrared frequencies, it does not cover near infrared, visible, ultraviolet, +x-rays, or gamma rays. + +"Conundrum" - When MacDuff is talking to Picard in Picard's ready room, when +Picard goes to the window, all you see in the in the window is the reflection +of Picard and the room behind him (not the stars outside), then, when you see +MacDuff, in the reflection, leaving the room behind Picard, when the door +opens, you don't see the reflection of the bridge, you see stars. Oops! (UV) + After Rikers first love scene, a wide-angle-view-pan-to-closeup on the +bridge can be seen at the very top of the screen, in the brightly lit area. +(UV). Shortly afterwards, in the same scene, MacDuff is walking around and up +to the tactical station from his chair, and we can see his legs walk next to +Worfs. The camera cuts to Worf, and we see MacDuff approaching Worf. (UV) + +- Betazoid's and the Ferengi Mind: In "The Battle" and "The Price", Deanna's +is able to sense deception from the Ferengi, and later, used against them. +Yet, in "Menage A Troi", the Betazoid Ambassador says that they are unable to +read Ferengi minds, a fact later confirmed in "The Loss". Data has suggested +that this is due to the Ferengi brain separated in four regions. + +- In "Reunion," Gowron was prepared to offer K'Ehleyr a seat on the Klingon +Council for her assistance in getting Picard to quicken the pace of the Rite +of Succession. However, in "Redemption," he states to Picard that females are +not allowed to serve on that Council. + +Data Using Contractions +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +In "Datalore", Lore says that there are differences between him and Data, +among them, the ability of Lore being able to use contractions, while Data +couldn't. Yet, in "The Offspring", Data says that he hadn't quite mastered +contractions. It appears that Data can use contractions, as the following +shows indicate . . . . . + +"Encounter At Farpoint" - At the beginning of the "post Atomic-horror" +courtroom, when Q enters, Data says, "At least we're acquainted with the +judge." (V) Also, when Data is asked by a very familiar "Admiral" if he is a +Vulcan, Data replies, "I'm an android." (V) + +"The Naked Now" - Data says: "Correction, sir.. that's blown out." instead of +"that is".... Also, after Picard orders Yar to the sick bay, Yar asks "Did he +say when?", to which Data replies "I'm sure he meant now." (UV) + +"The Last Outpost" - (UV) + +"Where No Man Has Gone Before" - After they shot out of the galaxy and were +looking at all the nice special effects outside Data said something like +"It's beautiful". (UV) + +"Datalore" - In the teaser, in response to Tasha's query about holding the +memory of over 411 people, Data responds, "Actually, I'm quite efficient in +some basic human information." Then, in act one, on the way to the place +where he was found, in response to Tasha's query about the colonist's +memories, Data replies, "I've always felt that it was done hurriedly, but I +know little more." Next, in act two, in a conversation with Chief Argyle, +Data says, "I've been most anxious to hear the Chief Engineer's opinion, Mr. +Argyle." Then, in the final act, after the fight with Lore, Picard asks Data +if he's ok, in which Data replies, "Yes Sir, I'm fine." This is quite +surprising, since this is one episode which they should have been extra +careful about using contractions. (V) + +"Heart of Glory" - (UV) + +"Elementary, Dear Data" - When Data and Geordi are just about to confront +Moriarty for the first time, Data notices some scratches near Moriarty's +secret entrance and he asks, "What's this?" (UV) + +"The Offspring" - In the Captain's quarters, after Picard answers Data's +question about Admiral Halftel having children, Data replies, "I'm forced to +wonder how much experience he had as a parent when his first child was born." +(V) + +"Future Imperfect" - The future Data uses a contraction. + +"In Theory" - When entering Jenna's quarters, Data recites several phrases +with contractions, including "Honey, I'm Home" and "You don't tell me what to +do! You're not my mother!" - a clear contradiction of the no-contraction +rule. However, he was running a program in which he was simply reciting +various phrases couples use, and he was saying them in a different tone of +voice than usual. (V) +:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+: + ST:TNG Technical Manual + +The "Star Trek: The Next Generation" Technical Manual (Pocket Books, ISBN +0-671-70427-3) is the complete technical guide to the Treknology used in TNG. +It is written by Rick Sternback and Michael Okuda, who work in TNG's Art +Department. Among their responsibilities include making sure that everything +is consistant in the technical department from show to show. However, they +have been known to clown around a little, and some of that clowning has shown +up in the technical manual. Such as: + +11 - In the saucer section, right above the Captain's Yacht, there is a duck. +A half inch to the left and a little bit down, there is a mouse. Slightly to +the rigt of the mouse, there is a "Slippery When Wet" sign. In the shuttle +bay, there is three big shuttles, two small shuttles, and sports car +(probably from Pontiac ;). To the right of the duck, about one inch, there is +a B-52 Bomber, and, in that same rectangle, there is a symbol of a woman and +a child (the symbol for Canada's "Family" rating for movies). Also, right +under the warp pylons, there is a registered trademark symbol. + Interestingly enough, if you look at the ship diagram in Engineering on +the show, those exact items show up. +\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\ + Mike Brown's Program Guide + +The best "Star Trek: The Next Generation" program guide is put out by Mike +Brown. It contains everything one could possibly want from a Star Trek guide, +including: + +* Roger Noe's credit and cast listings +* Tim Lynch's detailed synopsis of each episode +* Paramount's advertising headlines, TV Log notes,and highlight listings +* Satellite uplink dates +* Writing, Directing, and Production crew listings and cross-references +* Major award listings +* Information compiled from various conventions + +If you are a serious trekker, this is the guide for you! + +The guide only costs $30.00 (including shipping and handling), and comes +ready to be inserted into a loose-leaf notebook (notebook not included). +Updates are also available. For more information and a sample page, please +send a self-addressed stamped business size envelope to: + + Mr. Video Productions + 6013 Mayhill Drive + Madison, WI 53711-4123 + +E-mail address is . . . + + spool.cs.wisc.edu\ + \ +harvard\ att!nicmad\ + ucbvax!uwvax..........!astroatc!vidiot!brown +rutgers/ decvax!nicmad/ + +INTERNET: vidiot!brown%astroatc@spool.cs.wisc.edu +-=+=-=+=-=+=-=+=-=+=-=+=-=+=-=+=-=+=-=+=-=+=-=+=-=+=-=+=-=+=-=+=-=+=-=+=-=+=- + Thanks to . . . + +Edward Champion - For loaning me half of his Trek tape collection. + +Mike Brown - For information from his program guide, plus his endless + informative contributions to Usenet (buy a TNG Program Guide + from him!!!!) + +Jim Smith - For proofreading this thing and checking for those evasive typos + +Jim Griffith - For moderating the very informative rec.arts.startrek.info + +Otto 'Hackman' Heuer - For information stolen from his FAQ List + +Tim Lynch & Michael Rawdon - Usenet reviews who point out interesting things + +Brendan Kehoe & Raymond Chen - FTP Site moderators + +Jim Earl and Paul Dyer - Wonderful Local Sysops + +Martin Pollard - The man with the close eye for details + +and . . . . + +Dean Adams, Mario Alaniz, Mark H. Anbinder, Mike Beizer, Mike Belzner, +Michael Bennett, Dan Berry, Woody Bilyeu-Harper, Joel E. and FrancineBion, +David Borkowski, Edward Branley, James P. Callison, Chuck Carroll, Tim +Cherna, Brian Clayton, Jeff Comer, Erik L. Cunha, Dave Davis, Ben Delisle, +Stephen Dennison, Jon Drukman, Brooks Duncan, Kevin Eastman, Zorch Frezberg, +Blaine Gardner, Dean Gilbert, Richard L. Gralnik, B. J. Guillot, Michael +Gunderson, Andrew Hackard, Paul Hager, John Hale, Inge Heyer, Irwin Horowitz, +Chris Jacobson, Jon Jerome, Glenn E. Johnson, Ian Justman, Lawrence Kiefer, +Frank Lazer, Gabriel Lee, Rockford Lhotka, Lloyd Lim, Jim Shaun Lyon, Don +Malzahn, Steve Manitsas, Kent Miller, Francis Moraes, Michael Mullen, Colum +Mylod, Elaine Naiman, Bryce Newall, Roger Noe, Mike Okuda, Owen E. Oulton, +David Pearson, Ken Pergrem, Loren Petrich, Rob Pfile, Geoff Poole, Carl +Potter, Ken Quick, John Rackley, Mitsuhiro Sakai, Paul Sander, Brian E. +Saunders, Richard Saunders, Brian Scearce, Dave Schaumann, Catherine Schulz, +Bob Schmidt, Joe Siegler, David S. Serchayand, Betsey Crockett Shay, John +Smith, Jason Snell, Andrew Sepulveda, Lee Storm, Dave Sturm, Jamie Talbott, +John Todd, R. B. Torok, "Mr. Tech", Mike Valiviita, Paul Vega, Scott Viguie, +Gary Wachs, David Welle, John Whelan, Andy Wood, Gregg E. Woodcock, Ivan +(captkidd@ATHENA.MIT.EDU), Erez Zadok, Douglas Alan Zander + +. . . . . and the many other folks on Usenet's rec.arts.startrek and Fidonet +Star Trek and TNG Echos. +-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- + Wesley Eugene "Gene" Roddenberry + August 19, 1921 - October 24, 1991 + +He created a legend which continues on today, creating a show that has helped +beleive that there was a future worth living for. He showed us that space is +not just for space battles, but for learning new ideas and ways of thinking, +and, indirectly, has done more for civil rights and the space program than +Martin Luther King, Jr. and John F. Kennedy. Gene will be missed, but will +not be forgotten. +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+= + Keep circulating the List of Lists. +-- + Mark Arthur Holtz <:> UUCP: PacBell.COM! -> mholtz!sactoh0 +* Keeper - Star Trek List of Lists <:> ucbvax!csusac! / +* Compiler - "The Simpsons" Air Dates <:> + and "The Simpsons" Episode Guide <:> Internet: mholtz@sactoh0.sac.ca.us diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/st_epi.txt b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/st_epi.txt new file mode 100644 index 00000000..0c2dbf06 --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/st_epi.txt @@ -0,0 +1,627 @@ +] 3-Aug-83 22:08:31-EDT,21362;000000000001 + + + + S T A R T R E K E P I S O D E G U I D E + + + Space, the final frontier. + + These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise. + Its five-year mission: to explore strange new worlds, + to seek out new life and new civilizations, + to boldly go where no man has gone before. + + + + + + +---------------------------------------------------------------------- + + + Classifications of the Star System: + + +*/2: The best part is the opening credits. + +*: Poor, scientifically-unsound plot, with mediocre acting. + +* 1/2: Mediocre plot and acting, scientifically sound but highly + implausible. + +**: Average Star Trek, typical acting, not especially + intriguing. + +** 1/2: A two-star show with some novel twist added. + +***: A minimal "entertaining" episode. + +*** 1/2: Fair, scientifically-sound plot, good acting. Usually has + at least one outstanding scene. + +****: Good plot, damned good acting, no major flaws. To see such + an episode, a hard-core Trekkie would be willing to miss a + midterm in a non-departmental course. + +**** 1/2: Excellent, well-developed plot, unparalleled acting. Only + flaw is in falling slightly short of full development of the + theme, or containing a minor error important to the plot. A + Trekkie would be willing to miss any midterm to see it. + +*****: To see a 5-star episode, a Trekkie would be willing to skip + a final, to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous + fortune, to cross into the Romulan Neutral Zone, to boldly + go where no man has gone before. + + + The various classifications of the Star System were assigned + between stardates 1974.3 and 1975.5 by a general consensus + among members of the Bridge Crew, the regular Trek-watchers + of Stevenson Hall, at Princeton University. + + +---------------------------------------------------------------------- + + + + + + + FIRST SEASON + + + "THE MAN TRAP" [**] + +First aired September 8, 1966. The Enterprise is ravaged by a +creature that sucks the salt from its victims' bodies, and that is +capable of assuming any identity. + + + "CHARLIE X" [***] + +First aired September 15, 1966. A teenager, raised by aliens and +possessing some of their unusual powers, proves incapable of adjusting +to human society and emotions. + + + "WHERE NO MAN HAS GONE BEFORE" [****] + +First aired September 22, 1966. In passing through an energy barrier +at the edge of the galaxy, some Enterprise crew members find their ESP +powers enormously heightened. + + + "THE NAKED TIME" [*** 1/2] + +First aired September 29, 1966. A strange malady strikes the crew of +the Enterprise, causing them to succumb to their innermost desires. + + + "THE ENEMY WITHIN" [* 1/2] + +First aired October 6, 1966. A transporter malfunction splits Kirk +into two personalities, one brutal and incapable of control, the other +gentle and incapable of command. + + + "MUDD'S WOMEN" [** 1/2] + +First aired October 13, 1966. Jack-of-all-illegal-trades Harry Mudd +is transported aboard the Enterprise along with his cargo, three +irresistibly beautiful women. + + + "WHAT ARE LITTLE GIRLS MADE OF?" [**] + +First aired October 20, 1966. Nurse Chapel's long-lost fiance turns +up in control of a mechanism capable of producing android replicas of +live beings. + + + "MIRI" [**] + +First aired October 27, 1966. The landing party contracts a disease +that strikes after puberty, while the children still alive on the +planet refuse to let them contact the ship for help. + + + "DAGGER OF THE MIND" [***] + +First aired November 3, 1966. A deranged escapee from a penal planet +causes Kirk to investigate the psychiatric treatments being +administered there. + + + "THE CORBOMITE MANEUVER" [***] + +First aired November 10, 1966. To stave off an attack by an alien +vessel, Kirk concocts the now-famous "Corbomite" bluff. + + + "THE MENAGERIE (part I)" [**** 1/2] + +First aired November 17, 1966. Spock risks the death penalty by +hijacking his old commander, Captain Pike, to Talos IV. Court-martial +testimony (actually scenes taken from "The Cage", Star Trek's original +pilot episode) recreates the story of Pike's earlier encounter with +the Talosians. + + + "THE MENAGERIE (part II)" [****] + +First aired November 24, 1966. The conclusion to the previous +episode, in which the remainder of the earlier visit to Talos IV is +shown, and Spock makes clear why he felt it necessary to return there +with Pike. + + + "THE CONSCIENCE OF THE KING" [*/2] + +First aired December 8, 1966. The star of a Shakespearean acting +company may be the infamous "Kodos the Executioner". + + + "BALANCE OF TERROR" [*** 1/2] + +First aired December 15, 1966. Kirk matches wits against a Romulan +commander in the first encounter between the species to occur in +several decades. + + + "SHORE LEAVE" [**] + +First aired December 29, 1966. The crew of the Enterprise takes shore +leave on a planet where their every thought is immediately converted +to reality. + + + "GALILEO SEVEN" [* 1/2] + +First aired January 5, 1967. Spock finds himself in command of the +shuttlecraft Galileo, stranded on a hostile planetoid. + + + "THE SQUIRE OF GOTHOS" [** 1/2] + +First aired January 12, 1967. The crew of the Enterprise are made +unwilling guests of the powerful but capricious General Trelane +(retired). + + + "ARENA" [***] + +First aired January 19, 1967. Kirk and a reptilian alien must duel to +the death to determine whose ship will survive. + + + "TOMORROW IS YESTERDAY" [****] + +First aired January 26, 1967. The Enterprise is accidentally flung +back to the year 1967, where they find they must take desperate +measures in an attempt to avoid changing history. + + + "COURT-MARTIAL" [**] + +First aired February 2, 1967. Kirk is placed on trial when the ship's +record tapes show he committed an error that cost a man's life. + + + "RETURN OF THE ARCHONS" [**] + +First aired February 9, 1967. An entire planet is under the total +mental control of a mysterious being known as "Landru". + + + "SPACE SEED" [*** 1/2] + +First aired February 16, 1967. The Enterprise runs across a "sleeper +ship" full of supermen fleeing their defeat in the Eugenics Wars. + + + "A TASTE OF ARMAGEDDON" [***] + +First aired February 23, 1967. The Enterprise and its crew are +declared casualties in an interplanetary war entirely simulated by +computers. + + + "THIS SIDE OF PARADISE" [*** 1/2] + +First aired March 2, 1967. Strange spores cause the entire crew of +the Enterprise to mutiny and beam down to a planet where all work is +done in unity and contentment. + + + "THE DEVIL IN THE DARK" [***] + +First aired March 9, 1967. A mining operation is ravaged by a monster +that dissolves men's bodies. + + + "ERRAND OF MERCY" [*** 1/2] + +First aired March 23, 1967. Kirk and Spock, stranded on Organia, +attempt to interfere with the Klingon occupation of the planet, +despite the Organians' insistence upon the non-necessity of violence. + + + "THE ALTERNATIVE FACTOR" [*] + +First aired March 30, 1967. A schizophrenic personality named Lazarus +seems to be the key to an anomaly in the space-time fabric of the +universe. + + + "THE CITY ON THE EDGE OF FOREVER" [**** 1/2] + +First aired April 6, 1967. McCoy, suffering from an overdose of +cordrazine, vanishes through a time portal and somehow changes the +past. Kirk and Spock follow in an effort to rectify whatever it is +that McCoy has done. + + + "OPERATION--ANNIHILATE" [**] + +First aired April 13, 1967. The Enterprise faces an onslaught by +parasitic creatures that invade the nervous system to take control of +their hosts. + + + + + + + SECOND SEASON + + + "AMOK TIME" [****] + +First aired September 15, 1967. Spock is forced by the instinctive +Vulcan mating cycle to return to his home planet and take a wife. + + + "WHO MOURNS FOR ADONAIS" [**] + +First aired September 22, 1967. The Enterprise is seized by a being +claiming to be the god Apollo, who requires their worship to sruvive. + + + "THE CHANGELING" [***] + +First aired September 29, 1967. Nomad, an ancient Earth probe, has +combined with an alien probe to form an incredibly powerful mechanism +that is determined to destroy all "imperfect" life forms. + + + "MIRROR, MIRROR" [***] + +First aired October 6, 1967. Kirk, McCoy, Scott, and Uhura are +accidentally exchanged with their counterparts in a parallel universe, +where instead of the Federation they find a violent, dictatorial +Empire. + + + "THE APPLE" [**] + +First aired October 13, 1967. The Enterprise finds itself under +attack by Vaal, a machine that guides the actions and even the +environment of a primitive populace. + + + "THE DOOMSDAY MACHINE" [**** 1/2] + +First aired October 20, 1967. The starships Enterprise and +Constellation battle an enormous machine that destroys planets and +consumes them for fuel. + + + "CATSPAW" [* 1/2] + +First aired October 27, 1967. Amidst an atmosphere of witches and +dungeons, a pair of aliens use seemingly magical powers in an attempt +to trick further scientific information from the people of the +Enterprise. + + + "I, MUDD" [*** 1/2] + +First aired November 3, 1967. The Enterprise is forced to a planet +populated by androids and ruled by their old nemesis, Harcourt Fenton +Mudd. + + + "METAMORPHOSIS" [*] + +First aired November 10, 1967. A shuttlecraft is forced down to a +planet as company for a stranded spaceman, who has been kept young by +a gaseous alien called the "Companion". + + + "JOURNEY TO BABEL" [***] + +First aired November 17, 1967. Crisis piles atop crisis when the +Enterprise is in charge of transporting a volatile cargo of Federation +diplomats, including Spock's parents. + + + "FRIDAY'S CHILD" [***] + +First aired December 1, 1967. Negotiations over mining rights become +a battle for survival when McCoy unintentionally violates a tribal +taboo. + + + "THE DEADLY YEARS" [****] + +First aired December 8, 1967. Kirk is relieved of command when he and +other officers contract a disease that results in senility and death +by old age within days. + + + "OBSESSIONS" [*** 1/2] + +First aired December 15, 1967. Kirk disregards all other +responsibilities in an effort to destroy a gaseous cloud that absorbs +red corpuscles from human bodies. + + + "WOLF IN THE FOLD" [* 1/2] + +First aired December 22, 1967. Scotty appears to be the only logical +suspect in a bizarre series of murders. + + + "THE TROUBLE WITH TRIBBLES" [*****] + +First aired December 29, 1967. Kirk must put up with Federation +bureaucrats and hordes of hungry tribbles while protecting a shipment +of quadrotriticale (wheat) against Klingon sabotage. + + + "THE GAMESTERS OF TRISKELION" [**] + +First aired January 5, 1968. Kirk, Uhura, and Chekov are captured for +use in gambling conflicts. + + + "A PIECE OF THE ACTION" [*****] + +First aired January 12, 1968. Kirk must figure out a way to +counteract the effects of an earlier expedition, which caused a +planet's civilization to pattern itself after the Chicago mobs of the +Twenties. + + + "THE IMMUNITY SYNDROME" [****] + +First aired January 19, 1968. A gigantic single-celled creature, +which feeds on the energy necessary to our form of life, invades our +galaxy. + + + "A PRIVATE LITTLE WAR" [***] + +First aired February 2, 1968. When the Klingons hasten the arms +development of one faction on a hitherto peaceful planet, Kirk must +arm the other side in order to maintain a balance of power. + + + "RETURN TO TOMORROW" [** 1/2] + +First aired February 9, 1968. Highly advanced alien minds "borrow" +bodies, including those of Kirk and Spock, in order to build permanent +android bodies. One of them, however, does not wish to leave his +borrowed body. + + + "PATTERNS OF FORCE" [**] + +First aired February 16, 1968. A Federation historian ignores the +Prime Directive and reshapes a planet's society along the lines of +Nazi Germany. + + + "BY ANY OTHER NAME" [** 1/2] + +First aired February 23, 1968. A group of aliens from the Andromeda +galaxy commandeer the Enterprise to make the journey back home. + + + "THE OMEGA GLORY" [*] + +First aired March 1, 1968. Captain Tracy, believing he has found a +planet containing the secret of eternal youth, interferes in the +struggle between the two planetary cultures, the Yangs and the Kohms. + + + "THE ULTIMATE COMPUTER" [*** 1/2] + +First aired March 8, 1968. The Enterprise is put under total control +of a new type of computer, which then refuses to relinquish control. + + + "BREAD AND CIRCUSES" [*] + +First aired March 15, 1968. The Enterprise encounters a civilization +that combines the features of the Roman Empire with 20th-century +technology. + + + "ASSIGNMENT: EARTH" [****] + +First aired March 29, 1968. On a historical fact-finding mission to +1969, the Enterprise accidentally intercepts an interplanetary agent +out to sabotage an orbiting nuclear platform. + + + + + + + THIRD SEASON + + + "SPOCK'S BRAIN" [*] + +First aired September 20, 1968. A mysterious woman surgically removes +Spock's brain. + + + "THE ENTERPRISE INCIDENT" [****] + +First aired September 27, 1968. Kirk goes mad and Spock turns traitor +in an attempt to steal an improved cloaking device from the Romulans. + + + "THE PARADISE SYNDROME" [*** 1/2] + +First aired October 4, 1968. In a state of amnesia, Kirk marries and +finds happiness with Miramanee, an Indian maiden. Meanwhile, Spock +must find a way to save her planet from an impending meteor collision. + + + "AND THE CHILDREN SHALL LEAD" [*] + +First aired October 11, 1968. A group of children, under alien +domination, play on the crew members' secret fears in order to gain +control of the ship. + + + "IS THERE IN TRUTH NO BEAUTY?" [** 1/2] + +First aired October 18, 1968. Miranda, a telepath, is jealous of +Spock's greater abilities in forming a mind-link with Kollos, an alien +so ugly that the very sight of him can drive a man insane. + + + "SPECTRE OF THE GUN" [***] + +First aired October 25, 1968. Kirk et al find themselves on the +losing side of the gunfight at the OK Corral. + + + "DAY OF THE DOVE" [** 1/2] + +First aired November 1, 1968. Klingons and the Enterprise crew must +unite to overcome an alien who feeds on the hatred between them. + + + "FOR THE WORLD IS HOLLOW, AND I HAVE TOUCHED THE SKY" [**] + +First aired November 8, 1968. McCoy, suffering from a fatal disease, +finds himself romantically entangled with the priestess governing a +planetoid/spaceship on a collision course with another planet. + + + "THE THOLIAN WEB" [**] + +First aired November 15, 1968. The Tholians entrap the Enterprise, +not believing that the crew is merely trying to save Kirk from a +hyperspace warp. + + + "PLATO'S STEPCHILDREN" [*] + +First aired November 22, 1968. The dwarf Alexander's lack of +mind-over-matter abilities may be the only clue to aid Kirk in +defeating a band of telekinetics. + + + "WINK OF AN EYE" [* 1/2] + +First aired November 29, 1968. The Enterprise is invaded by beings +who move too fast for human eyes to detect. + + + "THE EMPATH" [*/2] + +First aired December 6, 1968. Kirk, Spock, and McCoy are manipulated +by aliens who use them to teach compassion to a girl capable of +absorbing the pain and injuries of others. + + + "ELAAN OF TROYIUS" [** 1/2] + +First aired December 20, 1968. The Enterprise's task of transporting +an imperious woman to another planet for marriage is complicated by +Kirk's falling in love with her. + + + "WHOM GODS DESTROY" [* 1/2] + +First aired January 3, 1969. Captain Garth, having taken over the +penal planet where he was being treated, uses his ability to change +shape in an attempt to get aboard the Enterprise. + + + "LET THAT BE YOUR LAST BATTLEFIELD" [*/2] + +First aired January 10, 1969. Two two-toned beings try to get Kirk to +take sides in their racial disputes. + + + "THE MARK OF GIDEON" [** 1/2] + +First aired January 17, 1969. Kirk is decoyed into a replica of the +Enterprise. While Spock searches for him through a maze of diplomatic +red tape, the people of Gideon are using him as a source of alien +infection. + + + "THAT WHICH SURVIVES" [** 1/2] + +First aired January 24, 1969. A mysterious woman whose touch is death +threatens the landing party. + + + "THE LIGHTS OF ZETAR" [***] + +First aired January 31, 1969. An electrical cloud formed by the +life-essences of the long-dead Zetarians seeks to possess the body of +Scotty's new-found sweetheart. + + + "REQUIEM FOR METHUSELAH" [**] + +First aired February 14, 1969. Flint, an immortal, uses Kirk to rouse +emotions in an android, so that she will become fully human and can be +a suitable, immortal mate. + + + "THE WAY TO EDEN" [*/2] + +First aired February 21, 1969. A group of space hippies are searching +for the legendary planet of Eden. + + + "THE CLOUD MINDERS" [**] + +First aired February 28, 1969. Kirk's attempt to pick up a shipment +of a vital mineral embroils him in the demands of the oppressed miners +against the rulers. + + + "THE SAVAGE CURTAIN" [**] + +First aired March 7, 1969. Lincoln of Earth and Surak of Vulcan join +Kirk and Spock in battle against a group of villains, while alien +observers examine the distinctions between good and evil. + + + "ALL OUR YESTERDAYS" [***] + +First aired March 14, 1969. A rescue mission to a planet whose sun is +about to nova results in Kirk, Spock, and McCoy being sent to various +eras in the planet's past. + + + "TURNABOUT INTRUDER" [* 1/2] + +First aired March 28, 1969. A woman bitterly jealous of Kirk uses an +alien device to exchange her consciousness with his, and then attempts +to kill her body and thus Kirk's mind. + +----- + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/st_kzin.txt b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/st_kzin.txt new file mode 100644 index 00000000..ad67e786 --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/st_kzin.txt @@ -0,0 +1,217 @@ +From: rich.bellacera@amail.amdahl.com +Newsgroups: rec.arts.startrek.misc +Subject: KZINTI (Inclusionary Data for the Star Trek Universe) +Message-ID: +Date: 19 Dec 92 07:38:25 GMT +Lines: 210 + +> Subject: Re: Kzinti (Re: Hypothetical TNG Galactic Map) +> From: dgreen@thor (David Greenebaum) +> Quoth Clay Spinuzzi, quoting Michael Andersson: +> >>Were the Kzinti in a ST:TNG ep? Which one! I wanna see it! +> >The TAS episode "The Slaver Weapon," and no, you *don't* want to see it. +> Yes I do--I want to laugh at it. I hear Spock takes the place of a +> Puppeteer in the story--I doubt he can pull it off. + +In fact the Kzinti appear or are mentioned in 3 different episodes of ST:TAS. +They were/are "Slaver Weapon", "Time Trap" and "The Infinite Vulcan." I'm +not sure who wrote the later two, but the first was written by Larry Niven, +the author of the Ring World Trilogy. In light of this fact that Larry, +himself, brought his creatures from HIS "known Universe" into the Star Trek +Universe means that he clearly gave Gene, Paramount and others the right to +include them as a normal part of the Star Trek legacy. Sure, Gene has said +that because of the many inconsistencies between the animated episodes and the +live action episodes he would just as soon ignore them (paraphrased of +course). But how many fans still consider "Yesteryear" (Spock's childhood +story) a legitimate part of Spock history, or many others stories also. +Personally, I think there are many live action episodes that I'd just as soon +ignore ("Spock's Brain" comes to mind). I think it all boils down to personal +preference. There are many inconsistancies between episodes of TOS, between +episodes of TNG and even conflicts of info between TOS & TNG (the Horta as a +"non-organic" lifeform vs. the TNG Vallarian micro-beings on the terraforming +early episode, supposedly there were no known inorganics). Inconsistancies are +a part of the ST mythos that we should rather look to explain than to just +write-off. I like the approach that Marvel Comics take to their stories. +When there are major or minor mess-ups (even wrong colorations, etc.) they +encourage fans to write possible explanations for the mess-ups. i'm not +talking about miscoloring clothing or whatever, but rather when a character +acts inconsistant with his/her past representations. Readers love to be +overly critical and complain about these mess-ups so Marvel gives the one with +the best explaination an Official 'No-Prize'. It's not much. Usually an empty +envelope informing the reader that they are the winner of an official +'No-Prize', but it *is* a satisfactory recognition for a job well done. The +things fans come up with are often quite ingenious and may be 'launching +points' for future storylines. + +With the preceding in mind and some personal research on the Kzin (especially +from the three episodes mentioned and the Larry Niven Trilogy) I was able to +gather enough data to forulate a plausable biography of the Kzin species. The +following is part of a manuscript I wrote several years ago which includes +every known or alluded species in the Star Trek Universe current as of the +first season of TNG. My resources included many other publications written +for and about Star Trek including (Bjo Trimble's Concordance, The Star Trek +Maps, The ST Spaceflight Chonology, ST Medical Reference Manual, Technical +manuals too numerous to list, and assorted magazine articles found in Starlog +and other and other major fan publications. I did not read any of the recent +MAN-KZIN war books that have been published (I think) by another author, so I +am not familiar with the outcome of that new pocketbook series. One of the +coolest things about ST is the concept that it is a universe of imagination +which seems to be so popular because of it's positive outlook on the future +(hope) and the fact that the shows are serial by nature. I submit this entry +on the KZINTI species in hopes that some (probably those less critical by +nature) will find it...at least interesting, if not useful. I originally +spirited into this manuscript project when I was heavily into playing FASA's +Star Trek: The Roleplaying Game. Unfortunately that game is now defunct, but +I maintain this manuscript (in full) with my copy of the boxed game and it's +various books and champaigns. Gee, I wish there were other's in my area who +still played it. If anyone has any details that might be helpful for this +document you can email me direct. Thank you. Enjoy. + +------------------------------------------------------------------------------- +KZINTI - ("Slaver Weapon", "Time Trap", "Infinite Vulcan") Also called Kzin. +For nearly a millenia KZIN II, their homeworld, was once the seat of a +widespread empire based on a slave economy and the maintenance of terror (much +like the ancient SLAVER DOMINATION or the more recent KLINGON EMPIRE) until a +series of Man-Kzin wars expelled them. Kzin society is loosely based on a +hereditary patriarchy whose leader is called "The Highest of the Kzin" in +their native language. Those of patriarchal lineage bear the surname of +"-Rrit" and are the only members of their race allowed to have a first name as +well. All others may only be identified by their profession or a title (e.g. +Chuft Captain, Flyer, Speaker-to-Animals", etc.). + +Physically, Kzinti are fat orange catlike bipeds standing approxiametly eight +feet tall in a hunched upright posture. The so-called fat is actually dense +muscle tissue, smooth and powerful and oddly arranged over their endoskeleton +where their ribs have both verticle and horizontal bracing. This arrangement +naturally provides ample protection, even when two or three ribs are broken, +for their two hearts. This, along with their sharp, retractable claws +(usually kepts polished and sheathed) enables them to usually have the +advantage in any hand-to-hand combat (ostensibly their favorite pastime). +Nearly any situation is usally guided by the Kzinti "Code of Honor" which is +to seek revenge first before calling for help. To do otherwise is to bring +disgrace upon the individual and his lineage. As a feline race it is quite +possible that the Kzin share a common heritage with the Caitians and the +mysterious telepathic Vedala (see "The Jihad", CAITIANS and VEDALA). Most +Kzin can be distinguished from others by their individual markings such as a +white patch on the nose, a black mask around the eyes, a yellow stripe, a red +spot, etc. They also have round, rather than eliptical, shaped pupils. Their +auricles can fold up like an umbrella to protect their inner ear. Their +rictus, though resembling a smile, is definitely an expression of anger. +Their voice is harsh and loud. It is said that, "One Kzin alone sounds like a +catfight, but two or more in a heated arguement sounds like a major feline +war" (complete with atonics). Therefore sonic deadeners are usually installed +in public facilities where Kzinti frequent. + +Overpopulation has never been a problem for the Kzin (even before the wars), +since they look at the typical overcrowding which occurs on many human colony +worlds with disgust. They have found that they have an insticntive means for +population control -- they fight eachother. The more crowded their community +grows, the more opportunity exists for one Kzin to take offense at another. +Kzinti are carnivores (meat-eaters) and not very particular about what flesh +they eat. They believe this to be a dominant and heroic trait. As such, they +naturally abhor herbivores (plant-eaters) like Vulcans, considering them to be +among the lowest forms of life and not worthy of recognition (see VULCANS). +It is considered appropriate to call such by the Kzin derogatory word,"Eaters- +of-Roots and Leaves." Humans, on the other hand, are an omnivorous race, +consumers of both flesh and vegitables, therefore worthy of notice, though +still contemptable (since the wars). + +All Kzinti females are of a smaller stature than the males and considered to +be non-sentient, or dumb animals, by their male counterparts, a trait shared, +to some extent, by the Ferengi and Orions, and in reverse by the Cygnians (see +FERENGI, ORIONS and CYGNIANS). It is not known whether this is a genetic +trait or a social one. With Cygnian males it is a hereditary factor that has +determined their lower intelligence paving way for their matriarchal social +system, however, it is an established fact that when green Orion women are +removed from their traditionally male dominated, exploitative, and oppressive +environment that they can develop at least an average I.Q. By extension, +Kzinti males prejudiciously believe all females, of any species, to be "dumb +animals" and therefore also beneath their notice (a little peice of knowledge +that has saved many females of all species, at times). For a male Kzin to +recognize a female as an intelligent creature would be, to them, a great +insult and shame. + +Another Kzinti trait is their aptitude for telepathy, a characteristic they +share with many other galactic species (see humans, DELTANS, LACTRANS, +MALURIANS, MEDUSANS, BETAZEDS, VULCANS and others). Not all Kzinti may ever +develop this discipline. Those who do usually develop in old age when their +bodies grow tired and weak, and they are forever unhappy and neurotic. A Kzin +telepath is called a "Reader-of-Minds." They do not particularly like to read +the minds of others, but their own power is so great they often find it very +difficult no to do so. Even an extremely adept telepath may find his mind +intruded upon by another Kzin telepath. Due to social conditioning they are +particularly nauseated by reading the minds of herbivores and females. The +Kzinti government quite commonly and callously exploits its known telepaths in +any fashion deemed necessary. Kzinti telepaths are often found as crewmen +aboard police vessels (often supporting pirate raids as well). + +By nature Kzinti are fiercely warlike, courageous and stubborn. Over the past +two and a half centuries there have been at least four major MAN-KZIN wars, as +well as numerous smaller skirmishes. Had the Kzinti won the first of these, +mankind would now be raised as slaves and herded as livestock fit for the +slaughterhouse. Realising this early-on the humans fought back with such +vigorous tenacity that they took the Kzinti quite by surprise. Yet, +relentlessly, the Kzin tried over and over to defeat them to no avail. Even +though Kzinti technology, at that time, was much more advanced than mankind's, +and their ships had superior manuverability --they just had not counted on the +human will to survive and be free. The Sirian Star System (see "Mudd's +Passion", "Arena", and SIRIANS) is the sight of the battle known as the +"Kzinti's Last Stand" which marked the signing of the "Treaty of Sirius", a +Federation writ which confines the Kzin Patriarchy to a spherical volume some +50 lightyears in diameter. Kzinti maker bouys are located in strategic points +along its perimeter and broadcast a warning message in the "Hero's Tongue" +(Kzinti language). One such marker is located near the outermost planet of +the Sirian System. The treaty grants the Kzin only probationary status and +allows for very few police vessels (the equivalent of a Federation courier +transport ship). Sirius has been the sight of frequent police raids by Kzin +who still maintain a misplaced resentment for the system which ever reminds +them of their greatest failure. Until the Treaty of Sirius, and before they +met mankind, the galaxy was their dinnertable. The treaty has effectively +stipped them of thier empire and reduced them to only a dozen worlds. They +are not allowed weapons, and must patrol their territory with crude, but +efficient, peace-keeping ships. However, they have managed to get around this +by resorting to piracy, with the tacit approval of the Kzinti government. By +the 23rd century the Kzin population is down to barely one-eighth of what it +was before their first encounter with mankind and determined engagement in +war. Each successive incident cost them more and more of their lives, and the +confiscation of nearly all of their worlds. Though the Federation still +considers the Kzinti to be quite dangerous to its member races at large, it is +felt that the Man-Kzin wars have put sufficient restriction on Kzinti +expansion and terrorism. Still, StarFleet is vigilant to keep a tight rein on +their extremely limited privleges, and an eye on their doings. It was this +savage behavior of the Kzin that first prompted noted scientist Dr. Keniclius +Stavos to plan and prepare the means to conquer, and thereby save the galaxy. +He believed that only by ruling the galaxy with his despotic peace-enforcing +fleet of Phylosians would he be able to restrain such malevolent beings as the +Kzinti (see Keniclius,Stavos, and PHYLOSIANS). + +Two unique devices employed by the Kzinti police. One is the "web", a highly +technical energy net that is laid out on the ground and produces a forcefield +to restrain prisoners. It is fully equipped with a self-contained life +support system. The other is a "nullifier", capable of deactivating nearly +any stasis field. + +The actual location of Kzin II and the Kzinti worlds is nestled between the +border of Federation space and Gorn territory, within a region known as the +KZINTI PATRIARCHY. While contact with the Gorn is unknown, it is purported by +StarFleet Intelligence that there has been several secret meetings between +high ranking Kzin and their Skorr counterparts. The Skorr are an equally +ferocious warrior race of ornithoid bipeds with a common loathing for the +Federation (see "The Jihad", "Arena", "Mudd's Passion", AURELIANS and SKORR). +According to sources there is a possible alliance, but UFP sources officially +deny this rumour, reminding the public of the great delight with which the +Kzin once feasted on Skorr in captivity prior to their release at the hands of +the Federation forces during the Man-Kzin wars. It is believed, by some, that +such an allaince may eventually lead to another "Jihad" (holy war) after which +the Kzin will regain control of the Galaxy. However, this fear is balanced +by the assurance that the Kzin would eventually have to contend with every +other Federation enemy (ostensibly the KLINGONS, ROMULANS, CARDASSIANS, GORN, +THOLIANS and others). + +Though the wars virtually decimated their male population, Kzinti females went +virtually untouched since they, by tradition, do not engage in combat, and +thrive mainly on the Kzin homeworld. All male Kzin alive in the 23rd Century +are direct descendants of those who managed to avoid death in the M-K wars. +These survived mainly by deveoping a wit or forebearance to avoid fighting +with humans, and the intellegence or self-restraint necessary to deal with the +Federation. diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/st_nov88.txt b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/st_nov88.txt new file mode 100644 index 00000000..7a6b552d --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/st_nov88.txt @@ -0,0 +1,475 @@ +From: rccarm00@nx19.mik.uky.edu (ron c carman) +Newsgroups: rec.arts.startrek.misc +Subject: Star Trek Novels: The Year in Review [1988] +Message-ID: +Date: 3 Jan 93 17:41:31 GMT +Organization: University Of Kentucky, Dept. of Math Sciences +Lines: 468 + + This is a review of Pocket Books' Star Trek novels published +during 1988. + Ratings translate as follows: + + Rating Meaning + -------------------------------------- + 5 SUPERIOR: Run out and buy this NOW + 4 EXCELLENT: Make sure to buy this soon + 3 AVERAGE: Purchase as funds allow + 2 POOR: Wait for your tax refund + 1 AWFUL: Avoid at ALL costs + + + 1988 Releases-at-a-glance: +----------------------------- + + Book # Title Date Published Rating / 5 +----------------------------------------------------------------- +TOS G3 Final Frontier January 1988 4+ +TOS #38 The IDIC Epidemic February 1988 4+ +TOS #39 Time for Yesterday April 1988 5 +TOS #40 Timetrap June 1988 3- +TNG #1 Ghost Ship July 1988 3+ +TOS #41 The Three-Minute Universe August 1988 3+ +TOS H1 Spock's World September 1988 5+ +TNG #2 The Peacekeepers September 1988 3 +TOS #42 Memory Prime October 1988 4- +TNG #3 The Children of Hamlin November 1988 4+ +TOS #43 The Final Nexus December 1988 5- + ------------------ + TNG Average: 3+ + ------------------ + TOS Average: 4+ + ------------------ + Year Average: 4 + +/* Quite a good year, I'd say */ + Possible *SPOILERS* for Trek books released in '88. + + + +>TOS G3 Final Frontier Copyright January 1988 +>Author: Diane Carey +>StarDate: UNKNOWN +> +>Plot Summary: +> This is the story of a hero -- and a moment forever lost to history. +> +> It is a tale of Starfleet's early days, of a time before the STAR TREK +>we know. The story of a secret mission gone horribly wrong -- and an +>instant in time when the galaxy stood poised on the brink of one final, +>destructive war. It is the story of a ship since passed on into legend, +>and a man we know only as the father of Starfleet's greatest captain. +> His name is Kirk. Commander George Samuel Kirk. He is a warrior, +>born and bred to battle. Now destiny has placed the fate of a hundred +>innocent worlds on his shoulders. +> +> And put the power of the greatest weapon the galaxy has ever seen +>in his hands... + + The predecessor to _Best_Destiny_, this is a great novel about +Starfleet's early days. And even though we see little of the usually +central characters, this is a thoroughly enjoyable tale. + Carey does her usual good job of bringing her characters to life. +At times, she does fall prey to the habit of describing Kirk with +a sort of awe-filled, teenage hero-worship, but it doesn't become all +that distracting... + + [Final Frontier] + Characterization: 4 + Premise: 5 + Plot Handling: 5 + Narrative: 4 + + Total: 4+ + + +Next: The IDIC Epidemic + + +>TOS #38 The IDIC Epidemic Copyright February 1988 +>Author: Jean Lorrah +>StarDate: UNKNOWN +> +>Plot Summary: +> I.D.I.C. -- Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combination. More than +>just a simple credo, for those of the planet Vulcan it is the cornerstone +>of their philosophy. +> Now, on the Vulcan Science Colony Nisus, that credo of tolerance is +>being put to its sternest test. For here, on a planet where Vulcan, +>Human, Klingon, and countless other races live and work side by side, a +>deadly plague has sprung up. A plague whose origins are somehow rooted +>in the concept of I.D.I.C. itself. A plague that threatens to tear down +>that centuries-old maxim and replace it with an even older concept. +> Interstellar War. + + Ms. Lorrah proves once again that not everything that comes out of +Kentucky is unworthy of notice... ;-) + This story is well-crafted and solid. The characterization is +excellent as is the interaction between characters. The dialogue, +unfortunately, is mostly average. + Overall, though, I'd say this is a thoroughly entertaining +entry in Pocket Books' repertoire. + + [The IDIC Epidemic] + Characterization: 4 + Premise: 5 + Plot Handling: 5 + Narrative: 4 + + Total: 4+ + + +Next: Time for Yesterday + + +>TOS #39 Time for Yesterday Copyright April 1988 +>Author: A.C. Crispin +>StarDate: UNKNOWN +>Historian's Note: _Time_for_Yesterday_ takes place after the +> events chronicled in "Star Trek: The Motion +> Picture" and Howard Weinstein's novel _Deep_Domain_. +> +>Plot Summary: +> Time in the galaxy has stopped running in the normal course. That +>can mean only one thing -- the Guardian of Forever is malfunctioning. +>To save the universe, Starfleet Command reunites three of its most +>legendary figures -- Admiral James T. Kirk, Spock of Vulcan, and Dr. +>Leonard McCoy -- and sends them on a desperate mission to contact the +>Guardian, a journey that ultimately takes them 5,000 years into the +>past. They must find Spock's son Zar once again -- and bring him +>back to their time to telepathically communicate with the Guardian. +> But Zar is enmeshed in troubles of his own, and soon Kirk, Spock, +>McCoy find themselves in a desperate struggle to save both their +>world -- and his! + + I'm generally not very enthusiastic about sequels. They never +quite seem to measure up to the original. But this novel, the sequel +to _Yesterday's_Son_, is one I can be enthused over. + This novel is every bit as good as its predecessor, in every way. +Characterization and plot are both dead on, and additionally, the +reader can really *feel* what is going on... If you enjoyed reading +_Yesterday's_Son_ you won't want to miss this one. + + [Time for Yesterday] + Characterization: 5 + Premise: 5 + Plot Handling: 5 + Narrative: 5 + + Total: 5 + + +Next: Timetrap + + +>TOS #40 Timetrap Copyright June 1988 +>Author: David Dvorkin +>StarDate: UNKNOWN +> +>Plot Summary: +> In a remote area of Federation space, the Enterprise picks up an +>urgent distress signal -- from a Klingon vessel! Tracing the S.O.S., +>the crew finds the Klingon cruiser Mauler, trapped in a dimensional +>storm of unprecedented power. Yet paradoxically, the ship refuses +>both the Enterprise's call and the offers of help. +> Determined to discover what the Klingons are doing in Federation +>space, Kirk beams aboard their ship with a security team, just as +>the storm flares to its highest intensity. As the bridge crew +>watches in horror, Mauler vanishes from the Enterprise's viewscreen. +> And James T. Kirk awakens... one hundred years in the future. + + Well, that was... interesting. It was good, I suppose; nothing +was really appealing or enthralling, however. It just sort of had a +used feeling, I guess... There was nothing fresh here. There was +also nothing very thought provoking. + On the other hand, nothing was terribly wrong with it either. +Characterization and plot were at least average... + + [Timetrap] + Characterization: 3 + Premise: 2 + Plot Handling: 3 + Narrative: 3 + + Total: 3- + + +Next: Ghost Ship + + +>TNG #1 Ghost Ship Copyright July 1988 +>Author: Diane Carey +>StarDate: UNKNOWN +> +>Plot Summary: +> +>FIRST IN A BRAND-NEW SERIES OF ORIGINAL NOVELS, +>BASED ON THE HIT TELEVISION SHOW +> +> 1995: A mysterious creature destroys a Russian aircraft carrier -- +>and just as mysteriously, disappears... +> And three hundred years later, Counselor Deanna Troi awakens in her +>quarters from a nightmare, a nightmare where she senses (and understands) +>the voices of the crew lost aboard that ship, a crew whose life essences +>were somehow absorbed within the creature that destroyed their ship long ago. +> Now, Picard must find a way to communicate with the creature -- or he and +>his crew will be similarly absorbed by the "ghost ship"! + + As this is the first in the series of Next Generation novels, +a little leeway should be allowed; the book was written, after all, +almost before the TV series began... + Even at that, though, this is at best a decent adventure. +The characterization is a bit off, and the dialogue is at times +downright cornball. If you can ignore the dialogue, the plot +is reasonably solid and well thought out. + + [Ghost Ship] + Characterization: 3+ + Premise: 4 + Plot Handling: 4 + Narrative: 3- + + Total: 3+ + + +Next: The Three-Minute Universe + + +>TOS #41 The Three-Minute Universe Copyright August 1988 +>Author: Barbara Paul +>StarDate: UNKNOWN +> +>Plot Summary: +> The Sackers. In all Captain James T. Kirk's travels, he has +>never found a race more universally shunned and abhorred. Their +>mere appearance causes most Federation members to become violently +>ill. +> Now the Sackers have performed a deed whose brutality matches +>their horrifying exterior. They have stolen a revolutionary new +>scientific device -- murdering an entire race in the process -- +>and used it to create a rip in the fabric of space, a hole through +>which another universe is rapidly leaking. Unless Captain Kirk +>and the crew of the Enterprise can find a way to stop the new +>universe's expansion, it will consume -- and utterly destroy -- +>our own. + + This one had the potential to turn into one of your standard +"Enterprise saves the universe" story-lines, but surprisingly +enough, turned out rather better than that. + Barbara Paul has a definite grasp on how to create +interesting characters (not to mention new races ;-) ). +The action moves along nicely, and the plot has no major +problems. + No great philosophy here, but an interesting read. + + [The Three-Minute Universe] + Characterization: 3 + Premise: 4 + Plot Handling: 3 + Narrative: 3 + + Total: 3+ + + +Next: Spock's World + + +>TOS H1 Spock's World Copyright September 1988 +>Author: Diane Duane +>StarDate: UNKNOWN +> +>Plot Summary: +> Ever since 1966, when the very first episode of the original +>STAR TREK television series aired, casual fans and devoted Trekkers +>alike have been captivated by the alien Mr. Spock and his enigmatic +>home planet Vulcan. Now, for the first time anywhere, here is an +>in-depth look at the secret history of both. +> +> It is the twenty-third century. On the planet Vulcan, a crisis +>of unprecedented proportion has caused the convocation of the planet's +>ruling council -- and summoned the U.S.S. Enterprise from halfway +>across the galaxy, to bring Vulcan's most famous son home in its hour +>of need. As Commander Spock, his father Sarek, and Captain James T. +>Kirk struggle to preserve the very future of the Federation, the +>innermost secrets of the planet Vulcan are laid bare before us, from +>its beginnings millions of years ago to its savage prehistory, from +>merciless tribal warfare to medieval court intrigue, from the +>exploration of space to the development of c'thia -- the ruling ethic +>of logic. And Spock -- torn between his duty to Starfleet and the +>unbreakable ties that bind him to Vulcan -- must find a way to +>reconcile both his own inner conflict and the external dilemma his +>planet faces... lest the Federation itself be ripped asunder. + + I can't say very much about this one, except that it is a +fabulous story. Diane Duane continues her stellar trend. + The only thing that may detract from this novel (for some +people; I certainly didn't find it a problem) is that Duane has +adopted a sort of back-and-forth type of story; every other +chapter is devoted to chronicling a part of the history of the +planet. Those chapters may get a little tiring to some readers, +but to me they were just another great facet of the book. +This one's a Must Read(tm)... + + [Spock's World] + Characterization: 5 + Premise: 5 + Plot Handling: 5 + Narrative: 5 + + Total: 5+ + + +Next: The Peacekeepers + + +>TNG #2 The Peacekeepers Copyright September 1988 +>Author: Gene DeWeese +>StarDate: UNKNOWN +> +>Plot Summary: +> Exploring a deserted alien spaceship, Lt. Commander Data and Lt. Geordi +>LaForge suddenly find themselves transported light-years away -- into the +>middle of a deadly conflict! +> While Captain Picard and the crew of the Enterprise search feverishly +>for the missing crewmen, Data and LaForge discover they are in a station +>almost identical to the one they were exploring, high in orbit around an +>Earth-type world. Years before, the occupants of that planet accidentally +>stumbled onto the ship and its advanced technology -- and since then, have +>used its weapons to keep the nations on the planet below disarmed, and at +>peace. +> Now their own arrival has precipitated a crisis on the station. +>Somehow, Data and LaForge must find a way to restore trust between the +>planet below and the station's guardians up above -- before a final, +>destructive war breaks out! + + Gene DeWeese makes his debut in the TNG universe with this novel, +preaching unilateral disarmament of nuclear weapons. Unfortuately, +that's about all DeWeese accomplishes. The plot is solid, but the +characterization and narrative are both poor, making for an average +to less than average effort... + + [The Peacekeepers] + Characterization: 3 + Premise: 3 + Plot Handling: 4 + Narrative: 2+ + + Total: 3 + + +Next: Memory Prime + + +>TOS #42 Memory Prime Copyright October 1988 +>Authors: Gar and Judith Reeves-Stevens +>StarDate: UNKNOWN +> +>Plot Summary: +> It is the central core of an immense computer library -- an entire +>network of research planteoids. Here, the Pathfinders -- the only +>artificial intelligences legally permitted to serve the Federation -- +>control and sift the overwhelming dataflow from thousands and +>thousands of research vessels across the galaxy... +> Now the greatest scientists in the Federation have gathered here +>for the prestigious Nobel and Z-Magnees prize ceremonies -- unaware +>that a deadly assassin is stalking one of them. And as Captain Kirk +>struggles to save his ship from sabotage and his first officer from +>accusations of murder, he discovers the hidden assassin is far from +>the deadliest secret lurking on Memory Prime... + + Well, that was... intriguing. Actually, this is a better than +average outing, considering that this was basically a modified murder- +mystery. The plot is rather well handled, keeping the reader totally +in the dark as the the outcome, and all other elements seem to be +on keel. + + [Memory Prime] + Characterization: 4- + Premise: 4 + Plot Handling: 4 + Narrative: 3+ + + Total: 4- + + +Next: The Children of Hamlin + + +>TNG #3 The Children of Hamlin Copyright November 1988 +>Author: Carmen Carter +>StarDate: UNKNOWN +> +>Plot Summary: +> The Hamlin Massacre -- every Starfleet officer knows the tale. The tiny +>Federation outpost of Hamlin was destroyed, its entire adult population +>ruthlessly slaughtered, before the first defense shields could be raised. +>Even worse, the colony's children disappeared without a trace, abducted +>by the aliens who attacked with a ferocity and speed that outmatched +>their Starfleet pursuers. +> Now, fifty years later, the Choraii ships have appeared again. But this +>time the Federation is ready; this time the Choraii must pay for what they +>need. The precious metals can only be bought with the Hamlin children still +>living with their captors. +> This time, the Choraii must face Captain Jean-Luc Picard -- and the crew +>of the starship Enterprise... + + Here is a fascinating story. The premise is very new and unusual. +(Breathing liquid oxygen? Is this possible?). The rest of the novel +is average to better than average, and the dialogue is interesting... +People complain about never seeing aliens on the TV series that are +truly *alien*... well this novel gives us some truly alien aliens ;-) + + [The Children of Hamlin] + Characterization: 4 + Premise: 5 + Plot Handling: 4 + Narrative: 4 + + Total: 4+ + + +Next: The Final Nexus + + +>TOS #43 The Final Nexus Copyright December 1988 +>Author: Gene DeWeese +>StarDate: UNKNOWN +> +>Plot Summary: +> Uncounted centuries ago, an unknown race from beyond our galaxy +>created a series of interstellar gates -- shortcuts across our +>universe -- and then disappeared, leaving behind no clues to their +>fate, or the operation of their system. Twice before, the Enterprise +>has used the system to traverse the galaxy, and returned each time +>no wiser to the gates' operation. +> Now it is imperative that they find out. For the gates are +>breaking down, taking the very stars in the sky with them. The fate +>of the galaxy rests in the hands of the Enterprise crew, and their +>ability to communicate not only with creatures from another world -- +>but from another universe as well. + + In this fascinating sequel to _Chain_of_Attack, Gene DeWeese +weaves a spellbinding tale of adventure. Everything is very well +done here, from characterization to plot to dialogue... it seems +that Mr. DeWeese is an on-again, off-again, hit-and-miss type of +author... + + [The Final Nexus] + Characterization: 5 + Premise: 5 + Plot Handling: 4 + Narrative: 5 + + Total: 5- + + +Happy New Year, everyone! +Have a great 1993. + +RC Carman + +-- +/=======================================================================\ +| Ron C. Carman || Quantum physicists get all the girls. | +| rccarm00@mik.uky.edu || Al. Is he live, or is he a hologram? | + ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/st_nov89.txt b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/st_nov89.txt new file mode 100644 index 00000000..ec4f9179 --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/st_nov89.txt @@ -0,0 +1,471 @@ +Newsgroups: rec.arts.startrek.misc +From: rccarm00@nx19.mik.uky.edu (ron c carman) +Subject: Star Trek Novels: The Year in Review [1989] +Message-ID: +Organization: University Of Kentucky, Dept. of Math Sciences +Date: Sat, 9 Jan 1993 07:31:44 GMT +Lines: 463 + + This is a review of Pocket Books' Star Trek novels published +during 1989. + Ratings translate as follows: + + Rating Meaning + -------------------------------------- + 5 SUPERIOR: Run out and buy this NOW + 4 EXCELLENT: Make sure to buy this soon + 3 AVERAGE: Purchase as funds allow + 2 POOR: Wait for your tax refund + 1 AWFUL: Avoid at ALL costs + + + 1989 Releases-at-a-glance: +----------------------------- + +Book # Title Date Published Rating / 5 +----------------------------------------------------------------- +TNG #4 Survivors January 1989 5- +TOS #44 Vulcan's Glory February 1989 5+ +TNG #5 Strike Zone March 1989 4+ +TOS #45 Double, Double April 1989 2+ +TNG #6 Power Hungry May 1989 3+ +TNG #7 Masks July 1989 5 +TNG #8 The Captain's Honor September 1989 3+ +TOS H2 The Lost Years October 1989 5+ +TOS #46 The Cry of the Onlies October 1989 1+ +TNG #9 A Call to Darkness November 1989 4 +TOS #47 The Kobayashi Maru December 1989 4+ + ------------------ + TNG Average: 4+ + ------------------ + TOS Average: 4- + ------------------ + Year Average: 4 + +/* Not a bad year... */ + Possible *SPOILERS* for Trek books released in '89. + + + +>TNG #4 Survivors Copyright January 1989 +>Author: Jean Lorrah +>StarDate: UNKNOWN +> +>Plot Summary: +> Treva -- a human colony on the fringes of known space. Isolated from the +>rest of the galaxy, at last report they were on the verge of becoming a +>true interstellar community -- a full fledged member of the Federation. But +>now the Enterprise has received a distress signal. Treva is in the throes +>of a violent revolution led by a merciless warlord who has committed +>countless atrocities in the name of freedom. +> Data and Lt. Tasha Yar are dispatched to investigate. But once they +>reach Treva, they discover the truth, and any possible solution may be far +>more complex than a simple rebellion. For Treva's president wants more than +>Starfleet's good words in her fight against the rebels. +> She wants their weapons. And before the battle is over, she means to get +>them. Over Data and Yar's dead bodies, if necessary. + + This novel fills the gap between 'The Arsenal of Freedom' and +'Skin of Evil'. Ms. Lorrah gives a fascinating look into Tasha +Yar's past, and invents fabulous characters which are so uncommon +in the rest of the series. + Dialogue, plot, and characterization are all excellent, and +the premise is quite sound.. + + [Survivors] + Characterization: 5 + Premise: 5 + Plot Handling: 4 + Narrative: 5 + + Total: 5- + + +Next: Vulcan's Glory + + +>TOS #44 Vulcan's Glory Copyright February 1989 +>Author: D.C. Fontana +>StarDate: UNKNOWN +> +>Plot Summary: +> Here is a very special STAR TREK novel -- from the woman consistently +>voted by the fans as their favorite writer from the original STAR TREK +>television series! +> D.C. Fontana, writer of such classic STAR TREK episodes as "Journey +>to Babel" and "This Side of Paradise," here brings us the never-before- +>told story of a very young Mr. Spock, on his first mission aboard the +>U.S.S. Enterprise. You'll also meet Captain Christopher Pike and his +>enigmatic first officer "Number One" (previously seen only in the orig- +>inal STAR TREK pilot "The Cage"), as well as the ship's brand new +>engineering officer, Montgomery Scott. +> VULCAN'S GLORY is the tale of Spock's struggle to reconcile his many +>obligations -- those forced on him by his Vulcan heritage, and those +>chosen by him upon his elistment in Starfleet -- to balance the wishes +>of others against the desires of his own heart. + + This is the kind of novel we could use more of. Something fresh +and inventive, and most especially, well written. D.C. Fontana has +written a fascinating tale about Spock's first adventure aboard the +Enterprise. + The characters are alive and interesting, the plot is solid, +and the dialogue is more realistic than any I've seen in a Trek novel +in some time. This is a Must-Read(tm), folks. + + [Vulcan's Glory] + Characterization: 5 + Premise: 5+ + Plot Handling: 4+ + Narrative: 5 + + Total: 5+ + + +Next: Strike Zone + + +>TNG #5 Strike Zone Copyright March 1989 +>Author: Peter David +>StarDate: UNKNOWN +> +>Plot Summary: +> Deep in the uncharted regions of our galaxy, a primitive, warlike +>race -- the Kreel -- have stumbled upon weapons powerful beyond their +>wildest imaginings. The Kreel have used those weapons to attack their +>most bitter enemies -- the Klingons. +> Now Captain Jean-Luc Picard and the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise have +>been called in to mediate the dispute. The Enterprise will ferry diplomatic +>teams from the two warring races to the source of their conflict -- the +>mysterious planet where the weapons were discovered -- in an attempt to find +>a peaceful solution to the conflict, and discover the origins of the +>super-powerful weapons. +> Before the galaxy erupts into full-scale war... + + Peter David seems to have a magic touch when it comes to writing +Star Trek novels. This is an at-times humorous, adventuresome tale, +with a subtle, tongue-in-cheek condemnation of the arms-race. + The characters are vivid and real, and the plot rolls along +nicely, with no noticeable holes. + + [Strike Zone] + Characterization: 5 + Premise: 4 + Plot Handling: 4 + Narrative: 5 + + Total: 4+ + + +Next: Double, Double + + +>TOS #45 Double, Double Copyright April 1989 +>Author: Michael Jan Friedman +>StarDate: 4925.2 +> +>Plot Summary: +> On a routine exploratory mission, the Starship U.S.S. Hood picks up +>a distress signal from a research expedition thought lost long ago -- +>the expedition of Dr. Roger Korby, one of the centuries' greatest +>scientific minds. Korby himself is dead, it seems, but his colleagues +>have made a most incredible discovery -- a discovery they insist the +>Hood's captain see for himself. Reluctantly, the captain agrees to +>beam down... +> Meanwhile, the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise begins long-overdue +>shore leave on Tranquility Seven. James T. Kirk is looking forward +>to a few days of rest and relaxation... until what seems like a +>bizarre case of mistaken identity plunges Kirk into a whirlpool of +>mayhem and murder. +> And puts an inhuman stranger with his memories and abilities in +>command of the Enterprise. + + For an author who has done such generally *good* work as Michael +Jan Friedman, this is an incredibly pitiful novel. It seems almost +like (dare I say it?) *plagiarism*. + This one is a decent adventure story, in a way. Someone who has +never seen "What Are Little Girls Made Of?" might indeed enjoy it. +But I found it to be consistently predictable, and at times, even +*boring*. I find there's very little to recommend this novel. + + [Double, Double] + Characterization: 3+ + Premise: 2- + Plot Handling: 2 + Narrative: 3 + + Total: 2+ + + +Next: Power Hungry + + +>TNG #6 Power Hungry Copyright May 1989 +>Author: Howard Weinstein +>StarDate: 42422.5 +> +>Plot Summary: +> Sent to deliver emergency famine relief to the planet Thiopa -- the +>Federation's only allies in a critically important sector of space -- the +>crew finds a brutal dictatorship -- one more concerned with preserving its +>own powers that protecting its citizens, or the world they all share. +>Captain Picard is hesitant about turning over the supplies to the +>corrupt government: he fears they may never reach their intended +>destination. But can he convince the ruling council to change their +>ways, before it is too late -- for the government, and Thiopa itself? + + Weinstein delivers a thoroughly enjoyable, if not thoroughly +solid piece. The dialogue and characterization are a bit shaky, +but the plot holds them up nicely. + + [Power Hungry] + Characterization: 3+ + Premise: 4 + Plot Handling: 4 + Narrative: 3 + + Total: 3+ + + +Next: Masks + + +>TNG #7 Masks Copyright July 1989 +>Author: John Vornholt +>StarDate: UNKNOWN +> +>Plot Summary: +> The Enterprise journeys to Lorca, a beautiful world with a feudal +>culture where the inhabitants wear masks to show their rank and +>station. There, Captain Picard and an away team don masks of their own +>to begin a quest for the planet's ruler and the great Wisdom Mask that +>the leader traditionally wears. Their mission: to establish diplomatic +>relations. +> But shortly after transporting, Picard and his party lose contact with +>the ship, and Commander Riker leads a search party down to the planet to +>find them. +> Both men, however, are unaware that their searches -- indeed, the ship's +>entire mission -- are part of a madman's plan. A madman who is setting the +>stage for a trap that will ensnare both Enterprise landing parties, and +>leave him poised to seize control of the awesome Wisdom Mask... +> And the planet Lorca itself. + + Unlike some of his most recent work, _Masks_ is an absolutely +great piece of work. Mr. Vornholt creates a splendid culture for +the people of the planet Lorca -- a medieval society where one's +mask determines one's status... + Characterization is right on target, and the plot couldn't +possibly get any better. + + [Masks] + Characterization: 5 + Premise: 5 + Plot Handling: 5 + Narrative: 5 + + Total: 5 + + +Next: The Captain's Honor + + +>TNG #8 The Captain's Honor Copyright September 1989 +>Authors: David and Daniel Dvorkin +>StarDate: 41800.9 +> +>Plot Summary: +> A series of vicious attacks by the enigmatic M'Dok Empire has devastated +>the planet Tenara -- bringing the Enterprise and another Federation +>starship, the Centurion, to the planet's aid. The Centurion's captain is +>Lucius Sejanus -- a powerful magnetic man who favors taking a far stronger +>stance against the M'Dok than Captain Picard. And as the conflict +>escalates, Sejanus's instincts seem to be correct... for it appears only +>extreme measures can stop the murderous raids on Tenara. +> Now the people of Tenara must decide which path they will follow -- the +>way of peace, or the road to war. But unknown to any, one of the +>Centurion's officers has made that decision for them -- and plans to +>provide a full-scale ware between the Federation and the M'Dok Empire! + + This novel relies heavily on the Starfleet-officer-gone-bad schtick, +and sours about half way through. The characters aren't quite right, +and the plot is slow as molasses at points where it shouldn't be. + Even for all that, this is still your average adventure story. + + [The Captain's Honor] + Characterization: 3 + Premise: 4 + Plot Handling: 3 + Narrative: 3 + + Total: 3+ + + +Next: The Lost Years + + +>TOS H2 The Lost Years Copyright October 1989 +>Author: J.M. Dillard +>StarDate: 6987.31 +> +>Plot Summary: +> What exactly happened to the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise after +>the end of their five-year mission? How did that mission end? What +>did they do before they were reunited for the STAR TREK films? Even +>the casual STAR TREK fan finds him/herself asking these questions +>from time to time... +> Here at last, is the book that provides the answers to those +>questions -- a book as anticipated, in its own way, as SPOCK'S WORLD +>was and one that promises to equal its New York Times bestseller +>success. +> THE LOST YEARS tells the story of Captain Kirk's final hours in +>command of the U.S.S. Enterprise, and how he, Mr. Spock, and Dr. McCoy +>struggle to establish new lives apart from each other and the starship. +>We see the newly-promoted Admiral Kirk, in charge of a specially- +>created Starfleet division, as he attempts to defuse a critical hostage +>situation; Mr. Spock, who in the midst of a teaching assignment on +>Vulcan, finds the one thing he least expected; and Dr. McCoy, whose +>unerring instinct for trouble lands him smack in the middle of an +>incident that could trigger an interstellar bloodbath.... +> In THE LOST YEARS, J.M. Dillard, author of the STAR TREK V: THE +>FINAL FRONTIER novelization, has written her best book to date -- +>and has bridged a gap in STAR TREK history in a manner sure to +>excite and delight STAR TREK fans everywhere. + + I have to agree with the publishers about this novel. Ms. Dillard +has novel easily equal to _Spock's_World_. This is a truly great story, +with solid plot, and interesting characters. + I had a slight problem with the apparent ease with which Kirk was +talked into accepting promotion into the Admiralty, but that's a small +sticking point. + One more book which can be called a Must-Read(tm). + + [The Lost Years] + Characterization: 5 + Premise: 5 + Plot Handling: 5 + Narrative: 5 + + Total: 5+ + + +Next: The Cry of the Onlies + + +>TOS #46 The Cry of the Onlies Copyright October 1989 +>Author: Judy Klass +>StarDate: 6118.2 +>Historian's Note: This adventure takes place during the U.S.S. Enterprise's +> initial five-year mission, sometime after the events chron- +> icled in the television episodes "Miri" and "Requiem for +> Methuselah". The reader may wish to consult those episodes +> as referents. +> +>Plot Summary: +> Boaco Six -- a once-tranquil Federation colony, now caught up in the +>throes of revolution. The Enterprise's mission: re-establish contact +>with the planet, and determine whether or not formal ties between the +>Federation and Boaco Six should be strengthened. +> Negotiations between Captain Kirk and the planet's ruling Council of +>Youngers are proceeding smoothly, until the atmosphere of goodwill is +>shattered by the sudden destruction of a Boacan ship -- at the hands +>of an experimental Starfleet vessel! +> Now, in order to prevent full-scale war from breaking out, the +>Enterprise must recapture the stolen Starfleet vessel and its abductors. +>A mission that will require the aid of the galaxy's most reclusive +>genius -- and bring Captain Kirk face-to-face with the long-buried +>secrets of his past... + + This one goes into my top five *worst* Star Trek novels of all +time... (It makes the top *three* worst TOS novels.) + The author seems to have the idea that tossing in a few familiar +characters (Flint, Pal, Jahn, etc...) will make for a great story. +But she's just proved herself wrong, as this never even approaches +greatness. + The narration is heavy-handed, the dialogue is strained and +out of character, and the plot moves along like a drunken mime. +This book, overall, is just plain *TEDIOUS* (I barely forced myself +to finish reading it), and that's a pretty sad statement. + + [The Cry of the Onlies] + Characterization: 2 + Premise: 1 + Plot Handling: 1 + Narrative: 2 + + Total: 1+ + + +Next: A Call to Darkness + + +>TNG #9 A Call to Darkness Copyright November 1989 +>Author: Michael Jan Friedman +>StarDate: 42908.6 +> +>Plot Summary: +> The Enterprise discovers a lifeless Federation research vessel, orbiting +>a planet hidden behind a mysterious energy shield. Over the strong +>objections of his senior officers, Captain Picard and an away team beam +>over in search of the missing crew -- +> +> And Vanish. +> +> But soon his captain's disappearance is not the only problem facing +>Commander Riker. For a mysterious disease has begun, ravaging the +>Enterprise crew. Now Riker must unravel the secrets of the planet below +>in order to rescue Picard -- and prevent the starship's destruction... + + This is a good novel. It is unique in one respect: it is the one and +only time that the character of Dr. Katherine Pulaski aspires to be anything +more than a McCoy-clone. + + [A Call to Darkness] + Characterization: 4 + Premise: 4 + Plot Handling: 4 + Narrative: 4 + + Total: 4 + + +Next: The Kobayashi Maru + + +>TOS #47 The Kobayashi Maru Copyright December 1989 +>Author: Julia Ecklar +>StarDate: UNKNOWN +>Historian's Note: This adventure takes place shortly after events +> chronicled in Star Trek: The Motion Picture. +> +>Plot Summary: +> A freak shuttlecraft accident -- and suddenly Captain Kirk and +>most of his senior officers find themselves adrift in space, with +>no hope of rescue, no hope of repairing their craft, or restoring +>communications -- with nothing, in short, but time on their hands. +> Time enough for each to tell the story of the Kobayashi Maru +>-- the Starfleet Academy test given to command cadets. Nominally +>a tactical exercise, the Kobayashi Maru is in fact a test of char- +>acter revealed in the choices each man makes -- and does not make. +> Discover now how Starfleet Cadets Kirk, Chekov, Scotty, and +>Sulu each faced the Kobayashi Maru... and became in turn Starfleet +>officers. + + This novel is thoroughly enjoyable; it's a fine accounting +of some of our heroes' antics during their Academy days, centered +around the Kobayashi Maru scenario... + The plot is solid, the characterization well done... I can't +find much room to fault this one. High marks. + + [The Kobayashi Maru] + Characterization: 4 + Premise: 5 + Plot Handling: 4 + Narrative: 4 + + Total: 4+ + + +-- +/=======================================================================\ +| Ron C. Carman || Quantum physicists get all the girls. | +| rccarm00@mik.uky.edu || Al. Is he live, or is he a hologram? | + ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/st_nov92.txt b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/st_nov92.txt new file mode 100644 index 00000000..85e976e1 --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/st_nov92.txt @@ -0,0 +1,552 @@ +From: rccarm00@nx19.mik.uky.edu (ron c carman) +Newsgroups: rec.arts.startrek.misc +Subject: Star Trek Novels: The Year in Review [1992] +Message-ID: +Date: 22 Dec 92 05:34:04 GMT +Organization: University Of Kentucky, Dept. of Math Sciences +Lines: 545 + + This is a review of Pocket Books' Star Trek novels published +during 1992. + Ratings translate as follows: + + Rating Meaning + -------------------------------------- + 5 SUPERIOR: Run out and buy this NOW + 4 EXCELLENT: Make sure to buy this soon + 3 AVERAGE: Purchase as funds allow + 2 POOR: Wait for your tax refund + 1 AWFUL: Avoid at ALL costs + 0 EXCREMENT: The bookstore should pay *you* + + + 1992 Releases-at-a-glance: +----------------------------- + + Book # Title Date Published Rating / 5 +-------------------------------------------------------------------- +TNG #20 Spartacus February 1992 3- +TOS #58 Faces of Fire March 1992 4- +TOS H4 Probe April 1992 2+ +TNG #21 Chains of Command April 1992 2 +TOS #59 The Disinherited May 1992 4- +TNG #22 Imbalance June 1992 4- +TOS #60 Ice Trap July 1992 0+ +TNG H2 Imzadi August 1992 4 +TOS #61 Sanctuary September 1992 3- +TNG #23 War Drums October 1992 2+ +TOS H5 Best Destiny November 1992 5- +TOS #62 Death Count November 1992 1 +TNG #24 Nightshade December 1992 1- + ------------------- + TNG Average: 3- + ------------------- + TOS Average: 2+ + ------------------- + Year Average: 2+ + +/* The worst year in a while... + Bail out now, if you can't stand the carnage. */ + + Possible *SPOILERS* for Trek books released in '92. + + +>TNG #20 Spartacus Copyright February 1992 +>Author: T.L. Mancour +>StarDate: UNKNOWN +> +>Plot Summary: +> Answering a distress call, the U.S.S. Enterprise finds a damaged alien +>vessel -- the Freedom -- crewed by a race known as the Vemlans. Their +>captain, Jared, asks for assistance in repairing his ship -- assistance +>fleet from Vemla, who claim that Jared and his crew are escaped slaves -- +>and their property! +> As Jared and his people plea for protection and the right to be free, +>Captain Picard is caught between the demands of his conscience and the +>dictates of the Prime Directive. And when the Vemlan fleet threatens to +>fight if the U.S.S. Enterprise doesn't stand aside, Picard must choose +>between the safety of his ship... and the annihilation of an entire race. + + Well, this newcomer to the Trek novels certainly gets points for +an innovative approach to an old topic. But apart from the premise, +this novel just doesn't work out. The dialogue is stilted, and the +characters are nearly flat. + + Characterization: 2 + Premise: 3+ + Plot Handling: 2 + Narrative: 3 + + Total: 2+ + + +Next: Faces of Fire + + +>TOS #58 Faces of Fire Copyright March 1992 +>Author: Michael Jan Friedman +>StarDate: 3998.6 +> +>Plot Summary: +> En route to Alpha Maluria Six to settle a dispute between two religions, +>the U.S.S. Enterprise first stops to do a routine check on the progress of a +>terraforming colony on Beta Canzandia Three -- a colony whose inhabitants +>include Carol and David Marcus. +> While Spock is left behind at the terraforming colony to continue his +>scientific studies, the rest of the crew heads to Alpha Maluria Six to find +>the dispute has turned to war. +> As Kirk, McCoy, and Scotty search for a solution to end the conflict, a +>ship piloted by a Klingon faction arrives at the terraforming colony to take +>control of the facility. When colonists are imprisoned, Spock and David must +>defeat the Klingons or face certain death... + + A lot of people have a preference as to writing styles, and so +many dislike Mr. Friedman's work. Personally, I don't care what kind +of style an author uses as long as it works for him/her and keeps me +interested in the story. + I enjoyed this one. Characterization of the central characters +was better than average, and the basic premise and plot handling +were very good. I also consider it a plus when a novel shows some +continuity between itself and the series or the other novels, and +seeing Carol and David Marcus here falls into the category of an +interesting tie-in. + + Characterization: 3 + Premise: 4 + Plot Handling: 4 + Narrative: 3 + + Total: 3+ + +Next: Probe + + +>TOS H4 Probe Copyright April 1992 +>Author: Margaret Wander Bonanno +>StarDate: 8475.3 +> +>Plot Summary: +> THE SPELLBINDING SEQUEL TO STAR TREK IV... +> +> Winds of change are sweeping the galaxy. The Romulan Praetor +>is dead, and with his passing, the Empire he ruled is in +>chaos. Now, on a small planet in the heart of the Neutral +>Zone, representatives of the United Federation of Planets and +>the Empire have gathered to discuss initiating an era of true +>peace.... +> But the talks are disrupted by a sudden defection -- and as +>accusations of betrayal and treachery swirl around the +>conference table, news of the probe's reappearance in Romulan +>space arrives, and the Enterprise crew find themselves headed +>for a final confrontation with not only the probe -- but the +>Romulan Empire. + + As most of you probably already know, Margaret Wander Bonanno +"has disclaimed ownership to this novel because of the changes +imposed by the powers-that-be and the 'editing' done by Pocket +Books to 'bring her novel into line'." + Faced with this fact, I think one word accurately describes +this release: FRAUD! This is not, by far, the worst Trek novel +written this year, but it certainly comes close. + This one is average fare from beginning to end, and that is +nothing but a travesty; the original is a fascinating, enthralling +read from the opening moments to the last sentence. + Don't bother reading this one; attempt to get your hands on +the original. You won't regret it. I'm going to give you a +comparison of _Probe_ and _Music.._ here just to show you how +far apart the two really are... + + _Probe_ _Music_of_the_Spheres_ + + Characterization: 2 Characterization: 4 + Premise: 4 Premise: 4 + Plot Handling: 2 Plot Handling: 5 + Narrative: 1 Narrative: 5 + + Total: 2+ Total: 5- + + +Next: Chains of Command + + +>TNG #21 Chains of Command Copyright April 1992 +>Author: Bill McCay and Eloise Flood +>StarDate: UNKNOWN +> +>Plot Summary: +> While exploring a group of devastated class-M planets in a remote sector +>of of space, the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise is shocked to discover a group +>of human slaves on a forbidding, glacial world. When the slaves revolt +>against their human overseers, Captain Picard and his crew sympathize with +>the slaves plight but cannot interfere in the conflict. +> After the revolt is a success, Captain Picard learns that both the slaves +>and the overseers were controlled by a mysterious bird-like race called the +>Tseetsk, who are coming to reclaim their property. With time running out, +>the rebels kidnap Captain Picard and Counsellor Troi -- drawing the U.S.S. +>Enterprise into the middle of their deadly plan of vengeance. + + Well, this makes two TNG novels in a row dealing with a race of slaves. +This one works no better than the last one. The narrative and dialogue are +uninvolving, and the plot is choppy. Unless you're a die-hard Trek-novel +collector, this is one to avoid buying.. if you must read it, wait and get +it from the library. + + Characterization: 2 + Premise: 2 + Plot Handling: 2 + Narrative: 2 + + Total: 2 + +Next: The Disinherited + + +>TOS #59 The Disinherited Copyright May 1992 +>Author: Peter David, Michael Jan Friedman and Robert Greenberger +>StarDate: 3034.6 +> +>Plot Summary: +> Gamma Xaridian -- a peaceful Federation research colony that +>becomes the third Federation world to suffer a brutal attack at +>the hands of a mysterious alien fleet. With Lt. Uhura gone on an +>important mission of her own, Captain Kirk and the U.S.S. Enterprise +>are dispatched to investigate the attacks, only to find the planets +>completely devastated. +> When another nearby colony is attacked, the U.S.S. Enterprise is +>ready and encounters a fleet of quick, small and deadly ships. Though +>Kirk and his crew manage to turn the raiders away, the U.S.S. Enterprise +>is severely damaged and the aliens escape. +> As Kirk and his crew prepare for their next encounter with the raiders, +>Mr. Spock makes a startling discovery about the purpose behind the alien +>attacks -- a purpose that, if realized, could have deadly consequences +>for the Federation and the U.S.S. Enterprise... + + Despite its multiple-authorship, this one comes out as a fairly +good read. What we have is basically a good mystery. Who are the +raiders, and why are they attacking Federation colonies? + The plot is involving, and the dialogue is entertaining. + + Characterization: 3 + Premise: 4 + Plot Handling: 4 + Narrative: 4 + + Total: 4- + +Next: Imbalance + + +>TNG #22 Imbalance Copyright June 1992 +>Author: V.E. Mitchell +>StarDate: 44839.2 +> +>Plot Summary: +> The Jarada are a mysterious race of insectoid beings with an extreme +>devotion to protocol. When this usually reclusive race offer to open +>diplomatic relations with the Federation, Captain Picard and the U.S.S. +>Enterprise are quickly ordered to Jarada to negotiate the exchange of +>Ambassadors. +> When the ship arrives, the Jarada seem uncharacteristically friendly. +>The invite Picard to send down members of his crew and negotiations proceed +>both quickly and smoothly. Suddenly, however, the Jarada change. They cut +>off Commander Riker and his away team from the U.S.S. Enterprise and initiate +>an unprovoked attack on the ship. Now Picard must unravel the aliens' +>mystery before it's too late for the away team -- and the U.S.S. Enterprise. + + Ms. Mitchell has a good premise here: another encounter with the +Jarada, a race of insectoid beings last seen in the TNG episode +'The Big Goodbye'. It's also good to be seeing more of O'Brien and +Keiko, but there are problems with that... + This was quite a good novel, but one big thing kept detracting +from the story. O'Brien and Keiko have a spat near the beginning of +the novel, and for most of the rest of it, the two engage in what +becomes extremely tiresome and annoying bickering... This would +have fared slightly better if their dispute had been resolved more +quickly. + + Characterization: 3 [too much fighting between Keiko and O'Brien] + Premise: 4 + Plot Handling: 4 + Narrative: 3 [ditto] + + Total: 3+ + +Next: Ice Trap [shudder] + + +>TOS #60 Ice Trap Copyright July 1992 +>Author: L.A. Graf +>StarDate: UNKNOWN +> +>Plot Summary: +> Sent to the icebound planet of Nordstral to investigate a +>mysterious outbreak of insanity, the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise +>find themselves drawn into another, even deadlier mystery upon +>their arrival. A team of research scientists has disappeared +>on Nordstral's frozen wasteland, leaving no clue to their where- +>abouts, and no hint of their fate. +> While Uhura and Chekov tackle the mystery surrounding the +>scientists' disappearance, Kirk and McCoy search for the truth +>behind the outbreak of mental illness. But both teams soon find +>themselves in danger, as the planet undergoes a series of massive +>earthquakes and electromagnetic disruptions. Unable to contact +>the U.S.S. Enterprise, both teams must fight for their lives as +>they try to solve the mystery of Nordstral -- before the world +>tears itself apart! + + I mentioned earlier that _Probe_ wasn't the worst Trek novel +ever. Well, it is saved from that distinction by this novel. +The characters are two-dimensional and paper-thin, the plot is +a transparent roller-coaster ride that only goes down, and the +premise is nearly ridiculous. Add to this the terrible portrayal +of the central characters, and you have the makings of a total +disaster.... I would urge you to not only avoid reading this, +but burn any copies of it you may find. :-) + + Characterization: 0 + Premise: 1 + Plot Handling: 1 + Narrative: 0 + + Total: 0+ + +Next: Imzadi + + +>TNG H2 Imzadi Copyright August 1992 +>Author: Peter David +>StarDate: UNKNOWN +> +>Plot Summary: +> Years before they served together on board the U.S.S. Enterprise, +>Commander William Riker and ship's counselor Deanna Troi had a +>tempestuous love affair on her home planet of Betazed. Now, their +>passions have cooled, and they serve together as friends. Yet the +>memories of that time linger and Riker and Troi remain Imzadi -- +>a powerful Betazoid term that describes the enduring bond they +>still share. +> During delicate negotiations with an aggressive race called the +>Sindareen, Deanna Troi mysteriously falls ill... and dies. But +>her death is only the beginning of the adventure for Commander +>Riker -- an adventure that will take him across time, pit him +>against one of his closest friends, and force him to choose between +>Starfleet's strictest rule and the one he calls Imzadi. + + Finally, Peter David returns. I see some people say that +his plots are transparent and predictable, that the conclusion +can be seen after the first two chapters. I certainly don't +agree with that. And even if it were true, I think I'd still +enjoy PAD's books, because the narration is so well done. + This novel is a great one for fans of time travel. The +part about the early history between Riker and Troi does tend +to get thick, slow and wearying at points, but that is a minor +sticking point. I really enjoyed this one. + + Characterization: 3 + Premise: 5 + Plot Handling: 4 + Narrative: 4 + + Total: 4 + +Next: Sanctuary + + +>TOS #61 Sanctuary Copyright September 1992 +>Author: John Vornholt +>StarDate: UNKNOWN +> +>Plot Summary: +> The planet Sanctuary -- A fabled world in unexplored space which is +>thought to be the last refuge of the persecuted, home to both the justly +>and unjustly accused. Though its name has been translated into every +>language in the galaxy, Starfleet has never known its exact location. +> When the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise is assigned to capture a +>dangerous criminal named Auk Rex, their pursuit takes them to an +>unexplored sector of space. Captain Kirk, Mr. Spock, and Dr. McCoy +>continue the pursuit in a shuttlecraft, following Auk Rex to the surface +>of the planet, Sanctuary. Soon, Kirk and his crew are locked in a life +>and death struggle on the mysterious planet, which harbors deadly +>secrets and never releases its visitors. + + John Vornholt seems to have tried to do just a little too much +this year. Two novels published within two months of each other +leads me to believe that both got short shrift. + This is a passable story, but not more than that. The obviousness +of the plot, and the way the readers are treated as if they are stupid +bothers me quite a bit. Was it really necessary to *SPELL OUT* for +us the method which the native species uses to reproduce? And how +many people were surprised to learn that the girl the landing party +meets in the woods is Auk Rex? I certainly wasn't. + Other than those points, this worked pretty well, but it still +comes out as just average or less than average. + + Characterization: 3 + Premise: 3 + Plot Handling: 2 + Narrative: 3 + + Total: 3- + +Next: War Drums + + +>TNG #23 War Drums Copyright October 1992 +>Author: John Vornholt +>StarDate: UNKNOWN +> +>Plot Summary: +> The planet Selva -- a lush colony world settled by a hardy group of +>humans, who found the planet already inhabited by a small gang of young +>Klingons. When violence erupts between the two groups, Captain Picard +>and the U.S.S. Enterprise are sent to render assistance. +> Worf leads a landing party to the planet while the Starship Enterprise +>is called away on another urgent mission. On Selva, Worf and his party +>find that the old hatreds and prejudices between humans and Klingons are +>revived, and the settlers are out for blood. Now, Worf must prevent +>a horrible massacre, before all of them fall prey to Selva's deadly +>secret... and raging fury. + + Vornholt's second offering in as many months, this one fares con- +siderably worse than _Sanctuary_. If you're sick of seeing Worf por- +trayed as a buffoonish wimp, then avoid this one... I mean, come on; +Worf has difficulty defeating a teenage Klingon boy in hand-to-hand +combat?? Ridiculous. + I was gratified to see Ensign Ro finally get a place in the novel +series -- until I read the novel, that is. She seems to care quite a +bit too much what the colonists think of her... And there are other +characterization problems. Look at Guinan. She is talking to Ro +in Ten Forward and says "I have a feeling you're desperately needed +down there"... NOT. Wouldn't happen. If a writer can't use a +character well and correctly, they shouldn't attempt it. + Vornholt's last two novels are decidedly disappointing after +his outstanding work in _Masks_ and the slightly less equivocal +_Contamination_. + + Characterization: 1 + Premise: 3 + Plot Handling: 2 + Narrative: 3 + + Total: 2+ + +Next: Best Destiny + + +>TOS H5 Best Destiny Copyright November 1992 +>Author: Diane Carey +>StarDate: UNKNOWN +> +>Plot Summary: +> As James T. Kirk prepares to retire from a long and illustrious +>Starfleet career, events in a distant part of the Federation draw +>him back to a part of the galaxy he had last visited as a young +>man -- a mysterious world called Faramond whose name takes Kirk +>on a journey back to his youth. +> At sixteen, Kirk is troubled, estranged from his father, and +>has a bleak future. However, a trip into space with Kirk's father +>George and Starfleet legend Captain Robert April changes James +>Kirk's life forever, when a simple voyage becomes a deadly trap. +>Soon, Kirk and his father find themselves fighting for their +>lives against a vicious and powerful enemy. +> Before the voyage ends, father and son will face life and +>death together, and James T. Kirk will get a glimpse of the +>future and his own BEST DESTINY... + + Diane Carey revives some of her characters from _Final_Frontier_ +in this novel. We get to see what James T. Kirk was like at the +age of sixteen, as well as some of the events that shaped him into +the Starship Captain we know. + The heavy Gothic focus on Kirk-as-god is noticeably absent here, +thankfully. You won't get the impression from this one that she's +in love with Kirk, either... All you get is a fantastic journey into +Kirk's past. + + Characterization: 5 + Premise: 5 + Plot Handling: 4 + Narrative: 5 + + Total: 5- + +Next: Death Count + + +>TOS #62 Death Count Copyright November 1992 +>Author: L.A. Graf +>StarDate: 5711.12 +> +>Plot Summary: +> The disappearance of Andorian scientific genius Muav Haslev fuels +>tensions between the Orions and Andorians -- tensions that come +>dangerously close to full scale war. Captain Kirk and the crew of +>the U.S.S. Enterprise are called to Starbase Sigma 1, located on the +>edge of Andorian-Orion space, to patrol the sector as a deterrent +>to hostilities. +> On arrival, the crew encounters an inexplicable series of events, +>beginning with missing equipment and shipboard malfunctions. After +>a deadly transporter accident, Kirk suspects sabotage -- suspicions +>that are confirmed by the mysterious murders of three Federation +>officials. Now, Kirk and crew must put together the fragmented +>pieces of the puzzle, before the Starship Enterprise faces destruction +>and the galaxy faces interplanetary war. + + L.A. Graf strikes again. The characters this time out are +just as flat as in _Ice_Trap_. After two of these fiascos from +Graf, I think it's time we oust Kevin Ryan, and start publishing +novels ourselves... I've seen fan fiction over in alt.startrek.creative +that is better than this by a long shot... + + Characterization: 0 + Premise: 2 + Plot Handling: 1 + Narrative: 1 + + Total: 1 + + +Next: Nightshade + + +>TNG #24 Nightshade Copyright December 1992 +>Author: Laurell K. Hamilton +>StarDate: UNKNOWN +> +>Plot Summary: +> After two hundred years of civil war the planet Oriana is dying. +>Most of the surface vegetation is gone, the air is nearly unbreathable, +>and the people themselves are dying. Now, the two warring factions +>have finally sat down to talk peace, and Captain Picard and the +>U.S.S. Enterprise are sent to help them negotiate a settlement. +> Picard, Lt. Worf, and Counsellor Troi beam down to Oriana, just +>as the Starship Enterprise is called away on another urgent mission. +>Alone on the planet, the U.S.S. Enterprise team learns that there +>are people that would rather finish the devastating conflict than +>talk peace. Suddenly, Picard is accused of murder and the delicate +>negotiations have fallen into the hands of Lt. Worf. +> Now, Worf and Troi must unravel the truth and prevent planet-wide +>disaster, before time runs out for the people of Oriana and the crew +>of the Starship Enterprise. + + I have quite a bit to say about this one, but this is supposed +to be a quick review :-). The characterization is lousy, the +premise is rather tired, and the dialogue is completely forgettable. +Add to this the plot that's about as deep as a cookie-sheet, and +you've got a real loser of a novel. Avoid this one, everyone. + + + Characterization: 0 + Premise: 1 + Plot Handling: 1 + Narrative: 1 + + Total: 1- + +RC Carman +p.s. Look on the bright side: Things *can't* get any worse!.. ;-) + +-- +/=======================================================================\ +| Ron C. Carman || Quantum physicists get all the girls. | +| rccarm00@mik.uky.edu || Al. Is he live, or is he a hologram? | + ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/st_pilot.txt b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/st_pilot.txt new file mode 100644 index 00000000..bec02ca4 --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/st_pilot.txt @@ -0,0 +1,210 @@ +From: ottoh3@cfsmo.honeywell.com (Otto Heuer #3) +Date: 2 Dec 93 07:53:59 GMT +Newsgroups: rec.arts.startrek.misc +Subject: FAQL: PILOT EPISODES AND UNAIRED EPISODES + +Archive-Name: faql.rec.arts.startrek.pilots + + PILOT EPISODES AND UNAIRED EPISODES (last updated 16 August 1993) + +=========================================================================== + 1) TOS pilot episodes + 2) TNG pilot episode + 3) DS9 pilot episode + 4) Pilots for other shows + 5) TOS episodes never shown + 6) TOS episodes never shown in Germany + 7) TOS episodes never shown in the UK + 8) TNG episodes never shown in the UK + 9) TOS end credit still shot NOT from an episode +=========================================================================== +1) TOS PILOT EPISODES + +What's the story behind Gene pitching TOS as a "Wagon Train to the Stars"? +Here's what he said in his intro to the 1987 showing of "The Cage": + +"... So far so good. Except that TV in those days was at the peak of its +love affair with the Western Story. I wanted to sell my series so I had +promised the network that my Star Trek idea would be little more than a +space western. A Wagon Train to the Stars, zap guns instead of +six-shooters, space ships instead of horses. But as I began writing that +pilot, I suddenly realized that here was a chance to do the kind of drama +I'd always dreamed of doing. I had seen science fiction movies before but +I'd always thought to myself, not enough characterization, not enough +motivation. perhaps I could use this as an excuse to go to those far off +planets, with little polka-dotted people, if necessary, and be able to talk +about love, war, nature, God, sex, all those things to go to make up the +excitement of the human condition, And maybe the TV censors would let it +pass because it all seemed so make believe. So, instead of a space +western, I delivered a very different kind of story. One which dealt +with... (Continues) ...and when the network finally saw the pilot, some of +their executives were outraged, and I can't say I really blame them. For +the considerable money they'd put up, they certainly did not get a western +space opera, in fact, nothing even vaguely like it. ... The networks' +very top program executive was impressed by the fact that this film made +him feel as if he'd accually been flying in a space ship. Doing something +almost never done before, the network ordered a second pilot, and this one +had better be familiar action adventure, or else!" + +"The Cage" was his first attempt to pitch a Star Trek series to the execs. +Thety thought it was "too cerebral". He made a second pilot, "Where No Man +Has Gone Before", which was more to their liking. It was *not* the firast +episode aired, however. "The Man Trap" was the first episode on +television. + +"Assignment Earth" was a pilot for a spinoff series that never got off the +ground. One of a few. Gene wanted to create some more shows. The +reference for this is in the book T"he Making of Star Trek", (the white +cover, not the silver one). + +--------------------------------------------------------------------------- +2) TNG PILOT EPISODES + +TNG had no pilot (since they didn't have to pitch the show to any network). +"Encounter at Farpoint" was the first episode shown, and (I believe) the +first episode filmed. When it was originally broadcast, it was a two-hour +show. They then broke it up into two one-hour shows, and moved some of the +scenes around to make it fit better in the running time of episodes. + +--------------------------------------------------------------------------- +3) DS9 PILOT EPISODES + +"The Emmisary" was first episode shown for DS9. Again, no pilot was needed +since there was no network to pitch it to. + +--------------------------------------------------------------------------- +4) PILOTS FOR OTHER SHOWS + +The Great Bird was involved with pilots for three different new TV series +in the early seventies. + +Three different pilots were apparently shot for one of the series, not +unlike the series of pilots that had to be shot to get "Star Trek" into +production. The first of these was "Genesis II," starring Alex Cord and +Mariette Hartley. In it, Dylan Hunt, a NASA scientist doing research on +suspended animation in an underground lab, gets accidentally buried for a +half millennium or so, and emerges into a post-nuclear-holocaust world. +The story concerns the interaction of two societies, one devoted to Good +Works and the progression of all humankind, and the other to being +Nazi-style lords and masters. "Planet Earth" was the second pilot. Set in +the same future, with minor alterations in background and format, it +starred John Saxon as Dylan Hunt, with folks like Diana Muldaur and Janet +Margolin in major parts. It was just an extended TV episode with some good +stuff in it; a mutant warrior race called the Kriegs (sp? never saw a +script in print) look a *great* deal like retconned Klingons. The third +movie, apparently a sort of a last-ditch attempt to produce a +network-acceptable pilot, was called "Strange New World," and completely +gutted the earlier forms of the series format. It starred John Saxon in +the lead, but no one else I ever heard of, and was such a lox I can +understand why G.R.'s name wasn't on it. It seemed to be three scripts +pasted together, end-to-end. + +Roddenberry made two other pilots during this era: "Spectre" and "The +Questor Tapes." "Spectre" was a lovely idea that could have made a great +series, since its format allowed the inclusion of most major horror +fiction, even including H.P. Lovecraft's "elder gods." It starred Robert +Culp and Gig Young, and is a *FUN* movie, if you ever get a chance to see +it. I believe it would have gone series, if made in the last few years, +but at the end of the Nixon era, horror, even humorous horror, was +unacceptable fare to the majority of TV watchers. ("Spectre" deals with an +occult investigator and his M.D. sidekick, who keep getting involved with +nasty superbeings from other times and dimensions; the hero's housekeeper +is a witch, and puts a no-drinking geas on the alcoholic M.D. sidekick in +the opening scenes.) + +"The Questor Tapes" starred Robert Foxworth and Mike Farrell, providing +some of the best acting ever seen in a a TV SF movie. (Foxworth does a +scene as the robot learning how to use vocal inflection while carrying on a +conversation with the first human it's ever spoken with.) The movie +suffers a bit from the obviousness of the series format it sets up; noble +alien with sideck, on the run from various governmental authorities, while +trying to learn human emotions and fulfill its mission to help the human +race. A bit of a yawn in print, but it could have been a *good* series, +with decent writing. + +Dorothy C. Fontana wrote a novelization of "The Questor Tapes" in +paperback, and you might be able to find it in a used book store. I +believe scripts for at least the best four are available from "Lincoln +Enterprises," or folks like that. + +--------------------------------------------------------------------------- +5) TOS EPISODES NEVER SHOWN + +"The Cage" was never shown during the original run of "Star Trek". A black +and white original of "The Cage" was pieced back together with the color +clips stolen for "The Menagerie" which has since been televised. Just +before the premier of TNG, Paramount "found" a copy of "The Cage" which was +all in color (which they then televised). It is marred by drastic changes +in the Talosians' voices in mid-sentence, otherwise it is fun to watch +(along with a grinning, shouting Spock). The color version they show now +has been cut down to an hour and has Spock's famous "grinning at the +singing plants" scene removed. Sigh. + +"He Walked Among Us" (unfilmed) Teleplay by: Norman Spinrad &Gene L. Coon +(1st draft: 25/09/67) + +"Tomorrow the Universe" Written by: Paul Schneider (1st draft: 03/03/67) + +"The Stars of Sargasso" + +--------------------------------------------------------------------------- +6) TOS EPISODES NEVER SHOWN IN GERMANY + +"Patterns of Force" was never shown in Germany, for reasons I trust are +obvious. + +--------------------------------------------------------------------------- +7) TOS EPISODES NEVER SHOWN IN THE UK + +"Whom Gods Destroy", "The Empath", and "Plato's Stepchildren" were *never* +shown in the UK, as they were deemed unsuitable for children. "Miri" was +only shown once. It generated lots of mail from angry parents. After +this, the BBC started previewing episodes before airing them. In 1993, the +BBC finally showed the entire run of TOS episodes. + +--------------------------------------------------------------------------- +8) TNG EPISODES NEVER SHOWN IN THE UK + +"Justice" was cut in the UK since TNG is broadcast in an earlier time slot +than the BBC will show skin. + +"The High Ground" was never broadcast by the BBC. SKY showed it on 30 +April 1993, but the references to the successful Irish liberation in the +21st century were cut. + +"Conspiracy" was also cut by the BBC for graphic violence. + +Can anyone that watches these on Sky verify that they show censored +versions of episodes in the 17:00 time slot and uncut versions in the 23:00 +time slot? + +--------------------------------------------------------------------------- +9) TOS END CREDIT STILL SHOT *NOT* FROM AN EPISODE + +In the still shots during the credits of "The Immunity Syndrome" (and +others) there is a picture of a rubbery-faced man with blank eyes. This is +from "Return to Tomorrow", but wasn't aired with the episode. Sargon was +building android bodies, which were actually actors covered in latex-like +rubbery stuff. They filmed him as he was removing the latex (in the +background, a props man is saying, "You wanted showbiz, you got +showbiz..."). One still of this ended up in the credits. The whole shot +ended up on the blooper reel for that season. As far as I know, it is the +only still which doesn't come from an actual Star Trek scene. + +=========================================================================== +If you know of any other topics that should be included in this list, feel +free to email me at one of the addresses below. Be aware that about 10% of +the mail I send out bounces, so if you don't get a reply from me, it isn't +because I'm ignoring you. :-) + + --Otto "HACK-MAN" Heuer + _____ _________ _ _____ _____ _____ _____ +| ___|| _______|| | Otto E. Heuer, CEO ||___|| |_ _| |_ _| ||___|| +| |__ | |___ ___| | FSD, Inc. | o | | | | | | o | +| __| |___ || _ | "The innovator for |__O__| |_| |_| |__O__| +| | _______| || |_| | software solutions." C, Pascal, Fortran, BASIC +|_||_________||_____| Assembly Language, Snobol, Ada, APL, Prolog, LISP +Unix, MS-DOS, ProDOS . . . .... . . . . . . . Audio/Video +ottoh@cfsmo.honeywell.com :..: .:.:. : :.' .. :`.': .:.:. :`. : Star Trek +hackman@pnet51.orb.mn.org : : : : :... : `. : : : : : `: Apple IIgs + diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/st_roman.txt b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/st_roman.txt new file mode 100644 index 00000000..d55600a4 --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/st_roman.txt @@ -0,0 +1,309 @@ +From: s892024@minyos.xx.rmit.OZ.AU (Richard A. Muirden [GA]) +Newsgroups: rec.arts.startrek.misc +Subject: ST:TOS Romance/Love list [bi-monthly post] +Message-ID: <1j68frINNak3@escargot.xx.rmit.OZ.AU> +Date: 15 Jan 1993 11:51:23 GMT +Organization: RMIT Computer Centre +Lines: 302 + + ======================== + ST:TOS Romance/Love List + ======================== + + A Bi-Monthly listing posted to the newsgroup rec.arts.startrek + + Version 9 + + Last Updated: December 3, 1991 + + + By Richard A. Muirden + + E-Mail: + ram@lionet.wesley.OZ.AU + s892024@minyos.xx.rmit.OZ.AU + ----------------------------------------------------------------- + This list takes events both shown and implied or specified from + the original Star Trek Television series and movies. (ie: any- + thing that would be considered "canon") I would be most happy to + hear of any omissions or mistakes that appear in this list. Also + any cosmetic changes you feel might need to be done may also be + sent to me :) + + * Episode or movie names appear in SQUARE BRACKETS "[ ]", Com- + ments appear under the entry. A question mark "?" indicates that + the romance/love was not shared by both parties. + + * I have included events such as forced love (eg: Saavik "loving" + Spock on Genesis in order to save him during Pon Farr, Chekov + wanting to rape Mara) or obvious romantic intents from one party + or the other (such as Tamoon and Chekov). It is debatable as to + if these kinds of entries should be included in this list, but I + have included them for completeness. + + * Captain Christopher Pike is included in this list because he + was the main focus of the very first Star Trek episode "The + Cage." And as he was later featured in "The Menagerie" (footage + from "The Cage"), He still remains a part of Star Trek history + and thus warrants inclusion in this list. + ----------------------------------------------------------------- + + + + KIRK + ---- + + * Vice Admiral Lori Ciani [Star Trek: The Motion Picture (novel)] + + - She is included because she comes from the pen of Gene + Roddenberry himself in his novel of ST:TMP. According + to the book, Kirk and Ciani lived together for a one + year contract marriage. She died in the transporter + accident aboard the Enterprise (this part being shown + in the movie, but she is only named in the novel). + + * Carrol Marcus [Star Trek II: The Wrath of Kahn] + + * The "Little Blonde Lab Technician" + [Where no man has gone Before] + + - Possibly this is also a reference to Carrol Marcus + + * Eve McHuron [Mudd's Women] + + * Yeoman Rand [The Enemy Within] ? + + - He *did* try to rape her, even if it was only half + of him! + + - In [The Naked Time] Kirk comments to Spock: + "My beautiful Yeoman... have you noticed her Mr. Spock?" + + - Also note [Miri] where she says: "On the ship... I used + to try to get you to look at my legs..." + + * Andrea [What are little girls made of?] ? + + - She was an android! + + * Dr. Helen Noel [Dagger of the Mind] + + - Remember that Science lab Christmas party Jimmy? ;-) + + * Miri [Miri] + + * Lenore Karidian [Conscience of the King] ? + + - Did she like him, or was it just to kill him? + + * Areel Shaw [Court Martial] + + * Yeoman Helen Johannson [Court Martial] + + - A relationship infered by Miss Piper: + "She simply mentioned that she *knew* you..." + + * Ruth [Shore Leave] + + * Edith Keeler [City on the Edge of Forever] + + * Dr. Janice Wallice [The Deadly Years] + + * Lt. Marlena Moreau [Mirror, Mirror] + + - The "Captain's Woman" in the Mirror Universe. + + * Drusilla [Bread and Circuses] + + - "I was told I am to be your slave tonight..." + + * Nona [A Private Little War] + + - She *took* him - wheather he liked it or not! + + * Shahna [The Gamsters of Triskelion] + + - Yes! The bimbo in the silver foil costume! + + * Kelinda [By Any Other Name] + + * Elaan [Elaan of Troyius] + + * Miramanee [The Paradise Syndrome] + + - "Each kiss is as the first..." + + * Dr. Miranda Jones [Is there in truth no Beauty?] ? + + - McCoy also showed signs of liking her, but it was + Kirk who sought her attention most. + + * Uhura [Plato's Stepchildren] ? + + - The kissing here was forced by Parmen. + + * Deela [Wink of an Eye] + + - Yes! This is the famous "Kirk puts on his boots" ep! ;) + + * Marta [Whom Gods Destroy] + + * Odona [The Mark of Gideon] + + * Vanna [The Cloudminders] + + * Rayna Kepec [Requiem for Methuselah] ? + + - Yet another Android + + * Dr. Janice Lester [Turnabout Intruder] + + Total: 30 + + + SPOCK + ----- + + * Leila Kalomi [This side of Paradise] + + * T'Pring [Amok Time] ? + + - Though he didn't exactly go for her either! + + * The Romulan Commander [The Enterprise Incident] + + - Spock was acting under orders, but... + + * Chapel [Plato's Stepchildren] + + - Just what she always wanted, but not with Parmen + pulling the strings! + + * Droxine [The Cloudminders] + + * Zarabeth [All our Yesterdays] + + * Saavik [Star Trek III: The Search for Spock] ? + + - It is implied that while being "reborn" on the Genesis + planet, A young Spock undergoes Pon Farr, which Saavik + "assists" him with, thus meaning they were intimate. + + Total: 7 + + + McCOY + ----- + + * Nancy Crater [The Man Trap] + + * Yeoman Tonia Barrows [Shore Leave] + + * Natira [For the world is hollow and I have touched the Sky] + + Total: 3 + + + + SCOTTY + ------ + + * Carolyn Palamas [Who mourns for Adonais] + + * Kara [Wolf in the Fold] + + - The belly dancer Rejac/Scotty murdered in the fog + + * Mira Romane [The lights of Zetar] + + Total: 3 + + + + CHEKOV + ------ + + * Yeoman Martha London [The Apple] + + * Tamoon [The Gamesters of Triskelion] + + - um, well... so Chekov didn't exactly *like* her ;-) + + * Sylvia [Spectre of the Gun] + + * Mara [Day of the Dove] ? + + - This entry is debatable. Chekov tries to rape Mara, so + this is not strictly love nor romance, however it is + included on the basis that Chekov states something + like: "You are a Klingon, but werry attractive..." - + so there *was* attraction from Chekov, even if it was + caused by hate/lust. + + * Irini Galliulin [The Way to Eden] + + Total: 5 + + + + SULU + ---- + + * Uhura [Naked Time, Mirror, Mirror] ? + + - He wasn't quite himself though (in both cases) + + Total: 1 + + + + UHURA + ----- + + * "The salt vampire" (Impersonating an African) [The Man Trap] ? + + - It just wanted to take a closer look at her salt shakers! + + * Scotty [Star Trek V: The Final Frontier] ? + + - Somehow I wonder about this! + + Total: 2 + + + + CHAPEL + ------ + + * Spock [Naked Time, Amok Time] ? + + * Roger Korby [What are little girls made of?] + + + - Her fiance + + Total: 2 + + + + + PIKE + ---- + + * Vina [The Cage / The Menagerie] + + Total: 1 + + ===================================================================== + Total: 54 + + + It is interesting to note that Kirk is the run away winner in the + womaniser stakes with 30 out of 54 (55.56%) romances going to + him. + + +-- +Richard Muirden, System Administator, RMIT.Aero. Engineering.. Office: 10.12.26 +raeram@kittyhawk.aero.rmit.OZ.AU, s892024@minyos.xx.rmit.OZ.AU 'phone: 660-3142 +---------Hopeless Romantic, Fanatic of Shostakovich and "Star Trek" ------------ diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/st_timel.txt b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/st_timel.txt new file mode 100644 index 00000000..de0e6bac --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/st_timel.txt @@ -0,0 +1,3633 @@ +From: jfy@cis.ksu.edu (Joseph F. Young) +Date: 9 Apr 93 21:49:21 GMT +Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative,rec.arts.startrek.misc,rec.arts.startrek.tech +Subject: Kasey K.S. Chang's Timeline (new version) + + + + S T A R T R E K M A S T E R T I M E L I N E + + by Kasey K.S. Chang + + Part A of THE ULTIMATE STAR TREK REFERENCE + + ST:TNG Season 6 Update 3: 4/5/93 + + Now includes information from _Star Trek Chronology_! + + +Part 1 READ THIS FIRST + +WHY ANOTHER TIMELINE? + Simple, I am STILL not satisfied with what I have read so far. + Before the OFFICIAL _Star Trek Chronology: The History of the Future_ +(STC) by Michael and Denise Okuda, the best timeline available was the one +by Stone and Finkas. Unfortunately, the Stones and Finkas timeline (SFT +from now on) only refer to the events that have been referenced to +onscreen, thus ignoring any offscreen evidence, such as the TNG Tech Manual +(TNGTM). STC refered to the implied dates, but ignored all novels and TAS. +I fully understand that there are people who consider only the screened +evidence "canon". However, with _Star Trek Chronology_ in print, there is +more to be considered as "canon". + I decided to explore the bigger picture, presenting all evidence, but +weighted screened evidence heavier than the other evidences available. All +entries are documented and attributed, so you can ignore the unscreened +evidence at your leisure. + This timeline was not designed to be the timeline to end all +timelines, so indubitably there are timelines that are more comprehensive +than mine. As for authenticity... Only the one being written by the +Okudas will be more official than this one. + + +FORMAT OF TIMELINE + I have incorporated BOTH Stardate and OED (Old Earth Date a.k.a. +Gregorian Date) year references into the timeline. If a Stardate is given, +it is noted, with an estimated OED year given. All events are sorted by +approximate year, then Stardate, unless Stardate is clearly incorrect. + I have attempted to incorporate all screened Star Trek sources +available, including The Original Series (TOS), The Animated Series (TAS), +The Movies, (ST:TMP, ST2-6), The Next Generation (TNG) (as many episodes as +I can), and now, Deep Space Nine (DS9). Occasionally you will find +references to some after-market books such as the TNG Tech Manual, TNG +Companion, and ST Chronology. Those will be clearly labeled as such so you +can ignore them as you wish. Also, in the TNG section, some TNG comics are +included for completeness's sake. Titles of the TNG novels are in the TNG +section as well, plus occasionally a reference to a TOS novel or two . + When events conflict in timing, emphasis is placed in the following +order: TOS/TNG/Movies, TAS, TNG Companion, Star Trek Chronology (STC), TNG +Tech Manual, everything else (novels, other tech references, etc.). The +source in front is assumed to be "more canonical" than those in the back, +and thus overrules "less canonical" sources if there is a conflict. + + +ORGANIZATION + ** READ THIS FIRST This section that you are reading now + ** TIMELINE The timeline itself + ** APPENDIX Appendix, abbreviations and bibliography + ** EXPLANATIONS Explanations of how I got what I got + ** FOOTNOTES To the timeline, additional explanations + + +DISCLAIMER + Placement of all events within the Star Trek time frame is solely my +own interpretation except for events which were dated within the show +proper and/or official sources. Dates are based on best evidence +available. As new information becomes available timeline will be updated. + I have no involvement with Paramount Studios or the TNG office, nor do +I have special access to information not available to the public. All +sources are documented as shown. Bibliography is in the appendix. + I do not claim to have included every major event documented in the +Star Trek universe. If I missed some "major" events, let me know. + "Star Trek", "Star Trek: The Next Generation", "ENTERPRISE", and +various other names are trademarks of Paramount Studios, all rights +reserved. Used for reference/ non-profit purposes only. + All sources cited in this article were referenced to the best of my +ability. I apologize for any that I have missed; any omission on my part +is not intentional, and should be brought to my attention so they can be +corrected. Bibliography is in the appendix. + + +DISTRIBUTION NOTICE + This timeline may be distributed freely subjected to these conditions: + 1) This notice and author's name must accompany all copies of the +timeline. "Star Trek Master Timeline" is copyrighted (c) 1991-1993 by +Kasey K.S. Chang, all rights reserved except as noted in the disclaimer. + 2) This timeline must NOT be modified in any form or manner without +prior permission from the author with two exceptions: conversion of the +archive format is not considered a modification (ZIP to ARJ, for example), +and convert to other text file types are not either, if no content changes +are made (only appearance changes). + 3) No charge other than "reasonable" compensation be charged for its +distribution. (Free is preferred, of course.) + 4) If you quote this timeline, PLEASE attribute your source, otherwise +you have committed plagiarism. + +Comments, suggestions, and such should be sent to: + +Kasey K.S. Chang PC-Link : Ksc1 +2220 Turk Blvd. Apt.6 America On-Line: Ksc1 +San Francisco, CA 94118 Promenade : Ksc1 + +InterNet e-mail at ksc1@aol.com (perferred, checked once a week) or +kschang@sfsuvax1.sfsu.edu (school account, checked more often, may expire). + +Thank you for your attention. Let's now get to the story. + + +S T A R T R E K M A S T E R T I M E L I N E + by Kasey K.S. Chang + Last update: 4/5/93 + +PART 2 : TIMELINE + +Note: All "circa" year references should have +/- 3 years margin of error. + +Stardate Year Event +--------+-----+------------------------------------------------------- +c15 billion yr The known universe was formed in a massive explosion known + as "The Big Bang", after which the matter and energy + condensed into the universe as we know it today. 1 +c6 billion yr The Guardian of Forever was built by a mysterious race. 2 +c5 billion yr A star started to condense out of the nebular gases, forming + Sol and the rest of the solar system. 3 +c2 billion yr The civilization on Tagus III flourished at this time. Its + ruins, closed off since 23rd century, remains of interest + to archaeologists. (TNG:"Qpid") 4 + Single-celled organisms evolved on Earth 5 +c1 billion yr The Slaver Empire fell in a massive intergalactic war that + destroyed all intelligent life in the galaxy. + (TAS:"The Slaver Weapon") + 1741647 BC Final survivors of "The Makers" from Andromeda Galaxy died, + leaving an outpost filled with android population in our + galaxy. Harry Mudd came upon their world in 2265 and they + declared him Mudd the First. (TOS:"I, Mudd") +millions of Inhabitants of planet Organia transformed from humanoid +years ago body to beings of pure energy 6 + c600000 BC Arretians (Sargon's people) appears to have colonized the + Milky Way at this point (TOS:"Return to Tomorrow") + Age of Makto. The Tkon Empire, a large and technologically + advanced civilization, was destroyed when the Tkon's home + star went nova. All that survived are several outposts, + including one at the Delphi Ardu system. + (TNG:"The Last Outpost") + c500000 BC A great war broke out between among the possible pregenators + of all humanoid species in this galaxy. Survivors from + both sides: Sargon, Thalassa, and Henoch, preserved their + minds in receptacles on planet Arret, which contained no + atmosphere as a result of the war. + (TOS:"Return to Tomorrow") + Civilization flourished on Bajor at this time. + (TNG:"Ensign Ro") 7 + The star Exo started fading, eventually rendering the + surface of Exo III uninhabitable. The civilization + retreated underground, and constructed androids to assist. + (TOS:"What Are Little Girls Made Of?") 8 + The inhabitants of Talos IV were nearly wiped out by a war + "thousands of centuries ago". The surface became + uninhabitable, and survivors retreated underground. They + started developing telepath. 9 + c300000 BC The Borg, possible descendents/survivors of the war of + c500000BC, developed their uni-mind structure and + cybernetic implant technology. In their effort to perfect + themselves, they started absorbing other civilizations. + (TNG:"Q Who?") + c200000 BC The Iconian civilization flourished and influenced many + cultures, but was destroyed around this time when all + major cities on Iconia were damaged by large-scale orbital + bombardment. (TNG:"Contagion") 10 + c50000 BC Bele begins his hunt for Lokai about this point. + (TOS:"Let This Be Your Last Battlefield") + The Horta of Janus VI begin their latest cycle of rebirth at + about this time. (TOS:"Devil in the Dark") 11 + "The Preservers", possible progenators of life in this + galaxy, encountered the Borg. The resulting war + devastated large parts of the galaxy. + The Preservers, attempting to turn the tide, developed "The + Doomsday Machine", on the other side of the galaxy, beyond + "The Great Energy Barrier". A prototype capable of warp 4 + (TOS scale) was released on a trial basis. + The Preservers within the galaxy were wiped out (?) by the + Borg. Too weak to go on, the surviving Preservers + withered away to be no more than spirits, that haunted the + now finished "Doomsday Machine" Mark II. + (TNGN:"Vendetta") 12 + c25000 BC The first of at least 947 archaeological expeditions to + Tagus III was conducted. (TNG:"Qpid") 13 + The Trill began living as a "joined species". + (TNG:"The Host") 14 + c10000 BC Val on Gamma Trianguli VI was built around this time. + (TOS:"The Apple") 15 + A race of intelligent spacefaring organisms became nearly + extinct some millennia ago. They formed symbiotic + relationships with humanoid lifeforms that lived within + their bodies, thus serving as "living spaceships". The + last surviving specimen is an individual that called + itself Gomtuu (known as Tin Man to the Federation). + (TNG:"Tin Man") 16 + c8000 BC Star Fabrina shows instability. The inhabitants of the + planet built a generation ship/dyson sphere called Yonada + to carry its descendent to a new world. 17 + (TOS:"For the World is Hollow and I Have Touched the Sky") + Kalandans constructed a moon for colonization, at this time. + (TOS:"That Which Survives") 18 + c6500 BC Zakdorns started to be considered by fellow spacefaring + races as the master of strategy and combat. Their + reputation was not challenged for the next 9000 years. + (TNG:"Peak Performance") 19 + c4000 BC Landru of Beta III in C-111 chose to construct a computer to + continue providing guidance to the planet as if he is + still alive. (TOS:"Return of the Archons") 20 + Unknown aliens took several humans from Earth to be raised + on a distant planet at this time, their descendent to be + trained for eventual return to Earth to prevent Earth from + destroying itself. (TOS:"Assignment: Earth") 21 + Human civilization developed in the Sumer region of Nile + river valley on Earth. 22 + Progenitors of Aldea in Epsilon Mynos system installed a + cloaking shield around the planet, controlled by a + computer known as "The Custodian". 23 + (TNG:"When the Bough Breaks" + 3834 BC Birth of Flint the immortal in Mesopotamia as Akharin, a + foot soldier (TOS:"Requiem For Methuselah") + c3700 BC Spock and McCoy was trapped on the planet Sarpeidon at about + this time by the "atavachron" (TOS:"All Our Yesterdays") + c2700 BC Humanoids from Pollux IV arrived on Earth. Terrans regarded + them as gods, and the classical literature of that time + eventually referred to them as the Olympian Gods of Greek + and Roman mythology. (TOS:"Who Mourns For Adonis?") + c400 BC Parmen and entourage arrived on Earth, where they studied + the philosopher Plato. They left after approximately 200 + years (c200 BC) and founded Platonius. 24 + (TOS:"Plato's Stepchildren") + c200 BC Spock's ancestors adopted ceremonial ground which remained, + used for mating rituals. (TOS:"Amok Time") 25 + c67 BC Birth of Surak, of Vulcan, "father of all we became", + founder of the "logic" movement on Vulcan + (TOSN:"The Romulan Way") + 22 BC Vulcan delegation met the Ethoshans at Shi'Khar, Vulcan in + friendship. The Ethoshans turned out to be shock troops, + capturing or killing all the delegates. The survivors are + held for outrageous amounts of ransom. + Vulcan declared "The War" on the pirates + S'Task, pupil of Surak, one of the captured delegates, + engineered escape, and crashed the slave ship into the + Ethoshan mothership, killing thousands of pirates in the + process, and the invasion has been halted + S'Task's disagreement with his teacher split Vulcan society, + resulting in riots and small wars + (TOSN: "The Romulan Way") + c1 Approximate date of the Vulcan Reformation. 26 + c65 Vulcan Colonization group, lead by S'Task, left Vulcan in + search for a new, pure beginning. The ships include + REA'S HELM, WARBIRD, STARCATCHER, T'HIE, PENNON, + BLOODWING, CORONA, LANCE, GORGET, SUNHEART, FORGE, + LOST ROAD, BLACKLIGHT, FIRESTORM, VENGEANCE, MEMORY, and + SHIELD. They will not be heard from again in 2000 years. + (TOSN:"The Romulan Way") + c125 The Vulcan Colonization group (c65) came upon the Trianguli + cluster and 128 Trianguli system. Only four of the + original seventeen ships survived the journey. They will + be the ancestors of who are known later as the "Romulans". + (TOSN:"The Romulan Way") + c350 Kaelonians adopted "The Resolution" as part of their + tradition. All members of society must commit ritual + suicide by the age of 60. (TNG:"Half a Life") 27 + c500 Society of 892-IV developed a culture similar to Earth's + ancient Rome, and are later known as the "Magna Romans". + (TOS:"Bread and Circuses") + c625 Mohammed began writing the Koran, which will become the + foundation of Islam. (History) + c760 A member of the Metron civilization was born at about this + time, who in 2266 incapacitated the Enterprise and a Gorn + ship attempting to end a conflict between the two by + allowing the commander of both vessels to engage in + physical combat. (TOS:"Arena") 28 + c865 Civil War breaks out on Solais V, which would rage for the + next fifteen centuries. (TNG:"Loud as a Whisper") + c1200 War destroyed planet Zetar, leaving several inhabitants to + wander the galaxy as mental forces of light, search for + bodies to possess so they may live again. + (TOS:"Lights of Zetar") + c1350 Battle of Aurelius IX, where the Menthas and the Promelians + fought their final battle in a legendary interstellar war. + (TNG:"Booby Trap") + c1367 "Ardra", a female representation of "the devil", allegedly + struck a deal with the natvies of Bentax II so they will + gain 1000 years of peace and prosperity in exchange for + their souls and eternal slavery at the end of the period. + (TNG:"Devil's Due") + c1368 Kataan sun went nova. All that reamined were a probe, which + was encountered by NCC-1701-D a thousand years later. + (TNG: "Inner Light") + c1400 Ruling family of Ramatis system was found centuries ago to + lack the genes for developement of hearing. A Chorus of + interpreters both hear and speak for the ruling family. + (TNG:"Loud as a Whisper") 29 + Ardana's inhabitants built a city in the clouds named + Stratos at around this time. 30 + c1500 Inhabitants ot planet Thasus evolved beyond bodies of solid + matter into beings of pure energy. (TOS:"Charlie X") 31 + 1609 Galileo Galilei constructed Earth's first astronomical + telescope. (history) 32 + 1616 (Great Britain, Terra) HMS ENTERPRISE sent to find an + alternate naval route to the Orient (Asia), but was + destroyed near India by a hurricane + c1700 Civil War started centuries ago on Daled IV. A young woman, + whose parents each came from the two warring factions, is + later raised on a neutral planet in the hope of bring + peace to the planet. (TNG:"The Dauphin") 33 + 1760 (United States, Terra) USS ENTERPRISE, 12 gun sloop, + captured on Lake Champaign by United States patriots in + 1775, captained by General Benedict Arnold in the + Revolutionary War. Self-destructed in 1777 to prevent + capture by British Royal Navy + c1760 Eminiar VII and Vendikar started their interplanetary war. + After many years, the actual fighting was replaced by + computer control, with casualties reporting to + disintegration chambers when instructed to. + (TOS:"A Taste of Armageddon") + c1750 Alien anthropologists called the Preservers visited planet + Earth. They judged Earth's American Indians to be in + dnager of extinction, and transplanted a small group to a + distant planet. (TOS:"The Paradise Syndrome") 34 + Beta Portolan system was overcome by mass insanity, which + appears to be the same affliction that affected Deneva in + 2267. (TOS:"Operation: Annihilate!") 35 + Colonists from Peliar Zel migrated to the world's two moons, + and the two colonies have strained relationship ever + since. (TNG:"The Host") 36 + Hundreds of condemned criminals from Ux-Mal was dumped on a + moon of the planet Mabu VI. The prisoners have their + consciousness separated from their bodies, leaving their + soul to drift in the EM storm in the moon's atmosphere. + (TNG:"Power Play") 37 + 1780 (United States, Terra) USS ENTERPRISE, 8 gun schooner, + guarded Chesapeake Bay against the British Royal Navy + 1812 (United States, Terra) USS ENTERPRISE, 18 gun schooner, used + in the War of 1812, destroyed near the end of war + c1868 Unidentified aliens from Uxmal system imprisoned the + conciousness of several hundred inmates on the moon of + Mabu VI (TNG: "Power Play") + 1888 Redjac entity kills six women in London, England, Terra, as + Jack the Ripper (TOS:"Wolf in the Fold") + 1893 August 12th, Data was transported back into San Francisco of + this period while investigating his own possible death on + the planet Delvidia II. There, he encountered a younger + Guinan, and evidence of alien tampering. + (TNG: "Time's Arrow, Part I") + Picard, Riker, LaForge, Troi, and Crusher followed Data into + the past, where they met Mark Twain and the younger + Guinan. Together, they eliminated the alien threat. + (TNG: "Time's Arrow, part II") + 1905 Albert Einstein published his special theory of relativity. + (history) + 1930 Guardian of Forever placed McCoy, Kirk, and Spock in time at + about this period. (TOS:"City on the Edge of Forever") + 1932 Redjac entity kills seven women in Shanghai, China, Terra. + (TOS: Wolf in the Fold) + 1934 The first story about fictional detective Dixon Hill is + published in _Amazing Detective Stories_ magazine, which + became a favorite with Captain Jean-Luc Picard in 2260's. + (TNG:"The Big Goodbye") + 1936 (United States, Terra) USS ENTERPRISE, YORKTOWN-Class + military aircraft carrier, built 1938, commissioned 1941, + fought several battles during Terran World War II. + Retired from active status in 1946, declared unfit for + reserve fleet on Oct 8 1956, officially decommissioned + Jan 1, 1957. Designation CV-6/CVS-6/CVA-6 38 + Another Dixon Hill story "The Long Dark Tunnel" was + published this year. (TNG:"The Big Goodbye") + 1939 Approximate birthdate of Frank Oppenhouse, who later went + under cryogenics operation. (TNG: "The Neutral Zone") + 1945 United Nations chartered at San Francisco, Terra. (history) + 1957 Sputnik I, first Terran artificial satellite, launched by + the Soviet Union. (history) + 1959 Approximate birthdate of Claire Raymond, who later went + under cryogenics operation. (TNG: "The Neutral Zone") + Yuri Gagarin, aboard Vostok I, became first human to travel + in space. (history) + 1960 Project Ozma, the first of many SETI projects in which + scientists search for signs of other intelligent life in + the universe, started this year. (history) + 1961 (United States, Terra) USS ENTERPRISE, ENTERPRISE-Class + military aircraft carrier, first Terran military vessel + with nuclear fission power. Participated in Terran + Vietnam War. Designation CVN-65 39 + 1963 Nuclear Test Ban Treaty adopted on Earth. (history) + 1966 The entire adult population of Miri's world died from an + engineered virus designed to prolong life. Only children + under the age of 15 survived. Their aging was greatly + reduced, but they die when they reach puberty. They + called themselves "the Onlies". (TOS:"Miri") + 1968 ENTERPRISE came back in time via planned slingshot effect to + this date to observe Terra in the nuclear age, but + intercepted Gary Seven's transporter beam. + (TOS:"Assignment Earth") + First manned orbital flight of Luna. + 1969 July, Accidental slingshot effect brought ENTERPRISE back in + time, into Terra's atmosphere. Only ENTERPRISE records + showed such disruption since the crew have erased most + evidence of such a temporal visit. + (TOS:"Tomorrow is Yesterday") + July 20th, First Lunar landing by Apollo astronaut. + c1971 Kelvan Empire, located in the Andromeda galaxy, launched an + expedition to the Milky Way to study suitability of + conquest. (TOS: "By Any Other Name") + 1974 Redjac entity killed five women in Kiev, USSR, Terra. + (TOS:"Wolf in the Fold") + 1977 (United States, Terra) ENTERPRISE, "Space Shuttle" reusable + orbiter, built by National Aeronautics and Space Agency + (NASA), used for various atmospheric flight tests. + Retired in 1986 to the Terran Smithsonian Institute, + having never flown in outer space. Restored in 2269 for + Apollo Tricentennial. Designation OV-101 40 + Terran unmanned probes (Viking-series) reached Mars. + Viking 2 landed on Mars plain of Utopia Planitia, future + site of StarFleet Utopia Planetia Fleet Yards. + (TNG:"Booby Trap") + 1977 The first of the VOYAGER-series probes launched by NASA. + Later, VOYAGER 6 was lost when it encountered a black + hole, its fate unknown. (ST:TMP) + 1980 (Civilian, United States, Terra) ENTERPRISE, Goodyear + lighter-than-air atmospheric vehicle (blimp), used for + many Terran contemporary sporting events and promotions. + Designation N A1 + 1981 First "Space Shuttle" reusable orbiter COLUMBIA was launched + from Terra into orbit. 41 + 1983 Pioneer 10 launched from Terra, Sol system. The probe was + destroyed by Klaa's Bird of Prey in 2286. (ST5:TFF) + 1986 Space Shuttle CHALLENGER exploded 73 seconds after liftoff, + killing seven astronauts. + Planned slingshot effect carried HMS BOUNTY back in time in + search of humpback whales. Two humpback whales and Dr. + Gillian Taylor were brought back to 2286 by the ENTERPRISE + crew to resolve "The Whalesong Crisis". (ST4:TVH) + Dr.Nichols began to develope the molecular matrix for + transparent aluminum on his Macintosh computer. (ST4:TVH) + 1992 "Chicago Mobs of the 1920's" was published in New York. In + 2168, the crew of USS HORIZON accidentally left a copy of + it at Iotia, leading the Iotians to base their culture on + it. (TOS: A Piece of the Action) + Unmanned probes reached Saturn. + Khan Noonien Singh rises to power, assuming dictatorial over + one quarter of Earht, from South Asia to Middle East. + (TOS:"Space Seed") + c1993-1996 Eugenics War: a group of scientists created a group of + "super-humans", and planned to take over the governments + around the world. The war was won by the normal humans. + Survivors of the war including Khan Noonien Singh and + Dr.Stavros Keniculus, who exiled themselves into space. + (TOS:"Space Seed", TAS:"The Infinite Vulcan") + 1994 Cryogenics satellite containing Claire Raymond, Ralph + Ophemhouse, and L.Q. "Sonny" Clemens, was launched. It + will be retrieved in interstellar space almost four + centuries later. (TNG:"The Neutral Zone") 42 + 1996 BOTANY BAY DY-100 class sleeper ship leaves Earth with some + 200 survivors of the Eugenics War, including Khan Noonien + Singh. They went into suspended animation, and were not + found until c2266. It is assumed that other ships like + this were also launched but their fate remain unknown. + (TOS:"Space Seed") + Poet Tarbolde from Canopius wrote "Nightingale Woman", a + passionate love sonnet that lasted for many centuries. + (TOS:"Where No Man Has Gone Before") + 1998 Unmanned probes reached Mercury and Pluto (?) + 1999 Voyager 6 was launched from Earth. The probe eventually + fell into a black hole, emerging on the other side of the + galaxy, where it encountered a planet of living machines + that enhanced the craft and returned it to Earth in 2271. + (ST:TMP) 43 + 2000 (United Nations, Terra) UNSS ENTERPRISE, PEACEKEEPER-Class + military aircraft carrier. Used in several peacekeeping + missions. Designation CVN-101 (?) 44 + 2002 Space Station "Freedom" is declared operational (?) + NOMAD probe launched to explore beyond the solar system. + Its creator was Jackson Roykirk. (TOS:"The Changeling") 45 + 2009 Saturn Expedition led by Colonel Shaun Geoffrey Christopher + was launched (?) (TOS: Tomorrow is Yesterday) 46 + 2015 Fusion thrusters were invented, which later became impulse + engines (?) 47 + 2018 Sleeper ships' usage are discontinued. (TOS:"Space Seed") + 2025 Reunification of Ireland on Earth occured this year. + (TNG:"The High Ground") + 2026 Joe DiMaggio's hitting record broken by a shortstop from the + London Kings. (TNG:"The Big Goodbye") + 2030 Birth of Zefram Cochrane, inventor of warp drive. 48 + (TOS:"Metamorphosis") + A "famous novelist" wrote a classic on the theme "Let me + help". He recommended these words even over "I love you." + (TOS:"The City on the Edge of Forever") + 2032 NASA launched first manned extra-solar mission, ship is + powered by the now perfected fusion thrusters (?) + 2033 Fifty-second state is admitted to the United States of + America. (TNG:"The Royale") 49 + 2036 The new United Nations declared that no Earth Citizen could + be made to answer for the crimes of their race or + forebearers (TNG:"Encounter at Farpoint") 50 + 2037 July 23rd, the CARYBDIS, NASA's third extra-solar mission + was launched. Col. Steven Richie in command. + (TNG:"The Royale") + c2039-2043 World War III, possibly also known as Colonel Green's War + (TOS: The Savage Curtain), in which Colonel Green waged a + genocidal campaign, possibly in Asia and Mid-East. + 2040 Television faded as a mode of entertainment. + (TNG:"The Neutral Zone") + 2043-2047 Mind-Control Revolts, details unknown. Sources seem to + indicate that certain military regiments with mind-control + implants rebelled against orders (ST:TMP Novelization) 51 + 2044 CARYBDIS's telemetry ceased. (see 2039) Ship was presumed + lost and destroyed, actual fate unknown until 2365. + (TNG:"The Royale") + c2058 UNSS ICARUS launched for first expedition to Alpha Centauri + (TOSN: Strangers from the Sky) 52 + c2059 Captain Kirk, along with Gary Mitchell, Mr.Spock, Lee Kelso, + and Dr. Elizabeth Dhener, was temporarily transported to + this year by Parneb. When attempting to return them back + to their own time, Parneb discovered Vulcans on Earth + years before the official contact date. + The ENTERPRISE crew found the "lost" Vulcans a spaceship so + they can return to where they should be. The crew, in + turn, are returned to their time, their memories inhibited + (TOSN:Strangers from the Sky) + 2053-2079 United States of America have 52 states (TNG: "The Royale") + 2061 Zefram Cochrane invented the Continuum Distortion Propulsion + (CDP) system, the precursor to warp drive (TNG:TM) + 2064 UNSS ICARUS arrived at Alpha Centauri 53 + 2065 SS VALIANT encountered energy barrier at the edge of the + galaxy. The ship self-destructed, reasons unknown. 54 + (TOS: "Where No Man Has Gone Before") + 2067 British astronomer John Burke of Royal Academy maps the area + of space including Sherman's Planet. + (TOS:"The Trouble with Tribbles". + Planet Lavinius V was infested by parasite creatures. + (TOS:"Operation: Annihilate!") + Unknown planet launched sublight freighter filled with + unstable nuclear waste, which drifted in space for three + centuries before settling into orbit around Gamelan V, + where radiation threatened life on the planet. + (TNG:"Final Mission") + People of Argelius underwent a "great awakening". + (TOS:"Wolf in the Fold") 55 + 2072 The Cochrane team left for Alpha Centauri in a CDP equipped + ship to escape from the war. 56 + 2075 UNSS AMITY rescued Vulcan scout in Sol orbit + (TOSN: Strangers from the Sky) + 2076 Cochrane team arrived at Alpha Centauri, and went on to + perfect the CDP engine. (estimated) + 2079 "new" United Nations, formed in 2036, was dissolved this + year, after years of powerlessness. + Picard and crew was tried by Q in a courtroom of this period + on their initial mission to Farpoint Station + (TNG:"Encounter at Farpoint") + 2082 Colonel Ritchie died in "The Royale", at the eighth planet + in the Theta 118 system. (TNG:"The Royale") + 2086 Lornack clan of Acamar III began their bloodfeud with a + rival clan, the Tralestas. The feud lasted until 2286, + when the Lornacks massacred all but five of the Tralestas. + (TNG:"The Vengeance Factor") 57 + 2088 Vulcan delegation arrived on Earth (TOSN: Strangers from the + Sky). As Earth was not yet united, it was not till thirty + years later when two fomally established diplomatic + relations, and formed the Federation in 2161. (estimated) + c2094 United Earth Alliance was formed as a replacement of the new + United Nations which was dissolved in 2079, to present a + united Earth to future alien contacts. (estimated) + 2100 NOTE: Rasmussen, a 22nd Century man from new Jersey, stole a + time pod from a 26th century historian (who went back to + 22nd century) and went to 24th century + (TNG:"A Matter of Time") + c2104 First generation warp drive was perfected. This type can + sustain supralight speeds. (estimated) + 2105 SS BONAVENTURE, first warp equipped United Earth space + vessel, was launched. (estimated) + Redjac entity killed eight women on the Mars Colonies. + (TOS: Wolf in the Fold) + 2106 SS ENTERPRISE, BONAVENTURE-Class interstellar scout, second + warp equipped United Earth space vessel (the first being + BONAVENTURE herself), top speed warp 3. Lost and presumed + destroyed at 2109. Designation NCC-101 (?) 58 + 2117 Zefram Cochrane disappears during a trip, presume lost and + dead at the age of 87. (TOS:"Metamorphosis") + c2120 Earth formally established relations with the residents of + 40-Eridani, known as Vulcans. (estimated) + 2123 November 27th, SS MARIPOSA, U.N. Registry NAR-7678, DY-500 + class sleeper ship, launched for Ficus Sector with two + groups of colonists. The ship reached Bringloid V and + settled the planet, but crashed on Mariposa while + attempting to settle a second group. + (TNG:"Up the Long Ladder") + 2138 Second generation warp drive was developed (?) + c2145 Earth made first contact with the Andorians and Tellarites + this year. Both established formal relations five years + later, and will join Earth, Vulcan, and Alphacent to form + the United Federation of Planets (estimated) + c2152 (Civilian, Terra) USS ENTERPRISE, DECLARATION-class + interstellar passenger liner, operating by United-Delta + Spacelines. Regular route: Terra (Sol III)-AlphaCent - + Vulcan - Andor - Tellar, top speed warp 3.5, retired after + 25 years of service. Designation CPL-1532 (?) (#) 59 + c2153 USS CARRIZAL discovered the 128 Trianguli system, with a set + of twin planets in the system. The system was named + Romulus, after Italian myth of Romulus and Remus. The + inhabitants of 128 Trianguli became known as Romulans. + (TOSN: The Romulan Way) + c2156 USS BALBOA, following up the investigation of USS CARRIZAL, + was destroyed by Romulan fightercrafts. + USS STONE MOUNTAIN, coming to BALBOA's aid, was captured by + Romulan forces, after design defect crippled the ship. 60 + Earth declared war on Romulans, thus started the First + Romulan War. (TOSN: The Romulan Way) 61 + Redjac entity killed two women at Heliopolis, Alpha + Eridani II. (TOS:"Wolf in the Fold") + c2160 Romulan War ended by Battle of Cheron. Romulan forces + suffered a humiliating defeat. (TNG:"The Defector") + First Romulan War end as both sides negotiated treaty terms + via radio only, no face-to-face meeting. The Neutral Zone + is established, any entrance by either party constitutes + an act of war. (TOS:"Balance of Terror") 62 + 2161 "Federation Day" was proclaimed this year as the founding of + the Federation. (TNG: "The Outcast") 63 + Federation council president's office is located in city of + Paris, France, Terra. (ST6:TUC) + Federation Council is located in San Francisco (ST4:TVH) + StarFleet is formally organized accordant to Federation + Charter. StarFleet HQ is located at San Francisco, Terra. + StarFleet Academy is founded at San Francisco, Terra + (TNG:"First Duty") 64 + c2164 First contact with the Delos system by Federation scout. + Two inhabited planets were found: Brekka, simple + agricultural world, and Onarra, technological society with + inter-system travel capabilities. (TNG:"Symbiosis") + Plague strikes planet Onarra. The Brekkans provided cure, + which was later found to be a narcotic. (TNG:"Symbiosis") + c2165 Birth of Sarek of Vulcan, child of Skon and Solkar, future + Vulcan Ambassador to the Federation, father of Spock. + (TOS:"Journey to Babel", TNG:"Sarek") 65 + Deneva was colonized as a mid-point within the regular trade + routes of the Federation (TOS:"Operation: Annihilate!") + c2167 USS ARCHON visited the planet Beta III. The ship was pulled + from orbit by the computer Landru, and destroyed. The + crew dispersed, forming the seeds of rebellion in the + future. (TOS:"Return of the Archons") 66 + USS ESSEX, Daedalus-class scout (NCC-173), was destroyed at + Mabu VI's moon, cause unknown. (TNG:"Power Play") + Guinan seemed to have met Q sometime in this year. + (TNG:"Deja Q") + 2168 USS HORIZON visited planet Iotia, accidentally leaving + behind a book called "Chicago Mobs of the 1920's", which + the culture eventually adopts as a model for their + society. (TOS:"A Piece of the Action") + The contamination of the society lead to adoption of the + Noninterference Directive as General Order One, commonly + known as the "Prime Directive". (speculation) + USS HORIZON lost with all hands, cause unknown. Their + actions were not known until one hundred years later, when + their radio signals reached Starfleet. 67 + Colony of Moab IV was established. This colony was designed + as a genetically pure environment with members bred to a + specific position in society. (TNG: "Masterpiece Society") + 2169 Sarek of Vulcan, father of Spock, husband of Amanda, is born + in this year, at ShiKhar, 40-Eridani (Vulcan) + (TOS: "Journey to Babel", TNG:"Sarek") + 2170 Last detonation of Kavis Alpha neutron star before 2366. + (TNG:"Evolution") 68 + c2193 Birth of Robert April, future ENTERPRISE Captain + (TAS:"The Counter-Clock Incident") + 2196 Last Daedalus-class scout was decommissioned. + (TNG:"Power Play") 69 + c2197 USS SENTRY encountered IKV DEVISOR, first meeting between + Federation and Klingon forces. Brief fight resulted. + (TOSN:"The Final Reflection", TOS:"Day of the Dove") + c2212 Birth of Amanda Grayson, future wife of Sarek, mother of + Spock. (TOS:"Journey to Babel") 70 + c2214 Birth of Christopher Pike, future captain of ENTERPRISE. + 2215 First type of photon torpedo invented, though rather + unreliable. It was designated as a defensive weapon, used + more often as mines than torpedoes. + (TNG Tech Manual) 71 + Selcundi Drema began its disintegration, forming the + asteroid belt in that solar system (TNG:"Pen Pals") + c2217 USS VALIANT contacted planet Eminiar VII. The ship was + never heard from again, probably destroyed as a part of + the war between Eminiar VII and Vendikar. + (TOS:"A Taste of Armageddon") + c2218 First Klingo-Federation War started as Klingon forces + started occupying Federation frontier. Also known as + The Four Years War. (FASA Material) + Federation decided to approach first contact more cautiously + in view of the start of the bad relationship with the + Klingons (TNG:"First Contact") + 2219 Birth of Richard Daystrom, inventor of duotronic systems, + winner of Nobel and Zee-Magnees prizes. + (TOS:"The Ultimate Computer") 72 + c2221 Garth of Izar defeated Klingon forces in Battle of Axanar. + (FASA Material, TOS:"Whom Gods Destroy") + c2222 Birth of Montgomery Scott, at Glasgow, Scotland, Terra. + Future ENTERPRISE chief engineer (#) (estimated) + c2223 First Klingo-Federation War ended at a loss to the Klingons, + Klingon Empire forced to give up some of its own frontier + as a buffer zone. (FASA Material) 73 + The hostility between the two continued despite the end of + the war (ST6:TUC) 74 + 2224 Sybok, son of Sarek and a Vulcan princess, was born. The + princess died soon after. (ST5:TFF) + 2227 Birth of Leonard H. McCoy, son of David, at Georgia, Terra. + Future ENTERPRISE chief medical officer 75 + (TNG:"Encounter at Farpoint") + 2229 Sarek married Amanda Grayson on Terra. (estimated) 76 + 2230 Birth of Spock, at ShiKhar, Vulcan, son of Sarek and Amanda + Grayson. (?) 77 + Birth of T'Pring. She will be bonded with Spock when both + are age of seven. (TOS:"Amok Time") + 2233 March 22nd, Birth of James Tiberius Kirk, son of George + Samuel Kirk and Winona Kirk, at Riverside, Iowa, Terra, + Sol system. Future ENTERPRISE Captain 78 + 2236 SS COLUMBIA, a private research vessel of the Amercian + Continental Institute, crashed landed on Talos IV, sole + survivor was Vina (TOS:"Menagerie") + c2235 MANN-class cruisers commissioned, first ship to reach warp + four, utilizing advanced computer intermix controls (?) 79 + 2237 Spock caused his parents considerable concern by + disappearing overnight into the LLangon mmountains near + his home city of Shirkahr in an effort to test himself + with the kahs-wan survival ordeal. (TAS:"Yesteryear") 80 + Spock is bonded with T'Pring in this year. (TOS:"Amok Time") + Birth of Hikaru (Walter?) Sulu, at San Francisco, + California, Terra. Future ENTERPRISE helmsman. (#) 81 + 2239 Mr.Brack (Flint the Immortal) purchased planet Holberg 917G + as a personal retreat. (TOS:"Requiem for Methuselah") + Birth of Nyota(?) (Upenda?) Uhura, at United States of + Africa (Bantustan?), Africa, Terra. Future ENTERPRISE + communications officer. (#) 82 + c2241 Birth of Kevin Riley, on Tarsus IV, future ENTERPRISE + transporter chief. (TOS:"Conscience of the King") + 2242 Battle of Donatu V was fought near Sherman's Planet, which + is near the Klingon-Federation border. 83 + (TOS:"Trouble with Tribbles") + Discovery of Dilithium crystals and their property of + regulating matter-antimatter flow. (conjecture) + 2243 Dr. Richard Daystrom developed Duotronics, allowing a new + generation of computers to be built, and allowing + practical application of the matter transporter. + (TOS:"The Ultimate Computer", TOSN: Final Frontier) + c2244 Shakedown cruises of NCC-1701 by Captain Robert April + Rescue mission ended in Romulan space due to sabotage, + April/Kirk engaged Romulan ships and returned safely, + after tricking the Romulans into believing in an invisible + Federation fleet, prevented a full-scale Romulan invasion + SS ROSENBURG was rescued from ion storm by NCC-1701 + (TOSN:"Final Frontier") (*) + 2245 (UFP/StarFleet) USS ENTERPRISE, CONSTITUTION-Class heavy + cruiser. Built at StarFleet San Francisco Yards, first + ship with dilithium augmented warp drive, result of the + "Starship" Project. Top speed: warp 8. Armed with + shields, particle cannons, and lasers. + Designation NCC-1701 (*) + (TOSN:"Final Frontier", TNG Tech Manual) + Birth of Pavel Andrevich Chekov, at Russia, Terra. Future + navigator of ENTERPRISE. (TOS:"Who Mourns for Adonis?") + First Five Year Mission, under Captain Robert April (#) 84 + Population of Lavinium V was wiped out by flying parasites + (TOS:"Operation: Annihilate!") + Leonard McCoy entered college for medical degree (?) 85 + 2246 Massacre of Tarsus IV. Governor Kodos, faced with severe + food shortage, ordered execution of over half of the + colony's population so that others can live. Kodos became + known as "The Executioner", and was not discovered until + 2266. Survivors includes James T. Kirk, Kevin Riley, and + Thomas Leighton. (TOS:"Conscience of the King") + 2247 Birth of Lenore Karidian, first knwon record of Anton + Karidian, later found to be Kodos The Executioner. + (TOS:"Conscience of the King") 86 + 2249 Birth of Joanna McCoy, daughter of Leonard H. McCoy and + Jocelyn McCoy. (TAS:"The Survivor") 87 + Spock chose to enter Starfleet intead of Vulcan Science + Academy, thus alienating his father Sarek. + (TOS:"Journey to Babel") 88 + 2250 NCC-1701 returns from first even FYM and receives refit + Captain April promoted to Commodore, assigned as Federation + ambassador-at-large (*) (TAS:"The CounterClock Incident") + Captain Christopher Pike given command of ENTERPRISE + Dr.McCoy lead an immunization program on Dramia III + (TAS:"Albatross") + Kirk enrolled in Starfleet Academy. (conjectural) 89 + Kirk met Ben Finney. Two grew quite close that Finney named + his daughter after Kirk. (TOS:"Court Martial") 90 + While serving on USS REPUBLIC NCC-1371, Kirk reported an + error made by Finney, who was then reprimanded. Kirk was + an ensign as the time (TOS:"Court Martial") 91 + Kirk visits planet Axanar on a peace mission. The operation + was a major ahievement for Captain Garth, in overall + charge of the mission. Starfleet awarded Kirk Palm Leaf + of Axanar for his role. 92 + (TOS:"Whom Gods Destroy", TOS:"Court-Martial") + Kirk met Gary Mitchell at Academy (Kirk was senior classman) + and taught Mitchell's class. Two became best friends, and + Kirk asked for Mitchell to serve with him at his first + command. (TOS:"Where No Man Has Gone Before") + 2251 NCC-1701 2nd FYM launched, with Captain Christopher Pike (#) + 2252 Spock, still a Academy cadet, began serving aboard the + Enterprise under command of Captain Pike. + Charles Evans, age 3, is sole survivor of a crash on Thasus. + Thasians saved him. (TOS:"Charlie X") 93 + Kirk is romantically involved with Ruth. (TOS:"Short Leave") + Kirk becomes acquainted with R.M.Merrick, a student later + dropped form Academy when he failed a psycho-simulator + test. (TOS:"Bread and Circuses") + 2253 Spock graduates from Starfleet Academy. (conjecture) + McCoy graduates from Medical school. (conjecture) +Unknown c2254 James Kirk graduates from Starfleet Academy as the only + cadet ever to beat the Kobayashi Maru "no-win scenario". + He was assigned to USS FARRAGUT. 94 + Captain Pike and Enterprise was involved in an incident on + RIgel VII, where fighting killed three and injured seven + Enterprise crew memebers. (TOS:"The Cage") 95 + "The Cage" -- Captain Pike was captured by Talosians, who + planned to use him and the surviving human female, Vina, + for "breeding stock". After demonstrating human hostility + to captivity, Pike was returned to the ENTERPRISE. + General Order Seven was established: no communication of any + kind was allowed with Talos IV, with penalty of death. + (Also see TOS:"The Menagerie") + Events as chronicled in TOSN: Vulcan's Glory + Captain Pike and ENTERPRISE discovered the phenomenon which + became known as "Pike's Rift", a link to the civilization + known as Calligar. The Rift opens every 33.4 years. + (TOSN: The Rift) + c2255 Treaty of Armens was signed between the Federation and the + Sheliak Corporate. Nothing would be heard from them for + the next 111 years. (TNG:"Ensigns of Command") + Guinan's home world was attacked by the Borg. The survivors + scattered throughout the galaxy. (TNG:"Q Who?") + Lieutenant Kirk was wounded during an Orion pirate's attack + on the USS FARRAGUT. His physician was Dr. Leonard H. + McCoy. (TOSN: Crisis on Centaurus) + 2256 NCC-1701 returns from 2nd FYM, receives refit + NCC-1701 refitted with phasers and photon torpedoes (#) 96 + McCoy ends a romantic relationship with the future Mrs. Nacy + Crater. (TOS:"The Man Trap") 97 + 2257 Lieutenant Kirk was one of the few survivors of the vampire + cloud, which attacked the USS FARRAGUT (NCC-1702?) at + Tycho IV. (TOS:"Obsession") + NCC-1701 embarks on 3rd FYM, Captain Christopher Pike (#) + Karidian company begins tour of official installations under + sponsorship of Galactic Exchange Program. + (TOS:"Conscience of the King") + c2258 Cerberus experiences severe crop failure and food shortages, + and only survived due to the generosity of famous + businessman Carter Winston. McCoy's daughter Joanna was + on Cerberus at the time. (TAS:"Survivor") + 2261 Federation celebrates its first centennial. + (TNG:"The Outcast") + Birth of Saavik, at "Thieurrull" (trans.: Hellguard), a + Romulan Colony, as a result of forced conception by + Romulans upon captured Vulcans. + (ST2:TWOK, TOSN:"The Pandora Principle") + NCC-1701 returns from 3rd FYM, receives refit + Crew complement doubled from 203 to 430. + SS Beagle, under command of R.M. Merik, was sabotaged by its + own captain so he and crew could stay at 892-IV. + (TOS:"Breads and Circuses") + Birth of David Marcus, son of Carol Marcus and James Kirk + (est. ST2:TWOK) + Robert and Nancy Crater arrive at planet M-113 for the ruins + there. Nancy was later killed by last surviving native of + the planet. (TOS:"The Man Trap") + Dr. Roger Korby's research expedition vanished. Korby's + fiancee, Christine Chapel, joined StarFleet as a nurse, + hoping to find him one day. + (TOS:"What Are Little Girls Made Of?") + Spock met Leila Kolami on Terra at about this time. + (TOS:"This Side of Paradise") + Kirk romantically involved with future Janet Wallace. The + relationship did not work out, and Janet later married + Theodore Wallace, 26 years her senior. + (TOS:"The Deadly Years") + c2263 Birthyear of future StarFleet Academy groundskeeper Boothby. + (TNG:"First Duty") + Spock visits his parents on Vulcan (TOS:"Journey to Babel") + James Kirk sees Areel Shaw for last time before Kirk's + trial. Two had been involved. (TOS:"Court-Martial") + Miners Childress, Gossett, and Benton begin work at lithium + mining operation on Rigel XII. (TOS:"Mudd's Women") + Group of 150 colonists under Elias Sandoval left Earth for + Omicron Ceti III. (TOS:"This Side of Paradise") + Captain Pike promoted to Fleet Captain, assigned to + StarFleet Academy (as commandant?) (TOSN: ENTERPRISE) (?) + Captain James T. Kirk given command of ENTERPRISE + (TOSN:ENTERPRISE-The First Adventure) + NCC-1701 embarks on 4th FYM, under Captain James T. Kirk + 2264-2268 The five-year mission period documented by Star Trek (TOS) + and Animated Star Trek (TAS) + 2264 Harcourt Fenton Mudd convicted of purchasing space vessel + with counterfeit currency. See 1116.4 (TOS:"MUdd's Women") + Nancy Crater killed by planet M-113's last surviving native. + The creature assumes Nancy's form. (TOS:"The Man Trap") + Sandoval expedition arrives at Omicron Ceti III. + (TOS:"This Side of Paradise") +1116.4 H.F.Mudd's master's license is revoked effective this date. + (TOS:"Mudd's Women") +1312.4 "Where No Man Has Gone Before" + Debris of SS VALIANT rediscovered by NCC-1701, having self- + destructed after encountering The Great Energy Barrier + Gary Mitchell and Elizabeth Dehner killed in action + 2265 Dr. Elizabeth Dehner, psychiatirst studying crew reactions + in emergency situations, joins Enterprise crew at + Aldebaron Colony (TOS:"Where No Man Has Gone Before") + Borg destroyed Guinan's home planet. Survivors scattered + throughout the galaxy. (TNG:"Q Who?") + Ingraham B was destroyed by parasite creatures. + (TOS:"Operation Annihilate!") + 2266 Leonard H. McCoy assigned to Enterprise as ship's surgeon, + replacing Dr.Mark Piper. (conjecture) + StarFleet Academy outlawed the dangerous Colvert Starburst + manuever when 5 cadets perished attempting the manuever. + (TNG:"First Duty") + Dr. Simon Van Gelder assigned as associate director of + Tantalus V penal colony on the staff of colony director + Tristan Adams (TOS:"Dagger of the Mind") + Lt. Hikaru Sulu accepts transfer from staff physicist to + helmsman onboard Enterprise. (conjecture) + Commodore Pike was critically injured in a training accident + onboard class-J starship. In the attempt to rescue the + cadets, he suffered exposure to lethal doses of Delta + rays, crippling him for life, confined to a wheelchair, + unable to speak or move. (TOS:"The Menagerie") 98 +1512.2 "The Corbomite Maneuver" + Initial encounter with the "First Federation" +1329.1 "Mudd's Women" +1672.1 "The Enemy Within" +1531.1 "The Man Trap" +1704.2 "The Naked Time" +1533.6 "Charlie X" + ANTARES destroyed by Charlie Evans +1709.1 "Balance of Terror" + A Romulan Warbird attacked several border outposts, but was + destroyed by ENTERPRISE +2712.4 "What Are Little Girls Made Of?" + Discovery of Dr.Roger Korby, only to find he's an android + replicate of the original +2715.1 "Dagger of the Mind" + Enterprise reports finding seven planets in system L-370. + (TOS:"The Doomsday Machine") +2713.5 "Miri" + Federation authorities dispatch sociological team to Miri's + World. (TOS:"Miri") + Klingon operatives attempt to influence local politics on + Tyree's planet by providing firearms to the inhabitants. + (TOS:"A Private Little War") 99 + Enterprisesummoned by Dr. Thomas Leighton to Planet Q to + investigate new synthetic food process. + (TOS:"The Conscience of the King") +2817.6 "The Conscience of the King" + People of Acamar III established peace except for "The + Gatherers", who started raiding nearby systems. + (TNG:"The Vengeance Factor") + Parasite arrived at Deneva onboard a ship from Ingraham B, + which had attacked Ingraham B over a year ago. + (TOS:"Operation: Annihilate!" + A serious plague threatens inhabitants of New Paris + colonies. (TOS:"The Galileo Seven") +2821.5 "The Galileo Seven" +2945.7 Enterprise encountered ion storm, Records Officer Ben Finney + reported killed when sensor pod was ejected. + (TOS:"Court-Martial") +2947.3 "Court-Martial" + Captain Kirk was charged with manslaughter, for supposedly + ejecting Ben Finney's capsule into space without adequate + warning. Ben Finney fakes the records in order to + implicate Kirk. He was discovered and arrested. + Spock promoted from lieutenant commander to full commander. +3012.4 "The Menagerie" (two-parter) + Spock hijacked the ENTERPRISE and returned Commodore Pike to + Talos IV, where he can have the illusion of health. +Unknown "Shore Leave" + Enterpriseon resupply mission to Beta VI colony. +2124.5 "The Squire of Gothos" + Cestus II outpost destroyed by Gorn spacecraft. Gorn then + faked an invitation to Enterprise. (TOS:"Arena") +3045.6 "Arena" + First encounter with the Gorn, an reptilian specie. + Federation miners on Janus VI open a new underground level + in search of mineral perigium deposits. + (TOS:"The Devil In the Dark") +3087.6 "The Alternative Factor" + Enterprise refitted at Cygnet XIV, where the technicians + reprogrammed the computer to give it "more personality". + (TOS:"Tomorrow is Yesterday") + Enterprise heads toward Starbase 9, but almost collided with + a hypermass. The emergency pull-away whiplashed the ship + into the past. (TOS:"Tomorrow is Yesterday") +3013.2 "Tomorrow is Yesterday" + Events as occured in TOSN:Web of the Romulans. +3156.2 "The Return of the Archons" +3192.1 "A Taste of Armageddon" +3141.9 "Space Seed" + BOTANY BAY was retrieved by ENTERPRISE. After Khan's plan + to take over the ship failed, Khan and his group was left + on Ceti Alpha V. +3417.3 "This Side of Paradise" + Fifty mining personnel are killed by mysterious subterranean + entity. Enterprise was summoned. (see next) +3196.1 "The Devil in the Dark" + First encounter with the Horta, an intelligent being + composed of silicon, on Janus IV + Negotiations with Klingon Empire have been broken off and + Starfleet Command have learned that Klingons have invaded + Organia, and ordered Enterprise to intervene. (see next) +3198.4 "Errand of Mercy" + First encounter with the Organians, pure energy creatures of + enormous powers. + The second Klingo-Federation War was halted by Organians. + Organian Peace Treaty was forced on both parties. +3134.0 "The City on the Edge of Forever" + Discovery of "The Guardian of Forever", an artifact/being + allowing time travel +3287.2 "Operation: Annihilate!" + Death of Samuel and Aurelan Kirk, James Kirk's brother and + sister-in-law, on Deneva. Nephew Peter Kirk survived. 100 + 2267 First recorded instance of a wormhole in the 39 Tituara + System (TNG: Clues) +3018.2 "Catspaw" + Enterprise assigned to treat Assistant Federation + Commissioner Nacy Hedford to Sakuro's disease, and shuttle + is to pick her up from Epsilon Canaris III (see next) +3219.4 "Metamorphosis" +3497.2 "Friday's Child" +3468.1 "Who Mourns for Adonis?" + McCoy declared that Spock, under effects of pon farr, must + return to Vulcan in a week or die. (see next) +3372.7 "Amok Time" + T'Pring chose to marry Stonn, freeing Spock from the bond. + Enterprise arrives at Altair VI a bit late. +4202.1 CONSTELLATION, under Matt Decker, encountered destroyed + solar systems. Subspace interference preventing + notification of Starfleet Command. During its + investigation of system L-374, the ship was attacked and + nearly destroyed by "Doomsday Machine". Decker + transporter the surviving crew to the third planet of L- + 374, and watched in horror when the Doomsday Machine + destroyed that planet as well. (see next) +4202.9 "The Doomsday Machine" + Montgomery Scott injured in an explosion aboard ship. +3114.9 "Wolf in the Fold" + Four planets of Malurian system were attacked. Over four + billion people are wiped out, including members of + Federation science team headed by Dr.Manway. (see next) +3451.9 "The Changeling" + Ceti Alpha VI exploded, disrupting orbit of Ceti Alpha V. + Result climatic changes are devasting to the Khan Colony + there. Starfleet have no idea. (ST2:WOK) +3715.0 "The Apple" +Unknown "Mirror, Mirror" + Starfleet lost contact with cultural observer John Gill on + Ekos (TOS:"Patterns of Force") +3478.2 "The Deadly Years" + Crewman Norman, recently assigned to Enterprise, evaded + several attempts by McCOy to schedule a routine physical + exam (see next). +4513.3 "I, Mudd" + Enterprise called to Deep Space Station K-7 by Priority One + distress call. (see next) +4523.3 "The Trouble with Tribbles" +4090.7 "Bread and Circuses" + Enterprise picked up 114 Federation dignitaries for + transport to Babel. (see next) +3842.3 "Journey to Babel" + Coridan admitted to the Federation. +4211.4 "A Private Little War" + Enterprise ordered to check up Gamma II outpost. + Romulan, Klingon, and Federation governments established + colony of Nimbus III, planet of Galactic Peace. + (ST5:TFF) + 2268 +3211.7 "The Gamemasters of Triskelion" + Starfleet command received message from HORIZON, lost a + century ago. (TOS:"A Piece of the Action") +3619.2 "Obsession" + Enterpriserendezvous the YORKTOWN for vaccine transfer. +4307.1 "The Immunity Syndrome" + USS INTREPID, Starfleet's only all-Vulcan ship, was lost to + a giant space amoeba. +4598.0 "A Piece of the Action" +4657.5 "By Any Other Name" + Kirk negotiated an agreement with Kelvans where a suitable + planet can be set aside for them. A robot drone is sent + back to Andromeda to inform the Kelvan Empire. + Federation research station established on Minara II. + (TOS:"The Empath") +4768.3 "Return to Tomorrow" +2534.0 "Patterns of Force" +4729.4 "The Ultimate Computer" +Unknown "The Omega Glory" +Unknown "Assignment: Earth" + Season 3 +4385.3 "Spectre of the Gun" +4372.5 "Elaan of Troyius" +4842.6 "The Paradise Syndrome" +5031.3 "The ENTERPRISE Incident" + ENTERPRISE procured a Romulan cloaking device after faking + Kirk's death and various other covert acts. +5027.3 "And the Children Shall Lead" +5431.4 "Spock's Brain" +5630.7 "Is There In Truth No Beauty?" +5121.0 "The Empath" +5693.2 "The Tholian Web" + USS DEFIANT lost in the "interphase" on Tholian border + First encounter of the Tholians and their "web" +5476.3 "For the World is Hollow and I Have Touched the Sky" +Unknown "The Day of the Dove" +5784.0 "Plato's Stepchildren" +5710.5 "Wink of an Eye" +Unknown "That Which Survives" + A shuttle was stolen from Starbase 4 by unknown. +5730.2 "Let That Be Your Last Battlefield" +5718.3 "Whom Gods Destroy" +5423.4 "The Mark of Gideon" + Federation vessel made first contact with "The Children of + Tama". Attempts to establish communication were + unsuccessful, though they appear to be a peaceable race. + There were seven other encounters over the next century. + (TNG:"Darmok") +5725.3 "The Lights of Zetar" +5818.4 "The Cloudminders" +5832.3 "The Way to Eden" +5843.7 "Requiem for Methuselah" +5906.4 "The Savage Curtain" +5943.7 "All Our Yesterdays" +5298.5 "Turnabout Intruder" + Adventures of NCC-1701 as recorded by Star Trek: The + Animated Series (TAS) 101 + 2268 ENTERPRISE NCC-1701 triumphantly returned to Earth, the only + starship out of the original thirteen to survive beyond + its projected operational life of 18 years 102 + Kirk promoted to Rear Admiral (TOSN: The Lost Years) 103 + Events as Chronicled in TOSN:Star Trek: The Lost Years. + StarFleet decided to rebuild NCC-1701 for both experimental + reasons and publicity/morale (#) + Yonada reached its destination + (TOS:"For the World is Hollow and I have Touched the Sky") + 2269 "Space Shuttle" ENTERPRISE was restored from Smithsonian + Institute to participate in Apollo Tricentennial. + Admiral Kirk assigned as Chief of StarFleet Operations + c2270 Another Vulcan ship disappeared near the Federation-Romulan + border without a trace, making this the sixth ship in + about twenty-five years. (TOSN:"Pandora's Principle") + Spock retired from Starfleet to study Kohlinar on Vulcan, in + attempt to purge the remaining emotional influences + McCoy retired and returned to Earth for private practice, + swearing he'll never come back to Starfleet (ST:TMP) + Captain Willard Decker in Command of the ENTERPRISE + ENTERPRISE's saucer section was refitted and launched from + San Francisco Naval Yards + "Space Shuttle" ENTERPRISE was damaged as two Klingon agents + attempted to escape with a new energy converter. Shuttle + was repaired by the capable hands of Engineer Montgomery + Scott (TOSN: A Flag Full of Stars) (*) + Sarek started the negotiations with the Legarans, which will + bear fruit in 96 years, when the Legarans eventually + joined the Federation (TNG:"Sarek") + 2271 Second type of Photon Torpedo perfected, probably mounted on + the then still under reconstruction USS ENTERPRISE. 104 + (TNG:TM) (TOS:SG) + (UFP/StarFleet) USS ENTERPRISE, CONSTITUTION-Class heavy + cruiser (battlecruiser?), result of the extensive refit. + Top speed: warp 12. (ST:TMP) Designation remains NCC-1701 + (#) (TNG Tech Manual) + Commander:Captain Willard Decker + Admiral (Acting Captain) James T. Kirk + Captain Spock +7413.4 Star Trek: The Motion Picture + Refitted NCC-1701 was scrambled out of spacedock to deal + with entity later known as Vejur, Captain Decker was + declared missing in action during the incident, along with + Lieutenant Ilia. (ST:TMP) (#) + (NOTE: The rebuilt NCC-1701 is also known as ENTERPRISE- + class or STARSHIP-class in other literatures 105) + 5th FYM under Acting Captain James T. Kirk (?) 106 + c2273 First Vulcan Secession Crisis. Fanned by radicals, Vulcan + had a public referendum to withdraw from the Federation. + The measure lost as the conspiracy was revealed. + (TOSN:"Spock's World") + c2274 ENTERPRISE encountered a weak mayday from within the Neutral + Zone, discovering an old freighter running from a Romulan + Warbird. The Warbird destroyed the freighter just as the + sole occupant was beamed onboard. The survivor was a + Vulcan female, T'Pren, who was too badly burned to live. + Spock performed a mindmeld before she died. + Secret Vulcan expedition to "Thierrull/Hellguard", to + retrieve the Romulan/Vulcan fusion children. Expedition + members include Spock and Sarek of Vulcan. Saavik was + among the children retreived. + (TOSN:"The Pandora Principle") + Colonizer ARTEMIS was launched, destination Septimus Minor. + Malfunctions pulled the ship off course, and the ship + crashed on Tau Cygnus V, which belongs to the Sheliak + Corporate by treaty, but was uninhabited due to high + radiation. (TNG:"Ensigns of Command") + c2276 NCC-1701 return from 5th FYM, extensive refit + 2277 Individual ship insignia system abolished, ENTERPRISE + command emblem established as official StarFleet emblem + (TNG Tech Manual) (Scott's Guide) + Kirk assigned as Commandant of StarFleet Academy + Spock promoted to Captain, takes command of NCC-1701 + McCoy Promoted from LtCmdr to Cmdr + Chekov assigned as first officer of RELIANT 107 + 2278 USS BOZEMAN, under command of Captain Morgan Bateman, + disappeared while exploring the Typhon Expanse, causes + unknown. (TNG:"Cause and Effect") 108 + Pardek becomes a member of the Romulan Senate, representing + the Krocton Segment of Romulus. (TNG:"Unification I") + c2278 6th FYM under Captain Spock (?) 109 + c2279 Birth of Mark Jameson, future StarFleet Admiral + (TNG:"Too Short a Season") + early 2280's Transwarp Development Project proved to be unsuccessful. The + incident was also known as "Operational Failure of + Transwarp". Rumors of destruction of EXCELSIOR was + unfounded. Probably year: 2285. (TNG Tech Manual) + 2281 Saavik, after tutelage of Spock, entered the StarFleet + Academy (TOS:"The Pandora Principle") + 2282 Events as chronicled in TOSN:"Pandora's Principle" + 2283 NCC-1701 return from 6th FYM, extensive refit + The bottle of Romulan Ale McCoy gives to Kirk as a birthday + gift in 2285 bears this date. + 2284 NCC-1701 retired to training vessel of StarFleet Academy + (TNG Tech Manual) + Dr. Carol marcus presetns Project Genesis proposal to the + Federation. The project was approved and her team moved + into Regular I space station for research. (ST2:WOK) + Commander Kyle is assigned to RELIANT. +8130.3 2285 "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan" + Khan Noonian Singh captured USS RELIANT, and scoured Regula + Space Station for signs of the Genesis device, killed all + who is onboard, in his quest for vengeance against Kirk. + Sole Genesis research team survivors are Doctors David and + Carol Marcus, son and mother team. + NCC-1701 heavily damaged after engaging the renegade ship + USS RELIANT in the Mutara Nebula + Captain Spock perished after restoring warp drive, allowing + the ship to escape the growing Genesis wave +8205.5 USS EXCELSIOR was commissioned in San Francisco orbital + yards as an experimental testbed for the unsuccessful + Transwarp Development Project. It was later refitted with + standard warp drive and served successfully. 110 +8210.3 "Star Trek III: The Search for Spock" + First sighting of the USS EXCELSIOR (NX-2000), class ship, + said to be equipped with "Transwarp" + StarFleet decided not to rebuild NCC-1701 + NCC-1701 left for Genesis planet under unauthorized mission + by former crew in search of USS GRISSOM + David Marcus, Genesis scientist, son of Admiral James T. + Kirk, was killed by renegade Klingon forces. + NCC-1701 self-destructed over Genesis planet, after being + disabled by Kruge's Bird of Prey. Kruge is searching for + the Genesis Device/Torpedo, as Klingons feared it as the + ultimate weapon, and must possess it. + Kirk and crew captured Kruge's frigate, and fled to Vulcan + USS HATHAWAY is launched. (TNG:"Peak Performance") + Kirk and crew stayed on Vulcan for approximately 3 months +8390 "Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home" + Whalesong Crisis: An alien probe, attempting to communicate + with the long-extinct hunchback whales of the Terran + oceans, radically altered Terra's environment, threatening + to end human life on Earth once and for all + Kirk and company decided to return to Earth to face court- + martial proceedings. After discovering Earth is under + attack, they initiated time travel to bring back hunchback + whales from the past, c1987. + Kirk and company, after ending the "Whalesong Crisis", was + court-martialed for the unauthorized mission in the + NCC-1701. Kirk was demoted to Captain, given command of + the new ENTERPRISE NCC-1701-A + 2286 (UFP/StarFleet) USS ENTERPRISE Constitution-class heavy + cruiser, new construction, rechristened from USS YORKTOWN + (TNG Tech Manual) Designation NCC-1701-A (ST4:TVH) + Fate unknown (probably lost, see later) 11 + AThe Lornak clan of Acamar III massacre all but five members + of the clan Tralesta, ending a blood feud that had lasted + for 200 years. Yuta of Tralesta was one of the survivors, + and she was modified to slow aging so that she can avenge + her clan upon the Lornaks (TNG:"The Vengeance Factor") +8454.1 c2287 "Star Trek V: The Final Frontier" 111 + Hostage situation developed on Nimbus III, "the planet of + intergalactic peace" + Pioneer 10, drifting in deep space, is destroyed by Klaa's + Bird of Prey HAKRON. + NCC-1701-A hijacked by Sybok and his followers on the quest + for Sha Ka Ree at the center of the galaxy + Events as chronicled in TOSN:Probe. + Transwarp proven to be a failure (*) 112 + The EXCELSIOR, after having transwarp removed and refitted + with normal warp drive, was redesignated NCC-2000 + (previously NX-2000) (ST6:TUC) 113 + A Federation starship suffered a systemwide failure, last + such occurance until 2366 (TNG:"Evolution") 114 + c2288 USS EXCELSIOR assigned to chart the Reydovan Sector, Beta + Quadrant. (ST6:TUC) + Last SOYUZ-class vessel decommissioned, possibly replaced by + MIRANDA-class vessels (TNG:"Cause and Effect") 115 + c2289-90 Leonard McCoy's grandchildren are born 116 + c2290 Captain Styles, captain of USS EXCELSIOR, accepted a + promotion to a post within StarFleet Command + Captain Hikaru Sulu was promoted to command the EXCELSIOR, + which WAS rightfully his (ST6:TUC) + Janice Rand assigned as EXCELSIOR comm officer (ST6:TUC) + All Federation starships outfitted with improved sensors to + aid scientific project cataloging planetary atmospheric + anomalies (ST6:TUC) + IKV T'ONG launched as a cryogenic ship intended for surprise + attack against the Federation (TNG:"The Emmissary") + 2292 Alliance between Klingon Empire and Romulan Star Empire + collapses. The two former allies remained bitter enemies + for the next 75 years. (TNG:"Reunion") + Klingons develop improved Bird-Of-Prey capable of + maintaining limited cloak while firing torpedoes. (ST6) +9522.6 c2293 Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country + Organians disappeared, whereabouts unknown + Klingon moon of Praxis exploded, contaminating atmosphere of + the Klingon home world Kronos, leaving 50 years of oxygen + Chief Councillor Gorkon of the Klingon Empire proposed peace + to the Federation. En route, Gorkon's ship was attacked, + Gorkon assassinated by persons using Federation equipment + Kirk and McCoy were arrested for assassinating Counselor + Gorkon, sentenced to life on Rhue Pente + ENTERPRISE and Spock discovered traitor onboard, uncovered + conspiracy among Klingons, Romulans, and Federation + personnel to disrupt the peace conference + Kirk and McCoy was rescued and conspiracy is revealed. + General Chang 117, the Klingon traitor, was killed when + his prototype Bird of Prey OKRONA was destroyed by + combined firepower of ENTERPRISE and EXCELSIOR + NCC-1701-A participated in the Khitomer Conference (*) + (ST6:TUC) 118 + Spock met Senator Pardek during the Khitomer Conference. + (TNG:"Unification I") + Events chronicled in the novel "Best Destiny" + (TOSN:Best Destiny) + 2294 NCC-1701-A retired from active service, held in the + StarFleet Reserve Yards over Luna + Captain Montgomery Scott, furious over retirement of + Enterprise, retired from StarFleet 119 + (TNG:"Relics") + Captain James T. Kirk settled to an Academy teaching + position, only to occasionally command a cadet ship (?) + Captain Spock was given command, but he turned it down, + preferring instead a teaching position beside his lifelong + friend James T. Kirk (?) + Captain (?) Leonard H. McCoy was given a teaching position + at the Starfleet Medical Academy (?) + The rest of the Enterprise crew was scattered... (?) +7893.1 c2294 USS JENOLEN NC-567 transport was lost while en route to + Norpin V colony, cause unknown. Montgomery Scott was + onboard to his retirement. (TNG:"Relics", TNGN:Relics) 120 + 2295 Outbreak of plasma plague on Obi VI. Dr. Susan Nuress + conducted 58 tests resulting in at least one highly + virulent mutated strain. (TNG:"The Child") 121 + 2296 Eastern Cotinental government of Rutia IV denies a bid for + independence by Ansata. Ansata started a terrorist war + for their independence. (TNG:"The High Ground") + 2297 Klingon expedition encountered Ventax II's civilization, a + peaceful agrarian culture with evidence of a + technologically advanced soecity in centuries past. + (TNG:"Devil's Due") 122 + c2300 (UFP/StarFleet) USS ENTERPRISE, EXCELSIOR-class + (battleship?), redesigned for normal warp engines instead + of transwarp, built at StarFleet Antares Yards. (#) + (TNG Tech Manual) Designation NCC-1701-B. + Fate unknown Commander unknown 123 (?) + 2302 Last Federation contain with Angel I before 2364. + (TNG:"Angel One") 124 + c2305 July 13th, birth of Jean-Luc Picard, son of Maurice and + Yvette Gessard Picard in LaBarre, France, Terra, future + captain of ENTERPRISE NCC-1701-D + (TNGN:Encounter at Farpoint/#1, TNG:"Conundrum") 125 126 + c2307 Birthyear of Timicim (Dr.?) on Kaelon II (TNG:"Half a Life") + c2310 Cardassians invaded Bajor (DS9:"The Emmissary") 127 + Construction of the Cardassian mining station later known as + Deep Space Nine begins in Bajoran orbit (speculation) + 2311 Tomed Incident. Thousands of Federation lives were lost. + Last Federation contact with Romulans before 2364. + Covert Romulan activity provoked open conflict between the + Klingon Empire and the Federation (?) + NCC-1701-A lost with Kirk during a second peace initiative + proposed by Spock to the Klingon Empire (?) + Klingon Empire declared war on the Federation (?) + The Swift War starts, may also known as The Second Four + Years War (Worlds of the Federation) (?) 128 + Romulans sever diplomatic relations with the Federation + during the Tomad incident, costing thousands of lives. + (TNG:"The Neutral Zone") + Romulans entered their seclusion period, which would last + approximately 50 years. (TNG:"The Neutral Zone") 129 + 2312 A Douwd assumed the form of Kevin Uxbridge on Earth and + married a human woman named Rishon. (TNG:"Survivors") + c2313 Yuta killed Penthor-Mal, member of the Lornak Clan, in her + quest of vengeance for the massacre of her clan. + (TNG:"The Vengeance Factor") + c2314 Mark Jameson married Anne. He had commanded starship + Gettysburg. (TNG:"Too Short a Season") + c2319 Klingon Empire signs armistice with Federation, declared war + on Romulan Star Empire (?) + Federation became entangled in the Klingo-Romulan war (?) + (See epilogue of TOSN:The Rift) + Civil War or Mordan IV spread out as the government hijacked + a passing starliner, holding 63 passengers hostage. The + government demanded advanced weaponry from the Federation. + Previous two negotiators were killed. (Then lieutenant) + Jameson was sent by StarFleet, who managed to got the + hostages out safely. + It was later discovered that Jameson succeeded because he + complied with the demands. He supplied the government + with phasers. However, he supplied the other side as + well. (In a way, he did not violate the Prime Directive) + The result is four more decades of Civil War, in which + millions died. (TNG:"Too Short a Season") + 2322 Picard was rejected in his first application to Starfleet + Academy (TNG:"Conundrum") + c2323 Klingo-Romulan War ended inconclusively. (estimated) + Picard successfully entered SFA on his second attempt. + (TNG:"The First Duty", TNG:"Coming of Age") + Picard successfully won the Academy marathon, becoming the + first freshman to do so ever in Academy history + (TNG:"The Best of Both Worlds II") + c2324 Federation's first encounter with the Cardassian Empire + resulted in a full-scale war, reasons unknown. Conflict + became known as "The Cardassian War" (estimated) 130 + Beverly Howard, future Beverly Crusehr, born in Copernicus + City, Luna, to Paul and Isabel Howard. (TNG:"Conundrum") + SFA team won a parrises squares tournament over a heavily + favored team from Minsk. (TNG:"First Duty") + 2325 Devinoni Ral is born on Earth, Brussels, European Alliance. + He is one quarter Betazoid. (TNG:"The Price") + c2326 Cadet J.L. Picard met Delcara at the Academy (TNGN:Vendetta) + Ambassador Spock attacked Sarek's position on the Cardassian + War, and was rebuked by Perrin, Sarek's second wife. + (TNG:"Unification I") + 2327 Jean-Luc Picard graduated from StarFleet Academy as + valedictorian. (TNG:"First Duty") + c2328 Ensign Picard was attacked by trio of Narssicans at Starbase + Eirhardt, and was impaled through the heart. He survived, + but requires periodic cardiac replacement + (TNG:"Samaritan Snare", TNG:"Tapestry") + First Federation-Cardassian War ended inconclusively, + neither side lost much, but gained each other's respect. + c2329 Isolinear Chip replaced duotronic processors in most + Federation computers (TNGN:Relics) + Counselors assigned to all deep space exploration vessels. + (TNGN:Relics) + 2331 UFP established an outpost on Boradis III, first settlement + in system. (TNG:"The Emissary") + 2333 Jean-Luc Picard promoted to Captain, takes command of + USS STARGAZER at age 28 131 + c2334 NCC-1701-B decommissioned or destroyed (?) 132 + October 13, Birth of Beverly Howard (later Crusher) at + Copernicus City, Luna, Sol, daughter of Paul and Isabel + Howard. 133 (TNG:"Conundrum") + c2335 (UFP/StarFleet) USS ENTERPRISE, AMBASSADOR-Class heavy + cruiser, built at Terran McKinley Station. 134 + Designation NCC-1701-C (year is an estimate only...) (#) + Birth of William Thelonious Riker, Valdez, Alaska, Terra, + son of Kyle Riker and ??? (Pocket #1) 135 136 + (TNG:"The Icarus Factor") + Birth of Geordi La Forge in the African Confederation, + Terra. He was born without formative matter in his eyes, + thus blind and impossible to correct via surgery. + (TNG:"Cause and Effect") + Captain Jean-Luc Picard attends the wedding of Ambassador + Sarek's son (probably Spock?) (TNG:"Sarek") 137 + 2336 March 29, birthdate of Deanna Troi, on Betazed, daughter of + Ian Andrew Troi And Lwaxana Troi. (TNG:"Conundrum") 138 + Crystalline entity attacked the science colony at Omicron + Theta and destroyed it. Its inhabitants are believed to + have all perished. (TNG:"Datalore") + Will Riker's mother died approximately in this year. + (TNG:"The Icarus Factor") 139 + c2337 Birth of Tasha Yar, at Turkana IV, future ENTERPRISE + security chief. (TNG:"The Naked Now", TNG:"Legacy") + Will Riker's mother died, leaving him to be raised by his + father, Starfleet civilian adviser Kyle Riker. + (TNG:"The Icarus Factor") + Trill ambassador Odan successfully mediated a dispute + between the two moons of Peliar Zel. (TNG:"The Host") 140 + Civil War ravages Turkana IV, leading to anarchistic society + which lasted till today. Various "gangs" fought for power + and control. Eventually only two are left. (TNG:"Legacy") + c2338 USS TRIPOLI, while investigating the disappearance of the + colony at Omicron Theta, discovered an android at Omicron + Theta. The android named himself "Data". (TNG:"Datalore") + Data graduated from StarFleet Academy (TNG:"Conundrum") + 2340 Jan 14, birthdate of Ro Laren, future crew of NCC-1701-D. + (TNG:"The Next Phase") + Birth of Worf, at Klingon Homeworld Qo'noS (Kronos), son of + Morgh, future StarFleet Officer, ENTERPRISE security + chief. 141 142 (TNG:"The Bonding") + La Forge, age 5, was caught in a fire. His parents rescued + him after a few minutes, but it was a traumatic + experience. He have not had the VISOR implant at that + time. (TNG:"Hero Worship") + 2341 Data enters Starfleet Academy. Academy have ruled that Data + is sentient and elegible for entry. + (TNG:"Conundrum","Redemption II", "Encounter at Farpoint") + c2342 Negotiations for the Federation/Klingon alliance began, also + known as the Grand Alliance Treaty. (estimated) + 2342 Ishara Yar born on Turkana IV (TNG:"Legacy") + Yar's parents were killed by corssfire between rival gangs. + (TNG:"The Naked Now") + April 9th, J.L. Picard stood up the future Jenise Manheim by + not showing up at the date at Cafe des Artistes in Paris + at the end of the shore leave. + (TNG:"We'll Always Have Paris") + Beverly Howard enters Starfleet Academy medical school. + (TNG:"Conundrum") + 2343 GALAXY-class project officially approved by the Federation, + design of USS GALAXY started. (TNG Tech Manual) + Geordi La Forge, age eight, gets his first pet, Circassian + cat. It's "funny-looking" (TNG:"Violations") + 2344 ENTERPRISE NCC-1701-C under command of Captain Rachel Garret + lost near Klingon outpost Narendra III. Later Klingons + reveal the base was devastated by Romulan attack, and + ENTERPRISE sacrificed herself so the Klingon outpost + personnel can evacuate safely. + (TNG:"Yesterday's ENTERPRISE", TNG Tech Manual) + Rumor have some of the crew survived and were taken to + Romulus. Tasha Yar was among the survivors. Upon + arriving at Romulus, a Romulan Admiral fell in love with + her, and married her. (TNG:"Redemption II") + (See TNG:"Yesterday's ENTERPRISE" for details) + A Federation starship is destroyed by the Jarada as the + ship's captain mispronounced a Jaradan greeting, gravely + insulting the insectoid race. (TNG:"The Big Goodbye") + Young Will Riker went fishing with his father near their + home. Will got a big fish but his father insists on + reeling it in. The incident bothered Will for many years. + (TNG:"The Icarus Factor") + c2345 Birth of Kern (also Kurn), brother of Worf, son of Morgh, at + Kronos. 143 (TNG:"Sins of the Father") + Birth of Sela, daughter of Tasha Yar and a Romulan Admiral. + The child is more Romulan than human, and is thoroughly + loyal to her father, rather than to her mother. + (TNG:"Redemption II") + Data graduates from SFA with honors in exobiology and + probablility mechanics. (TNG:"Encounter at Farpoint") 144 + 2346 Mogh suspects Ja'rod, a Duras, of plottign with Romualns + against the Empire. He followed Ja'rod to the Khitomer + Outpost with his wife, nurse, and Worf, leaving his + younger son to a friend Lorgh. (TNG:"Sins of the Father") + Romulans attacked Khitomer, four thousand Klingons are + killed, some were captured. Mogh is posthumously accused + of providing the defense codes to teh Romulans, but Ja'rod + is actually guilty. (TNG:"Sins of the Father", + "Birthright II") +23859.7 USS INTREPID, commanded by Captain Drew Deighan, reached the + Klingon Colony of Khitomer as it responds to a distress + call. It arrived to find the colony in ruins. There were + only two survivors. 145 + Federation starship INTREPID responded to the distress call. + Warp field specialist Sergey Rozhenko rescued Worf, a six- + year old child, from the rubble. The only other survivor, + Kahlest, is tereated and returned to the Empire. Klingon + High Command was not aware of Worf's brother Kurn and + therefore allowed Sergey to adopt Worf and raise him on + Gault. (TNG:"Sins of the Father", "Family") + Astrophysicist Paul Stubbs begins project to study the decay + of neutronium expelled at relativistic speeds in stellar + explosion. (TNG:"Evolution") + c2347 Worf gets into trouble in school on Gault for beating up + several human teenage boys (TNG:"Family") + Ro Laren's father was tortured by death by Cardassians in + front of Ro. She was only seven. (TNG:"Ensign Ro") + Robert Picard gave Jean-Luc a bottle of Chateau Picard of + this year's vintage in 2367. Jean-Luc Picard later shared + the bottle with Chancellor Durken of Malcor. + (TNG:"Family","First Contact") + Starfleet Command orderes a change in the design of the + Starfleet emblem. (conjecture) 146 + 2348 Picard visited his home at LaBarre, France. He won't be + back for almost two decades. (TNG:"Family") + Starfleet officer Jack Crusher married medical Beverly + Howard. They had been introduced by Walker Keel, close + friend of Jack Crusher and Jean-Luc Picard. + (TNG:"Family", "Conspiracy") + Marouk, sovereign of Acamar III, made an effort to reconcile + her differenced with teh Gatherers, who refused to accept + the peace that had existed for 82 years. + (TNG:"The Vengeance Factor") + c2349 Tasha Yar attempted to escape from Romulus with her four- + year old daughter Sela. Sela cried out as her mother have + betrayed her father. The cry alerted the guards. Yar was + apprehended and executed. (TNG:"Redemption II") + Birth of Wesley Richard(?) Crusher, son of Jack and Beverly + Crusher, future ensign on ENTERPRISE NCC-1701-D 147 + (TNG:"Evolution", TNG:"Family") + Paul Manheim's time-gravity work begin to gain acceptance in + the Federation scientific community. + (TNG:"We'll Always Have Paris") + William T. Riker left home to join StarFleet, after being + abandoned by his father. Will was 15 at the time. + (TNG:"The Icarus Factor") + c2350 Dr. Manheim dropped out of sight to continue his study on + non-linear time, location unknown. + (TNG:"We'll Always Have Paris") + USS ENTERPRISE NCC-1701-D begins construction at Utopia + Planetia StarFleet Yards, Mars. (TNG:TM) + c2351 USS STARGAZER, Jean-Luc Picard commanding, was chased from + sector 21505 by a Cardassian warship when attempting peace + negotiations. (TNG:"The Wounded") + Sergey and Helena Rozhenko, along with their adopted son + Worf and another son moved from Gault to Earth 148 + c2352 Tasha Yar escapes from her homeworld Turkana IV, to + eventually join StarFleet. Turkana IV severed all contact + with outside world. (TNG:"Legacy") + Beverly Crusher met Dr. Dylan Quaice. (TNG:"Remember Me?") + Varria began a 14-year association with collector kivas + Fajo. (TNG:"The Most Toys") + c2353 Kyle Riker was advising StarFleet near the Tholian border as + a civilian strategist when a Tholian fleet attacked the + Starbase. Kyle Riker was the sole survivor. + Kyle Riker met Kate Polaski, who was the doctor assigned to + him. They ALMOST married. (TNG:"The Icarus Factor") + Approximate birthyear of Jeramiah "Jono" Rosa, son of Connor + and Moira Rossa, grandson of admiral Connaught Rossa, at + Galen IV colony. (TNG:"Suddenly Human") + William T. Riker entered SFA.(TNG:"Icarus Factor") + His friend was fellow student Paul Rice, who commands the + USS DRAKE. (TNG:"Arsenal of Freedom") + Geordi La Forge entered SFA Engineering school at age 18. + (TNG:"Cause and Effect") + c2354 USS STARGAZER visited Chalna (TNG:"Allegiance") + Jeremy Aster was born to Marla Aster. (TNG:"The Bonding") + Death of (Cmdr?) Jack Crusher while attempting to free + STARGAZER from a natural trap. Picard returned his body + to earth to the grieving Beverly Crusher 149 + (TNG:"Violations", TNGN:Reunion) + 2355 USS STARGAZER was attacked by an unknown ship. Forced to + defend his ship, Captain Picard introduced the "Picard + Maneuver". 150 The hostile was destroyed, but STARGAZER + was abandoned in Maxia Zeta system (TNG:"The Battle") + Court-Martial proceeding for Captain Picard, prosecuted by + Philipa Louvois, the JAG officer. Picard was absolved of + all charges (TNG:"Measure of Man") + Later studies showed that the unknown ship Picard + encountered was a Ferengi vessel. (TNG:"The Battle") + c2355Beverly Howard Crusher graduates from StarFleet Academy + (TNG:"Conundrum") + Worf reached his first age of ascension, important step in + the coming of age of a warrior. (TNG:"Icarus Factor") + 2356 May 5, USS GALAXY (NX-70637) launched from orbital dock + stations (TNG Tech Manual) 151 + Last Turellian ship seen was destroyed. (TNG:"Haven") + 2357 Independent freighter ODIN malfunctioned near Neutral Zone. + Four male survivors in escape pods landed on Angel One, + precipitating an underground movement. (TNG:"Angel One") + William T. Riker graduated from StarFleet Academy. He was + assigned as a lieutenant to POTEMKIN, and later to the + scout FORTUNA. (conjecture) + Laroge Graduates from SFA with major engineering. He was + assigned to USS VICTORY. + Worf enters SFA, first Klingon to do so. His brother + attempted, but dropped out a year later,& return to Gault + (TNG:"Heart of Glory") + USS GALAXY, class ship, NCC-70637, commissioned (TNG:TM) + Tallerians attacked the Galon IV colony. All inhabitants + were believed to have been killed. (TNG:"Suddenly Human") + Ornarron captain T'Jon assumes command of the freighter + SANCTION, transport of Elysium between Brekka and Ornara. + (TNG:"Symbiosis") + 2358 Major system work progressed on GALAXY-class tarship + Enterprise at Utopia Planitia Starfleet Yards, Mars, under + supervision of Commander Quinteros. Members include Dr. + Leah Brahms, junior member, engineering team seven. + (TNG:"Booby Trap","11001001") + 2359 Civil War, which lasted four decades, ended on Mordan IV. + (TNG:"Too Short a Season") + USS YAMATO, second GALAXY-class vessel, commissioned 152 + Admiral Mark Jameson started to show symptoms of Iverson's + Disease. (TNG:"Too Short a Season") + William T. Riker was posted temporarily to Betazed as + StarFleet liaison after serving on the scout FORTUNA + William T. Riker had an intense relationship with Deanna + Troi at approximately this time period. + William T. Riker was posted as First Officer of USS HOOD. + (TNGN:Imzadi) + Deanna Troi was studying at the University of Betazed at + that time, where she met both Riker and Tam Elbrun. + (TNG:"Tin Man") + Worf and K'Ehleyr have an unresolved romantic relationship. + (TNG:"The Emissary") + c2361 Deanna Troi, despite Lwaxana's objections, joined StarFleet + and entered Starfleet Academy this year (TNG:"Conundrum") + USS POTEMKIN visited Turkana IV. Colonists warned that + anyone beaming down will be killed (TNG:"Legacy") + Federation's Bi-Centennial (TNG:"The Outcast") + Kevin and Rishon Uxbridge arrive at the Delta Rana IV + colony. Kevin is really a Douwd (TNG:"The Survivors") + Archaeologist Vash begins work as assistant to Samuel + Estragon, who worked to recover the device called Tos + Uthat, an artifact from 27th century. + (TNG:"Captain's Holiday") + Jeremy Aster's father died of a Russhton infection. Marla + raised Jeremy alone, and transfered to Enterprise when + Marla accepted position of staff achaelologist. + (TNG:"The Bonding") + 2362 Dr. Dylan Quaice is transferred to Starbase 133. + (TNG:"Remember Me?") +40164.7 c2362 Lt.jg. Geordi Laforge and landing party landed on + Tarchannen III for survey duty, investigating the + disappearance of 49 colonists, while serving on + USS VICTORY, NCC-45167. The landing party contracted a + hidden virus. The fate of the colonists remained unknown + until the virus woke up in LaForge and others 5 years + later. (TNG:"Identity Crisis") + Deanna Troi graduated from StarFleet Academy + (TNG:"Conundrum") + 2363 TSIOLKOVSKY begins its last science mission. + (TNG:"The Naked Now") +40759.5 2363 October 4th, (UFP/StarFleet) USS ENTERPRISE, GALAXY-Class + exploration cruiser, new construction, Utopia Planetia + StarFleet Yards, Mars, Sol System, Sector 001. + Top speed: revised warp 9.95. 153 + Designation NCC-1701-D (TNG Tech Manual) + Commander:Captain Jean-Luc Picard + Commander (Brevet Captain) William T. Riker + Captain Edward Jellicoe + 2364 Events of the first season of ST:TNG + Lieutenant Miles Edward O'Brien transferred to ENTERPRISE as + Chief of transporter operations, having previously served + on USS RUTLEDGE as tactical officer with Capt. Ben Maxwell + (TNG:"The Wounded") 154 + StarFleet begins search for a suitable star for the + Kaelonian experiment to revive a dying star. + (TNG:"Half a Life") + Nick Locarno is accepted as a cadet at SFA, one of the most + promising students ever to attend. (TNG:"First Duty") + Enterprise responds to an emergency call on Carnel, where + Picard met Yar. Picard was so impressed that he asked Yar + to serve with him on his new command. 155 + Will Riker was offered the command of the USS DRAKE, but + Riker refused, instead opted for a tour on the Enterprise + as XO. Drake went to Riker's friend, Paul Rice, and DRAKE + was later destroyed at Minos. (TNG:"Arsenal of Freedom") +41124 Captain Jean-Luc takes command of the ENTERPRISE + (TNG:"The Drumhead") 156 +41153.7 "Encounter at Farpoint" (101/102) + Admrial Leonard H. McCOy travelled aboard the USS HOOD to + rendezvous with the Enterpriseat Farpoint. Others onboard + includes William T. Riker, Lieutnant (j.g.) Geordi La + Forge, Dr. Beverly Crusher and her son Wesley Crusher, all + en route to assignment on the Enterprise. + Enterprise, on its maiden voyage toward Farpoint station, + was intercepted by Q and put on trial for the savagery of + humanity. Farpoint station turn out to be a large space + creature held against its will. + Commander William T. Riker came onboard at Farpoint station + as first officer, having previously served on the USS HOOD + under Captain DeSoto as first officer + (Writer's Guide, First Year Sourcebook) +41154 Beverly Crusher assigned to Enterprise (TNG:"Remember Me?") +41187.5 "Where No One Has Gone Before" (DC Mini #1) +41190.3 "Spirit in the Sky" (DC Mini #2) +41195.7 "Q Factor" (DC Mini #3) +41198.3 "Q's Day" (DC Mini #4) +41198.7 "Q Affects" (DC Mini #5) +41199.3 "Here Today" (DC Mini #6) +41209.2 "The Naked Now" (103) + Crew is affected by a similar virus that releases inhibition + of the original NCC-1701 crew at Psi 2000 + USS TSIOLKOVSKY destroyed by stellar debris + Romulan Senator Pardek participates in trade negotiations. + (TNG:"Unification I") +41235.25 "Code of Honor" (104) + Lt. Tasha Yar is kidnapped by an alien leader and challenged + to the death by the leader's mate. + Starfleet propulsion specialist Kosinski performs warp + system upgrades on starships FEARLESS and AJAX, both ships + reported minor performance gains. + (TNG:"Where No One Has Gone Before") +41242.4 "Datalore" (114) + Data's "brother" Lore rediscovered at Omicron Theta + First encounter of the Crystal Entity + Lore transported into space, fate unknown +41249.3 "Lonely Among Us" (108) + An energy entity accidentally trapped in the ship caused + Picard to desert his ship. + Enterprise escorted Earth colonists to Strnad system for a + settlement, and soon after discovered life in the + adjoining Rubicun system. (see next) +41255.6 "Justice" (109) + Wesley was sentenced to death for violating the planet's + regulations (minor by our standards) + First contact with the Edoans +41263.1 "Where None Have Gone Before" (106) + An experiment in warp drive propels the Enterprise 2,700,000 + lightyears, caused by the Traveller's special abilities. + Wesley Crusher promoted to Acting Ensign +41294.5 "Haven" (105) + Troi faces a prearranged marriage, but love that transcends + the universe prevails. + Starfleet Command received urgent transmission from Karnas, + leader of Mordan IV, that terrorists have seized hostages + and requested mediator Admiral Mark Jameson. (see next) +41309.5 "Too Short a Season" (112) + Admiral Mark Jameson was lured back to Mordan IV for the + crime he committed against the planet (see earlier entries + about Jameson), where he died from a drug overdose. + (TNG:"Too Short a Season") +41344 Vulcan ship T'PAU was decommissioned and sent to surplus + depot Zed-15 orbiting Qualor II. (TNG:"Unification I") 157 +41365.9 "11001001" (116) + Enterprise was hijacked by Binars to protect their central + computer from shutdown by a nearby nova + Ferengi agents stole T-9 energy converter from the unmanned + outpost on Gamma Tauri IV. (see next) +41386.4 "The Last Outpost" (107) + A Ferengi ship and Enterprise were caught over a planet + thought to be dead for thousands of years + Remnants of the Tkon Empire discovered +41416.2 "Coming of Age" (119) + Wesley's entrance exam to Starfleet Academy coincides with + an investigation on Picard +41463.9 "Home Soil" (117) + An investigation of a terraforming station turned deadly + when a previously unknown lifeform was found. +41503.7 "Heart of Glory" (120) + Enterprise intercepts renegade Klingons, who asked Worf to + help them seek their honor as warriors with no war +?????.? Ghost Ship (Pocket #1) + Enterprise encountered a creature that captures the souls of + those onboard ships, and has been doing so for thousands + of years, and her next intended victim is... +?????.? "Symbiosis" (123) + Enterprise rescued a ship carrying narcotic to neighboring + planet, who thought it was a cure to their disease 158 +?????.? Benzan of Strleb and Yanar of Atlec began a romantic + relationship. Benzan gave Yanar the "Jewel of Thesia", a + Straleb national treasure, as a nupital gift, while their + parents remains unaware. (TNG:"The Outrageous Okona") 159 +41509.1 "When the Bough Breaks" (118) + Sterile inhabitants of a cloaked planet kidnap children from + the Enterprise, including Wesley Crusher +?????.? The Peacekeepers (Pocket #2) + Deanna Troi departed on shuttle to Starbase G-6 for a visit + home on Betazed (see next) + Explosion at Federation mining colony on Sigma III injured + 504, Enterprise received the mayday (see next) +41590.5 "Hide and Q" (111) + Riker was granted the ultimate gift: the power of Q. +41601.3 "Skin of Evil" (122) + Lt. Tasha Yar killed in line of duty by Armus on Vagra II + during a rescue attempt to retrieve Counselor Troi + Worf promoted to Chief of Security/Tactical Officer + Enterprise investigates the disappearance of Federation + freighter ODIN, missing for seven years. (see next) +41636.9 "Angel One" (115) + Enterprise's attempt to rescue a downed ship on a + matriarchal planet turned into an appeal for clemency for + the "revolutionaries" who loves dominant men + Romulan spacecraft detected near Federation border outpost, + BERLIN dispatched to investigate (see above) +41697.9 "We'll Always Have Paris" (124) + A scientist's temporal experiments rips apart the fabric of + space/time; Picard meets his old flame + Ferengi vessel contacted Enterprise to request meeting in + Xendi Sabu system. (see next) +41723.9 "The Battle" (110) + USS STARGAZER reclaimed in Bendi Sabu system after Daimon + Bok's plot to discredit Picard failed. Daimon Bok's son + was Daimon on the "unknown" ship Picard destroyed c2360 at + Battle of Maxia Beta + STARGAZER was towed to Xendi Starbase 9 (see above) + Admiral Norah Satie uncovered evidence of widespread + conspiracy infiltrating Stafleet command. (TNG:"Drumhead") +41775.5 "Conspiracy" (125) + Parasitic mother creature eliminated by Picard and Riker + after infiltrating Starfleet Command and higher echelons + of the Federation +41798.2 "Arsenal of Freedom" (121) + Enterprise and crew fights an adaptive combat system that + had turned on its owners +?????.? Survivors (Pocket #4) +?????.? The Children of Hamlin (Pocket #3) +? Communications lost with Federation starbases in Sector 3-0, + near Romulan Neutral Zone. Two outposts are believed + destroyed, agents unknown + Picard attended emergency conference at Stabase 718 to + discuss possible Romulan resurgence (see next) +41986.0 "The Neutral Zone" + Discovery of three 20th century survivors by cryogenics + coincides with return of Romulans after 50 year absence + First evidence of the Borg was discovered in the Neutral + Zone as several outposts on both sides disappeared. 160 +41997.7 "The Big Goodbye" + Picard, Beverly Crusher, and Data, are trapped on the + mulfunctioning holodeck turned deadly. + 2365 Events of the second season of ST:TNG + Cardassian Empire and Federation began negotiations for a + more permanent peace in this year (est) + Dr. Beverly Crusher became Head of Starfleet Medical + Dr. Katherine "Kate" Polaski became CMO of ENTERPRISE, + having previously served on the REPULSE (TNG:"The Child") + Lt. LaForge transferred to engineering from helm, with + promotion to full lieutenant. + Guinan came onboard as hostess of Ten Forward lounge, having + previously lived on Nestoriel III 161 +42073.1 "The Child" + Troi became pregnant by an alien energy entity, who wished + to experience the life of a human being. 162 +?????.? Captain's Honor (Pocket #8) +42193.6 "Where Silence Has lease" (128) + Enterprise was caught in a void by Nagilum, who conducted + experiments on the crew 163 + Crew of USS LANTREE received routine examination and was + found to be in perfect health (TNG:"Unnatural Selection") + LaForge built a model of HMS Victory British sailing ship as + a gift to VICTORY's captain Zimbata. +42286.3 "Elementary, Dear Data" (129) + Data and Geordi's holodeck ventures turned to nightmare when + the computer gave Moriarity true intelligence and will to + live his own life +42305.7 "Return to Raimon" (DC #1) +42307.2 "Murder Most Foul" (DC #2) +42360 "The Derelict" (DC #3) +42361.8 "The Hero Factor" (DC #4) +42402.7 "The Outrageous Okona" (130) + The charming rogue tradeship captain was accused by two + planets of theft and philandering +?????.? Strike Zone (Pocket #5) + Discovery of fantastic weapons almost leads to full-scale + war between the Klingons and the Kreel, with Enterprise in + the middle +42422.5 Power Hungry (Pocket #6) +42437.5 "The Schizoid Man" (131) + Dying scientist transferred his dying soul into Data, almost + erasing Data at his quest to continue his life +42477.2 "Loud as a Whisper" (132) + A deaf mediator is forced to start from ground up when his + interpreters are killed by the warring parties +?? First officer of LANTREE treated for Thelusian flu +?? LANTREE under captain Iso Telaka visited Darwin genetic + research station on Gagarin IV. +42493.1 Twenty LANTREE personnel killed by unknown causes yet + resembling old age. Captain Telaka set course for nearest + Federation outpost (see next) +42494.8 "Unnatural Selection" (133) + USS LANTREE (NCC-1837) destroyed after crew perished after + contacting aging agent from an advanced genetic research + colony +42506.5 "A Matter of Honor" (134) + Riker served on a Klingon ship in an exchange program, while + the Klingons, based on mistaken assumptions, decided to + destroy the Enterprise +42523.7 "Measure of a Man" (135) + After an attempt to order legal dismantling of Data for + "scientific studies", Captain Philipa Louvois declared + Data is a sentient being, therefore entitled to rights +?? Ensign Sonya Gomez transferred onboard (TNG:"Q Who?") +?????.? Metamorphosis (Pocket Giant #1) +42568.6 "The Dauphin" (136) + Wesley is enamored of a young woman who is to be the new + ruler of a planet, but was distressed to find she is not + what she seems to be. +?????.? Masks (Pocket #7) + YAMATO arrived at Denius III, where Captain Donald Varley + deciphered evidence from ancient Iconian artifact and + found location of Iconian home world. He ordered ship at + all speed into the Neutral Zone to Iconia. (see next) +42609.1 "Contagion" (137) + A probe of an abandoned planet of the Iconians transmitted a + virus into the USS YAMATO, which exploded; Enterprise must + survive the virus while solving the Iconian mystery, with + the Romulans watching closely + USS YAMATO (NCC-1305-E? Other number?) lost due to engine + containment failure caused by a virus from the long lost + Iconian race +42625.4 "The Royale" (138) + Riker, Worf, and Data are trapped in "Hotel Royale", where + they must finish the plots of a novel to escape +42679.2 "Time Squared" (139) + Picard met his future self and found his ship will be + destroyed in six hours and doomed to repeat it again +?? Data detected radio transmission from a previously unknown + lifeform in the Selcundi Drema sector. (TNG:"Pen Pals") +42686.4 "The Icarus Factor" (140) + Riker reconciles with his father while Worf goes through his + Rites of Ascension. +42695.3 "Pen Pals" (141) + Data communicated with an alien girl on an heaving planet, + and helped against the prime directive +?? Starfleet received a garbled message from the Ficus sector, + found to be a distress call from a colony in the Bringloid + system (TNG:"Up the Long Ladder") +42761.3 "Q Who?" (142) + ENTERPRISE was thrown 7000 lightyears by Q to system J-25, + where they will contact the Borg, the most feared race in + the galaxy +42779.1 "Samaritan Snare" (143) + LaForge was kidnapped by Pakleds, the galactic technology + leaches who steal, beg, and borrow technology, while + Picard nearly dies during a cardiac replacement operation +42823.2 "Up the Long Ladder" (144) + Enterprise rescues a colony while discovers another colony + full of clones needed new genetic material +?? Starfleet began planning defense against a possible Borg + attack. (TNG:"Best of Both Worlds I") +42859.2 "Manhunt" (145) + Lwaxana Troi continues her search for a husband when she + sets her eyes on Picard and Riker. + Starbase 366 received automated transmission from the T'ONG, + Klingon sleeper ship launched in 2290. (see next) +42901.3 "The Emissary" (146) + IKV T'ONG sleeper ship arrives at Federation space. The + ship's crew was pacified peacefully with help from + Ambassador K'Ehleyer +42908.6 A Call to Darkness (Pocket #9) +42923.4 "Peak Performance" (147) + USS HATHAWAY, an old relic of CONSTELLATION-class, was + restored for a tactical combat simulation with Enterprise, + when the Ferengi dropped by with weapons armed +?? Alexana Devos accepted a job as security director with the + Eastern Continental government of Rutia IV. + (TNG:"The High Ground") +42976.1 "Shades of Gray" (148) + Riker fights for his life as a parasite attempts to take + over his nervous system 164 + 2366 Events of third season of ST:TNG + Dr. Beverly Crusher returns as CMO of ENTERPRISE + Dr. Katherine Polaski became CMO of REPULSE (TNGN:Vendetta) + LaForge promoted to Lieutenant Commander and became Chief + Engineer of the ENTERPRISE + Federation-Cardassian Peace Treaty signed this year. + (TNG:"The Wounded") + Lore, Data's "brother" was found by a Pakled ship. + (TNG:"Brothers") + A probable fourth GALAXY-class starship was commissioned + this year, lost a year later against the Borg in the + "Wolf 359" Massacre 165 +43125.8 "Evolution" (150) + Wesley's experiments with Nanites turned unexpectedly into a + discovery of a new sentience as an astronomical study was + being conducted + Evolution of Nanites led to their recognition as a sentient + race by the Federation + Romulan admiral Alidar Jarok is censured for his arguments + to the Romulan High Command that a war with the Federation + will destroy the Romulan Star Empire. Jarok was + reassigned to a distant sector the the empire. + (TNG:"The Defector") +43133.3? "Ensigns of Command" (149) + Data attempts to convince a colony to leave the home it had + for over twenty years, by force if necessary +?????.? Gulliver's Fugitives (Pocket #11) +?????.? A Rock and a Hard Place (Pocket #10) +43152.4 "The Survivors" (151) + Enterprise encounters a devastated planet with two apparent + untouched survivors +43173.5 "Who Watches the Watchers?" (152) + Enterprise must deal with an accidental social contamination + of a primitive culture by the observing station +43181.4 "Forbidden Fruit" (DC #18) +43197.5 Doomsday World (Pocket #12) +43198.7 "The Bonding" (153) + An alien attempts to make up to a boy whose mother was + killed by a booby trap left by his/her race +43201.8 "Serafin's Survivors" (DC #5) +43202.5 "Shadows in the Garden" (DC #6) +43205 Birth of Alexander Rozhenko, son of Worf and K'Ehleyr, on + 43rd day of Maktag (whatever that is in Klingonaase). + (TNG:"New Ground") +43205.6 "Booby Trap" (154) + Enterprise, while investigating an ancient ship, was trapped + in the same trap that snared the relic +43265.4 "The Pilot" (DC #7) +43266.7 "The Battle Within" (DC #8) +43268.1 "The Pay Off" (DC #9) +43269.1 "The Noise of Justice" (DC #10) +43269.3 "The Impostor" (DC #11) +43270.4 "Whoever Fights Monsters" (DC #12) +43349.2 "The Enemy" (155) + LaForge and another Romulan was trapped on the surface of + Galorndon Core with no way out + Romulan presence found near Galorndon Core +?? Separatist Ansata of Rutia IV begin use of interdimensional + transport device in their raids. (TNG:"The High Ground") + Government of Barzan, under Premier Bhavani, invites bids + for a wormhole near Barzan. (see next) +43385.7 "The Price" (156) + Negotiation for the only apparent stable wormhole in the + known galaxy turned ugly when the Ferengis are involved +43421.9 "The Vengeance Factor" (157) + Negotiation for peace between the Gatherers and their home + planet turned into murder for revenge +43421.9 "The Hand of the Assassin" (DC #13) +43462.5 "The Defector" (158) + Enterprise rescued a defecting Romulan ship, who revealed a + plan to conquer the Federation +?? Angosia III petitions for membership in UFP (see next) +43489.2 "The Hunted" (159) + Enterprise crew attempts to subdue a war veteran enhanced by + his own people to fight wars +?? Rutia IV request UFP medical assistance after major outbreak + of terrorist activity (see next) +43510.7 "The High Ground" (160) + Terrorists abduct Dr. Crusher for their movement of + independence, and Enterprise was attacked as well +?? UFP signed a peace treaty with the Cardassians, finally + ending the Cardassian War. (TNG:"The Wounded") 166 +?? Large celestial body (hypermass?) passed through the Bre'el + star system, disrupting the lunar orbit of Bre'el IV. The + orbit began to decay (see next) +43539.1 "Deja Q" (161) + An alien entity is determined to get even with Q, who had + lost his powers and is now one simple human being +?? LtCmdr Shelby of Starfleet Tactical is placed in charge of + the Borg tactical analysis by Admiral J.P.Hanson to + develope a defense strategy against an a Borg offensive. + (TNG:"Best of Both Worlds I") +43587.? Crewman first class Simon Tarses assigned to duty in medical + department onboard Enterprise (TNG:"Drumhead") +43610.4 "A Matter of Perspective" (162) + Riker is accused of murder of a prominent scientist after + allegedly romancing the scientist's wife. +43625.2 "Yesterday's Enterprise" (163) + The appearance of Enterprise NCC-1701-C has rewritten + history, and Picard must restore it at all costs, even if + it cost him his ship and lives of all onboard +?? Data attended a cybernetics conference. (TNG:"Offspring") +43657 "The Offspring" (164) + Data created a "daughter" Lal modelled after himself, but + StarFleet wished to take her away for studies + "Death" of Lal, after positronic brain failure +?? Kova Tholl of Mizar II was abducted by unknown aliens for + behaviorial study (TNG:"Allegiance") +?????.? Fortune's Light (Pocket #15) +43685.2 "Sins of the Father" (165) + Worf returned to the Klingon Home World to clear his + father's name, failed due to exceptional circumstances + Discovery of Kern (also Kurn), Worf's younger brother + Worf accepted discommendation from the High Council +43714.1 "Allegiance" (166) + Picard was kidnapped while a doppleganger is leading the + Enterprise into dangerous situations +43738.8 "The Gift" (DC Annual #1) +?????.? Eyes of the Beholders (Pocket #13) +?? Picard mediated a trade dispute between the Gemarians and + the Dachlyds at Gemaris V (TNG:"Captain's Holiday") +43745.2 "Captain's Holiday" (167) + Picard's quiet vacation on Rhysa turned into a treasure hunt + when a beautiful woman named Vash and a Ferengi appeared +43747.3 Boogeymen (Pocket #17) +?? VEGA IX probe returned data from Beta Stromgren which + reveals the presence of "Tin Man" (see next) +43779.3 "Tin Man" (168) + Enterprise is to contact the newly discovered lifeform + nicknamed "Tin Man" before the Romulans can +?? Lieutenant Reginald Barclay III, systems diagnostics + engineer, transferred from ZHUKOV to Enterprise. (next) +43807.4 "Hollow Pursuits" (169) + LaForge attempts to help Barclay to adjust away from the + fantasies of the holodeck as mysterious malfunctions + plague the Enterprise +43810.7 "Holiday on Ice" (DC #14) +43811.1 "Prisoners of the Ferengi" (DC #15) +43872.2 "The Most Toys" (170) + Data was kidnapped by an art collector as the ultimate prize +43878.1 "I Have Heard the Mermaids Singing" (DC #16) +?????.? "The Weapon" (DC #17) +43917.4 "Sarek" (171) + Sarek's attempt to seal the treaty with the Legarons turned + Enterprise into a brawl zone + Sarek retired to Vulcan with Bendii's Syndrome on MERRIMAC +43957.2 "Transfigurations" (172) + Enterprise discovered a being with amnesia, who professed + amazing powers +43980.7 "Menage a Troi" (173) + Ferengi DaiMon Tog, infatuated with Lwaxana Troi, kidnaps + her plus Deanna and Riker, with Picard in full pursuit + Wesley Crusher promoted to full ensign +43989.1 "The Best of Both Worlds" Pt.1 (174) + The Borg have reached Federation space and is heading + straight toward Earth. Captain Picard captured by the + Borg and "converted" into Locutus. Will Earth survive? + 2367 Events of the fourth season of ST:TNG +44001.3 "The Best of Both Worlds" Pt.2 (175) + Massacre of Wolf 359, thirty-nine StarFleet ships (over + 11,000 lives) lost against the Borg 167 + Benjamin Sisko's wife, Jennifer, was lost aboard the + SARATOGA at Wolf 359 (DS9:"The Emmissary") + Ship's destroyed includes GAGE, MELBOURNE, SARATOGA, and + KYUSHU (DS9:"The Emmissary") 168 + Captain Picard, now Locutus, was retrieved by Enterprise. + Borg was defeated with assistance from Picard/Locutus + Enterprise docks at McKinley Station for full repairs, where + a defective hatch was installed on the dilithium chamber. + (TNG:"Best of Both Worlds II","Drumhead") +44009.3 "Family" (178) + Picard visits his families on Earth while Worf's parents + come onboard, as ENTERPRISE undergoes major repairs at + McKinley Station +44085.7 "Suddenly Human" (176) + Enterprise rescued an alien training ship and discovered a + human boy brought up as an alien + Discovery of Jeremiah "Jono" Rosa, a survivor of the + Tarellian raid on Galon IV colony. +?? Enterprise arrived at Ogus II for shore leave, but was cut + short when a child's practical joke endangered life of his + brother, necesitating evacuation to Starbase 416 (next) + LaForge performs dilithium vector calibration on ship (next) +44143.7 "Brothers" (177) + A race to save a poisoned young boy was interrupted when + Data takes over the Enterprise after receiving Dr.Soong's + special signal; things turned ugly when Lore showed up + Dr. Noonian Soong died in an uncharted system +44161.2 "Remember Me?" (179) + Dr.Crusher was trapped in a warp bubble created by one of + Wesley's experiments, where everyone disappeared slowly +44215.2 "Legacy" (180) + A ship crash landed on Turkana IV, and Enterprise must + retrieve the crew without getting involved in the fight. + Ishara Yar, sister of Tasha Yar, found on Turkana IV +44246.3 "Reunion" (181) + K'mpek's death by poison opened the throne to a fight + between Gowron and Duras. + Discovery of Alexander, son of Worf and K'Ehleyer + Ambassador K'Ehleyer killed by Duras + Worf defeated Duras in battle, slaying him +?????.? "The Lesson" (DC #19) +44263.9 Contamination (Pocket #16) +44286.5 "Future Imperfect" (182) + Riker woke up on Enterprise of the future, or is it? + Riker celebrates his 32nd birthday. +44290.4 "The Flight of the Albert Einstein" (DC #20) +44292.6 "Mourning Star" (DC #21) +?44295? Perchance to Dream (Pocket #19) +44295.2 "Trapped!" (DC #22) +?????.? "The Barrier" (DC #23) +44298.2 "Homecoming" (DC #24) +44307.3 "Final Mission" (183) + Picard and Wesley's trip was cut short when their shuttle + crash landed on a barren planet, while Enterprise must + deal with a radioactive garbage scow elsewhere + Wesley Crusher enters StarFleet Academy (finally!) +44356.9 "The Loss" (184) + Counselor Troi lost her empathic powers as the ship was + trapped by "two-dimensional creatures" +44390.1 "Data's Day" (185) + Data recorded his day for study by Bruce Maddox, which + turned out to be quite interesting, complete with dancing, + wedding, spies, and Romulans. + Miles Edward O'Brian married Keiko Ishikawa, ceremony + presided by Captain Jean-Luc Picard +44395.7 "In Memory Yet Green" (TNG Mini #1) +44396.6 "Lies and Legends" (TNG Mini #2) +44397.7 "Prior Claim" (TNG Mini #3) +44398.7 "Game, Set & Match" (TNG Mini #4) + Modala is freed of Ferengi influence +44429.1 Exiles (Pocket #14) +?? Cardassian science station in the Qualar system was + destroyed by USS PHOENIX (see next) +44429.6 "The Wounded" (186) + Captain Benjamin Maxwell was apprehended after destroying + several Cardassian vessels in the USS PHOENIX, NCC-65420 +44474.5 "Devil's Due" (187) + Ardra supposedly returning to reclaim her prize of an entire + planet, was met by Picard in a court of law +44502.7 "Clues" (188) + Enterprise goes on a quest to rediscover what had happened + in the day it had lost, but do they really want to know? +?? Unmanned Argus subspace telescope array stopped transmitting + its results (TNG:"The Nth Degree") + Miles and Keiko O'Brian conceive a child (TNG:"Disaster") +?????.? "First Contact" (189) + Riker was lost on a xenophobic planet almost ready for first + contact with other spaceborne civilizations, and time is + running out +44614.6 "Galaxy's Child" (190) + Enterprise must lose the "space baby" on its back or be + destroyed by the baby's relatives; Dr. Leah Brahms (the + real thing) visits the Enterprise and surprised Geordi by + her revelation that she's happily married +44624.3 "Thin Ice" (DC Annual #2) +44631.2 "Night Terrors" (191) + USS BRATTAIN, trapped in Tyken's Rift, was disabled, the + crew driven mad by another trapped alien ship, and + Enterprise fell into the same trap +?? Emilita Mendez, crew member aboard the ARIES, stole + shuttlepod COUSTEAU and head for planet Tarchannan III +?? Lt. Paul Hickman, missing in a stolen shuttle, was reported + sighted by a supply ship to be enroute to Tarchannan III +44664.5 "Identity Crisis" (192) + LaForge must discover why the members of his landing party + is disappearing one by one before he disappears also + Warning beacons placed around the planet +44693.6 Vendetta (Pocket Giant #2) + The Borg's return was stopped by the second Doomsday Machine + under partial control of Delcara +44704.2 "The Nth Degree" (193) + Barclay was zapped by an alien probe and takes over the + Enterprise to take them far and away +44741.9 "Qpid" (194) + Q returns to send the Enterprise crew back into the + Robinhood days, along with Vash as Maid Merian +?? Klingon exobiologist J'Ddan, serving onboard Enterprise as + part of exchange program, accessed restricted technical + information on the ship's dilithium chamber design +44765.2 Enterprise was crippled by an explosion in the ship's + dilithium chamber, sabotage expected (see next) +?? Starfleet Command received info that schematic drawings of + Galaxy-class starship dilithium chamber have fallen into + Romulan hands, and J'Ddan is implicated (see next) +44769.2 "Drumhead" (195) + A suspected sabotage onboard the Enterprise turned into a + witchhunt with Picard on the stand +?? Jenna D'Sora broke off a romantic relationship with fellow + crew Jeff Arton (TNG:"In Theory") +44805.3 "Half a Life" (196) + Lwaxana Troi falls for a scientist whose life is about to + end, but not by choice +?? Wesley sent a letter to his mother (TNG:"The Host") +44821.3 "The Host" (197) + Dr.Crusher falls for an alien ambassador, only to find that + the ambassador is not who he seems to be +?? Kriosian rebels, seeking independence from Klingon Empire, + attacked two neutral freighters (a Ferengi and a + Cardassian), near the Ikalian asteroid belt (see next) +?? Governor Vagh of Klingon Kriosian colonies charged + Federation with aiding rebel forces. Klingon emissary + Kell assigned by High Council to investigate the charges. + He requested Enterprise and Picard (see next) +44885.5 "The Mind's Eye" (198) + Lt.Commander LaForge was captured and brainwashed by + Romulans into an assassin, and almost succeeded in killing + Vagh, the Klingon governor +44932.3 "In Theory" (199) + Data attempts to enter a male-female relationship with a + fellow crewmember. Will it work out? +44995.3 "Redemption" (200) + Klingon Civil War erupts as the pro-Duras faction combats + Gowron's forces in a succession war + Revelation of Sela, daughter of Tasha Yar + (see TNG:"Yesterday's ENTERPRISE") + 2368 Events of fifth season of ST:TNG +??? Gowron's forces destroyed Duras supply bases in Mempa sector +??? Gowron's forces caused significant casualties on Duras' + forces in three separate engagements (TNG:"Redemption II") +??? A Tamarian spacecraft arrived a El-Adrel IV, and started + transmitting a subspace signal toward Federation space. + The signal contains a mathematical progression, signifying + an intent to communicate. (TNG:"Darmok") +45020.4 "Redemption II" (201) + Klingon Civil War ends due to Federation blockade preventing + clandestine Romulan aid, Gowron became Chief Councillor +45047.2 "Darmok" (202) + Picard is trapped on a hostile planet with an alien captain, + who does not speak Standard +??? Supposedly Bajoran terrorist attack destroyed the Federation + settlement on Solarion IV. (see next) +??? Cardassian liaison met with Starfleet Admiral Kennelly, + requesting assistance in tracking down Bajoran terrorists, + or "the common enemy" as the Cardassians put it (next) + Kennelly released Ensign RO Laren on Jaron II for the + WELLINGTON disaster on Garon II and sent her on a special + mission aboard the Enterprise. (see next) 169 +45076.3 "Ensign Ro" (203) + Picard must investigate the attack of an outpost with help + of Ensign Ro, recently released from detention +??? Enterprise droped off an contingent of personnel to assist + with preparations for a colonization project on Melona IV +45122.3 "Silicon Avatar" (204) + The Crystalline Entity returned to wreck havoc, as the + premier Federation scientist prepared to hunt it down + Destruction of the Crystalline Entity +??? Three children of the Enterprise crew, Jay Gordon, Marissa + Flores, and Patterson Supra, won the ship's prmary school + science fair. Their prize was a tour of the ship + conducted by Captain Picard. (see next) +45156.1 "Disaster" (205) + Enterprise's collision with a quantum filament had everybody + at the wrong place at the wrong time + Birth of Molly Miyagi Worf O'Brien in Ten Forward + (name is from TNGN:Unification) 170 +?????.? Reunion (Hardback #1) +??? Ambassador Spock disappears from Vulcan after wrapping up + his affairs. There is no clue to his whereabouts. + (TNG:"Unification I") +??? Enterprise are to conduct studies at the uncharted Phoenix + Cluster, with several science teams from ZHUKOV. (next) +45208.2 "The Game" (206) + ENTERPRISE and crew nearly taken over by mind-control toys + from Etana, a Ktaran. + Enterprise rendezvous with MERRIMAC which will transport + Wesley back to the Academy +????? [special note] 171 +?? Ferengi cargo shuttle crashed in the Hanolin asteroid belt + near Vulcan. Parts of a derelict Vulcan spacecraft were + found in crates marked as medical equipment. (see next) +?? Starfleet Intelligence reported that Ambassador Spock, + missing for near three weeks, were spotted on Romulus, + which caused a great stir in Starfleet Command (see next) +?? Enterprise recalled to starbase 234 by Fleet Admiral + Brackett for a special mission (see next) +45233.4 "Unification" (207) + Ambassador Spock was found on Romulus. Can Picard and Data, + under desguise, retrieve him? Why is he there any way? + Death of Sarek, Vulcan Ambassador to Federation +45245.8 "Unification II" (208) + Romulan plan to conquer Vulcan foiled + Spock chose to remain on Romulus +45231- Ullian telepathic researcher Jev, on research project to two +45323 planets in the Nel system, committed two acts of + telepathic rape, though the victims were diagnosed as + suferring from the Iresine syndrome (TNG:"Violations") +??? Type-C asteroid impacted on Penthara IV. The resulting dust + cloud might result in disastrous global cooling. (next) +45349.1 "A Matter of Time" (209) + A man supposedly from the 26th century visited the + Enterprise for "historical studies" +?? Helena Rozhenko secured passage aboard the transport MILAN + for herself and Alexander to intercept Enterprise (next) +45376.3 "New Ground" (210) + Worf deals with his son as an experimental propulsion method + went out of control and threatens an inhabited planet +45397.3 "Hero Worship" (211) + A boy rescued from a wrecked ship picked Data as his new + role model and attempted to emulate him in every way +45429.3 "Violations" (212) + Picard and crew must find the reason for three unexplained + comas before the intruder strikes again +45470.1 "The Masterpiece Society" (213) + Enterprise must assist a colony to prepare itself against a + meteor, but in the process fundamentally changed it. +45494.2 "Conundrum" (214) + Enterprise crew contracted mass amnesia, and found + themselves in the middle of an interstellar war +45571.2 "Power Play" (215) + Data, Troi, and O'Brien are taken over by alien energy + beings, whom in turn attempted to take over the Enterprise +45587.3 "Ethics" (216) + A crippling accident forced Worf to choose between suicide, + life as a cripple, or a risky operation. +45614.6 "The Outcast" (217) + Riker falls for an androgynous being whose planet "re- + educates" anyone who showed gender preferences. +45652.1 "Cause and Effect" (218) + Enterprise is caught in an endless time loop with seemingly + no way out of a fatal collision +45703.9 "First Duty" (219) + Wesley Crusher is involved in an academy training accident + and Picard digs for the truth +45733.6 "Cost of Living" (220) + Lwaxana takes Worf's son under her wing after announcing she + will marry a man she had never met +45761.3 "The Perfect Mate" (221) + A metamorph, genetically perfect mate for a man, was sent to + be married to an enemy leader as a gesture of faith, but + she falls for Picard instead +45852.1 "Imaginary Friend" (222) + A little girl's imaginary friend suddenly became real, and + threatens the security of Enterprise +45854.2 "I, Borg" (223) + Enterprise discovered an injured Borg, and Picard must + decide on using him as the ultimate weapon or teaching him + humanity instead +?? Romulan scout ship had an accident that crippled its + propulsion system and issued a distress call, which + Enterprise received and responded to. +45892.4? "The Next Phase" (224) + LaForge and Ro are believed dead in a transporter accident, + but in reality they have been phased 172 +45944.1 "Inner Light" (225) + Captain Picard lived through a life on a planet destroyed + centuries ago +??? Work crew excavating the Presidio discovered artifacts that + suggest an extraterrestrial presence durin gthe late 19th + century. (see next) +45959.1 "Time's Arrow, part I" (226) + After Data's head was discovered in San Francisco as an + artifact of 19th century, Data was propelled back to 1893 + where he meets Mark Twain and Guinan, while the Enterprise + crew try to prevent Data from meeting his fate again... + 2369 Events of sixth season of ST:TNG +46001.3 "Time's Arrow, part II" (227) + The crew discovered presence of aliens on Earth in the 19th + century Earth, and destroyed its source, as Picard and + Guinan completed "full circle" time loop. +46041.6 "Realm of Fear" (228) + Lt. Barclay's worst fear of transporters were realized when + he saw fearful apparitions in the transporting process... +46071.6 "Man of the People" (229) + Deanna Troi was seduced by a visiting diplomat and became + the receptacle of his darkest emotions. +46125.3 "Relics" (230) + Montgomery Scott, the legendary engineer, rematerialized in + the transporter after 75 years! +46154.2 "Schisms" (231) + Enterprise crew members starts to disappear during a routine + charting mission, their memories during absence erased. +46192.3 "True Q" (232) + A young girl with amazing powers was tested by Q for her + destiny, to be destroyed or to achieve greatness? +46235.7 "Rascals" (233) + A transporter malfunction turned Picard, Guinan, Keiko + O'Brien, and Ro into children, as Ferengi freebooters took + over the Enterprise +46271.5 "A Fistful of Datas" (234) + A cybernetic experiemtn with Data turned holodeck program + into a deadly Wild West showdown with Worf versus outlaws +46???.? "Quality of Life" (235) + Data must choose between protecting the life of his creation + or protecting the Enterprise. +46???.? "Chain of Command, part 1" (236?) + Picard, Worf, and Crusher is sent on a special mission to + infiltrate a Cardassian secret base at Celtrus III, + rumored to be developing metagenic weapons +46???.? "Chain of Command, part 2" (237?) + Picard, captured and tortured, held up till the end as + Jellicoe trapped the Cardassian strike fleet and force + their withdrawal and the return of Picard +46???.? Cardassians agreed to return possession of the Bajoran + system to the Bajorans, and the orbital station was turned + over to StarFleet, and was renamed "Deep Space Nine" + + +26th Century A researcher went back to Ner Jersey, Earth, in the 22nd + century, where his timepod was stolen by an individual + named Berlinghoff Rasmussen. (TNG:"Matter of Time") + +27th Century Kal Dano invented the Tox Uthat, quantum phase inhibitor + with enourmous weapons potential. Two Vorgon criminals + attempted to steal it, so Dano hid it on Risa in 22nd + century where it was uncovered by archaeologist Vash and + destroyed by Captain Picard (TNG:"Captain's Holiday") + +33rd Century Radiation levels in the Andromeda galaxy are expected to + reach intolerably high levels then. Kelvan Empire sent + out operatives to Milky Way for possible colonization. + (TOS:"By Any Other Name") + +THE END (for now) + + + +S T A R T R E K T I M E L I N E + by Kasey K.S. Chang + Last Update: 4/5/93 + +Part 3: APPENDIX + +APPENDIX A: Abbreviations + +TOS - The Original Series, 79 episodes which aired on NBC 1966-1969 + starring William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, and DeForest Kelley. +TAS - The Animated Series, 22 episodes of animation aired on NBC 1973-1975 + (Saturday mornings) starring voices of William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, + and DeForest Kelley. +TNG - The Next Generation, airing in first-run syndication, now in its + fifth season (100+ episodes), starring Patrick Stewart, Johnathan + Frakes, and Brent Spiner. +DS9 - Deep Space Nine, airing in first-run syndication, starring Avery + Brooks +ST1, ST:TMP - Star Trek: The Motion Picture, the first Star Trek movie, + released 1979 +ST2, ST2:TWOK - Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, second Star Trek movie, + released 1982 +ST3, ST3:TSFS - Star Trek III: The Search For Spock, third Star Trek movie, + released 1985 +ST4, ST4:TVH - Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, fourth movie, released 1987 +ST5, ST5:TFF - Star Trek V: The Final Frontier, fifth movie, released 1989 +ST6, ST6:TUC - Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, sixth movie, + released December 6, 1991 +TOS Tech Manual, TOS:TM - "Star Trek Star Fleet Technical Manual" by Franz + Joseph Designs, Ballantine Books. +TNG Tech Manual, TNG:TM - "Star Trek: The Next Generation Technical + Manual", by Rick Sternbach and Michael Okuda, Pocket Books. +TNG Companion, TNGComp - "The Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion" by + Larry Nemecek, Pocket Books. +TOSN - TOS Novels, the novels published by Pocket Books dealing with the + original crew in both TOS and Movies time period. +TNGN - TNG Novels, the novels published by Pocket Books dealing with the + "Next Generation" crew. +Scott's Guide, TOS:SG - "Mr.Scott's Guide to the ENTERPRISE", by Shane + Johnson, published by Pocket Books. +TNG Tech Journal, TNG:TJ - "ST:TNG Technical Journal" by Shane Johnson, + published by Starlog Publications. + + + +APPENDIX B: Entries for Star Trek: The Animated Series + +Star Trek: The Animated Series (TAS) was not considered in writing the Star + Trek Chronology, and therefore cannot be included in the timeline. + However, they are included here sake of completeness. + +5392.4 "More Tribbles, More Trouble" +5554.4 "The Infinite Vulcan" +5373.4 "Yesteryear" +5521.3 "Beyond the Farthest Star" +5143.3 "The Survivor" +5433.7 "The Lorelei Signal" +5371.3 "One of Our Planets is Missing" +4978.5 "Mudd's Passion" +1254.4 "The Majicks of Megas-Tu" +5267.2 "Time Trap" + BONAVENTURE, Federation's first warp-equipped ship, was + rediscovered in The Triangle +4187.3 "The Slaver Weapon" +5693.1 "Jihad" +5499.9 "The Ambergris Element" +5591.2 "Once Upon a Planet" +5577.3 "The Terratin Incident" +5501.2 "The Eye of the Beholder" +7403.6 "Bem" +5275.6 "Albatross" +6341.1 "Pirates of Orion" +3183.3 "The Practical Joker" +6063.4 "How Sharper Than a Serpent's Tooth" +6777.3 "The Counter-Clock Incident" + Ambassador April was rejuvenated in time to attend the Babel + Conference, having previously been at the age of 75 + + + +APPENDIX C: Bibliography + +STAR TREK EPISODES + All Star Trek episodes, including TOS, TAS, and TNG, have been +referenced by their full names and, if available, stardates and production +numbers. All copyright of Paramount Pictures. + +STAR TREK MOVIES + All Star Trek movies have been referenced by their full names and if +available, stardates. All copyright of Paramount Pictures. + +REFERENCE BOOKS, GENERAL or STAR TREK +(In random order) + +_Grolier's On-line Encyclopedia_ [For the search of the early ENTERPRISEs, + this is invaluable.] + +_Star Trek: The Next Generation - Technical Manual_, by Rick Sternbach and + Mike Okuda [The OFFICIAL technical reference] + +_The STAR TREK Compendium (Revised)_, by Alan Asherman [lots of behind- + the-scenes look and important info] + +_The Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion_, by Larry Nemecek [behind- + the-scenes look you'll never find anywhere else!] + +_The Making of STAR TREK_, by Stephen Whitfield. [great behind-the-scene + look at the production of TOS, lots of background info also.] + +_Mr.Scott's Guide to the ENTERPRISE_, by Shane Johnson [lots of good + blueprints and diagrams, but info was mostly contradicted by later + sources like the TNG Tech Manual] + +_ST:TNG Tech Journal_, by Shane Johnson [a good supplement to ST:TNG Tech + Manual, but not a replacement. Some info is just rehashed.] + +_The Klingons_, FASA Corporation. [Written with co-operation of Trek + writer John M. Ford, author of TOSN:The Final Reflection, this + contains good but un-official info about the Klingons] + +_Star Trek Chronology and Future History_, by Michael and Denise Okuda [the + OFFICIAL Chronology/timeline of Star Trek universe... still left out + lots of things though... Which is where THIS comes in. :-)] + + + +STAR TREK NOVELS +(In random order, and I probably missed some) + +_Strangers from the Sky_, by Margaret Wander Bonnano + +_Final Frontier_, by Diane Carey + +_A Flag Full of Stars_, by Brad Ferguson + +_Reunion_, by Michael Jan Friedman + +_Star Trek: The Lost Years_, by J.M. Dilliard + +_Star Trek: The Motion Picture (Novelization)_, by Gene Roddeberry + +_The Rift_, by Peter David + +_Star Trek VI:The Undiscovered Country (Novelization)_, by J.M. Dilliard + +_Spock's World_, by Diane Duane + +_The Romulan Way_, by Diane Duane + +_Encounter at Farpoint (Novelization)_, by Peter Gerrold + +_The Pandora Principle_, by Carolyn Crowes + +_The Final Reflection_, by John M. Ford + +_ENTERPRISE: The First Adventure_, by Vonda McIntyre + +_Crisis on Centaurus_, by Brad Ferguson + +_Reunion_, by Michael Jan Friedmans + +_Emmissary_, by J.M.Dilliard + +_Imzadi_, by Peter David + +_Best Desiny_, by Diane Carey + + + +OTHER STAR TREK REFERENCES + +"Star Trek Chronology and Future History V5.0", by Allan Finkas and William + Stone III (Where's the most recent version? and need a name change) + +"Star Trek Encyclopedia Section 01 beta", by Robert Oliver, as posted on + USENET 9-29/92 (Nice work, but not complete enough) + +"Stardate Chart (TNG)", by DC Comics, as appeared in TNG Mini #4 + (Where's the update? How about a TOS one?) + + + +S T A R T R E K T I M E L I N E + by Kasey K.S. Chang + Last Update: 4/5/93 + +Part 4 : EXPLANATIONS + +Note: calculations are not perfect, due to the vagrancies of the human +speech. All "circa" year references should be +/- 3 years margin of error. + +NAILING DOWN THE MAIN PIECES + There are two pieces of main evidence which helps date Star Trek +firmly. They are "Data's quote" and "Sarek's ages". + Data have stated in the episode TNG:"The Neutral Zone", that the "Old +Earth Year" is 2364. That was a first season episode. TNG:TM have also +stated that NCC-1701-D was launched in late 2363, therefore TNG started in +early 2364. + Sarek was 202 as stated by Picard in the episode TNG:"Sarek". That +was a fourth-season episode, therefore it happened in 2367. Sarek was then +born in 2164. In TOS:"Journey to Babel", Sarek was approx. 102. (A +stickler will tell you 102.607) Since that was a second season episode, +that put TOS starting at 2164 + 102 - 2 = 2264, and the episode in 2265/66. + Also, McCoy's age can be used to solve part of the puzzle. McCoy is +in his forties in TOS (if someone knows the exact number and episode, +please let me know), and is 137 when he visited the NCC-1701-D in the +series premiere (TNG:EaF). Since ST:TNG started in 2364, McCoy was then +born in 2227, which makes McCoy 40 in the second season of TOS, close +enough. (I think someone said McCoy's 43 in 2nd season?) + These should nail down all of the televised episodes. + The Animated Series is assumed to have immediately followed the +unfinished The Original Series, to complete the five year mission. STC +chose to ignore all of TAS, which p***ed off lots of people. + ST:TMP was judged to have occurred in 2271, since the novel that +preceded it, "A Flag Full of Stars" (AFFoS) by Brad Ferguson, occurred in +2269, the tricentennial of Apollo landing on Luna. One and a half years +have been added since ENTERPRISE was not completed yet. Also, it has been +2.8 years since Spock have went off to study Kolinhar (see ST:TMP +novelization), and that could only happen after the FYM finished. The FYM +finished in 2267/2268, plus 3 = 2270/2271. Interestingly, The introduction +in the ST6:TUC ENTERPRISE model kit (AMT/ERTL) puts ST:TMP in 2276, +contradicting TOSN:AFFoS. + ST3:TSFS was placed in 2285 by the TNG Technical Manual, as the entry +clearly stated that NCC-1701 was lost defending the Mutara Sector against a +Klingon incursion in this year. ST4:TVH and ST2:TWOK, for this reason, +belongs in this year as well, since not much physical time elapsed among +the three films, except perhaps a month or two. ST4 happened approximately +3 months after ST3, according to Kirk's remarks in the novelization. + ST5:TFF is in 2286 since the crew get a new year to break in the new +ship (esp. Scotty), or "proper shakedown". It could go in 2285 if needed. + ST6:TUC is placed in approximately 2292/93 based on the evidence in +the novelization: Kirk said it was ten years plus one since death of David +(ST3). The placement is NOT official, but should be about right. The +evidences available are contradictory. Variance here is +/- 4 years. + + +NOW THE HOLES + After establishing the basis of the timeline, we start filling in the +pieces. There are many holes to fill in: + + * Before history (before AD) + * Pre-Federation (before 2161) + * Early Federation (before 2200 approx) + * Before Star Trek (before 2264, like Pike, April, etc) + * Lost Years 1 (2268-2271, between FYM and ST:TMP) + * Lost Years 2 (2271-2284, between ST:TMP and ST2:TWOK) + * Lost Years 3 (2286-2293, between ST5:TFF and ST6:TUC) + * Between eras (2293-2364, between ST6:TUC and TNG) + + Let's deal with them one by one: + +BEFORE HISTORY + This area was not really mentioned by Star Trek other than offhand +references to "history" of exotic locations. Often they are results of war +and devastation. + These wars include: Slaver Empire (TAS), Arret (TOS), Preservers +(TOS/TNG), Borg (TNG), Tkon Empire (TNG), The Makers (TOS), and much more. +They are referenced with the dates and years given in the episodes. + The connection between the Borg and the Preservers was suggested by +Peter David in his "giant" TNG Novel "Vendetta". The Preservers +constructed the Doomsday Machine (TOS) in order to combat the Borg. By the +tone of the descriptions, that happened about 10,000 BC. + The origin of the Romulans would be another puzzle, which was solved +by the information given in Diane Duane's novel "The Romulan Way", which is +essentially Romulan History written in the same style as "Spock's World". +So please refer to "The Romulan Way" for any questions about Romulan +History in this timeline. + +PRE-FEDERATION + To do this part, I did two things: researched on the ships named +ENTERPRISE, and read the Stones/Finkas timeline on pre-Federation days. + Three things need to be resolved for our "future history": + 1) Was there a World War III? If so how come there is still Star +Trek? (Or: How come we are still here?) + 2) If so, when/what is the war that was mentioned in TOS:"Space Seed"? +That "Eugenics War"? Is it same as World War III? If not, then what? + 3) What is that "Mind Control Revolt" Gene wrote about in the ST:TMP +novelization? + 4) What is that "post-atomic horror" in TNG:"Enc@Farpoint"? + 5) When is "The First Romulan War"? + All entries since American Revolutionary War up to Y1992 is historical +research via an on-line encyclopedia. + According to the Stones/Finkas Chronology, "Eugenics War" occured +between 1992-1996, and appeared to be a limited revolt instead of global +warfare. Some geneticists created "superhumans" like Khan, and planned to +take over the world. They lost, and was forced to exile into space. The +conjecture agrees with STC. WW3 is still unaccounted for. + I decided to put WW3 in 2039-2043, to go just before the "Mind Control +Revolts" in 2043-2047. Perhaps Mind Control Revolts are an after-effect of +WW3. In TNG:"Encounter at Farpoint", early 21st century military forces +were controlled with mind control and drugs. Those are the roots of the +"Mind Control Revolt". + The novel "Strangers from the Sky" provided quite a few details about +life in the Early 21st century. The exploratory expeditions toward nearby +stars were already launched. As the novel was based on the "Star Trek +Concordance", the dates are slightly off when compared with "newer" +evidences. They were moved accordingly. + The dates were moved again, when the TNGComp revealed that the "new +United Nations", or United Earth, is dissolved in 2079. That means for +more than a few decades Earth is in constant turmoil while having +interstellar capabilities... Dangerous time to be in. Any way, I moved +down the first contact dates even further down to after 2090. They should +probably be somewhere in the 2130's... We probably met the Vulcans a bit +earlier, as not to totally mess up the novel "Strangers from the Sky". + It does appear that a piece of Earth was embroiled in an nuclear +exchange (hmmm... Israel got nuked with Syria?) and that's where I believe +the "post-atomic horror" is. It is NOT a global war so rest of us live on. + One more thing. As TNGComp also revealed, the first Romulan War is +NOT fought by the Federation, but rather by Earth. Which means it was +fought BEFORE 2161, when Earth is still exploring the unknown. I have +therefore placed the war in approximately 2156, which is confirmed by STC. + + +EARLY FEDERATION + Only birthdates filled this era, as no info is available from any +where. This would be an interesting period to cover by fan fiction, in my +opinion. The new races are still trying to accept each other. Most ships +are manned by mostly humans, with just a few adventurous Alphacents, +Andorians, Vulcans, etc. Do I see any hands? Someone wrote "Star Trek: +The First Generation-- Adventures of the HORIZON", which was not bad, but +will that person finish it? + + +BEFORE STAR TREK + The missions of Captain April and Captain Pike were not recorded +except in small pieces. In this category goes these sources: TOS:"The +Cage", TOSN:"Final Frontier", TOSN:"Legacy", and TOSN:"The Rift". Most of +the dates hinted at or mentioned in the novels are included. + Other important events in this period include The First Klingo- +Federation War (sometimes known as The Four Years War), Invention of the +Transporter, Discovery of Dilithium and its enhancement to warp travel, and +invention of the first type of photon torpedo. + +LOST YEARS 1 + The "official" Lost Years, this period is considered to be the period +after Kirk's five year mission and before ST:TMP. This period is covered +by two novels: TOSN:"The Lost Years", and TOSN:"A Flag Full of Stars". The +second novel, with the tricentennial of the Apollo Landing, is placed in +2269, which means ST:TMP occured in 2271. That in turn means the five year +mission ended in 2268. + As Gene had expressed reticense toward any stories in this era, it is +doubtful that more stories during this time will be told, unless Rick +Berman decided to break with tradition. There were two more books +scheduled in this period, and we won't ever see them. Too bad. + + +LOST YEARS 2 + The period between ST:TMP and ST2:TWOK is quite long, over 13 years in +fact. (Which makes Khan's "fifteen years" somewhat understated, when you +add 13 (till ST:TMP) + 2.8 (TOSend to ST:TMP) + 2 (2nd season to TOSend), +but perhaps Ceti Alpha V have longer year?) It can probably be assumed +that Kirk, after ST:TMP, was made "acting captain", which was the position +of many novels set after ST:TMP, including most of the Diane Duane's Trek +novels. He probably went on a second five year mission in the new +ENTERPRISE (giving credence to the never filmed "Star Trek II" series, +which in reality became ST:TMP), and after that, forced to take a desk job +more permanently this time, as Commandant of StarFleet Academy. + After that, the ship probably spent a year in the docks for refits, +and Spock took over as Captain, with blessings from Kirk. In order to take +care of all of the years, Spock probably went on a five year mission of his +own, then the ship was "retired" from front-line to be the Academy training +ship and home reserve. + Remember, all these are merely conjectures, based on best evidence +available. They are NOT official, but probably should be. (grin) + +LOST YEARS 3 + Many of us wondered what had happened between ST5:TFF and ST6:TUC. +There were little information available for a period of approximately 10 +years. The only "notable" and "solid" information is Sulu's gaining +command of the EXCELSIOR. Additional details came from the novelization. + This may be a bit of an awkward time to write about since ENTERPRISE +have three captains onboard: Kirk, Spock, and Sulu (until EXCELSIOR). + Most likely events would be Kirk retained command of his ship and +Spock stepped down and performed as Kirk's first officer. They then went +on to some boring assignments like frontier charting, and perhaps another +five year mission. + +BETWEEN ERAS + After ST6:TUC, we move into the unknown. Most of the TNG characters +are just being born in the next thirty years. However, the character +biographies and the "historical" references in ST:TNG have included many +details that helped fill in this period of over half of a century. + Included in this period are voyages of STARGAZER, the Third Klingo- +Federation War, The Cardassian War, voyages of the NCC-1701-B, voyages of +the NCC-1701-C, and various other events. + With the airing of TNG:"Relics", we found that Scotty retired 75 years +before 2369, which is 2294. This must be soon after ST6, which means NCC- +1701-A probably is decommissioned after ST6, or at least retired, or Scotty +would have gone to hell and yonder to be with his ship. Besides, Scotty +said he thought that Kirk took the old gal out of mothballs to get him. + There is a Third Klingo-Federation War (the second was stopped in the +middle by Organians), since Riker had said so in TNG:"The Emmissary". With +that idea, I invented the final demise of Kirk and the NCC-1701-A to fit in +here. If you don't like it, feel free to scream at me. The basic idea is +Romulans provoked more border incidents between the Klingons and the Feds, +and Kirk have to haul out the NCC-1701-A out of a disposal yard and travel +to Kronos again... And this time, he'll die out there, alone. + Not long after the end of the Third Klingo-Federation War, the +Cardassian War started. It was mentioned especially in UNIFICATION I, in +which Perrin mentioned that Spock had attacked Sarek's position on it. The +dates are moved slightly to fit in the info from TNG:"Ensign Ro" about the +Bajorans, and moved yet again with information from DS9:"Emmissary". + There is almost no info on the NCC-1701-B other than what was written +in the TNG Tech Manual. I heard that the new NCC-1701-D cutaway chart has +the name of NCC-1701-B's captain. However, I seems to have forgotten who +that would be. + All we know about the NCC-1701-C is from the episode, TNG:"Yesterday's +ENTERPRISE", and the TNG:TM. + + +FUTURE OF STAR TREK + For all the Trekkies and Trekkers, there is still plenty to write +about in all areas. What was it like in the pre-warp days? Early-warp +days? What aspects of the Federation have we not covered yet? Deep Space +Nine should give you a lot of other ideas. What wil happen after TNG? +This timeline hopefully can give you enough specific references to write +your own stories and lend it some "authenticity". Add imagination and +persistence, and you have a Trek writer in training! Good luck! Live long +and prosper! + + +Kasey K.S. Chang +treknologist + + + +Part 5/5: FOOTNOTES + +FOOTNOTES + + +1 Obviously, this is a scientific theory, as noted in STC. + +2 As noted in STC, Guardian said in "The City on the Edge of Forever" +that it has been awaiting a question "since before your sun burned hot in +space and before your race was born". Which means it must be at least 5 +billions years old, according to current estimates to the age of the sun. + +3 Again, STC noted it as scientific theory. + +4 Q told Picard that the folks on Tagus "really knew how to have fun" +two billion years ago. + +5 Noted in STC as scientific theory + +6 As noted in STC, Ayelborned said that his people evolved beyond the +need for physical bodies millions of years ago. + +7 From STC, page 3. Picard said that he had studied ancient Bajoran +civlization in fifth grade, and that the ancient Bajorans had flourished +"when humans were not yet standing erect". Homo Erectus is current dated +at least 500,000 years ago. + +8 As noted in STC, Spock said that the star had been fading for a half +million years. + +9 As noted in STC, page 3, Vina told Pike about the war. + +10 As noted in STC, page 4, per Captain Donald Varley's evidence. + +11 As noted in STC page 4, the cycle of rebirth is once every 50000 yrs. + +12 STC put "The Doomsday Machine" at this time. The rest of the +information was from TNGN:"Vendetta". + +13 Picard was describing the history ot the Tagus archaeological research +in his speech to the council, from STC. + +14 Odan had remarked that his people have survived in this fashion for +"millennia", from STC. + +15 McCoy remarked that the people have had "no change or progress in at +least ten tousand years". From STC. + +16 Noted by STC, Tam Elbrun noted that Tin Man had been wandering in +space for millennia. + +17 Spock noted that Yonada has been in transit for 10,000 years. + +18 Noted in STC, page 5, the planetoid is "a few thousand years old". + +19 When Worf remarked how Galrami looked puny for a warrior, Data said +something like "their reputation as master strategists have not been +challenged for nine millenium." + +20 As noted in STC, page 6, Spock noted that Landru had built and +programmed the machine 6,000 years ago. + +21 Gary Seven described mission to his computer, as noted in STC. + +22 Just history, noted by STC. + +23 Rashalla noted that their shield "has confused outsiders for +millennia", as noted in STC. + +24 Parman said they arrived at Platonius about 2500 years ago. + +25 Spock noted that the rounds had bene held by his family for over 2000 +years. It would appear that the grounds predated the Reformation. + +26 The Reformation was never properly dated, so this is an approximation +based on available sources, and seems to fit. + +27 Timicin said the Resolution was adopted "fifteen or twenty centuries +ago". That was in the 2360's. + +28 The Metron said he was about 1500 years old. + +29 Riva's chorus noted that the arrangement had lasted for centuries. + +30 Vana said Stratos was built "centuries ago". + +31 The Thasian, when talking with Kirk, said he was reverting to his form +of "centuries ago", which means he had a real body that long ago. + +32 Really? I could have swore that the Chinese have observed the stars +long before he did... + +33 Data described the planet's history. + +34 The Indian culture seen are at least 200 years in OUR past, or 500 +years or more in Kirk's past. + +35 Spock said that the mass insanity was centuries old, from evidence. + +36 Governor Leka said the moons have been settled five centuries ago. + +37 The entity inhabiting Troi's body said they'd been imprisoned for five +centuries. + +38 Thanks for Christopher Ward for the correction. The information is +from JANE'S FIGHTING SHIPS. + +39 In case no one told you, the aircraft carrier in ST4:TVH is NOT the +USS ENTERPRISE, but the USS RANGER. + +40 The restoration of the "space shuttle" ENTERPRISE is revealed in TOSN: +A Flag Full of Stars. + +41 Obviously I forgot WHICH one... Someone care to write me about it? +(Since no one has written me since initial edition of over a year ago...) + +42 Claire died of an embolism. Her husband is Donald. + +43 After TNG:"Q Who?" was produced, Gene half jokingly speculated that +the planet encountered by Voyager 6 might have been the Borg homeworld. + +44 The PEACEKEEPER-class vessels are purely my imagination. But it does +sound possible, doesn't it? + +45 The date was not stated in the show, but appeared in the script. + +46 D.C. Fontana named the character for fellow writer John D.F. Black's +three sons: Shaun, Geoffrey, and Christopher. + +47 It would make sense to put this here, which meakes the sleeper ships +obsolete three years later. + +48 Second season episode "Metamorphosis", Y2265, had McCoy stating that +Zefram Cochrane was dead for 150 years. Mr.Cochrane himself said he was 87 +at the time. Therefore we have 2265-150-87=2029. + If the new United Nation would launch the manned expedition to Alpha +Centauri around 2048, Mr.Cochrane is a bit too young to have invented the +warp drive if he was born in 2029. He would have been 19 years old! + Clearly, one of the sources must be wrong. In this case, I chose to +take McCoy's words literally and move down the launch date, despite the +years given in the STARFLIGHT CHRONOLOGIES. + +49 Riker stated that the US flag with 52 stars indicated a date between +2033 and 2079. + +50 According to TNGCom, The "new" United Nations was born on 2036 and +died at 2079. See page 24. + +51 See one of the footnotes at the bottom of the page, as Kirk received +his "senceiver" alert, in ST:TMP Novelization. + +52 The date given for Zefram Cochrane to invent the warp drive is +actually 2048, as given in the novel and in STARFLIGHT CHRONOLOGY. +However, as explained above in footnote (3), such date is not possible. +Due to the heavier weight given to the screened evidence, all year +references given in "Strangers from the Sky" are pushed down for at least +10 years. Furthermore, TNG Tech Manual gave the year of 2061 for the first +prototype of the CDP engine. (See page 54, TNG Tech Manual) + +53 According to THE WORLDS OF THE FEDERATION, the four light years' trip +took six years under high impulse, with time dilation I suppose. + +54 The only "reasonable" way for the VALIANT to be at the edge of the +galaxy with only "impulse rockets" is through a wormhole of some sort. + +55 Prefect jarvis noted that "great awakening" had taken place 200 years +before the episode. + +56 Earth was still partly a mess in 2079, since Q brought Picard and crew +back to the "Post-Atomic Horrors". It could be thought that these are just +isolated pockets of un-civilization, rules by warlords. New United Nations +did their best to clean out these pockets threatening world peace, but one +of them repeatedly tried to procure anti-matter by attacking the research +facility where the Cochrane team is located, and the guards couldn't always +help. Finally, Cochrane team decided to leave for peace. + The above is merely a conjecture by the author, and should not be +construed as actual "Star Trek history". + +57 The episode stated that the massacre took place 80 years before, and +the feud 200 years before that. + +58 The BONAVENTURE-class interstellar scout ENTERPRISE was a tribute to +the animated episode TAS:Time Trap, in which the BONAVENTURE herself was +seen, along with various other old ships. + +59 The DECLARATION-class cruise liner ENTERPRISE was mentioned in several +previous Star Trek chronologies. + +60 The design defect part is from my imagination. The book only said +something like "The Romulans used high-powered lasers to explosively +decompress the crew chambers. They then towed the cruiser home and soon +added small warp drives to their ships." Obviously that cannot be since +according to the Chronology, Romulans still do not possess warp drive +during the war. + +61 I am quite surprised how good this fits the "official" timeline in +Star Trek Chronology... I didn't change a thing, I swear! The year fits +exactly! Of course, the details came from the novel. + +62 While some documents may say "subspace radio", keep in mind that +HORIZON, lost in 2168 (seven years later), had to use regular radio, since +they never had the subspace radio. + +63 There have been arguments over this date all over the place. I've +been told that previous estimates (based on Goldstein's STARFLIGHT +CHRONOLOGIES) is 2089, while the fandom have came up with the date of 2121. +Since 2161 is the year given for "Federation Day" a compromise is reached: +Federation started in its embryonic form (like League of Nations before +United Nations) in 2089, and was formally declared in 2161. The estimate +is now confirmed by the Chronology. + +64 StarFleet Academy is shown in TNG:"First Duty". Someone spotted that +the StarFleet Academy logo have Roman numerals meaning 2161. + +65 As mentioned in Chronology, Solkar doesn't sound like a female Vulcan +name. Perhaps Solkar was the grandfather? + +66 Hmmm... Is ARCHON a Daedalus-class as ESSEX? + +67 As noted in Chronology, Kirk said that subspace radio have not been +invented at this point. + +68 Dr.Stubbs noted that this star explodes every 196 years. + +69 Data said the Daedalus-class have not been in service for 172 years. + +70 Ms. Grayson is 52 in the episode, Sarek was 101. + +71 See page 128, TNG Tech Manual. + +72 Daystrom invented duotronics 25 years before the episode, and Kirk +said he was 24 at the time. + +73 This would also fit the info given in ST6:TUC, as Spock had said +during the briefing, it has been 70 years of conflict. + +74 Spock said hostility between the two powers existed for 70 years, as +ST6 is set in 2293. + +75 If you would recall, in 2364, TNG: Encounter at Farpoint, Data clearly +stated that McCoy (okay, he never named him, but who else could it be?) as +"one hundred and thirty-seven years old". 2364-137=2227 + +76 Original estimate was 2230, see how close I was? Chronology said that +an early draft of script stated that they have been married for 38 years. + +77 Original estimate was 2231, again, only one year off! + +78 This birthdate is given by Paramount as "official" info. However, the +name of his parents are NOT official. The name of the father was George, +which I believe came from TOS:"Operation: Annihilate!". The name of the +mother came from the novel TOSN:"ENTERPRISE: First Adventure", and was also +used (by a different author) in TOSN:"Time for Yesterday" + +79 MANN-class cruisers, saucer-shaped hull, first appeared in the novel +THE FINAL REFLECTION by John M. Ford. + +80 His pet sehlat I-Chaya was seriously injured, and Spock chose to have +it euthanized by a healer. The story is written by D.C.Fontana, and is the +only TAS background included in the Chronology. + +81 Sulu said he was born in San Francisco in ST4:TVH. He grew up at +Ganjitsu, according to Vonda McIntyre in novels "ENTERPRISE:The First +Adventure" and "The Entropy Effect. The first name of "Hikaru" was +introduced by Vonda McIntyre in "The Entropy Effect", and is formalized +into trek fandom by Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, by Sulu's +introduction in his Captain's Log. Year is conjectural, and Chronology +assumed Sulu was 29 in first season of TOS. + +82 Uhura's first name was never formalized, and for decades the fandom +argued back and forth. Some say "Penda", others say "Nyota". "Nyota", +which means "star" in Swahili, was used in several novels, including the +novel "Uhura's Song" by Janet Kagan. Nyota sounds better to me. Also +interesting is my estimate of 2240 is only one year off. + +83 Spock said the battle was 23 years ago. + +84 While there were no evidence that Captain April ever undertook a five +year mission on the ENTERPRISE, this is a logical conclusion, both as part +of ship's chronology, but also a tribute to the animated episode. It was +also implied in the TNG Tech Manual. + +85 Just a conjecture... Assuming he's 18 at the time. + +86 Lenore was 19 during the episode in 2266. + +87 I am not too sure where did McCoy's wife's name came from. I believe +I first saw it in the Bantam novel "Day of Judgement", and also later in +Pocket's "Dreams of the Ravens". On the other hand, Joanna's name was +fixed in the early writer's guides. She was to appear in the episode "The +Way to Eden", which was originally named "Joanna". However, a rewrite last +minute changed it to the present form. She also appeared in the novel +"Crisis on Centaurus". + +88 Amanda said father and son have not spoken for eighteen years. + +89 Year is about right if we assume Kirk to be seventeen at the time. + +90 Kirk said he met Finney while he was a "midshipmen". + +91 An ensign in the Academy? Not impossible but rare nowadays. + +92 Long footnote in the Chronology... Kirk said his visit to Axanar was +as a "new fledged cadet" in WGD, while he got the award in CM. Looks like +he was still on the REPUBLIC at that time. + +93 The crash occured 14 years prior to the episode in 2266. + +94 Graduation is conjectural. Kobayashi Maru was mentioned in ST2:WOK. +Several TNG episodes established Starfleet as a four year curriculum. + +95 Two weeks prior to the episode. + +96 As revealed in TNG:"A Matter of Time", the phasers do not exist in the +twenty-second (22nd) century. It was invented in early 23rd century. + +97 McCoy:"We walked out of each other's lives ten years ago", which was +in 2266. + +98 No exact date available, but Mendez did say that it happened "months" +before the episode. + +99 Tyree said that "firesticks" have appeared near a year before. + +100 As noted in Chronology, Kirk said in "What Are Little Girls Made Of?" +his brother Sam have three sons. It appears that only Peter was on Deneva +at the time. + +101 TAS was not included in the dating in the Chronology as Gene did not +consider it "canon". They are included in a special section in the +appendix as it no longer fits into the timeline proper. See appendix B: +for the list of episodes and stardates. + +102 According to "The Making of Star Trek", Gene had planned for the +CONSITUTION-class vessels to have an 18-year range. Since ENTERPRISE was +launched in 2245, 2268-2245=23, > 18. + +103 That's a two grade jump, folks. Commodore is the first step, and Kirk +skipped that totally! + +104 See TNG Tech Manual, page 128. + +105 TNG Manual called the refitted ENTERPRISE CONSTITUTION-class. FASA +started the ENTERPRISE-class, and the dedication plaque as given in SCOTT'S +GUIDE says STARSHIP-class. Finally... The CORRECT answer: CONSTITUTION- +class, as shown on bridge graphics in ST6:TUC. + +106 This is seen in many novels, including TOSN: Spock's World, TOSN:Deep +Domain, and so on, where Kirk is both an Admiral and Acting Captain. Now +confirmed by Chronology. + +107 Most of these events are documented in my previous edition of this +timeline, and are only one year off. + +108 BOZEMAN's registry number is NCC-1941. + +109 While we have no evidence of Spock leading a five-year mission, this +would only be logical for the numbers to work out right. Otherwise we will +leave a big five-year gap in the middle with nothing. + +110 See Chronology, page 73. + +111 Gene stated he consider ST5:TFF to be apocryphal, and this was +included for completeness' sake only. + +112 Gene Roddenberry had stated MANY MANY times that he does not like the +idea of Transwarp, therefore it is a failure. TNG:TM confirmed it. + +113 A fun fact to observe... The motto of the EXCELSIOR is "No matter +where you go, there you are." (from Buckaroo Banzai) + +114 One wonders if this refers to the Transwarp failure... + +115 Geordi said It's been 80 years since the Soyuz-class went out of +service. 2369-80 ~= 2288. + +116 In the Novelization, McCoy was spoiling his two grandchildren (one of +them two years old), when he was called to the briefing in StarFleet HQ. + +117 Obviously no relation to me... Haha. + +118 ST6 happened approximately in 2292 since Scotty disappeared sometime +in 2293 according to TNG:"Relics". + +119 Scotty would not have retired if his bairns are still running, ya +know. Besides, he said "The ENTERPRISE, eh? I should've known, lad. And +I'll bet it's Kirk who hauled the old gal out of mothballs to come looking +for me." 1701-A was mothballed, no question about it. + +120 The Stardate came from the novelizaiton. Quite a bit of difference. + +121 Polaski said that the outbreak is 70 years before the episode in 2365. + +122 Dr. Clark said the contact was 70 years ago. + +123 This date is just a guess on my part. Someone said Johnson? commands +this ship, from the new cutaway Galaxy-class poster. + +124 Data said the contact was 62 years prior to episode in 2364. + +125 Picard was fifty-five (55) in the novelization. + +126 Well... Someone said July 13, 2305, TNG:"Conundrum" I think. + +127 Kira said to Sisko when they first met that "The Cardassians said the +same thing sixty years ago." DS9 is in 2370, -60 = 2310. + +128 Here are my reasons for the conjecture: + +Page 118, UNIFICATION novelization +SPOCK: A personal decision, Captain. Perhaps you are aware that I played a + small role in the first overture to peace with the Klingons. +[note that he said "first overture"] +PICARD: History is aware of the role you played, Ambassador. +SPOCK : Not entirely. It was I who asked Kirk to lead the peace mission. + And I who had to accept the responsibility for the consequences + to him and his crew. Quite simply, I am unwilling to risk + anyone's life but my own on this occasion. I would ask you to + respect my wishes and leave. +["consequences"...] + +Page 119, UNIFICATION novelization +SPOCK (to PICARD): In your own way, are are as stubborn as another captain + of the ENTERPRISE I once knew. +["once knew"] + It is my opinion that these quotes implied that Kirk is no longer +alive during the 24th century: + The second Spock quote implies that the ENTERPRISE NCC-1701-A was lost +with Kirk and crew onboard, but not Spock and McCoy. Spock was distraught +over asking Kirk to lead the peace mission, and from there on he became an +ambassador himself so he does not have to put others at risk for his +decisions. I do not see any other suitable explanations for this quote. + Of course, you can say that was a reference to ST6:TUC, and Paramount +threw that in to confuse us. However, since there will be a war at +approximately 2315 with the Klingons, same thing could happen twice. + The third Spock quote probably means Kirk. Others have argued that it +could mean Pike, or even April. However those possibilities are slim at +best, since Spock knew Kirk best, and the word "stubborn" seems to fit Kirk +better than either Pike or April. + I believe the war, just before which NCC-1701-A and Kirk was +destroyed, happened sometime between 2310 and 2320, due to several reasons. +1) Riker stated in TNG:"The Emissary" that Federation and Klingon Empire +were at war fifty years ago. The Emmisary is a second season episode, +therefore it happened in 2365. Fifty years ago is about 2315. 2) In +TOSN: The Rift by Peter David, it was stated at the end that the next time +the rift opened, the Federation is in the midst of the Klingon-Romulan war. +Kirk was on the NCC-1701-A in this novel due to the mention of Transwarp +and the death of his son, David Marcus. Since ST5 happened in 2286, and +the rift opens every 33.34 years, the next opening is after 2319. + Therefore the Klingo-Federation War must happen between 2315 and 2319. + I fully understand that this theory might be invalidated by the next +movie. We shall see. + In case you are interested in such a scenario, please look in the +alt.startrek.creative archives on USEnet for "The Road Less Travelled" by +Dayton Ward. Let me know if you can't find it. + +129 TNG:"The Neutral Zone" stated it has been 50 years since anyone +sighted a Romulan or any Romulan ship. Obviously, since the 1701-C was +attacked by Romulans, they meant "any one left alive". + +130 Cardassian War was mentioned many times, including TNG:The Wounded and +TNG: Unification I. + +131 Pretty darn young, don't you think? :-) + +132 According to FASA's "TNG Officer's Manual", NCC-1701-B was destroyed +by renegade Klingons and Romulans (in two battleships). However, the stuff +in that book are extremely unreliable, therefore I put it here instead of +in the timeline itself. + +133 According to ST:TNG First Year Sourcebook (FASA), she's 41, which +would be about right, despite the "un"-officialness. The maiden name and +location of birth are from TNG:"Conundrum". + +134 The AMBASSADOR-class is also the first to have a saucer section that +is capable of independent deployment (much like the GALAXY-class). +Information from TNG Tech Journal. + +135 Riker was 32 in the novelization. The middle initial came from a +convention. Thelonius was a great jazz player of 20th Century. + +136 I don't know if this is true... Recently Jonathan Frakes (William T. +Riker) started saying at conventions that T. stands for Thomas. Any +confirmation? Or is that just a joke? + +137 There were quite a bit of argument on whether this was Spock or not. +However, evidence suggests that it was Spock. Sybok was gone, and there +were no evidence of any other children by Sarek, by Amanda or Perrin. + +138 Hmmm... Didn't Deanna said "Ian Andrew" in TNG:"The Child"? + +139 And Will Riker blamed his father for it. I wonder why? + +140 Did you know that Peliar means "to fight" in Spanish? + +141 "Kronos" appeared in ST6:TUC. Also see 42. + +142 Worf said he was about six years old when Romulans attacked and +destroyed Khitomer in TNG:"The Bonding" + +143 We still haven't made up our mind as to what does the Klingons call +their homeworld... Early fan fiction suggests "Kazh". John M. Ford's "The +Final Reflection" said "Klinzhai". "The Worlds of the Federation" said +"Kling", and now ST6:TUC said "Kronos". However, it appears "Kronos" gets +the seal of approval. + +144 Data said he was "class of 78" in EaF, but that was before the +calender was established and is therefore officially ignored. + +145 Well... We know Worf is a year or two older than Kern. If we know +how old Kern is, we can guess how old Worf is. If we know how old Worf is, +we know the attack on Khitomer is when he was six years old, so you know +how I got the number. (TNG:"The Bonding") + +146 Ent-C wore old emblems in 2344, but Jack Crusher's message dated 2349 +have the new emblem on. We arbitrarily picked 2347. + +147 Wesley is approximately 16 during the first season, and was officially +pronounced 18 in TNG:"Evolution", third season opener. + +148 Worf said in TNG:"Heart of Glory" that he was from Gault. Yet in +TNG:"Family" Worf said he look forward to meeting his parents on Earth. + +149 In the novelization of ENCOUNTER AT FARPOINT, Picard said it was +fifteen years ago that he had last seen Beverly Crusher, when he returned +her husband's body. In "The Bonding", Wesley said he was less than 12 when +his father died. Since we know Wesley's age, we know when Jack died. + + +150 No, not that "pulling down front of shirt" stuff! + +151 See page 57, TNG Tech Manual. + +152 Since GALAXY came out 2357, and ENTERPRISE came out 2363, YAMATO +should be in between, and 2360 is right in the middle. Which means one +should have appeared in 2366, and another in 2369. + +153 Stardate according to Page 12, TNG Tech Manual. + +154 I am quite aware that there was a controversy out there that O'Brien +might be an enlisted person, therefore a chief petty officer. +Unfortunately I don't buy that theory. However, it was important enough +that I hereby inform you of this controversy and my decision. Besides, +TNGComp called O'Brien "lieutenent" at least four times. + +155 This must be before EaF... or we have a causaulity loop problem. :-) + +156 The previous stardate from TNGN:Encounter at Farpoint is overridden by +screened evidence. + +157 As you recall, later someone dismantled it discretely and shipped it +to Romulans for their scheme. + +158 "Symbiosis" have Tasha Yar waving at the end, so it must be first, +despite a higher production number than "Skin of Evil". + +159 Okona did say it was about six months ago they started... + +160 TNGComp mentioned that this was supposed to be a Borg invasion and +Feds joined up with Klingons and Romulans to defeat the Borg, but due to +the writer's strike, it never materialized. + +161 Guinan was first seen in "The Child". "Yesterday's Enterprise" and +"Redemption II" shows that she came onboard AFTER Yar's death. Data +mentioned the place in "Time's Arrow I", all from Chronology. + +162 Did you know that this script was originally written for Kirk and Ilia +in the never-produced Star Trek II series? + +163 A certain guest star was suppose to be on the show, but didn't make +it. As for who... Spell Nagilum backwards. + +164 Someone called this episode "Riker's Greatest Hits" (grin) + +165 At one ship every three years, this sounds about right, as GALAXY in +2357, YAMATO in 2360, and ENTERPRISE in 2363. + +166 Picard said that the treaty was signed about a year before. + +167 The numbers came from TNG: Drumhead, during the prosecution (?) of +Captain Jean-Luc Picard by Admiral (retired) Saati. + +168 GAGE and KYUSHU was mentioned by Saratoga's officer as in position. +Melbourne was mentioined too. Saratoga was identified by the captain. + +169 Hmmm... There is a ship called the WELLINGTON somewhere... Wonder +does that have to do with this? + +170 Gee, can you imagine Worf as the first humanoid you see ever? Oh, +also, in TNG:"The Game", Wesley asked how is Molly doing. + +171 There were several comic books with stardate entries in the middle of +UNIFICATION. Those entries have been deleted for authenticity's sake. + +172 On Dr.Crusher's screen for death notice of Ensign Ro, there is a +stardate: 45892.4. + +END FILE + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +-- +Joseph Young, Systems Programmer +KSU Department of Computing and Information Sciences +Manhattan, Kansas 66506 FAX: (913) 532-7353 Phone: (913) 532-6350 +Internet: jfy@cis.ksu.edu UUCP: rutgers!depot!jfy + diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/st_tloop.txt b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/st_tloop.txt new file mode 100644 index 00000000..08769cf7 --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/st_tloop.txt @@ -0,0 +1,565 @@ +From: ottoh3@cfsmo.honeywell.com (Otto Heuer #3) +Date: 2 Dec 93 07:53:08 GMT +Newsgroups: rec.arts.startrek.misc +Subject: FAQL: TIME LOOPS, YESTERDAY'S ENTERPRISE, AND TASHA YAR EXPLAINED + +Archive-Name: faql.rec.arts.startrek.time.loops + + TIME LOOPS, YESTERDAY'S ENTERPRISE, AND TASHA YAR EXPLAINED + (last updated 15 October) + +This posting is intended to cut down on the "often asked questions" that +seem to pop up every few months in the rec.arts.startrek.misc newsgroup +concerning "Yesterday's Enterprise" and Tasha's life and death. It is one +of a number of periodic postings posted to r.a.s.*. Please refer to the +"LIST OF PERIODIC POSINGS TO r.a.s.* NEWSGROUPS" article for a full list of +periodic postings. + +I've expanded this list a bit more (it originally only explained Tasha Yar) +so if anyone wants to contribute to the new sections, feel free to send me +a note. I've added a few contributions, have a few more to sift through, +and still welcome more explanations to possible points of confusion in TNG. + +=========================================================================== + INDEX +=========================================================================== + 1. TOS: The Guardian of Forever ("City on the Edge of Forever") + 2. TOS: The slingshot effect ("Tomorrow Is Yesterday") + 3. TOS: Cold-starting the warp engines ("The Naked Time") + 4. TOS: Mr. Atoz's time travel system ("All Our Yesterdays") + 5. TOS: Isis' time-space transporter ("Assignment: Earth") + 6. TNG: Time hiccup ("We'll Always Have Paris") + 7. TNG: Picard from the future ("Time Squared") + 8. TNG: Enterprise from the past ("Yesterday's Enterprise") + 9. TNG: Riker thinks he's in the future ("Future Imperfect") +10. TNG: Aliens from the future ("Captain's Holiday") +11. TNG: Visitor from the past ("A Matter of Time") +12. TNG: Time loop ("Cause and Effect") +13. TNG: Data in the past ("Time's Arrow") +14. TAS: ("Yesteryear") +15. NOV: ("Killing Time") +16. NOV: ("Ishmael") +17. NOV: ("Entropy Effect") +18. NOV: ("Home Is The Hunter") +19. NOV: Tasha & The Guardian of Forever ("Imzadi") +20. MOV: BoP goes to 1980s for whales ("ST4: The Voyage Home") + +--------------------------------------------------------------------------- +1. THE GUARDIAN OF FOREVER IN TOS: CITY ON THE EDGE OF FOREVER + +a) Why did everyone disappear when McCoy went back in time? + +Because he saved Edith Keeler from being his by a vehicle. + +b) Why didn't the people on the planet disappear when the Enterprise did? + +They were protected by the Guardian of Forever. + +--------------------------------------------------------------------------- +2. THE SLINGSHOT EFFECT IN TOS: TOMORROW IS YESTERDAY + +--------------------------------------------------------------------------- +3. COLD STARTING THE WARP ENGINES IN TOS: THE NAKED TIME + +--------------------------------------------------------------------------- +4. MR. ATOZ'S TIME TRAVEL SYSTEM IN TOS: ALL OUR YESTERDAYS + +--------------------------------------------------------------------------- +5. ISIS' TIME-SPACE TRANSPORTER IN TOS: ASSIGNMENT: EARTH + +a) Q: When the Enterprise crew looked at their records, they found out that +the rocket did explode 104 miles above the earth. Wouldn't their records +have been "changed" as soon as they interfered? The records would have +"always" shown that, even though they JUST made it happen. + +A: The Enterprise, being in the past, is not retroactively altered. Her +records are unchanged. When they return to the future, their records will +no longer match what Starfleet's records say. + +b) Isis' transporter *may* have gone through time. Scotty wasn't sure. + +--------------------------------------------------------------------------- +6. THE TIME HICCUP IN TNG: WE'LL ALWAYS HAVE PARIS + +a) Why were there multiple copies of Data in this episode? + +Presumably the "hiccup" is more pronounced the nearer you are to the +source. The first time it was small (Picard and his fencing partner +realise they saluted TWICE), then bigger (Picard, Worf and Data in the +corridor see their duplicate selves in the turbolift for several seconds +before the "hiccup" passes), and in Manheim's lab it's major, hence three +of Data. + +b) Why was one of the copies more accurate than the others? + +The Manheim effect was never known to double-up on itself. For example, +there would never be a you, a you from 5 minutes in the past, and a you +from 10 minutes in the past (or, likewise, two from the future). If either +of the end Datas had been the "real" one, the effect would have had to have +doubled-up. The only choice left was that the middle Data was the one +(having just one past aspect and just one future aspect). + +As for why it was important to know which one was which, my guess would be +that if the present aspect waited for the future aspect to pour the +antimatter, the future aspect would never do it because the present aspect +would be waiting the whole time. A similar argument could be constructed +for the past aspect. + +--------------------------------------------------------------------------- +7. PICARD FROM THE FUTURE IN TNG: TIME SQUARED + +Why were there two Picards in this episode? + +The original version of this episode had it as a two-parter with "Q-Who", +and it was Q who (noticing that the Enterprise had destroyed itself) threw +Picard in the shuttle back six hours to let him try to change what had +happened. + +As a result of being thrown back in time, Picard2 is "out of sync"--unable +to move or speak at first, but slowly returning to 'normal' as they +approach the time at which the Enterprise will apparently be annihilated. + +Shortly before zero hour, a big hole in space appears under the Big E, +drawing it in. One by one their attempts at escape are thwarted - an +energy bolt destroys their probe, and the pulling force easily outmatches +the warp engines. + +The solution finally appears when Picard2, now fully conscious, heads +towards the shuttlebay. Picard follows him, ordering Riker to stay put on +the bridge. In the shuttlebay, Picard asks Picard2 why he is abandoning +the ship. Picard2 answers that it is "the only way". At this point Picard +figures it out - he stuns Picard2 and orders the ship to turn around and +fly at maximum speed *into* the hole. As a result, Picard2 vanishes and +the hole with him, leaving them where they were originally. + +--------------------------------------------------------------------------- +8. TASHA YAR AND TNG: YESTERDAY'S ENTERPRISE + +FIRST TRY AT AN EXPLANATION (ottoh@cfsmo.honeywell.com): + +A lot of people seem to be having trouble understanding the time travel +involved in this episode (and cluttering up the net every few months +because of this). I'm not the best at explaining these sorts of things, +and if anyone else can in less space, feel free to email me. + +Anyway... in "YE" they start out in the "peaceful" timeline indicated by +the top line in the diagram below (A)-->(B)-->(C). When the Enterprise-C +broke through the barrier (due to an explosion in a battle between the +Enterprise-C and Romulans that were attacking a Klingon outpost), it +changed history as we know it (from the time of the battle onward) to a +more hostile one (in which the Klingons are at war with the Federation and +Tasha didn't die at the "hands" of Armus (b)). When they sent the Ent-C +back through the rift, it fixed whatever went wrong with the +Klingons/Federation, and restored the timeline to the one we know +(including Yar being dead at the hands of the slime beast in a Glad Bag +(B)). So no, Yar isn't still alive these days. And also no, Yar didn't +"never exist and thus couldn't have died due to Armus". *Everything* we +know about the time before "YE" happened exactly as we saw because sending +the alternate-Yar back repaired all the damage to time. The only change is +that somewhere between (A) and (B), the alternate Tasha had a daughter +Sela, and was apparently killed trying to escape. + +The line from (c)--->(A) represents the Enterprise-C being sent back in +time through the rift. + +(A) is the time of the Ent-C's battle with the Romulans +(B) and (b) is the time around "Skin of Evil" +(C) and (c) is the time around "Yesterday's Enterprise" +(D) is the later seasons of TNG + + + Armus kills Tasha + ----------------> (B) ----------------> (C) ---------> (D) + / + / + / +Ent-C (A) <-------------------------------------- +battle \ \ + \ \ + \ \ + ----------------> (b) ----------------> (c) + Armus doesn't + kill Tasha + +- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + +SECOND TRY AT AN EXPLANATION (stolen from someone else): + +There is one real timeline - the one where Tasha gets killed by a mud +monster AND where an alternative time-line Tasha has a daughter called Sela +(apparently - I haven't seen Redemption but I think I've got the idea). +The only alternative time-line (well, as far as Tasha is concerned) is the +alternative one we see in Yesterday's Enterprise. + +Time for an ASCII-diagram! : + +Real timeline : +--------------- + + Alt Tashsa gets + sent back through Alt Tasha Real Tasha Alt Tasha Real Tasha Sela + wormhole into the gives birth born dies (old killed turns up + real timeline. to Sela. | age?) | | + | | | | | | + V V V V V V + ...-----------------------------------~~--------------------------------... + <-------- Alt Tasha lives -----~~---------> + <-------------~~------- Sela lives -------------... + ^ <-~~- Real Tasha lives -> + | + | + +-------<---------------<-----------------<--------------+ + | + ^ +Alternative timeline : | +---------------------- + Alt Tasha + Alt Tasha decides to go + born through + | wormhole + | | + V V + ...----------------------------------~~--------------------------------... + <-~~- Alt Tasha lives ------> + + +Yes, there are two Tashas alive at the same time, living seperate lives but +this doesn't mean that they are constantly mucking up history. They are +simply two seperate people - maybe they have the same DNA structure but so +what - you can think of them as clones if you like. History wasn't even +changed - history has always been like this. During the first season we +saw the real Tasha walking about, but the Alternative Tasha was around as +well, we just didn't see her. + +Just to clarify this point let's look at the Enterprise-C's history. The +E-C starts off in the real timeline, gets transported through the wormhole +into the alternative timeline. Then the events off Yesterday's Enterprise +occur and the alternative Tasha decides to go back through. The E-C then +returns to the real timeline and gets captured by the Romulans. + +The problem is what was the wormhole that the "real" timeline crew saw +right at the beginning of Yesterday's Enterprise? According to my chart +nothing special happens at all at that point in the real timeline. + +My theory is that the wormhole just happened to occur at the same time in +the real timeline as it did in the alterantive one. The real Guinan then +somehow projected her conciousness through the wormhole (not on purpose) +and into the alternative Guinan, making her believe that everything was +wrong. This just happened to be at the same time as the E-C came through. + +- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + +THIRD TRY AT AN EXPLANATION (batemanc@p4.cs.man.ac.uk): + +AMA, There are Three timelines involved, not two. The first timeline is +the Trek timeline prior to YE ( NORM ). In this timeline, the Enterprise-C +is destroyed and everything proceeds normally. However, something +interacts with a superstring to create a temporal rift. This rift extends +back to the events of the Enterprise-C battling the Romulans and in doing +so creates a new timeline: Alternate time line 1 ( A1 ). In this +timeline, the high energy interaction with superstring material ( quoth the +Raven... ) throws the Enterprise-C into the ( subjective ) present and - +BANG! New timeline. Alternate time line 2 ( A2 ). This timeline has been +caused by no- Ent-C in the past and is the Militaristic timeline from YE. +In this timeline, the Ent-C is sent back to A1 - but with Tasha Yar on +board. This is the timeline which all episodes from YE onwards are set in +( allowing us to explain a number of Trek inconsistancies with the +Butterfly effect, provided the insonsistancies occur in pre and post YE +episodes ). + +Now for the important bit. There is only ONE timeline 'active' ( as I +believe this is how Star Trek time is intended to function ). The reason +for this is: The wormhole in NORM creates A1 and then destroys A1 and NORM +to create A2. A2 then recreates A1 and destroys A2 ( the shrewd among you +may point out that there are hence two different A2's, but to all intents +and purposes they are equivalent ). Guinan's senses extend across time and +space and hence she can realise that the A2 timeline is `wrong' ( in that +there was a timeline in which no such war occured ). Sela appears in A2 +only. + +- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + +FOURTH TRY AT AN EXPLANATION (robinson%elux3@cs.umass.edu): + +This explanation is more valid than any you have (IMHO), though not as +comforting. We start our journey in the timeline that is common to both +the normal and the alternate timelines. The Enterprise-C is on route to +Narendra III in response to a distress call. Four Romulan warbirds ambush +her and a fight ensues. This fight creates a temporal rift to the future. +I believe it was Data who attributed it to a massive discharge of weapons +(probably by the Romulans). The Enterprise-C flees through it, so she in +effect time travels forward about 22 years. We continue on with the +Federation and the Klingons going to war, and so forth. THIS IS THE +CORRECT TIME LINE. + +In this timeline, Tasha Yar does not die. So she is on the Enterprise-D +when it finds the rift 22 years later and the Enterprise-C comes through +it. At this time, Guinan, who can see beyond linear time, now 'sees' that +Picard will send the Enterprise-C back, so time will be changed. The two +timelines are both in her mind (I assume it appears now because the +presence of the temporal rift somehow activates this sense in her race.) +She sees the other timeline as far preferable, so she naturally assumes it +is the correct timeline, but it really is an alternate timeline. This +explains why she waited until then to inform Picard that 'Everything is +wrong.' Because there is nothing wrong, at least until the rift showed up +allowing the Enterprise-C to go back in history and change time. + +Now, the Enterprise-C time travels back through the rift, thus altering +time and creating an alternate timeline. There are two Tasha Yars in this +timeline. The two Tasha's are in no way connected. As far as the universe +is concerned, they are both just matter, regardless of what meaning we +assign to that matter (we call both chunks 'Tasha Yar'.) One Tasha, on the +Enterprise-C is captured, has a daughter, and dies. That has always been +the case, we just never knew it. The capture of the Enterprise-C might +also explain why the Romulans have been able to catch up in technology, now +have phasers and photon torpedoes, etc. The second Tasha lives a normal +life, until she dies at the hands of Armus. + +Thus, the most 'valid' timeline is the one in which the Feds and the +Klingons are at war. The last comment I want to make is about the +Enterprise-D seeing a rift in the 'peaceful' timeline. This is a logical +mistake, shown only because otherwise everyone would be confused. Ok, more +likely the writer was confused. Guess that's the problem with writers +having little technical background, but we already knew that :) Since the +rift did exist in the past (i.e. was created by the actions at the battle, +not the actions of the Enterprise-D 22 years later), it always existed. +The 'normal' timeline in which the Enterprise-C showed up, was destroyed, +caused peace with the Klingons, etc never existed. + +--------------------------------------------------------------------------- +9. RIKER THINKS HE'S IN THE FUTURE IN TNG: FUTURE IMPERFECT + +--------------------------------------------------------------------------- +10. THE ALIENS FROM THE FUTURE IN TNG: CAPTAIN'S HOLIDAY + +--------------------------------------------------------------------------- +11. THE VISITOR FROM THE PAST IN TNG: A MATTER OF TIME + +--------------------------------------------------------------------------- +12. THE TIME LOOP IN TNG: CAUSE AND EFFECT + +Wasn't The Boseman ship in the loop for several decades? Why don't they +have a *really* bad feeling of deja vu? + +No, the general consensus is that the ship shot forward in time to the +point that the START of the Enterprise's loop began. + +Thanks to Mike Kelsey for this next part: + +The situation in "Cause and Effect" can be described similarly to that in +"Yesterday's Enterprise": a space time anomaly is connecting two points +which are spearated in space-time, thus: + + Point A + (Bozeman) >-----------------------+ + 2278 AD | + | + ^ + Point B + (Enterprise) 2369 AD (I think!) + +The Bozeman encounters a space-time anomaly at some location in the galaxy +(presumably explored Federation territory) in 2278 AD. It is sucked +through the anomaly (like the Enterprise-C), and appears at a different +location in the galaxy (point B) in 2369 AD. At that location, the +Enterprise has encountered a space-time anomaly, and observes a ship come +out of it and collide with them. + +The Bozeman was therefore only at point B for the 36 seconds from the time +it appeared to the time it collided with the Enterprise and was +(presumably) destroyed along with the Enterprise (although we are *not* +shown that). + +The loop for the Enterprise lasted about 12 hours (evening poker game +through morning briefing). According to Worf's check of the Starfleet +timebase beacon, their clocks were desynchronized by 17.4 days. Therefore, +the Enterprise went through about 35 iterations of the loop before getting +out. + +On the other hand, the Bozeman need not have gone through *any* iterations +at all, since it was coming from somewhere else in the Galaxy (point A). +>From the point of view of the Enterprise's *internal* clocks, it enters the +temporal anomaly region, travels for about 12 hours, sees the Bozeman +appear, then is destroyed. The Enterprise travel *back* in time according +to its *interal* clocks (while the Starfleet timebase beacon keeps ticking) +along with the local region of space-time anomaly. It travels for about 12 +hours, then sees the Bozeman appear and is destroyed. And so on, for 35 +repetitions. Note that at each explosion, it is at the *same* location in +external space-time (within the anomalous region), so it is seeing the +*same* Bozeman each time, which has not had to go through "loops" to get +there. + +--------------------------------------------------------------------------- +13. DATA IN THE PAST IN TNG: TIME'S ARROW + +How can Data work on his the head they found from San Fransisco? How can +there be two copies of his head? + +Thanks to Barry Geipel (barry@godzilla.quotron.com) for this next part +(though it was probably written before part II was aired): + +The away team meets up with Data and Guinan in 1893. They determine that +they are trapped and have no way to get back to the 24th century. They +place key information in Data's head and place it in the cavern. The Away +team also tells Guinan some information on how to get at the information so +that the Enterprise can extract it. (As a possibile twist, they also have +Mark Twain write a classic story (_Mysterious Stranger_ perhaps?) in which +more information can be extracted). Also, during this time, Picard somehow +saves Guinan's life (or tells her about the Borg) making it essential that +Picard goes back into time. + +Sometime after the Away team goes down to the planet, Guinan tells Worf +about her historical encounter with Picard and the Away team. With the +help of the Mark Twain novel, the phase thingamajig in Data's head and any +information in Data's head, Worf and the Enterprise crew rescue the Away +team. + +Since Data must leave his head behind, Data is brought back headless and +the 600 year old head is re-attached. + + + /-------- Enterprise rescues Data @ Away Team-----\ + / \ + v v + --A----C--D---------- Main-line History ---------E---------F--G-----> + ^ / + \ / + \------- Data @ Away team go back in time-------------/ + + + A - 1893 + Guinan meets Picard for the first time + Picard meets Guinan for the second time + C - 1893 + Away team places information of how to rescue them into + Data's head ( as well as the phase thingimijig ), removes + Data's head and places it in the cavern. Away team tells + Guinan how to extract the info so that she can tell the + Enterprise crew how to go back to rescue them. Also, + Mark Twain puts key information into a "classic" as + further reference ( _Mysterious Stranger_ ???) + + D - 1893 + Data (minus head) and away team is rescued + + E - Sometime earlier in the 24th century + Guinan meets Picard for the second time + Picard meets Guinan for the first time + + F - 24th Century + Data @ Away team go back to 1893 + + G - 24th Century + Enterprise recues Data (minus head) and Away team. + Data and 600 year old head are reattached. + +- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + +Here is a better explanation from someone (accidentally deleted his name): + +The away team meets up with Data and Guinan in 1893. They discover that +the space-time distortions are created by the Ophidian that the aliens use +to travel in time. By itself, however, it can't make a distortion large +enough for anyone to pass through. They discover the cave (the location of +the archaeological dig) and Geordi discovers that the cave has been +modified to focus the distortion. The aliens appear and take the cane from +Troi (who is holding it) and Data tries to grab it back, just as it begins +to activate. There is an explosion that blows Data's head off, his body +falls to the future and his head falls in the past. Just before it closes, +Riker, La Forge and Clemens jump through the portal, leaving Guinan, Picard +and Data behind. Picard tends to Guinan's injuries, then fiddles with +Data's head. + +Back in the future, Geordi is trying to get Data's 600 year old head to +work on the now Headless Data. He does and Data spouts the words +"Torpedos, Phasing, Alien". Picard had coded that message in data's binary +memory, and they used the info so they wouldn't destroy the portal (on the +future side) with normal photon torps. Bev figures out that they can use +the Ophidian to send one person back to the past, so they send Clemens back +to the past, who sends picard back to the future. + +The time line for data's head starts at his birth, lives until the 24th +century, goes back in time to 1893, and waits 600 yeas to be re-attached. + + + /-----<--Data Goes Back in Time--<----\ + | | + | /--->--Data returns - headless->--|---\ + | | | | + V ^ ^ V +-------------1---------2---------------3-----------4------- + + 1 - Data's Head is Underground + 2 - Data is "born" + 3 - Data's Head is found + 4 - "Old Head attached" + +--------------------------------------------------------------------------- +14. TAS: YESTERYEAR + +--------------------------------------------------------------------------- +15. NOV: KILLING TIME + +--------------------------------------------------------------------------- +16. NOV: ISHMAEL + +--------------------------------------------------------------------------- +17. NOV: ENTROPY EFFECT + +--------------------------------------------------------------------------- +18. NOV: HOME IS THE HUNTER + +--------------------------------------------------------------------------- +19. NOV: TASHA & THE GUARDIAN OF FOREVER + +Peter David's Imzadi explained that Tasha crossed over into the Guardian Of +Forever therefore living in an alternate time stream. + +--------------------------------------------------------------------------- +20. THE BIRD OF PREY GOES TO THE 1980S FOR WHALES IN ST4: THE VOYAGE HOME + +a) Why didn't the space-time continuum get screwed up with Scotty giving +the man from the past the formula for transparent aluminum? + +The cop out answer to the first one is: there is no paradox because the +guy McCoy and Scotty talked actually DID invent transparent aluminum, just +like they say in the movie. If he didn't before, then the space/time +continuum is messed up and *poof*, the Big E ceases to exist. Since this +*didn't* happen, we must assume he invented it in the first place, from a +diagram by Scotty. This is an infinitely-regressing explanation, since how +could Scotty know about the stuff if he had to go back in time to get it +invented? Aiiiieeee! + +b) Just how old are Kirk's glasses? Isn't this an infinite loop? + +Kirk's glasses need not be an infinite loop. McCoy gets them in the 23rd +century and gives them to Kirk. We assume they're antiques. Kirk goes +back to 1989 (or whatever) and sells them back to the antiquer. The +antiquer, off camera, breaks them and throws them away. The glasses are +made sometime later, maybe in the 1990s, and eventually are procured by +McCoy. + +BUT, the antiquer said they were quite old. Say they were made in 1893 (by +Data, no doubt 8-) ). Then they sat in a safe until 2288 (or whatever) +when McCoy gets them for Kirk. This way they exist TWICE in the 1980s; +once in an antique store (until they get sold or broken or whatnot) and +once in a safe somewhere, for McCoy to eventually pick up. + +=========================================================================== + +If you know of any other topics that should be included in this list, feel +free to email me at one of the addresses below. Be aware that about 10% of +the mail I send out bounces, so if you don't get a reply from me, it isn't +because I'm ignoring you. :-) + + --Otto "HACK-MAN" Heuer + _____ _________ _ _____ _____ _____ _____ +| ___|| _______|| | Otto E. Heuer, CEO ||___|| |_ _| |_ _| ||___|| +| |__ | |___ ___| | FSD, Inc. | o | | | | | | o | +| __| |___ || _ | "The innovator for |__O__| |_| |_| |__O__| +| | _______| || |_| | software solutions." C, Pascal, Fortran, BASIC +|_||_________||_____| Assembly Language, Snobol, Ada, APL, Prolog, LISP +Unix, MS-DOS, ProDOS . . . .... . . . . . . . Audio/Video +ottoh@cfsmo.honeywell.com :..: .:.:. : :.' .. :`.': .:.:. :`. : Star Trek +hackman@pnet51.orb.mn.org : : : : :... : `. : : : : : `: Apple IIgs + diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/star-fle.phy b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/star-fle.phy new file mode 100644 index 00000000..737b8975 --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/star-fle.phy @@ -0,0 +1,549 @@ +Subject: Star Fleet Command Physics Notes 1 + + +Memorandum for the record to physicists in 1993. + +On the Super-Physics of Sub-Space Communication, Warp-Drive and Matter- +Teleporters. + +Comments by Sarfatti enclosed by *...* - fantasize them as "telepatypes" +received by Sarfatti's creative unconscious mind in 1993 from Star Fleet +Command at the Presidio in San Francisco from not too far in our future. + +>From hinson@physics.purdue.edu Sat Jan 23 07:44:58 1993 +~Date: Sat, 23 Jan 93 10:46:37 -0500 +~From: Jason W. Hinson +~Subject: Re: Subspace communication for Star Fleet +~Newsgroups: alt.sci.physics.new +theories,sci.skeptic,alt.paranormal,alt.conspira +cy,alt.alien.visitors +Organization: Purdue University Physics Department +Cc: + +>You wrote about how subspace communications travel faster than light. + +* Do you mean "subspace communications travel faster than light" or +"subspace communications, travel (faster than light)". That is, we must +distinguish between subspace communication faster than light and travel +faster than light. + +I will take the terms "subspace communication" and "quantum connection +communication" as meaning the same. In subspace communication information +(bits) is transferred "pre-metrically" across arbitrary spacetime intervals +between sender and receiver with no corresponding "travel" in the sense of +intermediary mass-energy. + +Faster than light transport of mass-energy, not to be confused with +subspace communication can be of two kinds. + +One is globally faster than light but locally slower than light (e.g., +"Warp-drive" passage of a star ship in real time through a traversable worm +hole supported by exotic matter in imaginary time). The warp drive of the +U.S.S. Enterprise works by amplifying a quantum wormhole that surrounds the +ship. + +The other mode of superluminal matter-transport teleportation of the "Beam +me up, Scotty!" variety is both globally and locally faster than light +either in real time (Lorentzian metric) or imaginary time (Euclidean metric +in Hawking's models of quantum gravity - idea is that the shadow universe +is in imaginary time. At least 90 % of total universe's mass is shadow +matter in imaginary time left over from the quantum gravity era in the +first 10^-43 seconds.) + +The trick of "transporter" supertechnology is a phase transition from the +subluminal in real time to the transluminal in imaginary time and back +again preserving the informational patterns of quantum connectivity that +control the organization and function of matter including that of living +conscious matter.* + +>I thought you might want to read a full blown analysis of the problems +with faster than light travel. + +Note: this was written for the alt.arts.startrek.tech newsgroup. + +*I have not been able to access that conference. What is the exact title?* + +This article: +What is it about, and who should read it: +This is a detailed explanation about how relativity and that +wonderful science fictional invention of faster than light travel do not +seem to get along with each other. + +*What do you mean by relativity? Relativity naturally divides into two +independent pieces: 1) the symmetry group structure (e.g. Lorentz ((local +light cones)) and translation groups for special relativity; Lorentz +tangent spacetime and diffeomorphism ((curved global spacetime)) groups for +classical general relativity) and 2) the retarded causality postulate that +causes are before effects in a frame-invariant sense. In field theory this +means that field operators across spacelike intervals (outside light cone) +commute leading to dispersion relations on scattering amplitudes - which +are violated in gamma-proton data according to Chas Bennett of Lawrence +Livermore in Phys. Rev A.). + +The precise statement is that relativistic symmetry plus the principle of +retarded causality is incompatible with faster than light travel. I have no +argument with that. My claim is that relativistic symmetry is right for +classical spacetime geometry but retarded causality both mcro and macro is +wrong (incompatible with observations and experiments both present actual +and future). Indeed, the standard propagators of quantum electrodynamics +incolve both advanced and retarded causality although the propagator of a +massive subluminal particle decays exponentially on scale of Compton +wavelength outside the light cone while oscillating inside the light cone. +Note that in the limit of zero frame-invariant mass the Compton wavelength +is infinite - so what about the Feynman photon propagator in which virtual +spacelike photons of longitudinal and timelike polarization unite to create +the spacelike action of the electrical Coulomb force which is instantaneous +in the rest frame of the source charge and is spacelike in any frame in +which the charge is moving at uniform speed.* + +>It begins with a simple introduction to the ideas of relativity. This +section includes some important information on space-time diagrams, so if +you are not familiar with them, I suggest you read it. Then I get into the +problems that relativity poses for faster than light travel. If you think +that there are many science fictional ways that we can get around these +problems, then you probably do not understand the "second problem" (which I +discuss in the third section) and I strongly recommend that you read it to +educate yourself. Finally, I introduce my idea (the only one I know of) +that, if nothing else, gets around this second problem in an interesting +way. + +*You greatly under-estimate me. I feel like Cyrano De Bergerac in the duel +with the upstart who told him that his nose was too big!* + +>The best way to read the article may be to make a hard copy. I +refer back a few times to a Diagram in the first section, and to have it +readily available would be nice. + +*How condescending of you! But you do it so politely and elegantly that I +am amused. You would be a good kindergarten teacher - such patience is to +be admired. I think your exposition is basically useful for trekkies and +other sci fi addicts. That is why I include it here to post to other places +where it may be of educational value to the under-educated masses yearning +to know the secrets of time and existence.* + +>I hope you can learn a little something from reading this, or at +least strengthen your understanding of that which you already know. +Your comments and criticisms are welcome, especially if they indicate +improvements that can be made for future posts. +And now, without further delay, here it is. + +*Thank you, I, too, hope you learn something from my comments.* + +A summary of conventional 2Oth Century spacetime Physics before the +breaking of the light barrier by Star Fleet Command. + + + > Relativity and FTL Travel + +>Outline: + +I. An Introduction to Special Relativity + A. Reasoning for its existence + B. Time dilation effects + C. Other effects on observers + E. Space-Time Diagrams + D. Experimental support for the theory +II. The First Problem: The Light Speed Barrier + A. Effects as one approaches the speed of light + B. Conceptual ideas around this problem +III. The Second Problem: FTL Implies The Violation of Causality + A. What is meant here by causality, and its importance + B. Why FTL travel of any kind implies violation of causality + C. A scenario as "proof" +IV. A Way Around the Second Problem + A. Warped space as a special frame of reference + B. How this solves the causality problem + C. The relativity problem this produces + D. One way around that relativity problem +V. Conclusion. + +to be continued. + +Newsgroups: rec.arts.startrek.tech +Path: moe.ksu.ksu.edu!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!cs.utexas.edu!uunet!well!sarfatti +From: sarfatti@well.sf.ca.us (Jack Sarfatti) +Subject: Star Fleet Command Physics Notes 2 +Message-ID: +Sender: news@well.sf.ca.us +Organization: Whole Earth 'Lectronic Link +Date: Mon, 25 Jan 1993 06:56:42 GMT +Lines: 301 + + +Part 2 The Hinson Notes on coventional relativity with Sarfatti Commentary +on superluminal and transluminal matter causality-violating kinematics. + +> Relativity and FTL Travel + +>Outline: + +I. An Introduction to Special Relativity + A. Reasoning for its existence + B. Time dilation effects + C. Other effects on observers + E. Space-Time Diagrams + D. Experimental support for the theory +II. The First Problem: The Light Speed Barrier + A. Effects as one approaches the speed of light + B. Conceptual ideas around this problem +III. The Second Problem: FTL Implies The Violation of Causality + A. What is meant here by causality, and its importance + B. Why FTL travel of any kind implies violation of causality + C. A scenario as "proof" +IV. A Way Around the Second Problem + A. Warped space as a special frame of reference + B. How this solves the causality problem + C. The relativity problem this produces + D. One way around that relativity problem +V. Conclusion. + + >I. An Introduction to Special Relativity +The main goal of this introduction is to make relativity and its +consequences feasible to those who have not seen them before. It should +also reinforce such ideas for those who are already somewhat familiar +with them. This introduction will not completely follow the traditional +way in which relativity came about. It will begin with a pre-Einstein +view of relativity. It will then give some reasoning for why Einstein's +view is plausible. This will lead to a discussion of some of the +consequences this theory has, odd as they may seem. For future +reference, it will also introduce the reader to the basics of space-time +diagrams. Finally, I want to mention some experimental evidence that +supports the theory. + +>The idea of relativity was around in Newton's day, but it was +incomplete. It involved transforming from one frame of reference to +another frame which is moving with respect to the first. The +transformation was not completely correct, but it seemed so in the realm +of small speeds. I give here an example of this to make it clear. + +>Consider two observers, you and me, for example. Lets say I am +on a train which passes you at 30 miles per hour. I through a ball in +the direction the train is moving, and the ball moves at 10 mph in MY +point of view. Now consider a mark on the train tracks. You see the +ball initially moving along at the same speed I am moving (the speed of +the train). Then I through the ball, and before I can reach the mark on +the track, the ball is able to reach it. So to you, the ball is moving +even faster than I (and the train). Obviously, it seems as if the speed +of the ball with respect to you is just the speed of the ball with +respect to me plus the speed of me with respect to you. So, the speed +of the ball with respect to you = 10 mph + 30 mph = 40 mph. This was +the first, simple idea for transforming velocities from one frame of +reference to another. In other words, this was part of the first concept +of relativity. + +>Now I introduce you to an important postulate that leads to the +concept of relativity that we have today. I believe it will seem quite +reasonable. I state it as it appears in a physics book by Serway: "the +laws of physics are the same in every inertial frame of reference." +What it means is that if you observer any physical laws for a given +situation in your frame of reference, then an observer in a reference +frame moving with a constant velocity with respect to you should also +agree that those physical laws apply to that situation. + +>As an example, consider the conservation of momentum. Say that +there are two balls coming straight at one another. They collide and go +off in opposite directions. Conservation of momentum says that if you +add up the total momentum (mass times velocity) before the collision and +after the collision, that the two should be identical. Now, let this +experiment be preformed on a train where the balls are moving along the +line of the train's motion. An outside observer would say that the +initial and final velocities of the balls are one thing, while an +observer on the train would say they were something different. However, +BOTH observers must agree that the total momentum is the same before and +after the collision. We should be able to apply this to any physical +law. If not, (i.e. if physical laws were different for different +frames of reference) then we could change the laws of physics just by +traveling in a particular reference frame. + +>A very interesting result occurs when you apply this postulate +to the laws of electrodynamics. What one finds is that in order for the +laws of electrodynamics to be the same in all inertial reference frames, +it must be true that the speed of electromagnetic waves (such as light) +is the same for all inertial observers. Simply stating that may not +make you think that there is anything that interesting about it, but it +has amazing consequences. Consider letting a beam of light take the +place of the ball in the first example given in this introduction. If +the train is moving at half the velocity of light, wouldn't you expect +the light beam (which is traveling at the speed of light with respect to +the train) to look as if it is traveling one and a half that speed with +respect to an outside observer? Well this is not the case. The old +ideas of relativity in Newton's day do not apply here. What accounts +for this peculiarity is time dilation and length contraction. + +>Here I give an example of how time dilation can help explain a +peculiarity that arises from the above concept. Again we consider a +train, but let's give it a speed of 0.6 c (where c = the speed of light +which is 3E8 m/s). An occupant of this train shines a beam of light so +that (to him) the beam goes straight up, hits a mirror at the top of the +train, and bounces back to the floor of the train where it is detected. +Now, in my point of view (outside of the train), that beam of light does +not travel straight up and straight down, but makes an up-side-down "V" +shape since the train is also moving. Here is a diagram of what I see: + + + /|\ + / | \ + / | \ + light beam going up->/ | \<-light beam on return trip + / | \ + / | \ + / | \ + / | \ + ---------|---------->trains motion (v = 0.6 c) + +>Lets say that the trip up takes 10 seconds in my point of view. The +distance the train travels during that time is: + (0.6 * 3E8 m/s) * 10 s = 18E8 m. +The distance that the beam travels on the way up (the slanted line to +the left) must be + 3E8 m/s * 10s = 30E8 m. +Since the left side of the above figure is a right triangle, and we know +the length of two of the sides, we can now solve for the height of the +train: + Height = [(30E8 m)^2 - (18E8 m)^2]^0.5 = 24E8 m +(It is a tall train, but this IS just a thought experiment). Now we +consider the frame of reference of the traveler. The light MUST travel +at 3E8 m/s for him also, and the height of the train doesn't change +because only lengths in the direction of motion are contracted. +Therefore, in his frame the light will reach the top of the train in +24E8 m /3E8 (m/s) = 8 seconds, and there you have it. To me the event +takes 10 seconds, while according to him it must take only 8 seconds. We +each measure time in different ways. + +>To intensify this oddity, consider the fact that all inertial +frames are equivalent. That is, from the traveler's point of view he is +the one who is sitting still, while I zip past him at 0.6 c. So he will +think that it is MY clock that is running slowly. This lends itself +over to what seem to be paradoxes which I will not get into here. If +you have any questions on such things (such as the "twin paradox" -- +which can be understood with special relativity, by the way) feel free +to ask me about them, and I will do the best I can to answer you. + +>As I mentioned above, length contraction is another consequence +of relativity. Consider the same two travelers in our previous example, +and let each of them hold a meter stick horizontally (so that the length +of the stick is oriented in the direction of motion of the train). To +the outside observer, the meter stick of the traveler on the train will +look as if it is shorter than a meter. Similarly, the observer on the +train will think that the meter stick of the outside observer is the one +that is contracted. The closer one gets to the speed of light with +respect to an observer, the shorter the stick will look to that +observer. The factor which determines the amount of length contraction +and time dilation is called gamma. + +>Gamma is defined as (1 - v^2/c^2)^(-1/2). For our train (for +which v = 0.6 c), gamma is 1.25. Lengths will be contracted and time +dilated (as seen by the outside observer) by a factor of 1/gamma = 0.8, +which is what we demonstrated with the difference in measured time (8 +seconds compared to 10 seconds). Gamma is obviously an important number +in relativity, and it will appear as we discuss other consequences of +the theory. + +>Another consequence of relativity is a relationship between +mass, energy, and momentum. By considering conservation of momentum and +energy as viewed from two frames of reference, one can find that the +following relationship must be true for an unbound particle: + E^2 = p^2 * c^2 + m^2 * c^4 +Where E is energy, m is mass, and p is relativistic momentum which is +defined as + p = gamma * m * v (gamma is defined above) +By manipulating the above equations, one can find another way to express +the total energy as + E = gamma * m * c^2 +Even when an object is at rest (gamma = 1) it still has an energy of + E = m * c^2 +Many of you have seen something like this stated in context with the +theory of relativity + + +* E^2 = p^2 * c^2 + m^2 * c^4 + +is the "mass shell" equation for slower-than-light (i.e., subluminal) real +particles that can be directly detected. It is a pole in the complex energy +plane for the particle propagator in relativistic quantum field theory. + +Virtual particles are "off mass shell" and do not obey this equation in +conventional theory. Virtual particles are that part of the propagator not +due to the energy pole. The propagator is not only determined by the +position of the poles. It is also determined by the path or contour over +which the integral representing the propagator is computed. This is a +boundary condition and this is where causality makes its mark. The +principle of retarded causality (i.e. causes always before effects) is +defined by a certain path in the complex energy plane. It is, however, not +the path that Feynman uses in conventional quantum electrodynamics. Feynman +finds that in order to renormalize properly, to get finite answers, one +must use a contour that includes both retarded causality (i.e., past +cause/future effect) and "teleological" advanced causality (i.e., future +cause/past effect). + +Faster-than-light (i.e. superluminal) particles (i.e. tachyons) moving in +real time (Lorentzian signature +++-) obey a different mass shell equation + +E^2 = p^2 * c^2 - m^2 * c^4 + +Propagation require E and p real means that p > mc. The De-Broglie +probability waves of length h/p are shorter than the Compton wavelength +h/mc. The tachyon wave fronts move at v(wave) slower than light but the +mass-energy transport wave packet velocity v(particle) is faster than +light. This is just the opposite of an ordinary particle in which the wave +front moves faster than light but the mass-energy transport group speed is +slower than light. For both kinds of particles + +v(wave) v(particle) = c^2 + +For an ordinary subluminal particle, increasing the energy E makes +v(particle) increase. In contrast, for a superluminal particle, increasing +E makes v(particle) decrease - like a smoke vortex ring or a "roton" +excitation in superfluid helium. Indeed, faster than light particles are +more string-like than point-like. + +The gamma factor for the faster than light particle is + +(v^2/c^2 - 1)^(-1/2) with v = v(particle) so v/c > 1. + +Superluminal particles grossly violate "causality" on the macroscopic scale +in Hinson's sense by which I mean "retarded causality". The question is do +they violate it in a consistent way or an inconsistent way? I suspect the +former is the case. If the latter is the case, then they cannot exist. + +The string-like subnucleonic structure may mean that quarks are self- +trapped superluminal (or maybe transluminal) particles. This would +automatically explain the origin of the strong color force because color +was introduced to have the correct spin-statistics connection and +superluminal particles have the wrong spin-statistics connection (e.g. a +superluminal particle of spin 1/2 is a boson not a fermion. + +Superluminal electrons or quarks in the free state would quickly radiate +photons in a Cerenkov cone speeding up to infinite speed at zero total +energy E but finite momentum p. This would explain why free quarks are not +seen. Condensed superluminal matter, if it could exist, would not obey the +Pauli exclusion principle and would not have the diverse and stable +organization of ordinary subluminal matter. Bound superluminal particles +constrained by a "bag" or by a force that increased with separation might +look like ordinary matter to an outside observer). + +The ordinary subluminal Lorentz frame transformations describe both +subluminal and superluminal particle motions equally well and consistently. +Subluminal particles have a rest frame, superluminal particles do not. The +rest frame for a subluminal particle is defined by the particle's gamma = +E/mc^2 = 1 which means v(particle) = 0, E = mc^2, and p = 0. Similarly, +the faster than light particle obeys the same equation for gamma. Now if +gamma = 1, v = sqrt2c. If v > sqrt2c , gamma is less than 1. In this region +we have string-like length expansion in the direction of motion and time +contraction. If, on the other hand,c < v < sqrt2c gamma is bigger than 1 +like ordinary slower than light particles with length contraction and time +dilation. + +The mass shell equation for transluminal particles moving in imaginary time +of quantum-gravity's Euclidean signature (++++) is + + E^2 = -p^2 * c^2 + m^2 * c^4 + +E and p real require p < mc which is the long wave limit which would be +most relevant to observational test. A transluminal particle moving locally +according to a Euclidean rather than Lorentzian metric signature would look +to our real time detectors like a new kind of particle with peculiar "dark +matter" kinematics and dynamics. + +with gamma = (1 + v^2/c^2)^(-1/2) < 1 for all v. + +Both the subluminal and superluminal particles in real time obey the +Einstein speed of light barrier. They are on opposite sides of the barrier. +Not so for transluminal particles which do not feel the barrier at all +since they are in a topologically distinct parallel universe connected to +ours by photons if we make the ansatz that a charged accelerating +transluminal particle emits photons in real time. But this may not be +correct. The question is neutral transluminal matter gravitate? How will +curvature in the Euclidean metric influence curvature in the Lorentz metric +to which it is connected by a Wick rotation. Will this explain the large +scale structure of the universe with its walls and voids? + +Has Star Trek Command succeeded in converting among the subluminal, +superluminal and transluminal phases of matter at will? Note that a Star +Ship built of ordinary subluminal matter with subluminal life forms could +use a subluminal <---> transluminal matter converter to do two things. +First, transluminal matter ejected in a rocket exhaust at superluminal +speeds would be ultr-energy efficient enabling very heavy super-carrier +size craft to get close to the Einstein light barrier with small amounts of +fuel. Second, The transluminal matter is the exotic matter needed to +support stable traversable wormholes amplified out of the quantum foam for +warp drive.* + +to be continued. + +Newsgroups: rec.arts.startrek.tech +Path: moe.ksu.ksu.edu!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!cs.utexas.edu!uunet!well!sarfatti +From: sarfatti@well.sf.ca.us (Jack Sarfatti) +Subject: Star Fleet Physics 3 +Message-ID: +Sender: news@well.sf.ca.us +Organization: Whole Earth 'Lectronic Link +Date: Mon, 25 Jan 1993 06:40:57 GMT +Lines: 65 + + +Part 3 +Review of Part 2 basics: + >Gamma is defined as (1 - v^2/c^2)^(-1/2). For our train (for +which v = 0.6 c), gamma is 1.25. Lengths will be contracted and time +dilated (as seen by the outside observer) by a factor of 1/gamma = 0.8, +which is what we demonstrated with the difference in measured time (8 +seconds compared to 10 seconds). Gamma is obviously an important number +in relativity, and it will appear as we discuss other consequences of +the theory. + +>Another consequence of relativity is a relationship between +mass, energy, and momentum. By considering conservation of momentum and +energy as viewed from two frames of reference, one can find that the +following relationship must be true for an unbound particle: + E^2 = p^2 * c^2 + m^2 * c^4 +Where E is energy, m is mass, and p is relativistic momentum which is +defined as + p = gamma * m * v (gamma is defined above) +By manipulating the above equations, one can find another way to express +the total energy as + E = gamma * m * c^2 +Even when an object is at rest (gamma = 1) it still has an energy of + E = m * c^2 +>Many of you have seen something like this stated in context with the +theory of relativity + +Hinson continues: (Comments by Sarfatti ((Rashi II?)) between *...*) + +>It is important to note that the mass in the above equations has +a special definition which we will now discuss. As a traveler approaches +the speed of light with respect to an observer, the observer sees the +mass of the traveler increase. (By mass, we mean the property that +indicates (1) how much force is needed to create a certain acceleration +and (2) how much gravitational pull you will feel from that object). +However, the mass in the above equations is defined as the mass measured +in the rest frame of the object. That mass is always the same. The +mass seen by the observer (which I will call the observed mass) is given +by gamma * m. Thus, we could also write the total energy as + E = (observed mass) * c^2 +That observed mass approaches infinity as the object approaches the +speed of light with respect to the observer. + +*This same equation is true for the superluminal particle in real time with +a different gamma = 1/(v^2/c^2 - 1)^1/2 for v/c > 1 and v = v(particle) = +c^2/v(wave). The equation is also true for a transluminal particle in +imaginary time with gamma = 1/(v^2/c^2 + 1)^1/2 for 0<=v/c <= infinity. +Note v/c = 1 is allowed in imaginary time. There is no light cone barrier +in imaginary time. Hawking mentions this in his book, A Brief History of +Time. The idea is that any elementary massive particle (quark, lepton, W,Z, +X mesons) of frame-invariant mass m can exist in three phases, subluminal, +superluminal and transluminal. Only the subluminal obeys causality in the +sense of vanishing quantum field commutators across spacelike intervals. +Only the subluminal obeys the familiar spin-statistics connection in which +spin 0,1,2 are bosons (coherent superfluid condensates) and spin 1/2,3/2 +are fermions (Pauli exclusion). The field commutators for superluminal and +transluminal phases form the "exotic" and cosmological "dark matter" that +support the traversable worm holes for Star Ship "warp drive" and the +highly efficient fuel for "impulse power" allowing subluminal travel near +the Einstein barrier relative to the global frame of the "Hubble flow" of +the expanding universe in which the cosmic blackbody radiation is +isotropic. Note, that the local speed of the star ship through the worm +hole is subluminal. The effective global speed is superluminal because the +worm hole provides an extra-dimensional short cut connecting widely +separated space-time regions.* + diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/stardate.txt b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/stardate.txt new file mode 100644 index 00000000..10d1070b --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/stardate.txt @@ -0,0 +1,28 @@ + +To Convert to the StarDate: + + Infront of the Decimal: + Days passed so far + [ (The Year - 2323) + ------------------- ] X 1000 + Total Days + Behind the Decimal: + + Total minutes passed so far today + -------------------------------- + 1440 + +And to help you out: + + Regular Leap +Jan 0 0 +Feb 31 31 +Mar 59 60 +Apr 90 91 +May 120 121 +Jun 151 152 +Jul 181 182 +Aug 212 213 +Sep 243 244 +Oct 273 274 +Nov 304 305 +Dec 334 335 diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/starsand b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/starsand new file mode 100644 index 00000000..b689f034 --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/starsand @@ -0,0 +1,945 @@ +Subject: DOCTOR WHO/ST:TNG STORY + +SECTION ONE OF "STARS AND BLIGHTS FOREVER": +------------------------------------------------------------------------ +Doug Vermes + "Stars and Blights Forever" + + Millions of individual stars twinkled in the vast emptiness +of space. Each with its own message. Peace and tranquility was +ubiquitous here. Suddenly a massive object soared through the +blackness of space at tremendous speed. The peace was disturbed +by a starship. The starship had just a few words printed on it: U.S.S. +Enterprise. NCC 1701-D. + + "Ensign Crusher, what is out ETA?" This question was spoken +by a middle-aged man of about average height. What little remained +of the man's hair was already gray. Nevertheless, he had an air of +superiority about him. The fact that he posed the question as an +order signified that he was in charge. His outfit was essentially +the same as everyone else's: one-piece, with a standard-issue +Starfleet communicator attached to one side. On his right lapel +were his rank markers; four solid markers. Four solid markers, +according to Starfleet regulations, signified the Captain of a +starship. He was standing in a saucer-shaped room, accompanied +by many other similarly attired officers. However, none of the others +had more than three rank markers. At the front of the room, taking up +nearly the whole wall, was the viewscreen. It currently showed the +vast field of space through which they were travelling. Ensign +Crusher, a lad of no more than eighteen, turned to the Captain. + "Estimated Time of Arrival is approximately twelve hours from +now, Captain." the Ensign said. + "Good. I will be in my quarters if you need me. Number One, you +have the bridge." The Captain stood up and walked a few paces +away. A man with a beard, a Commander by the three solid rank +markers he wore, presumably 'Number One,' replaced the Captain's +position. The Captain walked off the bridge into the Turbolift. + + Many lights were flickering rapidly, and warning buzzers were +going off in the control room of another spaceship. A short man, +middle-aged, wearing brown and black checkered trousers, a short +scarf, an eccentric tie, and a brown sports jacket had a very +concerned look on his face. He was not alone, though. In the same +room, whose walls had a unique depressed circular pattern, was a +younger girl with blonde hair. She wore a red shirt, and a black +jacket which had 'Ace' emblazoned across the back. + "Professor!" she called. The man ignored her. + "Doctor! What's happening?" she called. + "I don't know, Ace! We're being pulled off course!" The man, +known as the Doctor, spoke with a Scottish accent. Suddenly, +as if hit by an inspiration, the Doctor struck the control console +with the edge of his fist forcefully. Suddenly all the buzzers +and lights stopped. The central column started rising and +falling. + "You see, Ace, there's no need to worry!" The Doctor gave Ace +a childish grin. + "Professor, you sure know how to fly this thing!" + "Oh, it's not my fault! I've been meaning to rep..." The Doctor's +voice trailed off as he glanced back at the central column, which +was slowing down. "...That's odd. We appear to be landing." + "You were saying?" Ace asked mischeviously. The Doctor +flashed her an intolerant look and then he began to flip switches +and read various screens on the console. The central column +slowed almost to the point of a complete stop. + + The Captain was sitting in his room, reading Shakespeare, +when the communications unit buzzed in. + "Captain Picard, we're approaching our destination." the voice +of 'Number One' said. Picard took off his reading glasses and +walked out of his room, en route to the bridge. + + On the bridge, the doors to Turbolift Two slid open. Captain +Picard walked onto the bridge and resumed his seat. The +viewscreen showed a blue planet. He turned to 'Number One.' + "Commander Riker, reports?" Picard asked. + "Nothing unusual to report." Riker responded routinely. +Suddenly the whole bridge was jolted violently. + "Red Alert!" Picard ordered. The klaxon alerts sounded +instantaneously. The viewscreen showed the planet becoming +rapidly smaller and smaller until it no longer was visible. This +took place in a matter of seconds. + +----------------------------------------------------------------- + STAY TUNED FOR SECTION TWO OF "STARS AND BLIGHTS FOREVER!!!" +----------------------------------------------------------------- + +Internet: doug.vermes%acc1bbs@ssr.com + + +Path: moe.ksu.ksu.edu!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!cs.utexas.edu!wupost!uunet!hotmomma!acc1bbs!doug.vermes +From: doug.vermes%acc1bbs@ssr.com (Doug Vermes) +Newsgroups: rec.arts.drwho +Subject: DOCTOR WHO/ST:TNG STORY +Message-ID: <4567.130.uupcb@ssr.com> +Date: 1 Dec 92 16:54:00 GMT +Distribution: world +Organization: Advanced Computer Concepts BBS, New Rochelle, NY 914-654-1981 +Reply-To: doug.vermes%acc1bbs@ssr.com (Doug Vermes) +Lines: 76 + +Ok, here we go... Section Two of "Stars and Blights Forever": +------------------------------------------------------------------------ + "Captain. It would appear that we have been somehow +'relocated.'" an officer in a yellow outfit with very pale skin noted + cooly. + "Substantiate, Mr. Data." Picard ordered. + "We are approximately two thousand light years from our +previous position." Data responded. Data was an android, which +explained his extremely calm manner. + "Two thousand? But's that not possible!" Ensign Wesley +Crusher responded with boyish surprise. + "Captain! Another spaceship is approaching at Warp 9.6!" A +Klingon attired in Starfleet uniform informed the Captain of this fact. + "Onscreen, Mr. Worf!" The klingon, Worf, pressed a button and +the image of a large square-shaped spacecraft filled the screen. Picard + stood up. + "The Borg!" he uttered in a worried tone. Out of nowhere, faintly, +a strange wheezing, groaning sound filled the air inside the Enterprise. + + "Commander Data, what is that sound?" Picard asked. + "Checking... No record of that sound in my data banks, Captain." +Captain Picard tensed, ready for whatever might come. + + Inside what appeared to be a conference room, a Police Box stood. +This was quite an incongruous sight, considering that here was a +twentieth century Earth object in a twenty-fourth century Earth +spaceship. However, this was not just an ordinary Earth Police +Box. It was, in fact, a Time and Relative Dimensions in Space +Capsule; TARDIS for short. The doors to the Police Box opened, +and out walked the Doctor, followed by Ace. + "Where are we, Professor?" Ace asked. She started walking +around the room, looking at their surroundings. + "I'm not quite sure..." The Doctor looked out the window. +"Ahh! We seem to be on a spaceship." + "How do you know that?" + "Look." He pointed out the window, into the black emptiness +of space. He turned around and closed and locked the door to the +TARDIS. + "Hang about, Professor! I thought we were supposed to be +going to visit twelfth century England!" + "Nobody's perfect, Ace!" The Doctor picked up a tricorder +which was laying down on the table. "However, this object is from +Earth. Twenty-fourth century, I'd guess." Ace resumed looking around +the room. She turned and saw a closed doorway. + "Hey, I wonder where this leads!" Ace asked rhetorically. She +started toward the doors. + "Ace!" The Doctor hurried after her, quite concerned. + + Captain Picard was still quite worried. + "How did we get here?" Picard asked himself. Suddenly, the doors +to the Captain's ready room, where he held private +conferences, slid open. Picard sprung up. Through the doors +walked the Doctor and Ace. + "Now, Ace. How many times have I told..." The Doctor noticed all +the officers on the bridge. "...Oh, hello!" He said quite flippantly. + "Who are you?" Picard demanded. + "This is Ace, and I'm the Doctor. Who are you?" The Doctor +spoke as if he were introducing himself to old friends. + "I am Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the Federation Starship +Enterprise. Now, what are you doing on the bridge? How did you +get here?" Picard barked. + "Well... I.. Hmm.... It's a bit difficult to..." The Doctor turned +and looked at the viewscreen. "Ah! A Borg spacecraft. Hmm... Very +nasty race." Riker was temporarily startled by this discourse. + "What do you know about the Borg?" Riker asked the Doctor. + "Oh... No more than any other traveller." the Doctor responded. +While Picard was about to ask more questions about the Doctor, a +Borg suddenly materialized in the middle of the bridge. Worf +ripped out his phaser and shot the Borg down. + +---------------------------------------------------------------------- + TOMORROW: PART THREE OF "STARS AND BLIGHTS FOREVER"! +---------------------------------------------------------------------- + +Internet: doug.vermes%acc1bbs@ssr.com + + +Path: moe.ksu.ksu.edu!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!cs.utexas.edu!wupost!uunet!hotmomma!acc1bbs!doug.vermes +From: doug.vermes%acc1bbs@ssr.com (Doug Vermes) +Newsgroups: rec.arts.drwho +Subject: DOCTOR WHO/ST:TNG STORY +Message-ID: <4568.130.uupcb@ssr.com> +Date: 1 Dec 92 16:55:00 GMT +Distribution: world +Organization: Advanced Computer Concepts BBS, New Rochelle, NY 914-654-1981 +Reply-To: doug.vermes%acc1bbs@ssr.com (Doug Vermes) +Lines: 68 + +Here's Section Three of "Stars and Blights Forever" +------------------------------------------------------------------------ + "No!!!" the Doctor shouted. Another Borg materialized and +Worf took a shot at it. However, this time, the Borg deflected the +shot. Worf increased the phaser intensity and tried again. This +time, he was successful. "No! This will not work! They'll just +adapt!" the Doctor shouted. + "Yes, but what else can we do, Doctor?" Picard asked +rhetorically. Nevertheless, the Doctor responded. + "Confuse it! Sever its link with the Borg conscienceness." the +Doctor exclaimed. Another Borg materialized. Worf took many +shots at it, but they were all in vain. The Borg walked over and +extracted the main data core from the main computer on the +bridge. Before anyone could stop him, he vanished. + "Oh, splendid. Now the Borg have access to all knowledge +contained in our computers. What's more, we can no longer +use our computer!!" Picard declared angrily. + "Captain, the Borg ship has entered warp drive. It is +approaching Warp 9.9999996." Data noted. + "You had something to do with this, didn't you, Doctor?!" +Picard demanded. + "No... " The Doctor was abruptly cut off by Picard. + "Lieutenant Worf! Escort these.... intruders to the brig!" +Picard barked. Worf, who was pretty ferocious looking, grabbed hold +of Ace and the Doctor. + "NO!!! I can assure you. We had nothing to do with this! +We've only just arrived..." the Doctor said desperately. + "Really? And how exactly did you get here in the same +quadrant as us?" + "Well... We were on our way to Earth when we were pulled +off course by something... Then, we finished up here." the Doctor +said. + "Captain, they might've encountered the same thing we did." +Riker hypothesized. Picard motioned away Worf and pulled the +Doctor aside. + "Commander La Forge, prepare transporters. We're going to +beam an away team to the Borg ship." Picard ordered. + "No can do, Captain. The Borg ship is surrounded by a graviton +forcefield. Our transporters can't penetrate it." La Forge remarked. +Picard grunted. + "Look, Doctor. If you are telling us the truth, then we need your +help. You must help us to recover our data core." Picard asked. + "Well, I'll do whatever I can to help." + "Good. We'll need to transport to your spacecraft." The Doctor +frowned at this. + "Ahh..." the Doctor said a little angrily. + "Doctor, we must get to the Borg ship! The only way to +do that is if you help us, and allow us to transport to your +ship!" + "Oh... Well... If you must. Ace, you stay here!" + "Professor! I want to go with you!" Ace complained. + "You will stay here, Ace!" the Doctor ordered. + "Number One, Commander La Forge, Worf, Counselor Troi, +Doctor Crusher, you will be in my away team. We are going to +attempt to pursue the Borg in the Doctor's vessel." Picard ordered. +The away team started walking toward the Turbolifts, along with +Data. "Captain Picard! This way." The Doctor motioned toward the +ready room doors. The away team followed the Doctor through the +conference room doors, with puzzled looks on their faces. Picard +caught up to the Doctor, just as they were entering the ready +room. + +------------------------------------------------------------------------ + TOMORROW: SECTION FOUR OF "STARS AND BLIGHTS FOREVER" +------------------------------------------------------------------------ + +Internet: doug.vermes%acc1bbs@ssr.com + + +Path: moe.ksu.ksu.edu!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!cs.utexas.edu!wupost!uunet!hotmomma!acc1bbs!doug.vermes +From: doug.vermes%acc1bbs@ssr.com (Doug Vermes) +Newsgroups: rec.arts.drwho +Subject: DOCTOR WHO/ST:TNG STORY +Message-ID: <4569.130.uupcb@ssr.com> +Date: 1 Dec 92 16:55:00 GMT +Distribution: world +Organization: Advanced Computer Concepts BBS, New Rochelle, NY 914-654-1981 +Reply-To: doug.vermes%acc1bbs@ssr.com (Doug Vermes) +Lines: 66 + +As faithful as ever, here is Section Four of "Stars and Blights Forever" +------------------------------------------------------------------------ + "Doctor! Where do you think you're going?" Picard asked. + "To the TARDIS... er, my spaceship." + "Yes, but the transporter room is on Deck Te...What is that?!" +Picard noticed the TARDIS sitting in the conference room. + "It appears to be an artifact from Earth, twentieth century, to +be precise." Data noted. + "Data, we need you to stay on the Enterprise. You have the +bridge, Mr. Data." Picard ordered. "What is that?" Picard +repeated his question, still astonished by Data's comment. Data +was about to answer again, but Picard motioned him to leave the +ready room. + "It's the TARDIS!" the Doctor responded gleefully. The Doctor +unlocked the doors and opened both of them. "In you go!" The away +team hesitated. The Doctor gave Picard a reassuring nod. + "Follow his instructions!" Picard ordered. The confused away +team slowly entered the doors of the TARDIS. + + Suddenly, everyone found themself in the brightly lit console +room of the Doctor's TARDIS. The away team stared around in sheer +disbelief. + "This can't be. How is this possible? Is it kind of like a +Holodeck?" Commander La Forge asked. + "No, no... Relative dimensions... no time to explain!" The Doctor +pushed a red lever on the console, and the double doors to the +TARDIS slid closed with an eery hum. "Now, let's see if I can get a +fix on the Borg ship. What direction was it heading?" + "Sector Seven, heading Mark Five." La Forge replied. The Doctor +flipped a switch and the scanner screen slid open. He underwent a +complicated procedure of turning dials and flipping more switches. +Finally, the Borg ship appeared on the scanner screen. + + "My God! There it is!" Picard replied. The Doctor flipped a few +more switches, and the central column began to rise and fall. The +TARDIS was in flight. + + A while later inside the TARDIS, in a room with many lounge chairs +and umbrellas, everyone was relaxing. + "Doctor, I still don't understand how this TARDIS can be so big!" +La Forge stated. + "It's all quite simple, really. It's dimensionally transcendental." +the Doctor remarked in a tone which said that he expected La Forge to +understand it all from that explanation. + "But I still don...." La Forge was cut off by Picard. + "Shouldn't we be concerned more about the Borg and the Enterprise's +data core?" Picard interjected. + "Yes... Captain Picard has a point." the Doctor agreed. Suddenly, +the whole TARDIS shuddered violently. + "RED ALER....." Picard cut himself off as soon as he remembered +where he was. A sound filled the whole TARDIS. The Doctor's +expression became quite serious. + "What is it?" Riker asked. + "The TARDIS cloister bells....." the Doctor responded... + "The what?" Picard asked sternly. + "It means imminent disaster for the TARDIS." There were a few +moments of deathly silence. "Quick! The console room!" The Doctor +leaped out of his chair and sprinted out of the room. The others got up +and followed him. + +------------------------------------------------------------------------ + TOMORROW: SECTION FIVE OF "STARS AND BLIGHTS FOREVER"! +------------------------------------------------------------------------ + +Internet: doug.vermes%acc1bbs@ssr.com + + +Path: moe.ksu.ksu.edu!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!darwin.sura.net!wupost!uunet!hotmomma!acc1bbs!doug.vermes +From: doug.vermes%acc1bbs@ssr.com (Doug Vermes) +Newsgroups: rec.arts.drwho +Subject: DOCTOR WHO/ST:TNG STORY +Message-ID: <4570.130.uupcb@ssr.com> +Date: 1 Dec 92 16:56:00 GMT +Distribution: world +Organization: Advanced Computer Concepts BBS, New Rochelle, NY 914-654-1981 +Reply-To: doug.vermes%acc1bbs@ssr.com (Doug Vermes) +Lines: 82 + +Here's Section Five of "Stars and Blights Forever" +----------------------------------------------------------------------- + Once the others had caught up with the Doctor in the console room, +he was already staring at the open scanner screen with discontent. The +others glanced at it. + "Captain, the Borg attached their tractor beam to the Doctor's ship. +We're being pulled within range of their disruptor beam." La Forge +commented. + "How long before we are in range?" Riker asked. + "I can't tell you exactly, but it'd have to be pretty soon!" + "Doctor, we've got to get out of here!" Riker said impatiently. + "Yes.. I quite agree with you. I'll try and materialize on board the +Borg ship. Hold tight, everyone!" The Doctor flipped some switches and +the TARDIS shuddered a bit more violently than the Doctor had expected, +knocking Picard off his feet. Picard's head hit the floor with a thud, +and he went unconscious. The central column slowed to a complete stop, +and ceased being lit. + "Doctor!" Riker barked. + "Yes?" The Doctor and Doctor Crusher answered simultaneously. +The Doctor grinned, but his grin quickly vanished as he +remembered the seriousness of Picard's situation. + "I mean, Doctor Crusher! Can you help him?" Riker asked. +Apparently, Riker was not amused. + "Well, I can try to stabilize his condition. But I can't bring him +'round." Doctor Crusher answered. + "Why not?" + "The replicator doesn't work without the computer, I couldn't +bring any medication." She began to attempt to stabilize Picard. + "Damn!" Riker activated his communicator. "Riker to Enterprise." +Silence. "Riker to Enterprise." + "That won't work in here, I'm afraid." the Doctor said. "He'll just +have to stay in here while we go and recover the data core." The Doctor +began flicking switches and dials and pressing numerous buttons on the +console at lightning speed. + "Doctor Crusher, remain here with the Captain." + "Yes, Commander." she answered. + "Now, Doctor. You, Geordi, Deanna, Worf, and I will enter the Borg +ship." Riker ordered. + "Yes, Commander." the Doctor responded, in a playful tone. The +Doctor pulled the red lever which operated the doors, and they slid +open. Worf and Riker pulled out their phasers and prepared themselves +for combat. The five walked out of the TARDIS. + + Inside the massive Borg ship, the Police Box exterior of the TARDIS +seemed a tiny incongruency. The Doctor locked the door to the TARDIS. + "Will, I'm sensing the massive Borg consciousness. They are aware +of our presence." Counselor Troi remarked. Suddenly, a Borg stepped out +of one of the many cubicles and started marching toward them. Worf +fired, hitting the Borg point blank. The Borg fell to the ground, +de-activated. + + "No, no, no, no, no, no.... That's not the way to do it!" The Doctor +pulled out a cylindrical device with a bullet-shaped head and walked +toward a large metal box which was near them. The Doctor twisted the +bottom of the device and held in near the center of the right side of +the box. The device emitted a faint whirring noise. The cover of the box +suddenly slid off, revealing a mass of wires. The Doctor reached into +the box and ripped out the wires. Suddenly, the whole ship seemed to +silence. "There we go." The Doctor smiled. + "What have you done?" Riker asked. + "If I'm right, he's severed the link with the Borg consciousness." +La Forge postulated. + "Deanna?" + "I am no longer sensing the Borg consciousness." The away team +silenced while that fact fully registered. Worf stared needles at the +Doctor. + "What have you done?" Worf demanded in his deep Klingon voice. + "Well, I've put the Borg out of action, so to speak." the Doctor +responded quite proudly. + "Permanently?" Riker questioned. + "No, no! Temporarily, Commander Riker, temporarily..." + "We'd better search the Borg ship. Deanna, maintain vigilance with +the Borg. At the first sign of any Borg consciousness, I am to be +informed immediately." Riker ordered. + "Yes, Commander." she complied. + +----------------------------------------------------------------------- + TOMORROW: SECTION SIX OF "STARS AND BLIGHTS FOREVER"! +----------------------------------------------------------------------- + +Internet: doug.vermes%acc1bbs@ssr.com + + +Path: moe.ksu.ksu.edu!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!darwin.sura.net!wupost!uunet!hotmomma!acc1bbs!doug.vermes +From: doug.vermes%acc1bbs@ssr.com (Doug Vermes) +Newsgroups: rec.arts.drwho +Subject: DOCTOR WHO/ST:TNG STORY +Message-ID: <4571.130.uupcb@ssr.com> +Date: 1 Dec 92 16:58:00 GMT +Distribution: world +Organization: Advanced Computer Concepts BBS, New Rochelle, NY 914-654-1981 +Reply-To: doug.vermes%acc1bbs@ssr.com (Doug Vermes) +Lines: 92 + +Ok... Section Six of "Stars and Blights Forever". +------------------------------------------------------------------------ + Inside the TARDIS, Doctor Crusher was beginning to get impatient. +She glanced at Picard's prostrate form and back at the console. She +paced back and forth, thinking of something that she could do. She +walked over to the central console. + "Computer." She decided to try to access the ship's computer. There +was no response. "Computer!" she reiterated. Still silence. She flipped +a few switches. Nothing happened. She flipped a few more. Suddenly +she heard a humming sound. She spun around. The scanner screen had +slid open. It showed the inside of the massive ship. She smiled. + "Now that's more like it!" she said. + "Doctor..." a faint voice croaked. It was Picard. + "Jean-Luc, don't try to move." + "Beverly... I don't think I can stay conscious for much longer..." +Picard's words took extreme effort on his part. + "Hang on, Jean-Luc. I'll try and find some medical supplies." +'Easier said than done, Beverly. ', she thought. She left the console +room and wandered through the corridor. "Well... A ship so small on the +outside couldn't be TOO much larger on the inside," she said to +herself. She was never more wrong. She wandered further and further +around. Corridor after corridor all looked the same to her. +Nevertheless, she was determined to find some sort of medicine. +She opened door after door. Finally, after what seemed to her like +hours of walking around in this maze, she found a storage cabinet. +Inside was a box which seemed to be a first aid kit of some kind. +Satisfied with this discovery, she headed back to the console room. + + The away team was cautiously making their way around the seemingly +out of action Borg ship. Riker had a look of uneasiness on his face. The +Doctor, however, seemed quite calm. They continued their search. + + Back on the Enterprise, Ace was getting worried. She paced back +and forth on the bridge. + "What's taking them so long?" She asked, semi-rhetorically. + "I cannot hypothesize as to that. I do not possess enough +information." Data responded. Ace walked over to the science section +of the computer. + "You've got some ace hardware!" she remarked. + "I am not familiar with your terminology. Please clarify." Data +requested. + "What? What do you mean?" + "I do not understand the word 'ace', that you used. Is Ace not your +designation?" + "Designation? Oh! It's nothing... Just an expression for something +really neat." + "Neat. Tidy. Clean. I understand." + "No! Not 'neat' as in tidy, neat as in 'cool'." + "'Cool'. Expression of something which attracts the interest of +the speaker. I see." Data added this word to his data bank. Ace started +playing around with the computer. "You are not permitted to do that, +Ace." + "Oh, come on, Data!" Ace begged. + "Come on where?" Data inquired. + "Never mind." Ace responded touchily. Momentarily, an expression +of confusion appeared on Data's face. Then, he resumed his normal +activities. Ace sat down in the First Officer's seat, and waited +impatiently. + + Half an hour after finding what Doctor Crusher assumed was a +medical kit, she re-entered the console room, extremely out of breath. + "My God! This place is a maze!" Doctor Crusher said to herself. +She opened up the medical kit to reveal numerous complex pieces of +medical equipment. She handled each one carefully, examining them for +some clue as to what they might do. + + The away team so far had been unsuccessful in their search. Riker +was getting more impatient. + "Doctor, where is the data core?" He asked rhetorically. + "Oh how should I know!" The Doctor responded, nevertheless. + "What about Captain Picard? He might be in grave danger." Riker +hypothesized. + "No, I shouldn't think so. Doctor Crusher must have found the first +aid kit in Store-Room Three by now! She can't help Picard without it." +Suddenly a thought struck the Doctor. "Oh!!!" + "What?" La Forge asked. + "She'll have no idea how to use the medical facilites! The +equipment of your time is primitive compared to my medical kit!" Riker +rolled his eyes. + "Well, what can we do?" Riker asked. + "I think I'd better get back to the TARDIS." + "No, Doctor. We need you here! Your presence is imperative if we +are to recover the data core." + "Well SOMEONE has to go back to the TARDIS!" Riker thought about +this for a moment. + +---------------------------------------------------------------------- + TOMORROW: SECTION SEVEN OF "STARS AND BLIGHTS FOREVER"! +(Since everyone's being so patient, tomorrow I'll post two sections) +---------------------------------------------------------------------- +Internet: doug.vermes%acc1bbs@ssr.com + + +Path: moe.ksu.ksu.edu!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!darwin.sura.net!wupost!uunet!hotmomma!acc1bbs!doug.vermes +From: doug.vermes%acc1bbs@ssr.com (Doug Vermes) +Newsgroups: rec.arts.drwho +Subject: DOCTOR WHO/ST:TNG STORY +Message-ID: <4572.130.uupcb@ssr.com> +Date: 1 Dec 92 16:59:00 GMT +Distribution: world +Organization: Advanced Computer Concepts BBS, New Rochelle, NY 914-654-1981 +Reply-To: doug.vermes%acc1bbs@ssr.com (Doug Vermes) +Lines: 90 + +Now, here is Section Seven of "Stars and Blights Forever"! +------------------------------------------------------------------------ + "Geordi, you'll go back." + "Yes, Commander Riker." La Forge responded. + "Now... Geordi... Let me explain the medical kit... " The Doctor +proceeded to run down a long list of complex descriptions and technical +information. Despite its apparent complexity, Geordi seemed to +understand it. + "Commander, I think now that we've shut down the Borg +Consciousness, I should be able to rig up something on the Enterprise +to allow transportation to and from the Borg ship." + "But how will you get back to the Enterprise?" Riker asked. + "He can go in the TARDIS," the Doctor answered. + "But I can't operate the TARDIS!" La Forge blurted out. + "Oh, don't worry! I already set the coordinates for the Enterprise. +All you have to do is to go in, close the doors, and press the third +switch on the bottom of the panel closest to the interior doors. It's +gray, I think." the Doctor said. "Key!" The Doctor tossed Geordi one +of the keys to the TARDIS as the thought struck him. + "Well...." + "Go on, Geordi." Riker ordered. La Forge starting going back to +the TARDIS. Suddenly, he spun around. + "Commander! You'll probably need my tricorder." La Forge +commented. He proceeded to give the tricorder to Riker. + "Good point, Geordi. Thanks." La Forge walked away and the Doctor, +Riker, Troi, and Worf continued on their search. The Borg ship, along +with the Borg, seemed quite dormant. Riker flipped open the tricorder +and began to take readings. + "Hmm... It doesn't seem to tell us much." Riker commented. + "Let me see that..." the Doctor said, with a gleam in his eyes. The +Doctor had a look of extreme concentration on his face as his fingers +played across the keys of the tricorder at amazing speed. A few +moments later, the Doctor stopped his reprogramming. "There we go! +This should help us find the data core!" the Doctor remarked quite +triumphantly. Riker snatched it away and looked at it. + "This way." he pointed in the direction that the tricorder gave +the largest reading from. + + La Forge had a bit of difficulty finding the TARDIS in the massive +Borg ship but, surprisingly enough, he managed to find it relatively +quickly. He removed the key from his pocket, unlocked the doors to +the TARDIS, and walked in. + + Inside the TARDIS, Doctor Crusher heard a humming sound and +saw the interior doors open. La Forge walked in. + "Geordi!" she remarked with surprise. La Forge pushed the red +door lever on the console and the doors slid closed. + "Hello, Doctor Crusher. How's the Captain?" he asked. + "Not too well. I found what I think is the medical kit, but I +haven't the faintest idea how to use it!" she said. + "Yeah... The Doctor said you'd have a problem, so he sent me +here. First, let's get back to the Enterprise." + "But, how-" + "The Doctor says the coordinates are already set! Here's hoping!" +He flicked the third switch on the bottom of the panel closest to the +interior doors. It was blue. The time rotor lit up and the central +column began to steadily rise and fall. "Now... Let me explain how to +use the medical equipment..." He recounted the whole lecture the Doctor +gave him. Once he finished, Doctor Crusher understood how to use +everything. She fished out the device that supposedly had the "deep +healing beam," and applied it to Picard. Five minutes later, Picard +regained consciousness. He sat up slowly and looked around as his vision +cleared. Doctor Crusher was astonished at how quick the recovery was. +She marvelled at the living proof that medical technology more advanced +than what she possessed existed. + "Geordi... Beverly..." Picard smiled as he saw Doctor Crusher. +"Where..." He looked around and remembered he was in the TARDIS. +"Where is the rest of the away team?" he asked. + "They're out on the Borg ship trying to recover the main data +core." La Forge replied. + "I must join them." Picard stood up. + "That's not possible, Captain." La Forge remarked. + "Why not?" + "The TARDIS is on its way back to the Enterprise." + "How were you able to operate it?" + "The Doctor had preset the coordinates." + "I see." Picard had just finished speaking these words when the +central column slowed to a complete halt. The time rotor was no longer +lit. Picard was the first to notice this. "Geordi, the column has +stopped moving." + "You're right, Captain. I think we've landed." La Forge remarked. + "Let's open the doors then." Picard ordered. La Forge pulled the +door lever and the doors slid open. They walked out. + +----------------------------------------------------------------------- + STAY TUNED!!! SECTION EIGHT IS IN THE NEXT MESSAGE!!! +----------------------------------------------------------------------- + +Internet: doug.vermes%acc1bbs@ssr.com + + +Path: moe.ksu.ksu.edu!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!caen!uunet!hotmomma!acc1bbs!doug.vermes +From: doug.vermes%acc1bbs@ssr.com (Doug Vermes) +Newsgroups: rec.arts.drwho +Subject: DOCTOR WHO/ST:TNG STORY +Message-ID: <4573.130.uupcb@ssr.com> +Date: 1 Dec 92 16:59:00 GMT +Distribution: world +Organization: Advanced Computer Concepts BBS, New Rochelle, NY 914-654-1981 +Reply-To: doug.vermes%acc1bbs@ssr.com (Doug Vermes) +Lines: 96 + +Section 8 of "Stars and Blights Forever"! +------------------------------------------------------------------------ + In the Captain's ready room, where it had been before, the TARDIS +materialized. On the bridge, Ace, who was half dead from boredom, +heard the materialization sound and jumped out of the First Officer's +seat. + "Ace, where are you going?" Data inquired. She ran into the ready +room. Picard, Crusher, and La Forge were standing in front of the +TARDIS. + "Where's the Professor?" Ace asked Picard. + "Who?" he asked. + "The Doctor, I mean." + "He's still on the Borg ship." + "Captain, I can rig something up to allow transportation to the +Borg ship, now that their defenses are disabled." La Forge commented. + "Make it so." Picard ordered. La Forge left the ready room. +Picard, deciding there was no reason to remain in the ready room, also +left. He was followed by the Ace and Doctor Crusher. + + Data saw the Captain walk on the bridge and immediately left the +Captain's seat. + "Captain, was your mission successful?" Data asked. + "Not yet, Data. The Doctor is still on board with Worf, Counselor +Troi, and Commander Riker." Picard responded. "Any change in status, Mr. +Data?" + "Negative, Captain." + "Data, the Doctor has temporarily de-activated the Borg +Consciousness. Would we be able to communicate with the Doctor and +Commander Riker?" Picard asked. + "If their energy field has been de-activated as well, it should be +possible." Data responded. + "Well, there's only one way to find out." Picard activated his +communicator. "Picard to Commander Riker." Picard waited for a few +moments. No one responded. "Picard to Commander Riker!" Still no +response. Picard decided he'd de-activate his communicator. Just as he +was doing so, a voice responded through the communicator. The voice was +very faint and difficult to hear. There was a lot of sub-space +interference which broke up the message. + "...Riker here... see you... well, Captain." Riker said. + "Commander Riker. What is your current situation?" + "...Can't...communicat... Repeat... not understa.. Ple... peat..." + "What is your current situation?" Picard repeated. + "...Doctor... searching....data core... tricorder... Locate +soon..." + "Your message is difficult to understand, Number One. Commander La +Forge is preparing to transport us to the Borg ship. I repeat, we will +be beaming to the Borg ship." + "Understoo.... Await... rrival..." + "Picard out." Picard de-activated his communicator. "Data, what +was the cause of all the interference?" + "The remainder of the Borg energy field which surrounds their +ship." Data responded. + "Commander La Forge, how soon will transporters be ready?" Picard +barked. + "I'm working on it, Captain! Probably another few hours!" He +responded. Ace, who was tolerating all this, walked over to Picard. + "Excuse me, Captain Picard?" she asked. + "Yes, Ace?" He responded. + "Could I have the key to the TARDIS so I can get some stuff from +the TARDIS?" + "Well, umm..." + "I just left a few things in there! I'll only be a minute!" + "Well... I suppose so..." He handed the TARDIS key to Ace. + "Thanks." she walked into the ready room and entered the TARDIS. + + Inside the TARDIS, Ace went to her room. 'Now where did I put +those canisters of Nitro-9?' she asked herself. She continued searching. + + The doors to Turbolift Four slid open and Commander La Forge +walked on to the bridge. He walked over to Captain Picard. + "Captain, I've finished re-adjusting the molecular stabilization +ratios and field core integration algorithms on the transporters, so we +should be able to transport to and from the Borg ship now, as long as +they remain inactive." La Forge said. + "Good work." Picard acknowledged. "Data, prepare any necessities +for away team work and meet me in Transporter Room Two." He ordered. + "Yes, Captain." Data responded, and then proceeded to leave the +bridge. + "Ace? Ace?" Picard looked for Ace. Suddenly, the doors to the +ready room slid open, and Ace walked in. "Ah, Ace, there you are. You +will accompany Lieutenant Commander Data and me to the Borg ship." + "Sure, it's better than being stuck on the bridge!" Ace seemed +excited. + "La Forge, you have the bridge." Picard ordered. + "Me?" La Forge dared to question Picard. + "Yes, you!" + "Well, it's just that I've never..." + "You have the bridge, Geordi!" Picard barked. + "Yes, Captain." he responded. + +---------------------------------------------------------------------- + NEXT UP: SECTION 9 OF "STARS AND BLIGHTS FOREVER"! + (Section 10 is the last section of the story) +---------------------------------------------------------------------- +Internet: doug.vermes%acc1bbs@ssr.com + + +Path: moe.ksu.ksu.edu!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!caen!uunet!hotmomma!acc1bbs!doug.vermes +From: doug.vermes%acc1bbs@ssr.com (Doug Vermes) +Newsgroups: rec.arts.drwho +Subject: DOCTOR WHO/ST:TNG STORY +Message-ID: <4574.130.uupcb@ssr.com> +Date: 1 Dec 92 17:01:00 GMT +Distribution: world +Organization: Advanced Computer Concepts BBS, New Rochelle, NY 914-654-1981 +Reply-To: doug.vermes%acc1bbs@ssr.com (Doug Vermes) +Lines: 97 + +Ok.. Here's Section Nine of "Stars and Blights Forever"! +------------------------------------------------------------------------ + "Ace, come with me." Picard and Ace walked into Turbolift One. +"Transporter Room One," Picard announced to the ship's computer. Nothing +happened. "Transporter Room One!" he repeated his order. Still no +response. He slapped his communicator on. "La Forge! What is wrong with +Turbolift One?" Picard demanded. + "Sorry, Captain, but without a data core, the computer can't +operate. You'll need to open the hatch on the side panel of the +Turbolift and manually input the destination." La Forge responded. +Picard grunted and turned off his communicator. Picard glanced around +the Turbolift. + "What hatch?" he asked rhetorically. Ace popped open the hatch in +question. + "This one." She grinned. A complex mass of wires and circuits was +inside the hatch. There was also a relatively primitive number entry +pad. Picard entered in a number, presumably the Deck number where +Transporter Room One was located, and the Turbolift started moving. +After a little while, the Turbolift slowed to a halt, and the doors +opened. Picard and Ace walked out. They entered Transporter Room One, +where Chief O'Brien was stationed. Picard stepped on a transporter pad, +next to Data, who was waiting for Picard and Ace, and motioned Ace to +step on a vacant pad. + "Chief O'Brien, have you located the trace patterns of +either the Doctor, Worf, Counselor Troi, or Commander Riker?" Picard +asked. + "Yes, I've located all four. However, I'm getting slightly +strange readings from the pattern of the Doctor." O'Brien responded. + "Never mind that, just put us down near the Doctor." + "Yes, Captain." O'Brien acknowledged. + "Energize." O'Brien played his fingers across the transporter +console and with a flash of light, the three away team members speckled +out of existence on the Enterprise. + + Meanwhile, the Doctor was busy searching for the data core. He +possessed the tricorder, and was getting close to the core, by the wild +fluctuation in readings from the tricorder. All of sudden, Captain +Picard, Data, and Ace, materialized beside the Doctor. + "Ahh, Ace, I thought I told you to stay put!" the Doctor said +playfully. + "Come on, professor." she responded. Ace put her knapsack on the +ground. + "Ace! You have to stay on the Enterprise!" + "Doctor, have you made any progress?" Picard asked. + "Captain Picard, I see you've made a full recovery! As it happens, +I'm close to the data core, if the tricorder is right. But these +readings keep shifting, it's very disconcerting. Captain, can you beam +Ace back to the Enterprise?" + "Yes, of course." Picard activated his computer. "Picard to Chief +O'Brien." + "O'Brien here.' O'Brien responded. + "Beam Ace back to the Enterprise." + "Aye, sir." + "Energize." + "Doctor!" Ace's last attempt to remain with the away team was in +vain as she slowly dematerialized. Her knapsack, although unseen by the +others, remained. Riker and Worf walked over to the new away team. After +some brief greetings, they went back to work. + "Let's find the data core." They followed the tricorder readings +for another few minutes, until they stood beside a console of sorts. The +Doctor pulled out his trusty sonic screwdriver and opened up a panel +on the console. Situated right in the center of all the circuitry was +the data core. The Doctor grabbed it out of the circuitry. + "Captain!" Troi remarked, in a very distressed tone of voice. + "What is it?" Picard asked. + "The Borg! The consciousness is back! It just came out of nowhere!" + "We've got to get out of here!" Riker remarked. Riker hastily +activated his communicator. "O'BRIEN! GET US OUT OF HERE! NOW!" he +yelled. The six began dematerializing. This time, it was a slow process, +due to the power building up in the Borg energy field. However, after +what seemed like eternity, the six rematerialized in the Transporter +Room on the Enterprise. The Doctor noticed, to his surprise, that he no +longer possessed the data core. + "Where..." the Doctor began to ask, but he was cut off by Mr. +O'Brien. + "Captain, I have beamed the data core directly back into the main +computer, so all ship functions ought to be operational." O'Brien +commented. + "Thank you, Mr. O'Brien." Picard responded hurriedly. + "Quick! The bridge!" the Doctor remarked. They all ran to the +various Turbolifts, accompanied by Ace, who had been waiting in the +Transporter Room. As it happened, Ace, Picard, and the Doctor, ended +up in the same Turbolift. + "Computer, Express mode to Main bridge." Picard ordered. + "Acknowledged." the computer responded. The Turbolift gave a little +jolt as it started to move at ten times its ordinary speed. Seconds +later, the Turbolift doors opened, and they all ran onto the bridge. The +menacing image of the Borg ship still lurked on the main viewscreen. + "Captain, you must get out of here before the Borg ship before they +fully recover!" the Doctor said. At that moment, Worf, Data, and Troi +ran onto the bridge from a different Turbolift. Each ran to their +respective posts. + +----------------------------------------------------------------------- + NEXT MESSAGE: SECTION TEN OF "STARS AND BLIGHTS FOREVER"! +Internet: doug.vermes%acc1bbs@ssr.com---------------------------------- + + +Path: moe.ksu.ksu.edu!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!caen!uunet!hotmomma!acc1bbs!doug.vermes +From: doug.vermes%acc1bbs@ssr.com (Doug Vermes) +Newsgroups: rec.arts.drwho +Subject: DOCTOR WHO/ST:TNG STORY +Message-ID: <4575.130.uupcb@ssr.com> +Date: 1 Dec 92 17:01:00 GMT +Distribution: world +Organization: Advanced Computer Concepts BBS, New Rochelle, NY 914-654-1981 +Reply-To: doug.vermes%acc1bbs@ssr.com (Doug Vermes) +Lines: 82 + +Here we go! Section 10, the last section, of "Stars and Blights Forever" +------------------------------------------------------------------------ + "Agreed." Picard thought for a second. "Let's get rid of them while +we have the chance. Mr. Worf, load all torpedo bays!" he ordered. + "Picard, no!" the Doctor remarked. + "Aye, Captain." Worf responded. Worf pressed a few controls on his +station. "Torpedoes bays loaded." + "Doctor, we have no other choice." + "But they are living creatures! They have their right to existence +just as much as you or I do!" the Doctor pointed out. + "Captain, the Borg ship has regained fifty percent of its power." +Data remarked. + "Doctor, I must destroy them while I can! Living creatures or not, +they will do nothing but destroy. I cannot allow that." Picard argued. + "And I cannot allow you to destroy these Borg in cold-blooded +murder!" the Doctor snapped back. + "I'm sorry, Doctor." The Doctor opened his mouth to protest +further. "Fire." Picard ordered. Worf pressed a few more buttons on his +control panel. The cluster of officers on the bridge watched as the +reddish torpedoes were fired upon the Borg ship. The torpedoes neared +the ship and impacted. Nothing happened. A buzzer sounded. + "Captain, the Borg's energy field has absorbed the impact. No +damage has been done to the ship or the energy field." Data stated. + "We're too late!" Picard snapped. + + On the Borg ship, one by one, the Borg stirred and started leaving +their cubicles. The first one out came out near Ace's knapsack. The Borg +picked up the knapsack, inspected it, and then tossed it a bit violently +back to the ground. + + A bright flash spread across the viewscreen. The Doctor covered +his eyes. The Enterprise shook from pieces of the Borg ship which hit +the shields. When the flash faded, the Borg ship had blown up into +thousands of tiny fragments of rubble floating in space. The Doctor took +off his hat and placed it on his chest, and bent his head in respect. +The Enterprise crew was horrified by this action, but, nevertheless, +remained silent. + "What happened?" Riker asked. + "I dunno. I would've loved to have blown it up with some of the +Nitro 9 that I made." Ace said. She suddenly realized she was missing +her knapsack. "Hang about! Where's my sack?" Realization hit the Doctor +first. + "Ace, you left it on the Borg ship! How many times have I told you +not to carry around explosives in your bag!" The Doctor's voice had a +slightly playful tone to it. Ace smiled. + "Sorry, professor." she responded. + "Well that's that, then." Picard said. + "I see you got your way after all, Captain Picard." the Doctor +said with a hint of resentment in his voice. + "Yes, it is all for our safety, Doctor." The Doctor grunted at +this remark. + "Come along, Ace. Time we were off." the Doctor remarked in a +slightly disturbed tone of voice. Picard was about to thank the Doctor +for all his help, but caught himself, as he realized that the Doctor +didn't want to destroy the Borg. The Doctor and Ace left the bridge and +went to the ready room. + "Ensign Crusher, plot course for the nearest Starbase. Warp factor +5." Picard took one last look at the rubble of what was the Borg ship. +"Engage." + + The Doctor unlocked the TARDIS and motioned Ace inside. They walked +in. Inside, the Doctor pressed the lever that controlled the doors. + "Where to now, Ace?" he asked. + "I've always wanted to see the Eye of Orion that you told me so much +about." Ace responded. The Doctor considered her suggestion. + "Agreed." The Doctor smiled. Ace smiled in response, and the two +broke out into laughter. + + With a wheezing, groaning sound, the TARDIS dematerialized from the +Captain's ready room on the U.S.S. Enterprise. On the bridge, after +hearing the dematerialization sound, Captain Picard nodded his head in +respect. + +============================-- THE END--================================ + +Internet: doug.vermes!acc1bbs%ssr.com + +---- +So, what did you all think of it? Any suggestions or comments? Please +tell me what you thought.... + - Doug + + diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/startrek b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/startrek new file mode 100644 index 00000000..82a1e32d --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/startrek @@ -0,0 +1,1732 @@ +Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative +Path: newserv.ksu.ksu.edu!moe.ksu.ksu.edu!vixen.cso.uiuc.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!pipex!uknet!festival!castle.ed.ac.uk!ewans +From: ewans@castle.ed.ac.uk (Ewan Spence) +Subject: Star Trek - The New Frontier - Xmas Special +Message-ID: +Sender: news@festival.ed.ac.uk (remote news read deamon) +Organization: Edinburgh University +Date: Thu, 16 Dec 1993 12:04:09 GMT +Keywords: Repost 1-4, New Chapter 5 +Lines: 653 + +A Christams wish from the author... +======================================================================== + +Firstly, I'm really glad that I managed to get to this point. 7 weeks +ago, when the idea for The New Frontier catalysed in my mind, I had no +idea where it would lead. Now, I have made a lot of people very happy +with this story. + +Regarding A Bridge To Far (Which of course, is the name of this pilot +episode), here we go with the traditional seasonal cliffhanger. The net +has to have at least one. Chapter 5 appears at the end of this posting. +But due to a multitude of people requesting back chapters, I'm posting +chapters 1 through 4, and the new chapter (5), so get a printout, take +it home over the holidays, and try to work out how the hell Strachan and +co. get out of this one. + +The throwaway line seems to be becoming a tradition. In case you don't +know what it is, out of all the ideas that peolpe send to me, three +things usually happen. Most of them get filed for future reference, some +will have whole plot lines built round them, but a few get their idea +adapted and turned into the prize of The Throwaway Line. This is basically +a line in the new Chapter that adds a bit of ambience, or explains a little +point. I never actually reveal which line it is, but just who wins the +prize. Today, it belongs to... Steve Carabello. I changed your wish +slightly, Steve, but the idea is still there. If you want to win the +Throwaway line next time, mail me some ideas. + +As always, a plea for people to E-mail me. It's all this E-mail that +keeps me going in the dark nights as I work towards the conclusion in my +mind. Most people wanted to give TNF a good start before really talking +about it (Lori!), so I think that this is a good point to say, E-MAIL +ANY AND ALL OPINIONS TO ME. I WANT TO HEAR FROM _YOU!_ + +I would especially like people to suggest ways in which the Enigma can +escape. If anyone hits on the same idea that I'm going to use I'll +utilise conventional mail and send them a prize! Anybody who wants to +write another episode of TNF should mail me with their ideas, so I can +process them and maybe send out writers guides to them (Yes, I do have +one written for TNF). + +Finally, (Cliche warning) all you have a Merry Christmas, and don't +drink too much... + +Ewan (The Author) + +P.S. Joe Young, in regards to the archive, please replace parts 1-4 with +this version. It superseeds them. Thanks. + +Here we go with the repost... + +========================================================================== +Author's Note. +========================================================================= + +After starting to get slightly sick of everyone lambasting Star Trek - +Voyager on the net before it is even broadcast (or even just cast!); I have +decided to write what I would like to see. + +I have taken Paramount's in-house pre-production name just to confuse +you, and created an all-new crew, with the exception of the Conn Officer. +Yes, this is the same Robin Leflar that appeared in The Next Generation. +The initial premise, the lost in the far-flung corners of the Galaxy plot, +seems to be the best bet for Voyager, so I used that as well. + +This is my first bash at writing for pleasure so constructive criticism is +welcomed (go easy, mind you); but no flames please (i.e. I hate the +complete idea of this, etc.). + +Ewan Spence, November 1993. +E-Mail on exs@dcs.ed.ac.uk or ewans@castle.ed.ac.uk + +Based on Star Trek, created by Gene Roddenberry. +All new material here is copyright Ewan Spence. Ewan Spence asserts the +moral right to be identified as the author of this work. You are free to +distribute this, as long as it is kept together, remains unedited, and you +charge no more than nominal copying costs. + +========================================================================== +Chapter 1. +========================================================================== + +Captain's Personal Log; Stardate 48012.7. The impossible is finally +happening. I am on my way, in the traditional shuttle craft, to take +command of the USS Enigma. I've waited a long time for this, lets hope +that this cruise is nothing like the first I had on the Geronimo. I don't +think that anything else could have went wrong during those first weeks. + I also am looking forward to seeing Nicole T'zer again. Starfleet +decided that she was to be my Number One. I didn't get a choice this +time, either. Thanks to this wonderful piece of bureaucracy, we will have +to make sure that we are... careful. + + Captain Tyler Strachan looked out across the sky, straining to catch a +glimpse of what he knew would take up the next 12 months of his life. +The shuttle-craft carried on in it's orbit around the Earth, and still Strachan +kept looking. This tradition of having the Captain first arrive at his +command by a shuttle had been around since the refit of the original +Enterprise. (Nobody remembered that the only reason for that occurrence +was due to the transporters being out of operation). It may have been +tradition, but it still set every Captain's nerves on the edge. + + There she was. Strachan took in the sight of his first command in over 5 +years with a belated sigh of relief. He had not thought it possible that he +would actually command another Starship after the massacre that had +been The Borg. Old wounds healed slowly, and the pain of the battle had +never quite left him. + + Damn, he thought, I'm getting to old for this Starfleet lark. Maybe I +should have quit after Wolf 359... + + * * * * * * * * + + "...and escort us to sector 001, where we begin the assimilation of your +race." Strachan took in the situation immediately. His helm officer, Nicole +T'zer responded with characteristic speed, "What the hell have they done +to him, Captain?" + "I haven't got a clue T'zer. But there is no way that the Borg are getting +past 359." + "Aye, Sir. Shields are up, phasers charged, all torpedo bays loaded. All +decks on Red Alert. Were ready" + The klaxons rebounded around the ship. The USS Geronimo was in full +battle readiness in under 10 seconds, but no drill could compare with what +they were up against. Heeling over to join the first Vic formation against +the bloated cube, the Geronimo engaged the Borg. + The ship rocked violently to port. + The response from T'zer was instantaneous, "The Borg have locked on +with their tractor beam!" + "Shields being drained," this from the tactical station, "90 per cent... 80 +per cent..." + "Bridge to Engineering, Bill, auxiliary power to the shields." Strachan +was watching his ship being stripped of all it's defences, one by one. + "Shields have failed!" + "Fire all torpedoes." + + The command was never executed. The Borg sliced away the +Secondary Hull of the Geronimo. + "Hull breach! We just lost... God Almighty, the complete sec-" +The Borg ship fired again. Geronimo lost half of the remaining Primary +Hull. On the bridge, Strachan ordered the last option left open to him. + "All hands, abandon ship; repeat, all hands, abandon ship. Clear the +bridge. Get to those lifeboats, people." +The bridge crew made a hurried exit for the turbo-lift. Strachan stopped +his two senior officers, Robbins and T'zer. + "Lets leave a surprise for the Borg." + The revenge present in both their eyes was all he needed as he turned to +the Sciences Station. + "Computer, recognise Captain Tyler Strachan." + "Recognised" + "Set self destruct." + "Does the First Officer Concur?" +Robbins never got the chance. The Borg delivered it's third and final blow +to the Geronimo. The saucer section exploded. + + Time passed. The Borg made for Sol, the irritation now removed. + + Drifting, the remains of the Geronimo were a pitiful sight. The top three +decks had been the only section to remain habitable. The hulk contained +two survivors, Captain Tyler Strachan, and Lieutenant Nicole T'zer. + "How are you feeling, Nicole?" + The young Lieutenant looked up. Emergency lighting was draping a +thin, red, glow around the remains of the bridge. She could make out her +Captain looking over her. + "Pretty good, Captain. Yourself?" + "Shaky at best. I can't feel my legs." + "And Mr Robbins?" + Tyler's head perceptibly dropped, "It's just you and me." + "How bad is the ship?" + "What ship? The Borg have taken out most of it. All we have is the +backup bridge Life Support, and limited Battery Power. Lets hope +Starfleet send out someone to get us out of here, quick." + "Lets hope Starfleet survive." + The question hung in the air. Tyler and Nicole were going to be together +for a long time... + + * * * * * * * * + + The memories came flooding back to Tyler. It had take Starfleet over 2 +weeks to realise that there were people still alive aboard the remains of the +Geronimo. The damage to his legs had take over a year in a Starfleet +Medical Hospital; after that, the 'fleet had already allocated the surviving +senior officers to ships. Tyler had spent the next three years of his life as +an Academy instructor. + He had always intended to return to the big chair. The months of +watching the young, eager cadets leave his course to join new Starships +had been excruciating. Only two cadets had ever stood out of the crowd at +him. One was the infamous Wesley Crusher, provider of many a good +story told round the Instructor's Table; and the other had been Peter +Dalrymple. Pete had been in the first class he graduated, and Strachan had +followed his career with half an eye. He was pleasantly surprised when +Dalrymple had been posted to the Enigma as his Second Officer. + + It had taken him 3 years to convince Starfleet to give him back his +command. Only he could be happy with a 30 year old, Miranda Class +Light Cruiser, that should have been mothballed years ago. A Ship is a +ship, his father had always maintained. But not this one, he thought. I'm +going to make it big on this one. I have to... + +============================================================================ +Chapter 2. +============================================================================ + + The shuttle bay repressurised. Captain Strachan walked out. A Well- +built officer brought a Guard of Honour to attention. Strachan turned to +him, "Permission to come aboard, Lieutenant." + "Permission granted, Captain." + Strachan took in the officer standing before him, attempting to match +the face to the file he had on his senior officers. + "Bowland, isn't it?" + "Yes Sir." + "Chief of Security?" + "Yes Sir." + "Okay. Dismiss your men." + "Yes Sir." Bowland turned back to his troops to give the necessary +orders. + Strachan took in the Lieutenant while he was doing this. Tony Bowland +was quite tall, 6' 3, and had the aura of a Security Officer around him. +Strachan couldn't quite make out the accent. Tied to the well-tanned body, +Bowland could have came from anywhere along the Mediterranean. The +guard of honour marched out, leaving Bowland alone with his new +Captain. + Strachan broke the ice, "Any chance of a tour of the ship before anyone +knows I'm here, Mr Bowland?" + "Certainly Sir. I'll call down one of my staff to-" + "I'd rather that you take me round, Lieutenant. I presume that you +know this ship like the back of your hand, being Security Chief, correct?" + "Yes, Sir. Anywhere you would like to start?" + "Engineering." + + Escorting the new Captain down to Deck 6, Tony Bowland was +wondering how to break the news that the burly Chief of Security was +also running the ship's botanical gardens. Give it time, he thought to +himself. "First time on a Miranda Class for you, Sir?" + "Yes, it's well known class, but I always used to get landed with the +bigger ships. Yourself?" + Bowland took a heartbeat to respond, "First time on one that came from +this early a run," he paused. Should he carry on with the next question? +"Why did you choose this ship, Sir? After all, with the amount of time in +the service; you could have chosen any command, what with the +problems along the Neutral Zone." + "Mr Bowland, I had no choice in the ship I was given. After the +Academy, I would have been happy in a scout ship." + "You probably would have been safer in one of those. The Enigma +should have been decommissioned years ago. She's past her life-span, her +sell-by date, everything." + "You don't agree with Starfleet on the need to patrol the Neutral Zone?" + "I agree we should do it, Sir. But if you are going to defend, defend +with a deterrent, not a dustbin." + "Your opinion is noted, but I hope that this will not affect your +performance of your duty. Understood, Lieutenant?" + "Understood Sir. Engineering is just round this corner." Bowland +shivered. the atmosphere had turned decidedly chilly. + + Strachan and Bowland turned the corner to witness what appeared to +be complete chaos in Engineering. Dominated by the Matter/Anti-Matter +Reaction Assembly, the Section was overflowing with commands being +bawled out and Officers frantically working at stations. Suddenly, the +harsh light of a containment field snapped on round the M/ARA. + "Oh Shit! Abort the start-up routine." Commander Hazel Wittock, +Chief Engineer of the Enigma was, apparently, not in a good mood. +"Abort the anti-matter injection! Select full neutral cut-out! Reeve, give +me an anti-matter cross-section reading!" + "8.29cm, no residual anti-matter registering." + "Right, were okay," she was slightly calmer now, "Computer, drop the +containment field. Authorisation Wittock-three-eight-foxtrot." + "Confirmed. Containment field is now in stand-by." + The klaxons stopped. Strachan took his chance, "Nice work, +Commander." + Wittock turned, eyes suddenly alight with fury, but discipline taking +over on seeing who it was. "Than you, Sir. But none of this would be +necessary if we could have access to Space-Dock facilities." + "You know that the terrorist bomb ripped out all the ship support +pylons. We have to do it the hard way, and-" + "We should be doing it in a space worthy ship. I'm sure Mr Bowland +here made you aware of the... condition of this ship; if you didn't already +know." + "I know the state of the ship, Commander Wittock. I take it you are +aware of the number of Starships that were critically damaged in the same +explosion," Strachan's tone had turned cold. + "Yes, Sir." + "Were only going to be patrolling the Neutral Zone till the Fergusson +relieves us in a month's time." + "A month can be a long time in space." A smile attempted to escape +onto Wittock's face. + "Just hold her together till then, Hazel." The smile escaped. "Now, lets +have a look at what your doing wrong." + Wittock could see that the Captain was just as worried about the +Enigma's state of repair as she was. He can just hide it better, she +thought, as she escorted him into the Chief Engineer's Office. + +============================================================================ +Chapter 3. +============================================================================ + + Hazel Wittock has been suitably impressed by the way that Strachan +had handled himself in Engineering. She had only know him, personally, +for about thirty minutes; and she was already confident that this was the +man that could somehow keep this ship up and running, and successfully +patrol the Neutral Zone at the same time. + "Bridge to Engineering." + "Bridge, Commander Wittock here. Go ahead," Hazel Wittock turned +momentarily away from the work she was doing on the injector alignment +to take the call. + "Is Captain Strachan with you? Tony says he left him in +Engineering." + Wittock answered for both of them, "Yes, he's here Commander." + "Would you come up to the bridge, Captain. Were receiving new +orders from Starfleet." + "On my way. Strachan out." He looked at Wittock, "Better get Warp +on-line as soon as possible." + "Sir?" + "I got a bad feeling about this." + + * * * * * * * * + + The bridge of the Enigma was not very large. The present day Starfleet +layout had contributed to the design by virtue of a three-seat command +well, surrounded by the typical horseshoe tactical/security station. The +rest of the command well was of the old-style design that had been +standard from the days of the old Constitution class vessels; namely the +expansive helm/ops panel. The upper level had two recessed stations, one +at either side. With forward facing consoles, these two bridge stations +accommodated the Communications Relay to the Captain's right, and the +Sciences station to his left. Two alcoves were present. The one ahead and +on the right of the Captain's central position concealed the door to the +Captain's Ready Room (which was subjectively just behind the Main +Screen). The Briefing Room entrance was next to the Turbolift, in the +other alcove, which was diagonally opposite it's counterpart. A Turbolift +stood solitary to the Captains left. + Strachan knew all this before he saw the bridge of the Enigma, but that +first view was something that he had always looked forward to. The +Captain has the right, he thought, to savour the first view of his bridge. +The Turbolift doors snapped open. + + "Captain on the bridge!" + "At ease, Number one," Strachan didn't have time for the formalities. +He strided down into the Command well and turned to his First Officer. +Nicole T'zer. + Their eyes met for the first time in over eight months, "It's been a long +time, Tyler," sotto voice from T'zer. + "I know," Strachan responded in the same tone. Then he stepped up a +gear. "Report, Number One." + "Ship's status is that all auxiliary systems are on-line. All impulse +speeds available. Engineering reports that they will be attempting another +Warp power restart in 3 hours." + "Why so long?" + "Commander Wittock wants to leave the primers time to reset after the +previous episode, and the alignment checked before she 'throws a +bucketful of armageddon into the core.' Her words, not mine," T'zer +couldn't help but let out an impish grin, "It's nice to have you on board, +Sir." + "You too, Number One." Strachan turned to The Communications +Officer, "Lt Bryson, get Admiral Hansen, Starfleet." + "Aye, Sir," the young Lieutenant had only seemed to be working for a +few seconds when, "Admiral Hansen on the Main View screen, Sir." + "Thank you Lieutenant." + The main view screen changed to that of an older man, sitting behind a +desk. His face portrayed that of a man that had lived for a a lifetime +already. "How are you settling in, Tyler?" + "Hold up, Harry. I've only been on board for about 30 minutes." + "Sorry for the rush. We have a problem at this end. You understand +your orders for the patrol?" + "Yes. Why the question, Admiral?" + "Your departure time has been moved up. You leave in 15 minutes." + "WHAT!" Strachan was furious, "Have you seen the condition of this +ship!" + "Yes, I am, Tyler. Sorry." + "And you still expect us to just get up and go?" + "You don't understand the situation. The ship you were meant to +complement by the Neutral Zone?" + Strachan answered the question, "The Lafayette, it's a good ship." + "Was a good ship. Past Tense." Hansen's voice dropped a tone, "We +received a subspace message about 10 minutes ago. It was voice only. It +read as follows: 'Starfleet Command from USS Lafayette. We are under +attack. Repeat, we are under attack.' That's all we got. She stopped +transmitting. You have to get out there, Tyler. There is no patrol in +Sector 14. If the Romulans decide to invade, and that looks a strong +possibility; they can storm through this... hole in our defence and run +riot. Get out there, Tyler. Now. I don't care how you do it. Just do it." + Strachan was appalled, "Aye, Sir. Enigma out." The view screen +showed the pastoral view of the Earth, "Lets get to work, crew." He settled +back into the Command Chair. I hope to God Starfleet know what their +doing. + +============================================================================= +Chapter 4. +============================================================================= + + "I'm sorry, Hazel, but that's the way that it is." + Why the hell does this always happen to me? Hazel thought. + "I need the Warp engines on-line, and I need them on-line now. +Understood?" + "Yes, Sir. Engineering out." Struck down by the near impossibility of +the task, Wittock turned to the rest of the Engineering Department. They +were all looking at her. "You heard the man; lets move it! If he wants his +bloody engines so bad, let give them to him!" She marched out to the +main display console. + + "Okay, Reeve. What temperature is the Warp core at?" + Wittock's deputy, Chad Reeve, studied the display for a moment, "2 +million Kelvin, and steady." + "Bring it up to 2 and a half. Slowly." + The main core started to hum. The combination of the plasma inducers, +and the squeezing of the internal air by the large scale magnets, slowly +raised the temperature to that required for a 'cold' start. + "Core temperature is now at 2.5 million Kelvin... it's staying steady." + Wittock was wary of the next step. It required that minute amounts of +anti-matter were injected into the Warp core. The problem was not the +amount of anti-matter; more like that the stream had to be kept within a +target area of roughly 9 cubic centimetres. Considering that the anti-matter +stream was something like 11 metres long, Wittock was allowed to be +nervous. + "Introduce the anti-matter stream." She had deliberately left the next +line hanging in the air. Everyone knew that this was where the problem +had started during the last start-up. + "Anti-matter stream is starting..." + The main core started to pulse. Particles of deuterium met their anti- +particles, and the plasma streams leapt out into the power conduits... + "How's the cross-section, Reeve." Wittock looked nervous. + So did Reeve. He checked the display, "4.78cm. It looks as though we +made it" + "Bad move Chad," panic started to appear at the fringe of Hazel's voice, +"the stream's drifting! Bring the reserve phase adjustment coils up to +speed! NOW!" + The whole of Engineering moved as one. The engines had to come on- +line now, or the system would have to be laid off for days... + + * * * * * * * * + + The Bridge crew could only sit and wait. Strachan was well aware of +the... problems that they were having. Damn, the whole ship was the +problem. He knew better than to disturb any Engineering crew whilst +starting up a Warp drive, let alone Wittock's. From what he had seen of +his new Engineer, she could be tricky to handle. + The Conn Officer, Lieutenant Robin Leflar, was probably more anxious +than most. Having served in Engineering aboard the Enterprise-D, she +knew how tricky the process was. Sitting around, waiting for whatever +was going to happen, to happen, was more than enough to put her on +edge. Law 24, she thought, What you can't fix, leave. + And the bridge waited on Engineering + + * * * * * * * * + + "The stream settling back into place!" + "Good work, Chad. Good work everyone." Wittock breathed a sigh of +relief. The hardest hurdle had been overcome. Time to let the bridge know +what was happening, "Wittock to Bridge." + "Strachan here. Go ahead, Engineering." + "We have a stable Warp Core. Your clear for Warp One. Be careful, +mind you." + + "Thank you, Engineering." Strachan closed the link. He turned to T'zer, +"Here we go." + "All or nothing," T'zer responded. + Strachan, smiling, turned to his Helm Officer, Pete Dalrymple, "Set +course 174 mark 53" + "Course set, Captain." + Strachan paused. He hoped Engineering were right. "Bring us up to +Warp One, Helm. nice and slow, mind you." + "Aye, Sir," Dalrymple's hands moved over the console, dancing round +the controls as if they were walking on air. The Enigma moved out of it's +high Earth orbit, heading for deep space. + + "We have Warp 0.5, Captain." + "Thank you, Helm." Strachan was doing his best not to wince. This has +to be the only ship I know of that has deck plates that vibrate this bad, +he thought. He looked around at his Bridge Crew. Strachan could see the +tension that was present in their minds. The body language he could see +was to profound to misinterpret. + + + "Warp .6, Captain." + Strachan took in his Second Officer. Pete had been the fastest riser +through the ranks that he had known, making his present rank in just +under three years, mainly because of the commando raids he had led into +Cardassian space. It had taken Strachan 6 years to reach the same level as +Pete was at. + + "Warp .7, Captain." + I'm going to have to have a word with Wittock about these deck +plates. This ship was definitely not in the best of condition. I hate to +think what Warp 5 is going to be like. Probably tear us apart, even +without that damned speed limit that Starfleet have imposed. + + "Now at Warp .8." + T'zer was worried as well. All her training had led up to this point. Only +another year, her father had said, then you'll have your Captaincy. Her +Vulcan training said that to her as well. The advantages of being brought +up by the Federation Ambassador on Vulcan had it's advantages. Mind +you, being a human on Vulcan had been awkward. Nobody to enjoy the +sunset with. She stole a glance at Tyler. + + "Now at Warp .9." Dalrymple's voice sounded strained. + The vibration was getting to Strachan. He was thankful that he had a +seat. How did Bowland manage to keep upright. Sure, the vibrations +weren't that bad. But, boy, they set him on edge. It was like sitting on a +laboratory centrifuge. Suddenly, the vibrations ceased. + "We have Warp One... Now." + + The Enigma heeled over, accelerated past the speed of light, and a +cascade of quantum light swallowed it, as if it had never been there. The +stars all seemed to be pointing to it's destination. + + The Neutral Zone. + +=========================================================================== +Chapter 5. +========================================================================== + + Strachan looked round his bridge. They were within 6 hours of arriving +at the Neutral Zone. It had been a long journey from Earth; soon they +would soon be arriving. But Strachan could not keep the doubts from the +back of his mind that if the Romulans really wanted to start a war, the +Enigma was in no shape to stop them. He turned his back on the screen, +and entered the conference room. + + Strachan strided in, and took his seat at the head of the kidney-shaped +oak table. His Senior Officers were there; T'zer, Dalrymple, Bowland, +Wittock and Dr Eastmore. He made a start. "You all know what were going +to be up against. I need to know how you all feel about the... situation we +may find ourselves in." + "Try suicide." + "Commander Wittock?" + "Let's not beat around the bush, Captain. We can't defend ourselves +from a wet fish, let alone the Romulans. If we go into combat, we die. +Simple as that." + T'zer countered, "Surely you don't believe that. The whole point of us +being here is so the Romulans know that were watching them." + "You think that's going to stop them! I've fought them, Commander! I +know what to expect-" + "Ease up, Hazel." Strachan could definitely see where she stood on this +point. What about the rest of the crew? "Bowland, what do you think?" + The Sicilian Security Chief thought for a moment before answering his +Captain. "If we go into combat in our present state, we would only have +minimal shield, so we could not stay and fight. Neither do we have enough +Warp power to run away, although that option has it's merits." + Dalrymple jumped in, "Such as?" + "We would live longer... by about 5 minutes" + Wittock joined in the fray, "That's a bit optimistic, Tony." + Strachan sized up the situation. He agreed with everything that his crew +had said, but he was the Captain, he had to remain strong. Even though +my legs feel like jelly, he thought. "All we have to do, is our duty." + The emotion he saw round the table convinced him that no-one was +even sure about that. The intercom chirped. + "Captain, this is Lieutenant Leflar. Were picking up some sporadic +energy readings on the scanners. This close to the Neutral Zone, it +seems decidedly out of place." + "Understood, Leflar. I'm on my way," he turned to face his staff, "Let's +go." + + * * * * * * * * + + As the Officers standing post at the stations were dismissed, Strachan +and T'zer both headed to the Sciences station, where Leflar was working. + "What's up, Lieutenant?" T'zer asked. + "I'm not sure. Have a look and see if you can make it out." A perspective +view of the sensor readout appeared. + "Correct me if I'm wrong," T'zer asked, "but should we be picking up that +much neutron radiation in this sector?" + "No," Strachan replied. "Leflar, try to pin down the source" + "Aye, Sir." Leflar started to work. Along with T'zer's help, it would only +take a few minutes. + Strachan took in the Bridge while he was waiting. He was definitely on +edge. The last time he had felt like this was when he first saw that damned +Cube four years ago. Only this time, it was worse. At least then, he could +count on his ship. Now, even that bubble had been burst. And his crew. +they were all so young. They had no experience to fall back on. Just +instincts. Strachan hoped that Starfleet hadn't signed all their discharge +papers. Permanently. + "Result coming through, Captain." + "Thanks, Number One." he turned back to the station, "Where's it +coming from, Leflar?" + Leflar sounded puzzled, "Directly aft, Sir. It's almost as if it's..." + T'zer looked at Leflar, "As if it's what?" + "Leflar looked into her eyes. "As if it's... following us" + T'zer looked up, fear registering in her eyes. They met Strachan's, and +her voice, almost a whisper, talked to him. "A Cloaked Ship" + Strachan's insides turned. "Bowland, Shields Up! NOW!" + T'zer acted almost as quick. "Bryson, Red Alert! All decks!" + And, as the Captain and his First Officer vaulted for the command-well, +Bowland voiced their worst fears. "Warbird decloaking to the rear." + "Evasive action, Mr Dalrymple." Strachans tone was a machine-gun. + Bowland carried on, "It's firing. Incoming Plasma Torpedoes." + "Hard to port!" + The torpedo hit. + + "Damage Report." T'zer shouted. + Bowland answered. "Decks 7,8 and 9 report major damage. All +offensive fire control has been rendered inoperable. Shields are at 57%." + "Why is a Romulan Warbird this far out of the Neutral Zone?" Leflar's +question went unanswered. + "It's firing again." + "Thanks Bowland. Pete, full evasive." + "Aye, Sir." + The Enigma rolled over and dived down, out of the ecliptic plane. But +the Warbird followed, and more importantly, so did the plasma torpedo. + + "Bridge to Engineering." + "Wittock here, go ahead Captain." her voice sounded strained. + "I need all reserve power to the shields" + "No dice, Captain. All the relays are down. Its going to take a couple +minutes to reset, even on full override." + "Do it quickly," Strachan closed the link. "Time to impact?" + T'zer answered, "10 seconds." + Strachan beckoned to Bryson, "All decks, brace for impact!" + The second torpedo hit. + + The bridge of the Enigma rocked, as the inertial dampers struggled to +maintain an even keel. The lights snapped out. Almost as quickly, the +emergency lighting laid it's dull, red glow around the chaos. People were +picking themselves up off the floor. The Warbird circled the Enigma and +took up station in front of the Starfleet vessel. + + Strachan coughed blood from his throat. This is not a good day, he +thought. "Ship status." It was more of an order than a question. + Bowland dragged himself up to the Tactical console, and hung on +tightly. It was obvious that his leg was broken. "Shields are at 11%. the +Warp engines have dropped off-line. Most primary systems have failed, +including Life Support. Gravity Generators have been damaged, they are +only giving out 0.7g." + That's why I feel so light, T'zer thought. "Anything else?" + "That's all I can glean from the auxiliary circuits. Apart from the fact +that it's obvious that we cannot withstand another plasma attack." + "I'm aware of that, Mr Bowland." + Lieutenant Bryson interrupted his Captain, "Sir, I'm receiving a message +from the Romulan Warbird." + Strachan looked up at him. "On screen, Bryson." + The view screen gave out a burst of static. Through it, the Bridge crew +of the Enigma could just make out their opposite numbers aboard the +Warbird. The nearest Romulan spoke. + + "I am Commander T'orak; Captain of this vessel. This sector has +been annexed by the Romulan Star Empire. Your presence here is an +act of war. You have precisely two minutes to surrender your ship; or +we shall destroy it." + T'orak disappeared from the screen, the communication cut. The crew +were stunned into silence. An act of war. + + The Warbird maintained station. Decloaking, three more Warbirds +appeared around the stricken Starship. Enigma was surrounded... + +************************************************************************* +* * +* T O B E C O N T I N U E D . . . * +* * +************************************************************************* + + Chapter 6 is posted on January 10th... + + Merry Christmas. + + Ewan Spence, Edinburgh University. + ewans @ castle.ed.ac.uk + exs @ dcs.ed.ac.uk + + +Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative +Path: newserv.ksu.ksu.edu!moe.ksu.ksu.edu!vixen.cso.uiuc.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!pipex!uknet!festival!castle.ed.ac.uk!ewans +From: ewans@castle.ed.ac.uk (Ewan Spence) +Subject: Star Trek - The New Frontier - CHAPTER 6 +Message-ID: +Sender: news@festival.ed.ac.uk (remote news read deamon) +Organization: Edinburgh University +Date: Thu, 13 Jan 1994 10:02:45 GMT +Keywords: Finally... +Lines: 318 + +The Author Speaks... +============================================================================ +Right. No apology for the delay. I've finally decided that abscence makes +the heart grow fonder. Unfortunatly, I have a few things to complain +about. Well, one. + +When I posted Chapter 1, I got a response file that was close to the 20k +department. For Chapter 5, remembering that it had 3 weeks to gain +responses, and not 3 day a la Chapter 1, a response file of 8K is pathetic. +PATHETIC! + +The only differnece that I can see is that I blackmailed you on Chapter 1. +Now, I don't want to do that again. So, chapter 7 will definitly follow next +Thursday. Any postings ater that are IN YOUR HANDS, AND YOUR +HANDS ALONE. + +You have three choices: +1) For peolpe with little time. + Post me a sig file, and a line or two on how much you are enjoying TNF. + +2)For people with a few minutes to spare. + Post me a paragraph or two of your opinons. + +3)For people who really know what I appreciate. + Post a big letter, with a review, some questions, and who you think +should play the roles when Paramount decide to buy the format and film +it for the new ST series (HAH!). + +If I can spend hours writing this, you can at least show some nettiquette +and tell me what you think about it. + +(Chastising mode... off) + +Back to more friendly things. Chapter 6 shows something not commonly +seen before. Action. It also has a bit of treknobabble. I'm not quite sure if +I pulled this off as successfully as I set it up (Another thing you could +write to me about!). It's twice as long as any chapter beforehand, and +Chapter 7 will be about the same length. Some people are going to scoff +at the idea I've implemented, but it was the only idea that I had that +remained a) plausible in the ST universe, and b) the least hokey-est. + +Enjoy. + +P.S. Congratulations to one of my readers, Mike Finn. He got married +over the Christmas break. Well done and good luck, Mike! +============================================================================ +Star Trek - The New Frontier. +A Bridge to Far. + +Star Trek - The New Frontier, created by Ewan Spence. +Based on Star Trek, created by Gene Roddenbery. + +All new material here is copyright Ewan Spence. Ewan Spence asserts +the moral right to be identified as the author of this work. You are free +to distribute this work, as long as it kept together, remains unedited, and +you charge no more than nominal copying costs. + +============================================================================= +Chapter 6. +============================================================================= + +Captain's Log: Stardate 48024.9. The situation is desperate. En route to +the Neutral Zone, we have been ambushed by 4 Romulan Warbirds. They +purport to be in a state of war with the Federation. Needless to say, we +have not been informed of such a declaration, even if there has been one. +Nevertheless, we have sustained major damage to all of our primary +systems. Warp power has temporarily failed. Life support has switched +to the modules present in the emergency shelters. Hull integrity has +been comprimised in the lower three decks. All phaser banks have been +destroyed. Photon torpedo fire control has dropped off-line. Shield +condition is minimal. The Romulan Commander has given us two +minutes to surrender... + + "I take it that surrender is not a viable option." Peter Dalrymple voiced +what all of the bridge was thinking. + "You take it right, Pete." Strachan was thinking furiously, how do I get +out of this one? 4 Warbirds would be a hard case for one of Starfleet's +flagship Galaxy class vessels; but the Enigma! Nevertheless... + "Engineering, I need Warp speed in under 2 minutes, or we're all dead." + Wittock's voice forced itself through the speaker. It was obvious that +she was on a rebreather unit, "You have to be joking, Captain! I need at +least 15 minutes to even consider bringing the impulse engines back on- +line, let alone think about the-" + "You don't have that sort of time." T'zer cut her off, "Very soon, 4 very +angry Warbirds are going to rip us open and scatter us to the four winds. +You got two minutes; we need full Warp. Do it." + "Yes sir." Wittock's caustic tone closed the link. + "Warp power alone isn't going to be enough, you know, Tyler." + "I know, Nicole. I know." + + The condition in Engineering was far from pretty. + "It's the damned Kobyashi all over again, that's what it is." + "Hazel?" + "Sorry, Chad. Jury-rigging anti-matter systems in the sort of time the +bridge has given us is- Seal coolant conduit 43, Ensign!- I mean." + "Couldn't we just..." + + Back on the bridge, Strachan was still struggling with the situation, "I +would appreciate some help here. Assuming we get our warp engines +back-" + Leflar interrupted, "Ninety seconds, Sir." + "Thank you, Leflar," T'zer replied, "If we get them back, how do we use +them, right?" + "Right." + "Captain, why can't we just ram the power full on, and aim for a gap?" +Dale Bryson, at communications, asked the obvious question. + Bowland replied, "By applying warp power, there is a momentary lag +while the warp field forms. The Romulans, being accomplished +warmongerers, would be watching for just that, and..." + "So use our ECM channels to jam their sensors." + T'zer answered, "ECM only covers targeting, Bryson. They would see +the power up as clear as a nova." + "Sixty seconds." + "It's a good idea, Bryson. Anyone else?" Strachan enquired. + Leflar suddenly chipped in, "So we need to blind the Warbird sensors +totally. Correct?" + "4 Warbird's sensors, remember," Bowland reminded the young conn +officer. + "Thanks, Tony," Leflar said, "We use a static discharge, Captain." + "Leflar?" Strachan enquired, quizzically. + Leflar spoke more confidently this time. "I read a paper about it a few +months ago. The Marines," a cursory nod towards Dalrymple, "rigged a +multi-role shuttle to give out the required static field for some sort of +increased phaser range effect. It blinded the sensors of a nearby frigate. +Only for a few seconds, mind you-" + "But Tyler," T'zer reminded Strachan, "we don't have those sort of +generators on-board the Enigma." + "Yeah-" + "Engineering to Bridge." + Strachan looked up at the ceiling, hopefully, "Bridge here. Go ahead, +Wittock." + The strained voice sprung out of the air, "I think we got minimum warp +power. Maybe warp two. But it's 50-50 at best." + "Keep at it, Hazel.But were going to need more. A lot more. Bridge out." + + "Thirty seconds." + "Okay, Leflar. With warp back on-line, it looks like all we need is this +discharge. Ideas?" + Pete turned into the command well, "Couldn't we adapt the forward +shield generators. I mean, if it comes off, the Romulans are going to be +on our tails..." + T'zer jumped on it. "Brilliant Pete. Bowland, can you do it." + Bowland paused. "With the reserve power we have, forcing it all +through the forward array... in conjunction with the remaining batteries +would result in an overload and... probably create the desired effect. It +would also give out a lovely flare." + "Aesthetic as ever, Tony," T'zer quipped, "How long?" + "A few moments." + Strachan turned to Bowland, "Would it blind all the Romulans?" + "In all likelihood, yes Sir." + A smile tried to escape from Strachan's face, "Okay lets do. Bowland, +on my mark, flare the shields. Pete, right after that, best warp on course +300 mark 0." + "Aye, Sir." + Strachan turned to T'zer, "We may yet see the light of day." + "Pardon the obvious, but where do we go at warp 2, with 4 Warbirds +trying to be... neighbourly?" Her left eyebrow jumped up. + "The Promise Land" Tyler quipped. He spoke quietly next. "Once more +unto the breech, dear friend." + And then, with the air of dignity that comes from placing his life, and +those of his friends, on the longest long shot that Tyler had ever gambled +on, he gave the count-down... + "3... 2... 1... mark." + + * * * * * * * * + + Darkness. + + The Enigma drifted at the crux of the Warbirds, which were bearing all +their weapons banks, menacingly, on the stricken Miranda Class vessel. + + Brilliant white light. + + The front portion of the Enigma was enveloped in a star-burst of +blinding energy that whisked across the saucer, under the impulse unit, +and past the warp nacelles. + + Plasma torpedoes ensued from the Warbirds. The incandescent glow, +centred on the Enigma, flickered briefly. The torpedoes detonated. + + Darkness. + + * * * * * * * * + + "We are clear of the Warbirds, and moving at warp 2." + Strachan looked up at his Tactical Officer. He could clearly see the +emotion on Bowland's face. "I take it they're following?" + "Yes, Sir. They are accelerating to warp 2... warp 3... warp 4... stable at +warp 4." + "We're going to need more," T'zer noted. + "I know," Strachan turned to the Helm. "Pete, red-line the engines." + "I'm being over-ridden by Engineering, Captain." + "Damn." Strachan barked into the comm unit, "Bridge to Engineering. +Wittock, take out the inhibitors." + The Chief Engineer's voice came back almost immediately. "No way, +Captain. We overloaded every intact conduit that the ship has, plus a few +I didn't know even existed. Any more and the core is going to shatter, +even-" + "Shatter the core, Commander Wittock," Strachan snapped. He was +slowly losing his temper with his Engineer. She was saying all the right +things, but in this type of situation- "Okay, Pete. Red-line them." + "Aye, Sir," Pete looked worried. "We have warp 3... 3.5... Warp 4." + The Enigma started to shake. Deckplates were vibrating, Bowland's +almost gave way. The broken leg couldn't take the pounding. + Pete continued, "Warp 4.5. She's becoming sluggish, Sir. I think warp +5 is all were going to get." + "The Warbirds have increased to warp 5. They are holding in diamond +formation, Sir." + The strain showed on Strachan. "How we doing, Pete?" + "Warp... 5. Just. We can't hold it for long." + The Enigma rocked. + + Bowland diagnosed the cause, "Romulan disrupter fire. At this range, +the shields can barely cope." + T'zer turned, "Shield state?" + "Risen to 34% All power is being routed to the rear shields." A display +chirped, "The Romulans have increased to Warp 6." + "Time to primary plasma range?" + "2 minutes, Captain." + "Leflar, how long to the nearest outpost?" T'zer enquired. + Another explosion rocked the ship. The rear computer bank exploded. + Leflar flinched at the noise, "At warp 5, about 40 minutes." She paused, +"It's too far, isn't it." + "That's enough of that, Leflar," Strachan retorted. "We need more +speed." + Bryson looked at the command crew, "Couldn't we kill the gravity +generators. They're already at .7, can we drop down any more?" + "T'zer?" Strachan looked for her opinion. He saw what he wanted. + "I'm on it." T'zer got up and made for the Science Station. She could +make the changes there. Another disruptor bolt hit he ship. + + Bowland made the call, "Rear shields now at 13%" + "Time to plasma range?" Strachan asked. + "1 minute at our present speed." + "They still in formation?" + "Yes, Sir." + T'zer interrupted the tactical discussion, "Dale's gravity idea is ready to +go. I'm dropping to one-tenth gee." + "Good work. Pete, Best speed. Bryson, better alert all decks." + The shipped rocked, more violently this time. The Warbirds were +closing. The bridge crew were finding it hard to stay seated, and now with +limited gravity... + + "Speed's rising. We have warp 5.1..." Another explosion- "5.3..." The +roof conduit exploded- ".7..." It crashed to the floor. "Warp 6." +A synthesied voice jumped from nowhere, "Warning, Exceeding Warp 5 +is not permitted under Starfleet Standing Orders, Regulation-" + "4 Warbirds, and we're keel-hauled by the Enviromentalists. Cancel it." +T'zer reached her seat. "We're going to have to watch for debris. Low +gravity, same momentum." + Bowland joined in, "The Warbirds are now at warp 7. They are breaking +formation. Perhaps they are reaching their limit, Sir?" + More dulcet tones of the computer interrupted, "Warning. Warp shear +overstress. Warning, warp shear overstress-" + "Shut that damn thing off" Strachan was close to breaking. + + Enigma started to revolt against it's captors; Corridors around Sickbay +were staring to fill with the wounded; Conduits that couldn't take the +pressure were rupturing; The warp core in Engineering was showing +signs of stress. The deckplates on the lower decks were slowly staring to +buckle. + "Wittock to bridge. What the hell are you doing to my ship?" + "Wittock, it's this or the Romulans. Take your pick." + "We won't need to choose very soon. You're going to rip the nacelles +off the damned ship if this speed keeps up-" + "That's enough Wittock. Just hold us together." The link closed, but +there was no let up. + + "Primary plasma range in 60 seconds." Lieutenant Robin Leflar was +sitting at the conn station. Suddenly, a reading gave her a puzzled look, +"Captain, I'm picking up some strange readings at 045 mark 030-" + "Range?" Strachan looked hopeful for a second. + "5 minutes at present speed, Captain." + "Damn! Thought we had something there. We need more speed." + T'zer laid her hand on Strachan's, "Tyler, it's more energy we need. The +speed would come naturally after that." + "What else do we have." Strachan looked forlorn, " We need the +Integrity field. Now more than ever, and the dampers...," he paused. "The +dampers." + "Wait up," The penny dropped. "Without the dampers, we turn into +pancakes," T'zer protested + A thin smile reached Strachan's face. "But we don't use all it's power. +Just enough to outrun the enemy." + Dalrymple joined in the objection. "We would still end up in Sickbay +for weeks. The internal injuries would be-" + "Hold up, Pete," Leflar interrupted, "The Inertial Dampers are so power +intensive, we could probably siphon off just enough power to outrun +them, and still remain under the threshold" + "Time to plasma range, Tony." + "30 seconds." + "T'zer, get to work on the dampers. If you drop down the centre-line +protection, we should be able to put up with about... a 5 gee fore-aft +acceleration. But you don't have long." + "Okay." T'zer's tried to sound hopeful, "But with all the safeguards, and +the amount of time... I'll do my best." + "You always do, Nicole." Strachan felt old. A bunch of kids, doing their +best. A ship that should have been scrapped years ago, ready to tear itself +apart. A fleet of Warbirds willing to help it. And me. Where did I go +wrong? "This better work..." + +============================================================================= + Chapter 7 will be posted on Thursday, 20th January... +============================================================================= + + + +=============================================================================== += _______ = += STAR TREK |_______> EXPERIENCE THEIR FIRST, TERRIFYING ADVENTURE = += ----------- | | _._ ABOARD THE USS ENIGMA, IN = += THE NEW _____| |__--------' '--------__________ = += FRONTIER. \____| |_ --------------------- ________/ "A BRIDGE TO FAR." = += / | '-------___ ___-------' = += ________________/_____\_____________ STAR TREK - THE NEW FRONTIER, = += \ [=========================] [==] ) WRITTEN AND CREATED BY EWAN SPENCE = += '---------------------------------/ exs@dcs.ed.ac.uk ewans@castle.ed.ac.uk = +=============================================================================== + + +Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative +Path: newserv.ksu.ksu.edu!moe.ksu.ksu.edu!vixen.cso.uiuc.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!pipex!uknet!festival!castle.ed.ac.uk!ewans +From: ewans@castle.ed.ac.uk (Ewan Spence) +Subject: Star Trek - The New Frontier - Chapter 7 +Message-ID: +Sender: news@festival.ed.ac.uk (remote news read deamon) +Organization: Edinburgh University +Date: Thu, 20 Jan 1994 11:01:24 GMT +Lines: 333 + + +Quick Note From Author. +============================================================================ +Right. You probably want to get straight on with Chapter 7, so I'll put all +the talkie stuff at the end... + +============================================================================ +Star Trek - The New Frontier. +A Bridge to Far. + +Star Trek - The New Frontier, created by Ewan Spence. +Based on Star Trek, created by Gene Roddenbery. + +All new material here is copyright Ewan Spence. Ewan Spence asserts the +moral right to be identified as the author of this work. You are free to +distribute this work, as long as it kept together, remains unedited, and you +charge no more than nominal copying costs. + +============================================================================ +Chapter 7. +============================================================================ + + The eternity of space stretched out among the stars. Distance almost +immaterial. The becalmed nature was wrenched apart, silently. A white +disc, spewing high-energy effluxes, emerged. Then, emptiness. + + Tranquillity temporarily gained the upper hand. + + Four more intruders signalled their invasion. And as quickly as the first, +they vanished into the blackness. + + Space closed ranks on itself, again. Peace returned. + + * * * * * * * * + + "20 seconds till primary Plasma range." + Captain Tyler Strachan barely acknowledged his Security Officer, his +mind was working furiously. "T'zer, the dampers?" + Nicole T'zer, First Officer aboard the USS Enigma, turned to her +Captain, "It's ready. I've tied it into your panel, Captain. Bowland, you'd +better take this console. I can't imagine you standing after this one." + "Thanks for the thought." Bowland limped over to the reconfigured +Sciences Station. + "Everyone ready?" Strachan looked hurriedly round his bridge. "Here we +go." He pressed the light. + + An immense hand grabbed at every fibre of the Enigma, and it's crew. +The forces of nature hurled the flotsam ever onward to it's destiny. + + * * * * * * * * + + Strachan caught his breath. This plan could only be regarded as +foolhardy, at best. With the Warbirds closing into firing range, the +Enigma had needed every possible nuance of speed, and more. In +desperation, he had ordered the Inertial Dampers efficiency to be dropped +to let loose more power for the quickly sickening engines. Maybe five +gee's was to much. + "Pete, are we getting any more?" The question struggled out of Strachan. + The Second Officer was having just as much difficulty speaking as +Strachan, "Speed rising, Warp 6.5. Warp 7. Warp 7.5. Warp 8. 8.3. +Stabilising at Warp 8.5." + "Bowland, Romulan Status?" + Tony Bowland, now at the Sciences Station, but reconfigured to his +Tactical readouts, answered his Captain. "They have definitely broken +formation. One of the Warbirds have fallen behind, two are at Warp 8.7 +and will be in range in 3 minutes. The final Warbird is at Warp 8.9, and +will be in range in 60 seconds." + "Leflar, where's that sensor blip you had a moment ago?" Strachan knew +even a deuce would be helpful against the four bullets on his tail. + "Sir?" A lot had happened in the last few moments. "Aye Sir. Bearing is +now... 064 mark 030. It's just under 3 minutes at present speed." Leflar +turned her head towards Strachan, but not without difficulty, "We probably +could make it in before the Romulans, just, if it wasn't for the lead ship." + "Okay, Leflar. Any idea what it is?" + "With the sensors available, not until were almost right on top of it." + T'zer turned as well, "It's all we've got, Tyler." + "Agreed." Strachan didn't even pause, "Pete, set course for the anomaly." + "Sir." Dalrymple hit the controls. The Enigma yawed, slowly, towards +the disturbance. The Romulans, moments later, attacked the course +change. + + "We still need to slow down the lead Warbird." + "Thanks for the reminder, Tony." Along with the rest of the ship's +complement, T'zer was struggling against the force unleashed by the +dampers. Enigma was in the process of getting ready for her final dance +with death. Only the torturing by her occupants was holding her back. + "Minefield." Strachan's voice sounded strained, but his eyes had lit up +with hope. + "What?" T'zer knew that look, but didn't see where it was leading. + "If we can drop a mine, the Warbird would-" + "We have no mines, Tyler." T'zer's face couldn't hide the +disappointment. + Strachan smiled, "No. But we do have anti-matter containers." + "You gotta be joking," T'zer looked horrified, "We need all we've-" + "We have thirty tanks. Drop one of them. It should explode near the +Lead ship. Only chance." Strachan's face, apart from the smile, looked set +in it's way. + T'zer didn't pause for more than a breath. "Agreed. Bridge to +Engineering." + + * * * * * * * * + + The situation in Engineering was dire. That initial Romulan attack had +shattered one of the Coolant pipes, resulting in everyone having to move +onto rebreathers. The continuing sniping from the Warbirds had +emphasised the precariousness of their position. Now, with the reduced +support from the inertial dampers, the crew were having problems +maintaining station. Temporary barriers had been set up by the vital +monitors. Staff were pinned to them, and struggling against one in her +office, was Lieutenant Commander Hazel Wittock, the Enigma's Chief +Engineer. + "Begging the Captain's pardon," Wittock continued, "but this is even +more half-cocked than the dampers. That crazy idea's putting enough +strain on the dilithium housing as it is. To drop-" + "No time left. Just do it." T'zer's sharp tounge cut her off. + "This is madness." Wittock looked across the engineering deck, "Reeve, +get a load of this one..." + + Back on the bridge, Nicole turned to Tyler, "I think we need to have a +word with our Engineer when this is over." + "If it's ever over, I'll consider it," even with the increased gravity, +Tyler turned to give her a smile. "Bowland, time to the Romulan?" + "20 seconds" + "Come on Wittock." + "Engineering to Bridge. Your party piece is ready. I still don't approve +of this, though." + "Noted, but this is our last shot. Tie the toggle into the Tactical-" + "Coming through now. Engineering, out." + Strachan indicated to his Tactical Officer, "Got it?" + "Got it, Captain." + "Good. Drop it at the last possible moment before they're in range." +"Understood. Dropping in 5... 4... 3... 2... 1... mark." + + * * * * * * * * + + The Enigma sprinted ever onwards. On it's underside, a hatch flew off, +into the oblivion. Following it, the Enigma disgorged a hexagonal canister. +It drifted. The Enigma continued on it's mad dash. + + The lead Warbird ran over it's efflux. The canister drifted through the +crescent cut-out of the enemy vessel. Inside, the magnetic field, drained +of power, cut out. Minute particles flew apart due to the nuclear forces, +and jolted on the sides of the pod. + + A tremendous explosion hit the shield of the Romulan Warbird. The +shield protested for a moment, and then submitted. Raw anti-matter hit the +surface of the vessel. The Starboard nacelle, temporarily ripped free, +pinwheeled into the forward boom section. The anti-matter continued +blossoming. The temporarily liberated nacelle was consumed. Then the +boom section. And then, the latent forces threw the remnants of the +Warbird, now no more than ashes, to the interstellar winds. + + * * * * * * * * + + The Enigma fared little better in the explosion. The distance travelled +since the ejection was no more than infinitesimal when compared to the +power of nature that had been unleashed. The headlong run into oblivion +was forced further on, in groaning protest, by the wash from the +explosion. All over the ship, Enigma signalled its intent to surrender. +Deck-plates shattered, power conduits ruptured in electrifying splendour. +Life support, already running off auxiliary systems, struggled against the +inevitable hull breaches. + + The Engineering decks, 5 and 6, were taking the brunt of the protest. +Hazel Wittock could read, in her instruments, the condition of the ship. +But it was in her heart, that she felt the pain, and the suffering. Enigma was +drawing on her last vestiges adrenalin. Hazel knew that she was losing... + + The Bridge looked as if it had been to hell, and back. The emergency +lighting, the faithful glow of red, had given up the battle. Illuminated by +the jaded glow from the few panels that were still reporting the morbid +facts of her condition, the Enigma was like a ghost-ship, careering into +hell. + "Sensors report successful detonation," reported Bowland, once his +eyes re-adjusted to the light. + "And the Warbird?" Coupled with the lack of a stable gravity, the hell on +Earth, resulting from the lack of illumination, made even Strachan's voice +sound infantile. + "No discernible readings." Bowland voice took on a slight lilt, "I think +we can notch up a kill." + "A lucky break at last," commented T'zer. + "Lets hope for another one," Strachan noted. "Leflar, how's your +distortion shaping up?" + "We'll be in full sensor range in a few moments, Captain." + The bridge fell into a muted silence. The remaining Romulans would +have noted what had happened to their counter-part. They would be sure +not to let the same thing occur to them. + Leflar cut through the hush, "Getting initial readings now." + "Time till we're in it?" T'zer asked. + "90 seconds." + "And the Romulans?" + Bowland this time. "90 seconds." + "Okay. Leflar, tell us what it is," Strachan implored. + Robin Leflar studied her instruments. The battle, if that's what you +could call it, seemed to vanish from her mind. Something jumped into her +mind: Your neutrinos' are drifting. She couldn't quite place it. She snapped +back to the present. + "Yes, Sir. Picking up sporadic radiation, possibly a- no, it can't be." The +last line was almost a whisper. + "It can't be what, Leflar?" This from T'zer. + Leflar's voice came back in a hush, "These readings bear a striking +similarity to those from that Fed Bajoran space station. The one with the... +wormhole." + Strachan's eyes seemed to gasp for him, "Are you trying to tell me we +are barrelling, at over warp 8, towards a," he paused, "wormhole?" + "I think I am, Sir. But this has fundamental changes from the other one. +It looks like this is highly unstable. It wasn't here during the last sweep +that the Lafayette reported on, when she was on station." + "We could use it as a bolthole," T'zer exclaimed. + "It's no use," Strachan sighed. "The Warbirds would just follow us +through." + "Not if we close the door." Pete Dalrymple piped up. + "What do you mean, Pete?" Strachan asked. + "I got an idea. Leflar, time to the wormhole?" + "Now at 45 seconds." + "Bowland, the Warbirds?" Dalrymple continued. + "45 seconds." + T'zer interrupted, "What's on your mind?" + "Well, Commander. If, just as we enter the 'hole, we drop a couple of +photons out the rear launcher, we might collapse the entrance," Pete's face +suddenly gained a cruel smile, "around the Warbirds." + Dale Bryson had been sitting quietly at his post. He suddenly spoke in +amazement to his superiors, "But we'd end up trapped on the other side. +That could be anywhere!" + "Have we got any other options?" Strachan looked around the bridge. +"Thought not. Right, we'll go with it Pete; even though the stress is +probably going to rip us apart. Leflar, give me a constant countdown from +now on-" + "Aye, Sir." + "Bowland, have we any rearward photons?" + "In the state the system is-," Bowland stopped, and looked at his +Captain. I was wrong about him, he thought, we did need this desk jockey. +"I'll have two ready when you need them, Sir." + "30 seconds." + Leflar's words hung on the bridge. It had become deathly quiet. + "20 seconds." + Bowland broke the quietness, "Torpedoes ready, Captain. Warbirds +closing-" his voice suddenly rose, "-Warbirds firing. Incoming Plasma +torpedoes. Impact in 10 seconds." + Strachan knew this would happen. "They've rumbled!" + T'zer fought to keep the panic out of her voice, "Leflar! Time!" + "10 seconds!" + "Bowland?" + "Impact in 8 seconds!" + Strachan threw his dice the final time. "Bowland, put our torpedoes onto +automatic fire control, if we still have it." + "We still have it, Sir. Control passed over. Impact in 4 seconds." + "Leflar?" + "5 seconds to wormhole." + We're not going to make it, Strachan thought. + + * * * * * * * * + + The first plasma torpedoes impacted into the Enigma. Helpless, she +keeled over. Warp fields started to collapse around her. She dropped to +Warp 7. The force from the foreign projectiles tipped the Enigma over, +like a piece of derelict space junk. Warp 5. The second torpedo hit. The +sheer speed of the Enigma kept her path in a semblance of a straight line. +The hull itself was writhing in pain. Warp 3. Her space frame shrieked in +anguish. The Warbirds closed, and let loose with disruptor fire. Warp 1. + + The fabric of space ignored itself for a second. The area in front of the +Enigma suddenly seemed to fold in on itself, and a light brighter than a +thousand suns eclipsed the tiny ship to it's aggressors. The light winked +out. Precious moments later, the rip exposed itself for a second time. The +Warbirds pounced on the saviour. The luminescence swallowed the ships, +and then, in a cacophony of light, the forces of creation bowed to the +pressures of the Enigma's parting sacrifice. The Warbirds saw, briefly, the +eternity of space and time, and then ceased to exist, joining the portal in +the gallery that was known as... oblivion. + + Peace returned. + +============================================================================ + T O B E C O N T I N U E D . . . +============================================================================ + + Thus ends Part 2. + + Some of you may be disappointed in what has happened here. Many of +you, in your letters (of which the flow has now, mysteriously, risen; keep +it up!) have made relations to how 'Starfleet won't like this, or that, etc.' +have missed the points that I made when I started this all off, namely that +this was to be MY version of the new Star Trek series, Voyager. This +nessecitated in some jiggery-pokery to get them a long, long way away. + + (It was either this, or Q. And I thought using Q would be to hokey)! + + Okay, miscellaneous points. I forgot to thank Simon Proctor in Chapter +6, who helped me refine the original shield-flare technique. You all +seemed to accept this as possible, so some credit should go to Simon. +Throwaway lines have been present. Chapter 7 goes to Mike 'newley-wed' +Finn. + + The Bar. Enigma, like most Federation ships, has a communual bar area. +Unfortunatly, I can't call it 10-Forward, primarily because it's been done +before, and the bar is on Deck 4! Suggestions for names would be +welcomed. I'll put up a prize for the winner (if it's good enough)! + + Suggestions for people you'd like to see in the lead roles are another +thing I'm looking for. it's amazing the amount of people you think are +suitable for the crew. Someone even recommended John Cleese for +Bowland's role... + + For the people who are reading this, and wondering what the hell is +going on... Back Chapters are being stored in Joe Young's archive +(129.130.10.80), in the pub\alt.startrek.creative\incomplete archive. If +you've no access to FTP, then you can mail me for them. + + Finally, a big thanks to all those who have taken the time to E-mail me +their thought on TNF (THANK YOU!!!). Judgement Day may be a while in +coming, but when it does, all your names are in my 'nice people who +should actually get to live' book. Repent now! + + PS:- Never, ever, play poker with DavidF, from Glasgow Uni! He knows +what I mean! + + --Ewan (the (popular?) Author). + + +=============================================================================== += _______ = += STAR TREK |_______> EXPERIENCE THEIR FIRST, TERRIFYING ADVENTURE = += ----------- | | _._ ABOARD THE USS ENIGMA, IN = += THE NEW _____| |__--------' '--------__________ = += FRONTIER. \____| |_ --------------------- ________/ "A BRIDGE TO FAR." = += / | '-------___ ___-------' = += ________________/_____\_____________ STAR TREK - THE NEW FRONTIER, = += \ [=========================] [==] ) WRITTEN AND CREATED BY EWAN SPENCE = += '---------------------------------/ exs@dcs.ed.ac.uk ewans@castle.ed.ac.uk = +=============================================================================== + + + +Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative +Path: newserv.ksu.ksu.edu!moe.ksu.ksu.edu!vixen.cso.uiuc.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!pipex!uknet!festival!castle.ed.ac.uk!ewans +From: ewans@castle.ed.ac.uk (Ewan Spence) +Subject: Star Trek - The New Frontier - Chapter 8 +Message-ID: +Sender: news@festival.ed.ac.uk (remote news read deamon) +Organization: Edinburgh University +Date: Thu, 27 Jan 1994 13:03:38 GMT +Lines: 218 + +============================================================================ + It's here!! +============================================================================ + + Chapter 8 of A Bridge To Far. + + Firstly, though, a few things to note. This is the begining of Part +3. A Bridge To Far consists of the prolouge, Parts 1 through 5, and an +epilouge (Even though evrything is labelled as chapters, you should be +able to spot the joins. + + I WANT E-MAIL!!! Do I need to drum this into you? After a wonderful +response to chater 6, chapter 7 was pitiful. I don't care if all you +send is a paragraph or two on your opinions (but I'd preffer a nice big +letter)! I respond to EVERY BIT of mail on TNF I recieve, and will +answer questions or plot queries or birthday requests in as much detail +as needed, and then possibly some more. + + Back to the story. It seems you all enjoyed the hell bent run into +oblivion in the last few weeks, but now, the pace slows down a bit. +Hopefully, I'm doing the right thing with some of the characters, and +hopefully, the story should be (starting to) bind together now (I hope +so, anyway)! + + So, read Chapter 8, think about it, go have a nice hot cup of tea, +and mail me on what you think! + + --Ewan (the (patiently waiting for E-mail) Author) + +============================================================================ +Star Trek - The New Frontier. +A Bridge To Far. + +Star Trek - The New Frontier, created by Ewan Spence. +Based on Star Trek, created by Gene Roddenberry. + +All new material here is copyright Ewan Spence. Ewan Spence asserts +the moral right to be identified as the author of this work. You are free +to distribute this work, as long as it is kept together, remains unedited, +and you charge no more than nominal copying costs. + +============================================================================ +Chapter 8. +============================================================================ + + He dragged himself up from the floor, shaking his head to clear it. +Only then did Captain Tyler Strachan realise that his ship was not +attempting to pound him against the rear wall. The micro-gravity +carressed him back, towards the floor of the bridge. His eyes attempted +to pierce through the near darkness. "Nicole! Oh no..." Memories of a +distant battle invaded his mind. Not again. + The heap of flesh groaned. "Tyler?" + "I'm here." + "What happened." + "I..." Strachan could make out some outlines. Common-sense took +over from the emotions. "Anyone else up and running?" + "I think so." + "Bryson?" Tyler looked over at where the voice came from. Dale +Bryson, Communications Chief, was balanced across the upper level, +head on his console, heels on the railings. The advantages of having a +tenth gee. + "I'm fine, Sir," pushing himself into a lazy arc towards the command- +well, "Leflar doesn't look it," as he arrived at the expansive console. "I'll +see to her." + "Good." Turning to face the opposite station, "Bowland, you hear me?" +Strachan had left the relativly comfortable Nicole T'zer, and was drifting +towards his Security Officer. Bowland had definitly seen better days. His +legs, broken in the encounter, had become entwined with the base of the +chair. Blood was seeping from his left temple, which had impacted on +the Sciences Console. The chest was awash with blood. It looked as if he +was praying to the console. "Jesus Christ, Tony." + "You got a pulse?" + Strachan turned, "You just sit back, Nicole." He reached down to +Bowland's neck. There was a pulse. Thready, but there. "Bowland's still +with the living, but only just." + Meanwhile, Bryson had revived the young Conn Officer. "How do you +feel, Robin?" + "I have a terrible headache." + "You look fine," Bryson smiled. Leflar did not look fine. Her right eye +was a mass of blood, and the shoulder directly below it was dislocated, +but... + "I'm going to check on Pete-" + "No need, Dale. I'll live. Anyone knows how to tourniquet their leg." +Most of Pete Dalrymple's uniform top was in rags, holding the blood in +his leg, rather than on the floor. He pushed away from his station towards +Strachan, "How's Tony?" + Strachan's hands didn't stop, Bowland was losing a lot of blood from +his chest, "Pretty bad. We need a medical team up here." + Dalrymple lost no time, the rest of his shirt flew round Bowland's +abdomen, metamorphosising into another field dressing. + Meanwhile, T'zer had pulled herself into the Command Chair, and was +rapidly checking the Enigma's main systems. Emergency lighting +trickled back to life. "Looks like Miss Wittock is still with us. I alerted +Sickbay, but it looks like the whole comm system just dropped off-line. +Mind you, I think Eastmore got the message." + And then, the turbolift doors parted by a few inches, and a pair of +hands emerged, followed in a few seconds by the diminutive Dr +Eastmore. + "You know, I don't usually make house calls." + "Brian!" + He saw the blood-soaked hands, "Tyler, what happened to you?" + "No time. See to Bowland." + Eastmore nodded. He moved round to the Science Station, and gently +pulled Dalrymple away. A sphere of blood drifted out into the gang-way, +and Eastmore got to work. + More medical staff drifted up and out, onto the bridge. They dispersed +towards the depleted bridge crew with typical efficency. Strachan +shunned the Ensign, approaching him, towards T'zer. He stayed with +Bowland. + "What do you think, Brian?" + "I think," this while hypo'ing directly into Bowlands torso, "that Mr +Dalrymple is... a very good field doctor. Other than that, Bowland needs +to be moved to Sickbay. Yesterday. Davidson, Marsa." Eastmore +communicated the Lieutenant's condition, and they took him to the +Turbolift shaft. + Tyler suddenly worked out what was bothering him, "There's no +turbolifts. Brian, did you come up the service ladder?" + Eastmore smiled, "Tyler, in a tenth gee, coming up from deck 6 is no +problem. Now the rest of the bridge has been seen to, we finally get to +you. Come on." + "I'm just bruised. Save your time for those that need it." + Eastmore ignored the comment, and proceeded to run the tricorder +over Strachan. He spent less than thiry seconds. + "Readings are tolerable just now, but I want you in for a full check-up +in the next day or two." + "Understood." + T'zer interrupted from the command-chair, "Engineering reports +Turbolifts coming back on-line. I've isolated turboshaft 2 so the medical +crews don't get into a one sided... arguement." She smiled. + Engineering was true to their words. Within moments, Strachan could +hear the impending arrival of a turbo-lift at the rear shaft. The doors +snapped open. Hazel Wittock stormed out, a ball of fire. + "What the hell are you doing to my ship!" + Strachan turned. "Ready Room! Now!" + The Bridge turned decidedly icy. + + * * * * * * * * + + The whirlwind ended when Strachan reached the far side of his desk. +Wittock's arms slammed into the edge of the desk, taking her weight. + "You went too far!" + "No, Commander. You did!" Strachan had, involentary, adopted +Wittock's stance on his side of the desk. Captain and Engineer were eye +to eye. + "You're not going to lay this one on me. This ship went so far beyond +the horizon that we came this close," illustrated with finger and thumb, +"this close!" + "That's not why we're here." + "Wrong. That's why I'm here!" + Strachan said nothing for moments. He raised himself up to his full +height. "Commander Wittock. Attention. Immediatly." + Wittock lifted herself off the table. Slowly. Her eyes never leaving +Strachan's. + "This is not what-" + "Silence! Let's get a few things straight, I talk, you listen." + "Captain-" + "I talk. You." he paused, "listen. Understood, yes or no?" + "Yes..." Strachan raised a condescending eyebrow. "Sir." + "When I give an order, I expect it to be carried out. Understood?" + "Sir." + "Carried out, immediatly." + "Sir." + "Not questioned." + "Sir." + "Not over-ridden." + "Sir." + Throughout all this, Strachan had been behind his desk. Now, he moved +out. + "Face front!" + Strachan started to pace round Wittock. "You are a Commander. I am +the Captain. The buck stops with me. Not you!" + "Sir." + "If I want to change course, what will happen to the ship?" + "It will change course, Sir." + "If I want to set self-destruct, what will happen to the ship?" + "It will self-destruct, Sir." + "If I want to fly the ship apart, what will happen to the ship, +Commander?" + "It will fly apart, Sir." + "Do you spot the pattern?" + "Sir." + "Good." Strachan had ended up mere inches from Wittock's face. He +moved away, back behind the desk, and sat down. "Now, return to +Engineering. Conduct a full, ship-wide diagnostic. The report is to be in +my hands in 20 minutes." Strachan's eyes moved back, and gazed directly +into Wittock's. "Dissmissed." + "But, Captain-" + "Wittock! Drop that tone out of your voice." His voice became more +delicate, "I don't expect to have to have this conversation again. +Dissmissed." + "Sir." Wittock turned, viciously, and thundered out. + Strachan pivoted round and looked around the Ready Room. Situated +just in front of the bridge, a large bay window took up the forward wall. +Strachan stood in front of it, and gazed out amoung the ancient miracles. +I don't recognise even one of these constellations. Where the hell are +we... + +============================================================================ + Chapter 9 hits the ether next Thursday +============================================================================ + + + + + +=============================================================================== += _______ = += STAR TREK |_______> EXPERIENCE THEIR FIRST, TERRIFYING ADVENTURE = += ----------- | | _._ ABOARD THE USS ENIGMA, IN = += THE NEW _____| |__--------' '--------__________ = += FRONTIER. \____| |_ --------------------- ________/ "A BRIDGE TO FAR." = += / | '-------___ ___-------' = += ________________/_____\_____________ STAR TREK - THE NEW FRONTIER, = += \ [=========================] [==] ) WRITTEN AND CREATED BY EWAN SPENCE = += '---------------------------------/ exs@dcs.ed.ac.uk ewans@castle.ed.ac.uk = +=============================================================================== + + + +Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative +Path: newserv.ksu.ksu.edu!moe.ksu.ksu.edu!hobbes.physics.uiowa.edu!math.ohio-state.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!pipex!uknet!festival!castle.ed.ac.uk!ewans +From: ewans@castle.ed.ac.uk (Ewan Spence) +Subject: Star Trek : The New Frontier : Chapter 9 +Message-ID: +Sender: news@festival.ed.ac.uk (remote news read deamon) +Organization: Edinburgh University +Date: Thu, 3 Feb 1994 14:38:01 GMT +Lines: 153 + +============================================================================ +It's Time For The Author To Speak! + +(E-mail has slowed up, get it going again....) + +Not a lot to say this week. I've had it rough, so I hope you lot +appreciate Chapter 9. It's going to get depressing from here-on-in. + +Oh, well. Till next Thursday. + +--Ewan (the (Not in the best Frame Of Mind) Author) + +============================================================================ +Star Trek - The New Frontier. +A Bridge To Far. + +Star Trek - The New Frontier, created by Ewan Spence. +Based on Star Trek, created by Gene Roddenberry. + +All new material here is copyright Ewan Spence. Ewan Spence asserts +the moral right to be identified as the author of this work. You are free +to distribute this work, as long as it is kept together, remains unedited, +and you charge no more than nominal copying costs. + +============================================================================ +Chapter 9. +============================================================================ + + It had taken the medical staff less than 20 minutes to give each crew +member a brief check-up. It was not good. Out of a crew of 169, +everyone had at least two or three problems. Almost 40 had to be taken +to sickbay, 26 in a critical condition, Bowland among them. There had +been 18 deaths. It was a full hour before Strachan had been able to pull +the bulk of his remaining senior staff out of making emergency repairs, +so that they could call some shots. + The Observation deck was again full, and clearly lit, now that +Engineering had managed to get the main Life Support back on-line. +Around the table with Strachan were T'zer, Dalrymple, Wittock and +Eastmore. Bowland's place was taken by his deputy, Amber Hardcastle. +Strachan had left the bridge in Leflar's hands. + "...sickbay can cope, Captain." + "Thank you, Doctor. Commander Wittock, inform us of your latest +findings on the ship's condition." + "A deathtrap." + They all smiled, T'zer especially. All except Strachan. + "Wittock." The warning in his tone was obvious. + Wittock's expression betrayed itself, "We were damned lucky. The +final plasma attack took out the warp drive. Coupled with that sort of +damage, and the strain placed on the core, I'm amazed that we lasted as +long as we did. Even at that, we've just found out that the Dilithium +articulation frame, thanks to the forces it experienced, fractured most of +the crystal. When the Warp comes back on-line, we won't have long." + "Till?" + "Till no more functional dilithium crystals. And then we can't focus the +plasma stream. Full stop. No warp power. At all." + Eastmore's face looked horrified. "Then how do we get home?" + Strachan pivoted, "Miss Hardcastle?" + "With what little sensors we had left ten minutes ago, our sighting +range is less than half a parsec. We can only detect one star. It has two +planets in orbit around it. One is M class. Better readings should be +available as soon as the main array comes on-line." + Dalrymple turned to her, "How far?" + "The M class planet?" + "Yeah. How far?" + "8 hours at Warp 1." + "That's cutting it fine," Wittock interrupted. "8 hours of Warp 1 is +going to run the system bone-dry." + "Will it hold?" T'zer asked. + "No choice, Commander. It has to." + Silence. + Strachan knocked that on it's head, "Commander. It will hold, won't it." +It was not a question. + "I know a few tricks. We'll get there, Captain." + "Then we hope we can find some lithium to synthesise," this from +T'zer. + "The impulse engines should hold together for a couple of weeks orbit +time," Wittock stated. "And I'll be able to process the lithium using +impulse power alone. If you don't mind breaking a few regulations, +Captain." + Strachan almost laughed. He caught himself in time. "Okay, +Commander. I'll take the rap." The pseudo-strictness faded. Polite +chuckles were heard. + T'zer came in, "Anything else?" + Nobody indicated there were. + "Okay. Dissmissed." + They filed out. All except Strachan. T'zer saw this, and made her way +back towards the head of the table. + + Neither of them said anything for a minute or two. Finally, Strachan +raised his eyes to meet T'zers. "What have I done." The voice was deadly +quiet. + T'zers response was just as silent. "What you had to do." + "I know. But... Damn," This was forced out. "What the hell were +Starfleet on when they sent this flea-pit out. They lose a ship. So what do +they do? Send a sacrifice to see if the Romulans are really at war. And I +was their thorn. They might has well fired me." He collapsed in the chair. + Nicole T'zer moved in behind him. Hesitently, her hand rested on +Tyler's shoulder. "You don't really mean that. When you called me, you +were so high on-" + "I was blind." + "The good usually are." + "If I ever see Hansen again..." + "I know." Nicole waited a heartbeat, and tightend her hold on Tyler's +shoulder. + + This bridge looked as if an Acadamey Class just failed the final +scenario again, Dalrymple thought. Repair crews were hanging from +panels, legs seemed to grow out from under the stations. "Anything to +report, Leflar?" + "Engineering expects Warp power to be available in 40 minutes. We +should also be getting some initial readings from the long-range sensor +in a few moments." + "Thank you, Lieutenant. Take the Sciences Station, and find out where +the hell we are." + "Aye, Sir." Leflar proceeded to move to the alcoved station, being +careful, now that the gravity was back to normal. + The bridge returned to the frenzied calm for a few minutes. Leflar +broached it. "Hardcastle, come and take a look at these readings." + Lieutenant Amber Hardcastle, deputy Security Chief, arrived behind +Leflar. "What is it?" + "The sensors have just passed a Level 1 diagnostic, but I'm not even +picking up a carrier wave from the Starfleet relay beacons." + "But, that can't be." Hardcastle looke stunned. + "You got something?" Dalrymple materialised beside the two +lieutenants. + "Could be Sir. "Leflar answered. "Without the beacons-" + "The subspace relay beacons?" + "Yes, Sir.I t's going to be incredibly hard to pin down our location. We +don't even have a speed or time base to try to extrapolate." + "Any ideas?" Hardcastle asked Dalrymple. + Pete sighed. "Nope. Leflar?" + "Just one. I could try to identify 3 pulsars from their on-off cycle, and +use the redshift to triangulate Enigma's position. It wouldn't be very +accurate, mind you-" + "Do it." + "Aye Sir." + Dalrymple stayed with Leflar. "How long?" + "A few minutes." + They waited. "Coming through now, Sir. Oh no." + "Run it again." Dalrymple looked in shock at the readout. + Leflar re-started the program, and this timne monitored the +calculations. +The time seemed to strech out. Finally, the screen duplicated the +number. + "How long to reach even a suitable distance for Starfleet to send out a +long-range rescue tanker? On a one-way trip for the tanker." + "At cruising speed?" + "Yeah." + Leflar touched some controls. Almost instantaneously, the computer +printed up their destiny. "Over 26 years..." + +============================================================================ + + diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/startrek.txt b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/startrek.txt new file mode 100644 index 00000000..e518fcca --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/startrek.txt @@ -0,0 +1,327 @@ +MCMLXXXV-10megs-300/1200-612/729-1985 + *************************************** + * * + * The Star Trek episode guide * + * * + * By: * + * * + * Apple Avenger * + * * + * (C)1985 Midwest Pirate's Guild * + * * + *************************************** + + "Space-the final frontier...These are the voyages of the Starship Enterprise. +Its five-year mission: to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and +new civilizations, to boldly go where no man has gone before." + + Sounds familiar doesn't it? The preamble above is from histories most famous +and influential television series ever, Star Trek. Star Trek has evolved into +one of the biggest cults today. Even after two decades, its syndicated shows +are watch over and over again by many different generations of people. In this +feature file I will list the shows in order by their season, and also give a +little explanation about what happen in each show. I will not try to say to +much so that other young trekkie fans who have not seen most of these shows +will not be upset that I disclosed what happen in them. + + Star Trek was first air on September 8th, 1966. The show lasted a total of +three seasons on NBC before it was canceled 1969. During those three seasons a +total of 79 episode were filmed. During the 1973-75 saturday morning cartoon +seasons, Star Trek came back in a cartoon form with the original voices of the +cast doing their own character. Then in 1980, do to popular demand from the +trekkie groups across the nation, Star Trek: The motion picture was filmed and +released. This film was a big success and promoted them to film another film +entitled, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. In this film Kirks old enemy from +the episode "Space Seed" Khan (Richardo Montalban) has escaped from the planet +that Kirk imprisoned him on 15 years ago. In Trek II we find out the Kirk has +a son named David, and Spock gives his life in order to save the Enterprise +from Khan who has triggered the Genesis Device (which is a device that makes +life from lifelessness, created my Dr. Carol Marcus and he son David). In +Star Trek III: The Search for Spock, we find out that Spocks body was still +alive but his soul (brain) is possessed by Dr McCoy and the crew of the +Enterprise must steal their ship back and go and rescue Spock from the Genesis +planet. In this movie we see the final voyage of the Starship Enterprise and +we see the death of Kirks son David. Since the last movie, resent rumor has it +that they have started to film a forth Star Trek Movie, and who knows what this +will be (authors note: The last Star Trek movie was directed by Leonard Nimoy, +Mr.Spock as he is better known to trekkies). + + The creator of Star Trek is Gene Roddenberry. Mr. Roddenberry will admit +that he borrowed from many other sci-fi shows from earlm%d dates in order to +get some ideas for Star Trek. No one really knows why Star Trek was so +popular. For its time it dealt with many things that people were just +beginning to understand, like space travel, lasers, etc. Many actors played in +the Star Trek series, the most known are: William Shatner as Capt. James T. +Kirk, Leonard Nimoy as Mr.Spock, DeForest Kelly as Dr.Leonard "Bones" McCoy, +James Doohan as Engineer Montgomery "Scotty" Scott, Nichelle Nichola as Uhura, +George Takei as Mr.Sulu, and Walter Koeing as Ensign Pavel Chekov. + + Star Trek was a leader in Science Fiction television shows. Many have +borrowed and copied from it, but none have gotten the cult following like Star +Trek has. I hope this list will be helpful in your watching and taping of the +Star Trek episodes (authors note: Paramount Studios has now released all of +the Star Trek episodes on tape for the budget price of $14.95. The Movies can +be purchased for $29.95. Check your local video store for more details). + +Star Trek: The 1st Season +------------------------- + +01: "The Man Trap" On a desert planet, Kirk and McCoy are involved in a series + of bizarre killings. + +02: "Charlie X" A teenage boy, reared by aliens, is brought aboard the + Enterprise and soon reveals his true intentions. + +03: "Where no man has gone before" Actually the second pilot. Guest Stars Gary + Lockwood and Sally Kellerman transform into all-powerful beings when the + Enterprise crosses a cosmic barrier. + +04: "The Naked Time" Emotions run high when an alien virus passed by casual + contact strips the Enterprise crew of all inhibitions. + +05: "The Enemy Within" The Kirk id is explored as the Captain is transformed + into two people; one meek and caring, the other violent and impulsive + +06: "Mudd's Women" Roger C. Carmel stars as Harry Mudd, the flim-flam man of + space whose three beautiful companions have the power to command men. + +07: "What are little girls made of?" A mad scientist intends to replace Kirk + with a android double. + +08: "Miri" Kirk must deal with the love of a survivor of a planet-wide + catastrophe who is 300 years old. + +09: "Dagger of the mind" Another renegade scientist is using a mind-altering + device for nefarious purposes. + +10: "The Carbomite Maneuver" A seemingly malevolent alien is intent on + destroying the Enterprise for violating his race's space. + +11-12: "The Menagerie" Two-part episode has Spock abducting former Enterprise + captain Christopher Pike and hijacking the Starship to a forbidden + planet. + +13: "The conscience of the king" Kirk is told that the star of a troupe of + actors is actually the escape Earth Criminal, Kodos the Executioner. + +14: "Balance of terror" Kirk must fight of wits with the commander of a + Romulan ship. + +15: "Shore Leave" The crew of the Enterprise is given shore leave on a Eden + like planet where all of their thoughts and dreams become real. + +16: "The Galileo Seven" When the Enterprise's shuttle craft crash lands on a + hostile planet, Spock finds out that logic alone won't solve the + situation. + +17: "The Squire of Gothos" A maniacal alien uses the Enterprise crew as + playthings. + +18: "Arena" Kirk must do battles with a powerful lizard like alien if he is + save the Enterprise from destruction. + +19: "Tomorrow is Yesterday" The Enterprise is sent back to the '60s and must + erase all evidence of its appearance before it can return to the future. + +20: "Court Martial" Kirk goes on trial after a computer accuses him of murder. + +21: "Return of the Archons" Kirk again battles a computer that's intent on + slowly murdering a planet's inhabitants. + +22: "Space Seed" The earth superman Khan, from the 1990's is introduced, and + attempts to conquer again by first taking over the Enterprise. + +23: "A taste of Armageddon" Kirk and Spock become involved in a computer war + on a planet where the inhabitants are forced to comply. + +24: "This side of paradise" Spock experiences true love for the first time + when alien spores make him and an entire planet's population euphoric + +25: "The Devil in the dark" Kirk and Spock must track down a rock-like + monster menacing a mining colony. + +26: "Errand of mercy" When Organia is invaded by Klingons, the Enterprise + comes to the rescue-or does it? + +27: "The alternative factor" A mad time-traveler attempts to convince Kirk + that the end of the universe is near. + +28: "The city on the edge of forever" Kirk and Spock must go back in time to + stop a deranged McCoy before he can change history. + +Star Trek: The 2nd Season +------------------------- + +29: "Operation Annihilate" Kirk must save the inhabitants of Deneva before + parasites drive them all mad. + +30: "Amok Time" Spock must return to Vulcan to marry before he dies. + +31: "Who mourns for Adonais" The Greek god Apollo attempts to capture the + Enterprise crew. + +32: "The changeling nomad" An ancient robot probe intends to reach Earth and + destroy all inferior species, namely humans. + +33: "Mirror, mirror" During a ion storm, Kirk and his landing party exchange + places with their counterparts in another universe. + +34: "The Apple" Kirk and crew must rid a dependent planet of its "God" + machine. + +35: "The Doomsday machine" And all-powerful planet killer will gobble up the + universe unless the Enterprise destroys it. Introduces the character + Decker, whose son is featured in Star Trek-the Motion Picture. + +36: "Catspaw" Weird creatures capable of assuming different forms capture Kirk + Spock and McCoy. + +37: "I, Mudd" Harry Mudd returns, this time as a leader of a 2,000 male and + female androids who carry out his every wish. + +38: "Metamorphosis" A cloud-like alien creature refuses to let her "lover", a + space pioneer, leave a desolate planet. + +39: "Journey to Babel" Kirk must deal with murder aboard ship as he transports + planetary delegates, including Spocks parents, across th cosmos. + +40: "Friday's Child" Kirk and crew are forced to care for a tribal leader's + pregnant wife when they break a planetary taboo. + +41: "The Deadly years" After visiting a planet, Kirk, Spock, McCoy, and Scotty + begin to age rapidly, losing their ability to command the Enterprise. + +42: "Obsession" Determine to destroy a deadly, gaseous creature, Kirk puts his + career on the line. + +43: "Wolf in the fold" When the lights go out, it's murder, and Scotty is + suspected of being a futuristic Jack the Ripper. + +44: "The trouble with Tribbles" On a mission to deliver vital materials, Kirk + must deal with Klingons and cute purring creatures the multiply at an + alarming rate. + +45: "The Gamesters of Triskelion" To amuse themselves, the remaining + inhabitants of a mysterious planet bet on games of death, and force + Kirk to play. + +46: "A piece of the action" Effectively, Star Trek meets the Untouchables, + as Kirk and Spock must reform a planets that's run like a movie version + of the '30s Chicago. + +47: "The immunity Syndrome" The Enterprise must destroy a giant amoeba-like + creature that threatens to engulf the galaxy. + +48: "A private little war" To maintain the balance of power, Kirk must arm + a warring tribal faction. + +49: "Return of tomorrow" The three survivors of an advance civilization must + use the bodies of Kirk, Spock and a female scientist to build robot + replicas, but one doesn't want to give its body back. + +50: "Patterns of Force" Kirk attempts to find out why a planet has evolved + like Nazi Germany. + +51: "By any other name" The Enterprise is hijacked by aliens intent on + destroying all human life. + +52: "The omega glory" When warring Yangs and Comms do at it, Kirk becomes + involved. + +53: "The ultimate computer" A malevolent computer disregards its creators' + orders and begins thinking thoughts of destruction. + +54: "Bread and Circuses" The Enterprise visits a planet that mixes modern + technology with the lifestyle of ancient Rome. + +55: "Assignment Earth" Robert Lasing stars as a human raised by aliens who + hopes are to avoid World War III. Actually, it's the pilot for an unsold + series with little more than cameos by the Trek crew. + +Star Trek: The 3rd Season +------------------------- + +56: "Spocks Brain" A group from a dying planet steals Spock's Brain. + +57: "The Enterprise incident" Kirk crosses the Neutral Zone to steal the + cloaking device from the Romulans. + +58: "The paradise syndrome" An amnesiac Captain Kirk marries a beautiful + alien, unaware of he planet's impending doom. + +59: "And the small children shall lead" Lawyer Melvin Belli plays a black + angel what has turned children into all powerful killers. + +60: "Is there no truth in beauty?" When Spocks accidentally gazes at a + Medusan ambassador, he is destined for madness unless the diplomat's + jealous companion will help. + +61: "Spectre of the gun" After violating Melkotian space, Kirk, Spock + and McCoy are send to the OK Corral to face their doom. + +62: "Day of the dove" Klingons battle humans at the bidding of an alien + creature that thrives on hate. + +63: "For the world is hollow and I have touched the sky" A dying McCoy is + enslaved by the queen of a hollow world. + +64: "The Tholian web" The Tholian attempt to snare the Enterprise is their + deadly web as Kirk lies helpless in hyperspace. + +65: "Plato's Stepchildren" Telepathic citizens of a Platonius enslave the + Enterprises crew. + +66: "Wink of an eye" An advance rave with an even more advance metabolism + attempts to steal the Enterprise. + +67: "The Empath" Kirk, Spock, and McCoy teach the notion of compassion to a + mute girl who has the gift of sensing emotion and transferring pain. + +68: "Elaan of Troyius" a Trek version of The Taming of the Shrew, with Kirk + attempting to tame a tempestuous gueen. + +69: "Whom god destroy" A madman attempting to conquer the universe has the + power to change shape. + +70: "Let that be your last battlefield" Warring aliens continue their 50,000 + year struggle aboard the Enterprise. + +71: "Mark of Gideon" Rulers of an overpopulated planet attempt to fool + Captain Kirk into introducing death to the populace. + +72: "That which survives" Kirk and McCoy face certain death when the + Enterprise is hurtled a thousand light years away. + +73: "The lights of zetar" Scotty's love interest faces death when mysterious + lights invade her mind. + +74: "Requiem for Methuselah" An alien claims he has lived on Earth as some of + the most influential men of history. + +75: "The what to eden" a futuristic hippie and his and attempt to find a + planetary paradise by hijacking the Enterprise. + +76: "The cloud minders" Class systems are challenged when Kirk and Spock + become embroiled in a slave rebellion. + +77: "The savage curtain" Kirk and Spock, aided by Abe Lincolin and the + Valcon father figure Surak, must battle the most evil villains of all + time to appease an alien. + +78: "All out yesterdays" Kirk, Spock and Dr. McCoy seem to be transported + to a different eras in Earth's past when the visit a dying planet. + +79: "The turnabout intruder" In an effort to take over the Enterprise, and + evil female scientist transfers her mind into the body of Captain Kirk. + + +Well, thats it! Every Star Trek episode. I hope this file is helpful in your +watching one of TV's greatest Science Fiction show ever, Star Trek. + + +Written by: Apple Avenger 3/06/85 + +"Star Trek" Is a Trademark of Paramount Pictures Corporation Registered in the +U.S. Patent and Trademark office. +--------------------------------------- + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/startrk.txt b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/startrk.txt new file mode 100644 index 00000000..cce8f7e0 --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/startrk.txt @@ -0,0 +1,129 @@ + +BME + +COMPILED BY S * P * Y * K . WITH SPECIAL THANKS TO GYM +QUIRK, WHO WE GOT THE IDEA AND MANY OF THE RULES FROM, AND TO +GENE RODDENBERRY, FATHER OF ALL TREKKIES. + + +Following in the tradition of all true trekkies, we will now +lay out the designs for the Star Trek Drinking Game. And +don't forget, Phaser`s on KILL, Mr. Sulu... + +(Make sure you`re using something POTENT!!!) + +And take one drink every time someone says... + + ..."Bridge." + + ..."Ah`m sorry, captain, that's all the power she`s + got!" + + ..."Phasers on stun" + + ..."Ahead warp factor 4" (or one drink per warp factor) + + ..."Highly illogical, Captain." + + ..."Standard orbit, sir." + + ..."Captain's Log..." (Twice if it's a supplemental) + + ..."He's dead, Jim" (This is the one that kills!) + + ..."This is Captain James T. Kirk of the starship + Enterprise" + + ..."Fascinating!" + + ..."Energize." + +.."Weapon Systems/Shields inoperative, Captain." + + ..."Sensor indicate ________." + + ..."Tricorder readings, Mr. Spock?" + +Also take one drink every time... + + ...Spock raises one eyebrow + + ...The camera tilts at a crazy angle and everyone falls + out of their seats. + + ...The captain calls Dr. McCoy 'Bones'." + + ...The bosun's whistle sounds. + + ...A direct order is disobeyed. + + ...You see a styrofoam planet. + + ...Kirk kisses someone. + + ...Sulu does a countdown. + (Optional 1: Drink once per number) + (Optional 2: Use time for a breather) + + ...Kirk gets his shirt forcibly removed. + + ...Kirk destroys a computer. + + ...There's a fist fight. + (Optional 1: One drink per person in fight." + (Optional 2: One drink per PUNCH in fight." + + ...Uhura looks knowledgable and hold her earpiece. + + ...Spock relays data from his "peep-show" machine. + + ...A landing party arrives at a planet`s surface. + (Optional 1: One drink per party member.) + (Optional 2: One drink per styrofoam rock you see.) + + ...Something smokes, sparks, and explodes. + + ...Number 4 shield is damaged. + (Optional: One drink for each shield #. + i.e. #3 shield - Three drinks, etc.) + + ...Any time there is a reference to logic. + (Optional: Twice if it's not from Spock.) + + ...The Enterprise is scanned by an 'omnipotent' force. + + + + + /////////////////////////////////////////////////////// + // The PIRATES' HOLLOW // + // 415-236-2371 // + // over 12 Megs of Elite Text Files // + // ROR-ALUCARD // + // Sysop: Doctor Murdock // + // C0-Sysops: That One, Sir Death, Sid Gnarly & Finn // + // // + // "The Gates of Hell are open night and day; // + // Smooth is the Descent, and Easy is the way.." // + /////////////////////////////////////////////////////// + + + + + + + + +X-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-X + Another file downloaded from: The NIRVANAnet(tm) Seven + + & the Temple of the Screaming Electron Taipan Enigma 510/935-5845 + Burn This Flag Zardoz 408/363-9766 + realitycheck Poindexter Fortran 510/527-1662 + Lies Unlimited Mick Freen 801/278-2699 + The New Dork Sublime Biffnix 415/864-DORK + The Shrine Rif Raf 206/794-6674 + Planet Mirth Simon Jester 510/786-6560 + + "Raw Data for Raw Nerves" +X-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-X diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/stmeetsl b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/stmeetsl new file mode 100644 index 00000000..ba46edbc --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/stmeetsl @@ -0,0 +1,91 @@ +Subject: Star Trek meets Lost in Space +Article-I.D.: yang.1992May27.201025.18505 + +Star Trek Meets Lost in Space +By Uri Lessing +inspired by Jeremiah Wilton + +Captain Picard was sipping tea in personal quarters. There was only calm +in is face, as he enjoyed a few moments alone from all of the weirdos he +had on board his ship. Thoughts drifted to France. "Ahh Paris", he +thought sadly. +Suddenly, a voice cut through the air. "Captain, you better come to the +bridge! There is an unidentifyable vessel appearing on our scanners." +"Damn that Horseshoe crabed headed Klingon!", said Picard aloud. +"I heard that, Captain", shouted Worf,"and just what IS a horseshoe crab?" +Picard stepped into the turbo-shaft and told it to take him to the bridge. +When the doors opened, there stood the entire crew. Data was there looking +as pale as ever. And Wesley was there too, annoying Worf by shooting +rubber-bands at him. +"Captain, tell Wesley to quit it", shouted Worf in his booming voice. +But all the captain could think about was what he saw on the viewing +screen. There was the oddest spaceship he had ever seen. The vessel +seemed to resemble two 20th century Earth paper plates that had been glued +together." +"Captain", said Data,"If you wish I could realine the subwertonian beams, +and polatarize the yogos ion mix, and transport one of the crew here." +"Like finding Waldo in an Arabian dessert.", said Riker from the back of +the room. +"Yes, exactly Sir." +"Make it so.", beamed Picard in his favorite comanding voice. +Data pressed a few buttons, and all of a sudden a the air shimmered in the +center of the bridge. Suddenly, a scrawny looking man in his 60s +appeared. He was dressed in a skin tight polyester uniform, that seemed +to resemble the uniforms of the first Enterprise. Just at that moment +Conselor Troi entered from the Turbo-shaft. +"I'm DOOMED!", he cried, "Help me, oh pleeeasse...I'll give you +anything...Pleasse!!!" +"Captain, I sense fear in him",said Troi. +"Of course you sense fear, Counselor; he is obviously scared out of is +wits! Do you ever tell us anything we don't know?", snapped Riker. +"That's enough, Will!", cried Picard. He turned to the strange man they +had beamed aboard who was attempting to hide under one of the control panels. +"Who are you?",said Picard. +"Oh please...Don't hurt meeee. What? You want to know who I am.",slowly +the man rose, "I, sir, am Doctor Zachary Smith. I am a scientist +extrordanaire. And who might you be, young lady?" +Slowly, Doctor Smith nuzzled his head in Counselor Troi's busom. +"That's enough!", cried Worf, who proceded to charge Doctor Smith, who let +out a loud yelp and held his hands in front of his face. Unfortunatly, +Worf's head slammed right into the central mohogany wood paneling, and +fell right to the floor. +"Why do I always get hurt?", moaned Worf,"I'm the strongest crew member. +Why oh Why?", and then he fell unconcious. +"Take him away you albino ninny!",cried Doctor Smith at Data. +"Sir, I am not an albino. I am an android. I am programmed to..." +"Shut your trap you bucket of bolts!", cried Doctor Smith. +"Captain, what is a bucket of bolts?, inquired Data. +Just then the air in the center of the bridge shivered again, and there +stood a cute red-headed boy, and a curious looking robot. +"A BORG!!!!", shrieked Wesley, as he soiled his yellow spandex uniform. +"WARNING! WARNING!", cried the Robot. +"Captain, these electronic creature is extraordinary.", said Data,"Its +protective shielding seems to be made from sheet metal wrapped in aluminum foil" +"DANGER! DANGER!", cried the Robot. +"Captain, its arms also seem to be made out of this strange 20th century +plastic tubing.", continued Data,"and it has a goldfish bowl over the +computational section of its system." +"Golly, you can't say that about my Robot!",cried the red-headed boy. +Suddenly Wesley Crusher stood up,"Hi, I'm Wesley. Will you be my bestest +buddy?" +"Sure!", shouted the boy, and they skipped off to explore the enterprise. +"WARNING! WARNING!", shouted the Robot. +"Look, can't you make that thing shut-up.", said Picard impatiently. +"Why certainly..", Data replied. He reached behind the Robot's +goldfishbowl head and simply switched him off. The robot's plastic tube +arms sucked back into its body, and its head drooped. +"Ahhh! We're doomed!", screeched Doctor Smith. +Picard turned to Riker. "Shoot him, set to kill." +A few hours later, Riker and Picard sat in the Enterprise's lounge +drinking replicated Coor's lights. +"It's a shame we had to eject the kid and Robot into space.", said Riker. +"Now, now, Riker. They were to horrible even for us to save.",replied +Picard,"Although I did feel a bit guilty about blowing up that ship. It +was classic engineering." +"Hey Captain!",exclaimed Riker,"Didn't we just break the prime directive." +"Screw the prime directive",was Picard's response as he downed his Coors +and wondered what space would throw at him next. +-- + +Uri J. Lessing | Earlham College | Richmond, Indiana + diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/stratege b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/stratege new file mode 100644 index 00000000..743df567 --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/stratege @@ -0,0 +1,1757 @@ +_Strategem--A Star Trek: The Next Generation Story_ +by E. David Jansing (c) Copyright 1993 All Rights Reserved + ST:TNG character (tm) of Paramount + + +Chapter 1 + +"Captain's Log, Stardate 45322.2 + +We have been summoned to the outer rim of our galaxy to investigate a +strange transmission, intercepted by the USS Georgia, Captain Russo +commanding. Starfleet has been slow in providing information that would +allow us to prepare for the mission. Russo has an excellent service record, +and shows no sign of incompentence. I am forced, then, to speculate as to +why Starfleet has sent us to assist the Georgia in her investigation." + +Picard switched off the recording monitor and carefully leaned back in his +ready room chair. He slowly brought the tea cup up to his lips, savoring +the smell. "Why had Starfleet sent us out here to assist?" Picard's deep, +questioning thought had distracted him so much, he didn't hear the door +chime for quite a while. + +"Come." + +The door slid open and Lt. Commander Data and Commander Riker entered. +Riker wore a disconcerted face, unlike Data whose expressions, when he had +them, were always contrived and cliched. + +"We will be rendezvousing with the Georgia in 4 hours and 15 minutes, sir." +Data stated with his usual precision. + +"Might I enquire, sir, as to what our mission will be once we arrive? So +that I can prepare the crew?" Riker never needed to question Picard's +judgement on any mission, nor would he start now. He was, however, still +left to feel uncentered regarding a certain lack of information as to why +they had suddenly changed course six hours previously. + +"You know as much as I do, Number One. Starfleet seems to feel that a +certain amount of radio silence regarding this mission is necessary." + +"Yes, sir. Understood." + +Picard looked at Data intensely. "Have you done a preliminary study, Data?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"Report then Commander." + +"Yes, sir. The USS Georgia is a science vessel, Captain Stephen A. Russo, +commanding. They are on a six month mission to study U.P.A.s on the outer +rim of the galaxy. They . . . " + +Riker interrupted. "UPAs, Data?" + +"Unusual Physical Anomalies, sir. UPAs can be Black Holes, Cosmic Strings, +Quick-developing Nebulas . . ." + +Picard quicked said, "Thank you Mr. Data. Is there anything else you can +tell us about the Georgia or her crew before we arrive?" + +Data cocked his head slightly to the right, an expression that we frequently +did when attempting to make a surmise or discovery. "They have not +encountered any resistance while on their mission. It was thought that the +Romulans might object to such a study so close to the Neutral Zone. There +have been no detection of any other vessels in the quadrant, other than the +Georgia. There have been no distress calls from outposts in that sector." + +"Speculation, Mr. Data?" Picard waited anxiously, hoping to get just a +glimpse of what might await them. + +"I have insuffient data in which to make a theory, sir." + +"Thank you, Mr. Data. Commander, what is the Georgia's present location?" + +Riker said stiffly, "Orbiting the Eta Theta outpost, bordering the Neutral +Zone, sir." + +Picard sighed deeply. He hated the Neutral Zone. He disliked the idea of +having to park off of the edge of it to investigate something. He +especially disliked the idea that Russo had intercepted some Romulan +transmission and was in dire need of assistance that could produce +hostilities. He did not like it at all. + +"That will be all, thank you." + +Chapter 2 + +The USS Georgia glided quietly across the planet. It gracefully cruised +around the planet, almost in a artistic fashion. Looking from the bridge, +Captain Stephen Russo rubbed his chin and squinted into space. "It just did +not make any sense," he pondered to himself. Out loud, he turned to the +science officer and requested, "The transmission again, please." + +"Yes, sir." + +Russo was young for a starship captain. Around 30, his dark eyes indicated +that age would not play a factor in him commanding his ship with peak +efficency. He was tall, dark headed. His frame was perfect for his body. +He was one of those captains that always turned the young Ensigns heads, +whispering among themselves wondering who might get the pleasure of dining +with the captain. + +The ship's computer chirped slightly and the transmission played itself with +no fanfare. + +"To all those who gaze at the stars, to the ship who bore, we send +greetings, we send cold revenge. As those who bore unto Genesis, so we knee +before the Captain now. For once after reverence, comes the steely hand of +death, to take us into the dark door. May the Captain find that door and +greet it with the same courage that those who knelt before him had." + +There was a cold silence on the bridge. Russo jumped up and cursed. "What +the hell does it mean?" + +"It has been repeated on the same frequency over and over since we +discovered it." The science officer stated, playing havok with the controls +on the science station. + +"Can you pin point the exact location of the transmission, Mr. Kamorov?" + +Mr. Kamorov frowned and turned to his captain. "No, sir. Ship sensors +detect that is orginating somewhere from the Eta Theta outpost, sir. But is +coming from under the planet, perhaps in a subterranean cavern. It may not +be possible to find the exact location to due to makeup of the rock of the +planet. It provides an effective shield against the ship's sensors." + +"Captain! A ship is entering the sector." + +Russo turned to Ops. "Can you identify the ship, Mr. Turner?" + +Turner played with the controls on his station quickly. Then he stopped and +stared. "It's the Enterprise, sir." + +"Enterprise?!?" Russo began to rub his chin again, a habit that escaped +him, but not the members of his crew. Many times, it became a kind of work +joke, similar to the "Picard manevuer" that described the habital way that +Picard would pull down on his uniform top when he rose from his seat. + +"I knew that Starfleet was sending someone, but I didn't know it would be +the flagship." Russo paused. "Hailing frequencies." + +Mr. Tzu quietly worked at the security station. She had always dreamed, as +many in the fleet do, of working on the Enterprise, but she was never +assigned there. Her hopes were up now, she was getting to do the next best +thing, work with the Enterprise and her infamous crew. "Channel open, sir." + +Russo took a deep breath and then stated, "This is the USS Georgia, Captain +Stephen Russo, commanding." + +The view screen flickered a bit and flashed to life. The picture changed +from the surface of Eta Theta to a bridge of a Galaxy-class starship. This +bridge was beautiful and you could almost hear everyone aboard the Georgia's +bridge gasp when it first appeared. Her crew looked powerful, like all the +stories ever told about the previous crews of the Enterprise. There was +even a Klingon at the security station. No other Klingons had ever served +aboard a starship as a member of Starfleet, so the security officer was a +bit a celebrity. A young woman, Bijoren, sat at the Conn and a strange +pale-skinned man sat at Ops. And in the captains seat was a legend in his +own time. Jean-Luc Picard. The only man known to have been a Borg and +survived. He and his crew were instrumental in saving Earth. Picard stood +and pulled at his uniform top. + +"Greetings, Captain Russo. I am Jean-Luc Picard, captain of the +Enterprise." + +"It is a pleasure to met you, Captain. I have so been looking forward to +it." + +Picard frowned and then smiled. "Why is that, Captain Russo?" + +"I have been very interested in the Borg situation. I have done much +research in the area. History, you know. And your a piece of it." + +Picard frowned and kept it in place. "Thank you for the complement, but I +hope that it is not the Borg that brings us here today." + +Russo blushed momentarily and then stood up straight again. "I did not mean +to make implications, Captain. No. The Borg are not here, nor do we have +any reason to believe that they are behind the strange transmission that is +eminating from the planet." + +Picard turned to Data, then to Worf. "Are you detecting any transmissions +from the planet?" + +Worf grumbled, then looked up from his station. "Yes, sir. However, I am +unable to locate the origin of the source." + +Picard then turned to Data. "On screen." + +"The transmission is an audio-only message. It is repeated every 10.6 +seconds after completion." + +"Very well, the transmission Mr. Data." + +"To all those who gaze at the stars, to the ship who bore, we send +greetings, we send cold revenge. As those who bore unto Genesis, so we knee +before the Captain now. For once after reverence, comes the steely hand of +death, to take us into the dark door. May the Captain find that door and +greet it with the same courage that those who knelt before him had." + +Picard looked at Russo. "Do you know what it means?" + +Russo laughed out loud. "So the legend is as human as we are!" he mused +quietly to himself. Russo then stated humorously, "No, sir. We do not have +the slightly notion as to what it means. Perhaps together we can unsolve +this mystery!" + +Picard smiled. A mystery! Just the kind he enjoyed. "Perhaps so, +Captain." + +Both ships were now in orbit around the planet. And then, suddenly... + +"Warning! Incoming missile. Evasive action necessary." The Enterprise's +computer automatically sounded the Red Alert klaxon. + +Chapter 3 + +Picard spun around on his heels and shouted at Worf. "Shields! Mr. Worf, +shields!" + +"Attempting to raise, sir!" + +"Ensign Rho, emergency manevuer Epilson, quickly!" Picard looked around at +his crew, as they scrambled around to their stations. + +With a flash of light, the photon torpedo raced towards the Enterprise. As +the torpedo grew in intensity, the ship moaned and shook as it attempted to +escape the power of the device. It did not. + +The occupants of the Enterprise were thrown about as the torpedo hit one of +the Warp Engine Nacelles. "Warning! Direct hit on the port Warp Field +Nacelle. Initiating evacuation sequence in all Engineering sections." The +computer calmly began the proper emergency sequence as the crew of the +Enterprise lay stunned at the attack. + +"Status . . . !" Picard sputtered as he lay on the floor of the bridge. +The emergency lights had activated and computer stations began to chirp and +chatter with news of the damage to the ship. + +Seemingly uneffected, Data quietly answered. "We have auxiliary power. Our +shields are only at 34% efficency. The computer has automatically begun +emergency procedures. All engines are non-functioning." + +Riker was red with fury. "Worf! Where did that torpedo come from? The +Georgia?" + +Worf looked up from his station, "No sir. It came from the outpost." + +"What? A photon torpedo? From the surface?" + +"Yes, sir!" + +Picard sat in his chair. "Can you locate the source, Mr. Worf? Or the +party responsible?" + +"Sensors are not fully operational, sir. Wait! Incoming!" + +Picard stood in anger, then thought better of himself and sat back down. +"Phasers! Take out the device!" + +"Phasers are not responding, sir!" + +Riker shouted at Data. "Sound collosion, Mr. Data!" + +The torpedo raced past the Georgia and stuck the saucer section of the +Enterprise. The shields barely held the integrity of the hull as the ship +rocked under the power of the device. + +Riker crawled to Science Station 2. "Where the hell is the Georgia?!?" + + + +"What the hell was that!?!" Russo screamed. The crew of the Georgia stood +silently, their mouths gaping. "Shields! Now!" + +"Sir!" Tzu stood and trembled slightly. "The controls are not responding!" + +"What do you mean, Mr. Tzu? Not responding?" + +"Someone has overridden the security access code. From the planet! The +transmission has stopped and a different signal is sending instructions to +our computer!" + +Russo screwed up his face. He thought quickly, then he acted quickly. +"Bridge to Engineering! Shut down the access to the phasers to manual +control only! Immediately! Mr. Kamorov, what is the status of the +Enterprise?" + +Mr. Kamorov, staring intently at the control panel, turned back to the +captain. "She is badly damaged, sir. She has sustained two hits, one to +the port Warp Nacelle, one to her saucer section, decks 7-10. She has no +means of propulsion. If she drifts any more, she will begin to spiral down +towards the planet!" + +"Mr. Tzu, activate the forward tractor beam. Stabilize the Enterprise!" + +Mr. Tzu worked the controls furiously on her station. Sweat began to pour +from her brow as she attempted to rescue the Enterprise. "I think I have +her, sir!" + +"Excellent! Now get close enough to extend the shields over her hull." + +"I have no control over the helm, sir!" Turner spouted. + +"Damn! Computer, recognize Russo, Stephen A., Captain, Alpha Two +clearance!" + +"Recognized Russo, Alpha Two clearance." The computer on the Georgia had a +different tone, deeper than the Enterprise's computer. + +Russo rubbed his chin furiously. "Isolate all command functions, accepting +commands from Bridge and Engineering stations only." + +"Do you wish to lock-out command functions being received remotely from the +Eta Theta outpost?" + +"Yes! And computer, who authorized those commands?" + +"Russo, Stephen A., Captain, Alpha Two clearance." + +Red started to flow across Russo's face as his fury increased. This had +been a setup from the start. Someone lured his ship so as to disable it. +But why fire on only the Enterprise? It made no sense to him. + +"Computer, authorize new security access code, +one-two-five-tango-two-two-two-four, acknowledge." + +The computer chirped and beeped slightly. "New security code entered. Do +you wish to assign Priority One clearance?" + +"Yes! Now helm, extend our shields around the Enterprise!" + +Mr. Kamorov swung around from the science station. "It's too late, here +comes another!" + +Russo jumped from his seat and ran over Mr. Tzu. Mr. Tzu looked gray, her +eyes fixed intently on the panel. Russo put his hand on her shoulder. "Arm +phasers and destroy the torpedo." + +Tzu shook herself out of the daze which had mesorized her and began working +the ship's weapons. "Phasers armed. Locked onto target. + +Russo shouted, "Fire! Now!" + +The Georgia sent a blast of phaser energy driving towards the torpedo. All +at once the photon went up into a small ball of fire. The Georgia shook +from the blast and the Enterprise moaned as the repercussion caused even +more damage to the already wounded ship. + +"Mr. Kamorov, what is her status now?" + + +The bridge of the Enterprise lay dark. The only sound that could be heard +was the ship's computer, automatically initiating back-up life support. + +"Emergency! Decompression danger on decks 7, 8, 9, and 10 due to weaken +hull. Now initiating emergency evacuation procedures." + +Picard groaned as he tried to lift himself up. "Too dizzy to think," he +moaned softly to himself. He could hear the other's breathing around him, +but could not see anything or anyone. Even the view screen had been +disabled. "Mr. Data." It came out weakly. He tried to clear his throat +and said a little louder, "Mr. Data." + +"Yes, sir. Are you all right, sir?" + +"I'm not sure Data. What is our status?" + +"We have only battery power. I cannot seem to activate the emergency +lighting on the bridge. Life-support for the rest of the ship was at a +minimum just before we were shook. I do not know our position, nor the +status of the rest of the ship at this time." + +Slowly, bridge stations began to raise back to life. The bridge lighting, +however, was still not functioning. Nor was it clear that anyone else on +the bridge was conscious or even alive. + +Mr. Data punched a few buttons and then spoke. "Computer, resume emergency +lights on bridge." + +"The emergency lights on the bridge are currently activated." + +Picard sat up slowly. "The physical circuits must be damaged." + +"Perhaps the force of the last blast damaged the illumination units +themselves." + +"Perhaps. Computer, report status USS Enterprise." + +"Emergency evacuation for all Engineering decks, as well as decks 7, 8, 9, +and 10 have been initiated. Life support is being to fail. Recommend +ship-to-shore evacuation." + +Outside, there was the sound of continual firing, although not close enough +to affect the ship. + +Suddenly, the normal lighting for the bridge flickered to life. And what it +revealed was a sight. Black scoring across the science stations as the +shock wave from the blasts tore up the circuitry from within. All of the +bridge crew lie on the floor, all of them conscious, if not a bit shaken +from the last attack. + +Mr. Data was the first to speak. "Captain, the situation in Engineering is +critical. I have managed to stabilize life-support for the moment, but the +Warp Engines are losing their integrity. There is the possibility of a +Containment Field Breech." + +Picard spoke, "How long, Mr. Data?" + +"Not less than 30 minutes, sir. I recommend that we commence emergency +evacuation procedures, we have no time to attempt to stabilize the ship +without risking the crew aboard." + +Picard closed his eyes. He wanted to take just a minute, just a minute to +attempt to piece together what had brought them to this. He wanted to hear +the transmission again; he was sure it was connected. He needed to talk to +Russo, but knew that what they would be talking about was not why the +Enterprise was attacked. But he knew that he had to act fast, to insure the +safety of those aboard his vessel. He opened his eyes and exclaimed, "Data, +contact the Georgia advise them of our status. Ask Captain Russo if he will +allow a command team from the Enterprise to board the Georgia and work with +his people to assertain the situation and why the Enterprise was attacked. +Also, inform Starfleet of our status and ask for instructions." + +Worf twiched suddenly and turned the corner of his mouth slightly, which for +the Klingon was a beaming smile. "Captain, the Georgia has successfully +destroyed the photon cannon on the surface. I have the coordinates of the +wreakage. It lies a considerable distance way from the outpost." + +Data turned and added, "The outpost has sent a request for our status and +offers what assistance we may need. They have also dispatched a patrol team +to investigate the site of the photon cannon." + +Picard looked satisfied with the news that for the moment they were not in +any more danger. He looked about at the disarray on his bridge and frowned +deeply. He sighed and stated, "Computer, this is Captain Jean-Luc Picard. +Initiate Abandon-Ship protocol." + +The computer immediately sounded the Red Alert klaxon as it proclaimed to +the rest of the ship that it should take whatever steps necessary to +quickly, but safely leave the crippled Enterprise. + +Picard then turned to the bridge crew and took on the look of a determined +leader. "Mr. Data, has Captain Russo given us permission to board the +Georgia?" + +"Yes, sir. He says he will make whatever we need available to repair the +ship." + +"Excellent. Lt. Commander Data, Lt. Commander Worf, Lt. Commander LaForge, +if he is able, and Chief O' Brien, if he is able, will transport to the +Georgia and begin determining who and what is responsible for the attack on +my ship." Picard turned to Ensign Rho. "Ensign, please inform Dr. Crusher +that the Georgia will receive whatever wounded we have and remain there to +assist in the evacuation of sickbay. Remain with Dr. Crusher and the +wounded after transport and offer whatever assistance you can." + +Rho stiffened and answered Picard, "Yes, sir!" + +Picard then turned to the pale, quiet Troi. He regarding her carefully, +wondering if she was able to feel all the pain from the injured on the ship. +"Are you all right, Counselor?" + +Troi shook her head slowly, as if to loosen something caught in her hair. +"Yes, I believe so, sir. Just caught a little off-guard." + +Picard smiled at her, "So have we all, Counselor. I want you to oversee the +evacuation of the rest of the crew and the passengers to the outpost. Make +sure that all are accounted for and are given emergency shelter on the +outpost. Inform the outpost of the situation, Data." + +Riker stepped between Troi and Picard and stared his captain in the face. +"And what am I to do, sir?" + +Picard looked grimly at his First Officer and placed his hand on Riker's +shoulder. "You will remain here with me. As we are stranded on the border +of the Neutral Zone, this would be the perfect opportunity for the Romulans +to approach the Enterprise and attempt to steal what is left of her. We +will attempt to stabilize the Warp Engines, or die during the operation. +This ship will NOT fall into enemy hands while I am commanding her!" + +Riker smiled and winked at Picard. "Yes, sir! I will attempt to reach +Engineering and evaluate the situation." + +"That's the spirit, Number One." + +Chapter 4 + +In the dark reaches of space, the space that stretched out beyond the Eta +Theta outpost and extended into the Neutral Zone, three ships lay quietly +still. They watched with great anticipation as the mighty Enterprise was +knocked to its knees with an unexpected blow. Inside one of the ships stood +a Romulan. He cringed slightly at the sight of the Enterprise as it was +slowly ripped apart by the torpedoes that raced from the planet's surface. +"What a waste, a terrible waste," he thought to himself as he reflected on +the wonder of the starship. He had encountered it before, playing a +dangerous game of roulette to see who had the more power and guile. And +Picard had won. How worthy an opponent was Picard! + +He turned to his Helm and quietly gave instructions, "Inform the others to +remain cloaked and follow us to the edge of the Neutral Zone. Plot a course +and execute!" + +"Yes, sir." The Helm officer, without even turning around to address the +superior officer, began to execute his instructions with amazing speed and +accuracy. + +Commander Tomalok smiled to himself. "This strategem could prove to be more +useful than I had originally anticipated." + +Chapter 5 + +The site of the photon cannon wreakage lay quiet in the afternoon sun. The +surrounding area was vacant except a lone man. He stood gazing and the +smoldering pile of metal and technology. "Unexpected. Unexpected, but not +altogether unfortunate," he muttered to himself. He pulled a small +tricorder unit out from his belt and press a few buttons. Then he spoke +into it. It was a cold, bitter voice, one tottering on the edge of +insanity. The words he spoke were precise, clean and clear as was the +message it relayed. "I am waiting, Picard. I am watching, Picard. I am +killing, Picard. As Hamlet was push by the ghost of his father, so I am +pushed by the ghost of my past. Revenge! It shall be mine!" + +He stood and stared at the tricoder, slightly stunned at the power of what +he had proclaimed. Then he shook himself and pressed some more buttons and +vanished in a haze of crystalline-blue light. + +Chapter 6 + +The bridge of the Enterprise sat empty. The bridge stations blinked +sullenly as they tried to perform the task of repairing the ship. Science +Station I had black scoring across the panel where the power overloaded the +panel's display system. The turbolift door right of the Tactical opened. +Picard and Riker, dirty and weary, stepped onto the bridge. Neither had +much to say to the other. Picard walked over to Ops and started to adjust +the controls. Riker stood at the Engineering Station, watching the display +intently. "The Containment Field seems to be stabilizing, sir." + +Picard never looked up from the station where he sat. "It does indeed, +Number One. In fact, I believe that the damage to the ship was not as bad +as we orginally had anticipated." + +Riker squinted and smiled wearily, "Should I call the crew back to the ship, +sir?" + +Picard shook his head slowly, "I think not. We are dealing with an unknown +element. Namely, the party who is responsible for damaging the ship to +begin with. Until we have determined that the ship is completely out of +danger, I think it would be a mistake to lower the shields in an effort to +beam the crew back aboard." + +"Good thinking, sir," Riker stated softly. + +Both worked in silence as they attempted to pick the Enterprise back up from +its damaged state. Riker occasionally moved from Engineering to Tactical, +adjusting the shields, monitoring the sensors for some sign of the unnamed +assailant. Will found the lack of sound on the bridge was unnerving as he +performed his duties. He wondered how the rest of the crew were doing on +their assignments, if Troi was safe. Riker suddenly jerked as the computer +stated, "Incoming message from USS Georgia on secured channel." + +Riker recovered from the surprise and looked mildly irritated, as if the +computer had meant to sneak up on him. "Computer, on screen." + +Picard looked up from the Ops station for the first time, but did not get up +from the chair that sat behind the console. Riker briskly walked down the +platform towards Picard as Captain Russo and Data appeared on the screen. + +Russo spoke first, looking worn from the day's events, "Our sensors indicate +that the Enterprise is almost up to operating specs. Is there anything more +that needs to be done that we might help?" + +Riker grinned and spoke, "No, sir. It looks as if the Captain and I have it +well in hand." + +Russo grinned back, liking Riker more and more as time progressed. "You two +make an unbeatable team. Your Mr. Data has some important information he +would like to relay to you." + +Data blinked once and said, "Commander, we had determined the precise +location of the photon cannon, as well as cannon type and configuration. +Mr. Worf and a security team from the Georgia beamed down and determined +that the cannon is indeed completely out of commission. There is no sign of +a camp, nor is there any sign of a base of operations. There is a +transmitter located approximately 500 yrs. away in a clearing. It had sent +the message that brought both the Georgia and the Enterprise to this +location, and it was currently sending the message that I relayed to you +earlier." + +Picard cleared his throat, "We sent the message and a complete report of our +status to Starfleet." + +Data nodded, "A wise choice, sir. It seems that the cannon is Romulan in +design. It was adapted for surface use, and the adaptation was done with +Federation parts. It can be assumed that there could be a cloaked Romulan +Warbird in the sector." + +Picard frowned and gritted his teeth. This was not like the Romulans. +Terrorism to steal Federation property. It didn't make sense. "That is the +assumption that Commander Riker and I are also working under. Therefore, +for the present time, it seems that you and your away team, as well as the +rest of the crew on the surface, will have to stay put. Commander Riker and +I will inform Starfleet if you will be so kind as to provide us with your +report. We do not have the sensors totally back on line, so will your team +kindly begin scanning for a cloaked ship in this sector." + +"Yes, sir. I will send that report immediately, Data out." + +Data and Russo's faces on the main viewer were replaced by several different +windows that Picard had devised to help he and his first officer monitor the +ship and its defenses. One window had the image of the planet that they +were orbiting and the stars that surrounded both. Another window showed +long range scanners and the layout of the sector. Another window showed the +damage/repair status. The final window had the tactical layout of the ship. +Picard sighed deeply. How had it come to this? He was attacked while his +guard was down. This had also happened while he was on the Stargazer. The +thought of losing the Enterprise like he lost his previous ship was +unnerving for him. But, the ship was intact, almost to operating capacity +and he was still in charge. But why? Picard glided across the Ops panel, +activating the ship's computer. He called up both mysterious transmissions. +He listened carefully to both, noting the wordage and tone. The voice +seemed familiar. Picard creased his brow, trying to call up the memory of +the voice. + +Riker spoke from Tactical, "It does seem mysterious, sir. Also somewhat +insane. Like a controlled maniac." + +"I know that voice, Number One. I just can not place it!" Picard winced as +if someone pinched him. Pushing the Ops panel away from him, he stood and +walked to his own seat. + +The computer chirped as it always did. Riker looked up from the console, +"There is an incoming message from Starfleet Command. Priority One, secure +channel." + +"On screen," Picard said, standing slowly. + +The viewscreen blanked momentarily, then a image of Admiral Del Rosario +appeared. "Greetings, Captain. I trust that you are in a better position +than last we spoke." + +Picard smiled, "Yes, Admiral, but Commander Riker and I are still the only +ones aboard the ship. I decided that there would be too much risk in +lowering the shields to bring the others back." + +"Wise decision, Picard. We have determined that the assailant is one Lt. +Cmdr. Detter. He is part of Starfleet Intelligence. He and his brother +were aboard the Stargazer when you commanded her. We believe that he blames +you for his brother's death and is attempting some sort of revenge." + +Understanding spread across Jean-Luc's face as the pieces of the puzzle +began to come together. He remember both Detter and his brother. Mike +Detter and his brother Ian were valuable and respected officers under his +command. Picard deeply regretted the loss of Ian. "I remember both the +Detter's, Admiral, but I find it hard to believe that Mike Detter is +responsible for the damage to my ship." + +"The evidence is there Captain. He does have access to Romulan military +equipment. He does have access to security codes, giving him access to the +Georgia's command console. It is his voice on the transmission. In order +to weed out the mole, we have specific orders for you and your First +Officer. Here is what you are to do . . ." + +Chapter 7 + +The time aboard the Georgia was becoming pleasant for both crews. It seemed +as if the danger had past and that they simply were working on a standard +mission together. The only crew member that would not allow himself the +luxury of pleasant chatter was Worf. He sat at his terminal pouring over +the data that he and his team had compiled. He did not like being away from +the Enterprise and he certainly didn't like being where he could not +properly guard the Captain. + +He frequently glanced over at Tzu to see if she had discovered anything in +the detailed scans she was making. If she was discovering anything, she was +keeping it to herself. "I wonder if she is anything like Tasha," Work mused +to himself. He enjoyed working with the Georgia's tactical officer, but +found himself wishing that he was operating Tacital and not hunting down +facts with his research. + +Russo was sitting in his chair while Data was rapidly keying in data at one +of the Science Stations. Russo crooked his head and said, "Your crew +performs with superior skills, Commander." + +Data turned only momentarily, to acknowledge that Captain Russo was speaking +to him. "Thank you, sir. If I may be frank, your crew is very cooperative +in such a . . . ackward situation. The "takeover" of your bridge by another +foreign crew must be threatening. We appreciate all of your assistance." + +Russo stared at the android in amazement. How could a machine be so +courtious? He envied at the marvels of Data and found himself wishing that +the officer was with his crew. Then he rebuked himself for not thinking +about how competant his crew was and how well they had responded to the +Enterprise's needs. + +Tzu suddenly spoke up. "Something is happening, sir." She no longer had +the pleasant, light tone in her voice. Instead, she looked and sounded +confused. Everyone on the bridge stopped and turned to the Tactical +officer. + +Russo waited a good deal before reponding, hoping Tzu would quickly +volunteer the information. "Well, what is it Commander?" + +"It seems that there is a unauthorized shuttlecraft departing from the +Enterprise!" + +Worf lept from the terminal his was stationed to the Tactical station to get +a look at the sensor scans. Data moved quietly behind him. Worf growled, +"Life signs?" + +Tzu turned to him and said, "Two, humanoid." + +Russo told Ops, "On screen!" + +The viewscreen turned from the view of the planet to the Enterprise. From +the main shuttlebay at the rear of the saucer section, a small crusing +shuttle begin to circle away from the ship. Data could tell that it was the +Valdez. Worf touched the sensor pads and made a sweep of the Enterprise. +No life signs. "The Captain and Commander Riker must be aboard the shuttle! +There are no life readings on the Enterprise." + +Russo shouted, "Attempt to hail the shuttle, please!" + +A few moments went by and then Tzu stated in a moment of disbelief, "There +is no response." + +Russo stared blankly at the viewscreen. Suddenly he turned to Data and +asked, "What is the status of the Enterprise? Are they being forced to +leave? Is the Enterprise is risk of being destroyed?" + +Data poked at a few buttons on the Science station. He turned to the +Captain and looked very much confused. "The ship seems to be working order, +no unusual readings. The shuttlecraft's systems are also functioning +adequately." + +Russo said, "Continue to hail them, Mr. Tzu. Mr. Data, what is the status +of the Enterprise's defense systems?" + +"The shields are raised and operating at full capacity." + +Outside, the Valdez cruised silently towards the planet surface. It had +left the safety of the ship's shields and was quite unprotected. While it +was clear that the shuttle was heading for the surface, it appeared that it +was not in any hurry to get there. + +Unexpectedly, the space around the shuttlecraft shimmered and shooked from a +black to a hazy green to a sharp green that revealed a Romulan Warbird +sitting right next to the defenseless vessel. + +Tzu shouted louder than she had intended, "Romulan Warbird bearing 171 Mark +75, 15 kilometers from the Valdez!" + +Russo threw himself down into his chair. "Lock onto the shuttlecraft and +beam it into the cargo bay, then raise our shields, Commander!" + +Data turned and said, "We cannot lock onto the shuttle, sir. The Warbird is +somehow jamming our transporter signal." + +Tzu asked quickly, "Captain, our shields?" + +"Yes, Commander, raise them!" + +Worf checked the sensors and checked them again, "The Romulan vessel has +charged its disruptor. It is bearing down on the Valdez!" + +And with one burst of light, the Romulan Warbird successfully destroyed the +shuttle and disappeared into a shimmer of green and gold as it stretched +beyond the planet below. + +Chapter 8 + +"There he is!" shouted Tomalok with a raging fury. "Scan the sector and +locate the stolen vessel!" Tomalok trembled in rage in the thought that the +stolen Warbird seized the opportunity to destroy what appeared to be +Picard's shuttle. The Romulans would be blamed and he was denied the +opportunity to enjoy destroying some prime Federation equipment himself. + +"I want that Warbird and I want the traitor who stole it!" Tomalok seemed +to be on a rampage, yelling and shouting at everyone on his bridge. + +"Commander, I have located the ship! It is still in orbit around the +outpost. They are probably trying to assertain whether or not the shuttle +crew is still alive." + +Tomalok smiled, "We will take back what is rightfully ours and steal the +flagship of the Federation, all in one manevuer! Victory!" + +The crew shouted loudly and in unison. "Victory!" + +Chapter 9 + +Silence. Just plain silence. That was the only thing heard on the bridge +of the Georgia. Even the sensors and stations seemed to get quieter after +the destruction of the Valdez. + +Suddenly and without warning, there was a loud yell. Everyone jumped and +Tzu let out a little yelp, as if someone pinched her. Worf continued the +yell for a good while before he run out of breath. Stunned by the death +of Picard and Riker and by Worf's need to participate in a Klingon Death +Ritual, Russo sunk deep into his seat. + +Not phased by the turn of events, Data stated, "We must regain control of +the Enterprise." Russo simply stared at the android. "Are you dense?! Your +captain and first officer were just destroyed in a blaze of fire! And you +are worried about the ship?" + +Data cocked his head slightly and reported quietly, "I realize the tragedy +of the situation, Captain Russo. However, there is a cloaked Romulan +vessel in the area and the Enterprise in unmanned and therefore unprotected. +We must make that our first priority." Data paused. "With your permission, +sir, I would like to take the remaining Enterprise crew and take a shuttle +in an attempt to regain control of the Enterprise." + +Russo looked at Data in amazement. "So efficient. So clear-minded. I +don't suppose you have emotions to stand in your way do you Commander?" +Apparently Data did feel the necessity to answer that question, which made +Worf curious as Data never missed an opportunity to answer a question. +"Perhaps he is really ready for command," mused Worf. + +After a pause, Russo turned to Tzu. "Mr. Tzu, you will provide sufficient +protection of their shuttle while it's enroute to the Enterprise. We shall +not have any more shuttles destroyed today." Data finally spoke, "Thank +you, Captain." Data turned and addressed the Georgia's computer, +"Mr. LaForge, Mr. Worf, Chief O'Brien report to the main shuttle bay +immediately." + +"Captain Russo, will you kindly inform Starfleet on subspace and request +instrutions regarding the command of the Enterprise and what should be +done next regarding the deaths of Captain Picard and Commander Riker?" +Russo simply replied, "Certainly, Commander. I would assume that since you +are second-in-command that you would naturally take command of the +Enterprise." + +"Yes, sir. That would seem to be natural course of action." + +Chapter 10 + +The Georgia's shuttle glided carefully out of the Main Shuttlebay with Data, +Geordi, Worf, and O' Brien, all looking grim, all feeling tense. Each one +of them understood the risk that perhaps the Romulan Warbird was waiting +patiently to attempt to capture them or the Enterprise. + +According to sensors, no one had yet boarded the Enterprise, it was still +laying quietly, repairing itself the best it could without the interaction +of the crew. No one spoke. The only words were confirmations of departure +and that sort of thing. "We will clear the Georgia's shields in +approximately 20 seconds, Commander," O' Brien quietly reported. + +"Excellent. We will have only 60 seconds in which to reach the Enterprise +and fly through the Electromagnetic Shield. It is my intention that with +the shuttle's defenses, added with the Georgia's protection, we should +arrive relatively unharmed." Data turned to Worf, "Have we established a +link-up with the ship's computer yet?" Worf looked mildly irritated, "No, +sir. Apparently the Captain and Commander Riker did want the possibly of +alien craft docking in the Enterprise. They shut out all remote command +functions." + +"Data," Geordi paused to think, "we could just use the shuttle's emergency +transporter to beam directly onto the bridge. That way we could simply +'park' the shuttle off the bow of the Enterprise until we can regain control +of the ship." + +Data nodded, "Excellent idea, Mr. LaForge." Data had certainly taken the +role of command seriously. He had never called his friend "Mr." before, and +it made Geordi squirm slightly to hear it. + +"We are now outside of the Georgia's shields!" O' Brien stated the status +louder than was necessary, but he was becoming increasing nervous by the +second. He still had not processed the death of two of his heroes. He was +angry that no one want to even mention them or what had happened. Miles +knew this was best, not to get wound up in the emotional stress of the +situation, but it still ate at him. "Thank you, Mr. O' Brien. Mr. Worf, +please program the onboard transporter to beam us directly to the Enterprise +bridge," commanded Data. "Yessir." + +So no one said anything. Just O' Brien with time calls, "45 seconds until +shield impact." They all held their breath, waiting for the decloaking of +the renegade Warbird. They all knew that the impact with the shield was +probably going to be somewhat painful, for themselves and the shuttle. + +"30 seconds." Silence . . . + +"15 seconds." + +"10 seconds." + +"5 sec- . . . Ohmigod! Romulan Warbirds directly ahead! Two of them!" + +Chapter 11 + +The two Warbirds appeared beside the Enterprise on the opposite side from +the Georgia. They were relatively new looking, not beaten and battleworn +like the ship that attacked the Valdez. + +Distracted by the prescene of two new ships, no one realized that they were +going to impact the Enterprise's shields, until . . . + +The shuttle lurched forward, as if it were suddenly flying through a dense +bit of gelatin. The power fluctuated as the shuttle attempted to draw +energy to pass through the shields. When it pass all the way beyond the +Enterprise's shields, the shuttle shot like a bullet out of a cannon. O' +Brien grunted as he manually attempted to keep the shuttle from smashing +into the hull of the Galaxy-class ship, as well as prevent them from +shooting out the other side of the shield. + +Yelling through the din, Data commanded, "Set a collision course for the +Romulan vessel!" "Sir?" O' Brien looked shocked at the new change in +course. "Now, Mr. O' Brien!" "Yessir." The Chief did as he was +instructed. As soon as the coordinates were laid in and executed, Data +shouted to Worf, "Mr. Worf, energize!" + +With the brightness of the anti-matter stream in their eyes, it took a good +10 seconds before they realized that they were on the bridge of the +Enterprise. It was a sight. There were scorch marks and damage that they +had not even realized occured. Worf rushed over to tactical to assess the +weapons capabilities of the crippled craft. Much to his surprise, the +weapons were fully operational. + +Data moved to the captain's chair and gave his first command, "Computer, I, +Lt. Commander Data, assume control of this vessel as of this time and +stardate. Note it in the log. Return all command functions to normal +operation. Red alert! Mr. LaForge, take Ops, Mr. O' Brien, please handle +the Conn. Everyone to their stations!" + +The Red Alert Klaxon sounded, normally letting the occupants on the ship in +incoming danger and to rush to danger. But with only the four officers on +board, the sound was simply wasted energy on the other decks of the ship. +The Enterprise's computer quickly initiated the proper procedures for Red +Alert, automatically, without the interaction of the crew that usually +controlled the ship. + +LaForge was the first to report, "The ship seems to be functioning normally, +defenses are fine, communications normal, impulse engines normal. Warp +drive is off-line and probably not up to operational specs. The only way to +assurtain correctly would be an inspection in Engineering." + +"The weapons are fully operational and on-line. Shields are at 90 percent +and holding well. The shuttle from the Georgia has been destroyed by one of +the Warbird's disruptor. They have their shields raised and their weapons +fully charged!" Worf's voice got strong with each word, knowing that the +odds against the Romulans were beginning to raise. Between the Enterprise +and the Georgia, if it came to battle, the Warbirds probably would not +survive. + +"Have there been any attempts at communication?" Data cocked his head +slightly, trying to understand why there were now three Warbirds in the +area, and why there they in the area? + +"No sir - wait! There is a message coming in from the Romulan ship. They +request a joint conference between the Enterprise, the Georgia, and +themselves." Data asked, "Please patch them through, Mr. Worf." Worf again +looked irritated that no action was going to take place. He had held his +warrior instict to attack in check since the Valdez was annilated, and here +they were, talking instead of defending. So he sighed, "Yessir." + +Chapter 12 + +Russo's face became more and more red as the seconds ticked away. His crew +did, in fact, inform him that the Enterprise's small crew arrived safely and +that the ship was now out of immediate danger. And then, more Romulan +ships. It was beginning to irritate him. And now the Romulans wanted a +joint conference? It was beginning to become more than his fiery temper +could handle! He said to Mr. Tzu, a little louder than necessary, "Put it +onscreen!" + +The viewscreen blinked and a dual image appeared: one side, the damaged +Enterprise bridge, the other, the bridge of a Romulan Warbird, with a very +agitated Romulan sitting in the command chair. Mr. Data, seated in the +command chair on the Enterprise, said nothing, conceding to the superior +officer. So Russo took the opportunity to act. "Romulan, you are in direct +violation of the Neutral Zone Treaty. You will remain uncloaked and leave +this area immediately!" + +Tomalok, looking just as irritated as Russo, barely let Russo finish his +directive before he screamed, "I am Commander Tomalok of the Romulan Warbird +Tritor. I will have that stolen Warbird and the traitorous Starfleet spy +that stole it! We will not be blamed for this ridiculous assault!" + +Russo said, "Commander, your agenda does not interest me. Your violation of +the treaty does. You will leave the area immediately!" Russo's mind raced +as he began to wonder what it would take to get these Romulans out of +Federation space without precipitating a full-scale attack. An attack that +he was not sure the Georgia or the Enterprise could survive, noting the +events of the past 24 hours. + +Tomalok screamed yet again, "I will not leave without the Warbird and the +traitor!" Tomalok paused. "Where is Captain Picard? I would much rather +deal with him directly." + +Data stood at this point. He knew that Tomalok must have been monitoring +the battle. He knew that Tomalok much have monitored the repair efforts. +Surely, he must have detected the destruction of the Valdez, the Captain, +and Commander Riker. But there was no need to offer information to the +Romulan, Data thought. He spoke, "Commander Tomalok. The captain is not +currently available. I must confirm Captain Russo's request. You must +leave Federation space immediately." + +And before anyone could respond, the Warbird in question decloaked itself +directly in front of the Enterprise. The Georgia, the Triton and its mate, +and the renegade made a prominent triangle around the flagship. Without +warning or even fanfare, Mark Detter appeared on everyone's viewscreens. +"What do you mean, the captain is not currently available?!? I killed him! +If he is alive, tell me where! He must pay!" Mark had a glazed looked in +his eyes. He was very much out of control. + +Data thought fast. And then he acted. "Mr. Worf, quickly prepare a Class +I probe. Encode a small low frequency signal in its transmitter. Within +the phase of the signal, hide a repeating high frequency identification +signal. Quickly, we have not much time!" Worf became even more confused +than ever at this turn of events. With three Romulan Warbirds, a damaged +ship and no warp drive, it did not seem logical to be preparing a Class I +probe to be studying something. But he didn't argue, though he wanted to +badly. + +While Worf was running his fingers rapidly across the Tactical panel, an +argument between Detter, Tomalok, and Russo had broken out. Tomalok +threated to drag Detter back to Romulus and have him questioned and executed +for his heinous crimes. Russo countered that Tomalok would do no such +thing, as Detter was going to be prosecuted in a Starfleet court of law for +the "attempted" destruction of the Enterprise. Russo nearly slipped and let +the cat out of the bag that they had witnessed the death of Picard and Riker +earlier. Detter could say nothing more than he demanded to know where +Picard really was and that he would destroy them all. The only one not +talking was Data. He was simply thinking. And planning. + +"The probe is ready, sir." Worf sighed. He really wanted to blow Detter +out of the sky for the death of his commanding officer and his friend. And +then they would deal with the two out-of-place Warbirds. But instead, +Data's first real command was to prepare a probe. Worf sighed again. Data +turned to his Klingon officer. "Thank you, Mr. Worf, prepare a photon +torpedo. Your target is Mr. Detter's ship. You will fire the torpedo and +the probe at the same time. If we are successful, we will attach the probe +to Mr. Detter's stolen vessel without him detecting, by hiding it with a +small photon burst. Just a reminder, you are not targeting him for +destruction. Is that understood?" Now Wolf understood. And he smiled at +Data's cunning. "Yes sir! Understood." + +Data then turned to the crowded viewscreen, and stated for all to hear, +"Well, Captain Russo, I believe that we are wasting our time talking. Mr. +Worf, fire!" A look of horror passed across Russo's face as the photon +torpedo and the unseen probe raced towards Detter. Tomalok simply clenched +his teeth. The blast of the photon was heard and Detter's face disappeared +from the collage of faces on the viewscreen. Geordie immediately began +adjusting the sensors to find the probe's mysterious signal. + +Russo jumped up, "Commander Data! What are you doing?" The renegade +Warbird cloaked and disappeared. Tomalok screamed, "He is getting away!" +Data calmly said, "Romulan Commander, you have no claim here. Please turn +your vessel and leave Federation space uncloaked. Or you will suffer a +similar fate as Mr. Detter. Believe me, I will not be so kind in my +attack." The combination of the surprise attack and Data's deadpan facial +expressions finally pushed Tomalok to the edge. He was not willing to risk +war with the Federation just yet. He could obtain the renegade. He would +simply have to be more cunning. So, resigned, Tomalok said, "Very well, +Commander." + +Without incident, the two Romulan Warbirds glided quietly towards the +Neutral Zone. Once at the border, the two ships shimmered away, +disappearing into the dark void of space. + +Russo's face was not only red with anger, but also twisted in confusion. He +just did not understand the android's actions. He spoke. "Commander, that +was an unauthorized attack! Not only did you risk a battle with no less +than three Warbirds, you allowed the suspect to get away!" + +Calm as ever, Data simply reported, "Technically, we did not attack Mr. +Detter's vessel. The photon torpedo detentated a good deal away from the +Warbird." + +Russo turned to Mr. Tzu and asked, "Is that true?" Tzu had nothing on her +face but perplexity, "Yes, sir. According to our sensor logs, we detected +that the photon blast occured 10.3 kilometers from the stolen vessel." +Russo again turned to Data, "Why?" + +Data got up from his seat and stepped forward three steps towards the +viewscreen. He had not changed his facial expression from the serious +dead-pan that he gave Tomalok. He simply said, "We should not be discussing +this. Mr. Detter is very clever. He is probably monitoring our +communications. I suggest that we contact Starfleet, inform them of our +situation, and simply wait for instructions." + +Russo opened his mouth, as if to argue with Data, but then realized that it +would be pointless. "Very well, Commander. What do you intended to do with +your wounded on my ship? Or your people on the planet?" + +Data cocked his head, thinking for a moment. After a momentary pause, he +spoke. "I do not believe that we are in any immediate danger. We will +begin the procedures to return all of our personnel back to the Enterprise +and begin the rest of the repairs to her secondary systems." + +Russo considered it, thought about arguing again, and thought better of it. +If Commander Data was to command the Enterprise, Russo believed that he +should let Data make the decisions of a commander. "Very good. We will +assist in the transport and provide safe cover for you." + +Data considered again and said, "I will send Mr. Worf over with a complete +roster of information. We will account for everything during the +transport." Russo nodded in agreement. He simply said, "Russo out." + +Russo turned to Mr. Kamerov and Mr. Tzu, contempating for a moment. "Mr. +Worf should be arriving in a moment with our answers. Commander Data did +NOT need to send me personnel data. He must want us to know what he is +planning." Another pause. "Go to Yellow Alert. Mr. Tzu, I don't want you +to take your eyes off that sensor panel for a minute! If you detect +anything out of the ordinary at all, discontinue the transport of injured +and personnel to the Enterprise, raise the shields, and then inform me." +Mr. Tzu simply cried, "Yessir!" + + + +Chapter 13 + +"Captain's Log, Stardate 45324.9, +Lt. Cmdr. Data in command. + +It has been two days since our unfortunate encounter with Commander Detter +and the stolen Romulan Warbird. All of the crew have been returned to the +Enterprise, and repairs to the ship are nearly complete. I am worried about +the crew. Because of the urgency of repairing the ship, watching for +Commander Tomalok, and continually scanning for Mr. Detter's renegade +vessel, they have not had sufficient time in which to mourn the loss of the +Captain and Commander Riker. We have had little luck searching for Mr. +Detter. I had hoped that the probe would prove effective, but at this +point, it has not." + +Data systemically turn off the log recording. He sat alone in the Ready +Room. He simply did not know what to do. He was certain that the probe +would work. But in the rush of the event, Worf and Geordie had lost the +frequency signal. Could the Warbird's cloaking device have covered it? Had +Detter gone so far out of range that they simply could not detect the +signal? Had Detter discovered the probe and destroyed it? Question after +question raced through his mind. He contemplated them all and quickly and +efficiently computed the probability of each event. In the end, he could +only speculate. In other words, he simply did not have enough information. +And that disturbed Data. In the past, he would simply take strides to +investigate more deeply into the situation. But he could not here. He was +in charge. He had to sit in the Ready Room to coordinate the workings of +the ship, doing all the things the captain normally did. He must let the +crew function for themselves. Otherwise, why would they be needed? He +realized the importance of let the crew do their job, so Data patiently sat +and waited for the to come to him with their findings. Then he could +recalculate in order to make his decision. + +The comm system chirped and sang out as Data sat musing. "Commander, +subspace communique coming in from Starfleet, Priority One." Wolf sounded +pensive, probably hoping that Starfleet would give them the go ahead to +conduct a system-wide search for Detter and his ship. "Thank you, Mr. +Worf. I will take it here in the Ready Room." + +Data could not yet call the Ready Room his yet. Unlike the other life forms +aboard the Enterprise, he had no drive for power, greed. Someone else would +have likely said, "I will take it here in my Ready Room." But not Data. He +simply waited for instructions from Starfleet as to what he was authorized +to do. He gently pressed the button on the computer console and Adrimal Del +Rosario's face appeared on the screen. She did not greet him, but simply +said, "Switch to encryption code 4 5 3 Alpha 2." Data nodded and instructed +the computer to do just that. It took the computer a good half of a minute +before the encryption code was activated. Data wondered why it took the +computer so long to complete the command. + +"Sorry, Adrimal, it seems that the computer on the Enterprise is still +somewhat damaged from the attack. That is probably the reason why the +encryption took so long to go into effect." + +Del Rosario simply smiled. "No, Commander. Your computer took so long +because the enryption method is brand new. It no doubt had to link with +Starfleet's central computer net to access the new algorithm. We simply +cannot take chances with Mr. Detter. He knows entirely too much. We have +changed every security measure we have to insure the integrity of classified +information." + +Data stated, "A wise idea, Adrimal." Del Rosario countered, "Yes, +Commander, it was." She paused for just a bit and then looked at the former +Third-in-Command. "I am sorry about the loss of your Captain and First +Officer." More of a pause. "I am placing you in command of the Enterprise +until furthur notice. You will hold your position until you have met up +with the USS Ripley. You they arrive, you will be assisted by Captain +Talin, a former intelligence officer, and two other intelligence officers +from Starfleet. They will assist you in tracking down Detter and assuring +that the other Romulan ships remain in the Neutral Zone and out of harm's +way. Commander, this next part is very important." + +Data looked serious and simply replied, "Yes, Adrimal." + +"You must not let Detter fall into the hands of the Romulans. They will not +only show him no mercy for stealing a Romulan Warbird, they will attempt, +and possibly succeed, in extracting vitality important information that must +not fall into the hands of the Romulans. Do you understand that Commander?" + +"Yessir." + +"Very good. Del Rosario out." + +As the screen blanked and showed only the "End of Transmission" page of +subspace communications, complete with the Starfleet/United Federation of +Planets insignias, Data stood up and strode onto the bridge. He stopped +short of the stations area and addressed the crew. Everyone was busy about +the task of repairing the ship, with Worf and other security officer busy +trying to locate Detter's ship. Geordie was not on the bridge, no doubt in +Engineering attempting to clean up the repairs to the Warp Nacelle that was +damaged. Data spoke somewhat loudly and with definite authority, "I have +just finished talking with Admiral Del Rosario. As of this moment, +Starfleet has authorized me to take control of this ship and her crew. She +has given us a new set of orders. We are to remain here until we rendezvous +with the USS Ripley. They will assist us in locating and capturing Mr. +Detter. Mr. Worf, inform me the moment they come into sensor range." Mr. +Worf nodded and said, "Yessir!" Data turned to the Conn station, "Ensign +Rho, please tell me when we have Warp Drive back on line." + +Data then turned and addressed the entire crew again, "Until that time, I +think we should find out more information about the USS Ripley." Data moved +over to the captain's chair and sat. "Mr. O' Brien, please call up the +library files on the USS Ripley, display them on the main viewscreen." O' +Brien had been transferred from the Engineering Section to the bridge crew +in order to replace Data who was no replacing Picard. Data had not yet +decided on a second-in-command. He had found no time with all of the +activity of reactivitating the ship. He thought that his natural choice +would be Mr. Worf, but he did not want to move him down from Tactical. He +needed an officer there that he could trust. He would simply have to take +more consideration of the matter. O' Brien had pressed a few buttons and a +picture of the USS Ripley flashed across the viewscreen and the computer +chirped as it began a short summary of the ship. + +"The USS Ripley, NCC-2294-C, is a Galaxy-class vessel, fourth in a series of +five. The ship was originally commanded by Captain T'lsor. At Stardate +34510.5, it was severally damaged in the Battle of Wolf 359 against the +Borg. The ship was salvaged by Starfleet on Stardate 35101.3 and sent to +Earthstation McKinley for Retrofit. The next commanding officer, Captain +Saglime, was killed in a transporter accident before he was able to take +command of the vessel. Instead, Starfleet appointed Captain Talin, +commander of the Ripley. They are currently on a deep-space exploration and +first contact mission. The bridge crew is comprised of the following +personnel: Second-in-command . . ." Data interrupted the computer's +summary, "Computer, stop summary." Data paused. The picture of the Ripley +flashed off the screen and the outpost and the Georgia flashed back on. +"Mr. Worf, hail the Georgia." Mr. Worf complied, "Aye sir." + +Captain Russo's face jumped onto the screen. "Yes, Commander?" Data stood +up from the chair and walked toward the screen. "Captain Russo, by order of +Starfleet command, I am now in command of this vessel." Russo smiled and +said, "Yes, Commander. I have been made aware. We have new orders, so as +soon as the Ripley arrives, we will be under way." Data was not considered +about their communications beginning intercepted by either the Romulans or +Detter as he quickly and efficiently devised a new encryption algorithm +especially for the Enterprise and the Georgia. They had maintained all +communications in this format, so there would be no chance that they would +give up any information. "Commander," Detter got somewhat quieter than +usual, "I am willing to give you an extra crew member if you feel it is +necessary. I have some of the finest in the fleet." Data said, "Thank you, +Captain. The offer is generous, and is unexpected. I will need help in the +Tactical department." Worf stood, arched his back and looked around at the +other crew members. He did not know what was going on. Where would he be? +What did the android have in mind for him? Russo nodded his head and +replied, "Fine. I will have Lt. Commander Tzu beamed aboard immediately." +Data remember how efficient Tzu had been when the Enterprise crew had been +aboard the Georgia, and how well she worked with Worf. This would work out +well. "Thank you, Captain. Enterprise out." + +Worf cleared his throat and asked Data, "Sir, with all respect, what will +become of me?" Data turned to Worf and quietly replied, "I will need you as +my Second-in-command Mr. Worf." + +Chapter 14 + +The USS Ripley glided readily across the void of space, rushing away from +Camp Khitomer to the Eta Theta outpost. Ripley, a wholly remarkable crew, +was made up almost entirely of non-human crew, unlike the Enterprise whose +crew consisted of mostly humans. Captain Talin, who himself was half Human, +half Romulan, sat in the Conference Room of the Ripley, gritting his teeth. +He and his crew had earned the unofficial title of "The Bad Boys of +Starfleet." But, he was not feeling very bad today. Instead, he was +feeling trapped. Talin used to be an Intelligence officer, like Detter. +But he had left that behind long ago for something he loved much more; the +command of a starship. Now, Talin and his crew sat around the conference +table with Captain K'lor from the Klingon Intelligence, J'Sing and Morban, +Efrosians from Starfleet Intelligence. While Talin had dealt with K'lor on +many an occasion, he had never serviced with or made contact with J'Sing or +Morban. They were a mysterious pair, quiet and reserved. Around the table +sat Commander Thul, the Ripley's Andorian First Officer. On the other side +of Thul was Lt. Commander Greg. Greg was an interested character. He was +the Ripley's Tactical Officer and Chief of Security. Greg was Tellarite and +his Tellarite name was unpronouncable by most other life forms, so he simply +chose to be called Greg. There was Murak, the Vulcan Ops and +Science Officer. She was as mysterious as the Efrosians, never saying much, +always keeping a reserved opinion until called upon. Not long before this +mission, Murak conceived a child. No one knew who the father was, some +speculated that even Murak didn't know. The child was born a prodigy, +already showing signs of increased telepathic and telekinetic skills. +Finally, there was Dr. Blanche Steinbromowitz. She was the most unlikely +member of the crew. Before being posted to the Ripley, she was Assistant to +the Chief Medical Officer of Starfleet. Blanche had risen to the rank of +Captain. There were occasions where she and Talin would butt heads, but +Talin would always win. She was convinced that she had been transferred to +the Ripley as some part of a curse that she was having to live out the rest +of her days. The rest of the crew was convinced that they were having to +live out the same curse by having her on the ship. + +Talin turned to J'Sing and complained, "But we don't even know where Detter +is at this point!" + +J'Sing, the quieter of the two, simply stared at Talin. It got quieter +again, almost until it was unbearable, and then J'Sing nearly whispered, +"The Enterprise will find him." Greg turned to J'Sing and grunted, "How can +you be sure? The method they used was risky at best!" Morban stated, +a little louder than necessary, "They are the Enterprise, they will find +him." + +Talin sighed and complained, "Oh, yes! The famous, immortal Enterprise and +its crew! They can do nearly anything! Defeat the Borg, help the Romulans +to the brink of Civil War!" There was just enough pause for Morban to open +his mouth, but Talin didn't give him the chance to say anything. He +shouted, "If they are so good, why did their Captain and First Officer get +killed?" + +There was a good deal of silence. Morban looked as if he wanted to say +something to defend the Enterprise, but chose silence instead. J'Sing +simply stared at Talin. K'lor, who until this point had been silent, +finally said, "We simply must wait until we get to the outpost and meet with +Commander Data. There may be more to the situation than we are aware. We +must not underestimate the Romulans! This could be a ploy, a plan to trick +the Federation and the Klingon Empire. We must work together on this or we +will perish." + +Talin waited a moment then spoke, "Talin to Bridge." A few seconds passed +and a female voice, the voice of Lt. Commander Zori the Betazoid Conn +Officer, came over the comm system. "Bridge, Lt. Zori here sir." + +Talin looked around the table and asked Zori, "Estimated time of arrive to +the outpost, Lt?" "Two hours, sir." "Thank you, Lt. Talin out." Talin +looked around again and then sighed. He hated this mission. He wanted +nothing to do with Intelligence, and he especially wanted nothing to do with +Mark Detter. He knew that Detter was not all together. He also knew that +Detter was a brilliant, resourceful man. Talin was concerned that it would +be impossible for them to track Detter. He was also concerned about the +role that the Romulans played in the whole gambit. He finally said, "We +will meet on the bridge in two hours. We will then assess the situation +with the Enterprise. I suggest that you all spend the time reviewing the +case history for Mark Detter, as well as the Enterprise." Talin got up and +walked out of the room. + +Chapter 15 + +The situation was grim. They had spent four days looking for Detter, with +no success. The crew of the Enterprise had felt whipped. Worse yet, +another starship was only a couple of hours away to assist them. It was +almost like admitting defeat, having to get assistance from another crew. +Data stared at the viewscreen from his chair. He was disappointed that his +first command strategy had failed. This was, of course, not the first time +he had commanded a vessel. But here, these were his friends and co-workers. +He wished to earn their respect more than anything. But, in the end, Detter +had been too cunning for him. + +"We have visual contact, sir!" the Conn officer stated, probably a little +louder than necessary. + +"On-screen, Ensign." Data stood and waited. The viewscreen blinked from +the star field to a rather striking man who looked Vulcan. + +"USS Ripley to USS Enterprise." Data responded, "This is the Enterprise. +Commander Data commanding." + +"Commander! It is a pleasure to greet you. I am Captain Talin, commanding +the Ripley. May I introduce Captain K'Lor of the Klingon Fleet, and J'Sing +and Mordan of Starfleet Intelligence. They will be assisting us in trying +to find and disarm Mr. Detter." Data curtly nodded his head and said, +"Gentlemen." + +Talin was curt. "What is your status, Commander?" + +Data simply replied, "We have been using standard search patterns in an +attempt to locate Mr. Detter. We have not been successful. It is quite +possible that Mr. Detter is no longer in this sector. We have been +operating under the assumption that he is present in this sector until we +have evidence to the contrary. I believe . . ." + +"Sir! I believe we have some thing!" The young ensign standing behind +Data nearly shouted. "We have a signal that matches the same carrier as +the probe that you sent to mark the Romulan ship." + +Data simply turned to the viewscreen and said, "I believe I have evidence +to the contrary. Shall I report to you when I have confirmed this report?" + +Talin grumbled, "No, Commander, I think we should beam aboard the +Enterprise immediately to assist you in this operation." Everyone on the +team nodded in approval, except J'Sing. He stood silent. + +"I believe that would be inadvisable, Captain." + +Talin grimced, "And why is that, Commander?" + +Data simply stated, "In our past encounter with Mr. Detter, it was nearly +a fatal mistake to lower the shields. Leaving the ship defenseless is what +brought the ship to the brink of destruction. If this carrier is truly +within sensor range, then it is entirely possible that Mr. Detter is within +weapons range as well. He has proven himself to most resourceful. It is, +therefore, my opinion that we remain on our respective vessels and continue +to communicate on secured channels." + +Talin looked as if he was going to argue with Data, but J'Sing leaned to +the Captain and whispered in his ear for about 30 seconds. Talin looked as +if he was going to argue with J'Sing, but then thought better of it. He +simply looked at Data and said, "That is fine. Ripley out." + +The viewscreen went blank, then showing the Ripley against a brillant +starfield, with the Eta Theta outpost a good deal off in the distance. + +Data whirled around to where the young ensign was coordinating the sensors +at Science Station II, with LaForge standing behind the ensign. LaForge had +a line of sweat forming at the top of his brow. Data walked from the +captain's chair to the science station. "Have you pinpointed his location +yet?" LaForge turned to him and said, barely audible as if someone might +overhear them, "He is right on top of us." + +Chapter 16 + +If it had been any other officer, they probably would have shouted, "Red +Alert" immediately. But Data's thinking was much faster and clearer. He +simply stated, "Are you certain?" LaForge turned from the station and +simply said, "Very." Worf, who had been extremely quiet, turned to Data +and asked, "Should we go to Red Alert, sir?" + +Data shooked his head, "I don't believe so, Lt. I believe that that would +'tip-our-hand'." Data said the phrase in that slow, paused, deliberate +way he always does when he uses a metaphor in his speech. He continued, +"If Mr. Detter is so close, he is undoubtly monitoring our every movement. +He will be alerted that we know he is present if we go to Red Alert. I +believe we should maintain the element of surprise here." + +Pausing only slightly, Data then said, "Mr. Worf, open a channel to the +Ripley." Worf, rolling his eyes, wishing they would just blow Detter +out of the sky, mumbled, "Aye, sir." Worf pressed a series of buttons +and lights on his tactical console and the view of the Ripley's bridge +blinked to life on the viewscreen. + +"Channel open, sir." + +"Captain Talin, please switch to secure channel Alpha-2-Gamma-5 on my +mark . . . Mark . . ." Data paused again, only for a few seconds before +continuing. "Can you read me, Captain?" Talin stated, "Yes, Commander, +have you found something?" Data nodded with a certain look on his lips +that could be considered a grin, "Yes, I believe we have. Before I tell +you, I would request that you not make any hasty moves. I believe that +Mr. Detter has not become aware that we detect him. We have the element +of surprise to our advantage." Talin stared at him for several seconds +and then replied, "Alright, Commander. Where is he?" Data simply said, +"He is directly above the Enterprise." + +There were mumblings and grumbles from the Ripley bridge, several bridge +crew scrambled to their ready stations and science officers poking around +at the sensors, trying to confirm Data's statement. Talin's eyes looked +as if they were going to bug out of his head, "Are you certain, +Commander?" Data echoed Geordie by saying, "Very." + +J'Sing, Morban and K'lor began to speak at once, trying to offer suggestions +both Data and Talin. Talin held up his hands. "One at a time, one at +a time, please!" K'lor shouted first, "Let us disable his ship, quickly, +so that we can board it and capture him!" Morban yelled at him, "That +would be too dangerous! We would be risking the crew of the Enterprise if +Mr. Detter is so close to the ship." J'Sing simply stated, "What do you +suggest, Captain Talin?" + +Talin was about ready to respond when a large explosion rocked both ships. +Talin was thrown off his feet and Data used the arm of the chair behind +him to steady himself. In unison, both ship commanders shouted, "What +was that?!?" + +Worf was the first to respond, "Four Romulan Warbirds decloaking off the +port bow! They are firing upon the renegade!" + +Data thought of the ship first. He turned to Rho and shouted, "Evasive +manuvuer sequence Delta. Move us away from Detter's ship." + +Talin, however, thought of the Romulans. He turned to Greg and shouted, +"Signal the Romulans to stand-down immediately!" Greg grunted, "Aye, sir!" +J'Sing and Morban looked at each other and then to K'lor. The Klingon +was hot with rage. He turned to Talin and shouted, "Fire on them! Fire +on them now!" Talin turned to K'lor with eyes fridged with rage, "I will +fire on them when I see fit!" K'lor screamed, "We cannot allow them to +destroy Detter! He must be brought to trial for his transgressions +against the Federation and the Klingon Empire!" Morban joined the rage, +"What transgressions against the Klingon Empire? He destroyed two +Federation officers!" K'lor growled, "He conspired with the Romulans, +did he not." J'Sing quietly remarked, "And it is those same Romulans who +are trying to destroy him." + +Before anyone could say another word, the Romulans fired into what looked +like empty space. It wasn't until the third impact that they noticed a +ship decloaking into the void. Talin shouted, "Haven't they responded to +our hail?" Greg turned to him and replied, "No, sir." + +Aboard the Enterprise, the situation was bleak. No one want to fire at +the Romulans and then again, no one wanted to help Detter either. Data +turned to Worf and said, "Fire several warning shots across lead ship's +bow!" Worf readily agreed. Worf carefully fired several shots across +the Romulan lead ship's bow. The ship dodged carefully and moved to +attack the Enterprise. One of the Romulan ships moved to intercept and +block the Ripley, while the remaining two went for Detter. + +As the fight began to grow in intensity, Talin shouted to his Vulcan +Ops officer, "Murak! Monitor Detter's position on the Romulan ship at +all times, if his shields ever go down, beam him aboard immediately!" +Murak turned and said, "Yes, sir!" After some moments at her station, +Murak turned to her captain and replied, "Captain, I am unable to get +a positive lock on Detter." Talin, familiar with forms of Starfleet +Intelligent subversion, simply sighed. "Continue to scan to for him. +Let me know if you happen to locate him." "Aye, sir." + +The Enterprise, rocking back and forth under the weight of the Romulan +attack, was struggling. The Romulan ship was relentless about its +attack, apparently very serious about destroying Detter's ship. +Detter's ship was no match for the other two Warbirds that were +giving the ship a through thrashing. Since the Warbirds had attacked +while the renegade vessel was cloaked, its shields were not activated. +This proved to be Detter's fatal mistake. The ship was badly damaged +and was unable to properly defend itself. With only minimal shields +and no main power, Detter was nearing his end. As the Enterprise +and Ripley tried, unsuccessfully, to come to Detter's aid, the second +Romulan vessel in the two ship attack team made a swift pass at the +wounded ship. With one bright blast, Detter's stolen vessel lost its +sheilds and began what looked like a core breech. Both Ops officers +on the Enterprise and the Ripley shouted that the criminal's ship +was under the process of a warp core failure, and extremely dangerous +thing aboard a Romulan Warbird due to the configuration of the +Romulan warp drive. + +Talin shouted to Murak, "Do you have a lock on him?" She yelled back, +"No, he is simply not registering on any of our scans!" At that moment, +the Ripley lurched forward and the bridge became dark for just only +a moment. Greg shouted, "Direct hit! We have lost main power and our +shields! We are defenseless!" At that moment, the bridge burst into +light as the ship carrying Detter exploded into oblivion. Talin screamed, +"Get our shields up before the wave from the blast damages us furthur!" +And, much to everyone's surprise, the power sprang back to life. The +ship only rumbled as the wave of energy from the destruction of the +Romulan Warbird passed by the Ripley. And then, the ship's alarm began +to sound. + +Chapter 17 + +Worf shook his head furiously. It was much too familiar to him. Data shouted +at the crew with a certain precision and coldness in his voice, "Damage report!" + +Worf touched his security panel furiously, trying to get the computer to tell +him how damaged the ship was. The computer was simply too busy and too +confused to tell Worf much of anything. The sensors were off-line, shields +were at minimal levels, warp engines were off-line and the impulse engines were +barely working. It seemed that the only system that was completely operational, +other than life-support, was the weapons systems. Worf accurately relayed all +this information to Data. At the same time, Lt. Tzu, from the Georgia, was +working furiously at Ops, trying to determine what, if anything, was out there +trying to kill them. Not only were sensors not operational, but the main +viewscreen was now displaying all sorts of computer records and logs from +previous missions. Everytime Tzu would try to get the viewer to show what +was out and about in space, she would get playbacks of the mission and medical +logs from when a renegade Borg had been aboard the Enterprise. She said +nothing. She desperately wanted to let everyone around her know that she +was capable too. + +After much thought, Data had decided that Tzu would perform better if she took +his place at Ops, rather than Worf's place at Tacital. Data needed Worf's +experience at Tacital right now. Worf could still be second-in-command while +still defending the ship and her crew. Data consulted the rest of the bridge +crew and they agreed. Tzu was not even disappointed. She simply wanted +to serve with the best crew in Starfleet. She finally spoke up, "Sir! I +believe I have the main viewer back on-line." The main viewer was displaying +what looked like the Ripley, the renegade Romulan Warbird and four other +Warbird in various attack positions. One of the Romulan ships looked like it +was coming back for another attack. Tzu spoke very quickly, "Commander, I +am not sure if this is a real time display or a re-play of our battle thus +far! Without sensors, I am uncertain." + +Data looked at Worf and asked, "Mr. Worf? Your analysis?" Worf grimced and +hesitated only for a brief moment, "If it is truly a playback, firing without +sensors and without sensor lock on the weapons could be dangerous. We might +hit the Ripley. If it is real, then we MUST defend ourselves." Worf then +said a bit softer, "I cannot tell." + +Suddenly, without warning, the renegade ship exploded in a brilliant flash of +light. Everyone was certain this hadn't happened before. Data turned again +and shouted in that exacting coldness, "Ensign, hard about! Turn the ship to +protect us from the blast!" Rho yelled, "Aye sir!" + +The Enterprise groaned as it tried to turn-about from the blast. The ship +did manage to turn-about so that the energy blast from the explosion merely +rocked the ship and did a minimal amount of damage. The other Romulan ships +immediately turned away and disappeared. + +Data turned to the front and raised his head upward, "Data to Engineering." +He got an immediate response. "LaForge here, sir." Data got right to the +point, "Geordie, what is our status?" Data noted that he heard an audible +sigh in his best friend's voice. Was it because the battle was over or +because the ship was badly damaged? "Well, Data, it's not good. The warp +engines are completely off-line. It will take some time to get them back +on-line. We do have full impulse now. The shields have taken a good beating +and will need some repair. Mostly, the sensor array has been badly damaged. +I can't tell what is reliable information and what is junk that the computer +has decided to throw at us. The ship's computer is going to need some work, +as well . . ." + +LaForge was interrupted by Tzu's shout, "Sir! We have main sensors back +on-line!" Data simply asked, "Mr. LaForge?" Data could see in his mind +the smile that Geordie had on his face, "Yes, sir! The main sensor is back +on line. There is some damage, but we can now see again!" + +Data simply said with little enthusiasm, "Very satisfactory. Mr. Tzu, what is +the condition of the Ripley?" Again, Tzu worked furiously at her station, +looking for whatever information about the Ripley she could dig up. In +seconds she responded, "She is damaged, but not terribly badly, sir. She +seems to have warp power on-line and most systems functional. Wait." Tzu +paused and looked. She shook her head and looked again. "What is it, Lt.?" +Tzu looked up at Data, "The Ripley's security alarm is sounding. It looks +like there is an intruder aboard." + +Chapter 18 + +J'Sing and Morban ran with the Lt. Greg down towards Cargo Bay 4. It was here +that someone had decided to beam aboard the Ripley without consent of the +bridge or of the ship's computer. K'lor had opted to stay on the bridge with +the rest of the bridge crew in order to assess if there was anything salvagable +from the destruction of the Romulan Warbird. + +Greg, due to his small stature, ran many paces ahead of J'Sing and Morban. +There was a point where he ran much furthur ahead of the mysterious Intelligence +officers. But somehow they knew instinctly where Cargo Bay 4 was. This +impressed Greg. Not many people in Starfleet had the priviledge of being +aboard a Galaxy class vessel. These two officers must have spent many hours +studying the plans and layout of the ship. Greg slapped his chest where his +Comm badge was pinned to his uniform, "Greg to Murak!" Murak responded in her +usual cold Vulcan voice. Greg simply shouted back at her, "Have the +transporters been disabled?" Murak acknowledged that they had been and would +not be brought back on-line until Greg had given the word. + +Greg had to only wait a moment outside the cargo bay doors for J'Sing and +Morban. Each man had a phaser in his hand. J'Sing looked at Morban and then +to Greg. "Set the phaser at maximum stun. If it is a Romulan, we don't want +to kill him. If it is Detter, we want him alive!" Morban simply nodded and +Greg grunted. Greg manipulated the latch on the cargo bay doors and they +slowly grinded open. + +Laying on the floor, blood and burns covering his body, lay Commander Detter. +Detter looked up and frowned. He tried to open his mouth, but nothing came +out. No one moved. Greg, after some few moments of silence, activated his +Comm badge. "Captain, we have Commander Detter." Talin quickly responded, +"Excellent! Is he alive?" "Yessir. He looks like he is in bad condition. +Should I ask Doctor Steinbromowitz to the cargo bay?" There was only a +short pause when Talin stated, "Yes, but don't move him to Sickbay until you +are certain he is unarmed and not dangerous." + +The communications line closed and the three men started quietly towards the +sickly body of Detter. While Greg called for the doctor, J'Sing started asking +Detter questions. "Where did you get the Romulan ship?" Detter said nothing. +J'Sing shouted even louder, "Where did you get all of the stolen technology +that you have been using?" + +As Morban got closer, Detter suddenly rolled over +on his stomach and pointed a foreign looking object at Morban. Morban was +quick to respond, dodging the attack by falling to the ground and rolling away +from his attacker. Detter laughed hysterically. A sharp, thin beam came +flooding from the foreign object, missing Morban and hitting a status panel +near the entrance of the cargo bay. There was a small explosion as the energy +beam struck against the status panel. There was a rush of air, the start of +a Klaxon, and then silence. + +Chapter 19 + +Tzu stared at her console. She simply blinked at it. Then she yelled, +"Sir!" Data spun around. He was at the Engineering station, monitoring the +repairs on the ship. "Ensign? It is not necessary to yell on the bridge." +Tzu blushed and then looked intense, "Sir! I think I have found something." +Tzu's face screwed up, "The sensors have detected two lifeforms outside the +Ripley! They flew out the aft cargo bay!" Data's eyebrows raised and he +nearly tripped over the Tactical station extension running over to Tzu. +"Are you certain, Ensign Tzu?" "Yessir! The sensors indicate that the +Ripley cannot see them; they are heavily damaged." She paused and looked +pale. Data said, "Beam them to Sickbay, immediately!" + +After a pause, Data turned to the viewscreen and muttered, "Bridge to +Sickbay." "Dr. Selar here." "Yes, Doctor. We are having two people beamed +directly to sickbay. They were adrift in space. Please attend to them +immediately." Dr. Selar replied, "Of course, sir. Selar out." Data then +ordered security to the Sickbay, in case the victims happened to Romulans +from the battle. Then he turned to Tzu and asked, "Who are they?" Tzu +simply shrugged. "The sensors can't determine. They are humanoid. And they +are alive. We have successfully beamed aboard." + +Data looked at the Bridge. Then he turned to Tzu. "Inform the Ripley what +has happened and see if they know what might have happened. I will be in +Sickbay." Turning to Worf, Data said, "Mr. Worf, you have the Bridge." + +Chapter 20 + +J'Sing and Morban both sat on the edge of their beds. Dr. Crusher stood +near both of them, looking very angry. Data entered Sickbay and he noticed +that Crusher was not happy. Without greeting, Data questioned the Chief +Medical Officer. "What is the matter, Doctor?" Crusher would not take her +eyes off of the Efrosians. "Commander, these men are not who they appear to +be." Data simply asked, "Who are they?" Crusher said, "I don't know, +however, I do know that they are not Efrosian. They are human." + +J'Sing and Morban simply sat quietly. Morban looked like he was smiling, +like it was all some strange practical joke. Finally, J'Sing turned to Data +and asked, "Where is Detter?" Data looked confused. "What do you mean, +sir? And who are you? You told us that you were Starfleet Intelligence and +that you were Efrosian. You are not Efrosian. Are you Intelligence +Officers?" J'Sing answered none of Data's questions. He simply stared at +the android and asked, "Where is Detter? Did you beam him aboard as well?" +Data looked even more confused. "Are you saying that he was blown out into +space with you?" Morban finally spoke, "Yes, yes! Didn't you see him?" +Crusher's face fell. Data looked like he stopped breathing, even though he +really doesn't breathe. Beverly turned to Morban, whipped out her tricorder +and scanned Morban throughly. J'Sing simply shook his head. + +Finally the Doctor looked up from the tricorder. All she could say was, +"Will?" Everyone in Sickbay took a step forward and looked at the two +strangers. Morban Riker was grinning from ear to ear. Picard just continued +to shake his head. Data looked at his captain. "Captain? Is that you?" +Picard raised his head and muttered, "Yes, Data. It's me." All at once, it +was as if all of the noise that could possibly be in that ward was doubled. +Finally, there was a bellow from the back of the room, near the door. It was +Worf. Worf simply shouted, "What is going on in here?" And suddenly, +everyone just laughed. Worf looked more irritated than ever. + +Prologue + +"Captain's Log, +Stardate 45332.1 + +After a short stay in Sickbay, healing my lungs from the harsh exposure of +space and some minor reconstructive surgery, I have resumed command of the +Enterprise. + +Because of the personal sensor shield that Detter was wearing, it was +impossible to recover the body. I can only presume that Detter was lost +in the accident. After a complete search of the Ripley, Detter was not +found. The Ripley is on its way to Starbase 220 for repairs. We are now +on are way to Starbase 310 for our own repairs. + +At first, I did not agree with Starfleet's plan, hiding Commander Riker and +myself, disguising us so that we could participate in the search, without +necessarily endangering the Enterprise crew (or any other crew for that +matter). But as the plan was underway, I began to believe that it would +have worked. And with Mr. Data's ingenuity and the Ripley's persistent +crew, it probably would have gone as planned and Mr. Detter would be alive +and available for questioning. However, the Romulans paid an unexpected +visit. + +What a tangled web we weave. How is it that one singular event continues to +haunt me and my crew? First with Bok and now Detter? The Battle of Maxia +saw more than the loss of a Ferengi crew and near destruction of the +Stargazer. Those series of events affected thousands of lives. But most +especially mine, Commander Riker's, and the Detters. Could it be that we +are just creating disposable people? When the Romulans, the Ripley, and +the Enterprise were poised against each other, each one of the lives that +were in danger could have been disposable. I must see that that never +happens again. What a strategy." + + diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/stsc.hum b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/stsc.hum new file mode 100644 index 00000000..8b1d7b0a --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/stsc.hum @@ -0,0 +1,113 @@ + +#: 155142 S2/Star Trek + 18-Nov-87 17:12:38 +Sb: #No "Justice" +Fm: Joel Rosenberg 76167,1577 +To: all + + + The following messages were received by me from a source I feel is reliable, +but about whose identity I won't speculate on here, much less reveal -- and +it'd make me more comfortable if you all wouldn't, either. I've added a +comment or two in [square brackets]; but that's just me. + + The major point of them, it seems to me, is that despite the evidence of +"Justice", the production team at ST:TNG is not *all* a bunch of bozos. + + + "I have a major problem with the contact made with the people on this planet. +If we just pop on down there and say "howdy" out of a clear blue sky (no pun), +isn't this violation of the Prime Directive? [I'm not impressed by this +argument.] When Picard orders Rivan beamed aboard the Enterprise so she can see +the "god," he is also interfering with the beliefs and mythos of this society. +[Yup.] Unless my understanding of the Prime Directive is faulty, this contact +is a direct violation of it." + + "Pg 6 - The entire business of the Edos being hedonistically sexually +oriented serves no purpose at all. This only appears in Pgs. 6-9 and is +forever dropped in the script after that. Since it is not a plot motivator and +is totally ignored in 90 percent of the script, I suggest we drop it here." + + "Pg 12 - Here we have another mysterious object larger than the Enterprise +and presumably some threat to it. We've done this before. [Again and again . +. . ] As it turns out, the thing also poses a test of our people and their +values. We've done that in other scripts in this series. The thing challenges +our people to defend their actions. We've done that before in this series, +too. I feel we must find a different angle on this outside threat to our +people or the audience is going to get tired of the same story themes." + + "Pg 27 - Again, we have a situation where phasers are apparently set on +"kill," rather than "stun" as we had them in the original series. I feel it is +an implied step back in our people's development if the phasers are always set +on "kill" and have to be ordered to "set to stun" instead of the other way +around." [I strongly disagree here, for obvious reasons.] + + "Pg 29 - Picard's line "Once we've dealt with this..." implying he has a way +to deal with the god machine/people, sounds to me like he's whistling in the +dark. Picard doesn't even know what that thing (if it is a thing) out there +is. He doesn't know what danger it represents...or if it represents a danger +at all. Deal with it? How? And, in point of fact, by the time we get to the +end of the story, he hasn't really dealt with it at all." + + "Pg 31 - A general note. Why don't we ever see any other security people? +Again, as on previous occasions, the away party consists of the entire bridge +complement of ranking officers. There is no logical reason for all of them to +be on hand here. Furthermore, some of them don't get to contribute much to the +script. They just stand there." + + "Pg 33 - Liator asks if they (humans) execute criminals and Picard responds, +"No...not any longer, that is." However, earlier, our people threatened to blow +away the Mediators with phasers on kill. Maybe we're not so civilized in the +24th Century after all." + + "Pg 35 - Geordi has one line. In the entire act, this is his only line. The +line is redundant. Earlier on the page, Liator says clearly, "God is said to +be somewhere up there. Protecting us." Five speeches later, Geordi says, "This +'God' watches over them?" I feel this is a terrible waste of a good actor. If +Geordi must be in the scene, he should have something to contribute. In the +matter of contribution, the use of a subplot would give Geordi and other +characters more to do, rather than to stand around in scenes where they seem to +have no real purpose." + + "Pg 37 - Again, by taking Rivan from her home world to the Enterprise and +exposing her not only to its technology but to the actual visualization of her +"God," Picard is violating the Prime Directive. And this violation is not "for +their own good" -- the way Kirk used to rationalize it. This is for Picard's +ends." + + "Pg 39 - Picard says at this moment he has an entire crew to consider (as +opposed to Beverly's concern for Wesley). I find this a peculiar attitude to +take since the entire rest of the crew is safe aboard the Enterprise, and the +Edo lord has not for one moment actually threatened the Enterprise. [Maybe +he's read further on in the script and knows how powerful the Edo lord is.] +Were I Beverly at this moment, I would not only point out this fact,I would +pull out my phaser and blow that cold hearted and illogical bastard away." + + "Pg 41 - Data reveals our people are being judged again. This theme has been +done ("Encounter at Farpoint," "The Last Outpost," and comng soon to your +screen in "Hide and Q.") Since we always come out as the nice guys, I feel +we're overdoing it and not giving our audience any surprises. How about if we +really screw up and don't pass the test for a change? (I *am* serious.)" + + "Pg 51/52/53 - The entire ending is a cop out and a cheat. Picard pulls +Wesley out of there via transporter, which is not playing the game by the rules +of Starfleet or the planet. Then he opens a hailing frequency and asks the Edo +lord to give them a signal as to what they should do -- remove the colony from +the adjoining solar system or go on as before. In response, the Edo lord just +sort of fades away -- which is absolutely no answer at all. We are left with a +great deal of dissatisfaction -- both with what Picard did and with how the +great "threat" under which he has been laboring has been dissipated. Perhaps +the key word here is "dissipated." All the complex problems of this script have +been handled in less than satisfactory ways, and the force of the script has +dwindled accordingly. The climax and resolution simply need more strong +impact. If Picard carries out what is in fact an unacceptable act to resolve +the Wesley problem, he should have to pay for it in some way. The fact that he +is willing to do so for the sake of saving the boy's life then points up his +strength of character and honor. Maybe just once, it is a victory to *not* +pass the test." + + + [I like those last three sentences a lot.] + + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/sttech.txt b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/sttech.txt new file mode 100644 index 00000000..0beb9ab0 --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/sttech.txt @@ -0,0 +1,1053 @@ +Article 28136 of rec.arts.sf-lovers: +>From: PUGH@CCC.NMFECC.GOV +Subject: Star Trek Technology (Transporters) + +Here is a file I got from someone else (you know how this stuff goes). It +explains the transporters and most everything else in Star Trek in terms of +Ephram Cochrain's Impulse Mechanics. Great stuff! This even explains the +difference between the classic warp speed and the new warp speed. I think +this piece of work deserves to be archived at Rutgers. I also have a MacWrite +II format version with the graphs included. Leon has done as masterful job of +rationalization here. + +Jon + + + S T A R T R E K T E C H N O L O G Y + + by Leon Myerson + +COPYRIGHT 1988 by Leon Myerson - permission to download and reprint this +essay for free distribution within the ranks of Star Trek fandom is hereby +granted provided the author's name and this copyright notice are retained. +This essay may be periodically superceded by revised versions uploaded to +Data Library 2 of CompuServe's Science Fiction Forum. + + DISCLAIMER SECTION: None of the ideas expressed in this essay are +"official". All concepts put forth are solely my own opinions and +speculations, and as such, might be completely contradicted by "official" +Star Trek material issued in the future. I have drawn as much as possible +upon the filmed Star Trek episodes and features, and refer to such +"references" as the Franz Joseph blueprints and Technical Manual, and to the +"Spaceflight Chronology" book, when I have found it useful to do so. At +other times, I made it up. This material and any companion essays I may +upload, are for the sole purpose of having fan-fun with the Star Trek +universe. I have no connection whatsoever with ST:TNG or with Paramount, I +just like to speculate regarding futuristic science. -Leon. + + + + Warp numbers do not directly refer to speed, but to power. Warp 1 is the +power level required to enter the warp continuum, and is known as Threshold +power. Warp 2 is twice that power level, etc. Fractional warp is simply +less than Threshold power while the ship, though traveling via warp field +effect, is still "in" the Einstein space-time continuum at sub-light speed. +The unit of power between whole warp factors for a given vessel is one +"Impulse", as in the ST:TNG episode "Conspiracy" when Geordi answers Riker's +command to increase from Warp 5 to Warp 6 by acknowledging the addition of +yet another full impulse to the power already coursing thru the warp +nacelles. + The formula relating the Warp number W to velocity in terms of C is not +the hopelessly inadequate V = W^3. In Trek Classic's very first episode the +Enterprise was seen at the edge of our galaxy. Even assuming this to be the +near edge reached by going perpendicular to the galactic plane, it is still +at least 1500 light years from Earth. At a cruising speed of Warp 6 = 216 C, +the ship would have spent at least 7 years getting out there, then 7 more +back. + Nor would that formula fit the size of the United Federation of Planets' +Treaty Exploration Zone mapped in the "StarFleet Technical Manual". This zone +was pictured as being approximately 12,000 light years in radius, with both +the Klingon and Romulan empires located at the rim some 60 degrees apart. +Clearly, Enterprise did not require an excess of 50 years to reach the neutral +zone. + In the ST:TNG episode "Conspiracy", Picard and Riker confront the parasite +mother creature in the guise of Lt. Cmdr. Remmick as he/it sends a beacon to +the parasite beings' homeworld via StarFleet's own CommNet. The 3-D map of +that network on the wall behind him fits almost perfectly the Treaty +Exploration Zone of the Trek Classic Era. + + Instead of V = W^3, velocity is defined by the sum of an infinite series +known as the 3rd-order Cochrane function, which is applicable to Tertiary +warp effect fields such as are utilized by major Federation vessels from the +Tritium class onward. The first term of this series is the familiar W^3, the +second term is the integral of the first term, W^4/4, the third is the +integral of the second, W^5/20, and so on, ad infinitum. Each term is the +integral of the preceding term. Thus the common mistake so often made is to +quote only the first term of the series as if it were the entire function. + The behavior of this series is such that the terms rise in value at +first, then become increasingly smaller so as to converge on a definite +value. This may be calculated by the equivalent formula: + + V = 6 * { e^W - [ (W^2)/2 + W + 1] } + +where V = velocity, W = Warp factor, and e = base for natural logs 2.71828.. + + When calculated in this manner, this function gives the following values: + + Generated Uncorrected + Power Warp Speed x C + + 1 1.31 + 2 14.33 + 3 69.51 + 4 249.59 + 5 779.48 + 6 2270.57 + 7 6384.80 + 8 17639.75 + 9 48315.50 + 10 131792.79 + 11 358809.85 + 12 976018.75 + 13 2653889.35 + 14 7214947.68 + 15 19613332.78 + + For starship designers, these numbers seemed too good to be true, and +indeed they were. From the earliest days of starship operations, warp +engines had always registered a small power loss as they were fed more than +Warp 1 power. Defined as the difference between Generated Power and +Delivered Power, this drain was ascribed to the faintly conceived notion of +"continuum drag". It was Delivered Power that determined actual velocity +according to the 3rd-order Cochrane function. As the phenomena was still too +poorly understood for mathematical description, progressive increases in +power generation capability had to be matched empirically with increases in +Delivered Power via actual flight testing, and the term Warp Factor continued +to refer to Generated Power. + The Dilithium breakthru made it possible to generate unprecedented +multiples of threshold power, and led to the Federation's investment in the +Constitution class vessels. Able to safely generate and sustain Warp 8 +power, these ships found the drag/drain worsening rapidly at the higher +levels. + It was the USS Enterprise, under Christopher Pike, that first challenged +the "Warp Barrier". After three month's total overhaul at the Terran Orbital +Shipyards personally supervised at every stage by Montgomery Scott, the ship +went on speed runs pushing her anti-matter reactors as high as Warp 13 for a +few seconds at a time. The resulting measurements at last permitted Scott to +define the continuum drag equation: + + tan(A) + CDF = G - ------------------------------------ + 10 + (G-S) + (tan^2(A)+((G-S)^2)-1)^(1/2) + +and thus + + D = G - CDF + + where D = Delivered Power; G = Generated Power; CDF = Continuum Drag +Factor; A = 5.1050881 radians; and S = 9.8658770244 (Scott's constant). The +corrected table of Warp speeds is therefore: + + Generated Delivered Warp Speed + Power Power x C + + 1 1.00000 1.31 + 2 1.98354 13.91 + 3 2.96260 65.98 + 4 3.93509 230.94 + 5 4.89755 696.42 + 6 5.84370 1926.80 + 7 6.76140 4999.38 + 8 7.62571 12075.26 + 9 8.38615 26048.20 + 10 8.96633 46707.91 + 11 9.33067 67348.90 + 12 9.53548 82717.85 + 13 9.65322 93087.64 + 14 9.72615 100151.85 + 15 9.77477 105155.01 + + Old Warp New Warp + + A graph of Scott's equation plotting Generated Power as X against +Delivered Power as Y, shows that at threshold power (Scott's equation and the +3rd-order Cochrane's function are not applicable below this point) X = Y = 1, +and the graph line proceeds at an almost 45 degree angle assuming equal +scales. (This graph is available as WARP10.RLE in DL2 for those with IBM PCs +or compatibles.) + But as Generated Power exceeds 8 times threshold level, Delivered Power +deviates ever more significantly and the graph curves sharply to the right. +The curve is half of a hyperbola, rotated by angle A, with the significant +asymptote line represented by the equation Y = 10, so that while the +Generated Power may go arbitrarily high, the Delivered Power will only +approach ever more closely but never equal 10. The speed value for Warp 10 +from the uncorrected chart, 131792.39 times the speed of light, is the +theoretical limit of the Tertiary warp effect, and can only be approached, +never equaled or exceeded. This is also the velocity of such warp continuum +energy transmission phenomena as sub-space radio and the standard phaser +effect. (The complete hyperbola is graphed in WARP_X.RLE, also in DL2.) + By the time of ST:TNG, it had become standard practice to quote Warp +factors in terms of Delivered, rather than Generated, power. This explains +the apparent discrepancy between the eras. Overall Generated Power +capabilities are still crucial to military vessels, as even a few dozen extra +C's may mean the difference between success and failure when outrunning or +persuing an opponent. Here then is the standard warp factor scale used in the +24th century: + + + Delivered Generated Tertiary + Power Power Warp + + 1 1.0000000000 1.31 + 2 2.0167653720 14.33 + 3 3.0383208502 69.51 + 4 4.0670614879 249.59 + 5 5.1072983806 779.48 + 6 6.1676537197 2270.57 + 7 7.2682459514 6384.80 + 7.5 7.8487197368 10628.50 + 8 8.4694304149 17639.75 + 8.2 8.7364919027 21588.78 + 8.4 9.0203187626 26414.32 + 8.6 9.3280961537 32310.48 + 8.8 9.6717993420 39514.34 + 9 10.0729838055 48315.50 + 9.1 10.3071067812 53422.73 + 9.2 10.5747605008 59067.65 + 9.3 10.8903152831 65306.85 + 9.4 11.2777216596 72202.80 + 9.5 11.7800905867 79824.61 + 9.6 12.4836439773 88248.61 + 9.7 13.5895662949 97559.17 + 9.8 15.7014109302 107849.55 + 9.9 21.8369448362 119222.79 + 10 INFINITE 131792.79 + + New Warp Old Warp Velocity x C + + To calculate the Generated Power corresponding to a given Delivered +Power level, use the formula: + + ((D-10)^2*(tan(A)^2-1)-tan(A)^2 + G = S - --------------------------------- + 2*(D-10)*tan(A)) + + + An interesting aspect of the 3rd-order Cochrane function is that Warp 1 +is not C but 1.31 x C. Taking the reciprocal of this number, 0.763, gives +what is known as threshold velocity. Under fractional warp power, a starship +"accelerates" as the power is steadily increased. At Warp .99999 etc., the +ship is traveling at 0.763 x C. Transition occurs, an explosive event +accompanied by the hauntingly beautiful phenomena known as the Chromatic +Detonation, the optical analog of a sonic boom. In the next micro-instant, +the ship is on "the other side", traveling through the warp continuum at 1.31 +x C. The ship is never observed at speeds 0.763 < V < 1.31 under normal +conditions. + It should be noted however, that the boundary layer of the warp field +effect creates an envelope of 4 dimensional Einsteinian space-time within +which the ship travels. Therefore, all the familiar physical laws of the +"ordinary" continuum still apply within the envelope. From the outside, it +appears as though a space-time anomaly were manifested sequentially along a +linear path. Fleeting, multiple images of the vessel in the center of the +anomaly are created at widely spaced intervals which grow more distant at +higher warp factors. Light coming from within the envelope gathers at the +boundary layer until it reaches optical crossover threshold, at which point +it "pulses" through, thus re-entering normal space-time to project the image +of the ship. This effect was nicely filmed for the climactic scene in +ST:TSFS when we see the Enterprise fleeing the detonation of the Genesis +Device. + External light enters the envelope via complex optical interaction with +the warp field boundary layer. The micro-instant lost for photons in front +of the ship's path to cross the boundary layer causes them to appear to +originate from directions shifted away from the line of motion in favor of +apparent origins perpendicular to the direction of travel. While an optical +blind spot exists directly behind the ship along the direction of motion, due +to the superluminal velocity involved, the tear-drop shape of the overall +warp field minimizes the area so blanked out to a vanishingly small region. + The overall effect is curiously symmetrical to that observed by vessels +approaching light speed in normal space-time. Such a vessel would see its +3-dimensional field of view collapsed into twin circles of light in front of +and behind the ship, with a band of darkness around its mid-section. A +vessel in the warp field traveling at superluminal velocities experiences a +tunnel-like effect in which the dark region consists of circles in front of +and behind the vessel, and its view of the universe is projected onto a +cylindrical tube which the ship appears to travel through. + Of course, the ship's computers correct for this effect to present an +intuitively "normal" view upon the bridge and other viewscreens. Windows +facing port or starboard reveal a relatively normal view without +sophisticated correction, others have internal holographic layers which serve +as the functional equivalents of corrective lenses to keep the view at least +intelligible, if not exactly accurate. + Sometimes a foreign body, such as small pieces of asteroidal rock or +chunks of cometary ice are pulled into the forming continuum envelope as a +starship achieves transition. Usually this is a harmless occurence, unless +the "dragger" is massive enough to damage the hull if it should collide with +the vessel. If so, the ship will usually power down below threshold to +release the object, otherwise it can remain within the influence of the warp +field effect and go along for the ride to the starship's scheduled +destination. An unusually extreme instance of this effect occurs in ST:TMP +when the old Enterprise, bucking wildly from her imbalanced engines, pulled a +whole asteroid into the warp envelope formed around herself, and was forced +to pulverize it with a photon torpedo. + Old space junk from various inhabited systems often gets distributed +about the galaxy in this fashion, centuries in orbit about their star of +origin affording plenty of time for a chance encounter with a transitioning +starship. Some of places identifiable objects ultimately turn up can be +downright humorous. Items too small to possibly damage a vessel thru its +deflector shield are usually ignored, especially when they have no possible +salvage value. + An example would be the cryonics satellite found just prior to the +NCC-1701-D's recent visit to the Neutral Zone which originally WAS orbiting +Sol, minding its own business for centuries. People in the future tend to +leave space junk that old alone, the objects most popular as tourist sights +actually being protected with "landmark" status. A sleeper ship such as +Khan's would certainly have been detected, but the cryonauts registered NO +life signs at all, so no one ever knew what was in this craft. Eventually, a +starship pulled it into its envelope and carried it thousands of light years +out to the vicinity of the starbase Enterprise was visiting for Captain +Picard's conference with StarFleet authorities regarding the apparent loss of +stations near the Neutral Zone. + This is also now considered the most probable explanation for the early +1990's Voyager 6 probe having reached a black hole capable of sending it to +the "machine" planet, as various research ships have made many voyages +directly from the Sol system to known black holes since warp drive was first +employed. Its return to the Sol system as "V'ger" prompted some talk +off a system wide clean up of old hardware, but nothing ever came of it. + + The relativistic time dilation experienced at Tertiary threshold +velocity is such that time passes at 64.6% per cent, or roughly 2/3's, +the "normal" rate of objects "at rest". This time dilation factor goes +along with the ship as the warp effect envelope separates from normal +space/time in crossing over the threshold, and remains stable +thereafter, so that all the time spent under way at superluminal +velocities is discounted by 1/3 for those on the vessel vs. those +staying behind. The effect is rather conveinient for starship crews, as +it effectively cuts by 1/3 the travel time between stop-overs, and since +all Tertiary warp vessels experience it, there is no disadvantage in +reaction time against opponents. + There are social aspects to the cumulative effect of a lifetime career +devoted to star travel, in that one's age starts falling behind that of +friends, family, and above all spouse's left behind. In the 2nd, 3rd, and +4th feature films, we see James Kirk wearing four bars and three dots on his +sleeve, indicating 23 years service in StarFleet. Yet his birthday +depression in ST:TWOK and the presence of the fully grown David Marcus all +point towards a 50th birthday. Assuming Kirk graduated the Academy at the +normal age of 22, adding 23 years leaves a 5 year gap. The gap is simply the +cumulative effect of the time he's spent cruising at warp speed. For married +personnel, this "age gaping" becomes a serious problem over a lifetime, and +was a major factor in StarFleet's decision to allow families to go along on +its latest vessels of the ST:TNG era. + A very important aspect of this effect derives from the behavior of the +threshold cross-over phenomena in the presence of intense gravitational +fields, such as would be found near stellar bodies. The intense warping of +space/time already imposed upon the region of the continuum nearest the star +causes it to become more tolerant of extreme profile skewing than normal +space. As a nearby ship accelerates, the threshold velocity is reached, but +cross-over does not occur, one has to increase the degree of skew with still +more power. This means going nearer to lightspeed while still in the normal +continuum, thus the time dilation factor increases. Since the time dilation +at cross-over remains in effect throughout the period spent in the warp +continuum's sub-space, it is possible to retard one's own rate of time +passage to an arbitrarily high degree to assist in making extremely long +voyages. + Some of the early Federation exploration ships, such as the famous USS +Horizon, used this sort of maneuver on occasion, but more often avoided it +due to the detrimental effect upon shipboard reaction time it causes. +Merchant vessels sometimes tried it, but the extreme danger of maneuvering so +close to a star led first to uninsurability and finally to outright +regulatory prohibitions against the practice. Ships full of colonists almost +always housed them in sleeper chambers, an old and proven technology dating +as far back as the late 20th century, leaving only the crew awake. + One of the greatest scientific discoveries made by the original +NCC-1701 Enterprise was that if a ship went EXTREMELY close to an object +of stellar mass while in the normal continuum, then poured on maximum +power to force its way to threshold before putting significant distance +between itself and the gravity field of the celestial body in question, +then the effective threshold velocity could actually be slightly above +lightspeed, and the associated time dilation not only extremely large +but NEGATIVE. This is the essence of time travel under what has become +known as the breakaway maneuver. + The class of phenomena known as "time travel" are extremely complex +and remain poorly understood. Most recorded incidents have involved +multiple effects which, in the absence of a fully developed theory of +time, are often difficult to untangle for separate description and +analysis. The Enterprise's unintentional journey to the Terra of the +late 1960's began with an accidental encounter with an uncharted black +hole. The unusual properties of this particular hole had attracted +their attention, resulting in the Enterprise making a low warp speed +sensor pass. The anomalous readings prevented them from realizing the +nature of this object until it was too late. The hole's intense +distortion of the continuum pulled the Enterprise out of warp, where the +ship was in iminent danger of being sucked into the hole itself. + On Kirk's orders, Sulu applied full emergency power in a desperate +attempt to fight their way back to threshold so as to to re-enter the +warp continuum, but even as the mighty starship trembled under the +effort, the threshold power level was moving higher and higher as they +neared the event horizon. With seconds left before the end, Mr. Scott +in engineering surmised the nature of their situation. Knowing the ship +could never make the rising tertiary warp threshold in time, he engaged +the emergency circuit breakers to take the tertiary booster coils +offline, and diverted 100% of the reactor output into what was now a +lower threshold secondary warp field system. The collapse of the +tertiary field into a secondary one "collided" with the rapidly growing +overall power level, kicking the ship into the warp continuum with such +explosive force that she briefly left sub-space itself on a kind of +"ballistic arc" OVER rather than thru the warp-space she would normally +traverse. + It would take Spock many weeks of theoretical study and analysis +before he would devise a tentative explanation for their seemingly +miraculous appearance within the Terran atmosphere. Ultimately, his +explanation for their movement thru space as well as time rested upon +two major points. + First, time travel does not permit violation of the conservation of +mass law. One cannot simply send 200,000 metric tons of starship back +in time to coexist with an "earlier" copy of the same 200,000 tons of +matter without in some way compensating for the effect such functional +duplication of mass will have on the overall gravitational process of +the cosmos. + Second, in this particular incident the mode of compensation took +the form of an exchange or displacement of the 20th century matter that +would one day be the Enterprise and her crew, this material swapping out +of the normal plane of existance to reside in the hyper-continuum the +ship had traversed to reach its destination. Therefore, in a manner +related to the phenomena of "symmetry breaking", the cosmos "selected" +as the ship's re-entry point a location determined by the whereabouts at +that time of the raw materials which would one day be the Enterprise and +her crew. + As most of this material would be found on Terra in the 1960's, that +is where the ship materialized. Fortunately, not quite all of the +material constituting the Enterprise was of Terrestrial origin, or the +ship would appeared at the center of the Earth instead of 5 miles above +its surface. That it wasn't 5 miles below the surface instead was +simply good luck as to the total net effect of the mass-origin location +factors. When the Enterprise returned to its proper place in time, the +older version of her material constituents resumed their proper place in +the continuum as well. + Later studies of the "breakaway maneuver" and its associated +parameters revealed that had this early incident not involved such +extreme conditions, the time traveling starship would have remained +"linked" to the net gravitational influence of the star used as the +initiator mass. This would have caused the celestial body itself to +assume the role of adjusting its own impact on the expansion of the +universe to compensate for sending a vessel back in time, and would +permit such voyages thru time while retaining the ability to target +spatial destinations as well. This type of controled temporal +translation was successfully demonstrated by the Enterprise via Sol +during the mission Kirk's log describes as "Assignment: Earth", and +was later employed from a captured Klingon cruiser to solve the +"Whalesinger" crisis. + Given the operational parameters of starship reactor systems, the +time it takes to build up power applied to generating the warp field +effect normally requires an initiator mass the size of a star or greater +to perform the breakaway maneuver. A planetary mass is just too small +under most circumstances as the vessel will have already moved too far +from the center of its gravitational field before attaining threshold +power where the time dilation effects are manifested. This does not +mean it isn't possible to use a planetary mass as the initiator, only +that the ship in question would have to bring up its power output in an +incredibly rapid surge to do so. The only known means of doing this is +the all but suicidal technique of deliberate implosion to "cold-start" +completely shut down power systems. Only one ship, NCC-1701, is known +to have ever survived this procedure. Historians remained baffled as to +why the crew dubbed the gambit an "Irishman's Chance". + Were you to travel back in time without triggering some form of +gravitational impact compensation for your mass, the continuum would +soon destroy you via an effect strikingly similar to the manner in which +a living creature's immune system destroys that which does not belong. +The unfortunate time traveler would experience progressive +disintegration as the particles of his/her body are randomly pushed back +to their own correct time. + An advanced form of such compensation was an integral part of the +Atavachron, which functioned by actually forcing open "portals" between +times. As Kirk, Spock, and McCoy went through the portal but bypassed +the compensation stage, they were in grave danger and had but little +time to return. Sarabeth could not return with them unless they could +have learned to use the machine to compensate for her entry into their +era, but alas there was no time for that before the star in that system +went nova. + + Just as the 3rd-order Cochrane function is known as Tertiary Warp, the +1st and 2nd orders represent Primary, and Secondary Warp. Primary Warp is +the function consisting of the sum of the infinite series begining with X +plus (X^2)/2 plus (X^3)/6 etc. As with the 3rd-order series, it may be +calculated with the equivalent formula (e^W)-1. This was the first type of +warp field effect propulsion system developed, and it is still in use on +later vessels as the Impulse Drive sub-system. + When Secondary Warp drive systems were developed, governed by the +2nd-order Cochrane function consisting of the sum of the infinite series +begining with X^2 + (X^3)/3 +(X^4)/12 etc., equivalent formula: +2*((e^W)-(W+1)), it was learned that they, and all higher order warp fields, +were dangerously unstable at low fractions of threshold power. This forced +the retention of some form of Primary warp drive, though it need not handle +enough power to go superluminal. + All warp field effects are created via the use of superconducting +Cochrane coils, which are wound according to the complex topological patterns +defined by Impulsor Calculus, the branch of mathematics developed by Zephram +Cochrane to express the new kinematics and mechanics resulting from his +successful unification of gravity with the electro-strong-weak force of +quantum physics. As this essay is intended for a 20th century audience, +ethical constraints place severe limits on the range of comments that can be +made on this subject, but the inference should be obvious that if theoretical +physics has mastered the unification of the primal forces of nature, it +becomes possible to use a force easily generated and controled, such as +electromagnetism, to manipulate phenomena normally governed by another force, +such as gravity. + Cochrane's mechanics superceded Einstein's, as his in its time +supplanted Newton's. Each is "true" or at least acceptably valid, +within its range, and may be thought of as a special case approximation +of its successor, which is itself regarded as a superset of its +predecessor. The following clues to Cochrane's accomplishment, +paraphrased from the preface to his own textbook, are deemed safe for +20th century humans. + The first is that while current attempts to build ever larger particle +accelerators will lead to the unification of the strong nuclear force with +the electro-weak force, this approach will not be successful with gravity. +The reason is that while accelerators of sufficient power approximate the +fantastic extremes of temperature and pressure found during the era +immediately following the Big Bang, it was not these aspects of the early +universe but rather the extreme curvature of space-time then in force which +wedded gravity to the other forces. As space-time expanded, or flattened, +gravity was the first force to de-couple from the others. + The second clue is that while Newton's mechanics were based upon the +Euclidean model of geometry, and Einstein's was grounded in 19th century +alternatives such as that of Riemann, Cochrane found the mathematical tools +he needed to join the probability functions of quantum physics to the +structures defined by distortions of space-time in the "strange attractors" +of Fractal Geometry's framework for the study of "chaos". + The warp effect itself derives from Cochrane's advanced concepts of +gravitation under which the interaction between the mass of a physical body +and the surrounding space/time matrix defines a complex mathematical field +known as a continuum profile. On a purely theoretical level, Cochrane was +able to establish a new understanding of the term velocity by demonstrating +an intriguing difference in the continuum profiles of moving objects versus +those stationary relative to the observer. All objects having mass distort +the space/time continuum around them, but when an object is in motion +relative to the observer, the pattern of the this distortion, known as the +continuum profile, becomes skewed along the direction of travel. + Space/time is not infinitely malleable, it takes a minute but finite +interval for gravitational distortions to be fully manifested upon newly +encountered regions. Because of this propagation-time factor, the region of +space/time in front of a moving object at a given instant is not as distorted +as it would be had the object in question been excerting its gravitational +influence on it for an arbitrarily long period, and the region behind the +traveling body shows excess distortion because of the time it takes to flatten +back to its undisturbed state. The concept of relative motion remains in +force, for the skewing of the continuum profiles of all objects in the +universe is measured from the vantage point of the observer's own comparably +skewed line of travel. In measuring the velocity relative to himself, the +observer is actually noting the degree of continuum profile skewing relative +to his own, and an inertial frame of reference becomes one with a constant +degree of skew. + In astrophysics, this effect is largely muted by the ability of +space/time to "remember" repeated transits, so that all cyclic motions, such +as the orbits of planets, literally "groove" their paths into the very fabric +of the continuum, diminishing the skewing effect to almost vanishing levels. +Also, such circular motions involve the interaction of mutually influencing +bodies, so that each experiences far more change in the direction of its +skewing factor than in its absolute magnitude. + But for non-cyclic motions, such as that of spacecraft executing huge +linear translations thru the continuum, the effect is sufficiently pronounced +to impact observations made from onboard instruments. Generations after +Cochrane, the ability of the space/time continuum to store such +information-laden "memories" would be used by Dr. Carol Marcus to establish +the theoretical basis for the long suspected existence of morphogenetic +fields, and would lead her to attempt the exploitation of this phenomena via +the "Genesis" technology. + In creating his unified field theory, Cochrane opened the door to +full-scale interaction/exchange between the primal forces of nature. Using +the analytic tools of his carefully derived Impulsor Calculus, he has able to +map out complex yet stable forms of interwoven electro-magnetic fields which +would cross "the line" by manifesting part of their effect in the form of +gravitational phenomena. He was then able to follow the conceptual trail +back to the actual design and contruction of field generating coils that +could transform his theories into useful technology. In his first great +practicle success, he proved that if his coil systems were used to +reconfigure the continuum profile of a "stationary" object so that it +acquired the relative "skew" of a moving one, it moved accordingly. + This led first to the developement of the long wished-for "jetless" space +drive, ultimately called "Impulse drive", in which designers no longer needed +to bother about reaction mass carried onboard only to serve as kinetic +exhaust. Later studies revealed that the application of sufficient power to +the skewing field would produce a degree of skew effect so highly pronounced +as to be insupportable by the familiar Einsteinian continuum. Attaining this +"threshold" level would so stress the ordinary continuum that a vessel and its +surrounding field envelope would literally be ejected into a higher order +continuum in which the speed of light was no longer relevant as a limiting +factor. Cochrane himself visualized our familiar continuum as "floating" +above the larger realm, and so described the transition process as "dropping +into sub-space" rather than apply an upward linguistic bias and the overused +"hyperspace". + A gentle, private, and in some respects almost old-fashioned man, +Cochrane lived far enough into his twilight years to see his work send +humanity to the stars, before he mysteriously vanished. Some say that the +warp-driven space yacht presented to him by the greatful governments of +several worlds disappeared at the same time, fueling speculation that he +headed into unknown space on some final adventure. While historians argue +over his ultimate fate, none dispute the enormity of his contributions, +without which the very founding of the Federation could never have occurred. + + Just as the 20th century's mastery of undreamed of natural forces such as +electricity produces technological wonders inconceivable to 17th century +minds, so did Cochrane's breakthru set the stage for a vast family of related +discoveries and devices that seem almost magical to residents of our time. +In the decades following the construction of the first "impulsor drives", +further experimentation and theoretical studies led to totally different, +often unexpected, applications of the basic Cochrane coil system. The coil +itself would become as basic a concept to an entire branch of technology as +the "circuit" is to the field of electrical engineering. + Physicist Alicia Chalmbers interwove two coils, one wound clockwise, the +other anti-clockwise, and sent twin currents thru them in opposite +directions. The "Chalmbers" coil did not move, as its external effect upon +the continuum was balanced between opposite and equal influences, but within +the dual-coil itself a profound disruption of space/time took place. Wave +like patterns of variation in the "topological gradient" or distortability of +space/time, went out equally in all directions. A second Chalmbers coil, +though unenergized, reacted to the distortion pattern by converting part of +its energy content back into electricity. + Of course, modulations in the current flow to the first Chalmbers coil +were echoed analog fashion in the current output of the second "receiving" +coil, giving birth to sub-space radio. The effect propagates at the +theoretical limit of the warp effect, Warp 10, the actual speed depending on +whether the Chalmbers coils are of the Primary, Secondary, or Tertiary +variety. All StarFleet, and virtually all modern civilian vessels, use +Tertiary Chalmbers systems, allowing communications at 131792.79 x C. +Passive listening for natural occurences of this phenomena, and the active +use of a form of sub-space radio in "radar" mode, constitute much of the +sensor technology of Starships. + Another variation of the basic Cochrane device bends the coil away from +its "barber-pole" configuration, to double back on itself full circle, in +effect coiling the coil in a single loop. The result is an artificial +gravity field projected perpendicular to the plane of the loop, in either +pull or push mode depending on the orientation of the windings and/or the +direction of current flow. Within its housing, the loop coil is physically +anchored or it would simply spin in a warp driven circle rather than impart +its effect to the gravity field. Such units are always paired so that the +torque from each cancels the other rather than be imparted to the vessel via +the structural elements holding them in place. + Other variants of the Cochrane coil take the form of conical shaped pairs +of coils nested within each other facing in opposite directions. The conical +shape causes the warp field's skewing effect to be projected away from the +coil system rather than centered upon it. By using the two coils in tandem, +one can induce any desired combination of push or pull force up to the +system's operational limits on a distant object, moving it arbitrarily close +to the starship's hull and holding it there. Known as a tractor beam, this +piece of equipment is indispensable for modern spacecraft operations, without +it sleek warp-driven starships would be reduced to reliance upon primitive +manipulator arms such as the one found on the 1980's space shuttle. When +holding a derelict vessel via tractor beam, it is possible to apply the the +repulsive force against selected portions of the outer hull, concentrating +the attractive force thru the vehicles' center, so as to not only retrieve +and stabilize it, but provide artificial gravity as well for the comfort of +boarding parties. + In man's first experience with interstellar combat, the technological +level of the participants had the vessels of both sides drop into sub-light +speeds to maneuver against each other in a tight volume of laser crossfired +space. These primitive battles were analogous to the way in which late 20th +century fighter planes would reach a combat zone via supersonic travel, then +go subsonic for the actual dogfight. The advantages of a weapon that could +unleash its effect at warp speed were so obvious that an all out technology +race to build such a device began even before the first Romulan War was over. + Ultra high velocity missiles carrying powerful matter/anti-matter +warheads were already in use. As the M/A anhilation produces a shower of +photons in the extremely high energy gamma ray portion of the spectrum, these +missiles were dubbed photon mines. Though their highly developed fusion +thrusters could accelerate them at hundreds of G's, they were still so slow +compared to even the sublight capabilties of impulse driven starships that +one had to use them in the manner of depth charges, simply deploying them in +the expected path of the enemy ship and hoping for the best. Attempts to +replace the fusion thruster with a warp engine enjoyed some success against +vehicles moving at sublight speeds, but against vessels traveling at warp +speeds what was needed was a weapon that could travel substantially faster +than any ship. + The answer was ultimately inspired by the ancient submarine torpedo, +which used steam power pumped into the torpedo by the submarine rather +generated onboard the weapon itself. The modern analog of the torpedo tube +emerged as an inside out warp engine coil which generated its field within +its own interior and imparted an enormous skewing effect on any object placed +inside. The specially designed warhead pod would zip out of the tube at +extremely high warp speeds, having an unprecendented degree of skew, but free +of the mass of any onboard warp field generating equipment. Though the +warhead pod is designed to retain its imparted skew as long as possible, it +does begin to decay immediately after leaving the tube. As this takes at +least several minutes, the effective range is quite adequate for the tactical +role these weapons play. Note that these devices have almost no steering, +only a slight course correction capability, and so must be carefully aimed. +The parallel to ancient submarine weapons was so close that the term "photon +torpedo" became permanently attached to these deadly implements of celestial +combat, which in the ST:TNG era are capable of as much as 10 to 15 minutes +travel at speeds approaching warp 9.9. + + Early experiments with Dilithium crystals found that two such crystals, a +mirror, a semi-reflector, and a light source made a marvelously efficient +laser, as Spock once demonstrated in escaping from Gestapo headquarters on +the planet Ekos. When Science Officer Bruno Wilhelm placed a dilithium laser +setup inside a Chalmbers coil, the crystals synchronized so as to overlap the +coinciding lightwaves exactly out of "phase" making the light energy +effectively vanish from our continuum, only to reimerge as a uni-directional +highly intense disruption of the space/time continuum now known as the +"phaser effect". Such synchronization of the crystals required a +super-luminal transfer of coordinating influences, and so was only possible +in the context of a coil-induced sub-space environment. Within the coil, one +can reasonably construe the laser as being "in" sub-space. + When fully powered, the phaser effect travels at the Warp 10 limit for +the type of Chalmbers coil used, be it Primary, Secondary, or Tertiary. +Naturally, StarFleet vessels are armed only with Tertiary phasers, anything +less would produce a "beam" literally too slow to catch a Tertiary warp +starship with Dilithium focused anti-matter reactors. + However, hand phasers don't have access to quite enough power to energize +the coil component to its equivalent threshold power level. The result is +that the phaser beam produced travels at a speed dependent upon the power +level applied to the coil. Whereas a beam emitted from a coil at threshold +power would always move at Warp 10, with additional coil power just boosting +the intensity or striking power of the beam, at just below threshold power +the beam's speed is the reciprocal of Warp 10. This is a mere 7.58766 x +10^(-6) x C, or approximately 7300 feet per second from a Tertiary coil, +therefore hand phasers use Primary coils so that the phaser effect +propagatation velocity is proportional to the reciprocal of the Primary warp +field's Warp 10 limit of 22025.47 x C. The reciprocal value is therefore +approxiamately 8.45 miles per second. At still less coil power, the speed +diminishes in direct proportion to the fraction of threshold power applied to +the coil. Operational maximums for ST:TNG hand phasers take their coils to +about 1/3 of threshold velocity, so that the weapons full power effect moves +at roughly 2.82 miles per second. + One can vary the proportion of coil vs. initiating light energy levels +only so far without overloading the hand phaser, causing burnout or even +detonation. Thus to moderate the phaser effect down to stun levels, the beam +in some models of hand phaser may travel as slowly as 200 or 300 feet per +second. We've seen this effect quite clearly when Kirk once fired his phaser +set for stun at the metabolically accelerated Deela of Scalos, who simply +stepped out of the way. Hand phaser on stun is definitely a close quarters +only weapon, where speed is not significant. + Unlike sub-space "radio", which simply attenuates under an inverse square +law, phaser beams have a much shorter range due their propensity to "decay" +by losing their energy to the creation of visible spectrum photons all along +their path of travel. This is what the observer sees, not the phaser beam +itself. The actual phaser effect is one of micro-range random space/time +fluctuations in the topological gradient of the space encountered, imparting +warp impulses to the atoms encountered. The effect tends to spread and +propagate thru solid matter, so that material objects are likely to +distribute the effect throughout their particularly shaped volumes. + At high power, the effect is so severe that all molecular bonds are +snapped, and all of the particles are "impulsed" in random directions. What +had been a solid object becomes an expanding cloud of particles moving fast +enough to penetrate other solid matter to an enormous extent. A body so +"disintegrated" on a ship would pass right thru the hull like a burst of +gamma rays, but because the particles are traveling via impulse rather than +momentum, their behavior apes that of neutrinos in that they do almost no +damage to the matter they pass thru. + Lower power simply streches the molecular bonds without breaking them, +their rebounding motions translating into simple heat. In this manner, a +hand phaser may be used to heat rocks for warmth, cook food, or even act as a +very precise cutting torch. At the lowest useful power, the jolting of +molecules is too slight to really impact inanimate matter, but does tend to +produce neurological shock as large numbers of synapses have their firing +threshold randomly raised or lowered. The vast number of additional versus +inhibited synaptic firings causes a biological equivalent of "systems crash" +leading to unconsciousness, as the nervous system becomes hopelessly confused +and overloaded by spurious signals. As no actual tissue damage is sustained, +the nervous system "reboots" itself eventually. Somewhat higher power can do +permanent, even lethal damage to the nervous system however, and can cause a +seizure-like muscular convulsion. This minimally lethal effect is not unlike +electric shock. + + To residents of the 20th century, the transporter is perhaps a more +incredible application of Cochrane's Unified Field Theory than superluminal +travel, since the later affords no real Terrestrial gauge for appreciating +the effect, whereas the wonder of instantaneously materializing elsewhere has +been part and parcel of Earth's mythology/magic belief systems for millenia. + Building on the ability of the "looped coil" to project gravitational +fields, experimenters eventually learned to handle gravity waves in ways that +parallel optical technology's capabilities with light waves. Ultimately, +command of these techniques was sufficient to produce a gravitational wave +"hologram" in which the system literally captured the continuum profile of an +object down to the minutest detail of atomic constituents and molecular +bondings in the intersection between its stationary "reference beam" and the +rotating "scanning beam". Sophisticated split beam techiniques permitted the +"projection" of a second "continuum profile image", which, depending on the +operational limits of the equipment, could be located at an arbitrarily +large distance and direction from the source. These experiments were +originally conceived in pursuit of improved medical technology following the +progression of X-rays, ultrasound, nuclear magnetic resonance, and positron +emmision tomography, with the result enabling Dr. Crusher to obtain a clear +view of the parasite creature embedded in Admiral Quinn during the +"Conspiracy" period. + The transporter breakthru grew out of experiments attempting to +manipulate matter via alterations of the continuum profile associated +with an object. If a continuum profile projection were maintained long +enough, it began to fill itself in with atoms picked up from the +environment. Eventually, it would recreate the original, though in the +meantime, if sufficient power was used to intensify the projection, this +profile construct could behave like the original, even appearing to be +solid matter, as long it remained within range of the projection radius. +At the same time, it was shown that changes in the profile of the +original were reflected in the original object as well in the +projection, establishing the real-time linkage between the two. Early +attempts at matter manipulation were usually destructive, not until the +early 24th century would the raw computer power be available for such +things as the holodeck, where the projection could be based on computer +simulations rather than real life / real time models, but in these +pioneering efforts, the ability to project a profile back on its own +source object, while maintaining an independent second projection +elsewhere, was developed. + Dr. Janet Hester of the Deneva Research Station first conceived the idea +that if one reversed the "topological polarity" of the image projected back +upon the source, in effect FLATTENING the impression it made in space/time, +while simultaneously boosting the gravitational intensity, and thus the DEPTH +of the spatially projected image, one could create a situation in which the +probability of finding any given constituent of the source object at the +original location could be reduced to zero, even as the probability of +finding it at the projection's location went up to unity. Every component of +an object, its atoms, the chemical bonds between them, even the ongoing +molecular processes, would cascade back and forth between the twin loci of +probable locations, finally coming to rest at the one brought to unity. Of +all the marvels that have sprung from Zephram Cochrane's insights, none more +clearly demonstrate his success at unifying gravitational space/time +continuum phenomena with quantum mechanical probability functions. + It would take another four decades of dedicated experiment and study +before Science Officer Winston of the USS Moscow became the first human to +transport across to the USS Tehran. Still more work was required before the +ability of the tranporter to project a "virtual" yet functional copy of the +active components of the scanning and projection processes to envelope the +retrieval site would eliminate the need for physical hardware at both ends of +the transport linkage, and theb to learn to bend the projection around the +surfaces of planets using the natural gravitational field so that transport +could be free of line-of-sight restraints. The depth of dense planetary +matter the transporter can penetrate is still limited, but the often +life-saving speed and conveinience of transport in general has proved well +worth the time, cost, and often sacrifice it took to perfect. + + The Secondary Warp field effect was originally achieved by winding a +second-stage "booster" coil around a specially designed Primary coil. The +early versions of this system would energize the Primary coil first to +navigate at low percentages of threshold power. Once clear of stellar and +planetary gravitational fields, they would engage the booster coil +reconfiguring their warp field into the 2nd order type. When this was +accomplished, power would be steadily increased until the threshold level was +attained and transition to the warp continuum occured. The Primary and the +booster together constitute the Secondary coil. Should the booster fail +under operational stress, a fairly common occurence in the early days, the +Primary alone could be used and could operate above its threshold level to +take the ship to superluminal velocities. + While later vessels retained the above system layout, experience proved +it far more efficient to energize the whole Secondary coil system as a single +circuit, and to navigate at very low power and speeds with an independent +miniature Primary system. This became known as the Impulse Drive. As it was +intended only for low speed operations, this system would not normally be +capable of handling the power load it would require to bring the vessel past +the threshold point. However, engineers took advantage of this dual +propulsion system to split the vessel itself, letting each major sub-division +of the hull house one of the systems. It became customary to place the major +living quarters in the hull with the smaller Impulse Drive, both to better +shield the crew from the higher radiation levels the more powerful Secondary +system created, and also with the idea of better accomodating the entire crew +should "coil burnout" force the abandonment of the other hull. + The terminology of vessel design adopted the convention of referring to +the hull housing the Secondary coil system as the Secondary Hull, and +the other housing the Primary coil only Impulse Drive as the Primary Hull. +Tertiary drive systems simply wound yet another type of booster coil around +the Primary and Secondary stages nested inside it, but as there were still +only two drive systems and two main hull sections, the one with the large +engine system continued to be called the Secondary Hull. + In the event of separation, the Primary Hull's Impulse Drive, freed of +the weight of the entire Secondary Hull and the even more massive main drive +engine nacelles, is usually large enough for superluminal propulsion. This +has been shown quite clearly in ST:TNG during the initial encounter with Q, +when the Primary Hull found its way to Farpoint after the entire ship spent +some 10 minutes pushing itself to its operational limits while going in +exactly the opposite direction. It is equally well implied by Geordi's +instructions to Engineer Logan to take the Primary Hull to a Starbase if +unable to re-establish contact with him after performing the saucer-sep +manuevar in the "Arsenal of Freedom" incident. + The first three orders of warp field phenomena correspond to the first +three "generations" of warp drive technology in the "Spaceflight Chronology". +Logically, a "Fourth generation" designation should have waited for the +developement of Quarternary warp, the sum of X^4 + (X^5)/5 + (X^6)/30 etc., +equivalent formula 24*((e^W)-((W^3)/6 + (W^2)/12 + W + 1)), but the impact of +Dilithium on power generation, and thus overall performance, was so great +that the "Fourth generation" label took hold for the Constitution class. All +orders of warp field phenomena remain subject to the Warp 10 limit on +Delivered Power, but higher order warps produce greater velocity for the same +Delivered Power than lower orders. (See Appendix for tables of Primary, +Secondary, and Quartenary Warp Factor Equivalent Velocities). + The term "Fifth generation" is usually applied to the abortive attempt to +harness "Trans-Warp", a misbegotten application of the Interphase phenomena +first observed by the Enterprise NCC-1701 during the "Tholian Web" incident. +The abandonment of this dangerous system was made doubly disappointing by the +continued failure of Federation science to perfect a workable Quartenary warp +drive. The seemingly insurmountable difficulties encountered in the early +attempts at Quarternary drive design were the prime reason for the costly +"Trans-Warp" interlude. + However, in the intervening decades advanced theoretical studies have led +to vastly simpler, more reliable Tertiary drives which can be pushed, and +above all held, far closer to the Warp 10 limit of Delivered Power than the +original design multi-stage units. These single stage "integrated" units +were first used in ship's of the NCC-1701-C's Ambassador class, and marked +the arrival of warp technology's "Sixth generation". A highly refined and +advanced version of this type of drive serves as the main propulsion for +"Galaxy" class starships such as Enterprise NCC-1701-D. Gone are the +inefficientcies of the nested, three coil approach, advances in Impulsor +Calculus theory and supercomputer simulation techniques having found a single +coil equivalent. + As the early efforts at Quarternary warp floundered on the complexities +of a four level multi-stage approach, the success of the single stage +"integrated" approach for Tertiary warp has scientists of ST:TNG's era once +more confident of eventual success, and aggressively paced research programs +are again under way in the race for the Quartenary drive. It should be noted +that the extra heavy warp nacelle mountings and overall structural strength +rating of the Galaxy class design should easily permit retrofitting of +Quarternary Warp engines when they become available. + Montgomery Scott correctly predicted the crippling deficientcies of the +Trans-Warp system, but was unable to dissuade StarFleet from investing in it. +Rightly convinced that Quartenary warp would have to await improvements in +warp theory permitting "integrated" designs, he attempted to convince +StarFleet to allow him to challenge the Warp 10 Barrier itself. Alas, Scott +was never able to secure StarFleet backing for his proposal, and only a +handful of ST:TNG era technical persons who've studied his original notes +even know what he had in mind. + Realizing that the "SuperWarp" scheme was far too radical for his era, +Scott dedicated his leisure time engineering studies to the design of the +ship he felt StarFleet should build in place of more "Excelsior" class +vessels. Yet this project also offered too many radical advances, as Scott +was allowing for upgrades to integrated Tertiary or even Quartenary main +drives in his huge dreamship. But while the Galaxy class would ultimately be +larger and incorporate advances beyond his wildest imaginings, even a cursory +glance at Scott's old plans and drawings reveals the striking similarities +that mark the true lineage of these greatest of all StarShips. NCC-1701-D's +operational status is the way Scott would most have wanted StarFleet +Engineering to acknowledge its continuing debt to its greatest practitioner. + As for the mechanics of SuperWarp, the mathematically inclined are invited +to contemplate the significance of the other half of the hyperbola relating +Generated to Delivered power, which most Federation scientists dismiss as a +mere geometric curiousity. Of course, scientists once thought that C itself +represented an impassable barrier, yet as Spock would say, "There are always +possibilities". + Without giving too much away, I can offer the following clue, that the +Constitution class USS Enterprise NCC-1701 under James Kirk, once broke +through the Warp Barrier by accident, the result of her Captain's famous +propensity for taking desperate gambles in otherwise hopeless situations. +Students of warp physics correctly identifying the occassion are eligible to +win a scholarship to StarFleet academy, which, alas, may not be used until the +23rd century. + + -Leon Myerson; 72157,3432; 6/23/88 + + + APPENDIX 1 - PRIMARY WARP + + + Generated Delivered Primary + Power Power Warp x C + + 1 1.00000 1.72 + 2 1.98354 6.27 + 3 2.96260 18.35 + 4 3.93509 50.17 + 5 4.89755 132.96 + 6 5.84370 344.05 + 7 6.76140 862.85 + 8 7.62571 2049.24 + 9 8.38615 4384.92 + 10 8.96633 7833.82 + + + Theoretical Limit = 22025.47 x C + + Threshold Velocity = 0.5814 x C + + Time Dilation at threshold = 0.813205 + + + + + APPENDIX 2 - SECONDARY WARP + + + Generated Delivered Secondary + Power Power Warp x C + + 1 1.00000 1.44 + 2 1.98354 8.57 + 3 2.96260 30.77 + 4 3.93509 92.46 + 5 4.89755 256.13 + 6 5.84370 676.42 + 7 6.76140 1712.18 + 8 7.62571 4083.24 + 9 8.38615 8753.06 + 10 8.96633 15649.70 + + + Theoretical Limit = 44030.93 x C + + Threshold Velocity = 0.6944 x C + + Time Dilation at threshold = 0.717939 + + + + + APPENDIX 3 - QUARTERNARY WARP + + + + Delivered Generated Quarternary + Power Power Warp + + 1 1.0000000000 1.24 + 2 2.0167653720 25.34 + 3 3.0383208502 170.05 + 4 4.0670614879 742.36 + 5 5.1072983806 2617.92 + 6 6.1676537197 8218.29 + 7 7.2682459514 24167.20 + 7.5 7.8487197368 40826.52 + 8 8.4694304149 68510.99 + 8.2 8.7364919027 84149.66 + 8.4 9.0203187626 103286.47 + 8.6 9.3280961537 126697.69 + 8.8 9.6717993420 155331.49 + 9 10.0729838055 190346.01 + 9.1 10.3071067812 210676.62 + 9.2 10.5747605008 233155.87 + 9.3 10.8903152831 258009.95 + 9.4 11.2777216596 285488.88 + 9.5 11.7800905867 315868.94 + 9.6 12.4836439773 349455.49 + 9.7 13.5895662949 386586.00 + 9.8 15.7014109302 427633.43 + 9.9 21.8369448362 473009.97 + 10 INFINITE 523171.18 + + + + Theoretical Limit = 523171.18 x C + + Threshold Velocity = 0.8065 x C + + Time Dilation at threshold = 0.590200 + + + + + + For comparison, here is a chart of Quarternary Warp Factor equivalent +velocities keyed on the older "Generated Power" scale. + + + Generated Delivered Quarternary + Power Power Warp x C + + 1 1.00000 1.24 + 2 1.98354 24.41 + 3 2.96260 159.92 + 4 3.93509 680.00 + 5 4.89755 2315.80 + 6 5.84370 6908.99 + 7 6.76140 18761.08 + 8 7.62571 46527.25 + 9 8.38615 101833.70 + 10 8.96633 183948.24 + 11 9.33067 266146.24 + 12 9.53548 327403.32 + 13 9.65322 368752.42 + 14 9.72615 396927.10 + 15 9.77477 416884.29 + 16 9.80915 431599.84 + 17 9.83463 442835.76 + 18 9.85421 451667.92 + 19 9.86971 458779.77 + 20 9.88225 464622.34 + 21 9.89262 469503.75 + 22 9.94445 494688.02 + + diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/sttng1.hum b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/sttng1.hum new file mode 100644 index 00000000..f59d7030 --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/sttng1.hum @@ -0,0 +1,562 @@ + STAR TREK : THE NEXT GENERATION + Season One / Block One Episode Guide + +ENCOUNTER AT FARPOINT WHERE NO ONE HAS GONE BEFORE + (Parts One and Two) LONELY AMONG US +THE NAKED NOW JUSTICE +CODE OF HONOR THE BATTLE +THE LAST OUTPOST HIDE AND Q + +CAST: CREDITS: +Patrick Stewart--Captain Jean-Luc Picard Executive Producer -- +Jonathan Frakes--Commander William Riker Gene Roddenberry +LeVar Burton--Lt. JG Geordi La Forge Production Designer -- +Denise Crosby--Lieutenant Natasha Yar Herman Zimmerman +Michael Dorn--Lieutenant Worf Producers -- +Brent Spiner--Lieutenant Commander Data Bob Lewin and Maurice Hurley +Gates McFadden--Dr. Beverly Crusher Supervising Producers -- +Marina Sirtis--Counselor Deanna Troi Rick Berman & Bob Justman +Wil Wheaton--Wesley Crusher Associate Producers -- + DC Fontana & Peter Lauritson + + --- * --- + +"ENCOUNTER AT FARPOINT" Episodes One-Two +Premiere : Week of 9/28/87 Stardate: 41153 + +Written by Dorothy C. Fontana and Gene Roddenberry +Directed by Corey Allen + +Guest Stars: + John DeLancie -- "Q" + Michael Bell -- Groppler Zorn + Colm Meaney -- Battle Bridge Conn + Cary-Hiroyuki -- Mandarin Bailiff + Timothy Dang -- Main Bridge Security + David Erskine -- Bandi Shopkeeper + Evelyn Guerrero -- Young Female Ensign + Chuck Hicks -- Military Officer + Jimmy Ortega -- Torres +and DeForest Kelley as Leonard McCoy + +SUMMARY : The USS ENTERPRISE, NCC-1701-D, a Galaxy-Class starship, is en route +to the planet Deneb IV, also known as Farpoint, to pick up the remainder of its +crew. Deneb is home to the Bandi, a mysterious race with whom the Federation +is currently engaged in negotiation who constructed Farpoint Station as a gift +to Starfleet. However, Starfleet is curious as to how the station was cnstruc- +ted so quickly, and this is another purpose of the ship's voyage. While on +course, a mysterious form of energy attacks the ship, cutting it off as a huge +"energy gate" stops it in its tracks. Captain Jean-Luc Picard meets Q, an +advanced yet malevolant being who has the power to transform himself, insis- +ting that humanity has committed several crimes, not the least of which is +savagery. Q informs the Captain that humanity must stand trial. Jean-Luc +manages to separate the ship's hull, propelling the saucer away while conduc- +ting the primary hull in an escape, but he, Chief Counselor Deanna Troi, +Science Officer Data and Chief of Security Tasha Yar are captured and brought +to a strange courtroom where Q makes sure they plead guilty of the crimes. +Jean-Luc convinces Q that he can prove humankind is peaceful and Q allows him +24 hours to complete his task. The four officers are propelled back to the +ship and it continues on its way. + Meanwhile, on Deneb IV, Commander William Riker meets Groppler Zorn, +leader of the mysterious Bandi race. Zorn professes to have no knowledge of +why Farpoint was built so quickly. It is only during a meeting at a shopping +mall with Dr. Beverly Crusher and her son Wesley that Riker is convinced +something is wrong--suggestions have a "habit" of coming true. The Enterprise +arrives in orbit, escorted by the Excelsior-class starship USS HOOD, Riker's +former station and the ship that transported he, Dr. Crusher, Wesley and Lt. +Geordi La Forge here. Riker and Picard's first meeting is tense, as the Cap- +tain explains the situation concerning Q, yet they come to a sort of under- +standing. Riker manages to win respect when he commands the ship into a +re-joining with the saucer section. Data has a meeting with Admiral Leonard +McCoy, Surgeon-General of Starfleet, who tells him that the Enterprise is a +"lady, who will always bring you home." + Aware of Q's prediction of danger, Picard, Riker and Troi beam down to +the old city to a meeting with Zorn, who only confirms the Captain's theory +that something is terribly wrong. Riker leads an away team mission into the +caverns underneath the Bandi city, to find corridors made of a strange sub- +stance and, according to Deanna's empathic impressions, waves of fear. And +then, all of a sudden, a mysterious ship enters orbit about Farpoint and the +Enterprise is called into duty. + The alien ship begins to fire on the Bandi city. All but RIker and Data +beam aboard the Enterprise, where Q appears, taunting Picard. The two team- +mates find Zorn in his office. After he assures them he did not contact the +Federation's enemies, the Ferengi Alliance, they convince him to tell truth, +but he is caught in a transport beam. Riker and Data beam back up, and then +tell Picard they'd like to board the alien ship. They do so, with Deanna, +and Tasha. The four manage to find Zorn, in agony. Q then appears on the +bridge of the Enterprise once again, telling Picard his time is up. Picard +promises to do anything so long as Q should save his officers, and the four +appear with Zorn in tow. With Zorn's revelations, they find that the alien +ship is actually an alien entity, one of a pair--and the other is Farpoint +Station (they actually have the power to transform themselves.) Picard warns +the Farpoint occupants to activate and the alien being--captured by the Bandi +and forced to assist them--leaves the planet. Picard tells Q that they've +suitably proven themselves and the rogue vanishes, only after promising that +this would not be their last meeting. Picard orders the starship onto its +new mission, where no one has gone before.... + + --- * --- + +"THE NAKED NOW" Episode Three +Premiere: Week of 10/11/87 Stardate: 41209 + +Story by John D.F. Black and J. Michael Bingham +Teleplay by J. Michael Bingham +Directed by Paul Lynch + +Guest Stars: + Brooke Bundy -- Chief Engineer MacDougal + Benjamin W.S. Lum -- Jim Shimoda + Michael Rider -- Transporter Chief + David Renan -- Conn + Skip Stellrecht -- Engineering Crewman + Kenny Koch -- Kissing Crewman + +SUMMARY : The Enterprise has arrived in orbit around a dwarf star close to +collapse, to discover why the USS Tsiolkovsky hasn't answered its hailing. +Riker, Data, Geordi and Tasha learn why very soon--the ship's occupants have +all frozen because life support systems were out. Geordi opens a closet door +and a frozen woman falls out--in contact, the young man accidentally acquires +a strange virus. Back aboard the Enterprise, no one can figure out Geordi's +strange behavior. He escapes Sickbay and goes to the officer's lounge, where +he tells Tasha that he longs for true human sight. She contracts the disease +and goes to Deanna Troi's quarters, seeking exotic material for clothing. Wes- +ley Crusher, who has been recently experimenting with a tractor/repulsor beam +system and a "voice box", has contracted the virus and summons Chief Engineer +MacDougal to the bridge while he rushes in and assumes control of the starship. +Riker and Data locate the virus in the memory banks: this is the strange virus +that overran a previous Enterprise commanded by James T. Kirk. Beverly starts +working on the vaccine, but the strain has mutated ever so slightly and it al- +most seems like a lost cause. Soon everyone begins to have the disease as well +--Tasha locks Data in her quarters with her after kissing men in the corridors, +Beverly and Captain Picard share a moment in his ready room, Wesley and Asst. +Chief Engineer Jim Shimoda "play" in the Engine Room and Riker and Deanna begin +to have emotional reactions to one another. The only one not affected is Worf, +who, after the star explodes and a large chunk of mass is sent hurtling toward +them, is able to get Riker to the bridge to warn him. Riker and MacDougal +attempt to get into Engineering by shortening the power to Wesley's repulsor +device (which is keeping them out). When they do so, they find that Shimoda +has pulled out all the control chips from the computer. Data begins putting +them back in at lightning speed, but it isn't enough time. Wesley converts +the Enterprise's tractor beams to repulsors, sending the Tsiolkovsky smashing +into the star-mass, which gives Data enough time to complete the board and for +Worf to send them into warp speed away. Beverly administers the new vaccine +to all crewmen and Tasha tells Data that their little tryst never actually +happened. Picard admits that his crew will most likely work quite well. + + --- * --- + +"CODE OF HONOR" Episode Four +Premiere: Week of 10/18/87 Stardate: 41235.25 + +Written by Katharyn Powers and Michael Baron +Directed by Russ Mayberry + +Guest Stars: + Jessie Lawrence Ferguson -- Lutan + Karole Selmon -- Yarina + James Louis Watkins -- Hagon + Michael Rider -- Transporter Chief + +SUMMARY : The Enterprise is in orbit about Ligon Two and is visited by Lutan, +the Ligonian leader, and his secondary, Hagon. The planet Ligon is the only +known source of a vaccine that cures Anghalese Fever, a dreaded plague that +has overrun the Federation world Styrus Four. Lutan is a tall, personable man +who sees Captain Picard as a man honorable enough to deal with. After see- +ming to be charmed by the Enterprise company, he mysteriously abducts Tasha +Yar in his transporter beam. Picard notifies Ligon that they have committed +what may be considered an act of war and uses photon torpedoes in the upper +atmosphere to warn them, to no avail. Riker suggests patience; in his and +Data's study of their culture, they have found a rigid code of honor that +stresses patience and shows a particular fondness in the rite of counting +coup, which is exactly what Lutan has done. Lutan appears on the viewscreen, +inviting Picard to the planet where he shall be able to see Tasha, and he and +Troi beam down. At the Ligonian Centerplace, Picard is greeted by Lutan and +his First-One, Yarina, and told that he must wait until a banquet that evening +before "asking" for Tasha back; Troi warns him that this is another cultural +difference, and suggests that the asking be done very politely. At the cere- +mony, Lutan surprises everyone by announcing that he has chosen Tasha as his +new First-One as an act of love, which bids a challenge of a death-duel from +Yarina. Tasha later attempts to talk to her, to no avail. Picard can of +course take Tasha and all the vaccine he needs, but the Prime Directive stands +in his way and his security chief decides to accept the challenge. Data and +Geordi examine the various forms of Ligonian weaponry, then conclude that they +are poisoned for the duel. The duel commences with weapons fashioned like the +heads of warbirds worn like a glove over each opponent's hand, and Tasha barely +is able to overcome her foe. At the last second, both Yarina and Tash are +beamed aboard the Enterprise, per Picard's order. Lutan beams up with Jean- +Luc and finds Yarina alive and well--she had died for a split second and was +brought "back to life" by Dr. Crusher. The death splits the marriage bond +and Yarina makes Hagon her First-One, reducing Lutan in position, after which +she is made the ruling party and the one Picard can deal with. After signing +a treaty and appropriating the vaccine, the Enterprise departs for plague +stricken Styrus Four. + + --- * --- + +"THE LAST OUTPOST" Episode Five +Premiere: Week of 10/25/87 Stardate: 41386.4 + +Story by Richard Krzemien +Teleplay by Herbert Wright +Directed by Richard Colla + +Guest Stars: + Armin Shimerman -- Letek + Jake Dengel -- Mordoc + Tracey Walker -- Kayron + Darryl Henriques -- The Portal + Mike Gomez -- The DaiMon Taar + +SUMMARY : The ENTERPRISE is in pursuit of a Ferengi vessel whose crew stole a +T-9 energy converter from an unmanned monitor post on Gamma Tauri IV. The +Ferengi are a mysterious race who have never been seen officially by members +of Starfleet and most of the information they have is strictly rumor. Captain +Picard orders the ship to follow the vessel toward the Delphi Ardu system and +slows to sublight when the other ship does the same. While in orbit, the +ship suddenly turns around and fires on the ENTERPRISE. All of a sudden the +Federation vessel begins to experience power failure and a tractor beam effect +toward the Ferengi starship not caused by their actions, but Picard believes +them to be responsible. While stranded, Data remarks that the Ferengi are +rumored to resemble the Yankee Traders of the 18th and 19th centuriesin their +ruthless mercantile operation. Picard decides to negotiate, yet this proves +fruitless. So he attempts to take the ENTERPRISE out using reverse thrusters, +and this does not work. Finally, Picard contacts them again, and persuades +the DaiMon Taar of the ship to communicate visually. The Ferengi resemble +monkeys to a degree, and their demeanor isn't much better--the DaiMon seems +to be disagreeable to an extreme. Picard suggests that they work together-- +he's now convinced that the energy drain is from the planet. The planet, it +seems, was a mobile outpost of the aeons-dead Tkon Empire which once ruled +the galaxy 600,000 years ago but was destroyed by a supernova (Data, explai- +ning this, has a rather curious problem with a Chinese finger-puzzle.) Riker +suggests an Away team be sent to the of Delphi Ardu to investigate and takes +Worf, Tasha, Geordi and Data with him. He materializes alone, separated from +his shipmates and goes to find them. He finds Data and Geordi but then runs +smack into Letek, commander of the Ferengi threesome down on the planet. The +ENTERPRISE's life-support systems begin to fail and the temperature aboard +becomes suddenly much colder. Letek's "associates", Mordoc and Kayron, seem +as well interested in the Federation officers as he is, and ambushes the Star- +fleet people, intending to tell the DaiMon that it was the Federation that +secretly attacked them. Tasha and Worf find the others and Tasha whips out +a phaser, but the beams fly over the Ferengi, as do their own weapons, and +then from the smoke atop a plateau an apparition of a face forms, warning them +all to speak. The smoke becomes coherent and a man forms below, shrouded in +robes. He is Portal Six-Three, a Guardian of the Tkon Empire, who is asking +a question of the "intruders". Riker tells Portal that the Tkon Empire col- +lapsed and only Data is able to convince him. Letek nearly betrays Riker but +Number One is allowed to speak, answering Portal's riddle, "He will triumph +who knows when to fight and when not to fight," by responding "Fear is the +true enemy." Riker seems to impress Portal, and vice versa, and soon the +latter is ignoring the Ferengi protests. Portal tells Riker that he can des- +troy the Ferengi, but he says no, wondering if they actually could learn from +this. Portal rests again, "until he is needed." Power systems come on in +the ENTERPRISE in the nick of time and the landing party is beamed aboard; +then, she and the Ferengi vessel continue in opposite directions--after the +T-9 converter is safe aboard the ENTERPRISE (a demand of Portal's) and after +a boatload of Data's fingerpuzzles are beamed over to the Ferengi ship. + + --- * --- + +"WHERE NO ONE HAS GONE BEFORE" Episode Six +Premiere: Week of 11/1/87 Stardate: 41263.1 + +Written by Diane Duane & Michael Reaves +Directed by Rob Bowman + +Guest Stars: + Eric Menyuk -- The Traveler + Stanley Kamel -- Kosinski + Herta Ware -- Picard's Mother + Biff Yeager -- Argyle + Charles Dayton -- Crewmember + Victoria Dillard -- Ballerina + +SUMMARY : The Enterprise rendezvouses with USS Fearless and takes aboard her +Kosinski, reputedly a brilliant Starfleet Engineer who will be testing a new +design on the Enterprise. Traveling with him is his assistant, a Tau Alphan +whose name is unpronounceable. To Riker and Data, Kosinski's specs are vir- +tual gibberish; but the real mystery is wondered by Deanna Troi, who for some +reason cannot sense anything from the strange assistant. The Enterprise be- +gins its warp maneuvers, during which a strange phenomenon occurs and the ship +is blasted through space faster than is possible into galaxy M-33, 2.7 million +light years distant. Only Wesley has found the real reason--the assistant +seemed to "phase", or disappear, during the event. Kosinski, an arrogant and +self-important man, attempts to take credit for this scientific discovery and +assures Captain Picard that he can get the Enterprise back home. And so the +Captain allows him to repeat the process--which proves utter disaster. In- +stead of returning home, the Enterprise is propelled into a strange dimension +that exists nowhere. Picard tries to get to Engineering--and is stopped when +the turbolift doors open and he is almost shot into empty warp space. Worf +sees a Klingon taur on the bridge, a former pet, and Tasha believes herself +to be back on her home world hunted by a rape gang. Upon reaching Enginee- +ring, Picard learns that Kosinski wasn't really responsible for the accident +after Riker tells him Wesley tried several times to talk to him. The alien, +who is suffering from fatigue, is brought to sickbay and Dr. Crusher examines +him, then wakes him on the Captain's order. The alien tells him that he is +a Traveler, basically a wanderer from another time who is searching through +the Federation (which is now a race that his people take notice of) for the +brilliant minds of the future--and he believes he's found one in Wesley. The +Traveler encourages Picard to help him develop but not to tell him of his +full potential. In return, Picard guarantees the Traveler that his crew will +help support him in his journey back. The Traveler returns to Engineering and +the ship's crew focuses its mental energy on him--including Wesley and Kosin- +ski, who is beginning to realize the error of his ways--and he succeeds in +hitting target in our galaxy before phasing once again, out of eternity. +Captain Picard, in honor of Wesley's performance, makes him an Acting-Ensign +and the ship continues toward its next mission. + + --- * --- + +"LONELY AMONG US" Episode Seven +Premiere: Week of 11/8/87 Stardate: 41249.3 + +Story by Michael Halperin +Teleplay by D.C. Fontana +Directed by Cliff Bole + +Guest Stars: + John Durbin -- Antigan Chief Delegate + Kavi Raz -- Singh + Colm Meaney -- First Security Guard + +SUMMARY : The Enterprise has arrived in the Beta Renner system to pick up the +warring delegates from the planets Antiga and Cele and transport them to Par- +liament, a neutral conference planet. Both sides seem ready to kill one ano- +ther, which is merely a sidetrip for an even greater threat. En route to +Parliament, the ship encounters a massive space cloud that obstructs a safe +path and the ship skirts it. Picard thinks they've avoided it completely, +but suddenly something happens; in the sensor maintenance room, Worf is zapped +by a blue static-like energy pattern. He's rushed to Sickbay and Doctor +Crusher examines his inert form--and the pattern is transferred to her. Worf +wakes up, though Deanna notices something very peculiar about the Doctor. She +goes to her quarters, asking Wesley several questions about helm control, and +then to the bridge, where Data eyes her suspiciously. While using a console, +the energy form leaves her and enters the computer system--which instantly +begins to malfunction (as do many systems around the ship, including the warp +drive). Riker, Tasha and Data (acting like Sherlock Holmes) begin to puzzle +over the strange occurences, while Asst. Chief Engineer Singh attempts to +figure out the puzzle in Engineering, with Wes peering over his shoulder (na- +turally). Later, Singh is found dead, after the pattern kills him, and the +crew begins to suspect that their problems are just beginning. After several +incidences with the Antigans and the Cele diplomatic party, the pattern enters +Captain Picard. He seems distraught, ordering Beverly, Riker and Deanna to +undergo psychiatric examinations (after Deanna concludes that Worf and Bev +were both subject to this energy form which blocked their memories). Picard +assumes control of the ship, turning it around back for the cloud; when the +Enterprise passed, it scooped up one of the many life forms in the cloud with +it accidentally. The Picard/Entity beams itself back into the cloud into +pure energy and Riker believes they've lost the captain; he orders the ship +to make its deadline at Parliament. But Deanna senses the Captain's presence. +The Enterprise approaches the cloud and Picard's energy pattern enters the +ship; all that they need to do is find his matter pattern in the transporter +circuits, then they beam him back aboard. No sooner is he back than trouble +brews once again between the warring delegates, and Picard orders them back +to Parliament....on the double. + + --- * --- + +"JUSTICE" Episode Eight +Premiere: Week of 11/15/87 Stardate: 41255.6 + +Teleplay by Worley Thorne +Story by Worley Thorne and Ralph Wills +Directed by James L. Conway + +Guest Stars: + Brenda Bakke -- Rivanne + Jay Louden -- Liator + Josh Clark -- Conn + David Q. Combs -- First Mediator + Richard Lavin -- Second Mediator + Judith Jones -- Edo Girl + Eric Matthews -- First Edo Boy + Brad Zerbst -- Medical Officer + David Michael Graves -- Second Edo Boy + +SUMMARY : After seeing to the establishment of a colony in the Stranab System, +the Enterprise has come to the planet Rubican Three, a nearby world full of +beauty and tranquility. Doctor Crusher has suggested shore leave and Picard +sends an away team to check the place out. What nobody takes for importance +is Data's report of a sensor disturbance, disclosing that something occupies +a space around Rubican's surface when in fact no one can see anything. Riker, +Tasha, Worf, Deanna and Wesley beam down to the surface and are greeting hear- +tily by Rivanne and Liator, two of the Rubican people, who offer them great +comfort and joy. The people, who call themselves the Edo, are a healthy race +whose hedonistic practices and sexual freedom know no bounds, it seems--but +they are all friendly to each other and do not break any of their laws. Mean- +while, on the Enterprise, the strange sensory disturbance has become visible: +an odd, translucent formation resembling a space station yet not really pre- +sent in our universe. From the "ship" comes a bubble-like projection that +invades the Enterprise, finally materializing on the bridge where it links +with Data (after asking Picard why they came to the planet.) On the planet, +Wesley has found some people his own age and runs away with them to enjoy +himself, while the others are brought to the Council center, where their two +friendly acquaintances tell them their "secret" of content: every person who +breaks even a minor law is immediately put to death. Furthermore, the Edo +believe that "God" takes them from paradise, puts them in the Punishment Cen- +ter and if they break any law they die just the same. Wesley breaks a plant +construct outside accidentally, not knowing the law, and mediators arrive +to kill him. Only the actions of the Away team save him. Wesley is brought +to the holding center until sundown. Contact is reestablished with the Enter- +prise (the mysterious object jammed communication upon its appearance) and +Picard beams down to the surface to meet with the Edo. His conversation with +Liator impresses upon the youth that the Starfleet people have the power to +remove Wesley but the restraint of the Prime Directive prevents it. Never- +theless, Picard asks for accompaniment back to the ship from the Edo, and +Rivanne goes with him and Troi. On the ship, she sees the object and calls +it "God", bowing before it in fear. She is immediately beamed back when the +huge ship nearly attacks the Enterprise. Data tells Picard that the object +acts like a god for the Edo, calling them its "children" and insuring their +growth and survival. Picard and Crusher beam down to see Wesley and the Cap- +tain refuses to allow the Edo to kill the boy. He prepares to beam up with +the away team--but the power of the "god" doesn't allow it until Picard and +Riker convince it to. Once aboard, Picard tells the "god" they will vacate +the colony from Stranab and leave Rubican immediately, but the god vanishes, +leaving them alone--but giving Picard the impression of a warning, never to +visit this planet again. + + --- * --- + +"THE BATTLE" Episode Nine +Premiere: Week of 11/22/87 Stardate: 41723.9 + +Story by Larry Forester +Teleplay by Herbert Wright +Directed by Rob Bowman + +Guest Stars: + Frank Corsentino -- DaiMon Bok + Doug Warhit -- First Officer Kazago + Robert Towers -- Second Officer Rata + +SUMMARY: The Ferengi have asked Starfleet to meet them in the Zendi Sabu sys- +tem for an important conference, and the Enterprise is ordered to report there. +They meet a Ferengi vessel, whose only message is "Stand By" until its captain, +the DaiMon Bok, greets Captain Picard under a flag of truce, and requests that +they meet either on his ship or on theirs. Deanna senses trouble, and Riker +notes that since the ball is literally in their court they meet on the Enter- +prise. Bok and his officers, Kazago and Rata, beam over to the ship to begin +negotiation, and the DaiMon makes a most unexpected peace offering: an approa- +ching derelict starship which is identified as the wrecked USS STARGAZER, NCC- +2893, a Constellation-class cruiser that was under Picard's command long ago. +Bok declares this event in honor of the Battle of Maxia, he calls it, which +to Picard is a battle fought with a then-unknown ship which suddenly attacked +the Stargazer and forced him to use the now-famous Picard Maneuver, then aban- +don ship, in the Maxia Zeta system. A team beams over to the Stargazer to +look around, and then Dr. Crusher and the Captain, who has curiously been +suffering from strange headaches. The Captain has an attack on his senses +while in his old quarters and Beverly suggests he beam back to the ship. The +truth is revealed--DaiMon Bok is in a lab on the Ferengi vessel somehow con- +trolling a strange orb in the Captain's quarters. Beverly promises that the +chest, which contains the orb, will be transported back to Enterprise. Mean- +while, after a scan of the Stargazer's log, Data concludes that the Captain +destroyed the Ferengi starship while it was on a peace mission. Riker imme- +diately proclaims this a fake and talks to Jean-Luc about it, but the Captain +acknowledges that Riker has a duty to perform: to contact Starfleet. Picard, +whose headaches are getting worse and now seems to be suffering from memory- +shifts (at times, he appears to be talking to his Stargazer crew), nightmares +about his fallen command, and so forth, beams back to the Stargazer while his +mind is under control of the mind-sphere. Riker and Kazago, who have spoken +before simply as first officer to first officer, confer again and Number One +convinces the Ferengi officer that Bok is up to something. Bok, who has con- +fronted Picard on the Stargazer, tells him that in the Battle of Maxia, he +lost his only son, the commander of the ship Picard ordered destroyed. Bok +beams back and retreats to his control lab, but Kazago has him arrested, and +then wishes Riker well--Kazago realized that Bok's plan wasn't profitable, a +keen Ferengi interest. The Stargazer warps away and turns to do battle with +the Enterprise, its systems computer engaged and responding to Picard's voice +commands as he thinks himself in that battle nine years ago. Riker convinces +Picard that it is an illusion, to destroy the sphere sitting on a chair on the +bridge. Picard does so with his phaser, and loses consciousness momentarily +before beaming back to the Enterprise, his normal self again, free from the +haunting memories of the past. + + --- * --- + +"HIDE AND Q" Episode Ten +Premiere: Week of 11/29/87 Stardate: 41590.5 + +Story by C.J. Holland +Teleplay by C.J. Holland and Gene Roddenberry +Directed by Cliff Bole + +Guest Stars: + John deLancie -- "Q" + Elaine Nalee -- Sigman Survivor + William A. Wallace -- Adult Wesley + +SUMMARY : The Enterprise has dropped off Deanna Troi to visit her homeworld and +is en route to Quadra Sigma Three, a planet that has signaled disaster after an +accident in its mines. But before they can arrive, the pervasive energy grid +signifying danger stops the ship and its instigator arrives: The Q. Picard +protests that Q was warned off justly after the incident at Farpoint, but Q +tells him that he has returned....with a great gift. He vanishes, taking with +him Riker, Data, Geordi, Worf and Tasha to the surface of an alien world while +locking Picard on the bridge of the ship. Q appears to them as a Frenchman in +the Napoleonic era, and tells Riker he is most welcome....offering him all the +comforts of his "tent" while the others standby. Tasha protests their treat- +ment, and is put in the "penalty box"--the Bridge, where Picard explains to +Q that humans are still growing, and indeed that they will equal his own race +given time. On the planet, the group suffers near disaster by creatures in the +French suits, but at the last moment Q appears by Riker, telling him that he +has the same powers of his own race and can send those people back to their +ship. He does so, and all appear aboard the Enterprise. The Q Grid vanishes. +The Enterprise arrives at Quadra Sigma Three and a medical team lands, where +Riker is disturbed that he can't use his newfound power because he made a pro- +mise to Picard. When they come back, Riker begins to hate the promise, calling +Picard by his first name and disrespectfully turning away. He calls a meeting +of the bridge crew and convinces Q and Picard that he CAN use his powers wisely +by offering "gifts" to his friends. He gives Wesley ten years to his age, of- +fers Data the gift of humanity (to which he declines) and gives Geordi real +sight. Geordi requests his visor back. To Worf he offers what he cannot have: +a Klingon woman. Worf turns her away, and Wesley asks for his childhood back. +At last, Riker understands--with this power he cannot truly grant humanity what +it wishes. Together, Riker and Picard order Q away....by Q's own promise to +return to his own people if Riker refused the gift. Q vanishes and all is set +to normal....with something of an understand between Captain and First Officer. + + --- * --- + +COMING NEXT : Haven (by Tracey Torme, guest starring Majel Barrett and Robert +Ellenstein), Too Short a Season, The Big Goodbye (by Tracey Torme) + + --- * --- + +CHRONOLOGY: In Order of Stardates-- + +41153 : Encounter at Farpoint +41209 : The Naked Now +41235 : Code of Honor +41249 : Lonely Among Us +41255 : Justice +41263 : Where No One Has Gone Before +41386 : The Last Outpost +41590 : Hide and Q +41723 : The Battle + + --- * --- + +PLANETS AND SHIPS mentioned/seen in Star Trek: The Next Generation + +Deneb IV : Home to the Bandi, also known as Farpoint +Ligon II : Planet with a strict code of honor +Styrus IV : Planet infected with Anghalese Fever +Gamma Tauri IV : The Ferengi stole a K-9 Converter from here +Delphi Ardu : System where the last outpost of the Tkon Empire was encountered +Beta Renner : System where warring planets Antiga and Cele are located +Tau Alpha VII : Planet where Riker thought the Traveler was from +Stranab : Location of a new Federation Colony +Rubican Three : Home of the Edo and their mysterious protector +Zendi Sabu : Enterprise encountered Ferengi DaiMon Bok's ship here +Maxia Zeta : USS Stargazer fought a Ferengi ship here, then became derelict +Quadra Sigma Three : Mining world that experiences catastrophe + +USS Tsiolkovsky : Infected with the strange Psi-2000 Disease +USS Hood : Transported Riker, Geordi, the Crushers and Leonard McCoy to Deneb +USS Fearless : Kosinski's transport to Enterprise; involved in warp exper. +USS Ajax : Involved in warp experiment +USS Stargazer : Picard's first ship, lost at Maxia Zeta, found at Zendi Sabu +Ferengi Ships : Encountered in Delphi Ardu and Zendi Sabu Systems + + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/theandor b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/theandor new file mode 100644 index 00000000..ea63744f --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/theandor @@ -0,0 +1,924 @@ +Path: moe.ksu.ksu.edu!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!mips!pacbell.com!network.ucsd.edu!sdcc12!sdcc13!aclark +From: aclark@sdcc13.ucsd.edu (Andrew Clark) +Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative +Subject: The Andorian Assault +Summary: a continuation of "The Klingon Maneuver" +Keywords: ST classic story set during _ST II, Wrath of Khan_ +Message-ID: <33906@sdcc12.ucsd.edu> +Date: 2 Jun 92 02:44:59 GMT +Sender: news@sdcc12.ucsd.edu +Organization: University of California, San Diego +Lines: 910 +Nntp-Posting-Host: sdcc13.ucsd.edu + +This is my second net-posted story about the (mis)adventures of the +_USS Endeavor_. Comments to aclark@UCSD.EDU. Happy reading! + + The Andorian Assault + + Captain's Log, _USS Endeavor_ - Commander Lisa Tanaka +commanding. We have been docked at StarBase 4 for two weeks; +most of the crew is on leave. In our recent encounter with +the Klingon computer-controlled battle cruiser Glorious, we +suffered extensive damage and loss of the warp nacelle. The +chief engineer, Lieutenant Reynolds, is supervising repairs. +She expects completion of reattachment within six hours. In +other news, the _USS Enterprise_ is passing through our sector +on a "routine training cruise." Yeah, right. Admiral Kirk +can't fit his fat ass in anything but an oversized Captain's +chair. Oops, this is the official log. Computer, erase log +after the phrase "routine training cruise." Resume. We depart +to resume spacelane traffic patrol in two days. + + Tanaka pressed a key on the armrest of her chair. +"Append to Personal Log - thank you, God, for sparing the lives +of my crew. We were lucky to survive." Tanaka turned off the +log and looked around the empty bridge. + The ship was quiet - the eighty-odd crew were off raising +hell aboard the StarBase. Only a token engineering staff and +herself remained aboard. + The quiet was shattered when the primary screen lit up. + "Commander Tanaka, you had better get down here RIGHT NOW!" +Admiral Newhausen looked furious; his bald head shone with +sweat and his normally immaculate uniform was badly rumpled. + Tanaka barely suppressed a muttered obscenity. Newhausen +could break her career with an oblique comment to Commander +Starfleet. + "What is the problem, sir?" + "Your executive officer picked a fight with one of my +Security teams. Members of your crew interfered with her arrest, +and it took phasers to stop them. I want your crew off my StarBase +NOW!" + "Yes, sir. On the way." Tanaka leapt up and ran into the +turbolift. She stopped by her quarters long enough to pick up a +phaser before beaming over to the StarBase brig facility. + "Are ya Commander Tanaka?" a Tellarite in security uniform +asked in a grating accent. She was a lieutenant. + "Yes. Where is my crew?" + "They in my cells. Stupid." + "What exactly happened?" Tanaka asked as she was escorted +to the appropriate row of cells. + "An Andorian from ya crew was talking to a security patrol +when all of a sudden she up and decked one. My security people +panicked and pulled their phasers, and your officers disarmed +them. Your people go back to sippin drinks, and our backup stuns +'em on sight." + Tanaka sighed when she turned the corner and peered into the +cell. + "Anetsky, Nguyen, and Samirez. Ko'tanavoatoa. Ensign Chen. +What the hell HAPPENED?" This last was delivered in a shout that +made Ko'ta wince and the humans find reasons to avoid Tanaka's +withering glare. + The three lieutenants looked at Ko'ta, pointedly. + "No excuse, sir. I take full responsibility. A StarBase +security team made some comments, and I reacted inappropriately. +They were only defending a crew mate." Her voice grew more +intense, signifying her appreciation of their efforts. + The Tellarite security officer disengaged the cell force +field. "Admiral says for ya to recall leaves and get out of +here." + Tanaka nodded. "Follow me, people." She waited until +they were aboard the _Endeavor_ before speaking again. The +silence made the other officers quite nervous. + When they were safe, Tanaka called StarBase Operations +and requested a patch-in to the StarBase loudspeaker system. + "All _USS Endeavor_ crew, shore leaves are canceled. Report +to ship at once. Commander Tanaka out." + "First things first. Ensign Chen, get the crew back to work +when they start coming aboard. I'll talk to you later. My +quarters, officers." + Tanaka's quarters were sparsely furnished. A fold-down +bed was against one wall, and a large desk/computer console took +up the other side of the room. Unlike the other crew, she had +her own tiny bathroom attached to one side. Rank hath its +privileges. A melted and slightly warped piece of phaser armor +hung on the wall, mute testament to a close call with death. + "What did the security team say?" + Ko'ta turned even bluer. + "The team leader was Andorian; we don't know what he said," +Lieutenant Anetsky noted. He wished he could raise shields to +defend against Tanaka's phaser-like eyes and photorp voice. + "None of us speak Andorian; Lieutenant Commander Ko'ta, +translate what he said into Basic for us, would you?" Tanaka's +voice sounded mild, but there was force behind it. + Ko'ta struggled to say something. Her voice was muffled. + "He called me a vetenolaka." Tanaka nodded, then glanced +sharply at her executive officer. + "What does that mean?" + "I would strongly prefer not to say, sir." + "I'm afraid your preferences became irrelevant when you +decked him." + "The closest word in Basic would be 'queer.'" + The three lieutenants looked puzzled. So what? + Tanaka had studied Earth history at the Academy. + "I think I see. Lieutenants, is it true that you only +got involved in the fight because Ko'ta was in trouble?" + "Yes, sir," the three chorused. + "Consider yourselves reprimanded. Get out of my sight. +No gossip to the rest of the crew, please, or I'll tell them +why their shore leaves were inexplicably canceled." + Three simultaneous gulps, three "yessirs," and three +lieutenants out the door an instant later. + "Lieutenant Commander, as executive of this vessel you +are an example to the rest of the ship. I cannot afford to +tolerate your actions. A formal reprimand will be entered +in your record concerning this incident. + "I know that you transferred to Starfleet from the +Andorian Defense Forces. I do not know why, nor do I care. +I do know that you were given the choice between transfer +and dishonorable discharge. + "Your performance up until now has been barely adequate. +You need to do better than that." Tanaka paused. + "I hate to say this, but unless you show significant +improvement over the next month I'm going to have to mark +you unsatisfactory on your next evaluation. We both know +what would happen then. Dismissed, Lieutenant Commander." + "Sir, I..." + "Dismissed." + After Ko'ta left, Tanaka collapsed heavily on her bed. +Her stomach churned as she mentally reviewed the situation. +Ko'ta had the potential to be an excellent officer, but +she would have to somehow resolve the problem of her exile. +It was something no one could help her with. + For once in her life, Tanaka was wrong. + + "Prepare for warp speed." + It was about time. Admiral Newhausen had calmed down, +fortunately. Tanaka now owed Captain Gerasev of the _Lexington_ +a huge favor and two cases of an appropriate mind-altering +substance. + "Ready, sir." The crewman at the helm nodded as she +checked her course. It would be quite embarrassing for the +_Endeavor_, a Starfleet vessel, to ignore the traffic lanes +they were tasked to enforce. + "Comm, notify StarBase Operations that we're out of their +hair." + "With pleasure, sir." Word had gotten around about the +reasons behind the sudden cancellation of shore leave. Ensign +Chen had blabbed. Tanaka had chosen to not take notice of +the fact. Yet. + "Full impulse out to 100 kkm, then engage warp drive. +Heading 124 mark 5." + "Aye, sir." Lieutenant Nguyen, the duty officer, watched +her bridge crew as they competently performed the tasks their +commander set. Nguyen was at the Engineering subsystems console, +monitoring the power feeds from the new warp nacelle. + "Purring like a cat picking feathers out of its teeth," noted +Lieutenant Reynolds on the link from Engineering. + Tanaka smiled. "Warp 4. The pre-patrol party will commence +in one hour. Minimum crew on watch." + The bridge crew tensed. No one wanted to be stuck with the +helm during the party. + Ko'ta unwisely chose that moment to enter the bridge. She +stood at the rail, blue hands gripping it as she watched +the primary screen. + "Lieutenant Commander Ko'ta and Warrant Officer Grover will be +on duty." Tanaka figured that Grover wouldn't mind much; he could do +his beloved programming from the bridge just as easily as from his +usual spot at Damage Control. As for Ko'ta, Tanaka wanted to send +a clear message to the crew. Looks on faces told Tanaka that her +message had been received. + The turbolift doors hissed as Ko'ta left the bridge. + + Parties on the Endeavor, as always, were a blast. Some of the +food had been replicated, but a good percentage of it had been +"liberated" from the vast StarBase supplies. Tanaka watched from +the sidelines as her crew ate, drank, and made merry. She really +didn't like parties but knew they were essential to crew morale. +Still, the food was good. Tanaka bit into a cracker and +swallowed. + "...and then the Klingon flips over and lets go point-blank +with its disrupters right up our asses..." Lieutenant Anetsky was +explaining to a new-found friend what had happened during the +Glorious incident. His left hand held a Nyopian pastry, and he +flipped it in his fingers as he spoke. A glass of wine was in +the right hand, and it raced away from the pastry's assault. +Anetsky lost control, and it tumbled out of his hand. The glass +bounced with a clatter, but the ale it held splashed several +people, including Tanaka. The front of her uniform was soaked, +and wet fabric tends to cling. + "Uh oh," a crewman noted as she scurried out of the line of +fire. Anetsky froze. + "Sorry, Captain. I didn't mean to..." + "No problem. If it hadn't been for one of the best crews in +Starfleet, that's exactly what would have happened in the battle. +Carry on." A few people chuckled, and Anetsky looked relieved. + On her way to her quarters, Tanaka munched on a pastry. +These are pretty good, she thought. Must have been from the +StarBase. She changed tunics and decided to check on Auxiliary +Control. It would probably be quiet down there; she hadn't +inspected it in weeks. + AuxCon was located near the bottom of the saucer. It had been +designed as the ship's last defense against boarders and catastrophic +damage; thus, there was no provision for abandoning it in an +emergency. The only access was by turbolift. + "Level, please?" The voice of the ship's computer was a +husky baritone with an British accent. + "AuxCon." + "Override noted, Captain." Now that was interesting. Someone +had placed a security lock-out on turbolift access to AuxCon. The +doors hissed open before Tanaka could realize the implications. + Tanaka blinked, as did the ten or so crewmembers in AuxCon. +The scene before her could have been taken from any Roman +brothel. Most were naked or nearly so, and were engaged in +activities normally restrained to two partners and utmost privacy. +Packages of food and drink were piled on the helm console. + Lisa Tanaka was frankly amazed at some of the contortions +they were in. Captain Tanaka had crew morale - and morals - to +consider. The room was completely silent, except for the heavy +breathing of two individuals too much involved with each other to +notice their commanding officer's presence. + No time to think. Gut reaction. + "Excuse me. Carry on. Remember, the party's over by 0500. +I want this compartment inspection-ready then." + Tanaka turned and entered the turbolift with as much dignity +as she could muster. Her cheeks turned red instants after the +turbolift doors closed. + "Officer's quarters," she said. + "Aye, Captain." The turbolift accelerated to life. + "Computer, reactivate security lock-out on AuxCon." + "Aye, Captain." + Tanaka exited the turbolift and walked towards her quarters. +That's funny, I'm not feeling so good. I haven't had that much to +drink. I guess I'd better sack it in early. + Tanaka collapsed on her bunk, not even bothering to take her +uniform off. Only one thought made it through her mind before she +lapsed into unconsciousness. + Something's wrong with me. + + The bridge was very quiet. Warrant Officer Grover sat at the +sensor console, its normal displays dumped so that he could work on +one of his many programs. His fingers danced on the keyboards; +voice input is too inefficient for programming purposes. The +Endeavor was only at Warp 2, cruising within the heart of Federation +space. Earth was only three days away at top speed. There would be - +could be - no threats that would not be detected by the navigation +computers. + Lieutenant Commander Ko'ta was standing at the security systems +display. She really had nothing to do; the running of the ship in +a traffic control lane was completely automated. Regulations +required that any Starfleet vessel have one officer "able to take +command of the vessel upon ten seconds' notice" at all times, +even in Spacedock, and she was it for the Endeavor. + Ko'ta decided to break the silence. It was getting on her +nerves, to use a human expression. + "What are you working on?" + Grover looked up. His fingers were still typing away busily. + "Trying to make the ship's special encryption a little tighter. +Captain thinks there might be a time when the rest of Starfleet +doesn't need to know something, and _Endeavor_ crew off-ship do." + Ko'ta nodded, indicating that he should continue. + "Right now, a StarBase's computers could crack this mess in about +a week. The Captain wants a longer duration than that, but the program +has to fit in a hand-held communicator along with standard Starfleet +protocols or it's useless. That's the difficult part." + "I see. Thank you." + Grover shrugged and continued working. + Ko'ta checked the time. 0126 hours. + On an Andorian ship, the time would have been in Andorian +references. The shifts would have been designed around Andorian needs +for sleep, recreation, and exercise. Ko'ta, like most Andorians, +needed only six hours sleep in every thirty - they had evolved in a +hostile environment that did not encourage sleep. Therefore, the +Endeavor's watch schedule - 8 hours sleep in every 24 - was a constant +irritant. + Ko'ta mentally shrugged. On a human ship, she didn't have to +tolerate slurs on her abilities, talents, and probable lack +of a normal sex life. It was not normal for Andorian females to seek +out something as risky as space exploration, let alone work to attain +command rank. Andorians were about as sexist within their own race as +humans in the Terran 19th century AD. + Of course, the fact that she didn't fit in here made her life +miserable. Humans seemed to misunderstand what she said; Ko'ta suspected +that some were disobeying her deliberately. The concept was difficult +to understand, and she didn't know what to do about it. Andorian +personnel under her command would obey, no matter her status. + As for other Andorians, Ko'ta dreaded her next meeting with one. +Every single one seemed to be able to identify her as vetenolaka. The +word meant much more than 'queer' -- it meant a combination of deviant, +outcast, and pervert. Unfortunately, she had earned the title. + "Sir?" Ko'ta looked over to Warrant Officer Grover. + "Yes?" + "Permission to leave the bridge?" + "Why?" Ko'ta didn't notice that her abruptness had angered Grover. +She wasn't very good at reading human body language. + "To use the lavatory, sir." Ko'ta could notice that his voice was +at a lower tone and had slightly more emphasis on the honorific -- she +could not tell that a human would call it cold and furious. + "Go ahead." + "Thank you, sir," Grover muttered as he left the bridge. + Ko'ta maintained her silent vigil for several minutes. Grover had +not yet returned when the communications console began beeping furiously. +She looked at it and her antennae flared. Priority One, all ships, from +StarBase 4. Ko'ta put it on main viewer. + It was Admiral Newhausen. He looked grim. + "A situation has developed on the Romulan border. A Federation +scout was attacked by unidentified craft suspected to be Romulan. It +was crippled by the attack and remains near the Neutral Zone. Eastern +Fleet combat orders are being relayed through StarBase 8. + "As you know, the Romulans have significant cloaking capabilities. +The scout reported that the Romulans were not detected before opening +fire. This may mean that one or several Romulan vessels are in +Federation space at this time, should the Romulans intend to break the +cease-fire agreement. + "In response, the Klingon Empire has significantly upgraded its +combat posture. StarFleet Intelligence reports indicate that Klingon +forces are massing at and . The Klingons may +intend to take advantage of this conflict between Romulans and +Federation by attacking both. All StarFleet vessels should exercise +extreme caution at this time." The screeches indicated positions, +which were transmitted in code and superimposed on a display. The +message winked out. + "This is USS Endeavor. Acknowledge. Do we have specific orders?" +Ko'ta sent. It had been a while since she had run a communications +display; it took about a minute. The reply was quick. + "USS Endeavor, we're putting you on StarBase sector traffic +control. Under the higher security conditions, all routine traffic +approaching a StarBase must be searched for contraband or unauthorized +weaponry. Larger vessels are needed in the combatant role. We'll +have specific orders after we get in contact with _Revolution_." Ko'ta +knew that _Revolution_ was the command ship for this sector. Commander +Tanaka's direct superior was Captain Cogswell, StarFleet Operations, +aboard USS _Revolution_. + Ko'ta sent a routine acknowledgement and paged the captain. + "Captain Tanaka, message from StarBase 4. Please report to +the bridge." + Thirty seconds later, there was no reply. + "Computer, where is Captain Tanaka?" + "Captain Tanaka is in her quarters." Ko'ta pressed the buttons +that would give her a direct link to Tanaka's quarters and override +the intercom shut-off. + "Captain, we have received a message from StarBase 4. It is +urgent. Please report to the Bridge." Nothing. + Ko'ta connected to Security, intending to ask them to send +someone to check on the Captain. No response. Ko'ta turned on the +viewer and blinked. Sergeant Tyrone was collapsed across his +desk, unconscious. He was supposed to be on duty, ensuring that drunk +crew didn't get into trouble. Starfleet Marines were specialists at +dealing with drunks. + Ko'ta jogged over to the security systems display and initiated an +internal security scan. Except for a small group in AuxCon, two crew +in the port cargo bay, and one person in the Bridge head, everyone was +unconscious. She switched to interior views and saw that they had +collapsed, many with food still in their hands. + Ko'ta activated Yellow Alert. The siren would normally be +enough to wake the dead, but it had no effect on the figures displayed +on the monitors. + "This is AuxCon here. What the hell is going on?" + Several nude humans were standing in front of the AuxCon screen. +Ko'ta wasn't embarrassed; different standards apply to different +species -- one lesson she had learned well. + "A number of the crew have collapsed. I suspect poisoning. Have +any of you eaten the food from StarBase 4?" + The humans looked at each other. Most were in the process of +dressing rapidly. + "No, sir." The food packages were happily unopened. + Lieutenant Nguyen, having dressed the fastest, walked towards the +turbolift and ran into its closed doors. She tried to open it from a +console, and swore loudly in Vietnamese when it would not budge. + "Computer, drop security lockout." + "Security lockout established by Captain. Unable to override," +the computer announced cheerfully. + "The Captain accidentally crashed our own lockout and must have +reestablished it personally. She didn't think that we would be unable +to override it." + "The Captain is unconscious." Ko'ta looked at the screen and +swore. Only one person on the ship might be able to handle this. + "Warrant Officer Grover to the Bridge, now!" Ko'ta snapped on +ship wide intercom. An instant later, Grover stumbled in, pulling +up his uniform trousers in the process. + "What the..." + "We have an emergency. Most of the crew is down from food +poisoning, including the medical staff. Almost all of the +unaffected people are trapped in AuxCon by an inadvertent security +lockout. I'm ordering you to break it." + Grover sank into a chair, configured his console for hacking, +and began to work on the problem. He loved a challenge; he had made +his own modifications to the Security protocols. Problem now was +breaking his own creations, since he had forgotten to leave a back +door. Wouldn't forget to do that next time, of course. + Ko'ta glanced at the Internal Security display, and saw flashing +red. She leaped in front of it and started figuring out why. + The two beings who were in the port cargo bay had blown the +locked cargo doors and were headed aft for Engineering. Ko'ta +activated Intruder Alert and activated three emergency bulkheads. +The red-painted emergency barriers sealed off the corridors, trapping +the hostiles between the starboard transport nexus and the starboard +recreation facility. She tried to activate a viewer, but the visual +sensors in that area had been destroyed by the intruders. + Ko'ta reached under the Internal Security display, tapped five +keys on a concealed pad, and grabbed a phaser as the safe hissed +open. She tossed another to Grover and put a third in her belt +before closing it and changing the combination, just in case. + "AuxCon, check your internal security display." + "Shit," echoed a petty officer as he sat at the Internal +Security console. "Sir, recommend command transfer to +AuxCon." + Ko'ta nodded. It was a logical precaution. + "Lieutenant Nguyen, command transfer in five, four, three, two, +one, now." Lieutenant Nguyen nodded and pressed a key on the AuxCon +command chair just as Ko'ta turned a switch disguised as a button. + "Transfer acknowledged, sir. Orders?" + "Head for StarBase 4 at once. Notify them we have a medical +emergency aboard and a possible security emergency. Fastest safe +speed." + Lieutenant Nguyen's helm officer looked up. She did not look +very pleased. Behind her, other crewmembers were getting out +phasers or turning on consoles. + "Without an Engineering staff online, we don't dare risk +anything above Warp 5." + "Very well. Try not to inform the StarBase command staff. +I suggest you reach the Medical and Security departments aboard the +StarBase directly, and make arrangements with traffic control for +a priority docking. The Captain may not be pleased if she wakes up +without a command." + "Aye, sir." + "I am going below to eliminate the security threat. If I am +captured or disabled, Lieutenant Nguyen is in command." + "Yes, sir. ETA to StarBase 4 is forty-three minutes." + "Bridge out." Ko'ta killed the screen and turned to Grover. + "After I leave the bridge, execute a security lock-out. If the +intruders get by me, it should stop them." + "Aye, sir." + Ko'ta entered the turbolift and the doors hissed shut +automatically. She snapped open the control panel and took the +turbolift off computer control. Using manual commands, she moved the +lift to the starboard transport nexus. + In this case, "nexus" was a fancy word for stairwell. During +one counter-intruder exercise, the Starfleet Marines acting as the +enemy had gone all-out to seize what they thought must be a +transporter room. No such luck; the nexus was a combination of ramps, +ladders, and turbolift entrances that could handle high-speed cargo +transfer and remain defensible from armed attack. The combination +could be quite confusing at first, but was easy to use after some +practice. Ko'ta hoped it would confuse the intruders. + Phaser set on maximum stun, Ko'ta charged around a corner and +found herself facing an emergency bulkhead. She snapped open her +communicator while her antennae waved back and forth. Nervous +tension. + "AuxCon, have the intruders moved?" + "No, sir." + "Close the bulkheads behind me and get ready to raise this one." +Ko'ta knew that the people in AuxCon could see exactly where she was. + "Ready, sir." + "Execute." + The bulkhead slammed open and Ko'ta saw a black shape just as +she fired. The shape slumped to the floor unconscious, and Ko'ta +shot it again for good measure. Humanoid, dressed in Starfleet +uniform, also armed with a phaser. Ko'ta kicked the phaser away. + + Ko'ta spun in pain. Her antennae had been on maximum +sensitivity, and the blast of air created by the explosion made her +reel in agony. A human would not have been affected, Ko'ta cursed +mentally as she staggered to her feet. + The communicator said something, but Ko'ta could not understand +it at the moment. She could not hear a thing, nor would she for +several hours. + Ko'ta threw herself around the corner and saw that the intruder +had breached the bulkhead leading to officer's quarters. From the +damage, it looked like some sort of shaped charge had been used. + "AuxCon," Ko'ta shouted, confirming the crew's suspicion that +she was now unable to hear. "Use your own discretion in sealing off +sections. Hostile is now headed towards officer's quarters." + Ko'ta heard no reply, nor did she expect to. In fact, her +hearing might be permanently damaged. The Andorian mentally +shrugged. Not like it mattered much. + Ko'ta moved down the corridor cautiously. It was one-on-one +now; she did not have the advantage of help from AuxCon anymore. +The hostile probably had a gas mask, but she did not. That made +the intruder control system useless. + The door to Commander Tanaka's quarters was open. Ko'ta +tucked her spare phaser behind her back and stuck one eye across +the threshold, jerking it back just before the flash of light +enveloped the compartment. The phaser had been set on vaporize; +part of the corridor wall opposite the door had been disintegrated. + The hostile was lying on the floor in the center of the +compartment. Tanaka's body lay in front of him, acting as a +shield against phaser fire. + There could be no negotiation. Ko'ta smiled as she set her +phaser to overload. If she didn't disarm it in time, so what? Her +life didn't mean much, and quite frankly neither did Tanaka's. She +tossed the phaser into the room, drew the spare, and dived in a +moment later. + The flabbergasted hostile had dived for the overloaded phaser +as it hit the floor. Ko'ta stunned him with extreme prejudice, then +stepped over his unconscious body and threw his phaser out of the +room. She disarmed the overloaded phaser, then looked down and +checked her own phaser setting. Light stun. + Ko'ta found herself flying into the wall, propelled there by +a sudden grab and twist of her ankle. Her phaser flew across the +room and skittered underneath the desk console. She pulled herself +into a fighting crouch as the hostile stood. For the first time, she +got a good look at him. The smell was overpoweringly familiar, and +Ko'ta understood why the stun hadn't been very effective. + Lean, muscular, handsome. It almost took her breath away to +see an Andorian male after so long. He wore fabric covers over his +antennae; humans jokingly referred to them as "earmuffs." He +appeared to laugh as he brought his own weapon up. + Ko'ta brought up one foot and kicked it away. The enemy +Andorian looked surprised and said something. Ko'ta did not hear +his words and had never heard of "reading lips." + He scowled and grabbed Tanaka by the hair. Ko'ta charged him +expertly, bringing one hand up to feint at his antennae while the +other slammed into the vulnerable nerve plexus where the human +belly button would be. He appeared displeased and dropped Tanaka, +her head hitting the floor silently. + Ko'ta had had enough. She kicked him below the knee and +grimaced savagely as the kneecap shattered. Taking his head in +her hands, she grabbed his antennae and ripped them out by the +roots. He went into convulsions and began spewing the contents of +his digestive system from both ends. A honorable fighter did not +strike the antennae; it was the Andorian moral equivalent of +kicking someone in the testicles. The damage was usually fatal, +however. He finally slumped to the floor across Tanaka's body. + Ko'ta picked up the corpse and dragged it out the door. +After making sure that Tanaka had a clear airway, Ko'ta walked +to a intercom and activated it. + "AuxCon, I..." + There wasn't anything to say. She couldn't give orders +since she would be unable to hear the reply. Ko'ta stood there +helplessly until a petty officer came to get her. He was carrying +a report pad and a pen. Good thinking. + "The AuxCon lockout has been broken?" + YES, SIR. + "Hostiles secured?" + TWO PEOPLE DOING THAT NOW. COME THIS WAY, PLEASE, SIR. + Ko'ta walked with him down the corridor. + "ETA to StarBase?" + THIRTY MINUTES. + It had seemed like a lifetime since she had left the Bridge. + "Any information on the food poisoning?" + STARBASE ID'D AS DELIBERATE. SHOULD BE NO ILL EFFECTS. +TREATMENT UNDERWAY RIGHT NOW. ARE YOU INJURED, SIR? + "No, other than my hearing." + SIR, IF YOU EXCUSE ME SAYING SO, YOU LOOK LIKE SHIT. LET +ME ESCORT YOU TO SICKBAY. + Ko'ta nodded. + Sickbay was chaotic. Nine people were trying to take care of +over sixty fellow crew members. No one had any medical experience +beyond the emergency trauma stuff taught back in basic training. One +wall screen showed obviously frustrated StarBase medical staff +trying to communicate with the medically illiterate _Endeavor_ crew. + "Who has the conn?" + WARRANT OFFICER GROVER, SIR. THE STARBASE MED PEOPLE SAY FOR +YOU TO LIE DOWN AND PUT "EARMUFFS" OVER YOUR ANTENNAE. HOPE IT +DOESN'T HURT TOO BAD, SIR. + "I'm fine." It wasn't exactly a lie. Ko'ta had felt much +worse during her life. She was suffering from nausea and +dizziness, not to mention a literally blinding headache. It was +just physical, as opposed to emotional. That's the deep-down pain +that really causes problems. + "Tell Lieutenant Nguyen she is in temporary command. I can't +take charge under these circumstances." + ALREADY DONE, SIR. WE FIGURED THAT DEAF COUNTED AS DISABLED, +BEGGING YOUR PARDON, SIR. + Ko'ta nodded and tuned out for forty minutes. When she woke +up, a StarBase medical team was loading her onto a gurney. + "I can walk." + A StarBase orderly held up a pad. + WE KNOW, SIR. IT'S ALL RIGHT. LIE STILL, PLEASE. + Ko'ta decided not to cause a fuss. She was carried off ship +as just one in a long line of stretchers. Ko'ta saw Admiral +Newhausen in a corridor aboard the StarBase and pretended +unconsciousness immediately. + A few minutes later the stretcher was set down. A StarBase +medical doctor ran a scanner over her antennae. Ko'ta heard a +high-pitched screech and was relieved. The loss would not be +permanent. In fact, a few passes of an electromagnetic field +rectifier restored her hearing and relieved much of the nausea. + Ko'ta opened her eyes and looked up. The doctor was an +Andorian, and she instinctively tensed. + "Lieutenant Commander Ko'ta, I'm Doctor Pydoquoda," she +said in Andorian. + "Pleased to meet you, Doctor. Forgive my accent, I'm +rusty," Ko'ta replied in the same language. To human ears, +the exchange was a combination of clicks, slight hisses, and +a jumble of consonants and vowels. + Pydoquoda continued in Basic. + "Don't worry about it. Your hearing will be fine, +vetenolaka." + Ko'ta stood in one smooth motion and reached for a phaser +that was not in its holster. Lacking that option, Ko'ta fluently +and roundly exhausted her store of deadly insults and invited +Pydoquoda to engage in a very unfriendly unarmed combat match. +As her finale, she offered to rip out his antennae by the roots. +The whole tirade took perhaps ten seconds and was incomprehensible +to the humans in the room. A rough rendering of the ending would +read like this: + "I ripped out a pair of antennae half an hour ago, and the +sweet crunch of nerves separating from the brain and sending +out their futile messages of agony was quite enjoyable. I'm +feeling the need to enjoy that sweet music once again, but this +time I'd like to taste them as well." + Pydoquoda stood transfixed in horrid fascination, then +dropped his medical instruments and for the door. + Ko'ta smiled in Andorian fashion, but her abused antennae +ached as they vibrated gently. + "What did you say to him?" a human ensign asked. + "You don't want to know. I need to speak with my commanding +officer." + "Right this way, sir." + Tanaka was sitting up in bed by now, wondering exactly what +happened. Ko'ta filled her in as best she was able. + "Newhausen will have my ass chopped, shredded, and turned +into Nyopian coleslaw for this one!" Tanaka was very displeased, +but mainly with herself. Her ship, her responsibility. + Lieutenant Nguyen stepped in. + "Can you hear me, Lieutenant Commander?" + "Yes," Ko'ta replied. + "Sirs, Admiral Newhausen has had an accident. He apparently +fell off a ladder while searching one of the StarBase cargo bays. +The head StarBase doctor informs us that he has suffered a mild +case of amnesia that will last for two hours more, and strongly +urges us to get away from this StarBase while he is unconscious." + Tanaka gulped, and Ko'ta helped her get out of bed and start +walking towards a turbolift. Other _Endeavor_ crew were dragging +themselves out of Sickbay and back to their ship. + "I think we can get out of this mess, sirs. A skeleton crew +is aboard ship now, and what's left of the stowaways has been +handed over to StarFleet Intelligence. I have been assured by +StarBase Medical, Security, and Intelligence departments that they +will not choose to inform Admiral Newhausen of this new +development." The turbolift arrived, and the three officers +clambered in with several _Endeavor_ crew. The lift took them to +a transporter, and the group beamed into the ship's only +transporter room. The officers commandeered a turbolift and +went straight to the bridge. It was empty except for them. + "Sir, we're a little shorthanded. Do you think you could +take the conn?" + Tanaka collapsed in her chair. + "AuxCon, transfer command in five, four, three, two, one, now." + Ko'ta sat down at the helm console and plotted a Warp 5 +course that would get _Endeavor_ out of StarBase scanning range +by the time Admiral Newhausen regained consciousness. It would also +put them across one of the traffic lanes leading to StarBase 4. +Duty first, of course. + "How did this happen, Lieutenant?" + "The two agents were deep-cover agents aboard the StarBase, +although we don't know exactly who they were working for. They +poisoned the party supplies that we 'requested' from Supply, +knowing that we would go and steal them when our request was +denied. The two snuck aboard in the confusion of undocking and +hid in the starboard cargo bay. + "Based on the equipment they were carrying, they had planned +to capture the ship. They would have succeeded except for two +things; they didn't realize how horny _Endeavor_ crew are." + Ko'ta turned slightly blue as Tanaka turned slightly red. + "And they didn't count on one Andorian executive officer. +By the way, sir, the poison that knocked us unconscious would have +killed you in minutes." + Ko'ta shuddered. Tanaka broke the sudden silence. + "So the saboteurs may have been Klingon agents? This does not +bode well. Maybe it's revenge for the _Glorious_ incident?" + Ko'ta spoke up. + "Perhaps the Klingons thought we had some new trick up our +sleeves. How else could we have destroyed a Klingon battle +cruiser? At least to the Klingon mind, sir." + "Quite possible. As it is, we're going to be stuck on +contraband patrol for quite a while. Unless there's a shooting war, +of course." + No one in their right minds would want that. Tanaka didn't +think that Kirk even a mind, so he would probably be pro-war. + "Everyone aboard," reported Sergeant Tyrone over the intercom. +One of the first to regain consciousness, he had made himself +responsible for making sure that no one was left behind. His +superior, Warrant Officer Baruch, was still out cold. Gastronomes +and food poisoning do not mix amicably. + "Let's get out of here," gasped Tanaka. + Ko'ta complied. After using impulse drive to go 100 kkm out, +_Endeavor_ went to Warp 5 and raced for safety like a Tiberian bat +running from a bloodwing. + "Whew." The feeling was doubtless echoed ship wide. + "Lieutenant Nguyen, you would be in for a major citation +if we could ever report this incident. Unfortunately, Newhausen +has to sign off on awards. I'll have to think up some other way +to reward you for a fantastic job. I may even get to keep my +career." + "Thank you. It was Lieutenant Commander Ko'tanavoatoa's +idea, sir." Nguyen's tongue tripped over the long name, but it +was obvious to both Ko'ta and Tanaka that Nguyen had put effort +into trying to pronounce an approximation of Ko'ta's full name. +Ko'ta felt a little happier than before, when she was sure that +Nguyen was going to take all the credit. + Tanaka swiveled her head to look at Ko'ta in amazement. + "It was idea to avoid letting Newhausen know?" + "My idea, but Lieutenant Nguyen implemented it. She did +the hard work, sir, and deserves the credit." + Tanaka thought of something and frowned. She pressed a key +that shut off the automatic bridge recorder. + "Answer this honestly, Lieutenant. Did you arrange +Newhausen's fall in the cargo area?" + "Most heinously, sir. It was the Medical section that +arranged for the temporary amnesia. Apparently, he was about +to run a surprise inspection of the StarBase Sickbay when a +sensor report about us interrupted him. A little inter-service +collaboration never hurts, especially when it saves a Chief +Medical Officer and a Commander from finding new careers in the +food service industry." + Tanaka laughed for several seconds, paused, and began laughing +again. + "Assault on a flag officer, kidnaping, tampering with his +mind... those are all felony court-marital offenses!" + "Sir." Nguyen tried to look hurt but failed. Her grin spoiled +the effect. + "Congratulations are in order. Who else knows?" + "Two Medical staff on the StarBase, Petty Officer Fletcher, and +now you two. That's it." + "Keep it that way, forever." Tanaka switched the bridge +recorder back on. + "I need to speak with the Exec alone. Get one of the other +watch officers conscious and turn the mess over to him." + "Lieutenant Anetsky has the bag." + "Whatever. Dismissed." Nguyen turned and left. + "Ko'ta, I don't speak Andorian. However, I do know the most +violent curses. Why did you exhaust all of them at that Sickbay +doctor? I heard you through a closed door; the entire crew will +know by tomorrow." + "Sir, the doctor was Andorian. He..." + "Struck you? Slapped you? Pulled a phaser on you? Made a +lewd sexual advance? Stroked one of your antennae?" This last +made Ko'ta turn slightly blue. Antennae are highly intimate organs; +to allow another to touch them is an overtly sexual act. + "In a way. The doctor was treating my hearing loss, then +told me I was a queer after he was done." + "I see. You didn't hit him, at least. Considering the +circumstances, it's nothing to worry about." + Ko'ta nodded, very slowly. + "What happened to your hearing?" + "The Andorian intruder used a shaped charge to blow a bulkhead. +He was wearing earmuffs, I was not." + Tanaka winced. + "Painful?" + "Not really, I just couldn't hear." + "Permanent?" + "No, I hope. The diagnosis was by that doctor." + Tanaka growled and strolled over to the communications board. + "StarBase 4 Medical section, I'd like to speak to..." Tanaka +turned to Ko'ta. + "Doctor Pydoquoda." + "Doctor Pydoquoda, now. It is urgent. Hello, Doctor. This +is Commander Tanaka, USS _Endeavor_." + "Yes, Commander, what can I do for you?" + "You can give me a precise and professional medical opinion +about the medical condition of Lieutenant Commander Ko'tanavoatoa. +Everything you say is being recorded and may be used against you +in a court-martial proceeding if necessary. Do you understand +this statement?" + Pydoquoda let out a short cheep that Ko'ta understood as +"!@$%." Unfortunately, it was only an audio link. She would have +loved to see his face. + "Yes, sir. Lieutenant Commander Ko'tanavoatoa is in +excellent physical condition. Her sinister and dexter antennae +suffered a mild concussion caused by an air-carried shockwave. +The condition is common in combat situations if an Andorian is +not wearing hearing protection. In this particular case, the +individual will cease to suffer symptoms approximating nausea +and dizziness within the hour. Temporary loss of hearing and +headaches will continue for several days but should not +interfere with normal duty functions. I did not run a full-body +medical diagnostic, so I cannot speak to other aspects of the +subject's condition. Ko'tanavoatoa should recover full hearing +within six days. I am quite confident that she will not suffer +any hearing loss, but this incident should be recorded for +review by a specialist at the time of her next physical." + "Thank you, Doctor." Tanaka cut the link. + "Thank you, sir." Ko'ta felt very relieved. It was something +she hadn't thought of during her blind rage at the doctor. + "Now, let's see what you didn't hear while your hearing was +out." Tanaka entered a security code and ran quickly through +the internal security records showing Ko'ta's actions. + +AuxCon -- "Sir, he blew the bulkhead leading to officer's quarters. + The Captain is in her quarters. Can you hear me, sir?" + +Ko'ta -- "AuxCon, use your own discretion in sealing off sections. + Hostile is now headed toward officer's quarters." + +AuxCon -- "If you can hear us, sir, he went into the Captain's + quarters. We have audio in there but no visual pickup." + + Tanaka blinked. Privacy has its disadvantages. + +AuxCon -- "Shit. How long until we can get that door open?" + +Bridge -- "Working on it, maybe three minutes." + +AuxCon -- "Step on it, Grover, or the Captain finds out about + your interactive porno video games!" + + Tanaka laughed. Now I know anyway. Wonder if they're any good. + +audio -- "BEEP, BEEP, BEEP, BEEP, BEEP" + +AuxCon -- "Ko'ta overloaded a phaser. Crazy Andorian! She might + blow starboard pressurization that close to the shuttle bay!" + + Tanaka's face turned white. She looked at Ko'ta and quickly +glanced away. Bloodthirsty move. Ko'ta must have been really pissed. + +audio -- "jejejejagjehveteno..." + + "Computer, enhance and translate into Human Basic. Back point 2." + +audio -- "Not you again, pervert. Time for revenge." + +audio -- "! Back off, crazy woman, or your Captain dies!" + + "I'm still here and you're not," Tanaka murmured as she paused +the recording. "Ko'ta, where did you run into him before?" + "StarBase security officer. The one I struck." + "I see." Tanaka pressed the pause key again. + +audio -- "Aaaaargh! AAAAHHHHHH! AAAAHHHHHH!" + + Tanaka winced. Now she understood exactly why Ko'ta was so +protective of her antennae. + +Ko'ta -- "AuxCon, I..." + +AuxCon -- "Damn, Ko'ta, way to go! She can't hear us, damn it. + Grover, do you have the override yet?" + +Grover -- "Now!" + +AuxCon -- "Finally. We need to get those bad guys secured..." + + Tanaka shut off the playback. + "Impressive, Lieutenant Commander. Very impressive." + "Thank you, sir." + "In fact, that was downright heroic. I can't put you in for +a citation, but I greatly appreciate it. You literally saved my +life. One comment, though. Why did you set the phaser on overload?" + "Sir, if I didn't stop him he was going to destroy or capture +the ship. If I had lost he would have killed us both. If the +phaser went off, we would have taken him with us and prevented the +takeover of the ship." + "Good thinking. One thing that should be clarified; this does +not resolve the issue of your previous performance. You're still +going to have to work damned hard to stay on this ship." + Ko'ta nodded, slowly. Her antennae were beginning to droop. + "Right now, you need to get some rest. I was looking at the +time and I realized you've been up for about thirty-five hours now. +When you wake up, report to me. Feel free to sleep in if you want." + "Yes, sir." Ko'ta smiled in the human fashion and left the +bridge. She had a lot to think about. + Ko'ta took the turbolift to officer's quarters and walked down +the corridor. A repair crew was working on the damaged bulkhead as +she passed. As usual, Ko'ta heard their whispers clearly. + "Did you hear what she did?" + Ko'ta stopped when she was around the corner and listened to +the repair crew's chatter. + "Yeah, ripped out an Andorian intruder's antennae and ATE them." + "Not that. Yeah, that too. But she threw an overloaded phaser +into the Captain's quarters to distract the guy!" + "Damn! Ruthless." + "You heard about what happened on StarBase, right?" + "About that Andorian security officer? The one who cost us all +two days of shore leave by filing a false report or something." + What? Ko'ta thought that everyone would know that the mess was +all her fault. Tanaka let me off the hook again? + "No, about the Andorian doctor. He gave Ko'ta some crap and +she read him the riot act. Fletcher says that the doctor ran like a +bat out of hell." + "Maybe she's got some Klingon blood? Hey, it's possible." + Ko'ta grimaced. Klingon? Klingon! I think so. + "No way. Andorians don't have those kind of reproductive +organs." + "How do they do it then?" + None of your business; let's just say humans and Andorians +are sexually incompatible and leave it at that. I know from +experience. + "Damned if I know. It's probably in the ship's library." + "Hell, doesn't matter. At least we have an Exec to be +proud of. How would you like having a Vulcan as XO?" + "Never. My older sister served on _Enterprise_. She said +that half the women on the ship were throwing themselves at him, +and the other half avoided him like the plague." + "Which half was your sis in?" + "Let's just say my nephew's ears have a bit of a point to +them." The repair crew laughed. + "Here, help me with this weld." + Ko'ta walked a dozen paces to her quarters and entered. The +small, cramped space only had one luxury -- it was hers and hers +alone. She set the audio to the human equivalent of "white noise," +turned down the lights, and collapsed on her bunk. + Sleep struck before she had time to think. There would be +enough time for that in a few hours. + The intercom buzzed Ko'ta out of her slumber an indefinite +time later. + "Exec to the bridge. _Enterprise_ is in distress; she's all +but crippled and has many casualties aboard. We're enroute, Warp +8." Ko'ta pulled herself to her feet and staggered in the general +direction of the door. + "So what? Never mind, I'm on the way." + +Written by Andrew Clark (aclark@UCSD.EDU) +This story is placed in the public domain. Star Trek characters and +the Star Trek universe are the property of Paramount Pictures +Corporation and are used for entertainment purposes only. Please do +not remove this notice from electronic or physical copies. +-- +Andrew Clark - aclark@UCSD.EDU - My ignorance is my own fault. +Macs are to computing what television is to journalism. | Bad cop! +We have virtual reality today; George Bush lives in it. | No donut! + diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/thegreat.p1- b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/thegreat.p1- new file mode 100644 index 00000000..84361887 --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/thegreat.p1- @@ -0,0 +1,4842 @@ +Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative +Path: moe.ksu.ksu.edu!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!rpi!usenet.coe.montana.edu!nntp.uoregon.edu!cie.uoregon.edu!eisimps +From: eisimps@cie.uoregon.edu (Eileen Simpson) +Subject: The Great American Star Trek Novel, Ch. 1 +Message-ID: <1992Aug29.011157.14167@nntp.uoregon.edu> +Summary: The Next Generation Gap +Sender: news@nntp.uoregon.edu +Organization: University of Oregon Campus Information Exchange +Date: Sat, 29 Aug 92 01:11:57 GMT +Lines: 457 + + + + The Great American Star Trek Novel-"Where No *Man* Has Gone Before" +Being an Account of the Last Voyage of Exploration of Capt. James T. Kirk. + +A Society of Feminist Trekkies (S.O.F.T.) Presentation. +Copyright, 1989 by E.G.Simpson as to all original characters and content. +Not intended to conflict with copyright of Paramount as to Star Trek. + + + CHAPTER ONE + + ***************** + Laughter and music. That was how they began. + They were the joy that filled the creation. In some places, stronger. In +others, weaker. But always, they were there. + The great, throbbing heart of the Milky Way could not overwhelm their +influence: what they could not go through, they went around. . . +over. . . like a liquid spilling through the galaxy, until everything +within it had been touched with at least some sense of them. + They loved stretching playfully among the stars, being one with all +they touched. Where they were strongest, and experienced directly, life +was different: gentler, informed by their immediate presence. + Where they were weaker, experienced indirectly, after many reflections and +refractions of their energy, life was more difficult, differences more +distinct, other forces more sinister. They were less known by such +life, and such life was less known to them. + And it fascinated them, this life that was so barely known. So when +it peeked around the core of the Milky Way, so fragile, so vulnerable, +they touched it with the full, pure power of their song... + + ***************** + + Chief Medical Officer Leonard H. McCoy had never been so happy to be +called away from his supper in his life. It had been the worst mealtime +conversation he had ever endured. Worse than the cadaver discussions +during medical school. Worse than the time Scotty had related the dining +rituals of the arachnids of Omicrom Theta II in lurid and profuse detail. + Yes, he assured himself, it was worse than any of the dozens of candidates +he had acquired over the years for the coveted title of: Things I Have +Almost Lost My Lunch Over. + He had spent the meal period with a contingent of Enterprise's junior +officers listening to them discuss, in righteous and all-knowing tones, +"The True Meaning of Starfleet Officerhood, and the Proper Expression Thereof." + "Sit down to have a quiet meal with the peasants, just to be polite, and +look what happens!," he fumed. "Why, I've had more fun in a room full of +recent religious converts than I had with that bunch! + "Hell!," he sputtered angrily as he headed for the +transporter room, "The religious fanatics were lots more relaxed and +easy going!" + McCoy sighed moodily. It was going to be a long trip. + Luckily, (or not, depending on your point of view), the transporter +room was relatively close to the dining area he'd chosen. It allowed +McCoy to arrive at the transporter station before Spock, who had also +been summoned and was coming from the more distant Science Section, and just +after Jim Kirk, who, Bones observed once again, could appear instantly at +any location on the ship, regardless of its relative distance from his last +position. It drove the junior officers nuts. + "Good," thought McCoy. + Kirk could tell something was eating McCoy from the energy of his walk +and the irritated expression on his face as the latter came into the +room. He wondered if Bones was still upset about the briefing this +morning and the teasing he'd taken about this assignment. Whatever it was +Kirk figured he was sure to hear about it--unless he cut McCoy off first. + There was really no reason to do that, Kirk told himself in the nanosecond +he had to think before the doctor began venting his frustrations. + "Is it just me, Jim, or have you noticed that lately every young officer +we meet seems to have a stick up his ass?," McCoy demanded. + "There you go again, Bones--mincing words," Kirk thought. He glanced +quickly around the transporter room to confirm they were alone, then looked +carefully at McCoy and said, "You want to run that by me again?" + McCoy would not be put off. "I mean it, Jim. I tell you, this fleet is +changing--and not for the better. I just listened to almost an hour of +conversation from the most wooden, self-righteous, pompous bunch of officers +I have ever had the misfortune to encounter. Ruined my meal--and you know +that's especially hard to take just now." + Kirk ignored the dig. So McCoy _was_ still bugged about this assignment. +Kirk stood silently as McCoy continued to mutter and fume. + "Arrogant twerps!," McCoy grouched. Kirk raised his eyebrows and tried +not to smile. "These guys have all the answers, and they don't let the fact +that they haven't even encountered the questions stand in the way of +announcing it!" + This time Kirk not only smiled, he chuckled softly. + "Come on, Bones," he laughed gently. "It's just the hazards of being +young. I can vaguely recall being somewhat serious, if not to say grim, in +some distant past of my own. Lighten up. You're just getting older, that's +all." + "Bah! It's not age, it's attitude. Something is changed in these people, +Jim. You were at least on your way to becoming a real human being by the +time you were a full Lieutenant..." + "Why, thank you, " Kirk thought. + "These guys," continued McCoy, "think that's an unnecessary and +unprofessional goal." + McCoy misinterpreted the source of Kirk's expression and continued. + "I'm not kidding about this. I just listened to Mister-Full-Lieutenant, +third-in-his-class Karl Murphy share his personal goal of being the +perfect Starfleet officer, which includes, among other inane things, +the intention that he perform his duties with the minimum of personal +expression and individuality. Only to the extent it's necessary for the +performance of the task at hand. Forget the idea that you can be yourself +to the extent that it doesn't get in the way of the mission." McCoy +assumed an exaggerated pose and began to imitate Murphy. "'An officer who +unnecessarily diisplays his or her personality in the execution of his +duties is an unprofessional officer'," quoted McCoy. + "Sounds a little extreme," Kirk agreed. "Maybe he just got carried +away." + "Obviously you have not spent much time with Lt. Murphy," McCoy growled. +"I'd be delighted if he'd get carried away. If not emotionally, then literally. +Murphy is one over-controlled, cold tin-soldier who operates like a +machine. He not only doesn't think he has a problem, he actually sees +himself as a model officer, and what's scary is that Fleet does too. They +even give him high marks in 'understanding human behavior!' Hell, Jim! +I've never actually seen a full range of human behavior from this guy! All +he does is recite some damn principle he's memorized!" + McCoy shook his head in disgust. "Murphy is what the Fleet thinks of +as a self-aware young officer! And--God help us--they're all like that! +What the hell is going on?" + A soft swoosh! signaled the opening of the transporter room doors. A +moment later, Science Captain Spock stepped into the room. McCoy turned +toward him, then lowered his brows in sudden suspicion. He gave Spock a +long, hard glare. + "That's it," he snarled. "I should have known! It's the damn Vulcans! +Probably proselytizing among the young!" + Spock turned from McCoy to Kirk, his innocent, "Who, me?" look upon his +face. + Kirk gave him the resigned, "Don't ask" look in response as the doors +opened again to admit Captain of Engineering, Montgomery Scott. McCoy +recognized that the conversation was effectively terminated by these +arrivals, but leaned towards Kirk for one final muttered aside. + "Mark my words, Jim. It's the creeping Vulcanization of the galaxy +we're seeing here." + One eyebrow went up on the Vulcan's face. Kirk searched for an inoffensive +response and wound up grunting noncommittally. + McCoy didn't notice. He was fascinated by his own remarks. + Creeping Vulcanization. McCoy liked the sound of that. + "Creeping Vulcanization," he repeated to himself. "That's exactly what it +is, Jimmy-boy, and you'd better believe it! Guys like us are an endangered +species in this fleet!" + Kirk turned toward his Chief Engineer, smiling brightly, grateful for the +chance to make conversation on another topic. + "So, Scotty, to what do we owe the honor of having our Captain of +Engineering handle a simple, sublight beam-down?" + It was the wrong question to ask if he wanted to distract McCoy from his +mood. + "I thought the least I could do was to see our two adventurers off, sir. +Especially in view of the enthusiasm with which this assignment was greeted +in certain quarters this morning," the Scot said cheerily, with a nod in +McCoy's direction. + Kirk winced as the doctor stiffened. Jim knew Scotty's presence was his +way of offering peace for his part in the teasing Bones had received, +but it wasn't being taken that way. The doctor *harumphed!* loudly, then +turned his back on them, obviously cursing his fate. + Kirk moved to Spock, leaving McCoy to work out his own problem. The two +friends, human and Vulcan, were soon engaged in an animated discussion of +the upcoming mission. + For Captain James Kirk, everything was going _so_ smoothly. It was hard +for him to believe he had ever even considered retiring--a momentary +aberration of thought that he chalked up to spending too much time +around Headquarters in the months preceeding the Klingon peace initiative. +Desks had always distorted his thinking, he thought. But since Star Fleet +had no mandatory retirement age, there was nothing and no one forcing him +to go through with his decommissioning when he changed his mind after the +Kittomer Conference. + His resistance to retirement grew even stronger when he discovered Star +Fleet intended to refit NCC-1701A and send her on the biggest manned +exploratory mission *ever*. When the time came for Fleet to select the +mission's Captain, it seemed a shame to waste all the goodwill and +political stock he'd acquired from the Klingon peace adventure, and Kirk +had skillfully parlayed these factors, plus his experience, into the job. + Seven years of deep space exploration! + James T. Kirk was like a man reborn. There was no doubt in his mind +that the months he had spent in command of NCC-1701A on this mission were +among the best in his life. He felt relaxed, confident, and rejuvenated-- +and it showed. He'd taken off years as well as pounds. Everyone told him +he looked at least 5 years younger. Looking at himself in the mirror that +morning, Kirk was pleased to find he agreed with the flattery. + Not that he still considered age such a bad thing. No, with his deep +space command restored, age seemed to Kirk to be a prerequisite for +experience, and Kirk enjoyed the little daily reminders of his experience +with starship command. His knowledge of starships and his experience with +life itself, were making this assignment a pure pleasure. The fact that he +had not only maneuvered himself into this prized assignment, but had also +been able to hand-pick his top people, was a dream come true. + Who said you can't go home again? + Well, of course there were some changes from the old days. This beam-down +for example. While he'd been desk-bound, Starfleet had established a +regulation which was known in some quarters as the "James Kirk memorial +no-Captain-in-the-landing-party" rule. Kirk was not amused. Aside from +unnecessarily cramping his style, "memorials" were for the dead, dammit. + It was also true that although he was farther out than on his first +five-year mission, Kirk was disappointed to find that he often had less +sense of being on the frontier. Improved starship technology and sub-space +communication had taken away some of the excitement--and independence--of +deep space exploration. Some people had even started comparing the safety +and ease of starship service to "riding a bus." + Kirk secretly hoped to someday have some of those people under his command. +A long way from Earth. + But for now, Kirk was letting himself enjoy the mission. Still, at some +level, and in spite of his present happiness and ease, he knew change was +closing in on him. There was just no way around it: the formidable threesome +which had seen his first Enterprise through her journeys was coming to an +end. + He'd managed to lure all his friends away with him one more time--but only +for part of the mission. Heck, if he was honest, Kirk had to admit that Sulu +wasn't really part of the team at all. He was aboard only because Excelcior +had lost her most recent Captain to illness, and Enterprise was part of the +long line of ships shuttling Sulu out to assume that command for the +duration of Excelcior's mission. He'd be gone in a matter of weeks, Kirk +thought. And eventually he'd take Spock and McCoy with him. + Spock was aboard as a special case, too. He had made it clear when he +signed on that he would handle the scientific analysis of the strange +nutrino emissions from this sector, but would return to Vulcan with his +team when that project was completed. Kirk had the feeling Spock's +interest in getting home was based on more than the desire to follow up on +his scientific work, but, as usual, his friend was closed-mouthed about his +personal interests and plans. + As for McCoy...Kirk had to admit that talking the doctor into one last trip +for old time's sake had been one of the best selling jobs of his life, but +the doctor was obviously ready--and willing--to retire. It was a step McCoy +loudly insisted he was irrevocably committed to take when the rendevous +came for Spock and his special scientific team. That was unless, as the +good doctor was prone to snap, Kirk managed to strand him on some +godforsaken iceburg or hell-hole before then. + Absent such a disaster, the next time he saw Excelcior and Sulu 18 months +from now, would be the last time he was likely to work with either Spock +or McCoy. Kirk's two friends would move on to the next phase of their lives. +Kirk would go on with the rest of the mission alone--on what he knew had to +be his last exploratory command. + He was 61 years old. When this mission ended he'd be almost 69. Regula- +tions required a mandatory 5-year minimum layoff between long-range +explorations of 4 or more years duration. No matter how Kirk did the math, +the numbers kept coming up the same: he'd be almost 75 before his name +even got back on the eligiblity list for exploratory missions. Even in the +23rd century, that was considered "too old" for another deep space mission. +Oh, he could finagle another command, Kirk knew, but it would be one that +stayed inside Federation territory and known space. A milk run, he'd +always called those assignments. + That was how he was likely to end his days, Kirk thought: on some Milk Run, +while Spock probably started a family and McCoy finally got the quiet +retirement Kirk had always managed to yank away. They had a little over a +year left together, Kirk told himself. Then he pushed all thoughts of the +future from his conscious mind. + Thus far, the six month old mission had been remarkably successful. +Enterprise had already taken the first long range scans of a large +portion of the Milky Way that was usually obscured from observation by +the intense radiation of the galactic core. It was important work, +especially since the discovery of the hostile life-form imprisoned within +the core meant there would be no short-cuts to the "other side." + Galactic exploration was going to be a long process of going around the +core, not through it, Kirk thought as he and Spock discussed their immediate +concerns. Kirk meant to be sure they all got through it in one piece. + "I want you to be careful down there, Spock," Kirk said firmly, as he +and Spock went over the upcoming mission. "It's obvious the Menata +didn't expect anyone to find that probe, and they weren't particularly +thrilled when we did and stopped to say, 'hi'," Kirk reminded his old +friend. + Spock's brow furrowed as he considered Kirk's concerns. + "I agree that the Menata would have strongly prefered to remain anonymous, +Captain. Nevertheless, they did agree to this meeting. For a race as +concerned with biological contamination as the Menata, such contact is a +major concession. Their response to our efforts to establish contact +indicates they are responsive to the arguments of science and logic," Spock +explained. "That being the case, Dr. McCoy and I should be able to +overcome their concerns and satisfy them that face-to-face interaction can +occur in safety." + "All the same," Kirk repeated, "I want you to be careful. This is the +touchiest bunch I've ever dealt with, Spock. Don't take any unnecessary +risks," Kirk ordered. Spock reluctantly indicated assent. + Both men knew the negotiations with the Menata had been difficult and +complex. The difference between them was that Spock attributed the +successful negotiation of their meeting to the Menata's deference to +logic, while Kirk was convinced the result was directly attributable to the +quality of the team he had assembled. + The lure of another deep space mission had proven irresistable to his old +compatriots, and Kirk had gone out of his way to figure out how to get +all his veterans back, though not necessarily at their original +assignments. Lengthy, manned, deep space missions had become so rare that +Star Fleet had accepted his argumeents that the veterans were needed to +develop a new generation of explorers, and acquiesced to his personnel +requests with surprising ease. Scotty had given up his boat to handle +engineering; Chekov was First Officer; and last, but not least, there was +Uhura. + Uhura. Kirk had really had to fight to get her aboard. No one at Fleet +believed the mission required a full Commander of Communications. After +all, the technology was so reliable now that within 15 years, the +Communications specialty was expected to undergo major restructuring, if +not complete obsolescence except in its technical design aspect. + Neither Kirk nor Uhura was supporting the plan to split the technical +and the cultural/psychological aspects of the Communications job. They +waged an endless battle against the new thinking, in spite of the clear +indications that they were going to lose. + "Look," they'd said, "with an unknown life-form, machines can +only _translate_, they can't _interpret_. You'll never get a machine that +can automatically analyze all the subtle nuances of a particular +culture's or psychology's communication style--without an officer's +assistance--AND produce an accurate interpretation of the communication," +they'd said. "It requires subtle judgments that machines just can't +make." + "Sure they can, " Starfleet had said. "Even if they can't, we've got it +covered, because we're training aliens with highly developed senses to tell +the Captain their impressions of the alien's intentions," Fleet said. + "This is crazy," Kirk and Uhura'd said. "A good communications officer +makes the adjustments on the equipment that produce an accurate +interpretation so the Captain can draw _his own_ conclusions about that!" + "Listen," Fleet had said, "Do you know what this means to our budget? +It takes years to train people to make those kinds of creative +decisions AND operate complex technical equipment at the same time! Do +you know what we have to pay for that level of training and expertise? +These new people cost a lot less to train because they're born with the +'skills,' which means they're qualified without a lot of degrees, which +means we can carry a lot more of them on our budget at less cost. You'll +love them," Fleet said. + "Oh," Kirk and Uhura had said. + The Admiralty had offered Kirk the pick of the first crop of +'Interpreters', but the fellow seemed to moan a lot, and after McCoy +had threatened to "Get some resolution around some bottled up feelings" +if the "little whiner" butted into his business one more time, Kirk had +convinced them to let someone else have the honor of being the first to +employ that particular innovation. + Kirk had fought for Uhura, and he'd finally gotten her. She'd been worth +her weight in gold with the Menata. The lady knew a lot about communication +that wasn't found on a circuit board. + Kirk thought about his senior officers fondly, as he waited for the ship +to enter the Menatan system and drop sublight. All of them had done out- +standing work with the Menata, and Kirk was proud of the team. Still, Kirk +recalled, glancing at McCoy as the latter checked his medical pack before +the beam-down, everybody wasn't coompletely thrilled with the success of +the effort to establish contact. + Going through his medical kit one more time, just for something to do, +Leonard McCoy was far from ecstatic. His disappointing discovery of the +Starfleet generation gap during dinner had merely been the latest in a +series of incidents which had steadily soured his day. As he listened to +Kirk and Spock discuss some aspect of the Menatan concern about biological +contamination, McCoy ruminated on why he'd felt so particularly peeved all +day. + It wasn't bad enough that he'd gotten shanghied aboard by forgetting that +Kirk was a firehorse who, at the sound of the 'deep space exploration' bell, +would take off like a phaser-shot. He had to put up with the bunch of kids +that comprised most of the crew too! + The whole damn conversation about Starfleet values had been started by +one of his passing remarks about the Menata. What really got to him was +the younger crowd's apparent immunity to what they called 'cultural bias +and prejudice', and what he called a normal human esthetic response: as +far as McCoy was concerned, the Menata looked vaguely like a cross between +a large fly (a VERY large fly), and a rat. + Except that neither flies nor rats were slimy. The Menata were. The +ship's Chief Medical Officer had nothing against flies, rats, +or slimy things, but he didn't particularly want to hang out with them, +either. + Naturally, when Menatan worries about biological contamination from +contact with Starfleet emerged early in negotiations, Kirk had responded +by offering a special, pre-delegation visit by his top specialists to +allay the Menatans' concerns. Upon hearing this, McCoy had felt he could take +a pretty good guess who Kirk had in mind for the job, and had set about +developing his own plan for helping the Menata. By the time he'd gone into +the meeting that morning, McCoy had believed he was ready to finesse his +way out of this asssignment. + As he reviewed the events of the briefing, McCoy found that, once again, he +was suffering from total recall. Why was it he had always been able to +remember embarrassing events in their entirety, he asked himself, while +pleasant memories seemed to fade too quickly from view? + Then he remembered: because he planned to get revenge on each and +every person who had shanghaied him into this job--particularly, Jim Kirk. + McCoy's mind played back the events of the briefing. Things had been going +along smoothly, all according to plan... + + "...we will, of course, adjust to this concern by having our advance +team consist of two specialists who will explain our standard +bio-contamination control measures, Captain," Spock stated in his +precise, even way. "I will join the team as Captain of our Science Unit, +both to provide technical information to the Menata, and to impress them +with the seriousness with which we view their concerns." Spock turned +innocently towards the doctor. "I believe Dr. McCoy is best qualified to +discuss the specific content of the medical material we plan to present." + McCoy shot Spock a suspicious glance. He wondered if he was being led +into a trap. With Spock, you could never tell if you were being set up or +not until it was too late. + Kirk turned to McCoy with a look that told him to pick up the presenta- +tion, and the doctor felt the others' eyes upon him as he entered the most +critical stage of his plan. He assumed his most casual air and reminded +himself to deliver his next remarks as if he were saying the most natural +thing in the galaxy. + "Thank you, Spock. The actual presentation to the Menata of the +material I'm about to cover, will be handled by Dr. Christine Chapel..." + McCoy's remarks were interrupted by an explosion of snorts from Engineer +Scott. Sulu bit the corners of his lips, and Chekov and Uhura exchanged +glances then quickly lowered their heads. + Kirk looked at him coolly, levelly. McCoy's face burned. + "Now just one darned minute," he sputtered. "This is a perfectly legitimate +point I'm making here!," he protested. + The others' reactions became more open. Kirk simply stared back at him +with ever-increasing innocence. + "Nice try, laddie," Scotty remarked to the doctor out of the corner of +his mouth, "but I dinna think it's gonna get off the ground." + Kirk took a deep breath and looked straight into McCoy's eyes. As they +went eye-ball to eye-ball, McCoy saw the wicked twinkle Kirk always got +when Kirk knew he was going to nail somebody, and McCoy knew he was done-for. +Still, the doctor refused to give up without a fight. + Kirk spoke to McCoy in the quiet tones he always used when he knew the +other party had no hope of escape. + "I had the feeling you might see it that way, but in my opinion, doctor, +this matter warrants the personal attention of our Chief Medical Officer." + McCoy lowered his head and tried to take the snarl out of his voice. + "I don't know what some of you people think is going on...," there was +a genuine risk that some of the observers were going to erupt in actual +laughter, "but everyone in this room has consistently received negative +feedback for failing to delegate more responsibility to subordinates. I +see this as the perfect opportunity to address that criticism by giving +Chris Chapel the chance she deserves to demonstrate her ability to handle a +medical-diplomatic situation." He looked around the room and summoned his +dignity. "I simply believe in sharing these opportunities with my staff." + "Of course you do, doctor," Kirk soothed, "and we appreciate you for it. +However, I have already advised the Menata that, in view of their high +degree of concern on this topic, we will be sending our top medical and +scientific specialists down as our advance team." Kirk paused briefly to +let the message sink in and to let McCoy collect himself. "Now, as you +were saying doctor, you will be covering..." + + The sound of Uhura announcing over the intercom that they were dropping +sublight and would be in transporter range of the Menatan system in one +minute, brought McCoy back to the present. He gathered his things in a huff. +It was time to see what new torture Kirk and Star Fleet had in store for +him this time. + Spock and McCoy moved to their positions on the transporter pad, as +Kirk acknowledged the report. + "It's beginning," Kirk thought. The endless adventure of new contact +was about to start again. He was ready. + McCoy saw the pleasure and excitement in Kirk's face. "He really loves +this stuff!," McCoy thought, with irrational annoyance. + They dropped sublight. Scotty adjusted his transporter controls. Spock +stood beside McCoy on the pad, awaiting the opportunity to contact the +Menata in his own, unique, Vulcan form of eagerness. + "Ready, gentlemen?," Kirk asked, the crispness in his voice carrying his +anticipation. + "For retirement!," McCoy shot back, unwilling to surrender his ill-humor. +Kirk smiled at the doctor pleasantly, unaffected by his complaints. + "Normal people do that, you know?," the doctor barked at him. "Retire. +They don't spend their lives zooming around the galaxy, spreading their +atoms from here to heaven-knows-where, dropping in on every Tom, Dick, and +Harry who comes along!" + Kirk grinned back more broadly. Scotty checked his instruments and +adjusted the transporter controls. It would be just a moment now. + McCoy resolved he'd have some effect on Kirk's mood. "Have you given +any thought to _your_ retirement plans? Eventually, you'll have to, you +know!" + Kirk's state wavered momentarily, then recovered. "Don't worry about me, +doctor," he replied crisply. "Whatever I do, I won't be feeding peanuts +to pigeons in Golden Gate Park." + He signalled Scotty to energize, and the familiar screetch! filled the room. + From his position on the pad, McCoy saw them start to fade, felt the familiar +sickness wash over him. Then, suddenly, he felt sharply worse. + "Oh, God," he thought, "it's even worse than I remembered!" + The room exploded around him in a shower of multi-colored stars and an +earsplitting hum. + And then there was nothing. + +END CHAPTER ONE. (to be continued...) + +Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative +Path: moe.ksu.ksu.edu!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!rpi!usenet.coe.montana.edu!nntp.uoregon.edu!cie.uoregon.edu!eisimps +From: eisimps@cie.uoregon.edu (Eileen Simpson) +Subject: The Great American Star Trek Novel, Ch. 2 +Message-ID: <1992Aug29.012114.15369@nntp.uoregon.edu> +Summary: This is really just a tin can in space, ya know... +Sender: news@nntp.uoregon.edu +Organization: University of Oregon Campus Information Exchange +Date: Sat, 29 Aug 92 01:21:14 GMT +Lines: 737 + + The Great American Star Trek Novel, "Where No *Man* Has Gone Before" +Being an Account of the Last Voyage of Exploration of Captain James T. Kirk + +A S.O.F.T presentation. +Copyright E.G. Simpson, 1989, as to all original characters and story. Not +intended to conflict with Paramount copyright. + + + CHAPTER TWO + + **************** + He had no idea how long he floated before awareness began to +return. Indeed, even as he began to notice aspects of his experience, +he was far from certain who he was, but he felt no worry or need to +do anything about it. + There was sound. It was unlike anything he had heard before--at once +low and sustained as well as high-pitched and tinkling, like +bells. There were no individual notes to this music. Only an +impossibly unified sensation of things he knew to be different. + The sound tickled, and he began to laugh. His laughter billowed about +him, joining the sound he had heard before and producing a blossom +of inconceivably vivid color. He was quickly enclosed within it. The +experience awed and startled him, and he shrieked with pleasure at +his discovery. + His reaction produced another burst of intense hues, with tones and +nuances far beyond anything he had ever seen on any alien world or +any artist's rendering of the wildest flights of imagination. His eyes +had never seen the like. + Then he realized no human eyes were recording this sight, although +he was obviously registering the experience. + He wondered what had happened to his body, then laughed at the +thought. It was unimportant. He could hear the magical laughter of +the bells, see the colors. It was enough. + But there was more. + The part of himself that produced the colors when he laughed, the +part that felt the tinkling of the bells, seemed to throb at the core of +some consciousness that was at once his own, and yet connected to +some much larger self. This larger self produced its own music, that +blended and pulsed with his. It produced its own colors, its own +laughter. It was...itself. And yet, it was everything. + Including him. This larger self felt his music, knew his laughter. It +was part of him, he knew that, and yet it was not a function of his +ego. It was a totally unique experience. + He realized that for the first time, he was not alone. Not isolated in +his solitary human existence. Not set apart by the burdens of +command. Paradoxically, he was suddenly intensely frightened. + "The ship!," his thoughts cried out. He could not remain in this +child-like trance--he was responsible for his ship and crew. God only +knew what was happening to them! He had to break free of +whatever had overcome him, had to protect the people who were +counting on his leadership. + As he struggled to break free, the patterns around him took on a +different texture. He still sensed the presence of the other, only +now, it was more separate. He experienced confusion and alarm, a +sudden awareness of error. + Whether it was his own guilt he was experiencing over his failure to +foresee this event, or someone else's remorse for a hasty action, he +was fully aware of profound sadness and regret, and a benevolent +desire to rectify things as much as possible. + He resisted the feelings of oneness and connection, and willed +himself to separate. + "I must get back in command!, " he insisted. + The bond broke cleanly. + + ************* + + James Kirk returned to awareness and found himself on the +transporter room floor. Scotty lay quietly beside him, obviously still +breathing and apparently uninjured. Spock and McCoy lay silently on +the transporter pad. + _What the hell happened? Transporter malfunction?_ + Kirk moved quickly to the two figures on the pad. Vulcans were +vulnerable to a host of complications from transporter power-surges. +Spock needed to be checked out--fast. Kirk struggled over two his +friends, calling for help as he moved. + _Why was there no answer? Had they blown the intercom circuits, +too?_ + He reached the pad. McCoy seemed to be in the same state as Scotty: +no visible injuries or distress, unconscious, and a blank expression on +his face. "A trance," Kirk observed. + Spock lay silently on his side, his back to Kirk. + "Spock! Spock!," Kirk called to his friend urgently, as he turned the +Vulcan over. + The look on Spock's face astonished and alarmed him. It was the +most relaxed Kirk had ever seen his friend, with an appearance of +innocent wonder that seemed entirely out of place. Spock's eyes were +open, and moved as if absorbed by some invisible display. Kirk +yelled again for assistance, cursing the silence that answered his +pleas. + He turned to McCoy, shaking the latter awake, forcing him out of his +trance. The doctor began to respond, pulled himself up on one elbow. + "Wha...?" + "Never mind that! You have a patient, doctor. Spock's down. +Something went wrong just after we energized..." + McCoy's brain registered the medical implications of the situation. He +pulled himself together and turned toward Spock. Simultaneously, +every alarm on the ship seemed to go off, as if she, too, was just +coming out of some strange dream, and had found herself distressed +by what she found when she awoke. + Kirk pulled himself away from the pad. "Scotty!," he shouted toward +his Chief Engineer, as he did his duty as Captain, and headed for the +bridge. "Bones! Do everything you can to get them up and moving!" + Kirk felt something in this emergency, something saying it was more +urgent than anything he had ever faced. "I need these people!" + He was out the door, struggling to an intercom panel. He hit the +command override. "Red Alert! Red Alert! This is not a drill. +This is not a drill!" + James T. Kirk raced for his bridge. + + All hell had broken loose. People were running for emergency +positions at break-neck speed. + Scotty struggled into a turbolift, heading for Engineering, and almost +caught McCoy between the doors. + "Where in blazes are you heading? This isn't going to Sickbay!" + "Heavy casualties...Engineering," McCoy panted. + "Damn!" The lift began to move. "What about Spock?" + "The scanner says he's not in immediate danger. Whatever he's got, +there's nothing I can do for it now, not when..." + The lift lurched to a halt. Scotty swore again. + "The mains are off-line," he announced tersely. Scotty waited, +expectantly, for Auxiliary power to cut in and restart the lift. + Nothing happened. + The lighting flickered, and momentarily went out. Simultaneously, +McCoy had a sudden feeling of nausea. He realized the artificial +gravity had flickered as well. + It was bad. Real bad. McCoy's stomach reacted again, this time from +fear. + Scotty yanked open the escape hatch at the top of the lift, swearing +great Celtic oaths. The gist of it was that he was too old for all this, +but McCoy knew Scotty was furious because his bairns needed him, +and he wasn't there. + Scotty had the hatch clear. + "Come on!," he shouted, "we're gonna climb!" He scrambled out the +hatch with an agility that astounded McCoy, and paused just long +enough to grab the latter's arm and pull him up. + "The things some people will do to avoid an assignment!," Scott +barked at his old shore-leave buddy, as the doctor struggled to the +top of the lift. Before McCoy could respond, Scotty was gone up the +lift tube, running a maze that led to Engineering. + + The lift failed just outside the bridge. Kirk tripped the manual +override, forced open the doors, and leveraged himself up the last +few meters onto the bridge. + To his trained eye, it was chaos: everything was in its proper place, +nothing emitted any sparks or flames, no one was bleeding--but that +just added to the eeriness of the scene. The viewscreen was blank. +Virtually every system that wasn't obviously burned out, flashed an +alarm. Every officer was at his or her station, in varying degrees of +awareness, struggling to respond. Uhura, at the communications +station, seemed to be coming around. + One person moved rapidly and deliberately about the bridge, +assessing the situation as if it were an Academy efficiency test. It +was Murphy, Kirk noted, McCoy's nemesis of just a short time before. + "Status, Mr. Murphy!" Kirk moved quickly to the Captain's station, +inspecting it and the helm/navigation console. + "We are severely damaged, sir," the young man responded crisply. +"The mains are off-line, and from the condition of the lift, emergency +power has also failed. As far as I can tell, we're not receiving any +operational reports from the Divisions in the dorsal or Engineering." + Even through his alarm, Kirk found the compulsive precision of the +report annoying. Damage control reports were supposed to begin +with the most serious problem. The loss of power was certainly the +most serious problem, but also the most obvious. Kirk was furious at +the young officer's waste of time. + "Stick to things any idiot wouldn't already know, Mister, and make +this fast!" + Murphy barely paused, but speeded up. "We may not have +navigational sensors, in fact, we may not have any sensors at all. +From what I've seen, it appears that everything that was on-line +when we got hit, or that had an automatic trigger to come on as a +back-up, has been burned out." + "You're saying we're blind as a bat?," Kirk interrupted incredulously. + "Yes sir. I believe so, sir." + Kirk's hands flew over the helm and navigational panels. Murphy +assisted him in the evaluation. + "What's our course and speed?," Kirk asked Murphy in alarm, as he +realized he couldn't pull up any data. + Murphy shook his head. "Unknown, sir. They cannot be determined +from the systems presently operative." + The quick inspection of the helm stations confirmed Kirk's worst +fears: unless Auxiliary Control was in better shape than they were, +the ship was out of control with a planet full of people nearby. God, +the beam-out was timed for before they went into orbit! They were +still on approach! + Kirk's pulse rate shot even higher. He hit the communications pad on +the command chair, and franticly signalled Aux Control. + There was no response. What the hell did he do now? + _The research pod._ + Kirk grabbed Murphy by the arm and propelled him toward the exit. + "You get your butt into the research pod, Lieutenant. I don't care how +you do it or what it takes. You get yourself in there and turn on it's +sensors and do whatever it takes to get us the data we need to +navigate and assess our condition. We need eyes!" Murphy was +nodding; he understood. Kirk turned him loose, and the younger man +took off like a shot. + "Grab a communicator!," Kirk yelled to him before Murphy hit the +door. "Don't rely on internal communications!" + If they were lucky, the sensor burn-out was limited to the systems +that were operational when they were hit, and the pod's manually +activated sensor system was still intact. Nothing said it had to be that +way, but they had to try. + Kirk turned to the next task. What was going on with internal +communications? Where were the damn Damage reports? Was it just +Uhura's disorientation, or... + "Uhura! Damage control! Report!" + Uhura was back in control, repairing her station, working with the +little operative equipment she had. + "I'm sorry, Captain. There's very little information available. Internal +communications have failed in most of the ship." She struggled to get +information from her panel. "It's almost like what they used to call a +'brown out'. What I'm getting is coming through very weakly on +secondary channels. It looks like the saucer section has sustained +only minor damage." Her voice became more stressed. "I can't get +anything from the dorsal, or from engineering, sir." + As Kirk digested this information, the doors to the second bridge lift +opened, and Sulu and several other officers raced out. It was a +good sign. The lifts to the bridge had a separate emergency power +supply, and were designed to remain operational except in the most +extreme circumstances. That this power had failed, even temporarily, +was highly distressing. That it was now restored was the first +hopeful thing Kirk had encountered. + "Sulu! Get to the helm! See what you can do with it!" Kirk turned +back towards Uhura. "I'd say Scotty is still with us," Kirk remarked to +her, indicating the working lifts. "Give priority to repairs that will +allow us to communicate with the man in the pod." + Sulu was at the helm, inspecting the situation. How long did they +have, Kirk wondered--before Murphy got to the pod, that little +research station out on their underbelly, near the outer rim of the +saucer?--before he found out if the pod's sensors were operational?- +-before they went through Menata's atmosphere, and the anti-matter +went up? + Christ! Estimating their current position from their course and speed +at the beam-down coordinates, he couldn't even initiate a destruct +sequence and save the Menatans, not if the ship was still on a +planetary approach. _Contamination_ worries... + Sulu reported in quickly. + "Helm control is inoperative, Captain. Manual override is operational, +but useless without any navigational data and course readouts. I +might extrapolate from where we were when the effect hit," Sulu +mused. "bring back the readouts from our last position and make an +educated guess on where we are, now, how fast our momentum is +taking us, how much adjustment to make..." + Kirk knew the man was desperate to avoid the planet. "Those are an +awful lot of guesses, Sulu. If we're not on our original course..." The +look on Sulu's face said it all: if Kirk had a better idea... "Do +it," Kirk +ordered. "Make it fast, but make it your most educated guess." + Kirk turned back to take the damage reports. There was nothing new. +The only data coming in was from units in the saucer, there was +nothing from the Engineering sections where the problems were +obviously severe. He was blind up here, and without the information +he needed to make even the most simple decisions. + The doors opened and a breathless young Ensign stepped out. Kirk +recognized him as Pavarti, a newcomer who was assigned to a +position far down the chain of command, and normally far from the +bridge. He was bright enough, Kirk recalled, but was proving to be an +under-achiever. Constantly second-guessed himself. McCoy had +reported that he needed watching and development, and might +ultimately prove unsuited for Starfleet. + "What are you doing on the bridge, Mister?" + "Cmdr. Chekov's compliments," Pavarti breathlessly reported. +"Internal communications appear to be out, sir. In view of the seriousness +of the situation, sir, he went straight to aux control. He advises he has +established a system of runners until communications can be restored. He +had me bring you some communicators. They're still operational." + Pavel was on the ball as usual, Kirk noted with relief. Pavarti +continued his report. + "He wants you to know the systems in Aux Control are badly +damaged and the ship cannot be handled from there. We have no +sensors, no helm control, and our back-ups are out. There may be +damage to the computer core, and he wants to confer with Science +Chief Spock on that problem by communicator." + The youngster paused for breath, and his hands and arms shook, but +he went on. + "Cmdr. Chekov advises that our manual overrides are operational, +but we don't have the data we need to use them. Unless things are +significantly worse here, sir, he believes there is nothing to be gained +by abandoning the bridge in favor of Aux Control." + Kirk could hear Pavarti's voice shaking. + "Sir, the systems failures are severely affecting our ability to assess +damage to the ship and mount a response," Pavarti continued +hesitantly. "It's hard to tell what's going on, sir. On the way here, I +heard that the Mains are down because there isn't any anti-matter." + *"What?!*," Kirk's brain shouted. He remained outwardly composed. +"Who reported that, Mister?" + "I'm not sure, sir, it was one of the medics I passed. He said it was a +mess in Engineering, and that the anti-matter just seemed to be +gone." + Kirk snorted in disgust. "I can pretty well discount that rumor, +Mister." It would require a break in the containment system to +entirely deplete their anti-matter reserves. If that had happened, +they wouldn't be having this conversation. Jeez!, the kid was really +rattled. + "Confine your report to official information, Mister. No rumors. There +are bound to be dozens in a situation like this." _Who the hell came +up with that one??_, Kirk thought. + "Sulu!," Kirk turned to his former helmsman. He had hoped Murphy +would have reported in by now. "How much longer?" They had to be +getting impossibly close to the planet, even at sublight speed. + "Almost there. Another few minutes." + "The Menata may not have a few minutes, Sulu! We need to move, +soon." + Kirk considered the communicator in his hand. The trouble with +them was that they had so damn few channels, and none of those +were private. He didn't want the whole ship hearing every damage +report that came in. He adjusted the control to "full-band" and +broadcast on all channels, to all units. + "This is the Captain. Internal communications have temporarily +failed. Restoration is underway. Until then, Channel 1 and 2 are +reserved for direct communication with the bridge, subject to my +personal control. All other channels will be under the assignment of +Cmdr. Chekov in damage control. Use of the communicators shall be +in response to direction from the bridge or damage control, or at the +direct instruction of the Department head. Engineering! Report to the +bridge on channel 1." + "Sir!," Uhura interrupted. "I have Lt. Murphy, sir! He's in the pod!" +Uhura listened carefully to her headset. "He recommends you take +no, repeat, no immediate action with regard to course and speed. No +immediate danger is apparent. He will provide further information +ASAP. Murphy, out." + Kirk and Sulu looked at each other in relief. While the report was +cryptic, it was clear enough that Murphy hadn't looked out the pod +window and seen a planet coming up, fast. They had at least some +room to breathe--on that one. + There was still no answer from Engineering. Or Scotty. Maybe +Chekov's runners hadn't made their way to him yet. With the lifts +down, this was a very big ship. Kirk saw Pavarti standing around +nervously, and decided to make use of him to inform Pavel of some +things he didn't want broadcast over the communicator. + "Tell Cmdr. Chekov we will be remaining on the bridge, that our +sensors and helm controls are also out, that we'll be running on +manual for anything he can name, and that we've got a man in the +research pod who will be available for damage assessment +and control just as soon as we've established our position." Kirk's +voice was controlled, but he gunned out the information. "We'll +communicate with the pod on Channel 2. Tell him to monitor that +channel and not to bother the man in the pod until he's reported in +on what we need to do to avoid a collision with Menata." + Pavarti paused a moment to absorb it all. + "Go!," Kirk spat. + He called Engineering again. No response. He sent an urgent all- +channel call for Scotty to report to the bridge on Channel 1. + This time a tech answered, obviously stressed, and to the +accompaniment of chaotic background noise. + "Captain! Engineer Scott told me to make his report." + "Is he hurt?" Kirk knew he couldn't afford to lose Scotty. + "No, sir. He's--completely occupied with the fire, sir." The boy was +terrified. + "Get me the Chief Engineer." + There were more sounds of chaos, of desperate voices. Finally, +Scotty's familiar brogue came over the communicator. + "Captain! I can only give you a moment! We're in trouble down +here!" + "Where are you? Give me a report. We have no data on your +section, Engineer." + Kirk thought he heard an angry sob from his Chief Engineer. + "I'm in the dorsal, fighting the fire! Where else would I be?" + Kirk spoke as calmly and distinctly as he could to the man. + "Scotty, we've had major systems failures. We are unaware of a fire. +We are unaware of your status. We have no information on the +condition of any sections of the ship or its personnel below Level 3, +dorsal. Give me your report." + The Engineer spoke quickly. + "We can't get any power, and we can't get any current data. This is a +guess from what the records show before the power spiked and cut +out." Scotty's voice was urgent. He wanted to be working on the +crisis, not talking about it. "Something converted all the anti-matter +in our system. That's why the Mains shut down: the anti-matter is +gone." + Kirk went numb. Scotty continued, giving Kirk the information he +would need if the bridge was blind. + "When that happened, the Impulse system was already operational. I think the +impulse system was working +perfectly, but as I see it, the shock of the sudden conversion of that +much fuel, must have overwhelmed the primary power conducting +system. The super-conductive system just plain failed. What's left of +it's slag. The Impulse reactors shut down because there's nothing +left that can conduct their power." + Kirk waited impatiently while Scotty dealt with some acute +emergency. Things were becoming clearer. At least he knew why +they didn't have power. What Kirk was sure of, as he waited for the +rest of Scotty's report, was that he was running on the battery and, +at best, what power they could generate was dribbling to the ship's +systems through secondary, less conductive lines. + He couldn't fight a fire in that condition! + But why were they on fire, and why couldn't they reach the lower +dorsal or the Engineering decks? He forced himself to remain calm. + "Scotty! Why are we on fire?" + There was grief and rage in Scotty's voice when he answered. + "I don't know! The energy that destroyed the superconductive system had +to be enormous, and must've put out tremendous heat! It could be a +problem with the main engines, though. I just don't know yet! +We can't get to them, and we can't get any information on their +condition!" + No wonder that Tech was scared. Kirk was scared. Anyone but a +damn fool would be scared. Trouble was, the Tech didn't know the +half of it: without sensors and communications, Command hadn't +even known of the fire, how the hell could they put it out? + Kirk forced his mind to quiet. + "Understood, Scotty. Do what you can. We'll get you help as soon as +possible. Kirk out." + He needed information, fast! + "Uhura! What's the status on communications with that pod?," he +demanded. + "I have Lt. Murphy on the line, sir. He says the pod's systems have +activated. He'll have navigational data momentarily." Uhura's voice +was urgent, too. "Once I replace a few more circuits we'll be able to +tie the pod's computer into a Daystrom micro-unit I've had brought +to the bridge. Tying into the mainframe will take a bit longer." + Considering the damage, Uhura had already accomplished a lot. That +didn't change the fact that Kirk had to ask for more. + "Tell Murphy to move it! We need damage control information as +desperately as we need to navigate!" + "Aye, sir!" Uhura turned back to her panel. Kirk started to pace, then +stopped himself. There was nothing he could do, but he wouldn't let +the crew see his distress. He turned toward his command chair to sit. + _Whoosh!_ The bridge elevator opened and Spock stepped out. + Insanely, considering their situation, Kirk was flooded with relief at +knowing his friend was alright. Alright? No one on the ship was +alright! + Kirk immediately moved toward his friend. Spock was a study in +control, normal enough for a Vulcan, but something in Spock's +manner told Kirk this was a facade. Perhaps it was his stiffness, or +the way Spock avoided Kirk's eyes as he moved to his station, but +Kirk knew something was deeply affecting the Vulcan. + Kirk's relief became quiet concern. "Spock..." + "Yes, Captain. I will have a report for you momentarily." + "I'm most concerned about you right now." + "I am quite well, Captain," Spock said simply, with a formality that +gave lie to his words. "I am distressed that I failed to execute my +duties efficiently at the outset of this crisis, however, I am now able +to do so. You are, of course, aware of the sensor failure?" + It was an obvious question. Kirk nodded affirmative--both to answer +the inquiry and to indicate his acceptance, for now, of how Spock +wanted to handle his condition. + "I'll bring you up to date on what we know about our situation, +Spock," Kirk volunteered. "We can't determine our course or speed. +Main power has failed because the anti-matter is gone. Auxiliary is +out because the conductive system has failed. . ." + As he recited the litany of horrors affecting his ship, Kirk found +himself alternating between controlled fear and a desire to laugh at +the impossibility of their situation. It was stress, he reminded +himself. It was his enemy and he'd need to be aware of it as he +continued. He finished summing up their situation quickly, and took +a deep breath. + "...and as one final problem, Chekov thinks there may be something +wrong with the computer. Check it out and let me know what you +find." + "Captain! Lt. Murphy is reporting in!" + "Sir! Murphy here." The young man's voice came clearly over the +communicator. "You're alright. You're traveling on momentum at 0.6, +sublight, gradual deceleration. There are no navigational hazards +ahead. You can safely maintain this course until navigational +readouts are restored." + "One down," Kirk thought. He raised the communicator. "Murphy, how +close are we to Menata?" + The pause was just an instant too long, and Kirk knew he was getting +bad news before he heard Murphy's answer. + "There's no sign of Menata, sir. We're at the outer edge of a system, +Captain, but its not the Menatan system, nor any one in their area. +I've checked the charts I have sir, and there's no known navigational +reference that corresponds to the data I have from my scans." + Murphy paused. "I don't know where we are, sir, but the main +computer should be able to tell us." + "Stand by on that, Lieutenant, and rig to scan the ship for damage +control. Focus on the Dorsal and Engineering sections." Kirk turned to +Spock. "How about it, Spock. Is the computer reliable?" + Spock frowned. "It is correctly processing test data and equations. +Nevertheless, there are subtle, but definate abnormalities in my +readings, Captain. The precise problem escapes my analysis, but after +careful consideration, I believe our present emergency outweighs +any risks I am able to identify. I will monitor the situation closely." + Kirk turned back to the communicator in his hand. "Lieutenant, +download your information to the bridge, as per Cmdr. Uhura's +instructions, then render immediate and full assistance to damage +control. Report on Channel 2. I will monitor. Kirk out." + It was less than 15 minutes since Kirk had forced his way onto the +bridge. He felt useless. + Murphy's reports on the Engineering section were chilling. Main +Engineering might not be technically in flames, but as Kirk listened to +the numbers on the temperature in the section, he decided he may as +well be dealing with a small sun inside his ship. Whatever had +happened as a result of the disorienting episode they'd experienced +had occurred very quickly, without warning. A few emergency doors +in the lower level had closed, but plasma from some source had +obviously boiled through Main Engineering simultaneously with the +event, creating an inferno that quickly seared everyone and +everything within. + The temperature of the 'fire' was incredible. They were a good 400 +degrees over what everyone said was the upper-limit of a survivable +shipboard fire. At these temperatures the ship's internal structural +materials, even in the reinforced Engineering section, would warp +and break down. Some had ignited. Kirk knew elements of their +damage control system had undoubtedly failed from the extreme +heat. He was going to take casualties from asphyxiation. Shield doors +or not, no one was alive in Engineering, and damn few would survive +very long on the lower levels. + _He was going to lose the ship._ + He considered cracking off the main saucer. It wasn't part of this +design, but in desperate situations others had tried it. Sometimes it +worked. But it took power, and he couldn't get enough power to +where he needed it to make the attempt. + _He was going to lose the ship._ + "Like hell!," he thought. The event that caused this was over now. +It wasn't pouring fresh plasma into the inferno. What he had to do +was find a way to reduce the heat trapped inside the heavy, +reinforced lower hull and the insullating qualities of space itself. He +had to look at the data, find a way to vent the heat, cut off the fire's +oxygen, and get the temperatures down to a level Chekov and Scotty +could deal with. + Kirk quickly reviewed the displays Spock was putting together from +the pod's data. An idea began to form. It might be 'luck' that most +of the emergency doors hadn't closed. It gave him an open cavern of +an area to work with to attack the fire, just as much as it gave the +fire a clear run of the lower level. Kirk looked for how to exploit the +situation, turn it to his advantage. + The vertical intermix chamber. He could place charges to tap in at the +base of the dorsal and vent both the dorsal and forward Engineering +into the hard vacuum of space. If depressurization didn't draw off +enough heat they could force inert gas through the area to conduct +the heat away from the ship. It would help Chekov and Scotty's fire +control parties advance down the dorsal, even if they did have to +wear pressure suits. Hell, no one was fighting that fire in duty +fatigues--not for very long anyway. + He focused intently on the display. The intermix chamber wouldn't +be enough. His brows knitted. To do the job fully, he'd have to +simultaneously blow out the bulkheads at the rear of Engineering. +He'd have to go thru the shuttle bay. A few charges, correctly placed, would +weaken +the internal bulkhead enough that the inferno's own pressure would break +through the damaged structure. The pincer action on the fire would +explode their self-contained hell into the vacuum of space from both +ends. If they could pump enough gas through the area they might +snuff the damn thing out. It would give them a chance. + He had the plan. Now he had to figure out how to implement it. He'd +have to suit up and maneuver manually outside the ship to place the +charges. With its shield doors closed, the shuttle-bay was accessible +only through Engineering or by someone outside the ship entering +the bay through its airlock. If there was enough power, they'd open +the bay doors. If not, they'd have to blow the bay doors, too. Damn! +They were going to lose the shuttles. It would make it damn hard to +abandon ship. + Then he'd just have to save her, Kirk decided. He spun around and +headed toward the elevator, just as Pavarti came out the door. Kirk +grabbed him by the arm. + "You're coming with me, Mister," Kirk snapped. RSulu! You have the +con." + He relayed his plan to Chekov and Scotty as he raced through the +decks toward an airlock. The crew began falling back from its fire- +line in the dorsal, moving into the saucer section and securing for the +desperate gamble. This was it. Everyone understood the situation. + Including Pavarti. As he raced through the ship beside his legendary +Captain, Pavarti's predominant reaction was that he couldn't believe +Kirk was taking him into this. It was crazy. He wished frantically that +Kirk to realize what he was doing and grab someone else for the job: +Pavarti wasn't afraid of dying, he was afraid of screwing up, of +blowing it, now, when everyone's lives depended on him, and killing +everyone else. He'd botch the job, he was sure of it. + Kirk arrived at the airlock a few minutes after Chekov and his team. +They were putting on pressure suits for the dangerous, untethered +spacewalks ahead. + Chekov had listened carefully to Kirk's description of his plan. He +understood it completely, and he agreed--except with the part where +the Captain put on a spacesuit and made an untethered trip the +length of the ship to rupture the shuttle-bay hull. It didn't wash. + Chekov wasn't letting him off the ship. + "Dammit, Mister, when this is over, you can consider yourself under +arrest! I don't have time to debate you! In case you haven't noticed, +there's a war on--a war for this ship!" + "I hev noticed, sair," Chekov snarled back, continuing to climb into +his suit. "Thet is vhy it is imperative thet the Kepten remain with +the ship. You are not expendable, sair. As Executive Officer, I +am more expendable. As former Damage Control Officer, I am more +qualified, sair." + "You need a simultaneous detonation, dammit! Two teams! You can't lead +both, now give me a suit!," Kirk demanded. + "I'll lead the second team." It was Scotty. "I know where to place +your charges better than anyone." He pushed through and grabbed a +suit. Kirk was stumped. They were right, this wasn't his job. + "All right," he told Chekov. "Get going, and good luck!" + + Back on the bridge, Kirk felt worse than helpless, he felt useless. He +had no idea what he had contributed to their response to the +emergency. And that scene with Chekov--inappropriate, Kirk chided +himself. + The pressure on Kirk was enormous. He had too little to do and too +much time to think. Periodically, the voices of Scotty's and Chekov's +teams came through the communicator. + Chekov's team had farther to go, they had drawn the more dangerous +and difficult task of traversing the length of the Engineering section. +Terse, tense, they spoke infrequently as they worked their way along +the body of the ship. They moved quickly and carefully until finally +they reached the shuttle-bay airlock. + + Scotty and Pavarti did the easy job first. They placed their charges nearest +the top of the dorsal, then moved downward, toward the base of the +strut where it joined the Engineering sections. Pavarti breathed more +heavily in his suit than did the older man. It was dangerous to move +untethered outside a moving vessel under ordinary conditions, when +one could touch the ship's skin for support. Pavarti and Scotty dared +not come into contact with the exterior of the ship, especially as they +moved closer to the base of the dorsal, and the site of the fire. +Placing the last charge was going to be tricky, but no trickier than +how they were going to escape the blast of the charge and the +explosive decompression of hot gases that would follow. Pavarti +tried not to think about it. + + Kirk clenched his teeth as Chekov's team prepared to enter the bay. +No one was entirely certain of the conditions they would find: The +bay's angle from the pod, the location of the pod's sensors, meant the +readings from the pod weren't precise. They knew the bulkheads between +Engineering and the bay hadn't ruptured, but they didn't know what else +Chekov's team would encounter, including whether they'd be able to +open the shield-doors, or if they'd have to blow them. The shield +doors were reinforced, if they didn't open they'd be damn hard to +blow without major problems... + + Chekov's team found the airlock controls inoperative, and hooked up +their external power. The outer lock hatch finally yielded, and the +team moved inside. Time was critical. They worked quickly to open +the interior hatch, ready to enter the bay. + Pavel scanned the area quickly as the hatch swung open. He could +see waves of intense heat radiating from the deck. Warped and +melted equipment was plainly visible around him. + This was going to be tricky--with the bay's shield-doors closed, the +area was pressurized. To move to the bay's control panels without +touching the deck they would have to use precious suit-power to +hover. + Chekov evaluated the situation, and decided against trying to make it +into the bayUs control center. It was too far away, and if the power +was out, they'd just have to go back to the overrides. He signalled +his team to stay put. Chekov pushed out into the bay, maneuvering +carefully to the manual overrides near the great shield doors +themselves, using his suit controls to keep himself off the deck, like +an anti-grav unit. + The overrides were undamaged. He vented the bay's remaining +atmosphere quickly, then pulled hard on the shield-door override. + The heavy shielding began to move. The doors were going to open! +As the pressure gage hit 'zero gravity' he signalled his team to move +out from the airlock, knowing they could now work with less drain +on their suits. They would need all the help they could get. + And speaking of help, the cooperation of the bay doors meant he had +three members of his team with nothing to do while the others set +the bulkhead charges. Pavel eyed the shuttles carefully and +signalled his people. + + Out on the dorsal, Scotty was checking Pavarti's last charges. The +Engineer had been silent most of the mission, speaking only when +absolutely necessary, and then only in monosyllables. He finished up +his inspection with a grunt. Pavarti took this as a good sign, and +waited to find out what they did next. + Well, he hadn't screwed up, he thought with satisfaction. If he had, +the Engineer would have caught it. Of course, he was going to die in +the blast when the charges went off, but at least he hadn't screwed +up. He wondered what officers did when they'd done everything +they needed to do, everything they could do, and it wasn't quite time +for them to die yet. Was there some appropriate way to spend the +time? + "Laddie." Scotty's brogue interrupted his reverie. "I suppose you'd +be wondering, how we're gonna get out of this wee mess we're in. +Now, you just listen carefully and do everything I say..." + + On the bridge, it was clear the readings were reaching the point of no +return. The charges were finally in place, it was his people who +weren't clear. Spock alerted Kirk tersely: It was now or never. Kirk +reluctantly agreed. + "Chekov! Scotty! We can't wait any longer! We've got to detonate! +Ten seconds, counting down from my mark. Ten, Nine, Eight..." + Kirk said silent prayers for the shipmates fleeing the charges, for his +ship, for the crew. He counted down in a firm, clear voice. + At zero, he detonated the charges himself. + The sound of the explosions didn't carry through the vacuum of +space. He set his jaw and waited for the report from Murphy's +sensors in the pod. + + "That's it, sir! It's working!," Murphy shouted. "We're visibly venting +intense heat!" + Kirk interrupted Murphy's report. "Get Science Chief Spock hard +data, Mr. Murphy, ASAP." Kirk needed to know if it was enough, or if +he had just blown a few worthless holes in his ship before he lost +her. + Spock waited patiently for the data, reviewed it, correlated it. Kirk +tried not to hover. Finally, it was clear Spock had the verdict. + "It appears your strategy has been successful, Captain. The fire no +longer endangers the ship." Kirk's face momentarily registered relief +at their success, then he focused on the next task. They were not out +of the woods yet. + "Captain!" It was Uhura. She sounded happy again. "I have Cmdr. +Chekov, sir. His team is safe, and, Captain--they saved four shuttles!" + Her face fell and her voice changed. "They cannot locate Scotty, sir, +or the Ensign. They'll continue to search, but. .." + Uhura stopped abruptly. Her faced registered shock, then joy, then +anger. + "Sir! The Chief Engineer has been located, along with Ensign Pavarti. +They are safe and sound." Uhura was more than a little miffed that +Scotty had not called in sooner to tell her he was alright. + Kirk had no time for those 'problems.' He had bought them a chance. +He had to bring it home. + + Kirk no longer had any sense of time. He was simply aware that he +wasn't stopping, no one was stopping, until the ship was secure. He +knew they were gaining, that more power was becoming available, +more systems brought back on line. He was almost ready to believe +they were going to make it. + Pavarti was back on the bridge, a full participant in the team. He'd +reported in as Kirk's runner immediately upon his return to the ship, +and stayed on after communications were restored, assisting with +repairs. From the looks of things, they'd have work for him to do for +days, Kirk thought. + Spock continued to work quietly at his station, interpreting their +scanty data, making his reluctant, but notoriously accurate 'guesses', +quietly offering his help wherever it was most needed. He still +appeared...not unwell, but unsound. Kirk couldn't put his finger on it, +and Spock wouldn't talk. + The computer glitch continued to elude Spock's analysis. It was a +major, but unpressing concern. + "Subtle but definate abnormalities." It wasn't what they needed to +hear. + At some point it became apparent to Kirk that they were going to +survive the immediate crisis, and he found himself developing a +curiosity about where they were--and why Spock had not reported +on the subject. Perhaps the computer difficulty was interfering with +the VulcanUs analysis of the navigational data Murphy had provided +Kirk thought. That still wouldn't account for the fact that Spock had +made no report on the subject. It was an ominous sign. + When he judged things settled enough, Kirk approached Spock and +asked for a status report on the Vulcan's analysis of Enterprise's +location. + Spock stiffened in a way Kirk had learned to watch for over the +years. It told him something was very wrong. + Spock's next words confirmed it. + It needed to stay on the bridge, he cautioned Kirk quietly. + They were 47,453 light-years from where they should be. + On the other side of the galaxy. + +End of Chapter 2. (To be continued...) + + +Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative +Path: moe.ksu.ksu.edu!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!rpi!usenet.coe.montana.edu!nntp.uoregon.edu!cie.uoregon.edu!eisimps +From: eisimps@cie.uoregon.edu (Eileen Simpson) +Subject: The Great American Star Trek Novel, Ch. 3 +Message-ID: <1992Aug29.012617.15532@nntp.uoregon.edu> +Summary: Where do you think we are? +Sender: news@nntp.uoregon.edu +Organization: University of Oregon Campus Information Exchange +Date: Sat, 29 Aug 92 01:26:17 GMT +Lines: 473 + + +Our story continues...(So does the copyright...) + + THE GREAT AMERICAN STAR TREK NOVEL + "Where No *Man* Has Gone Before" + + CHAPTER THREE + +"Captain's Personal Log. Stardate 2242.8. + It has been 18 hours since we emerged from the phenomena that +hurled us across the galaxy. We have extinguished the inferno on +the Engineering decks, but at a staggering cost in lives and +equipment. The crew is physically and emotionally exhausted from +the ordeal, and I include myself in that assessment. I know it is +essential that I remain outwardly in control for the benefit of the +crew, and yet my own feelings of grief and loss sometimes threaten +to overwhelm me. + We are a crippled ship, too far from home. + Enterprise is so badly damaged! So thoroughly beyond our ability to +repair! We have only our batteries to sustain us. We crawl through +space, with at most a matter of days to find a habitable world where +we must do the unthinkable, and abandon our ravaged ship. It seems +an impossible task, yet I have put all thoughts of the odds against us +out of my mind. I think only of how we can survive these next few +hours, how I can best serve my ship and crew..." + + James Kirk couldn't help remembering how comfortable he'd felt +sitting in his Captain's chair just a few hours before. As he sat there +now, looking at the scene around him, it was hard to recognize the +bridge, let alone his feelings. Had he really once felt he could handle +anything that he might encounter? It must have been his ego +talking. + He had always been lucky, he decided. Not talented, just +lucky. He had let himself get cocky once too often, and now his luck +had run out. The results were obvious. + Well, maybe he deserved to be depressed, he thought, but he had no +right to let it affect his response to the ship or his crew. Regardless +of what over-sight on his part had gotten them into this mess, he +owed it to the others to keep his contempt for himself under control +until he had dealt with this situation. Kirk looked at the criticism and +contempt he felt he deserved as a form of self-indulgence, and drove +those thoughts from his mind. + "Leave it for the court-martial," he told himself, "where they'll +do it right. Do your duty to your crew until then." + He'd worked nonstop since they emerged from 'The Effect'. The most +he would concede about the effects of his efforts was that they +weren't dead yet. + The others on the bridge appeared to be in similar states of +exhaustion. Like the rest of the crew, they knew that to +return home they would not only have to repair a ship so badly damaged that +it could sustain them only a few more hours, but that they +would also have to successfully navigate a distance more than 10 +times greater than all of Federation exploration in the past 150 +years. + It was not an encouraging situation to say the least. Even so, they, +like their Captain, were proving to be a stubborn bunch of professionals, +who did whatever needed doing and whatever could be done to +improve their chances of survival. + The sound of the bridge lift attracted Kirk's attention, and he +swivelled wearily towards the noise. Kirk involuntarily stiffened as +he saw the McCoy step forward. He knew he had to receive a final +casualty report sometime, but still... + McCoy was weary and grim as he walked silently to Kirk's position. +Their eyes met briefly, then both men quickly looked away. + "What's the word on our losses, doctor?," Kirk asked, with +uncustomary coldness in his voice. + "Thirty-eight dead, 24 wounded," McCoy's voice croaked back tiredly. +"I don't think we're gonna lose anymore of the wounded. I suppose +in that sense, we were lucky." + McCoy sounded brusque as he made his report. It wasn't that he was +faulting Jim. Dr. McCoy had his own guilty demons to contend with. + As he looked at the young faces of the dead and wounded, McCoy +couldn't help remembering his harsh judgments of them only a short +while before. His words had come back to haunt him when he watched Lt. +(j.g.) Seiko Mitsui drag four disabled comrades to safety, before she +collapsed and died of her own mortal wounds. + They came back again as he'd swept the decks for casualties after +the fire, and found bodies of the dead in positions clearly showing +that they had succumbed while performing some last act that might help +the ship. + Sometimes they had acted at the cost of taking an escape route that +could have saved their lives. They had found one such young Ensign's +body in the Number 2 Jeffries Tube. The boy was dead of asphyxiation. + McCoy had learned that the Tube housed the circuitry for the Main +Engines. The kid must have thought they had overloaded, and hoped +he could cut the power off at the Tube. They figured the temperature +in the Tube when the kid went into it was over 600 degrees, and had +climbed... + McCoy ordered himself not to think about it, but he also knew that +whatever their attitudes or style, he was alive only because the +youngsters had refused to let down their ship. They had become his +shipmates, and he felt embarrassed and ashamed of his words +against them. + He did his best to stay in control, and glanced quickly around the +bridge to break the tension that followed his report. His +eyes caught sight of Spock, working quietly at his station. + "How's Spock been doing?," he asked Kirk, nodding in the direction of +the Science Officer. + Kirk followed the doctor's gaze, looked thoughtfully at the Vulcan, +then shrugged. + "Darned if I know, doctor. You know Spock: even if he was in trouble, +he would work with complete efficiency at whatever needed doing +until he dropped in his tracks." + Kirk shot a quick look at his human friend. + "What are you asking me for? You're the doctor, doctor." + McCoy repressed any overt reaction. "I just thought you might have +noticed something. I haven't exactly had time to give physio/psycho +exams, you know." + He turned aside, and saw Scotty working silently on some repairs. +McCoy watched him for a few moments, then nudged Jim. + "Now there's a man we're going to need to keep an eye on, Jim." Kirk +moved subtly to indicate he was following McCoy's remarks, without +alerting any observers to the topic of their conversation. "You know +that we lost every Engineer with a duty station below Level 5, Dorsal, +don't you?" + McCoy spoke very softly, even though the effort strained vocal cords +already croaking from his exhaustion. + "Scotty lost over 70% of his Division. Between that and the +condition of the ship's systems, well, just keep it in mind when you +deal with him. I'll take care of his medical needs." + Kirk considered the doctor's remarks. "You know, Doctor, I need to +get some additional information from both Spock and Scotty. Why +don't you hang around and observe them?" + At McCoy's assent, Kirk signalled the other men and indicated they +should join him in a quiet corner of the bridge for a conference. + McCoy noticed that Spock responded readily enough. Still, there was +something in his manner that wasn't quite right... + The doctor's attention was quickly drawn away from the Vulcan to +the Chief Engineer. Scotty had himself under control, but his entire +demeanor clearly revealed the strain he was under. + Kirk was also assessing the condition of his key officers. After some +preliminary matters were attended to, he got down to business. + "What chance do we have of restoring main power, Scotty?" + The Engineer's reaction was immediate, and only barely restrained. + "What chance? None at all, in my opinion. I haven't even been able +to get people into Main Engineering yet, but I don't have to t'tell ya +that the Main Drive doesn't do too well when parts of it get cooked at +the surface temperature of some suns!" + Kirk tensed. Scotty's remarks were hyperbole, and he hoped Spock +would not feel compelled to correct them. Luckily, Spock remained +silent. The Engineer continued. + "Of course, that's only important if we have anti-matter for fuel-- +which we don't. With the damage we sustained we couldn't possibly collect +enough anti-matter to get us home--or even heat a decent-sized cup of +coffee! Not to mention the dilithium crystals!" + Scotty looked from one man to another angrily. + "You give me a Starbase, a Spacedock, and a month, and I'll give you +Main power!" + "The Impulse system is useable, isn't it?," McCoy asked. + Scotty took a deep breath, and spoke as if he was dealing with a +child. + "Doctor, to fully utilize both the Impulse Reactors and the Aux +generators requires that we have a working super-conductive system +capable of handling the power they generate. That system was knocked out, +doctor. It's slag. If we use the reactors at full capacity to generate +power when there are no lines to carry that power, the reactors will +either switch off or they-will-pump-out-plasma-and-start-another-fire. +Do you understand that, doctor? What we have at full power is the battery, +and that's all we're gonna have unless someone has a spare miracle they'd +like t'loan me." + Kirk intervened. "What could account for this, gentlemen?," he asked +as he looked directly at Spock, clearly attempting to draw the +unusually quiet Vulcan into the discussion. + Spock spoke softly and calmly. "I have only theories, at this juncture, +Captain, but preliminary data indicates that whatever brought us +here tapped into all our power supplies simultaneously and +converted them in a single burst of enormous energy. I believe it +was that energy which hurled us 47.453 thousand light-years from +our last position; and that burst of energy which overwhelmed our +systems to such devastating effect." + Spock looked at the others and deliberately spoke colloquially. + "It was simply too much for them to handle." + "But Spock," Kirk countered, "wouldn't a single energy burst of that +magnitude have exceeded the capacity of our systems to such a +degree that it would have simply destroyed us outright?" + "Indeed." Spock looked carefully at the others. "The most logical +conclusion is that the entire energy surge was _not_ routed through our +systems. The bulk of it was channeled, perhaps even controlled, by +something else. Something most probably associated with whatever +brought us here." + The others considered the implications of that in silence for several +moments. Whatever had brought them here was probably not a +worm-hole or some other anomaly. It was--something else. A +"something else" with the ability to tap the enormous power of +Enterprise at will, release it in a single instant, and harness the +energy that resulted. + It suggested intelligence and purpose, Kirk noted, though the +purpose of bringing them so far to almost destroy them, eluded Kirk +completely. + "Spock--could the Menata have been so threatened by our contact, +that they sent us here?," Kirk asked. + The Vulcan shook his head firmly. + "I think not, Captain," he replied. "The probe we encountered gave +no indications of such abilities." + That was certainly true, Kirk conceded. Still, the Menata had a +motive, and he wasn't ready to let go of his suspicions about them +quite yet. + "Well, then, Scotty," Kirk asked finally, "how long do we have on the +battery?" + As Kirk turned and looked at his Chief Engineer, he realized the man +was _enraged_. Scotty had understood the implications of Spock's +remarks as much as everyone else. To Scotty's way of thinking, +whatever had brought them here had murdered his Engineers. Kirk +glanced at McCoy and saw he was reading that in Scotty's reaction, +too. + "Engineer Scott," Kirk emphasized. + Scotty came back to the present and forced himself to reply to Kirk's +question. + "Power isn't our most pressing problem, Captain. We're runnin' out +of breatheable air, and life-support could go at any time. Of course if +you can get me some time without the crew aboard, I could jerry-rig +something and buy you more time, but working around them...I +estimate we have about 18 hours left. Twenty-four if we're lucky." + "See that we are Engineer Scott," Kirk concluded, with a signal that +Scott and McCoy were dismissed. The two men moved off together, +the doctor taking matters in hand. + Kirk turned toward Spock, wondering what McCoy had thought of the +Vulcan's reactions. Until this conversation, Kirk had been genuinely +concerned about his old friend. He couldn't put his finger on it, but-- +what was it Spock had said about the computer? 'Subtle but definate +abnormalities.' It might well describe the sense Kirk had had about +Spock since the latter had reappeared from the transporter room. + Kirk had observed Spock's reactions in the conference with relief. +While he wasn't entirely his old self, even Vulcans weren't immune +to the strains of what they'd all been through. On balance, Kirk felt +reassured. Spock had been alert and in control as he'd answered the +questions. He probably was fine, the human thought with relief. + Spock regarded Kirk quietly, obviously wondering if the conversation +was over for him as well. Kirk moved closer, in a sign he wished to +continue the discussion. + "Anything new on our scans of this system, Spock?" + The Vulcan looked slightly puzzled and shifted position before he +replied. + "We are acquiring new data constantly, Captain, which I incorporate +into my analysis of the situation. However, if you are asking +whether the conclusions indicated by the data have changed since +my preliminary report, the answer to that would be, "no"." Spock +paused. "It is fascinating, however." + Kirk waited for Spock to explain. Things looked pretty ordinary to +Kirk. + "The third planet of this system is an ancient world, Captain," Spock +explained. "Our recent scans show that the radioactive elements +originally present there have virtually all decayed. The remaining +quantities have been insufficient to maintain a liquid planetary core +for tens of thousands of years. Therefore, the planet solidified quite +some time ago. It is now a geologically stable world made up +primarily of islands." + "If I recall your data correctly, Spock, some of those 'islands' are +about the size of Greenland back on Earth," Kirk commented. + "Quite correct, Captain," Spock agreed mildly. "There are 8 land +masses of sufficient size to qualify as subcontinents, and there is one +land mass extending over the northern pole which is clearly classed +as a continent. Nevertheless, the surface of this planet is primarily +covered with oceans and dotted with what are best described as +islands." + Kirk rubbed his eyes tiredly. "Spock, I'm in no condition to figure out +puzzles with you. What the heck is so fascinating about all this?" + "It is the anomalies and coincidences revealed by the data, Captain." + Kirk simply stared at Spock until the latter continued. + "Is it not fascinating that we should be thrown across the galaxy, +and find ourselves on a direct course into this system, a system which +contains a Class M, habitable world as its third planet?" + "Does seem pretty darned coincidental," Kirk agreed. "What else +have you noticed?" + "The very level of stability manifested by this planet, is highly +unusual, Captain. It has an almost perfect orbit. An angle of +inclination of 4.892%, yielding little seasonal variation. A planet +covered with oceans and small land masses--and almost _no storms_." + Kirk looked at Spock blankly, and the Vulcan explained. + "Recall your basic science, Captain: weather systems are inherent in a +Class M atmosphere, and weather systems build over water, and +diminish over land. Without large land masses to break up storm +patterns, the weather system of this world should be far more active +than our data would indicate." + Kirk considered Spock's remarks quickly. "Is it possible our scans +are off?" + "Unlikely, Captain. While their quality is not up to our usual +standards, the pod's scanners are operating correctly. In addition, we +have restored some ship's systems, and they are confirming our +readings from the pod. It is most curious," Spock reflected, "as is +the data regarding the indigenous population. Such a low level of +cultural development is not usually associated with a humanoid +population on a world this aged, Captain." + Kirk tensed at the last remark. "You understand the implications of +the cultural problem, Spock?" The Prime Directive. Spock nodded +and Kirk continued, the tension evident in his voice. "Are you +absolutely certain of your conclusions?" + The Vulcan did his best to not be insulted. + "Captain, all the reports you have received are based on data +generated entirely from long-range scans, but that data does appear +to be reliable. My conclusions simply analyze our available data in +light of our experience with other worlds. With that in mind, judging +from the level of urbanization, the pollution content of the +atmosphere, and the dearth of broadcast signals, this world is +inhabited by a pre-industrial society. Primitive by our standards. +Furthermore, there is no indication there was ever a more developed +culture at some earlier point in the planet's history. It is a foregone +conclusion that none of the social units we have identified thus far +could produce a vehicle capable of reaching planetary escape +velocity, and the most advanced such unit appears to be generations +removed from such a development." + It was still the same story: all their scans indicated they were dealing +with a habitable world, but one with an indigenous culture which fell +squarely within the constraints of the Prime Directive. As if reading +Kirk's thoughts, Spock continued. + "The people of this world have never left it of their own doing, +Captain. Unless, and this seems most unlikely, the life-forms of some +other system, some other race, ventured here, it is most improbable +that these beings have had any contact with life originating outside +their own world. If we confine our estimates of the likelihood of such +contacts to what the inhabitants would be capable of generating by +their own efforts and technology, the probability of such contact +drops to..." + Spock's eyes met Kirk's and he read the exhaustion in them. He +paused just a moment, then concluded, "...a virtual nullity, +Captain." + Kirk considered this information quietly before he replied. + "What are the chances that we could find some remote spot and just +avoid the locals, Spock? Find some uninhabited island, someplace +where we aren't likely to get visitors?" + Spock nodded. "That is an option which is worth pursuing, Captain. +The planet is not heavily populated, and the inhabitants are +clustered in the subtropics. There are a number of areas which are +not near indigenous populations that we can evaluate for settlement. +In fact, with the exception of scattered bands in the subpolar portion +of the continental land-mass, there are virtually no inhabited areas +outside the 40th parallel in either the northern or southern +hemispheres." + Kirk was confused. "There are no humanoid settlements to speak of +outside the 40th parallel except in a subpolar area? How do you +explain that, Spock?" + "It is another anomaly in the data, Captain, however, the most +credible hypothesis is that a small population of these beings was +isolated there by natural forces, such as continental drift or geologic +upheaval. There is an extraordinarily rugged mountain range +between the northern population and the lower latitudes." + The Captain rubbed his neck. "What options do we have outside this +system?" + Spock responded impassively. "The information we have is +extremely limited, sir. There is a dense cloud of interstellar dust +which obscures scans in one direction. It would appear that the next +closest star with a planetary system is approximately 4.3 months +away at our best speed. It is not possible to say from the available +data if any of the planets in that system are habitable." + Kirk absorbed the information thoughtfully. At that distance, +assuming he could stabilize their atmosphere and life-support, the +alternate system was beyond Enterprise's reach even if she stretched +her batteries to maximum and used all her lifeboats. + Kirk sighed. He was tired of being on his feet. Their problem with +the Prime Directive wasn't going to get any better by him standing here +and talking to Spock about it. The discussion was concluded for the +moment. Kirk stretched as he prepared to move off. + "Well, that's enough for now, Spock." + Kirk was grateful for Spock's good-health. He looked at his friend +with warm regard and evident relief. "I know it's a human reaction, +Spock, but I still have to tell you: I'm glad you're okay. You really +had me worried when I saw you in the transporter room, but you +certainly seem to be alright now. I can't say that for much else +around here," Kirk concluded, as he started to move away, "but what +the hell, at least we're alive." + "Perhaps," Spock remarked simply. + Kirk stopped in his tracks. He turned back toward Spock, noting that +the Vulcan was casually moving back to his station, as if nothing out +of the ordinary had happened. Kirk felt confused. + "Spock...are we having the same conversation? I said, 'we're alive'. I +suppose that's something," Kirk explained. + "I am not certain of that, Captain." + "You, Spock?," Kirk asked with concern. "It's not like you to be +depressed." Kirk moved closer to his friend. Perhaps something was +wrong . + "Ah. I see the confusion: my reference was unclear." Spock faced +Kirk as he clarified his remarks. "I meant, that I am not certain we +are not dead, Captain." + Kirk was shocked. "Oh, shit!," he thought. Spock really was unwell. + Kirk gathered his thoughts, then approached Spock more closely. + "I see... Spock, have you, uh, shared this, um...impression with +anyone else?" + "No, Captain. I can see no useful purpose to it," Spock replied matter- +of-factly. "Given the data currently reported by my senses, it would +be illogical to let the possibility affect my behavior." + Kirk spoke to his friend slowly, with concern, making certain he +understood. "You mean...the possibility that we're actually _dead_ +shouldn't affect your behavior?," Kirk asked in bewilderment. + "That is correct, Captain," Spock nodded. "It would not be logical." + "Spock...," Kirk considered his words carefully, "there was a power +surge while you were in the transporter. You may be experiencing +perceptual problems as a result of that. You may need medical +attention." + Spock evaluated the information. + "Humm." He turned away for a moment then faced Kirk again. + "Please correct my impression if I am in error, Captain, but did you +not experience, at that same time, a sense of being in a pleasant, +indescribable space?" Kirk reluctantly indicated agreement. "Would +you describe your recollections of the experience, Captain?" + Kirk hesitated, then described what he could recall of "The Effect". It +was difficult to put into words. Nothing he could say could truly +convey it. + After a while he finished, and Spock nodded. "Is it also correct, +Captain, that there were aspects of that experience which cannot be +communicated or described by any of our forms--perhaps the +defining aspects of the experience?" + "Well, yes, but..." + "You have just described those aspects of my experience with death +which are capable of description, Captain." + Kirk cut him off. "Wait, Spock. Look, just because there are +similarities between the two experiences, doesn't mean they are the +same..." + "True. However, for myself I can say that while I was experiencing +what we are calling 'The Effect', I found I was reliving--or +reexperiencing--my experience of being dead." + Kirk wanted out of the conversation very badly. He asserted his +position as Spock's commander. + "Spock. The critical factor here is that we are no longer in the void. .." + "It is not accurate to describe the experience as a 'void', Captain. A +'void' is an emptiness, and, as you recall, there was a sense of +presence..." + "Spock! Listen. I can't explain where we were, Spock, but the +important thing, which you seem to be overlooking, is that we +aren't there now. We are here, on the bridge, walking around, +talking, thinking....Hell, Spock, we're even worrying about dying!" + Kirk fixed Spock with a hard stare. "We are not dead, Spock." + The Vulcan was undisturbed. + "As you wish, Captain. You were always unwilling to accept the +experience, and perhaps you are correct. Perhaps your refusal to +accept the death experience even has some relationship to our +present status. In any event, I am unable to speak with certainty for +either point of view." + Either point of view! Kirk looked at his friend sadly. + "Spock, I want you to go see Dr. McCoy. Now. I want you to tell him +about this conversation and follow whatever program of medical care +he directs. Do you understand me, Spock? This is an order." + The Vulcan accepted the instructions as he accepted all the peculiarly +human quirks of his friend, and joined McCoy as the doctor finished +his tour of the bridge. Kirk watched as the two officers stepped into +the lift and the doors closed. + "What next?," Kirk wondered. + + Lt. Karl Murphy reported in for his latest tour in the research pod. It +wasn't that he enjoyed the duty in the cramped little station, it +simply gave him something important to do and kept him away from +other people while he did it. + Murphy did not like the disorder of the ship, especially the sense that +they were not in control of events or their survival. He was grateful +for the chance to be occupied, no, immersed, in a demanding, vital +task--which he could do alone. + Like everyone else on the ship, Murphy was developing his own +theories of what had hit them. His preference was for a spatial quirk +or hostile force. He had little patience with those who insisted they +had experienced an almost spiritual presence during the transition. + Romanticizing disorientation had never impressed him, and Murphy +was personally convinced that was all such reports were. + His own experience of 'The Effect' had been neither beautiful nor +romantic. It was simply frustrating and confusing. He'd been unable +to analyze his surroundings and had felt completely ineffective for +the duration of the event. It was deeply disturbing to Murphy: the +environment had been painfully unresponsive to his efforts to assert +himself through his actions and his thoughts. + He'd hated the entire episode. + In reaction to the experience, since they had emerged, he had made +his best efforts to be especially focused, precise, and controlled. He +knew he had probably come across to the Captain as a martinet +during their encounter on the bridge, but that very precise, focused +behavior had helped him recover from his experience, and helped +him even now as he tried to avoid the uncomfortable feelings +brought on by his memories of 'The Effect'. He brought all his +attention to bear on his scientific instruments, concentrating on his +scans of the third planet. + When he first saw them, 20.2 hours after Enterprise's emergence +from 'The Effect', he was momentarily worried that he had pushed +himself too far, and was hallucinating. + He reset his instruments, and checked again. His readings confirmed, +he signalled the bridge. + Two small objects now stood between them and the third planet. + +Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative +Path: moe.ksu.ksu.edu!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!rpi!usenet.coe.montana.edu!nntp.uoregon.edu!cie.uoregon.edu!eisimps +From: eisimps@cie.uoregon.edu (Eileen Simpson) +Subject: The Great American Star Trek Novel, Ch. 4 +Message-ID: <1992Aug29.013605.16777@nntp.uoregon.edu> +Summary: Can we talk? +Sender: news@nntp.uoregon.edu +Organization: University of Oregon Campus Information Exchange +Date: Sat, 29 Aug 92 01:36:05 GMT +Lines: 567 + +Our story continues... + + THE GREAT AMERICAN STAR TREK NOVEL + "Where No *Man* Has Gone Before" + + CHAPTER FOUR + +The small orbs assumed positions directly in the path of +Enterprise as the latter continued her slow advance into the system. + "Uhura," Kirk demanded, "any response to our hail?" + The communications specialist shook her head slowly as her hands +played deftly over her patched panel. "I'm sorry, Captain. I've tried +every known frequency and signal we can bring on line. Nothing +seems to register with them." + "Keep at it, Uhura." + The doors to the lift opened and Spock and McCoy reentered the +bridge. It had been less than an hour since Kirk's conversation with +Spock had taken that decidedly bizarre little turn. Kirk watched +Spock move efficiently into action at the science station, as the doctor +joined the Captain at the command chair. + "Read any good metaphysics lately?," McCoy asked wryly. + Kirk inhaled deeply with worry. "I hope your humor means the +man's not seriously ill, doctor. How is he?" + "Well, I didn't have time to finish the exam, but...he's not dead, Jim." + McCoy paused and noted Kirk was not showing signs of amusement. +The doctor quickly elaborated. + "He doesn't appear to be in any physical danger on the basis of the +preliminary test results. In fact, the preliminary tests show he's +entirely unimpaired and functioning normally. In other words, if he +hadn't self-reported this belief that we might be dead, none of our +tests would have picked up any sign that he had problems." McCoy +made a face. "It's gonna make this damn hard to treat." + "Did you have time to reason with him about this thing? I mean, if +we're dead, doctor," Kirk spoke very softly to avoid being overheard, +"how does he explain the fact that some of the crew are _deader_?" + "Good question. I don't know what his thought process is around +this, Jim. We didn't have much opportunity to talk--just long enough +for him to insult me four times." + Kirk registered relief. + "Yeah, well, I suppose it is a good sign," McCoy conceded grudgingly. +"Look, Jim, ordinarily, in the absence of significant trauma I'd expect +only mild transitory disorientation with a good prognosis for complete +recovery. The problem is, there's no record of a Vulcan developing a +detailed, nontraumatic delusional system in response to a transporter +malfunction. Of course, Spock does have a 'unique' medical history...." + The doctor shrugged and shook his head. "I don't know, Jim. I can't +tell you what this means." + Kirk turned back to the business at hand. At least there was some +good news about Spock's condition in the fact that he was otherwise +functional. Maybe if they kept him engaged in concrete tasks, they +could break through to him that this was reality... + "Spock." Kirk swiveled the command chair towards the science +station. "Anything in your scans that might help Cmdr. Uhura?" + Spock looked up from his instruments with his usual intelligence and +calm. + "I am afraid I am unable to be of much assistance, Captain. The +sensors we have on line are unable to analyze the systems or +lifeforms aboard these objects, nor can I offer an adequate +hypothesis which would explain our data. Quite simply, Captain, the +data we are getting from our sensors does not make sense." + "Explain, Spock." + "By correlating our scientific and engineering knowledge with what +our sensors are telling us about these vessels, these objects should +not be capable of movement, let alone the kind of performance they +are manifesting." + "What's their efficiency curve?," Kirk asked. + Spock hesitated. "I can provide that data, Captain, but, for reasons I +shall explain, I am reluctant to rely on it. The data indicates an +efficiency rating of 96.7328%." + Kirk's eyebrows went up. He was suitably impressed. + "But you don't trust it, Spock. Why?" + Spock's brow furrowed as he collected his thoughts. + "We may be producing a measure of something that has no meaning +in this context, Captain." At Kirk's look of bewilderment, Spock +elaborated. "Some of my readings suggest that these vessels have +nothing aboard them that we recognize as technology: no refined +metals, no machinery. There is no indication of a device of any kind. +I read what is essentially a large rock, at most a ceramic hull, +surrounding an atmosphere of indeterminate composition, generating +massive life-form readings. In that context, our 'technical' analysis +may well be meaningless." + Spock paused to review some additional readings, then continued. + "It is most curious, Captain, but I do believe our readings are oddly +distorted, and highly misleading." + Kirk frowned. "Are you able to produce an image on the viewscreen, +yet, Scotty?" + "Aye, sir. After a fashion, and not with the best resolution." + "Let's see what you've got, Engineer Scott," Kirk ordered. + Scotty made the necessary adjustments and a fuzzy image appeared +on the bridge main viewer. Kirk leaned forward to inspect the +picture, as Scotty tuned in the screen for the clearest image. + As the picture cleared, Kirk saw them. Small and simple against the +backdrop of space and their distant blue world, they were not +identical, he noted. Both were somewhat oblong, but not cigars. +They were too rounded for that description, Kirk decided. They were +more like...elongated eggs. + Kirk regarded the tiny ships thoughtfully for several moments. + "Could these...whatevers actually be vessels from third planet?," he +asked Spock incredulously. + Spock shook his head. "The data presently available is too equivocal +to support any inference with regard to such a relationship, Captain. +The materials I can identify in these objects are present on the third +planet, but they are also quite common, and cannot unequivocably tie +these objects to any particular point of origin." + Kirk turned towards Sulu for his opinion. + "What do you think, Sulu?" + "They look harmless enough, Captain, but if they're capable of +operating at that level of efficiency with a technology we can't begin +to understand, they certainly could be a threat to the ship. I +wouldn't underestimate them just because they're small." + "Agreed, Sulu." + Kirk sat back thoughtfully in his command chair, as Spock +approached from the science station. Kirk looked up tiredly at his +old friend. + "Helluva mess," he muttered softly to himself, as he looked about the +bridge. The ship's wounds seemed to leap out at his eyes. Where she +had been so new only a week before, he now saw torn-out panels +and dead instruments. He knew he dared not get involved in +combat, and he had no desire to appear to challenge or provoke these +strange craft. + He drummed his fingers for a moment on the arms of the command +chair, and stared at the small objects which refused to give way +before him. + "Still no response to our hail?," he asked Uhura again, vainly. She +shook her head in the negative. + "Well, Spock, there may be different communication channels and +rules of science on this side of the galaxy, but there's no mistaking +that." Kirk thrust a finger at the viewscreen where a pair of small +ships stood in their path. + He turned to his First Officer. + "All stop, Chekov." + "All stop, aye, Captain," Chekov repeated. + Pavarti stepped forward in agitation. "Sir!," he insisted testily. +"We're not gonna let these little guys drive us away, are we, sir?" + Kirk couldn't tell if the young man was more tired or anxious or +annoyed. Whatever it was, Kirk felt no desire to educate the +youngster at this particular juncture. He opened his mouth to shut +Pavarti's just as Spock's gentle tones came between them. + "I believe, Mr. Pavarti, that the Captain is referring to the clear +indication in this behavior that we are stop our progress into this +system. We are being told to come no farther." + "But sir!," Pavarti continued, moving toward the command chair, "this +is the only Class M planet where we can possibly make landfall. We +can't simply turn around and go away. There's no place else to go! +You know our power will fail before we can even get to another +system, let alone find another habitable world!" + Pavarti looked desperately about at the bridge crew, seeking support, +but met only averted eyes and lowered heads. He raised his voice in +one final appeal. + "What's the matter with all of you? You know it's true! They +have to let us land here! We have to make them understand!" + "Mr. Pavarti." Kirk's tone was calm and level. "Do the words, 'Prime +Directive' mean anything to you?" + The Ensign breathed rapidly in silence. Kirk waited to let his words +sink in for the benefit of the entire bridge contingent. When he +spoke again, his voice was soft, but firm. + "This is where we give meaning to our principles." + Pavarti moved back to his station in the silence that followed. + "Well, Spock," Kirk cocked his head and looked up wryly at his old +friend. "Any ideas?" + "Only the obvious, Captain. They have made no hostile moves against +us. I suggest we wait and attempt to clarify the situation. Perhaps we +will be able to establish contact in some manner the parties have yet +to attempt." + "Agreed." Kirk slapped his hands on his knees for emphasis and rose +from the command chair. He turned toward Uhura. "Do you have +any idea whether or not we're even being received?," he asked her, +indicating the ships on the viewer. + "It's impossible for me to say, Captain." + Kirk stood contemplating the ships blocking their path for a long, +silent moment. + "Very well, then. We'll assume that whoever they are, they can't +receive our transmissions. But they obviously have some sensory +system, because they know we're here. Your mission, gentlemen, is to +come up with some way to signal these people." He turned to each of +his key officers as he spoke. "And, since we've tried the obvious, I'd +suggest you consider the creative. I'll entertain any suggestions, but +I want you to get on it." + + Two hours later, the two small objects remained on station, directly +in Enterprise's path, absolutely immobile. No intelligible +communication had been received from the alien vessels. Nothing +indicated the slightest reaction to Enterprise's desperate efforts to +reach out to them. + There had been no overt signs of hostility, just the simple positioning +of the orbs directly in their line of flight, the meaning of which +seemed clear to everyone. Enterprise held station, hoping for some +breakthrough that would let them at least attempt to negotiate a landing. + Finally, Kirk called his top officers together for the mandatory +command conference. He lowered himself slowly into the chair at the +head of the table and surveyed his people silently as they arrived. + The mood was tense and glum. + "I'll save you some time. I've read your reports and reviewed your +efforts to contact our friends outside. You've been very thorough. Are +there any additional ideas anyone would like to present for +consideration?," Kirk asked. + The question was intended to begin the ritual of logging the +Departmental reports, which Kirk needed to have on record prior to +taking his next action. Scotty was too exhausted to engage in ritual acts, and went straight to the point. + "Beggin' your pardon, Captain, but unless you're willin' to consider +the ideas that fall in the general category of, 'give 'em a gentle nudge +w' the phasers'--which is pointless, because we dinna ha' power for +the phasers, or, 'lock onto the nearest lifeform and beam it over'-- +which is also pointless, 'cause we dinna ha' power for the +transporters, we only have two options: we either move forward +slowly and push past these people, or we pick out our next +destination. We've nothing left to try, that we're able to try, in our +current condition." + A quick glance at the others confirmed their agreement with Scotty's +remarks. + "Do you have a recommendation on that, Engineer Scott?," Kirk +inquired. + When Scotty began speaking again, it was clear it was formal and +that he was doing it for the record. + "With all due respect, Captain, we're in no condition to be making any +long trips. I've spoken to Science Officer Spock and Cmdr. Chekov about +our situation. In our opinions, this is the only habitable planet we +will be able to reach. Our equipment will fail long before we could +arrive at another system." + Scotty paused and some of those present shifted uncomfortably. Kirk +remained steady. + Scotty looked over at Sulu, who picked up the conversation. + "The vessels in front of us--wherever they're from--don't appear to +want us to come any closer to the planet, Captain. We don't feel +comfortable with pushing past them, not from the standpoint of some +risk to the ship, but because, in our opinions, such an action would +violate the Prime Directive, even if communication and the vessels' +relationship to the planet is ambiguous." + Sulu paused, knowing his next words were critical to their fates. His +eyes met Kirk's firmly. + "It is our recommendation that we terminate our efforts to approach +the planet, and consider the ultimate disposition of the ship and +crew," Sulu reported. + Kirk appeared impassive. "Explain, gentlemen." + Scotty picked up the conversation once again. "We have enough time +and power to clear this system, Captain. After that, I might be able +to get us a few days more, but we'll have nowhere especially +interesting or worthwhile to go. The choice is whether we pick the +time we end it, or see how long our luck lets us hold out. But unless +we can off-load our personnel--soon--the end is inevitable, and not +very far off." + "Am I to understand the rest of you agree with this assessment?," +Kirk asked. + The others nodded. Chekov spoke up with an elaboration. + "There is disagreement on how ve end it, sair. Some of us vant to +keep going and deweloping information no matter vhat, right to the +end. Others feel that with no likelihood that anyone vill ever receive +any information ve generate, ve may as well suit ourselves and be +comfortable, sair. There is no agreement on that point, sair." + Kirk's heart was pounding. There had to be another set of options. +He glanced at McCoy. The doctor met his gaze momentarily, then +looked down at the table. + _There are always possibilities._ Kirk turned to Spock. + "What do you think, Spock?," Kirk asked the Vulcan. + Spock hesitated. "If you are asking me to address the question of +how we should end our lives, Captain," he said slowly, "I...do not +believe it is appropriate for me to express an opinion on that point." + Kirk stared at Spock numbly, as the reason why Spock was unwilling +to comment registered on Kirk's tired brain. He was grateful for the +Vulcan's discretion in not mentioning the possible irrelevance of the +issue--even if the remark did confuse everyone else but McCoy. + Kirk remained outwardly calm as the full impact of their remarks hit +him, but his mind raced. The verdict he had resisted since he first +emerged from 'The Effect' was no longer avoidable: his ship was +terminal. His key people were telling him that the question was +whether to use the self-destruct mechanism to euthanize Enterprise +and her crew, or play the situation out to its inevitable end of slow +death as the ship's systems failed. + Suddenly, Kirk found himself wondering whether he had the +strength to meet this particular challenge, and doubting that he ever +had. Perhaps the secret of all his creative genius was merely the +intensity of his fear that he would ultimately discover a problem for +which he had no solution, and over which he was powerless. He felt +the cold fear of that old nightmare now as his mind searched for +options and repeatedly confronted the deadends of their present +realities. + Still, he knew he could not sit silently forever, and that the others +looked to him to lead them into whatever lay ahead. Some of the +crew undoubtedly still clung to the belief that the Starfleet legend +could pull the rabbit out of the hat and save them even now, but Kirk +knew he had no rabbit and no hat. + He ordered his mind to quiet and began to speak. "Gentlemen, I +appreciate your efforts and your concerns, however," Kirk paused for +breath. His mouth was on auto-pilot. He had no idea where his +sentence was going. + Suddenly, a word formed, unspoken, in his mind. + **"Play."** + "My God," Kirk thought, "I'm losing it!" + He collected himself carefully, and prepared to continue. "As I was +saying..." + "Bridge to Captain Kirk!" + "Kirk here," he replied to the companel with relief. "Go ahead." + The young officer of the deck sounded excited. "We've picked up +another object, sir. Approaching from the planet, Captain." + The senior officers looked at each other in surprise. "From a heading +from the planet, you say?," Kirk repeated in wonder. At the duty +officer's assent, Kirk felt suddenly revitalized. "Bridge, we're on our +way. Stations people! Bones, you come with me, I'd like your +thoughts on this." + + As they exited the turbolift and stepped onto the bridge, they could +see that the viewscreen image had shifted to show them the latest +alien arrival. + It was different from the others, larger, and an almost a perfect +sphere. + Kirk studied the screen intently as he stepped forward. The image +was weak and shaky, but it showed the effort the crew was putting +into the repairs. Kirk felt his affection for his people grow as the +image on the screen improved. + They'd make it yet, he thought. There had to be a way. + The duty officer rose as Kirk approached the command chair. + "What's the situation, Mister?" + The young woman nodded toward the image on the screen. "We +picked that up only a few minutes ago, Captain. There was no +detectable signal or other communication between this ship and the +others before the newcomer showed up, sir, nor did we detect any +signal from the planet directed at the other vessels...or anywhere +else for that matter, Captain." + Kirk nodded. "Did you pick up anything interesting on the new 'ship', +Lieutenant?" + The Lieutenant spoke firmly. "There's still nothing useful on their +propulsion system or technology, Captain, but sensor readings do +show this one is similar to the others in its construction, materials, +and life-form readings. It's also considerably larger than the others. +That's all we could develop from a preliminary analysis of the data, +Captain." + Kirk nodded his thanks as the Lieutenant moved to an auxiliary +station. "How about it, Spock? Can you give me anything else from +the readings?" + Spock continued to study his sensor displays as he answered. "I am +afraid the data is still coming in at this time, sir. It is correct +that this object is larger than the others by a factor of 3, but it is +still quite small by our standards, and it is unlikely it could operate +away from this planet for either an extended time or distance. Of course," +Spock added, "the last point is subject to the observation that the true +capabilities of these vessels appear to be entirely beyond our ability +to assess." + "Any idea who, what, and how many beings are aboard any of these +ships, yet, Spock?" + "Negative, Captain. The life-form readings I am receiving are strong, +and yet so oddly diffuse, I cannot reliably determine the answers to +any of those questions." + "What about weapons or signs of hostile intent?" + "Insufficient data, Captain." + "What sensory or communication system does the new arrival use?" + "Insufficient data, sir." + Kirk stifled his mounting frustration. "But the 'insufficient data' does +allow me to safely conclude that these three rocks are space-vessels, +and are related, is that correct, Spock?" + "Sensor readings indicate significant correlations in materials, and in +life-form signs." + "Then you confirm that they're from the same point of origin," Kirk +persisted doggedly. + "Indications from the information we have thus far does place the +likelihood of such a relationship in excess of 94.9899..." + Kirk waved him off. "The odds, Spock, are overwhelming that these +"ships" were created by a similar process, house similar life-forms, +and are from the same place, aren't they?" + "That is correct, Captain." + Kirk felt a sudden sensation of dizziness, and the desire to giggle. + "Fun," his mind said. He composed himself quickly and forced +himself to focus on the conversation with Spock. "Exhaustion and +stress, " he said to himself. "Be careful." + "And if I also understand things correctly," Kirk continued +determinedly, "our scans of this planet indicated widely scattered +social units with no significant industrial development, low +technological development, and no capability of producing a vehicle +capable of reaching planetary escape velocity. Is that also correct?" + "Those are the indications of the available data, sir." + "So what are we dealing with here, Spock? Do these vessels represent +a lifeform from outside the third planet, or are we dealing with a +world whose technical capacity is not what it seems?" + "A definitive answer to that question is probably impossible, Captain, +however I might attempt to. . ." + "Do whatever you need to do, Spock. The answer to this question is +critical." + Everyone on the bridge understood the significance of the issue. If +these odd craft did not originate from the third planet, or perhaps, +even from this system, Enterprise had a much greater range of +appropriate responses to the vessels' apparent denial of contact with +that world. Any significant doubt Spock could generate on this point +might ultimately spell the difference between certain death and the +"opportunity for life" Kirk was so famous for finding and exploiting. + Everyone on the bridge knew Spock had the opportunity to hand +Kirk the opening he needed to save them. + Minutes passed as Spock worked with his instruments and consulted +with the officers in his Science unit. Eventually, he was ready. + "I have been able to complete a portion of my analysis, Captain, and I +believe I can answer at least one of your questions." Kirk nodded for +Spock to continue. "Our readings show that the atmospheres of the +three vessels are identical in composition to that of the third planet. +Given this," Spock went on formally, "and their manner of +presentation, I cannot refute or challenge the conclusion that these +vessels host beings from the third planet in this system, however +unusual that may seem in light of our data on this world." + At his words, muscles which had tensed while awaiting his report, +moved uneasily. Spock was aware that more than one crewman on +the bridge would privately curse his Vulcan integrity. + "Thank you, Spock," James Kirk responded, with genuine warmth and +respect. + Spock inclined his head slightly in response. He had also known that +no such curses would come from Jim Kirk, and that the latter was +relying on Spock's relentless honesty in this crisis. Spock rose and +joined Kirk and McCoy at the command chair. + "Well," Bones whispered softly, "at least I've lived--or think I've +lived--to see one historic occasion. If I understood you correctly, +Spock, everything you concluded in your initial report on this planet +was wrong." + Spock frowned. "I hardly find that description accurate, doctor. I +believe I previously reported the conclusions indicated by our long- +range scans. The indicated conclusions of that data remain the same, +it is merely that additional information now suggests that these +conclusions are not correct in the present case." + McCoy rolled his eyes heavenward and rocked back on his heels. "I +suppose it was too much to ask to see two historic occasions before I +died: I should have known you'd never admit it." + "There is nothing to admit, doctor," Spock continued stubbornly. "The +question is. . ." + Kirk had had enough. + "The question is, gentlemen," he looked hard at both of them as he +cut off the debate, "the question is, how this new player changes the +game, if at all, and how the new information that this world is +capable of spaceflight changes our obligations under the Prime +Directive, if at all. Those are the matters I want addressed!" + He stood in annoyance, and strode quickly to Uhura's station. He +needed to collect his thoughts. He was not willing to accept that his +only options were to destroy the ship or watch helplessly as his crew +met a slow death. Maybe there was some option they'd missed on +communication... + "_Bored_." Uhura announced out of the blue. She glanced quickly at +the shocked Captain, and blushed deeply. + "Are we boring you, Commander?," Kirk demanded angrily. + "I'm sorry, Captain," Uhura replied, in sincere embarrassment. "The +word just came out, sir. I don't know why. It just came into my +mind. I'm certainly not bored, sir." + "That's a relief, Commander." He picked up a status board and +reviewed her activity. It looked as complete as it had the last 5 times +he'd checked it. + "There's no response to anything, Commander?," he asked her +impatiently. "Not from ship's systems?" + Uhura shook her head. + "Not from telepaths?" + Another head shake. + "Not from empaths?" + Still no. + "No one in the crew having visions..." Kirk offered in exasperation. + Uhura's head stopped shaking. She looked up hesitantly. + "I..." she looked at Kirk nervously. This could be the dumbest thing +she ever said on a bridge, she thought. Then she realized that if it +was worthless information, they were likely to be dead soon anyway, +so she wouldn't have to live with the embarrassment very long. She +continued, "...I've had a couple of words just pop into my head, that +are absolutely inappropriate, Captain." + Kirk's ears perked up. + "What words?" + "'Play'. 'Fun'. 'Bored'." + Kirk stared at her. "Have you," he hesitated, lowered his voice, "have +you had the urge to...giggle?" + Uhura looked up at him with wide-eyed innocence. "No, sir," she said +sweetly, "I can't say that I have." + Kirk frowned and turned away. He spun back towards her. "What's +your quotient for telepathic and empathic abilities?" + Uhura shook her head. "Low. I barely register, sir." + "Is there any area where you've tested unusually highly, Commander?" + "Intuition, Captain. I have one of the highest scores ever +recorded...but it's the second-highest score on this ship." She looked +at Kirk significantly. + Intuition! The intuitive members of the crew were picking up... Were +picking up what? The urge to giggle? What the hell did he do with +this information? + "Jim!" It was McCoy. "They're moving, Jim." + "Any sign of attack?," Kirk asked quickly, as he returned to the +command chair. + "I...well..." Chekov seemed confused. He turned to Spock. "What do you +think, sir?" + Spock looked nonplussed. He looked up from his instruments with a +quizzical look on his face, and finally responded. "I cannot determine +the meaning of this vesselUs behavior, Captain. However, if it plans to +attack us, its actions are most illogical. Perhaps if I refined our visual +image, the situation will be clearer to you." + Spock adjusted the instruments. The viewscreen image became +crisper, and promptly revealed the larger of the three rocks darting +about erratically. Kirk stared at the display in fascination, as did the +rest of the crew. + "Now what in blazes does that mean?," McCoy growled. + "They look drunk," Sulu complained in disgust. + Kirk sat silently, a suspicion forming in his mind. A suspicion he was +reluctant to act upon, however. + "Ideas, Spock?" + "Nothing useful, Captain. I would note, however, that these are not +the actions of logical beings, sir. Logic, therefore, cannot help us +interpret their behavior." + "Well," McCoy whispered, "that leaves us with the wild and the +bizarre. Them's your categories, Jim." The doctor looked over at his +friend, and was surprised to find Kirk was rubbing his chin +thoughtfully, with a bemused expression on his face. + "They can't be serious!," Chekov exclaimed. "Captain! They're coming +right at us!" + "As you were, people," Kirk insisted quickly. "I don't think they +intend to ram," he explained. + Spock's eyebrow went up. "You believe you comprehend this +behavior, Captain?," he asked respectfully. + "I have a suspicion, Spock. Call it...," he glanced at Uhura. "lntuition." + The little object disappeared from the viewscreen. "Where'd they +go?," Kirk asked. + Chekov consulted his instruments, and rechecked them in disbelief. + "There," he said, pointing upwards. "They're up there. Above the +navigation dome." + Kirk could not restrain an involuntary glance above his command +chair. An eerie feeling passed over him as he realized someone, +directly above him, had probably noticed the translucent area and +was trying to somehow peer in. For a moment he sat transfixed, amazed at +the audacity of whoever was outside. Whoever it was would be +disappointed--nothing could be seen of the interior of the ship +through the dome. Still, for them to come so close to a much larger +vessel... + "They must want to make contact very much," Kirk thought. Was it +possible that those outside were as frustrated by their inability to +communicate as his crew was inside? + He had reached the decision point. He knew what he had to do--and, +he was the only person on the bridge who was not surprised a +moment latter when a "boink! boink! boink!" was heard coming +from the outer hull. The others exchanged looks of disbelief. Kirk +laughed: Their little visitor was gently tapping against Enterprise's +hull. Klrk's mind was made up. + "Now what the hell..." McCoy began. Kirk cut him off. + "Sulu, if you will take the con. Uhura, prepare a shuttle for my +immediate use." He rose and began to stride off the bridge. McCoy +stepped forward to block his path. + "Jim! You're not actually going out there with those maniacs!," he +exclaimed. + "That's exactly what I'm going to do, doctor. Someone has gone to a +great deal of trouble to get us to come out and play, and I'm going to +see what happens if I accept the invitation! I'll be in touch." + + Kirk had too much at stake to enjoy the opportunity to misuse +Federation equipment for over an hour. He followed the three +strange ships on a mad dash across the solar system, zooming this +way and that, rolling and diving through interplanetary space. The +largest object seemed to be the center of their activity, and Kirk +singled it out for his attention. + At least he knew they weren't hostile, he thought, but the time had +come to move the process of making contact along. They were still +unable to communicate by any recognizable signals. He was going to +have to get them, or one of them, aboard the ship. Try things face to +face. + He broke off their pattern and halted. Soon the little ships had +joined him nearby. Kirk took a deep breath and slowly moved up to +the largest. Carefully, gently, he then moved away, working the +vessels towards Enterprise. The larger alien followed Kirk easily. + "That's it, my little friend," Kirk thought, as the alien ship duplicated +his maneuvers. Gradually, Kirk led it to Enterprise, toward the +main airlock on the saucer section's hull. Kirk stopped, and the alien +halted nearby. He ordered the crew to extend the Universal +Umbilical, carefully moved the shuttle up to it, docked, and allowed the +umbilical to attach to the shuttle door. The whole maneuver was an +unnecessary and inconvenient way for him to dock with Enterprise, but he +hoped the demonstration was not lost on his little round friend. + As the umbilical pressurized, Kirk signalled the bridge and informed them +of the remainder of his plan. He exited the shuttle, exhanging places with +a young Ensign who undocked and 'parked' the shuttle nearby. The umbilical +remained extended. Kirk waited with Scotty, Chekov, and Security team just +inside the airlock door, wondering if his 'friends' would come to his house +to play. + + (To be continued...) + + +Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative +Path: moe.ksu.ksu.edu!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!rpi!usenet.coe.montana.edu!nntp.uoregon.edu!cie.uoregon.edu!eisimps +From: eisimps@cie.uoregon.edu (Eileen Simpson) +Subject: The Great American Star Trek Novel, Ch. 5 +Message-ID: <1992Aug29.050435.4247@nntp.uoregon.edu> +Summary: It's a dirty job, but somebody has to do it... +Sender: news@nntp.uoregon.edu +Organization: University of Oregon Campus Information Exchange +Date: Sat, 29 Aug 92 05:04:35 GMT +Lines: 733 + + +The Great American Star Trek Novel, "Where No *Man* Has Gone Before" +(Our Story Continues...) + + CHAPTER FIVE + + + The umbilical snaked from the airlock towards the small alien craft. +The latter hovered nearby, giving every impression of hesitation and +confusion. + Aboard the larger vessel, a small contingent of Enterprise officers +waited silently in the reception area at the airlock's internal hatch. +Kirk had deliberately kept the group at the airlock small. The last +thing he wanted his counterpart to have to worry about was a large, +potentially hostile or threatening force waiting just inside +Enterprise's door. With that concern in mind, Kirk had expanded his +original group to include only the highly intuitive, and apparently +reactive, members of the crew. Those two officers, Uhura and +Pavarti, now waited uncomfortably for the aliens' next move along +with Kirk, Scotty, McCoy, and a two-man Security detail under Pavel +Chekov. Sulu and Spock monitored the situation from the bridge, +relying on a direct communication/data link Uhura had rapidly +established at the little workstation near the hatch. Scotty stood at +the station, and monitored the instruments in the umbilical. + Kirk was tense. With the mad dash about the solar system behind +him and nothing left to do but wait, he had too much time to consider +how utterly helpless and dependent on rescue he seemed to have +become. Kirk tried to put himself in the position of the alien +commander as he assessed the situation. It wasn't reassuring. Kirk +knew that boarding an unknown vessel in Enterprise's condition +when communications could not be established was more than many, +perhaps most, commanders would consider. He was more than +worried about their chances, and although he did his best to remain +calm, he hovered near Scotty, carefully watching the engineer +evaluate readings and make adjustments on controls. Kirk +continuously reviewed their situation in his mind, looking for any +possibility he could exploit that might improve their position. + The tension in the ship mounted as each minute went by without +activity from the little round vessel outside. Kirk concentrated on the +alien commander, that someone who had joined him in the odd dash +around the solar system in what had seemed to be a desperate effort +to communicate. He focused his will on his counterpart in the +smaller ship. + "He'll do it," Kirk willed. "He'll take the chance and come aboard." + "Sir!" It was Scotty, his voice terse and tense. "They've taken the +umbilical!" + Kirk moved quickly to Scotty's side. The engineer worked carefully +with his monitor and adjusted the umbilical's sensors. The others +shifted uneasily as they awaited further reports. + "It's pressurizing," the Scot reported crisply. "A bit less than we're +used to, but it's not serious. Atmosphere...breathable...Ah! Should +be fine--oxygen, nitrogen--all within acceptable ranges..." The others +were completely absorbed in the reports. Scotty bent over his +controls, then glanced up quickly. "There's someone in the umbilical, +coming through, sir." + Kirk allowed himself only an instant's feeling of success. Even as he +turned toward the hatch, he was already asking himself who the +alien commander would send, preparing himself mentally for the +critical negotiations that would follow the boarding. + Kirk knew his ship could not be saved. The pain of that knowledge +stabbed deep in his chest, but he pushed it from him. His duty was +to his crew, and he forced himself to focus all his energy and +attention on securing their survival. + Suddenly, Scotty exclaimed in surprise. Kirk turned to him +immediately. The others reacted with concern. + "Trouble, Scotty?," Kirk asked worriedly. + The engineer shook his head. "I don't know. Could be, Captain." +Scotty checked his instruments carefully. "We've got more than a +few of them in the umbilical, sir." + Kirk cast a quick glance at Chekov and his small Security team. + "How many of them are there, Scotty?" + "I can't be certain, Captain. The readings...I don't know, they're just +not precise." The engineer continued to coax the equipment, shaking +his head. "I'd say we're dealing with humanoids, sir, and we have at +least ten of them in there, Captain." + Kirk and Chekov exchanged grim looks. It was a worrisome +development. Although Kirk's impressions of the aliens' intentions +from the contacts thus far were not hostile, he certainly did not have +a lot to go on! He wanted a second opinion on this development. + "Spock, what do you think?," Kirk called to his Science officer. + The Vulcan's response was immediate. + "It is doubtful that a vessel that size could carry many more than 10 +or 12 humanoid beings, Captain. To send the entire contingent to +make contact with us would not be logical, sir, but their behavior +thus far has not reflected a high degree of concern with logic. +Nevertheless, there may be a problem with our sensors. I shall +attempt to verify Engineer Scott's conclusions." + Kirk, Scotty, and Chekov regarded each other knowingly. They were +all thinking the same thing: illogical boarding decisions weren't the +only possible explanations for this development. + "Scan for weapons," Kirk announced to Scott and Spock, "both of you. +I want to know about anything even remotely suspicious." + Kirk could hear the furrow in Spock's brow in the sound of the +Vulcan's voice over the audio channel, as the latter considered the +implications of Kirk's order. + "Captain," Spock said with concern, "there were no indications of +weapons systems in our scans of the alien vessel. If we can rely on +our sensors, it is very unlikely that this is a hostile boarding party. +If we cannot rely on our sensors..." + "I get your point, Spock. I still want a complete scan of everyone in +that umbilical before we let them come aboard." Kirk turned to his +Captain of Engineering. "Hold them at the door, Scotty." + The Scot nodded in quick agreement. He was not enamored of these +beings, Kirk noted, and needed little encouragement to suspect them. +Perhaps he considered it possible that they were responsible for +EnterpriseUs current condition and predicament. Kirk had to concede +that anything was possible, in view of the uncertainty surrounding +these beings, but he made a note to keep an eye on the reactions of +his engineer. + Scotty and Spock continued to evaluate and cross-check their data. +Eventually the two officers were satisfied. Spock made their report, +via the communications panel. + "It appears that the sensors are in order, Captain, however, our data +is still unusually equivocal. With that in mind, we cannot identify +any indications of weapons or hostile intent in the group preparing to +come aboard." + Kirk frowned and turned to Chekov. + "How about it, Pavel?" + The Russian shook his head. "In this case, vhat ve don't know +certainly can hurt us, Kepten. Still...it's not as if ve have a good 'B' +plan, sair," he said wryly. "I say ve do it. Let them in." + Scotty chimed in with a final report. "They're right outside the door, +Captain. Still no sign of weapons or hostile intent." + Kirk turned to McCoy with a wordless question. The doctor shrugged. + "Speaking for myself," McCoy announced, "I just have to know." + Kirk looked hard at the airlock hatch, then at his assembled officers. +He made his decision. + "Open the hatch," he commanded. + The airlock slid open with a soft hissss, as the atmospheric pressures +equalized. + + The aliens erupted from the airlock in an explosion of noise, color +and light. In that instant of sharp tension and crisis, born of the +chaos of the alien party's boarding, Chekov's Security team evaluated +the confusion, making split-second judgments of whether the activity +was hostile or harmless. They hesitated, holding their fire, +tempering their reactions according to their training and Chekov's +lead. A moment later it became apparent that their restraint had +been well-judged: as the first rush subsided, they became aware of a +babble of giggling and laughter swirling around them, coming from +the aliens who darted between the bewildered members of the crew. + Confusion reigned. + The Security men looked at Chekov helplessly as the aliens milled +among them. It was like no boarding party anyone had ever seen. +Chekov signalled his team to continue their restraint, and turned to +Kirk with a look that plainly said, "_What else can we do_?" + Kirk nodded to Chekov that he understood and approved of +Security's response, and waited quietly for things to settle down. In +a few moments, their group of visitors was slightly more subdued, +and had gathered together in a little cluster on the opposite side of +the airlock hatch from where Kirk, Scotty, and McCoy stood watching +in amazement. + The visitors bobbed about to the accompaniment of a cheerful babble +of random vocalizations, which seemed to Kirk to be somewhere +between a gargle and a yodel. He assumed it was laughter. He +hoped it wasn't their language--it was an incredibly foolish-sounding +noise. + "If turkeys were humanoid," Kirk thought, "they'd sound just +like that." + The three senior officers exchanged bemused looks. Whatever they +had been expecting, it hadn't been this. + Their visitors were humanoid bipeds. They were all dark, but there +were subtle differences in the coloring of their hair and skin-tones, +and no single body-type seemed to predominate. Their facial +characteristics seemed most consistent with what had once been +called a 'mixed-racial type' on Earth. Overall, their appearance gave +the impression of blended diversity. + They were undeniably attractive, Kirk decided, but their two most +remarkable characteristics were their completely playful, utterly +undisciplined demeanor, and the distinct impression that they +glittered. From head to foot...all over...even their hair...even their... + They were all wearing loose, semi-transparent, diaphanous clothing. +They weren't naked--exactly--but the attire made it clear that they +certainly weren't hiding any weapons on their persons, either. + Now that the visitors were all more or less in one place, Kirk could +see that there were actually 8 humanoids in the group. They +spanned a full range of ages, from a babe in arms, to young children +who appeared to be about 8 or 9, to adults, to a single, quite elderly +man. They were all touching in some way, Kirk observed, with the +adults, in particular, running their fingers through the curly hair of +the children and the old man. All were clearly excited, and +thoroughly enjoying themselves. If they gave any indication of +concern or discomfort, it was the slight indication that they found the +reduced heat of the ship a bit brisk in their light attire. Otherwise, +they appeared to have not a care in the world. + Kirk frowned, annoyed that anyone would take the desperate +situation of his ship and crew so lightly. He spoke tersely into the +com-link to the bridge. + "Spock, get down here," he growled, irritation in his voice. He looked +at McCoy in disgust. "What the hell is this?," he muttered to the +doctor out of the corner of his mouth. "A family outing?" + McCoy gave a disbelieving shake of his head in response, and began +his medical scans. Scotty folded his arms across his chest, and gave +the little group of visitors a long, hard, glare. + Kirk stepped forward, trying to guess who, if anyone, was in charge. +As he moved past the open airlock, Kirk caught a sudden flash of +light and rapid movement out of the corner of his eye. He began to +turn toward it, and, in the instant before their collision, found +himself looking at a late arrival. The latecomer bounded out of the +umbilical, straight into the arms of Captain James T. Kirk. + Kirk struggled to restrain his irritation at the giggling being who was +falling all over him, as well as to keep them both from losing their +balance completely. It was a female. At their present degree of +proximity, (as Spock would say), and given where Kirk found his +hands, (which McCoy was surely noticing), there was no mistaking +the being's gender. Kirk couldn't help but be acutely aware of the +soft curves of her body as he involuntarily held her close. She +seemed young and blossoming, to his experienced touch, and +although he was aware of desire, his primary reaction was one of +awkwardness and annoyance. + She apparently found their situation hilarious. He began untangling +himself from her immediately. This was not the time for a tumble +with one of the local spaceheads! + He caught his balance, got a good grip on her arms, and held her +steady in front of him, determined to hold her at arms' length until +she had gained the small degree of restraint that apparently passed +for composure among these people. As their balance stabilized, he +reconsidered the situation. It was an opportunity to study one of +the aliens up close. He decided he may as well take advantage of it. + He looked at the female in his outstretched arms. There was time for +only a quick, fleeting impression of her before his eyes were hit by +another burst of dazzlingly bright light. He blinked hard and quickly +looked away, averting his eyes until the spots had cleared from his +field of vision. When he looked back at her again, he did so carefully, +giving his sight time to adjust. + She was young, he decided, appearing to be just at the verge of +adulthood, but she was almost his height. + He was taken aback by her eyes. They were unfocused, with only +the vaguest suggestion of a pupil and an iris which reminded him of +fractured crystals. The iris changed color as he watched, +accompanied by the sound of the female's soft laughter. The lack of +focus in her eyes disturbed him, and despite everything that had +happened, and all he observed of her reactions, he had the strangest +sense that he had not fully engaged her awareness or attention. + He expanded his consideration of her to the rest of her face and head. + Her features were intriguing. Like the others, her facial +characteristics and coloring suggested a mixture of those found in all +the races of Earth. However, in her, the combinations were not +simply attractive, but beautiful, and exotic. She had deep, richly +colored brown skin, and something in it reflected points of light, as +if it had been impregnated with tiny bits of mica. In fact, he noted, +everything about her seemed to glitter, from the top of her curly, +mahogany hair, to the strange covering she wore. + He had to look at her body carefully, protecting his eyes from the +unpredictable bursts of light that could flash from her at any +moment. As he continued his evaluation, he became aware that +alone, of all her group, she did not wear the light attire of the others. +The young woman in his arms wore something made up of a net of +some kind of small, hard objects, sensors perhaps, that sparkled in +impossibly rich patterns. It was the net which apparently emitted +the almost strobe-like flashes that came from her body when he +tried to look at her too closely. As the moments passed, the pulses of +light became less intense and less frequent, and Kirk was finally able +to risk a more careful observation of her garment. + It was stunning. It reminded him of a web of gems, in which each +jewel's facets reflected the brilliance of all the others. It danced +before Kirk's eyes in a mesmerizing display. + Kirk released her, and turned to the business at hand, intent on +salvaging the situation and saving his crew. He moved toward the +gurgling little group which still stood beside the airlock hatch, +lightheartedly watching him deal with the young female. Kirk asked +himself whom he should address, particularly since no one appeared +to be in charge. He considered the adults carefully. + The assembled aliens seemed in high spirits as they watched his +approach. They giggled even more among themselves as he +prepared to speak. + It was not an encouraging sign. Kirk frowned, and found himself +becoming nervous. He decided to direct his remarks toward the old +man. He collected his thoughts and prepared to speak. + The frisky young female was back after his attention in an instant. +She darted up to his side, clearly attempting to engage him in more +playful antics. Kirk reacted unfavorably to the distraction, frustrated +by the lack of perception of his shipUs situation in her vague, +unfocused eyes. He put out his hand to hold her away as he +continued to approach the others. + She took hold of him in an instant, with an outrageously playful +shriek. Kirk pulled away in annoyance. The young woman and the +others responded with delighted surprise. A broad smile joyously +filled her face, and Kirk found himself wondering how anyone so, so +_vague_ could be so persistent. + She was a pain in the neck. + She could also be indirectly dangerous, he reminded himself. If he +indulged his growing desire to put her in her place and get her out of +his hair, he might offend these people--perhaps irretrievably. They +weren't any of them restrained, professional-looking, Vulcan types, +he noticed. Perhaps this was in the range of acceptable behavior +here. + Kirk gritted his teeth and resolved to be patient with her. He +maneuvered her off to one side. + "I am Captain James T. Kirk," he announced formally, to the huddled +little group. + They grinned back at him cheerily, their blithesome smiles on their +faces with the vague, unfocused eyes. Kirk's frown got bigger, and he +went on. + "We have been diverted here by an unknown force..." + The sprightly young woman gave a mischievous chortle, and jumped +in front of Kirk. She was even more vivacious than she had been just +a moment before. The action provoked a titter among the little +group Kirk was trying to address. + "_I do not need a cheerleader right now_," Kirk thought in irritation. +He tried to step past her, but she remained in his way, much to the +amusement of her friends. Kirk set his jaw and decided to try to talk +around her. + "We have sustained severe damage and loss of life..." + The little group of sparkling aliens continued to chirrup merrily as +Kirk bobbed about, trying to convey his ship's desperate situation +and engage their compassion, while simultaneously trying to talk +around the young female in his path. + "... I'm speaking to you on behalf of my crew. This ship can not +sustain their lives much longer. We are in dire need of landing +privileges on your world," he pleaded. + _What was wrong with these people? Surely they must realize the +implications of the condition Enterprise was in. What was going on?_ + "We ask your permission to enter your world. We will not set foot +there against your will," Kirk assured them, "but without your +permission to settle on your world...," he stopped trying to talk +around the young woman, grasped her firmly at the waist, and lifted +her bodily to one side as she gave a "Whoop!" of excitement, "...this +entire crew will surely die," he announced grimly, spelling it out for +them. "We need your help," he pleaded. + The aliens seemed entirely absorbed by his actions with the young +woman, their high-spirited hilarity bizarrely out of place in the +context of Kirk's impassioned pleas. The Captain was stunned. He +paused in bewilderment, then turned to the others. They were +equally aghast. + Kirk turned to Uhura, who stood near Pavarti watching the scene in +open amazement. + "Uhura, do these people have a clue what I'm saying?," he asked her +in unbelieving frustration. + "I don't know, Captain. My tricorder shows that the Universal +Translator is fully operational. But even if it wasn't," she replied in +bewilderment, "anybody should be able to just, well, look at our +situation and see what's going on!" Uhura shook her head as she +moved to the equipment at Scotty's station. "This kind of reaction +and behavior is not normal for humanoids. I have a feeling we're +dealing with a lot more than incompatible hardware..." + She began punching up information to run a complete check of the +Translator's operation. + "Bones!," Kirk demanded. "These people have ears. Do your scans +show they're working?" + "Absolutely, Jim. The stuff I'm getting is still weirdly distorted, but I +feel pretty comfortable on that question." + "Captain!," Uhura interrupted from where she stood, reviewing her +first test program. "We have a big problem, Captain," she pointed to +her displays worriedly. + Kirk could see something of the screen. While his knowledge of the +system was basic, he needed no help to know he was looking at the +Universal Translator, Trouble-Shooting program. There, flashing +across the screen in clear, bright letters, was the almost-never-seen +phrase, *CALL OPERATOR,* the automated equipment's distress signal +that it was entirely unable to independently deal with a particular +form of communication. + Kirk shook off the latest attention from the glittering young alien, +and moved up to Uhura in concern. + "What does it mean, Uhura?," he asked, noticing that the little female +had followed him like an over-eager puppy. "Can you fix it?" + "I'm not sure it means there's anything broken, Captain. I'll do my +best, sir, but if this is linked to their behavior in some way..." She +sighed, and knitted her brow. "...I think we have a big problem, here, +Captain. Dr. McCoy, I'm going to need some medical information if +I'm gonna have a prayer of sorting this out." + McCoy nodded his understanding. He turned back toward the +huddled group by the airlock. + "Damn! They're too close together or something. I don't seem to get +individual readings on them." Uhura looked up from her work at his +remark. "They don't read as a group consciousness, but nothing's +consistent with them being fully individual organisms, either. They +seem separate...and yet connected in some way. Maybe it's the way +they touch each other... I don't know," McCoy muttered,as he held +his scanner before the huddled group of aliens, "I need some good +individual results, and they're all practically intertwined over +there..." + Kirk started to dodge the animated female in the jeweled sensor net +yet another time, then stopped. He called to McCoy. + "I think I know where you can find a 'single' for your readings, +doctor," Kirk remarked with wry annoyance. He nodded toward the +girl. "I'll keep her busy while you scan." + Kirk turned the young lady toward him, and focused his attention on +her with a big smile, much to her obvious delight. McCoy began his +scans. It was easy to keep her occupied, Kirk thought. All he had to +do was act completely interested in her, and... + She spun about in excitement, her attention obviously diverted from +Kirk by the doctor's actions as he made his medical scans. She +bounced about before McCoy in her usual frolicsome manner. McCoy +smiled sweetly and held up his medical scanner, continuing his +work. + The girl giggled merrily, reached out, and took McCoy's scanner. + "You're welcome," McCoy remarked, as he watched the little alien +hold the object up before her vague eyes. "Uhura, did we download a +complete set of data, or do I need to wrestle this little lady to get +that back?" + Uhura checked the display. "Your data on her is unintelligible-- +completely distorted. It looks like we can sort out the scan from the +group, doctor, but I'm going to need you to interpret it." + McCoy moved quickly to Uhura, as Spock arrived from the bridge +and stepped calmly, but briskly into the airlock's receiving area. +Kirk attempted to move toward the Vulcan, only to find that the +pretty, young alien female was still following his every move, with +her usual playful eagerness. + Spock noticed the young woman. Her appearance. Her attire. Her +attachment to Kirk. + Both eyebrows went up, and the Vulcan's face took on a look that +clearly communicated his suspicions. + Kirk practically exploded from barely contained exasperation. + "Ignore her," he ordered Spock. "They can't understand us anyway." + Spock looked a bit speculative, but remained silent. Kirk found the +silence that followed more embarrassing than Spock's usual remarks. + "Do you know the situation here since you left the bridge? Let me +fill you in," Kirk volunteered. + Before Spock could decline the offer, the Captain relayed the strange +developments with the boarding party to the Vulcan, as efficiently as +he could. It wasn't the easiest conversation Kirk had ever had with +his Science officer. The little female continued cozying up to Kirk +throughout the process. + The human did his best to avoid her, without being rude. She took +his actions in stride, laughing softly at Kirk's efforts to deflect her +attentions, and adjusting easily to the presence of his Vulcan friend. +She seemed to take no notice of the fact that, unlike the rest of the +Enterprise crew she had encountered thus far, Spock was different. +Not human. + Uhura and McCoy were huddled in intense discussions at Scotty's +workstation, which they had essentially taken over. The Scot stood +to one side, listening silently. He still appeared coolly reserved, if not +actually hostile, as he watched events unfold around him. + Kirk moved to the station with Spock. The little alien tagged along +beside him. + "Do you have an answer?," Kirk asked McCoy and Uhura, brusquely. + "Well," McCoy announced, "the short answer is that we have a huge, +perhaps insurmountable, communications problem, here, Jim. The +longer answer is the reason why we believe the short answer. I +think the fastest way to explain it is for Uhura to explain how the +Universal Translator operates in the first place." + Kirk interrupted with a wave of his hand. + "That's pretty basic stuff, doctor. I think we can assume we all know +about Rhoandan's Universal Constant." + Kirk referred to Rhoandan's simple, but profound insight, which had +led to the development of the Universal Translator and the ability to +establish inter-species contact. Rhoandan was credited with the +fundamental realization that the perceptual/cognitive systems of all +conscious beings operating in so-called 'normal' space-time, are +organized on the basis of polarity, that is, the ability to draw of +distinctions between pairs of opposites, in the field of time. + Using her knowledge of how specific species processed and organized +information, and comparing that to their brainwave scans, Rhoandan +had discovered that brainwave patterns were pointers which, when +properly analyzed, revealed a species' specific conceptual framework +and allowed the generation of equivalent frames of reference +between two groups. + Once Starfleet had that information, it had been relatively simple to +construct the Universal Translator. The beauty of the system was +that the more contact they had with other life-forms, the more +brainwave patterns were available for the equipment to +automatically identify as similar to a new species', and draw on by +analogy. The steady expansion of Starfleet's brainwave and cultural +data bases, and the refinement of the technology that scanned and +processed the brainwaves, was what was eroding the need for +Uhura's job. + Like everyone else in the fleet, Kirk took it as axiomatic that any life- +form that was operating in "real world time" was using a conceptual +framework that was based on duality and the ability to perceive +differences. Even the highly evolved or non-corporeal beings they +encountered used a dualistic system, or accessed the memory of a +previously used and now "outgrown" dualistic system, whenever the +species chose to operate in the "here and now." + The Universal Constant was just that: universal and constant as to all +conscious life operating in normal space and time. Establishing +communication with a new species was simply a matter of plugging +into the right framework in the system. Kirk waited impatiently to +find out the source of the difficulty in establishing contact with this +race of beings. + "What is it?," Kirk demanded. "Weren't you able to get a clear +brainwave scan for analysis?" + Uhura shook her head. + "That's not the problem, Captain. I wish it that simple, but the data +says it's not. In fact," she hesitated, as if unwilling to believe her +own report, "the data suggests that Rhoandan's Universal Constant is +not applicable to this race." + Kirk's surprise was immediately followed by disbelief. Spock's +reaction was more subdued, but the Vulcan was clearly intrigued by +the suggestion. + "That is an astonishing claim, Cmdr. Uhura. If you are correct, this +would be the first humanoid species for whom the polarity constant +did not apply. Indeed, this would be the first corporeal species of +any type for whom this would be the case. I would like to hear the +evidence supporting your hypothesis." + Uhura and McCoy had suspected that this request was coming. They +exchanged glances to see who would go first. McCoy took the bait. + "There are a host of things that support the conclusion that these +people don't operate out of even a remotely similar system, and +some of them are observations that are immediately apparent to all +of us, Jim," McCoy began. "First, there's the fact that although these +beings are biologically very similar to humans, and appear capable of +hearing in all our normal ranges, they aren't responding to our audio +communication at all. Second, they aren't responding to what should +be readily apparent from their own observations, without need of +any interpretation from us. The condition of the ship for example. +How we must feel about it." + McCoy paused. Kirk nodded, indicating he understood and agreed +with the observations. + "They aren't responding to anything in this contact the way we +would expect a humanoid species to respond," McCoy continued, "and +their reactions are especially odd when you consider that we're +biologically similar creatures in what is obviously a life and death +situation. We might expect that these people could be hostile to us. +They might be indifferent. They might be concerned, or fearful. But +_comedy_ is not an anticipated humanoid response to our situation." + "Understood, and agreed," Kirk acknowledged impatiently. He +wanted McCoy to move along. He knew he needed complete +information if they were going to be able to figure out a solution, but +he resented the time it was taking to convey it. + Uhura stepped into the discussion quickly. + "In addition to those readily observable behaviors, my analysis and +observations specifically related to the communications specialty are +strongly indicative of three conclusions." + Uhura took a deep breath before she went on. + "My data indicates that these beings have no language and no +linguistic system, verbal or otherwise. Also," she said firmly, in her +clear voice, "there are no indications of metaphoric behaviors or +representational systems. Third," she continued, knowing from the +look on Kirk's face that she would have to go back and explain the +second point, "the brainwave analysis from the translator showed no +recognizable pattern from any species we've encountered, including +the Medusans and the Organians. There are fragmentary similarities +to other species, including humans, but in the context of the first two +problems, they're entirely inadequate to generate any meaningful +dialogue between us. + "In short," she concluded, "we aren't communicating because the +equipment can't decipher their conceptual framework. These beings +operate from a system thatUs so alien, Captain, we can't get the +common frame of reference that's necessary to understand each +other." + Kirk held up his hand for her to stop. + "Wait a minute, Commander. Correct me if I'm wrong, but the +Universal Translator's brainwave analysis works because all +conscious life, regardless of its biology, relies on perceptual systems +that are organized around Rhoandan's Constant, isn't that right?" + Spock looked up from his own review of the data and intervened. + "You are correct, Captain. It is a universal constant that all +intelligent, conscious life-forms that have primary existence in our +continuum of space-time, regardless of other biological differences, +utilize conceptual systems that are based upon drawing distinctions +between pairs of opposites, in the field of time. It has been +definitional that all such consciousness is based on the perception of +duality, that is, the ability to perceive differences. The Universal +Translator brainwave analysis is based on that constant. It is the +key insight which has allowed us to communicate with other life- +forms with such a high degree of success." + "...And brainwave analysis should be able to pick up some +fundamentally similar patterns that are based on that constant," Kirk +concluded. He turned back towards the woman who was telling him +what he didn't want to hear. + "This has to be a problem with your equipment, Uhura, some kind of +damage that isn't immediately apparent. I mean, let's face it," he +insisted, "this equipment has operated successfully with life-forms +far more alien than these. I'm willing to concede the possibility that +the brainwave constant may not apply to all races at all times, such +as non-corporeal, multi-dimentional beings, for example. What I'm +not willing to agree with, is that the system collapses when we're +dealing with a humanoid species." Kirk was obviously very close to +ordering them to establish communications, and not taking 'no' for an +answer. + "Captain," Uhura said wearily, "the evidence is overwhelming that +these beings are not using a recognizable conceptual system." + "Perhaps I can assist in clarifying the implications of Cmdr. Uhura's +observations, Captain," Spock interceded. Kirk indicated Spock +should go on. The Vulcan's voice was calm and soothing. + "The humanoid conscious mind is an analog of what is sometimes +called the 'real world.' It is built up with vocabulary or a lexical field +whose terms are all metaphors, or analogs of behavior which is found +in the physical world. Its reality is on the same order as +mathematics." + Spock continued, expertly explaining the basis of Uhura's conclusions, +knowing that his relationship with Jim Kirk would generate the +patience and willingness to listen that the human Captain would need +to understand the situation. + "In such a system," Spock continued, "to understand a 'new' thing is +to arrive at a metaphor for that thing by substituting a reference to +something more familiar. The feeling of familiarity is experienced as +understanding." + A natural teacher, Spock continued drawing the connections Kirk +needed, in steady, even tones. + "The use of metaphor is inherent and pervasive in such a conceptual +system, Captain, and metaphors are based on the ability to perceive +similarities and distinctions. In addition, language and linguistic +systems are themselves based on metaphor. Your words for 'I am' +and 'to be', for example, and the concepts they represent, may be +traced back to terms which originally meant 'it breathes' or 'it grows'. +While the relationship is hidden, even the most basic terms of your +language, express concepts which are derived from analogies-- +metaphors--drawn from behavior found in the physical world." + Kirk was listening now, in spite of himself. + "In this context, Captain, the absence of a linguistic and metaphoric +system is extremely significant. Not only does it render us unlikely +to be able to establish a basis of communication with these beings, +consciousness, everywhere, and in every species we have +encountered, has been a function of lexical metaphor. The absence of +these factors is strongly indicative of a species which is not conscious, +at least not as we understand that term. + "Furthermore, if I understand the implications of what I am seeing +in Dr. McCoy's medical report correctly, the most likely explanation for +our inability to communicate, and their apparent oblivion to our dire +situation, is that they do not, in fact, perceive it; that they are +not operating with a perception of duality, and that they cannot draw +distinctions between things we would experience as obviously different." + "Such as life and death, for example?," Kirk asked Spock, sarcastically. + "Such as life and death, Captain. The distinction does not appear to +be part of their conscious experience," Spock affirmed. + Kirk didn't know how to take that. + "How could life possibly exist in that situation?," Kirk demanded +testily, unwilling to believe what the others seemed to be saying. + "Well," McCoy offered, "our biological scans offer some clues, Jim. +Their physiology is amazingly similar to ours in many respects, but +there's one really remarkable difference--their reticular formation is +incredible." + "What the hell is that, doctor?" + "The reticular formation is made up of tiny internuncial neurons. It's +primarily located at the top of the spinal cord, and runs through the +brainstem, up into the thalmus and hypothalmus. It has multiple +direct lines to all major areas of the cortex. That much is true for +both our species, but in their case, this system is over 1700 times as +active as ours. Their system not only extends down the spinal cord, +like ours, it's profoundly tied into their peripheral sensory and motor +systems--even their hair! In fact, as best I can determine, it's the +activity of this system that makes them 'sparkle'." + Kirk knew enough human biology to recognize some of what McCoy +was describing. + "Isn't the reticular formation the place in the brain where anesthesia +produces its effect?," he asked. + "That's right," McCoy agreed. "In most humanoid species with this +feature, the system operates to sensitize or awaken certain selected +circuits in the nervous system, and desensitize others. It's involved +in dreaming, and if you stimulate it, you'll wake up a sleeping +animal," McCoy explained. "Cutting it produces permanent sleep and +coma." + "Fascinating, doctor. How does all this help us?" + McCoy sighed. "It's useful from the standpoint that it's some clue as +to why these beings might be built like us, yet perceive things in a +radically different way. This formation profoundly influences the +operation of the sensory and motor systems, and it grades the +activity of other areas of the brain. It's very responsive to changes +in its neurochemistry, and they have some differences in that which +might be significant. At this point, all I can say with certainty is that +what I've observed in the activity and development of their reticular +system could be significant enough to account for major differences +in how they experience reality, Jim." + McCoy searched for the words that would make his opinions clear. + "In other words, Jim, I think these people have such highly +developed sensory systems that they probably have no clear +experience of 'self' and 'other'. They can get that much more +information from their nervous system about their environment. +And, Jim, since--in humans--this is one of the oldest areas of the +brain, it's entirely possible that they've always been this way." + "And if that's the case," Kirk reluctantly concluded, acknowledging +the others' train of thought now, "they may not have an experience +of life based on the perception of differences or opposites." + "That's essentially it," Uhura agreed. + "What the hell do you think they do have as the basis of their +experience?," Kirk demanded. + The others exchanged glances. + "Something based on unities...a sense or feeling of...oneness, I guess," +Uhura offered, hesitantly. "You see, sir, this is the problem. We +can't really imagine what their conceptual system is, or how it +operates." + "_So how the hell do we establish a common frame of reference for +communication?_," Kirk asked himself, as he turned away, angrily. +He was not going to accept the idea that the situation was impossible. +His face set grimly as he glanced around the room, looking for some +option. + His gaze fell on Pavarti, who stood nervously and insecurely off in a +corner. +"_What the hell is he doing here?_," Kirk wondered. Then he +remembered: Pavarti was highly intuitive. Like Uhura. Like Kirk. + He'd ordered Pavarti down there because the most intuitive humans +among the crew had seemed to be reacting to something while +Enterprise was trying to establish contact with the alien vessel. + Kirk stared hard at Pavarti. The young officer shifted self- +consciously, and began to sweat. + They'd all picked up the same odd, seemingly meaningless words, +Kirk thought. Words like 'play,' and 'fun.' Kirk glanced at where the +alien group stood amusing themselves, completely oblivious to how +foolish they appeared to the Starfleet personnel. + He'd had the desire to giggle, Kirk reminded himself, turning to look +at the young woman who still stood cooing at his side. + He turned back toward Pavarti, an expression of intense concentration +on his face. The Ensign squirmed. + "_Maybe we're going about this all wrong_," Kirk thought. Maybe +there was an answer, but it wasn't going to be gained from sticking +with the usual, dignified forms. They had a crude sort of minimal +contact established through the humans' intuition. Kirk had gotten +the aliens aboard the ship by his willingness to follow his instinct to +'play' outside, in the shuttle. Maybe there were some possibilities +after all. + Maybe what they needed was to access some other "Universal +Constant," besides the duality principle, Kirk said to himself. + The little alien took his hand and smiled at him, in her pleasant, +unfocused way. She still wanted attention, Kirk noted, distractedly. +He was no longer annoyed. His mind was absorbed in finding the +solution to this puzzle. + What was the other Universal Constant of their Starfleet experience? + The young female ran her fingers playfully across Kirk's hair, +drawing her fingertips along his temples, and lightly over his +cheekbones, to the tip of his nose, and then, with a giggle, down to +his lips. + Kirk did his best to ignore her, and the sensations brought +up by her actions. He forced his mind to recall anything he had ever +read about consciousness and conceptual systems. The small amount +of contact they had established through intuition showed there was +some overlap in their conceptual circles, however small and +subconscious it might be... + "That's it!," Kirk announced to the startled officers. "Uhura, I want +you to rig the Translator so it is operating entirely out of our +subconscious. Get rid of every vestige of our conscious framework +that you can..." + The others were shaking their heads. + "You don't know what you're asking, Captain..." + "Jim, it won't work..." + Kirk closed on them quickly, determinedly. + "I don't want to hear it," he barked. "You say these people can't +experience differences, that they operate from a sense of...of +oneness? Fine! The human subconscious senses underlying +unities, does it not?" + "But it can't work, Captain! We experience it by metaphor--and they +don't have metaphors for us to decipher and link up with..." + "Uhura!" Kirk cut her off. "This is an order. You take that +Translator, and you do whatever you have to do to put these people +in direct communication with our subconscious!" + Kirk turned to stride away. The little alien was still in his path. He +started to avoid her, then changed his mind. + "_Screw it_," he thought. "I may as well try stuff out on this one!" + He resigned himself to the young lady's attentions, and waited for +Uhura to finish with the equipment. + + (To be continued...) + +Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative +Path: moe.ksu.ksu.edu!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!rpi!usenet.coe.montana.edu!nntp.uoregon.edu!cie.uoregon.edu!eisimps +From: eisimps@cie.uoregon.edu (Eileen Simpson) +Subject: The Great American Star Trek Novel, Ch. 6 +Message-ID: <1992Aug29.050733.4376@nntp.uoregon.edu> +Summary: Revenge of the Feminist Trekkies +Sender: news@nntp.uoregon.edu +Organization: University of Oregon Campus Information Exchange +Date: Sat, 29 Aug 92 05:07:33 GMT +Lines: 861 + + +(Our story continues...) + + THE GREAT AMERICAN STAR TREK NOVEL + "Where No *Man* Has Gone Before" + + CHAPTER SIX + + "If I can do this," Uhura muttered as she struggled with the +equipment that now ringed the small workstation, "I can do +anything. I mean it, Scotty," she snarled, "if I can get communication +going between _these_ two groups, I'm gonna go bring peace to +Northern Ireland." + "There is peace in Northern Ireland, lass," he said quietly, as he +helped her wrestle a connector into place. "But why don't you try +something a little less touchy. Like the Captain's relationship with +certain Klingons?" + Uhura glared at her friend. + "The way I feel about our illustrious Captain right now, I would love +to give him to those Klingons! With a few suggestions of things they +might want to do to him--as a personal favor to me!" + Scotty gave her a small, tired laugh of sympathy. + "Well, just stay with it, lass. You do this, and you get to be the new +miracle worker on the ship. I've put the title up for grabs," the Scot +said sadly. + Uhura's heart ached. Scotty needed help. She meant to be sure that +he got it. + At long last she was ready--at least as ready as she'd ever be. She +called the others over to the station. + "This is going to be slow," she announced, "and it's going to be +cumbersome. I've tied into every memory bank in the main +computer, and it'll be accessing anything in memory that seems +even remotely related to any prior forms of recognizable +communication it's picked up. It's not going to produce anything +close to a precise translation, and I'm probably gonna have to do a lot +of manual analysis of anything that does come out, but that's the best +I can do." + "_And if it works, it'll be a miracle_," she thought testily, as she took +her place at the computer station she'd established. + "I'm certain that if it's your best work, it will be enough," Kirk +offered sincerely. + "_Lizard_," thought Uhura, as she put on her audio monitor. + There was a moment of uncertainty, as everyone wondered, "Now, +what?" What, exactly, did they do to use the system? Talk? They +decided to try everything--verbal and nonverbal communication--at +once. + "We want to get off this ship, and down on the surface," Kirk +reminded his party. "Let's try everyone thinking and feeling about +that, while I talk to our little friend here." He indicated the young, +ever-playful, ever-attentive female. + The others nodded. No one had a better idea. They cleared their +minds, and thought about being able to leave the ship, of going down +to the planet's surface, of being together with the aliens on their +world. Uhura had a quick conversation with Pavarti. At her +suggestion, the two of them concentrated on only the last piece of the +survival plan--of being together with the aliens. + Kirk stepped up to the pretty little female who had followed him so +persistently. His enormous experience with his persuasive powers +with women immediately moved into play. He trusted his technique. + He stood before her, and gently took hold of her upper arms. She +made a silly-sounding titter in response. He tried to look deeply and +soulfully into her eyes--her vacant, unfocused, unnerving eyes. He +recovered his concentration, and talked impassionedly, from his +heart. He gazed compellingly at the beautiful, budding young +woman, and spoke earnestly of his needs for his ship and crew. + "We need you," he told her, honestly and dramatically. He pulled her +closer. + "We need your help," he pleaded, as he held her in his arms. "We +need to be able to go with you, be with you." Kirk spoke to her +softly, with his feelings completely engaged as he spoke. As he +talked to the young woman, she seemed more relaxed. He had the +feeling she was being affected by their interaction. He couldn't help +but notice her more, himself. Her physical charms were obvious. +She was so young. So beautiful. So close. + The sexual energy between them was incredible. + "_Wow_!," Pavarti thought, thoroughly impressed by the rhythms of +the exchange he was watching. He was absorbed in his fascination +with Kirk's sophisticated technique. He resolved he'd make Captain. +His mind began to wander. "_Talk about suave_!," Pavarti noted in +admiration. As he watched his Captain handle the lovely girl with +such a warm, friendly giggle, Pavarti began to consider the +possibilities of _really_ connecting with these other beings. + The group of aliens stopped entertaining themselves, and began +watching the exchange between Kirk and the young female. They +showed a playful, friendly curiosity in what was going on. They +began to move closer. + "**Intimate**," came a soft, feminine voice from the computer, so quietly +that only Uhura could hear. "**Very intimate**." + "_My gosh, it's working!_," Uhura thought. She was quickly absorbed +in handling her equipment. + Kirk continued to gaze soulfully at the little female in his arms. She +became quiet, almost submissively vulnerable, as he held her. + "We need to be able to be with you," he told her softly. "We need to +know what we have to do for that to happen. Can you tell us?," he +asked her, gently. + There was a long silence. Kirk repeated his request several times, +varying his voice, staying soft, staying caring. Being, inevitably, +seductive. + "**Intimate. Very intimate**," the voice said again, quite clearly, in a +volume everyone could hear. This time, after a moment, the voice +continued. "**Know all...completely...very intimate. Joined...together. +Come. Come.**" + "_What the heck is this?_", Uhura wondered. "_Where's this coming +from?_" She felt confused, then quickly became suspicious. She +looked up from her work, and noted the position of the Captain and +the alien girl. She checked the body-language of the males in +Starfleet's group. Her friends looked a little embarrassed by the +girl's remarks, but not surprised. + "_Great!_," Uhura thought. "_Welcome to the Starfleet subconscious_." + Kirk had suddenly become acutely aware of the other people in the +room. He had the feeling he could probably guess what the little +lady was trying to tell him. She needed to know this wasn't the time. + He couldn't just ignore her remarks, but what could he say? What if +his impressions were wrong? He tried to read confirmation of his +suspicion in the look on the girl's face. It was useless. Her facial +expression revealed nothing to him--he was stymied by the +blankness of her eyes. + As far as Kirk could tell, she most resembled a foolish, perpetually +cheerful, somewhat dim, over-active puppy. + Kirk decided to pass the buck. + "What do you make of that, Bones?," he asked crisply. + McCoy wasn't touching this one at all. He looked at Uhura and Scotty. +They weren't going near it either. + "I'm not sure," the doctor offered hesitantly. "What do you think, +Spock?" + The Vulcan appeared unaffected by the exchange. He was evaluating +the reactions of the other aliens in the room. They were moving +closer to the humans all the time, in a light-hearted, merry little +mob. + "Fascinating." Spock turned back toward Kirk. "I believe we have +been invited to join them. You have succeeded, Captain." + The others looked at Spock somewhat dubiously. + "You think so, Spock?," Kirk asked, uncertainly. "I don't know, it's +awfully ambiguous. I just don't feel sure..." + "You could attempt to clarify the situation nonverbally, Captain," +Spock offered. + Kirk looked openly skeptical of the suggestion. + "_I hope to be present for that occasion_," McCoy thought. + Kirk didn't know what to do. He let go of the girl's arms while he +thought things over. + The young alien raised her hands to his face, and gently touched her +fingers to the hair at the edge of Kirk's temples. Kirk was startled. +She laughed softly as he recovered, then moved her fingertips lightly +along his hairline and the edge of his face. + At his sideburns, she encountered the rough, prickly sensations of +his beard. It was her turn to be startled. She laughed in momentary +surprise, then continued her exploration of his cheeks and chin. She +seemed delighted. + Kirk did his best to control his embarrassment, and his reaction to +her touch. He didn't know where this was going, but it wasn't painful +to anything more than his dignity, and he supposed it might actually +help them get the permission they needed to disembark. He forced +himself to focus on the crew's need to evacuate to the surface of the +planet. + Her fingertips were brushing his lips. + "Do you understand what we need?," he asked her quietly, in a +whisper the others couldn't hear. All his compassion, hope, and +concern for his crew were in the simple inquiry. "Help us," he +begged her. + "**Home. Kamacara. Suttee.**" + Uhura began working intensely at the portable computer station, +running an analysis of the unknown terms. Kirk waited excitedly for +her report. It looked like now they were getting somewhere. + "It's not immediately clear what's intended by the use of the +particular words, 'kamacara' and 'suttee', sir," Uhura explained. +"There are a variety of cultural interpretations and meanings +suggested when they come up in combination." + "What do they mean separately, Uhura?," Kirk ordered. + "'Suttee' is Sanskrit, Captain. It's a form of the word, 'to be.' The +other word is a compound, also from Sanskrit. It means, 'to move +through the world at pleasure, or with pleasure.' The juxtaposition +can be tricky to interpret. I need to work on it a little longer." + Kirk signalled his approval with an inclination of his head. He +evaluated the words in his own mind, as the girl's hands tranced the +lines of his shoulders. + "Uhura," he asked, "is the 'kama' in that word the same 'kama' as in, +say, for example, 'kama sutra'?" + "Yes, Captain. 'Kama' is the term for the ancient Indian pleasure +principle," Uhura confirmed, then went back to her analysis. + Kirk raised his eyebrows. He looked at the little group of aliens. +They now stood quite close to him. They were still milling about, +laughing...and touching. It appeared to be an easy-going sensuality. + And those clothes! He turned back to the young woman. She ran her +fingertips lightly down his arms. + Kirk smiled. + "**Intimate. Joined. Very intimate. _Us_**." + Well, Kirk thought, he had never seen any indication that she was +shy. + "Captain!," Uhura called joyfully, and with wonder in her voice. "I +think Mr. Spock is right! We've done it!" Everyone in the room +turned toward her in relief. She went on. "It looks like these two +words are intended to convey a host of information, but all of it is +favorable! The reference to 'home' is obvious. The other words are +an invitation: 'to be home, moving through their world at pleasure'!" +Uhura was ecstatic. "We did it, sir." + The humans and aliens joined in a little dance of celebration. + "There's one thing more, though, Captain." Uhura came up and stood +beside Kirk before she went on, a little more discretely. Her manner +showed some concern about being overheard, but it was clear it +wasn't directed towards the aliens. + It was with the other Enterprise officers, all of whom were within +hearing distance of the Captain. Kirk raised his eyebrows in a sign of +inquiry, and, in his newly happy mood, gave Uhura a wave that +clearly said she shouldn't worry about the others, and should just tell +him whatever else he needed to know. + "That particular juxtaposition, Captain, also occurs in communications +with the Sa'o peoples of Archemedes III. The presence of the verb 'to be' +suggests an invitation that is dependent upon establishing a relationship. +Among the Sa'o, 'To be Kamacara' is to be bond-partnered in a highly +committed form of state marriage, dedicated to a high degree of intimacy +and to promoting the exchange of pleasure between two newly acquainted groups. +In the context of her attention to you, and her other remarks about a 'very +intimate joining', I think we're being told that such a relationship is +expected here, between the two of you." Uhura indicated the Captain +and the young, alien lady. + Everyone paused. Kirk stared at Uhura momentarily, then turned +away for a long, silent, moment. + "Now let me get this straight," he began, as he spun back toward her. +"We can go with them, to their home, down on their world," Uhura +nodded agreement, "but I need to agree to be in a...very +intimate...relationship...where I join with her...know her completely... +and promote pleasure. Is that it, Commander?" + "Promote pleasure among our peoples," Uhura clarified, as she +indicated her agreement with the rest of his remarks. + "Right. Right." Kirk acknowledged. "And I do that, by joining with +her," he gestured toward the little female who had pursued him +since their first encounter, "very intimately, and knowing her +completely." Once again, Uhura agreed. "And I have to do it," Kirk +emphasized, "or we can't evacuate the crew to the surface." + "That's how I see it, sir," Uhura acknowledged. + Kirk turned away again, and thought some more. The other human +males in the room stood gaping in open-mouthed amazement. + Kirk turned back around. "I'll do it," he said nobly. + Spock frowned. "Are you certain, Captain? I am aware of the +delicacy of our situation. Nevertheless, you should be certain of what +you are agreeing to do. Cmdr. Uhura's information is necessarily +imprecise in regards to the exact content of the relationship you are +accepting the responsibility to engage in. I have some familiarity +with the relationships of the Sa'o encompassed in the concept she is +describing. If this relationship is similar to those of the Sa'o, it would +create extraordinary difficulty for us if you were to contract such a +relationship and then find yourself unable or unwilling to perform." + Kirk recalled some stories about the Sa'o, himself. + "I don't think you need to be concerned with my ability to perform, +Spock," he said confidently. + Spock frowned again. "I am simply suggesting that you should +attempt to clarify the precise expectations of any relationship before +you agree to engage in it, Captain." Spock's voice sounded unusually +stiff. + The little alien female observed their exchange from where she now +stood, among her friends. The others of her group were running +their fingers lightly over her body and through her hair. They cooed +together in easy intimacy. She reached out and took Kirk's hand. + "**Joined. Together. Fun. Play. Come. Come.**" + Kirk laughed, a trifle self-consciously. + "I think you're just going to have to trust my human intuition that I +know what's called for, Spock." + Kirk took a last look at the playful little alien, who stood before him, +holding his hand. + "I accept," Kirk said simply. + + The little group of aliens seemed remarkably happy, Kirk thought. +But then, they always seemed remarkably happy, he remembered. They had +been happily chirping away when he was desperately trying to save his +crew, he reminded himself. Still, Kirk breathed in relief, it seemed to +have worked out amazingly well. + Not much had happened since his agreement of 10 minutes before to +become...what was it? Kama-something, ah!, bond-partner, to the +little female who had been pestering him since their first arrival. +Since then, Kirk had been allowing himself to be cosseted and petted +by the girl and her companions. Although it felt sensual, it wasn't +particularly embarrassing anymore, especially since the touching +wasn't occurring on any intimate body parts, or in an overtly sexual +manner. + It was simply inherently caring and intimate. + "Oh, well," he sighed. It wasn't the usual behavior a Starfleet +Captain wanted to engage in in front of his crew, but he was simply +going to have to learn to cope. That wasn't an entirely unpleasant +thought. The little female might be young, Kirk decided, but she was +clearly 'of age'. + True, she struck him as foolish, not to mention, somewhat vague and +dim, Kirk mused, but she appeared to have other...compensations...for +these deficiencies. If this relationship was at all like the stories he +had heard about the Sa'o, getting 'very intimately' 'joined' so he could +'know her completely' would be just the kind of diversion he needed +while he figured out how he was going to save the ship and get them +home. + In fact, the only thing that intruded on his enjoyment of the +attention he was receiving, and his anticipation of how he would +'help promote the exchange of pleasure among their peoples', were +his persistent, intense feelings of determination that he was going to +use this new relationship so they wouldn't be marooned, forever, +among these beings. Kirk was going to discover their secret and find +a way to save his ship and go home. He was convinced it was +possible. Why not? Every other 'impossibility' had been overcome. +Why not this one, too? + The Starfleet personnel in the original reception group remained at +their stations, observing the aliens' attention to their Captain. Kirk +couldn't help but notice a certain ambivalence and cool reserve in the +behavior of many of his officers. You would think they would be +pleased with their survival and his good fortune, Kirk thought. He +took their reactions as vague feelings of jealousy. It was beneath +them, Kirk felt. Especially, Spock. + Kirk was beginning to tire of the activity with the girl and her +friends. True, he hadn't done anything taxing, but they'd been +touching him for at least 15 minutes, now. Surely they realized that +there were other things he needed to do! The evacuation would be +an enormous task. And besides, where were these people going to +settle his crew? The experts' assessment of the probable culture of +beings such as these, indicated it was very unlikely that they had +any significant experience with or reliance on hierarchies, but Kirk +still found it hard to believe that this little group could simply plop +them down on the world below, without so much as a 'by-your-leave' +to anyone else about it. + What were they going to say about the Enterprise crew when they +got down there? Some sort of nonverbal equivalent of, "Hey, mom! +Look what I found out in space! Can I keep 'em?" + The touching stopped, and the aliens moved away. Kirk's human +officers noticed the activity, and revived from their boredom. They +waited for the next move. + The aliens tittered as the little female came forward and stood +directly in front of Kirk. She moved closer to him, and gently took +hold of his upper arms. She inclined her head slightly, and looked up +at his face, with a little giggle. Kirk could swear she was trying to +gaze into his eyes. + The feminine voice came softly from the computer. + "**Kamacara. Bond-partner. Intimate. Now.**" + Kirk felt nonplussed. McCoy raised his eyebrows, and shot a quick +glance at Scotty. _This_ was interesting. + Kirk hesitated. The aliens tittered again. The little female pulled +him closer, and continued to look up at Kirk with her vague eyes. + They were almost touching. Kirk found himself noticing the intensity +of their breathing, noticing the way her breasts moved as she +breathed, noticing her body so close to his. + The feminine voice from the computer spoke again. This time, more +insistently. + "**Bond-partner. Intimate. _Us_. Now.**" + Kirk's human subordinates avoided each others' eyes and looked at +the floor. Spock caught Kirk's eyes squarely, with just the slightest +hint of a dare in the Vulcan's manner. Kirk had to ignore the +suggestion of insubordination. He adopted his most authoritative, +Starfleet Captain pose. He did his best to appear casual, and yet in +command of the situation. Behind the facade, it was a different +story. + "_Here_?," he thought. His eyes furtively surveyed the reception area, +widening involuntarily as they encountered the area's tiny +worktable. "_She can't mean, here_?" + There was an extended silence. Kirk's subordinates waited for +instructions. By unspoken agreement, no one was going to bail Kirk +out of this one. They knew his embarrassment was worse than +theirs, and in an astonishing and unexpectedly unanimous reaction, +they were enjoying it. + "**Bond-partner. Very Intimate. Us. _Now_.**" + "_Well_," Kirk thought, "_apparently, she does mean here_." How long +had it been since heUd been "very intimate" on a starship worktable? + A _long_ time, he thought--and never in the line of duty. + And never with an audience. Some things, Jim Kirk was not into. He +couldn't do anything about her people, but he certainly could do +something about his. + "All right," he growled to the Enterprise contingent, as he stepped +back from the girl. "You heard the lady. Everybody out." + Kirk's eyes met Spock's defiantly, in a way that said, "I'm still in +charge, here." Spock raised his eyebrows in response. He turned to +leave with a sardonic expression on his supposedly poker-face. The +human officers avoided Kirk's eyes and each others' as they filed out +of the room. + Kirk's posture remained erect and commanding as he watched them +go. He was in control, it said. + And he was. When the others had disappeared from view, Kirk +turned to his bond-partner. He was ready for whatever they were +going to do next. + Except for that small part of him that was wondering how he was +gonna write the report on this one! + "With lots of details!," some other part of him answered. + The young woman stepped up to him, almost shyly. Kirk took her +hand. + + The Enterprise officers moved down the corridors until they were a +comfortable distance away from the receiving area. They stood +together in a group. Still not talking. Still not looking at one another. +Still not knowing what to say. + McCoy reminded himself that he had patients to check on, and +moved back up the corridor to have some privacy while he was +updated on their conditions. He stopped a discrete distance away +from the locations of both his fellow officers and the reception area. +The doctor signalled sick bay on a communicator, then waited while +they retrieved the information he required and set up a secure +channel to convey it. + From his position at a junction with one of the corridors they had just +travelled, McCoy could easily observe the senior officers he knew so +well. Spock seemed to be his usual, possibly deceased, Vulcan self. +But the others... + It was the doctor's first conscious awareness that the others were +very, very annoyed. Suddenly McCoy realized that he was, too. + "What the hell is this about?," he asked himself. He was surprised +to find that for him, it was about Jim Kirk. The discovery confused +him. It wasn't like Kirk had set this up to happen. Why should he be +so angry with Jim? + A short distance up the corridor from him, McCoy heard Pavel +Chekov uncharacteristically snap at one of his Security people. "_Now, +what in blazes should be eating Chekov?_," McCoy wondered. + Then it hit him: in the course of Chekov's Starfleet career, McCoy +had personally treated the man for the medical consequences of +being frozen, fried, tortured, radiated, over-sampled, brain-altered, +and dropped on his head. It had made Chekov a natural for a +position with Starfleet Security, but it had not been an easy career +for Pavel Illiyich Chekov. + In a sudden flash of insight, McCoy realized that whatever peace +Pavel had made with himself around these experiences, had +undoubtedly come from the knowledge that they had occurred in +service to the Federation and its peoples, in the course of significant +crises--sometimes crises of galactic importance. It was in the line of +duty. + McCoy considered the other senior officers who stood together in the +little group. They had all had similar experiences and feelings. It +came with the job. + Then he had it, the source of their unanimous, "unreasonable" anger +toward Jim Kirk. + To the best of McCoy's knowledge, James Tiberious Kirk was the only +officer in the fleet whose professional crises regularly required that +he get laid as part of the solution. It was a distinct discrepancy in +the quality of Kirk's crisis experiences, and those of the rest of their +Starfleet careers. Kirk's officers were fed up with it. + Flushed with this new awareness, McCoy bitterly recalled what +usually happened to him in the course of his professional crises. The +doctor readily concluded that he would immediately exchange any of +his experiences for the 'hazards' and possible embarrassment of +'very intimately' bond-partnering with some lovely, shimmering, +young thing! But, of course, he was not going to be able to do that, +McCoy recognized. Only _Kirk_ got to take those kinds of risks. + "For the sake of the crew, for God's sake!," McCoy fumed. + It wasn't fair! Why, if Kirk ever had to save the galaxy, he would get +to use his... + McCoy noticed a figure signalling him from a junction down the +corridor that led directly to the reception area. It was Kirk, waving +to attract McCoy's attention. + "_Whatever he needs, I don't want to hear about it_," McCoy thought. +The doctor ignored him. + Kirk's waves became more vigorous. "_He doesn't look like he's in +trouble," McCoy told himself. The doctor pretended to be absorbed in +working the communicator. + The Captain was looking frustrated. He seemed to be trying to figure +out a way to shout 'quietly' to get McCoy's attention. + "Bones! Bones!" Kirk's harsh whisper floated faintly to the doctor's +ears. + Finally, McCoy could no longer credibly pretend that he couldn't tell +his Captain was trying to get his attention. He slipped around the +corner and down to the junction where Kirk waited for him with impatience, but with obvious relief. + The Captain looked worried and confused, McCoy noticed as he +approached, but he didn't look scared. + Kirk checked around before he spoke, giving every impression that +he wanted to make certain they weren't overheard. + "_What's he worried about_?," McCoy wondered. "_It's not like the +aliens are gonna understand anything he says when he's away from +that contraption Uhura's rigged up_." + McCoy strode unsympathetically up to his Captain. + "What's the problem?," he asked Kirk briskly. + Kirk leaned forward cautiously, and whispered his concerns to his +friend. + "Bones," Kirk said in bewilderment, "I don't have a clue what I'm +supposed to be doing with that person!" + McCoy's face registered surprise, then wicked delight. To Kirk's +dismay, a gleeful grin quickly spread across the doctor's face. + "Another historic occasion!," McCoy announced with a cackle. "But +don't worry, Jim. You've come to the right place for help!" + + Kirk quickly, and unamusedly, ordered McCoy to fetch Spock. + Watching the Vulcan approach him a few moments later, Kirk had an +even more intense sensation of embarrassment and nervousness: +Kirk could tell from his walk that Spock was going to be smug--as +only a Vulcan can be. + "Captain," Spock said casually, as he walked up to his old friend, "I +had not expected to see you so...soon." + Kirk decided to hide behind the authority of his position. + "Yes, well, there seems to be a...communication problem with +the...young lady, Spock," Kirk said authoritatively. "I need your help +to resolve it." + McCoy grinned lewdly at Spock. Kirk glared him down until the +doctor assumed a veneer of propriety. + "I was under the impression that our communication difficulties +were readily apparent before you asked us to leave you alone with +the young lady," Spock mercilessly observed. "And that you felt you +had enough information to proceed without our assistance." + "Yes, perhaps I made an error," Kirk conceded, as he attempted to +bluff his way through the conversation. "Nevertheless, the...ah, +response she expects is...unclear to me. You commented earlier, +Spock, about your familiarity with Kamacara relationships among the +Sa'o," Kirk continued quickly. "I thought you might be able to +provide some information or some insight that would cut through the +confusion." + "If you have questions about the kamacara relationship,Captain, +Cmdr. Uhura is an acknowledged expert in the field. I am certain she +would be pleased to assist you..." + "I'd rather not involve Uhura," Kirk interrupted. "I'm sure the three +of us can resolve this." + "Indeed?," Spock queried. "In that event, how would you describe +your difficulty with your kamacara, Captain?," Spock asked +neutrally. + McCoy smirked, and looked toward the ceiling with exaggerated innocence. + "I'm encountering...an...apparent discrepancy...between what she said +she wanted and, ah...what...she..." Kirk foundered, and struggled to +finish the thought before he sank, "...what she expects," he finally +concluded. + "And what did she say she wanted, Captain?" + "Cut it out, you two," Kirk finally barked in irritation. "You know +what she said!" + "Quite so, Captain," Spock agreed calmly. "However, if I am to help +decipher the communication block between you, I must know what +you _heard_." + Kirk looked annoyed and defensive. "I heard just what she said: +that we were going to be very intimate, now, the two of us." + "Correct," Spock agreed. + "Well, now she's not--going along with it!," Kirk explained in +frustration. "You said you were familiar with the Kamacara +relationships of the Sa'o, Spock. I need your help to come up with +the right--approach." + "I see." + Spock considered Kirk's problem thoughtfully. His brow furrowed. +He evaluated Kirk's recent behavior. He looked at McCoy and +considered the doctor's recent demeanor and comments, correlating +all of this with his years of observations of human behavior, and his +knowledge of both his friends. + "May I ask a question, Captain?" + "Of course." + Spock appeared to be considering a puzzling possibility he was +hesitant to voice. + "Am I to understand, Captain, that you," it was clear Spock included +McCoy in his remark, "believe this conversation has something to do +with...sex?" + Kirk and McCoy both looked at Spock in astonishment that he would +even need to ask such a question. + "Of course it has to do with sex! What do you think we're talking +about, Spock?" + Spock's face registered innocent surprise. + "I believed we were talking about a relationship similar to those of +the Sa'o, Captain." + "That's right, Spock." Kirk suddenly recalled some of the more exotic +reports in circulation about the Sa'o, and was struck by a possible +explanation for his friend's apparent reticence on this subject. "Look, +Spock, I didn't mean to embarrass you or offend Vulcan concepts of +propriety..." + "I am neither embarrassed nor offended, Captain. I am simply +unable to understand why you believe sex is involved in this +discussion. You are aware, of course, that it is unusual for kamacara +relationships to involve sex between the participants?" + From the look on Kirk's face, McCoy could see that he wasn't. + "Ohhhhh my!" McCoy thought. A smile slowly spread across the +doctor's face as he considered the new possibilities this raised. He +had the feeling he would like where this was leading. + "That's...that's not true!," Kirk sputtered. "Spock, I've heard or read +literally dozens of stories about the Sa'o and these kamacara +partnerships. They make Wrigley's Planet sound like the Ladies +League convention! They..." + "Ah, yes," Spock nodded, interrupting. "The Woran, the Chrisan, and +the Loran subcultures. The only 3 groups among the Sa'o who +sexualize the kamacara relationship. I have never understood," +Spock mused, "why groups representing less than one percent of the +Sa'o peoples, would receive such disproportionate interest and study +from Starfleet anthropologists." + McCoy was pleased to see Kirk's face showing increasing signs of +concern. + "The Sa'o cultures are truly remarkable and unique," Spock +continued, with genuine respect, and a tinge of sadness in his voice. +"It is very unfortunate that the habits of only three groups have so +dominated the awareness of this culture in the fleet." + McCoy watched Kirk work through the shock of what he was hearing. +Obviously, this was all news to Jim. + "One percent?," Kirk asked, in stunned disbelief. + "Slightly less than that, Captain," Spock corrected. "The exact +percentage is 0.84796, based on the statistical data of the last +planetary census conducted in..." + Kirk quickly waved him off. The Captain shook his head. "But she +said... Spock, she said, the translation said, everyone said this was a +very intimate relationship!" Spock appeared momentarily +confused by Kirk's remarks. "Intimacy, Spock! I know you know +what that means!" + A light went on in Spock's eyes. + "Ah! I see the source of the confusion, Captain. It is the use of the +term 'intimate'. While the word itself is sexually neutral, I believe +human males tend to place sexual connotations on that word, often +unjustifiably, do they not, doctor?" + "They do indeed, Spock," McCoy agreed, shaking his head in mock +sorrow and disapproval. + "Knock it off, you two!" Kirk clearly felt annoyed and aggrieved. +"Dammit, Spock! If you knew this wasn't a sexual relationship, why +the hell didn't you stop everyone from talking about it like it was?," +Kirk demanded. + "I was not aware that everyone was talking about this as if it was a +sexual relationship, Captain. While I concede that in retrospect much +of the language used had sexual connotations, it is my experience and +observation that if one deleted from oneUs vocabulary all words +humans associate with sex and sexual innuendos, one would be +unable to speak to a Terran at all," Spock said somewhat huffily. "In +any event, it is never logical to assume that the term 'intimacy' +necessarily involves sexual intimacy, Captain, nor was it logical to +believe that our ability to find refuge on this world depended upon +you establishing such a connection with your bond-partner." + "Well, that must be a relief," McCoy observed dryly, "to know that +the crew probably won't die if you finally strike out with this lady." + "Unless you have observed some behavior on her part that appears +to correlate with that of the three cultures we have discussed, +Captain," Spock offered quickly, before Kirk could do more than +glower at McCoy. "You appear to be familiar with the behaviors of +those cultures. Is there an apparent correlation based upon your +recent observations?" + "I think I can safely conclude that I am not bond-partnered to +someone representing that less-than-one percent, Spock." Kirk went +straight to the point. "So what are the rest of them like? These +people certainly act highly...well, sensual is how I'd describe it. +Surely that factors into their expectations for their kamacara, doesn't +it, Spock?" + Kirk's question was part challenge and part plea, McCoy noticed. + "I believe it is important that I clarify the sexual aspect of kamacara +relationships among the Sa'o," Spock said with some concern. Kirk +nodded in resignation and listened carefully, but warily, as Spock +went on. + "Sa'o peoples are typically very affectionate and physically +demonstrative," Spock explained. "If you experience them as +sensual, it is important to remember that they are acting without the +sexual associations we have for such behavior. In the vast majority +of cases there is no sex between the kamacara-partners, Captain..." + Kirk was surprised to find himself disappointed: he was going to be +spending a lot of time with that young lady. + "...In some Sa'o cultures," Spock continued, "it is expressly prohibited, +lest it distract the partners from their essentially ambassadorial +function of creating meaningful understanding between their two +peoples, the vast majority of whom will not be sexual partners... + "_Okay_," Kirk decided. He purposely ignored McCoy's reaction. "_I can +live with that_." + "...Sometimes," Spock went on, "the content of the relationship between +the participants is left open, to evolve without preconditions in any +direction they choose..." + "_That's alright_." Kirk though that possibility actually sounded +promising. It was not unlike some of the lines he'd used over the years. + "However, in the overwhelming majority of these relationships, the +kamacara-partners do not become sexually involved, and sex is certainly not +assumed to be part of the kamacara contract, Captain. In fact," Spock +continued, "in over ten percent of Sa'o cultures the kamacara relationship +is understood to include a commitment to lifelong celibacy..." + "Celibacy!" Kirk exploded. "No one said anything about celibacy!," +Kirk sputtered in horror. + Spock appeared genuinely perplexed. + "You did refuse to discuss the implications of the agreement you +were making before..." + "I know, I know," Kirk interrupted, indignantly. "But you should +have told me, Spock! Uhura should have told me!" Anger mingled +with the shock in Kirk's voice. "How could you possibly think I +would agree to a relationship that might contain a condition like +that?," he demanded. + "It was clear you intended to save the crew," Spock said simply, "and +that the kamacara relationship was necessary to achieve that goal. I +believed you would accept any conditions that relationship might +impose, subject only to the constraints of ethics, Captain." + Kirk cooled off quickly. He turned away for a moment, then looked +back at his old friend. + "You were quite right, Spock." Kirk turned away again, and was +silent for a long time. + Jim looked like he needed to sit down, McCoy noticed--not without +some sense of satisfaction. The doctor told himself he should feel +sorry for his friend, but he couldn't just yet. It wasn't that he +wanted Kirk stuck with a commitment to a lifetime of celibacy, Bones +thought, but he couldn't help feeling it would be nice for Kirk to have +to worry about the possibility for a while. Maybe quite a while. The +doctor liked that idea a lot. + McCoy and Spock stood quietly while Kirk absorbed Spock's remarks. + "So what do I do?," Kirk asked finally, his back still to his friends. +McCoy looked at Spock uncertainly. + Kirk turned around and faced them. + "What do I do?," he repeated. "I mean it, gentlemen, just what is it +I'm supposed to do now?" + "You participate in an intimate relationship, Captain," Spock offered. +As Kirk stared back at him blankly, Spock attempted to elaborate. + "You become intimately acquainted with your partner, and allow her +to become intimately acquainted with you, with the intention that +through that exchange, our two peoples will achieve greater +awareness and understanding." + Kirk considered Spock's suggestions, then blinked in confusion. + "This is crazy!," Kirk finally blurted. "It's impossible! We're talking +about a woman whose thinking is completely unfathomable to me, +whose reality has no relationship to mine whatsoever, who probably +doesn't want me to get sexual with her--and she expects me to create +an intimate, whatever-the-hell-that-is, relationship with her? Under +those conditions?" Kirk glared at his friends. "You tell me how that's +possible." + "Sounds like every relationship I've ever had with a woman," McCoy +shrugged, unsympathetically. + "You've proved my point," Kirk countered. "I don't see how I can +make this work," he moaned in resignation. + Spock knitted his brow, then spoke calmly and clearly. + "I can assure you both that it has been reliably determined that it is +possible to have an 'intimate' relationship with a person of another +species, whose outlook is radically different from one's own." + The two humans quickly settled down. The Vulcan continued. + "I can also assure you that the kamacara system of the Sa'o has +created one of the most peaceful, harmonious, compassionate, and +intimate cultures in the galaxy. The Sa'o are a remarkable people, +and I am personally persuaded that any peoples using a similar +system would share the best of the Sa'o characteristics, and would be +worthy of our attention and study even in the absence of a life- +threatening emergency." + Spock had their full attention. The Vulcan noted that Kirk, while still +plainly nervous about his role, was listening with new interest and-- +for the first time since Spock joined him in the reception area--some +degree of respect for the beings they hoped to join. + Spock observed the development with satisfaction. Kirk was, after +all, first and foremost, an explorer, a seeker of new things. And yet, +Spock knew, Kirk had carried a deep loneliness with him throughout +his journeys. If, as they believed, these beings shared attributes +with the Sa'o, Spock suspected Kirk would ultimately find something +far more valuable in kamacara than the diversion he'd expected at +the outset of the relationship. + "Okay, Spock," Kirk conceded. "You've convinced me. Of course it's +not like we have any real alternatives I could consider," Kirk +muttered. "But I want you two to come back in there with me--for +help, Bones, not harassment." + The three men started back to the receiving area. Kirk had resolved +himself. He was prepared to do his duty, and his best--but just +outside the entry, a wave of panic swept over the Starfleet veteran. +Kirk couldn't believe it. The way he felt, it was like he was a cadet +all over again! + What had he gotten himself into? + "I can't do it, Bones," Kirk whispered in desperation. "I won't be able +to handle it! It's impossible." + McCoy took Kirk's arm and steadied him. "Yes, you can and you will," +the doctor whispered back. "It's also been reliably determined that +it is possible to have an intimate relationship with a person of the +opposite sex, without being sexually involved...even when the male is +a human." + "I knew that!," Kirk insisted defensively. + The three friends stepped back into the reception area, together. + + The aliens were still entertaining themselves in some unfathomable +amusement, romping and tumbling about the deck. It was a relief to +see that their merrymaking continued, despite whatever had +transpired between Kirk and the girl. From the buffoonery of the +little group, it appeared they still regarded their Enterprise +adventure as some sort of bizarre picnic. + "_I always wondered what they meant by the phrase, 'More fun than +a barrel of monkeys'_," McCoy thought. "_Now I know_." + As the officers moved toward them, McCoy noticed that Kirk's +kamacara was slightly to the side of the others and relatively quiet. + McCoy smirked. He'd give anything to know what had happened +between the girl and Kirk, and what she thought about it, he decided. +The girl turned in their direction as they approached. The doctor +studied her demeanor intently. Was it just his imagination, or was +she 'eyeing' Jim differently than before? Maybe with some caution +and some confusion of her own? + McCoy snickered. As long as it didn't kill them, he was going to enjoy +watching Kirk suffer a few indignities while he figured this woman +out. + "_Yes_," McCoy thought, as they strode toward the girl, "_a little +embarrassment would definitely be good for Jim's soul..." + McCoy halted abruptly, and blinked in astonishment. Kirk and Spock +sensed his sudden action, and quickly turned toward their friend. +The doctor stood as if he had taken root, gaping openly at the alien +girl. Kirk wheeled about and followed the doctor's gaze back to its +object. Kirk was momentarily startled, then guffawed in spite of +himself and quickly averted his eyes. He shot a look at Spock and +shook his head while he chuckled quietly in disbelief. After a +moment, Kirk turned back to his kamacara...and smiled. + The little female had incorporated McCoy's medical scanner into the +bejeweled net she wore. There was nothing so awful about that, but +what McCoy was reacting to--and unable to take his eyes off of--was +where she'd put it. + Kirk saw his chance to get even, and seized it. + "Do you always stare at young women that frankly, doctor?," Kirk +demanded roughly. + McCoy snapped out of his reverie and blushed deeply, suddenly +aware that he had been completely transfixed by the scanner in the +shapely little alien's gown. + "I...I...," McCoy began to sputter. "My scanner..." His voice trailed off +in embarrassment. + Kirk relished the doctor's discomfort. He was also enormously +relieved. It appeared there would be ample embarrassment to go +around. The Captain felt better already. + "If you're concerned about your scanner, doctor, perhaps you'd like +to retrieve it from the lady?," Kirk challenged him. + McCoy blushed even more deeply. Kirk's satisfaction grew, +particularly when the doctor started to look back towards the girl as +he began to answer, then rapidly lost his nerve and turned away in +mortification. + "Go ahead, doctor," Kirk heckled him again. He turned toward his +kamacara, grateful that she had innocently turned the tables on +McCoy. He chuckled at her warmly, and directed a final taunt at +McCoy. + "I dare ya," Kirk teased. + Kirk twisted his head toward McCoy to enjoy his reaction more fully. +As he did, a sound came from the young woman near him. + "Ahhhh....darrrrr...ahhhh," she said clearly, without the help of the +translator. + The Starfleet officers were stunned. + "Fascinating!," Spock observed in awed tones. The humans looked at +the girl and each other in complete amazement. + "I thought they were non-verbal, Spock," Kirk asked incredulously. + "Quite so, Captain. The data was clear on that point." + "Well, is it reasonable that they would develop this ability so +quickly?," Kirk inquired. + Spock shook his head. + "These beings are a complete unknown, Captain. I do not believe +anyone can accurately estimate what they are and are not capable of, sir. +However, the translator is a two-way process. It is possible that its activity +is stimulating this being's perceptions and creating an awareness or +interest in linguistic systems. However that is sheer speculation at this +point, Captain." + The young girl smiled vacantly at Kirk. + "Are you certain it's that significant, Spock," McCoy queried. "I mean, +they all make noise all the time. Their vocal cords are operational. +Maybe this isn't really anything new." + Spock rejected the suggestion. + "These are not random sounds, doctor. They are an attempt to mimic +the Captain's last comment to you. While it is unlikely that she +associates the sounds with the Captain's meaning, at the time of the birth +of language, each word was the sound-equivalent of an experience, which, in +turn, was consciously connected to an internal or external stimulus. Whether +she understood his meaning or not, the fact remains that mimicry and the +repetition of specific sounds is an important step in language development, +furthermore, _she_ probably has a specific association with this sound. The +creative energy required for such a development is enormous." + Spock regarded the young woman with great respect. "This is an +astonishing being you have encountered, Captain," he said warmly. + "Ahhhh...darrr...ahhh," the girl said again, this time to Spock. She +extended her arm and opened her hand to show a small stone resting in her +palm. She waited while Spock removed the pebble and examined it. + "Fascinating," Spock repeated as he examined the crystal. "It appears we +are being offered an exchange for your scanner, Dr. McCoy. Most likely, +this object was replaced when she placed that item in her gown." + "Well, at least she's fair..." said McCoy. + Kirk was impressed--and relieved. Maybe their conversation was +going to pick up quickly, he thought, and he'd at least be able to talk +to her clearly and efficiently. They still needed to get down to the +surface, he reminded himself. + It was time to approach her again on that subject. He decided to +see how far her linguistic development has progressed. Kirk remained +friendly but shifted into analytical mode. + "I'm sorry about the...confusion in our earlier conversation," he +offered. "I didn't understand your customs and...expectations. I do +now, and I apologize for my earlier actions," Kirk declared sincerely +and efficiently. + The girl stared back at him vacantly. No sound came from her or the +translator device. + Kirk looked at Spock in frustration. + "What am I doing, Spock? Why won't she respond?" + "I have only conjecture at this point, Captain," Spock offered +hesitantly, "and I would prefer to withhold comment until I have had +the opportunity to review the log tapes of her earlier exchange with +us and discuss them with Cmdr. Uhura." + Kirk spread his hands in frustration. + "Great!," he sighed. "What do I do in the meantime to get us down on +the surface?" He was suddenly very tired. The strain of their ordeal +already weighed on him heavily. The additional demands of +completely unfamiliar communication and relationship systems were +taxing Kirk enormously. He ran his hand over his face, and looked up +wearily at his kamacara, as he ordered himself to try to come up +with some tack that might convey their needs to her. + Kirk exhaled deeply in exhaustion. + "**Kamacara. Us...**" There was a long pause. "**_Home_...Us...Now.**" + "Oh," Kirk thought, relieved by this solution of his evacuation +problem, "_that_ was what she meant before." + He began preparations to move to the surface. + + (To be continued....) + +Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative +Path: moe.ksu.ksu.edu!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!wupost!udel!rochester!cornell!uw-beaver!news.u.washington.edu!nntp.uoregon.edu!cie.uoregon.edu!eisimps +From: eisimps@cie.uoregon.edu (Eileen Simpson) +Subject: The Great American Star Trek Novel, Ch. 7 +Message-ID: <1992Sep2.060525.2543@nntp.uoregon.edu> +Summary: On the Planet of Committed Intimate RRelating... +Sender: news@nntp.uoregon.edu +Organization: University of Oregon Campus Information Exchange +Date: Wed, 2 Sep 92 06:05:25 GMT +Lines: 930 + + THE GREAT AMERICAN STAR TREK NOVEL + "Where No *Man* Has Gone Before" + Copyright E.G. WEBER (SIMPSON) 1989 + + + + CHAPTER SEVEN + + The jagged, snow-covered mountains spanned the horizon to the +north. Although over 500 kilometers from the shuttle's location, the +enormous height of the range, and the purity of the air, yielded a +dramatic silhouette which greeted every officer as he or she exited +the shuttle's starboard hatch. Each disembarking human was +momentarily halted by the sight, then stepped aside to make room +for those behind. + The survey party stood together silently on the grasses outside the +open shuttle hatch, absorbed in their first experience of the world +that stretched before them. They had done their preliminary scans +of the area as they'd followed the spherical alien vessel to this +location. They knew they faced no immediate hazards or threats, +and no pressing concerns or tasks intruded on the moment. + The peaks were a clear, stark symbol of how much things had +changed for the Enterprise personnel who had arrived on the surface +of this nameless planet. It had been apparent to all of them since +they emerged from The Effect that, if they survived, their lives and +routines were going to undergo complete, perhaps permanent, +transformation. + But the impending loss of their shipboard existence was not the only +shift now taking place. This was a world that, unlike other worlds they +had visited, or even grown up on, appeared destined to be their home. +That unspoken reality changed things. It altered their usual, efficient, +routine of planetary exploration. It altered the feelings they brought to +their tasks. + In those first moments after exiting the shuttle, everyone +appeared transfixed by the grandeur of the panorama to the north. +Internally, and largely outside of their awareness, they had begun to +confront their personal experiences of this new reality. + Kirk was the first to move away from the shuttle's hatch, seeking a +spot where he could get a more complete view of his surroundings. + They had landed near the western edge of a broad, grassy plain. +Kirk headed northeast, thinking he would make for a low rise a few +dozen meters away. As he walked, Kirk glanced quickly to the west, +and then east. He halted, and turned. He found himself drawn +towards the scene to the east. He stepped away from the others, and +moved to the front of the shuttle. + Kirk's movement away from the hatch seemed to break a spell. The +others stepped forward, slowly at first, silently evaluating their +surroundings. Spock's attention was immediately absorbed in +analyzing the readings from his tricorder. McCoy wandered off a few +feet, visually surveying the area, caught up in thoughts of his own. + Karl Murphy snapped himself out of "tourist mode". He glanced about +quickly, pulled out his tricorder, and began running his scans. Pavarti +remained just outside the shuttle door, awkwardly juggling the +heavy apparatus Uhura had brought along to remain in contact with +the translation network she'd created aboard ship. He self- +consciously observed the actions of the others, and inspected his +surroundings from the security of the immediate area around the +hatchway. A breeze ruffled his hair. + Then something else swept over Pavarti, and he felt his face flush. +He was drawn forward, looking for something he couldn't name. + Uhura and Chekov walked the several yards to the small rise to the +northeast, stepping through the knee-high grasses as if wading +through a stream. Their eyes were fixed on the lofty peaks of the +immense range that filled the distant horizon. The inevitable, but +minimal, interference from the planetary atmosphere, produced +wavy lines across the base of the mountains. It gave the impression +that the summits floated, suspended above the vast expanse of +grassy plain. The spectacle stretched across the northern skyline in a +scene of breathtaking drama and beauty. + When they arrived on the hillock, the two friends made a slow, +turning circle to their left, silently taking in the scenes around them. + The vertical sides and flat tops of plateaus appeared in the distance, +between the grassy plain and the mountains that lay due north. To +the left of the plateaus, between intermittent rises of high ground, +they caught occasional glimpses of the bright blue waters of the +immense lake that ran down the center of the continent. + They continued turning to the west. The low grasses waved in the +light breeze like a living carpet. They continued for a relatively short +distance due west from where the humans stood, but were soon +mixed with ferns, shrubs, and other low vegetation, until finally +giving way to a temperate-zone forest. + Behind the forest, in the distance to the southwest, rose sheer cliffs +of bare rock, topped with dense, verdant, foliage. It was another +plateau, this one large, and triangularly shaped. They had noticed +the formation on the way in, and knew it stood between them and +the southern end of the blue lake, or inland sea. The flight in had +also revealed a lush green valley, that now lay between the shuttle +and the plateau. The forests were largely confined to the floors and +sides of the river valleys, and they deduced that the valley they had +seen probably began within a few hundred yards of the trees in +front of them. + Their view to the south was much the same: grasslands, that segued +to shrubs, that segued to trees. Again, their flight path had +established that a deep gorge lay some hundred kilometers to the +south of their position, cut through the rock by the force of the river +that ran from the southern end of the lake after dropping over an +enormous falls. + They turned east. Their gazes fell on a seemingly endless grassy +plain. Waves of greens, browns, and yellows stretched before them, +rising and falling in a cool afternoon breeze. Here and there small +patches of primary colors, flowers perhaps, brightened the otherwise +simple beauty of the landscape. They couldn't be certain that it +wasn't a trick of the wind, but the late afternoon sun cast slight +shadows that suggested the terrain was not perfectly flat, and that +the grasses swept over low hills that reached long, irregular fingers +to the eastern horizon. + No birds called. No insects hummed. There was only the sound of +the breeze moving through the grasses, in a soothing, almost +hypnotic sigh. + "It's like the savannah back home," Uhura whispered quietly to +Pavel. + The Russian shook his head. + "More like the stepps," he quietly replied. "It's just like this on a late +summer afternoon." + They turned their heads to discuss it further, then paused in sudden +embarrassment. Each gave a small, quiet laugh at their absurdity in +engaging in even minor debate about who had the better claim of +familiarity to this planet on the other side of the galaxy from the one +they called home. They turned their gazes back to the new world +that stretched before them, and silently agreed to spend a few more +moments just getting the feel of the place before turning to their +tasks. + Leonard McCoy noticed Jim off by himself, towards the front of the +shuttle. As he considered his friend's intent but inscrutable +expression, McCoy's brow raised in a wordless question. + _What could absorb Kirk's attention so completely?_ + McCoy moved towards Jim, making his way through the grasses. + Kirk seemed oblivious to his approach. The doctor came up beside +his friend, and made his own visual inspection of the endless vista to +the east. + "You know," McCoy began, gazing at the vast sea of grass that +extended to the eastern horizon, "it's a shame to admit it, Jim, but I +can never keep geological or geographic terms in my head. What do +you call that kind of grassy plain?" + Kirk's focus on the expanse never wavered. + "Iowa," he replied. + + Kirk and McCoy returned to the group around the shuttle's hatch. At +Kirk's direction, the various survey parties prepared to move out on +their assignments. + "Commander," Kirk said pointedly to Uhura, "you remain here with +me." + Uhura assented and stepped aside as the others began to disperse. +Kirk noticed Pavarti gazing off to the south, an odd expression on the +young man's face. + "Mr. Pavarti," Kirk called sharply. The Ensign turned immediately. +"Leave Cmdr. Uhura's equipment here with us," Kirk directed, "and +join Mr. Murphy's survey party." + Pavarti glanced at the Lieutenant as the slightest flicker of +annoyance crossed Murphy's face. The latter acknowledged the +order. Pavarti hesitated just an instant, then moved out with the +others in silence. + "Bones," Kirk turned to the doctor, "I want you and Spock to make +the widest possible scans of this area." Kirk's expression was intense +as he spoke to his two most senior officers. "I want to know about +anything and everything that's the least bit unusual or suspicious." + McCoy nodded that he understood, and pulled out his tricorder. + "Acknowledged, Captain," Spock responded. + The two veterans left briskly for their assigned tasks. Kirk and +Uhura watched them go. + As the others moved farther and farther into the distance, Kirk's +expression and stance towards his communications officer subtly +changed. + Had she set him up for that embarrassing episode with his +kamacara?, Kirk wondered. The Captain wasn't certain. + But he didn't intend to ignore the possibility, either. + Uhura turned and faced the Captain. Kirk was evaluating her +thoughtfully. Not angrily, she noticed. But not warmly, either. She +shifted into standard, Starfleet subordinate, defensive mode. Her +facial features became a neutral mask of complete propriety. + Kirk regarded her from under lowered brows. Uhura stood silently +at attention. The Captain began circling her slowly. + Finally, Kirk spoke. + "I understand you're an expert in kamacara relationships, +Commander," Kirk said, watching her reaction carefully. + "Yes, sir," Uhura agreed, in her professional manner. + "I think we need to go over some information on those relationships +before the next time I encounter my bond-partner, Commander," +Kirk said levelly. + "Yes, sir," Uhura acknowledged. + Kirk observed her intently as he considered his next words. + "I want complete information, Commander," he said finally. "I don't +want any surprises," he told her significantly. His eyes never left her +face. + "Understood, sir." + "I hope that's clear, Commander. My sense of humor does not extend +to jokes at my expense, Commander." + "I don't know what you mean, sir." + Kirk's brow knitted and his eyes seemed to narrow. He scrutinized +Uhura's face. Her demeanor conveyed respect and revealed nothing. + Kirk remained suspicious that she had led him into a trap with the +alien girl, but he could not deny the role of his own ego in the +episode, and would not lash out at Uhura just to salve his wounded +pride. + "That may be, Commander," he finally responded, "but if I ever +decide that you do know what I mean, you will find that as Captain +of this sh--crew, I laugh last. Do you read me?" + "Loud and clear, sir." + Kirk nodded pointedly at her response. + "Very good, Commander. Now, tell me about kamacara and the Sa'o." + Kirk opened a camp chair and made himself comfortable. In the +interval since they'd left the ship, Kirk had resigned himself to his +new role--whatever it turned out to be. His mind had refocused on +the need to master whatever skills he needed to save his crew, and +he awaited Uhura's report from that perspective. + Uhura watched him get settled, and considered where to begin. She +didn't like the hand she'd just been dealt, and decided to risk doing +something about it. + "I'll do my best to provide the information you need, Captain," she +began, "but it does need to be clear that I cannot pretend to predict +the reactions and expectations of these people to the degree that I +can assure that any of us can avoid surprises, sir." + Kirk made a face, but said nothing. Uhura pressed her point. + "These people are not Sa'o, Captain. The translator has selected the +Sa'o kamacara culture as the most recognizable thing in our memory +banks based on whatever it's picking up, but these people still don't +appear to be verbal, or linguistic, or experiencing a world based on +perceived differences. I can't tell you for certain that they will react +like Sa'o, or that their form of kamacara is like some particular +culture of the Sa'o. We just don't know how far the analogy will hold +up, sir." + Uhura sighed. + "Even if they are actually identical to one of the Sa'o cultures, +Captain, there is no way, at present, to identify which subculture +they match, and Captain, there is a lot of variation among the Sa'o. +Those two sources of possible...misunderstandings, or as you might +say, surprises, sir, are not surmountable at present. I just cannot +promise you that you won't be surprised, despite my best efforts, +Captain. In fact, I'd bet on just the opposite." + Kirk inhaled deeply, and frowned. + "I'm willing to concede the validity of your concerns, Commander. +What I want you to understand is that I will show no tolerance +whatsoever for being set up. Do you understand the difference, +Commander?" + "Yes, sir." + "Good," Kirk nodded. "Then we can proceed with that +understanding." + Uhura internally breathed a sigh of relief. She might get out of this +alive, yet. She collected her thoughts and began the education of +Kamacara James T. Kirk. + "Sa'o cultures fascinate me, Captain, and they've been kind of a +hobby of mine. I think that once you become familiar with them +you'll be intrigued, too." + Kirk sat in unenthusiastic silence as Uhura warmed to her topic. + "I'd say we should start with a basic overview of the main cultural +features of Sa'o peoples, sir, until I can produce a more +comprehensive study for you to formally review. You're going to +need it, sir. I can't possibly brief you on, nor could you presently +retain, information on all the kamacara systems, Captain, but I can +make that available later by report." + Kirk nodded in agreement. + "I'd appreciate a report I can use as a reference, Commander, and +we'll need information we can distribute to the crew, as well. But I +need to get some idea of the basics right now, before those people +show up and expect me to do something with them again." + Kirk relented somewhat in his suspicious mood, and indicated Uhura +should get settled more comfortably. A few moments later she was +eagerly continuing her report. + "The essential thing you need to know, Captain, is that the two pillars +of any kamacara culture or partnership," Uhura said, "are +relationship and commitment." + Kirk's features remained impassive. A slight change in his body +tension and respiration rate were the only manifestations of any +impact from Uhura's words. + The communications officer was in her element. + "As a people, the Sa'o are as relationship-oriented as the Vulcans are +logical," Uhura explained. "It is absolutely central to their way of +living and being. Socially, they tend to be organized in loose, +cooperative groups. There may be some simple, basic +administrative apparatus, but that's rare..." + "How do they get anything done?," Kirk interrupted. + "They cooperate...in volunteer groups...on whatever tasks need to be +done," Uhura explained. + "Does that work?," Kirk queried. + Uhura shrugged. + "Depends on what you mean. These are not highly technological +cultures, sir. What they have is a way of life that substitutes +responsiveness and concern for others for aggressiveness, initiative, +and competitiveness. They're very peaceful, very happy, and very +loving. Warfare is virtually unknown, sir. But they are very simple +people, and I think that's why they aren't widely studied." + Kirk signalled that she should continue. He felt uneasy. Being +marooned was inherently boring. Being marooned with these people +could be mammothly boring. + _Then why do you feel so anxious?_, a voice asked him. + "The thing to remember, sir, is that everything about a Sa'o culture +makes perfect sense once you understand that their core value is +relationship: All life activity is defined by, and processed through, +relationship," Uhura emphasized. + Kirk's head was starting to ache. + "The place where humans get into trouble as kamacara, is by seeing +that relationship as the means to an end. The Sa'o experience this as +a violation of their basic values, Captain," Uhura said seriously, "and +they'll terminate kamacara if they come to believe that something +other than the desire to know and be known is behind a cultural +contact. That's why Vulcans established the first successful +kamacara partnership with the Sa'o, sir. The humans had too many +hidden agendas. Vulcans came with a straight-forward interest in +learning about the Sa'o culture." + "Then why didn't...," Kirk struggled with the lack of a name for his +partner, "...'she' choose Spock?" + Uhura shook her head. "It's impossible to say, sir. But I should tell +you that Vulcans were not successful with all Sa'o cultures, Captain. +Their strong intellectual discipline isn't always attractive to the Sa'o. +The Sa'o are a feeling people, sir," Uhura explained, "with a feminine +psychology. They have a diffuse, non-linear thought process which +the Vulcans experience as illogical. Sa'o can find Vulcans cold, +detached, and unimaginative--even judgmental. Perhaps that's why +the young lady chose you, sir. I really don't think anyone can say. + "Just remember," Uhura emphasized, "that a relationship is never the +means to an end. With Sa'o peoples, it is the end. It is pursued as +valuable in its own right." + Kirk was thoughtful and worried. He stood up and began to pace. + "Uhura...look, let's be honest, here," he began. "The only reason I +agreed to be in a relationship with any of these people is because it +appeared that we were all going to die if I didn't. I would have to +say," he confessed, "that if ever a relationship was a means to an end +for me, this one is it." He shook his head, and spread his hands +helplessly. "I just can't pretend it's any different." + Uhura considered his remarks seriously. + "Then don't," she advised finally. "Whatever you do, be honest. But +for all of our sakes, Captain, please try to develop a curiosity about +who your partner is, and how her people live. I know you can do +that, sir. It's part of what you like about this work." + Kirk smiled in wry resignation. + "Well, so far, this is great, Cmdr. I can't wait to hear about +'commitment'." + "Oh you really will like that, sir," Uhura said reassuringly. "If they +are like Sa'o, it will be very different from our experience. We +usually see a commitment as involving at least some degree of a loss +of freedom. Sa'o kamacara societies understand commitment as a +covenant between two people who retain their selfhoods in the +context of a relationship. They don't assume that a loss of freedom, +or some sense of incarceration goes along with commitment, and +their relationships are just plain remarkable for the way they +achieve closeness and independence. One theory says that the +reason they have so much independence is because they're so clear +and complete in their commitments, sir." + Uhura continued, blissfully ignorant of the Captain's complete +inability to share her enthusiasm for the culture she was describing. + "Uhura," Kirk interrupted. "Just what the heck do these people do? +What should I expect...or avoid?" + "That's hard to say, sir. The good news, Captain, is that these cultures +tend to be very playful, and are not particularly ritualistic. It is very +rare for a kamacara partnership to blow up over a single event, and +if it does, it doesn't have anything to do with failing to follow some +outwardly imposed, cultural formality." + "What sorts of things break these agreements up?," Kirk asked +nervously. + "Kamacara bonds between committed partners usually work, but they're +broken in three situations: the bond-partner decides to withdraw from the +relationship, which is rare, and very serious; or, there can be a +profound violation of the kamacara relationship and the trust, +integrity, and values that support it; or, the bond-partnering works, +and the participants discover their groups are not compatible." + "What do you mean, the bond-partnering 'works,' but the groups +aren't compatible?" + "The kamacara's bond to his or her partner is to become known," +Uhura clarified. "It is entirely possible that this knowing can reveal +insurmountable incompatibilities. The Sa'o do not see this as a +failure of the relationship. The two groups simply part in peace, +often with an exchange of food and gifts, and go their separate ways." + Kirk tensed. + "I don't think I could share that perspective, Commander. At least +not in these circumstances." + Uhura could sense Kirk's concern. She found herself sympathizing +with the Captain's situation. + "Sa'o peoples are usually quite generous, affectionate, and sharing, +Captain,S she offered quietly. "They have a sense of...inner trust that +they can count on the people around them, which is, well, different +from what we usually experience in Starfleet. Here, we know we can +rely on the competence and sense of duty of our comrades. The Sa'o +bond is different. It's a personal, emotional trust that people take +care of each other out of love." + Kirk looked at Uhura with an expression that was almost willing to +hope. + "It's possible," Uhura continued, "that if these people are similar to +the Sa'o, and, if they come to understand our situation, that they +would not abandon us, Captain. Even if we weren't compatible." + "That's a lot of 'ifs', Commander." + "True, sir. But it's a legitimate possibility." + Uhura noticed that Kirk looked tired. She sat quietly while Kirk +stared off into the distance, absorbing what he'd been told. + "Do you have any other tips on how to relate to...our hosts?," the +Captain asked finally. + Uhura pondered the question for a few moments. + "I'd say you should assume that relationships here are peer until +proven otherwise. They probably are, but if they aren't, you're a lot +less likely to cause offense by treating a superior as your equal, than +you are by treating a subordinate or a peer as your superior." + "Huh? Why's that?" + "Because by treating everyone as a peer, you acknowledge and honor +the possibility of a genuine, intimate relationship with them. When +you elevate someone above you, you separate that person from you. +In Sa'o cultures that can be interpreted as a suggestion that you +dislike the person. Treating someone as if they were above you is +the most common form of insult among the Sa'o, Captain." + The two officers continued their discussions, Kirk asking questions, +Uhura clarifying what she could, offering her ideas and suggestions. + Finally, Kirk felt he had absorbed all the information he could handle +in one session. He brought things to a close, stood up, and stretched. + He needed a break. Some change of scenery. + He walked slowly to the hill he had been heading for when they first +arrived. + At the top of the small rise, he stood, and slowly looked about, taking +in the lay of the land, seeking some sense of the place. + His jaw set as he turned. + It was not Enterprise, he noted. It never would be. + And yet, they needed this place right now, he reminded himself. It +was unfair and unreasonable of him to resent this land, or its people. + But he did. + It wasn't what he wanted. It wasn't where he wanted to be, or what +he wanted to be doing, or who he wanted to be doing it with. + Kirk stood on the hill and struggled with himself, using all the +techniques he had been taught over the years to stay in control, and +stay on top of the depression that lurked beside him. He +continuously reminded himself that he was taking action, moving +forward to resolve the crisis they had faced since the moment of the +aborted effort to contact the Menata. He was acting to protect the +crew. Doing his duty. Being the Captain. + He was facing east, toward the plain. + "_Who are you kidding?_," the voice asked him. "_You're marooned. Your +ship is screwed to hell, and you're trapped with a bunch of +completely incomprehensible gargling ding-a-lings, in a society +organized around committed, intimate, nonsexual relating--which is +okay, because you've probably agreed to be celibate for the rest of +your life!_" + Kirk stood staring angrily to the east, silently giving vent to his pent- +up frustration. + His face set grimly as he considered the landscape before him. It +was the perfect final touch on the whole situation, he thought +sarcastically: after spending his adult life doing his best to get as far +from Iowa as he possibly could, he now found himself facing the +probability that he would spend the rest of his life marooned in it's +functional equivalent. + "_It's not bad enough that I'm marooned_," he fumed. "_I'm marooned +in Iowa, dammit!_" + Kirk was developing a suspicion. Perhaps Spock was right. Perhaps +they were dead. + _This_ was hell. + Uhura stayed down at the shuttle, working with her equipment, +making notes to herself on things to include in her report to the +Captain on kamacara. She left Jim Kirk to himself. + The Captain had a lot going on right now, she thought. He needed +some time to be with his feelings about the wave of events that had +overwhelmed them. The African felt strong compassion for her +Captain, standing alone on the hill. He was facing an immense +challenge as the evacuation of his ship approached, and his personal +challenges werenUt going to ease once that step was completed. If +anything, they would intensify. + It made her feel guilty about the way she'd set him up. + Of course, it wasn't entirely true that she'd led him into a trap with +the alien girl. His own assumptions had put him there. She'd given +him accurate information. + But it was also true that she'd seen where he was going, and she +didn't warn him about it. + Oh, it could be professionally rationalized, she knew. It would help +him in the long run. It was best to keep kamacara contacts honest-- +and Kirk's honest attraction to his partner in the early moments of +their relationship was entirely sexual. Uhura had known he wouldn't +push things with the girl to the point the girl or the crew's safety was +jeopardized, but still, she had let him walk right into a very +embarrassing situation. And now, watching him struggle with his +feelings out on the little hill to the north, she felt bad about it. + Well, she'd make it up to him somehow, she thought. + One thing she would not do, however, was confess. Kirk's reaction +this afternoon had made it clear that, how ever good confession +might be for the soul, it would be ultra-hazardous to her short-term +enjoyment of life. She resolved that under no circumstances would +she reveal to anyone that the 'very intimate' incident with the girl +was anything more than an unfortunate misunderstanding. Could +have happened to anyone. + Kirk finally came down off the hill. + "So where the heck are these people, Uhura? Do you have any idea +where my kamacara might be, or what she's up to? Where the hell is +she?" + Uhura smiled. "If she's like the Sa'o, she's 'doing life,' Captain, and +she'll be here when it's time. Time is not an absolute value in Sa'o +cultures," Uhura explained. "It's a process. A cycle, or a series of +cycles which seldom, if ever, have anything to do with externally +imposed deadlines or constraints. 'Early,' 'late,' and so on, have no +meaning in kamacara partnerships," Uhura went on, to Kirk's obvious +disbelief. "Someone or something is 'on time' when it is completed in +the natural flow of life." + "Terrific," Kirk thought. "I'm just gonna love these people." + + The teams rendezvoused back at the shuttle two hours later, as per +the plan. Their alien hosts had yet to put in an appearance. Kirk +reminded himself of Uhura's assessment of the situation, and told +himself not to worry. It didn't work. He felt entirely out of his +element, and no longer trusted his instincts where these people were +concerned. + Kirk didn't want to make plans without his hosts, but further delay +could jeopardize the evacuation. It was clear the sun would go down +soon, and he had to use every moment. Finally, he felt he could wait +no longer. + "All right, let's get started. Mr. Murphy, let's have your team's report." + The young officer responded immediately and efficiently. + "There is no question that this planet can sustain us quite +comfortably, Captain. Food, water, and shelter are readily available, +although it's going to be primarily a vegetarian diet. Weather in this +location appears to be mild, by earth standards, although Vulcans +will find it cool. Temperatures range from 8 to 14 degrees +centigrade, with the lower readings occurring almost entirely at +night. Precipitation appears to be primarily in the form of morning +fogs and 'marine air', although there are signs of occasional light +rains." + "In short," Chekov interrupted, "if ve die of anything in this climate, +it's likely to be boredom." + Murphy gave a short, harsh laugh of agreement. + "That's how it looks to me, too, sir." + "Anything else on the local geography, Mister?," Kirk asked. + "We have a full report ready to download, sir," Murphy nodded. +"Essentially, our scans show no hazardous lifeforms or natural +conditions in this area, sir. The planet is geologically stable, and +what changes have occurred on the local terrain recently, have been +by slow, natural erosion. Weather patterns read as moderate, and +there are some micro-climates in the vicinity that actually appear +subtropical, sir." + Murphy glanced at his team to see if anyone had any additions. He +caught a hopeful look on one face. + "Oh, there is one more thing, sir. Readings indicate several lakes in +the valley off to the west, Captain. There's some hope that we can +settle in the vicinity of one of them." + "I'll keep it in mind when I negotiate with the local Chamber of +Commerce, gentlemen," Kirk replied coolly. He turned to Chekov. + "What about it, Commander? Are we safe here?" + Pavel nodded affirmatively. + "I vould hev to agree with that report, sair. There are no signs of +dangerous animals, veapons or other hostile technology. Not ewen +poisonous plants, sair," the Russian responded. "From everything ve +hev, this is a werry safe location, Kepten." + Kirk turned his chair towards his most senior officers. + "Is that opinion unanimous, gentlemen?," he asked. + McCoy glanced quickly at Spock. The latter's head was cocked off +towards the south. + _What the hell is with him?_, McCoy wondered. He's been doing that +all afternoon. + "Well," McCoy began, when Spock did not immediately reply to Kirk's +inquiry, "I agree that that's what the data says on its face, but there +are some things that just don't sit right with me, Captain." + Kirk sat up straighter. + "Such as, doctor?" + "I didn't find anything obviously or immediately dangerous, but +there are some anomalies in this data that suggest this isn't quite the +paradise it appears to be. Absent species, for instance. There are no +insects in this area. There are no reptiles in this area. There are no +identifiable predators in this area, and when I checked with Sulu it +seems we've yet to pick up a sign that any of these species exist +elsewhere on the continent, Captain." + Kirk listened carefully as McCoy continued. + "Ship's scans are incomplete, but there are signs of planet-wide gaps +among the species of higher mammals, and an overall lack of +diversity in non-plant species that suggests to me that something +pretty darned dramatic has happened down here to distort the +ecosystem of this planet." + "Couldn't it just be a feature of the natural evolution of life here? I +mean, maybe there never were insects or predators on this world," +Kirk posited. + "No way," McCoy answered, in response to the first question. "I don't +believe this world managed to selectively evolve the species I can +identify, and yet miss entire classes or kingdoms of living things that +are a related evolutionary development everyplace else that we've +been in the galaxy." + "This place has yet to be like anyplace else we've been in the galaxy, +doctor," Kirk observed wryly. + "I hear you. But I don't buy the idea that this is a natural, normal +ecology we're seeing here. Something has distorted it." + "How about it, Spock?" Kirk spun his chair towards his Science +Officer. "Do you concur with that analysis?" + The Vulcan turned his head toward the Captain. + "I agree that the ecology of this world is...skewed, Captain," Spock +responded, demonstrating that he had been following the +conversation despite his behavior. "What I do not concede is that +this is an unnatural development." + McCoy was annoyed by the dispute. + "Now just a minute, you...," the doctor glanced towards the junior +officers in the shuttle, and quickly changed tacks, "...have to agree +that it's pretty damned unlikely that this planet evolved the species +we can identify here, without evolving any of the insects, predators, +or other groups that usually are found with them," McCoy challenged. + "It is not only 'pretty darned unlikely,' doctor, I should say the odds +against such an occurrence are in excess of 137,843,555 to 1." + "Well, then...," McCoy began. + "The point, doctor," Spock interrupted, "is what is natural and what is +not. I believe these species once existed here, Captain. I also believe +they are now extinct. Certainly, they do not exist in this vicinity, and +given the conditions of this area, I would expect them to be present +unless they were extinct," Spock said levelly. + "My point is simply that, left to her own devices, 'Mother Nature,' +despite the way you humans so fondly romanticize her, can be an +unforgiving and merciless mistress, entirely capable of exterminating +whole species without the interference of 'outside' forces. The +dinosaurs 'naturally' disappeared from your Earth, long before the +advent of man. I believe similar forces account for the 'distorted' +ecology we are encountering here." + "That's not very reassuring, Spock," Kirk observed. "I really don't +care how 'naturally' the dinosaurs died. The point is, they're dead. +If a lot of species haven't made it on this world, I want to know what +killed them, and whether it's still around." + Spock evaluated the discussion silently for a moment. + "Perhaps I can make the situation clearer, Captain. You are, of +course, correct, that we need to review our data for any indications +that whatever caused the loss of these species is still operative here. +Our preliminary analysis does not indicate that it is. However, we +should review the data again and thoroughly assess that concern. +Nevertheless, the most likely explanation for this situation, in my +opinion, is the age of this planet and the low level of scientific and +technological development of the indigenous humanoid species." + Kirk looked at Spock in surprise. + "We donUt usually associate science and technology with saving an +ecosystemUs diversity, Spock." + "That is true, Captain, in their early stages. However, if a humanoid +culture survives its nuclear age, it usually undergoes a +transformation in which science and technology are employed to +preserve species, often in opposition to 'natural' forces that would +push them towards extinction. I believe this ecology reflects the +effect of unimpeded natural selection on an ancient world, Captain, +without the moderating influence of the protection from enlightened +science and technology." + Kirk turned back to the group. + "Well, people. You have your work cut out for you. I want you to +work over your data until we can be certain that whatever killed the +missing species isn't presently a threat. Have Cmdr. Sulu focus the +ship's scanners on this area to assist you." + Kirk stood up and moved to the shuttle exit. He nodded toward +Spock and McCoy. + "Let's step outside while they work on that project." Kirk could tell +from Spock's look that he was going to ask to stay and assist with the +analysis. "Come with us, Mr. Spock. I want you to join us on a walk." + The Vulcan followed the Captain and the doctor outside, into the cool +twilight air. When they had moved a few dozen meters away from +the shuttle, Kirk stepped in front of his alien friend. + "What the hell is with you, Spock?" + The Science Officer turned his head back toward the Captain. + "Sir? I do not understand. To what are you referring, Captain?" + "That. What you just did. What are you doing with your head, +Spock?," Kirk demanded. "You look like you're listening for +something." + "Listening?," Spock shook his head. "No, I am not listening for +anything, sir." + "He's been doing it all day," McCoy volunteered. "Always got his +head cocked towards the south." + "Indeed?," Spock asked. + "So what is it, Spock?," Kirk insisted again. + "I do not know, Captain. I was not aware of my behavior," the +Vulcan explained innocently. + McCoy intervened again. + "I've run tricorder readings in that direction, Jim. I can't pick up +anything out of the ordinary. Our lady friend is down in that +direction, but that's about it." + Kirk turned to the doctor in surprise. + "How do you know that?," he inquired. + McCoy blushed. + "The medical scanner 'Ah-dar-ah'...," Kirk raised his eyebrows at +McCoy's name for the alien girl, "...borrowed is sending back a steady +stream of information, Jim. I'd say your kamacara is about 5 km in +that direction." McCoy checked his tricorder. "Could be she's headed +this way." + Kirk stared at his Science Officer. + "Is it possible you're in communication with these beings, Spock?" + The Vulcan shook his head. + "I do not believe so, Captain." Spock shifted uncomfortably, and +inhaled deeply. "I...am...experiencing... discomfort, Captain. A sense +of dis-ease. There is no logical reason for my reaction, sir, and I am +reluctant to talk about it until I can be more precise." + Kirk stood silently evaluating Spock for a long time. He shot a look at +McCoy. The doctor finished a quick scan of the Science Officer, then +shook his head to indicate there was nothing medically wrong with +the Vulcan. + "All right, Spock," Kirk conceded, "we'll leave it for now. But," the +Captain emphasized to his notoriously stubborn friend, "I want you +to follow up on your examinations and treatments with Dr. McCoy, +understand? No arguments. No trouble. Just do what he says." + "Acknowledged, Captain," Spock reluctantly conceded. + McCoy did his best not to gloat. + Kirk turned away for a moment and studied the scene to the south. + He couldn't see far in the failing light. He tried to recall anything +unusual in that direction from his personal observations during the +shuttle flight that afternoon. Nothing out of the ordinary came to +mind. All the same, if Spock was reacting to something vaguely +disturbing in that direction, Kirk was resolved to investigate. + "We'll make checking out that area our first priority after the +encampment is established, gentlemen," Kirk announced. "If our +hosts are in that area, it should be easy--and appropriate--to have a +nice, friendly visit. Meanwhile," he said, as he turned back toward +them, "we'll make our own settlement a bit further north, at least +until I know there's no danger in whatever Spock's reacting to +around here. I don't think our hosts will mind." + "We could not tell if they did, Captain," Spock observed. + Kirk did not respond. + After a moment, he playfully cocked his head towards his friends. + "How about it, gentlemen? Would you like to live in the wide open +spaces, or would you prefer a wooded lot on a hillside--something +with a view, perhaps?" + McCoy chuckled at Kirk's joke, although the banter was lost on Spock. + "Captain? Would we not select the most logical site for our +encampment after an analysis of relevant..." + "Spock, Spock, Spock," Kirk shook his head sadly. "What am I going +to do with you, Mr. Spock? The real estate market on this planet is +wide open, Spock! You need to think of the future." + Spock still didn't get Kirk's joke. + "No?," Kirk asked his friend. "Well then, I'm going to consider my +sanity. I don't care how logical it is, I'm not living in the middle of +that damn sea of grass!" + McCoy nodded gratefully. Kirk pursed his lips, then continued. + "Of course, we can't ignore logic completely. All that flat land makes +a terrific staging area for the evacuation, and we'll need a base for +when we repair and restore the ship..." Kirk appeared not to notice +the reactions of his friends to the last remark. + "...so we can't move to the valley floor," Kirk mused. "If only all the +trees weren't in the valley,' he complained. + "Perhaps this will suit you, Captain," Spock offered, showing a scene +on his tricorder. "It is lightly forested, on relatively flat terrain at +the northern end of the valley, sir. As you can see, sir, there is +almost a half kilometer of forest at the edge of the grassland, before +the ground begins to drop away. There is a small lake nearby, and it +should be easily accessible--the valley walls at this location are +considerably less steep than they are further south, Captain." + Kirk studied the image on the tricorder, then looked up at Spock as +the last of the sun's rays streaked across the sky. + "Mr. Spock, this is perfect! Why, in close proximity, we have +grassland for the base, forest for the encampment, and a lake for +recreation." Kirk grinned at his friend. "You missed your calling Mr. +Spock. What a real estate agent you could have been!" + Spock stared at his friend in bewilderment. + But don't worry, Spock, Kirk thought to himself, as he fought the +bitterness that surged within him, if we don't get out of here, you +may still be able to have a whole, new career. + + Murphy glanced up from the video terminal where an analysis of +their data was feeding down from the ship's main computers. He +watched Chekov's face as the latter reviewed the conclusions. + "You have the feed, Pavel?," Sulu called over the communicator. + "Coming through now. Gev me a moment to review it," the Russian +responded. + "Fair enough," Sulu responded. + Murphy poured over the material alongside the First Officer. + When they had both gone through the conclusions and supporting +data, the two officers looked at each other uncomfortably. + "There sure as hell is nothing in this data that shows any present +threat to life or health, sir," Murphy stated emphatically, "but Dr. +McCoy was right. There sure as hell have been an awful lot of +species that didnUt make it on this world." + Chekov nodded grimly. + "You there, Chekov?," Sulu called. + Chekov acknowledged the hail. + "What do you think?," Sulu asked with his usual equanimity. + "I think thet, all-in-all, I'd rather be in Leningrad." + Sulu laughed briefly. + "I know what you mean. The data says this place is a paradise of +healthful living, but it also says that most of the non-plant life on +this continent died. Sure doesn't do wonders for my sense of well- +being, either. Better get the Captain and Spock so we can go over +this," Sulu ordered. + + Kirk, Spock, and McCoy walked slowly back towards the shuttle. + "Any sign of the young lady, doctor?," Kirk asked. + McCoy consulted his tricorder. + "She's somewhere to the south of us, Jim. I still say she's moving in +this direction, but she seems to be taking her own sweet time about +it." + Kirk smiled ruefully to himself in the dark. + "It's not part of the 'natural flow of life' to hurry," he said in a +strange voice. + "Huh?," the doctor asked. + "Something Uhura told me about the Sa'o," Kirk explained as they +trudged along. "By the way, Bones, what was that you called the girl +earlier?" + "Oh. I just got tired of referring to her as 'she', or 'hey, you.' I +decided she needed a name, and I just made one up out of the only +thing she's said." The doctor put away his tricorder. "I think 'Adara' +has a nice sound to it, don't you?" + Kirk opened his mouth to respond just as Chekov came up to them +out of the darkness. The younger man told them Sulu was ready to +report on the health and safety issues. + The group of officers quickly reentered the shuttle, and clustered +around the video display. Spock pulled up the completed analysis of +the ship's and landing partys' data on a terminal, and began his own +evaluation. Kirk signalled Sulu on the shuttle's communicator. + "Captain," Sulu began. "The analysis of our data is complete." + Kirk told him to continue. + Sulu's voice was serious. + "Dr. McCoy is correct that there has been significant loss of life in this +region, sir. As best we can tell with the equipment we've got, ocean +and aquatic life appears to be unaffected, but land and avian species +on the continent have been heavily impacted by a force or agent we +cannot identify. With the damage the ship's scanners sustained we +don't know yet if these conditions are planet-wide. But there can +be no doubt that there's been significant loss of life on that continent, +Captain. What we can't identify, at present, is what caused it." + "What are the prime suspects, Sulu?," Kirk asked. + "Two, sir. Biological agents, of which none have been identified," Sulu +responded, "and natural disasters, of which there were many. That's +not a single landmass, Captain," Sulu explained. "Scans indicate that +what we're calling a continent is actually comprised of three +subcontinental-sized landmasses, whose tectonic plates were in +collision at the time of planetary solidification. That huge lake near +you is actually the remnant of an inland sea that was trapped +between the colliding landmasses. There was a lot of action, +geologically speaking, in that part of the planet, Captain." + Kirk turned to his Science Officer. + "How about it, Spock?" + The Vulcan looked up from the terminal. + "Capt. Sulu is correct that there was enormous geologic activity in +this area, Captain. Much more so than on the rest of this world, it +would appear. The forces that produced the mountain range to the +north were enormous, and were present over a sustained period. +The two lower plates, and the landmasses they carried, were literally +being driven towards each other as well as over the southern shore +of the more rapidly cooling northern plate. I would say cataclysmic +earthquakes and massive vertical uplifts were relatively +commonplace for a portion of this region's history." + "So you think the problem was geological, then, Spock?," Kirk +concluded. + "I did not say that, Captain." Spock frowned. "I cannot say that from +the data at hand. I can only agree with Capt. Sulu that the two most +likely causes of the loss of life in this area are biological agents +and/or geologic forces and their consequences. I cannot be more +specific than that with the available data, sir." + It was Kirk's turn to frown. + "Is there anything else you can tell from the data, Spock?" + "I believe that whatever happened here virtually eliminated animal +as well as insect life on this continent, Captain, and that this area is +only now being repopulated with humanoid and other animal +species, sir." + At Kirk's look of surprise, Spock continued. + "The peninsula at the southern end of the continent was formed from +what was once a river delta at the southern end of the inland sea. It +is therefore of relatively recent origin. With two exceptions, all of the +settlements of the indigenous humanoids and all of the animal life +we can identify in any profusion, are located on that peninsula. +There are only two settlements on the main landmass itself. Our +'hosts' landed near the northern-most. I would say these +circumstances exist because this area is only now being repopulated after +whatever catastrophe occurred." + "I concur with that, Captain," Sulu chimed in. + Kirk rubbed his eyes for the millionth time since they'd been torn +across the galaxy from Menata. Was there trouble in paradise, he +asked himself, or were they being generously offered the +opportunity to settle here because some ancient disaster had left the +land virtually vacant? If those disasters had been natural, geologic +forces, the planet's present stability should allow them to settle +safely. + But if the problem had been biological... + "Spock," Kirk demanded, "does the data indicate how long ago this +loss of life occurred?" + The Vulcan nodded. + "I would say no less than 10,000 years ago, Captain." + Kirk breathed a sigh of relief. + "That should pretty well eliminate a threat from either biological or +geological agents, shouldn't it, Spock?" + The Vulcan shook his head. + "Not necessarily, Captain. There are a variety of simple, but deadly +organisms in the known galaxy that can remain dormant for +thousands of years, and revive to fatal effect once new prey or host +organisms arrive. They are rare, to be certain. But," Spock looked at +Kirk squarely, "they do exist." + Kirk turned to McCoy. + "Do you know the organisms he's talking about?," Kirk asked. + The doctor nodded. + "He's right, Jim. The ones that could last that long are very rare, but +they do exist. But Jim," the doctor said reassuringly, "our medical +scans are sophisticated enough to detect them, or any organism like +them. I don't find any evidence of such an organism here." + Kirk stepped away from the others. Whatever decision was made +would be his alone. Whatever the consequences, he would have +chosen them for his crew. + It wasn't like they had another attractive choice, he told himself, as +he struggled with his discomfort about this data. They were dead if +they didn't evacuate the ship. If there was a remote possibility of +death on the surface from disease, Kirk knew that many of his crew +would gladly take that risk. Still, Kirk did not want to get sloppy, lest +he expose the crew to unnecessary danger because he overlooked +some obscure, but avoidable risk. Spock's reactions to +some...thing...he was not aware of, was another factor Kirk needed to +consider. + The Captain returned to his officers. + "I think our hosts expected us to settle in this immediate area, +gentlemen. But, under the circumstances, I want a little more +distance between us, and I prefer the conditions at a location Science +Chief Spock has identified a little further north. We'll move there." + Kirk spoke emphatically to his two senior officers. "I want both of +you to be on the alert for anything that may signal that we have a +medical problem down here," he ordered firmly. + He turned to SuluUs image on the viewing screen. + "Start the evacuation," Kirk commanded. + + The shuttles came down in a steady relay, bringing Scotty and his +surviving engineers to set up the staging area for the main +evacuation. + Karl Murphy had a secondary specialty in engineering, and quickly +volunteered to fill out Scotty's depleted ranks. He spent the long +night coordinating the movement of shuttles and the material they +carried, manhandling gear into position, preparing landing sites and +off-loading zones. It was back-breaking work even with automated +equipment and anti-grav's. + Near dawn, the Lieutenant finally got to take a much-needed break. +He sat in exhaustion as yet another shuttle hovered down to a +landing and began engine shut-down. + Murphy noticed a faint glow in the eastern sky. It would be daylight +soon. Still, he thought, as he looked around him, without light from +urban areas it stayed pretty damned dark on this world. + A faint sparkle of light off in the blackness to the southwest caught +his eye. It reminded him of fireflies, the way it was bobbing about +in the distance. It seemed only mildly interesting, and in any event, +Murphy was too exhausted to stand up to investigate flickering little +lights. If it was something significant, the Security and science +personnel they'd assembled on the surface would check it out. + Murphy kept a weary eye on the shuttle hatch. It was at least +mildly entertaining to watch the reactions of the new arrivals from +the ship to their new 'home away from home'. + Everyone who arrived on the surface was not a fan of the outdoor +life. The crew members with more urban tastes in entertainment +and lifestyles often groaned as they emerged from the shuttle. + The fireflies grew larger. Murphy watched them with more interest. + They seemed to be coming closer, the Lieutenant noted. A blue orb +now shone steadily among the small dots of light approaching him. + Murphy's attention was absorbed by the approaching lights, and he +paid only scant attention to the latest crew members who exited the +shuttle and filed towards him. + "Hey, Lieutenant. Where's the nightlife on this rock?," asked a +particularly unimpressed young man. + Murphy cast a quick glance of amused sympathy at the questioner, +then turned his attention back to the glittering lights. + 'Adara' stepped out of the darkness. + "I'm looking at it, Chief. I'm looking at it." + + (To be continued.....) + + diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/theinter b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/theinter new file mode 100644 index 00000000..17b8a47d --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/theinter @@ -0,0 +1,136 @@ +Path: moe.ksu.ksu.edu!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!cis.ohio-state.edu!rutgers!noao!arizona!dave +From: dave@cs.arizona.edu (Dave Schaumann) +Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative +Subject: Short story -- "The Interview" +Message-ID: <26221@optima.cs.arizona.edu> +Date: 11 Nov 92 05:28:30 GMT +Sender: news@cs.arizona.edu +Organization: U of Arizona CS Dept, Tucson +Lines: 125 + + +I just had an idea for a story today, so I wrote it up. + +However, it does contain some small spoilers for the new episodes +"Rascals" and "A Fistful of Data's", so... + +SPOILERS.... + +Original idea by Dave Schaumann. Characters (except for the MC) and +events based on the Paramound television show "Star Trek: The Next +Generation". + + + The Interview + + by + + Dave Schaumann + November 10, 1992 + + + +MC: "Hello! Good day, ladies, gentlemen, and sentients everywhere. Today, + on _Issues in the Federation_, we are very fortunate indeed. We are coming + to you live via subspace from starbase 196, to bring you what should hopefully + be quite an extraordinary interview. Today's guest was the first Klingon + admitted to Starfleet Acadamy, and is now chief security officer aboard the + Federations flagship, the U.S.S. Enterprise. Please join me in welcoming + Worf, son of Mohg!" + +Applause. Worf enters, and sits in a chair opposite the MC. + +MC: Tell me, Worf -- how is it to be the first Klingon to serve duty + in Starfleet? + +WORF: It is an honor. Captain Picard has shown himself to be a true warrior. + +MC: You've been chief of security for, what, 4 years now? + +WORF: Yes. + +MC: How well would you say you've done at the job? + +WORF: I've had several commendations, including -- + +MC: And a reprimand. + +WORF: What?! + +MC: When you killed Duras. Captain Picard gave you a reprimand. + +WORF: I was not aware that /that/ was common knowlege. + +MC: Isn't it true that Duras had a legitimate claim to lead the Klingon + Empire, and you had a personal motive to see he didn't gain that position? + +WORF (obviously working to control his temper): That is NOT a matter I am + free to discuss. + +MC: Very well, very well. Let's take a look at your record as security + officer. Isn't it true, that in spite of being a Klingon warrior, you've + been physically overpowered on a number of occasions while on duty? + +WORF: We have encountered a number of extraordinarily powerful beings. And + while it is true that some have gained a temporary advantage, we have + always proved superior to those who would challenge us. + +MC: Would you call the Ferengi ``extraordinarily powerful''? + +WORF: What?! No -- of course not. They act rashly, and have no honor! + they are only motivated by `profit'. + +MC: And yet a small band of Ferengi with little more than two surplus + Klingon ships were nearly able to take the Enterprise, reportedly so + they could sell it to the highest bidder. + +WORF (not really in control of his temper): We repelled those vermin + from our ship. Perhaps there is MORE vermin that need repelling... + +Worf gets up from his chair. + +MC: Now, now lieutenant! I'm a journalist, and -- + +WORF: And I am a KLINGON! If you have doubts about my ability as a + warrior, challenge me, and you will have a first-hand knowlege of + my ability! + +MC (backing away): Eh, uh, no... ah -- perhaps we should move along + then. Ah.. holodecks! How do you feel about holodecks on starships? + +WORF (calming down): They are an excellent tool. They provide tireless + opponents to hone a warriors essential skills. + +MC: Yes, of course. But they're not without there dangers, are they? + In fact I believe that on several occasions, members of the Enterprise's + crew have been endangered by a malfunctioning holodeck. + +WORF: Where do you get your information?! You must have a SPY on board! + When I find them, it will be most unpleasant. First for them, then + for you. + +MC (not noticing Worf's comment): In fact, you were recently trapped + in the holodeck, and reportedly surrendered a prisoner because of + extortion. + +Worf says nothing, just growls and stares. The MC continues obliviously. + +MC: In fact, this behavior took place in front of your son, did it not? + +WORF: MRRRAAARRRGGG! + +Worf leaps up, grabs his chair, and begins chasing the MC around the +studio. The MC escapes barely in time. + +MC: Aaaah! Oh! Oh, dear! I'm... I'm afraid that's all the time + we have for _Issues in the Federation_ today. + Be sure to join us next week for + +WORF: Next week's broadcast is going to be... postponed. + +(fade to black) + + +-- +Dave Schaumann dave@cs.arizona.edu + diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/theory.rev b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/theory.rev new file mode 100644 index 00000000..5184dfe8 --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/theory.rev @@ -0,0 +1,203 @@ +WARNING: The following article contains spoiler information about this week's +TNG episode, "In Theory". You should know the scoop by now: don't go any +further if you don't know or want to know what happens. + +Hmm. Hardly thrilling, but a decent way to spend an hour. Quite watchable. + +I have a feeling that if you boil the whole review down to a sentence or two, +that's gonna be it. It could've been better, but it was pretty good. At any +rate, here's a patented Tim Lynch Plot Synopsis :-) : + +The Enterprise is exploring the Mare Oscurum, a "dark matter nebula," and Data +is working extensively with his friend Jenna DeSora. Jenna's just come out of +a lousy relationship, and Data appears to be everything she wants: kind, +attentive, solicitous, handsome..."perfect," despite his lack of emotions. +During one work session, she kisses him right before she leaves, leaving Data +quite puzzled. + +As the Enterprise heads into the nebula (which is of much higher density than +past examples they've seen) to examine a class-M planet they've detected, Data +asks many people for advice on whether to pursue a relationship with Jenna. +Guinan says she doesn't like to give advice on first relationships. Geordi +says his advice is "find someone else to give you advice." Troi cautions him +to be _very_ careful, as Jenna could really get hurt, but then says that if he +tries, he'll have to be more than the sum of his programming. Worf tells him +to "conquer", not "pursue", but cautions that he doesn't want Jenna (who's in +his section) mistreated. Riker tells him of wonderful rewards, and tells him +to go for it. After all that, Data appears at Jenna's door with flowers. His +initial attempts are somewhat...unsubtle...but Jenna realizes he's trying his +best and lets herself be drawn in. + +While Jenna tutors Data in the finer points of a relationship, the Enterprise +crew begins to discover a few problems. At first, they're minor: Data's cat +got out of his quarters and shouldn't have been able to, and Picard finds his +ready room's computer console under his desk and in pieces. Things get +stranger still when they finally reach the location of the class-M planet, and +find nothing at all--especially when moments later, it's there again. +Suddenly, there's a brief bout of atmospheric decompression in the observation +lounge, but no apparent hull breach. Once standard pressure is restored, they +go have a look and find no trace of what caused the damage, except for a few +tiny electric current in the windows, which are often evidence of a subspace +distortion. + +After Jenna gets a little unnerved by Data's precisely calculated +solicitousness, and then his forced and deliberate "lovers' quarrel," Picard +decides enough is enough with these incidents (since more have occurred, but +none causing any injuries yet), and decides to analyze them from outside the +nebula. Unfortunately, before they can leave, a few more problems occur: a +science station blows out, then an engineering station. A structural failure +is detected between two decks, but when Geordi sends out a team, he quickly +finds that one of the members fell halfway through the deck, which then +resolidified, killing her instantly. + +Data's figured out the problem: the high density of dark matter has caused +minor gaps in space, which are drifting randomly and causing major havoc +whenever they "blip" into this space. Sensors can be tuned to detect them, +but only at ranges close enough that the ship could never get out of the way +in time. Picard, in a shuttle, flies ahead to do so. The shuttle is +eventually destroyed, but Picard is rescued and they got far enough out that +they make a successful run out of the nebula. Finally, Jenna realizes that +she's just repeating her old patterns (breaking up with one unemotional man +only to get together with another), and severs her and Data's relationship. + +Hmm. Well, I guess that'll do. Anyway, on to some commentary. + +This was...okay. Not fantastic, but okay. I'm starting to think that +TNG should really steer clear of shows with two main, unlinked plots, though, +'cos they're really inferior compared to most of the single-plot shows (like +last week's "The Mind's Eye", for example). Granted, I'm coming off of the +high of "The Mind's Eye," and gearing up for "Redemption" in two weeks, so +this is easily falling into the trap of being something to look at while +waiting for the "good stuff", but I think there's more to it than that. + +First, the good stuff. Both plots were probably a bit better than they had +any right to be. The "Data tries romance" plot is something that could have +been absolutely AWFUL, and much of it really wasn't. The "dark matter rifts +from hell" plot also managed to evoke shades of "Clues" in the early parts, +and of "Booby Trap" at the end. Both are good things to remind one of in my +opinion. + +First, the dark matter plot. I just know that all the scientific sticklers +will be blasting the whole concept to smithereens this week, and to be honest +I'm a little less tolerant of this idea than many of the others TNG has used. +Granted, dark matter is one of these nifty astronomical concepts that at the +moment can be almost anything (trust me...I'm in cosmology; I hear about it +all the time...:-) ); but somehow I have problems believing that causing +spatial ripples of THAT form is one of them. (It's the drifting in and out of +this reality that gave me the trouble, actually; if they were talking about a +bunch of mini-black holes drifting around and causing havoc, that might make +perfect sense.) + +But if you can get around that and accept it, much of the rest works. I was +happy to see that the damage was being caused by something that was simply a +natural effect of unexplored space, and NOT some sentient being for once. I +thought that putting Picard in the shuttle was an incredibly contrived idea (I +mean, neither Picard NOR Riker is all that expendable--put someone in there +whose primary training has been as a shuttle pilot! They do have some, +right?), but once he was in the actual escape sequence itself was pretty +gripping. Something of a mixed bag. + +It was, however, handled very nicely once you steered around the plot holes I +mentioned. For a rookie director, Stewart did pretty well, particularly in +that escape sequence I mentioned. ("Now would be a good time, Mr. +O'Brien"...:-) ) I don't think he quite did as good a job on this outing as +Frakes did with his debut in "The Offspring", and he certainly didn't pull the +masterful job that David Livingston did last week, but he certainly showed +some promise. (One shot in particular stood out, but it was in the other +plot, so I'll get to it later.) + +Now, for the Data/romance plot. The plot itself was tight, in that I don't +think it really had any holes to speak of, but I don't think this one was +handled all that well in a few places. Two of the longer scenes in this +plotline, the initial seduction and the "lovers' quarrel" scene, were +extraordinarily awkward to watch. I realize that they were supposed to be +uncomfortable (that was, after all, the point), but this time I'm on the other +side of the fence I was on in "Galaxy's Child": I couldn't get past my +discomfort enough to get into theirs. This was especially true for the whole +"lovers' tiff" bit; I realize that a lot of the show was somewhat lighthearted +(and pleasantly so after last week's white-knuckler), but Brent did a little +too much schtick there and not enough Data. (The most interesting part of +that was that he sounded and acted a bit like Lore, right down to the singing. +Hmm...are we seeing a slight progression of character, or simply a limit to +Brent Spiner's range? Hopefully the former.) + +Some of that storyline was quite wonderful, however. The sequence of Data +asking for advice from everyone was wonderful--it reminded me of Wes doing the +same in "The Dauphin", which was just about the only part of that show I +really enjoyed. Everyone seemed to work pretty well and in character in this; +okay, who else was shouting "Lech! Lech!" at Riker by the end of that +sequence? Time for Bev to surgically remove that smirk. :-) And the one +shot I absolutely loved of that whole sequence was Picard's little "oh, Lord, +he's finally found me" look when Data comes to ask him for advice; that whole +sequence was probably the highlight of the show. ("Captain, I would like to +ask--" "Yes, I've heard, Data. And I will be delighted to offer any advice I +can on understanding women. [disgruntled look] When I have some, I'll let +you know." Hee-hee!) + +Characterization was actually the best part of the whole show. Jenna seemed +fairly well done (at least, she certainly got across to me that she'd just +finished a bad relationship), and this was the first time I've really enjoyed +a scene with Keiko and O'Brien as a married couple. Picard's bit above was +not just good direction--it was also very proper Picard. The only character +whom I thought was a little overdone (apart from Data in one or two scenes) +was Worf, in Picard's ready room. His not agreeing with or understanding +Picard's lightheartedness about the "perhaps we have a poltergeist!" was fine, +but I thought he was just a bit too paranoid. Ah, well. + +Effects- and music-wise, I have virtually no complaints. In fact, the shots +of the Enterprise in the nebula (particularly of it swooping along behind the +shuttle) were among the best shots of the _ship_ I've seen in a long time. +The music was again done by Jay Chattaway, who did the rather nice music for +"The Host", which was a little more attention-grabbing than most. (The music +when Picard first discovers his ready room problems in particular made me sit +up and take notice, but most of it was actually pretty decent.) + +A few small comments: + +--The return of Data's cat. Spot the Kitty--sounds like the sort of game show +you'd find on Monty Python. :-) Seriously, I'm always glad to see the cat. +And the small "hello, Spot!" at the end of the show was actually a nice sad +little finish. (Data clearly doesn't know enough about cats, though, if he +seriously expects such a little thing as a locked door to keep Spot inside. +Doesn't he realize that cats really run the universe? :-) ) + +--Only a few seconds of Bev, and that only down to a little past +shoulder-level. Guess Gates is really starting to show. That's a pity, +because I think she'd have some interesting words on love and relationships +for Data, between Jack and Odan. + +--"Honey, I'm home!" ??? Between this and "Dinosaurs", that phrase is +suddenly getting a new surge. + +--Before anyone goes crying that Geordi seemed way too cheerful for someone +who was just conditioned in the last show, check the stardate. If 1 SD = 1 +day, we are talking a month here, so it shouldn't be weighing on his mind +every minute any more. (If he ran across some Romulans and didn't react +accordingly, however, that's a far different story, of course.) + +Well, that should just about finish that up. In sum, it wasn't a bad way to +spend an hour. It was hardly one of the best shows of the season, but it was +pleasant, usually humorous, and only had a couple of scenes which made me +cringe. (Why do I suspect, though, that the opinions on this show are going +to run the entire spectrum?) + +The numbers: + +Plot: 6. Data gets 8, the dark matter gets 4. +Plot Handling: 6. That's what both get. +Characterization: 9. Pretty good. + +TOTAL: 7.5, with a half-point for good visuals and music. Could be a lot +worse. + +NEXT WEEK: A rerun of Devil's Due. I think I'll just tune in for the preview +for "Redemption", thank you very much. + +Tim Lynch (Cornell's first Astronomy B.A.; one of many Caltech grad students) +BITNET: tlynch@citjuliet +INTERNET: tlynch@juliet.caltech.edu +UUCP: ...!ucbvax!tlynch%juliet.caltech.edu@hamlet.caltech.edu +"The cat's out of the bag." +"Spot?" +-- +Copyright 1991, Timothy W. Lynch. All rights reserved, but feel free to ask... diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/theraven b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/theraven new file mode 100644 index 00000000..30a9410b --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/theraven @@ -0,0 +1,2689 @@ +Path: moe.ksu.ksu.edu!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!darwin.sura.net!mips!news.cs.indiana.edu!noose.ecn.purdue.edu!mentor.cc.purdue.edu!neale +From: neale@mentor.cc.purdue.edu (Neale Davidson) +Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative +Subject: STTRR 1-10/20 +Message-ID: <56722@mentor.cc.purdue.edu> +Date: 13 Aug 92 13:35:44 GMT +Organization: Purdue University Computing Center +Lines: 1511 + + + + - STAR TREK ------------------------------------------------- + - THE RAVEN'S ROAR ------------------------------------------------- + + Parts One through Ten of Twenty (repost) + + -------------------------------------------------------------------- + + CHAPTER ONE + + Captain's log: Stardate 10144.2 + Captain Jonathan McGyver Reporting + + We have been assigned patrol duty along the Romulan + Neutral Zone. While the crew of the FEARLESS is a bit + nervous about the prospect, we have been keeping high + spirits. + + This will be the last mission of this vessel before she + returns to drydock for decomissioning. I am deeply sorry + to see the old girl go. It will be a momentous occaision, + the last of the CONSTITUTION vessels put out to pasture. + + But, I will also admit that I'm looking forward to ending + this tour. Even with the tense relations between the + Empire and the Federation, I feel a bit bored with my + current command. I'd take exploration over patrol duty + any day. + + It is called the Neutral Zone, a buffer between the + United Federation of Planets and the Romulan Star Empire. This + single area of space, ten parsecs across a nearly worthless + region, has become the most dreaded. + This buffer does not insure the peace between the + opposing governments. It acts as a staging ground. For + one-hundred and twenty years, it has served as a skirmish site + between ships seeking slight advantages over one-another. It + has served as a place for two unlike governments to vent their + frustrations. + But there never had been a declaration of war since the + Zone was established, and the FEARLESS, as old as she was, was + determined to be strong enough for routine patrol duty. + Nevertheless, McGyver couldn't help but feel nervous + about his duty. Not many captains would be assigned to the + neutral zone during their entire carrer. But McGyver was + special, he had confronted Romulans. Not many in Fleet could + say that, not many in Fleet would wish to knowing what could + happen to them. + Romulans were the ultimate unknown. The Federation could not + comprehend what or who the Romulans are, what they fight for, + how they relate to others, what their culture consists of. + McGyver had seen a few face to face, and had fought against + them. Fleet offered him a captaincy patrolling the Zone for all + he has done, and he readily jumped at it. + But now he had learned to regret this decision. He had, + for the past few weeks, been sitting in this primarily Vulcan + starship as captain, wishing for something, anything, to occur. + "Boring with the promise of great excitement," he muttered. + "Kelak, sensor scan report, see if there are any energy + irregularities." + "Sensor scan indicating no bizarre energy readings. No + cloaking patterns evident," the science officer replied in a + characteristically cool tone. McGyver didn't fell comforted by + the knowledge. + "Thank you, Commander Kelak," McGyver barked as he sat + back into his command chair. "Set course to outpost seven, + warp three." Another six hours and this rotten month would + climax into some R&R at starbase. + "Now scanning an energy reading, high concentration of + ions, from astern at four thousand kilometers, closing fast." + quite quickly regained his interest. "Definately a Romulan + cloaking pattern," Kelak continued. + McGyver clinched the grips on his chair, almost + anxiously. "Can you match the cloaking configuration?" + "Negative, cloak configuration matches no known Romulan or + Klingon vessels specifically, but the pattern resembles that of + the Romulan cruisers, higher energy levels being the major + difference here, sir," the Vulcan replied, revealing a hint of + apprehension. + "Raise shields, go to yellow alert." McGyver's voice + showed an edge of nervousness. The klaxxon roared to life, and + the crew scattered into their defence positions. "Open hailing + frequencies." + The communicator's response was a wailing of static + energy."Sir, alien vessel is jamming our communications + attempts." The Vulcan tried a few more of his buttons to no + avail. "Confirmed, sir. Alien vessel closing in on + one-eight-zero mark zero. All attempts of communication has + thus far failed, communication with Fleet impossible." + MvGyver found himself gaping at the viewscreen. "That is + an attack posture! Arm torpedoes and circle the enemy vessel," + he barked. The officers quickly began to obey orders, quaking. + "Torpedoes armed," one of the officers finally replied. + But at that very same moment, there was a rupture on the + viewscreen, space ripped itself apart and stars began to + distort their images and color asserted itself upon a black + canvas. The rupture spewed the wings of a Romulan Eagle, their + bird of death. + McGyver clinched his seat in a death grip. The + less-controlled Vulcans gasped. Even the most-controlled Vulcan + could not easily conceal their fear. The science officer tried, + and failed to compose himself. "Sir, Romulan NOVA class + battleship in sector, she is arming torpedoes." + McGyver weighed options to himself, but he knew the + Romulans well enough not to trust them to withhold fire. The + battleship screamed toward the FEARLESS, it would only be a few + moments before all was decided. McGyver had to act quickly. + The FEARLESS's science officer spoke with an obvious + nervousness, "Romulan vessel bearing on attack pattern." + McGyver turned, noticing the fear which had suddenly gripped + his crew. + So, even the emotionless Vulcans show their fear of the + giant Romulan bird, McGyver thought to himself. "Launch + torpedoes!" The FEARLESS poured two balls of red-hot energy + from her spine. The torpedoes crashed into the Romulan's + shields in a fiery glow that illuminated the black sky. Even + against this impressive barrage of firepower, the giant vessel + refused to so much as shudder. + "Arm all weapons." McGyver fell back into his chair. He + hadn't expected to go up against a Romulan Battleship, not this + soon. These battleships were used for defence only, so + intelligence had assumed, and there were no battleships with + cloaking devices. At least, there weren't until now. + The FEARLESS rounded the Romulan craft to the port side. + But the Romulan ship had been ready for the maneuver and + unleashed a stream of light into the Federation cruiser's hull. + Bits of metal merged with fiery streaks of phaser energy + struck to produce a brilliant glow of hell on the cruiser. + McGyver cursed to himself. "Status report." + The Vulcan looked over his console. "Shield two is out on + our vessel with minor damage, the Romulan vessel has sustained + thirty percent damage on their number one shield." + The Romulan ship spat forth another torpedo from its + beak. The energy-ball bashed into the formerly soft-blue sensor + dish on the FEARLESS. The dish ruptured into engineering, and + the resulting energy rendered the lower hull of the Federation + ship ablaze. Explosions rocked up her spine as glass, metal, + flesh and blood all were blown out the rear of FEARLESS's + slender and rupturing neck. + The bridge went aflame, and McGyver felt his stomach + lunge into his throat as consoles around the bridge exploded in + their operator's faces. The death screams of his crew filled + McGyver's ears. Almost instantly crew-members ran into the + bridge and sprayed foam to put out the fires. The remaining + bridge personell ran past the charred bodies of their former + comrades to find out just what exactly had happened and what + they could do now. + McGyver looked down. "Status report, anyone." He soon + noticed that he was bleeding from a piece of glass stuck into + his arm from what was the navigator's station. But there wasn't + any time to get sick bay to care for it. It would have to bleed + until they got out of this mess. + "All shields have collapsed, major damage on all decks," the + Vulcan spoke as cooly as he could, but nervousness etched + itself on his tone. "Sensor scan damage makes reading of enemy + vessel impossible. We have lost both impulse and warp engine + control." The FEARLESS's Captain grimaced at the report. + The tactical officer retraced his fingers over the + weapons systems, rattling off countless reports and figures. + "All weapons systems are nonfunctional," he grimly announced to + the crew. + The lighting had already changed to bright red, but the + drain of power already caused the lights to flicker. McGyver + slouched back into his chair, pondering on a way out of the + situation. "Are the hailing frequencies open yet?" he muttered. + A Vulcan stood up, "Aye sir, the Romulan vessel is + responding." The same Vulcan pressed a few toggles and the + harsh image of a Romulan Commander appeared onscreen. The sight + left Captain McGyver speechless. + Commader Sunak of the Imperial fleet stood proudly + infront of his crew. The Romulan examined the scene of the + FEARLESS's bridge carefully. "You are the captain of the + NCC-1728 USS FEARLSS?" McGyver solemly nodded the affirmative. + "I assume you have called upon me to surrender. Truly + pathetic of you, especially for a ship of my Vulcan kindred," + the Romulan adversary goaded before a stunned Federation crew. + MvGyver felt his throat swell. He had begun to sweat. The + entire crew looked to him for some desperate measure to save + them, some reassurance that he could. His attempt was + meaningless. "What is the meaning of this attack? You are in + violation of the neutral zone treaty, your presence is an act + of war." + The Romulan laughed. "You are in no position to make + threats to me. You are alive merely because I have not hit the + torpedo controls again. I will fire again, of course, as we do + not usually take prisoners, but I thought that you should at + least have to opportunity to see your better." The Commander + relaxed into his seat confident that his enemy Captain had + been broken. + "Now wait just a minute, the Federation will not -" But + McGyver's protest would come to naught. The Romulan quickly cut + the signal short, replacing his image with that of the Romulan + battleship's. + The viewer cut off to show the Romulan battleship launch a + single torpedo from its beak toward the FEARLESS. The ball of + fire grew larger in McGyver's eyes, and it would be the last + thing that he would ever see. + The torpedo tore into the already tattered neck of + the FEARLESS. The two hulls parted in a brilliant explosion, + and spun away from each other, sprialling into oblivion. The + saucer scorched, and the letters of the FEARLESS slowly faded + amidst the blackening hull. In only seconds, two other + torpedoes reduced the hulls to rubble, slaughtering the + desperate men and women housed inside them. + The Romulan Commander smiled. Which was itself a rare + sight. This Commander was very much unlike all other Romulan + Commanders. While he was dangerous to cross, even more so than + the standard, he was not the kind of Commander who actually had + to display his power to enforce it. He merely was imposing by + his presence, meaning that his men were deathly loyal to him. + This is a state that the commander was fully comfortable with. + ~Kela, new course.~ The navigator readied herself for her + orders nervously. The Commander felt her fear and sympathised + with it. He bent over to her and put his hand on her shoulder. + ~Relax, Secundam. Lay in a course for home base for our + home base,~ the tall Commander continued, ~Proceed at + warp four.~ The female Romulan shook her head quickly and + complied with her orders. + The helmsman looked over, ~Engage cloaking device, + Commander?~ The helmsman wasn't quite as nervous around his + Commander as the navigator. This was good as well, as a nervous + helmsman was a liability in warfare. + The imposing figure replied, ~After we have left this + section of space and are underway. I wish to see what remains + of their ship.~ + The helmsman nodded in response and readied the cloaking + device. The RISS FIERY RAVEN burned through the remnants of the + late FEARLESS and them seemingly rippled out of existance. + + CHAPTER TWO + + ~Get up, bastard son!~ Lights, shapes, colours, all + failed to connect. ~I said get up!~ Riley felt a sharp pain in + his waist, but he still couldn't move. ~Are you deaf, Earthen + slime-dog? You are supposed to be borite mining now.~ + Riley felt something grab hold of his long, slate-black + hair and yank it upwards. ~I don't work for you.~ + He still couldn't see, but the pain that swept past his + face slammed hard into him. ~All half-breeds work for me, + S'Lavek.~ The voice still couldn't be connected to any face. + ~Are you going to come quietly or do I have to use the + agoniser?~ + Riley stood, but still couldn't make out anything other + than a swirling ball of lights. ~I'm coming, there's no need + for the...~ but he couldn't finish. The guard had struck him. + Blood rushed out of his head, he could feel it begin to flow on + his face, dripping off of the bridge of his nose. He collapsed + on the ground. + ~So, you even bleed red like a Terran, eh?~ The voice was + growing meaner, Riley thought to himself. ~Maybe you could work + for the Federation, eh? I'm sure they would love to see some + klya like you.~ Riley tried to stand again, the pain searing + down his legs. ~Who said you could get up?~ Riley screamed as + sheer pain suddenly asserted itself on his chest. + Vision cleared. Riley found himself in his bed on the + starship ENTERPRISE. He could feel the cold sweat on his brow, + and he wiped it off with his shaking hand. + There was a beeping noise, Riley had to concentrate to think + about what it meant. "Um, yeah, Captain here," he managed, + getting past his nightmare. + Saavik's voice seemed a bit soothing to Riley as she spoke, + it became more and more difficult to concentrate. "Sir, + communications reports many messages eminating from the Neutral + Zone. It seems that something major just occurred.We are to get + to warp drive as soon as possible." + Riley frowned at that, the damage from the IRON CLAW II's + attack had been quite severe, and repairs were going quite + slow. Riley stood out of his bed. "I'll be on the bridge in a + few minutes. Has engineering got my chair fixed yet?" + Saavik paused a second before speaking, probably to look + over some records. "Negative, sir, the engineering deck has put + priority on the warp drive. They say that they'll get to it + immediately afterwards." Riley once again wiped the sweat off + of his brow. "What shall I tell Fleet?" Saavik inquired. + "Inform them of our engine situation, Commander, and + state whatever time estimates Grissom can give to you." He + removed his uniform and pulled out his casual dress, blue-jeans + and a Star Fleet jacket. + "Sorry, sir, but Miss Grissom is currently off-shift and + is unavailable for estimates. However, the engineering crew + reports that engines should be warp capable in one point five + hours." + "Thank you, Commander, I'll be on the bridge shortly." + Riley walked into the only water shower on the ship, his own, + and began to clean himself. + The beep returned, this time from the door. "Sir, + Commander Grissom to see you." Riley grimaced and rushed for a + robe. + "Hold on a second. Didn't anyone ever tell you not to call + me off-shift?" Riley finally got his robe together and turned + on his lights, giving the room a more modern look, but still + not technical. "Come in." + The doors opened to reveal Grissom in her own casual + dress, a skirt and sweater. In this manner she seemed even more + attractive. Riley dismissed the thought. "I was reviewing our + personell records, and I found yours restricted. I was + curious." + Riley grabbed his clothes again and walked into the + shower, closing the door behind him. "There's not much in the + file, Miss Grissom. Besides, the last time we spoke I thought + you didn't want to be alone with me." Of course, I was even + dressed then, he thought to himself. + "It's Paula," she replied. + Riley stopped dressing. "What was that?" + "I'm off duty now, sir. I would prefer you to call me + Paula." Why was her voice suddenly so soothing right now? + Riley emerged from the shower wearing his jeans and belt. The + engineer was shocked by what she saw. Riley's back was littered + with scars, looking like belt lashes across his back. "I mean, + there isn't a need to be so formal while we are off shift, is + there?" She was sounding genuinely apologetic. + Riley nodded, but didn't actually answer. "I have some + drinks in the refrigerator, do you want any?" Grissom was being + nice, something was quite wrong. + Grissom gave only a look of confusion in reply. "I'm + sorry sir, but why would you have an engine coolant system in + your quarters?" + Riley smiled at her, "No, Miss Grissom, it's a + refrigerator, I use it to keep my drinks cold." He indicated + the number of cans he had scattered around his desk. "We use + them on," he hesitated for a second before continuing,"frontier + worlds where mass units are too expensive to use." He grabbed + one of his empty cans, easily crushed it, and pitched it into + his disintegrator. "I should have realised that not many people + would know what a fridge is here." + "Um, sir, no thanks, I'm not thirsty." She pretended not + to notice that her captain just crushed a titanium can. "I was + curious to know why your records are restricted, no one else's + were. Hell, even Admiral Kirk has open records. I was wondering + why yours were different?" + Riley walked to his bed and sat deathly quiet for long + enough to make the engineer nervous. "I don't wish to discuss + it, that's all." Grissom frowned a second and started to + dismiss herself. Riley called to close the door in front of + her. "Look," he hesitated for a few seconds, "Paula, I'm really + not trying to put you off, it's just that there are some things + others simply should not know." + She looked down at the ground a second. "May I be excused + now, sir, or do you intend to keep me here?" She seemed a bit + on-edge again, assuming more of the personality to which he had + grown accustomed. + Riley stood and walked out of the door ahead of her, not + even looking at her. "I'm going to the bridge. Report to me + when we're ready to get underway." + She walked out of the room, eyes fixed on the scars on + the captain's back as he pulled his shirt down over them. "Yes, + sir," she cooly replied as the doors closed. + + When the bridge doors opened, Riley felt a bit of relief. + He felt more at home on the bridge than on anywhere else in the + ship. "Mister Saavik, you are relieved." + Saavik stood and walked to the tactics post. Riley took + his seat and glanced at the hole on his chair. "I guess the + repairs are going rather slowly, are they?" + "Sorry, sir," Saavik replied, getting a bit more + comfortable with her position as first officer. "The damage we + took from the IRON CLAW II was impressive, but engineering + assures me that the ship will be fully functional within two + days." + "That puts us even more behind schedule than we figured," + he mutted, a bit disappointed by the news. + "Sir, I'm getting a message from Star Fleet Command," + R'Ress, a Catain male, piped up. "It's priority one." + Riley was a bit suprised by this announcement. He hadn't + counted on taking an assignment so soon, not with the + ENTERPRISE so fresh from battle. "On main viewer, Lieutenant + R'Ress." + The Catian complied by hitting the button again, and the + viewer showed once again the Federation verification symbol. + "To all vessels and personell near Romulan Neutral Zone. Omega + class orders effective stardate 10159.2." + Admiral Jameson's proud visage filled the main viewer. + "The tensions between the Romulan Star Empire and the + Federation have reached crisis proportions. Three vessels have + now been reported missing near the Romulan Neutral Zone, with + an additional two confirmed Romulan attacks. Footage of + attacks are on coded channel." + Jameson continued, grimacing. "We are dispatching all + available vessles to the Neutral Zone for increased protection. + All available ships within five parsec proximity to the + Zone need to rendevous with the carrier USS UNION at starbase + six on stardate 10160.5. Further orders will be established at + rendevous." + The bridge fell to a grim silence. Riley squinted his + eyes a second and muttered to himself, "That means us." He let + the bridge indulge in a bit of shock of hearing the news of the + conflict before he continued before speaking. "Now then, Mister + R'Ress, I want the footage of the conflict ready for display in + an hour. Have the crew meet in the rec-deck in one hour." + The Catian complied. "Yes, sir, retrieving data now." + Saavik gave Riley a quizzical look. "I want the crew to + know just what exactly we're getting ourselves into here," + Riley answered. Saavik nodded in underatanding. "Mister + O'Neil, set course for rendevous point," Riley continued + ordering. Engineering, we need warp speed now, what can you + give me?" + A man's voice answered this time. "Warp engines are + ready, but we still need to run it through more simulations. + Give us another hour, if you please, sir." + Riley stiffened in his seat. "I can't do that. Do we have + warp capabilities or not? Give me your best opinion." For a + moment Riley considered that he might be acting too rashly, + pushing too hard. But then, things were getting bad again, and + ship repairs had already went behind schedule, despite + Grissom's best efforts. + The engineer spoke without emotion. "Logically, it should + work, I predict a point zero zero one percent chance of + failure, the computer would verify for you, once we ran the + simulation." + Riley grimaced. The Vulcans were never satisfied with + anything less than perfection. "Activate," he finally ordered. + O'Neil's eyes seemed to light with anticipation. "Sir, we + have warp capability. Course is set." + Riley clinched the edge of his chair, waiting for + anything to happen. "Engage, warp nine." Upon command, the + starship ENTERPRISE fled real-space in a ribbon of red light, + entering the sub-dimension of warp-space. + + CHAPTER THREE + + His quarters were a contrast to the rest of the ship. In the + room hung a large rug resembling an eagle, large red-tipped + warbird. There are many, who if they didn't know better, would + swear that it was the symbol of a Romulan. The furniture was + definately not Fleet standard, it was wooden, but not of a wood + most Terrans would have ever seen, the grain was very dark + brown and was not stained. There was little lighting in the + room, but what was there was illuminating Riley's face and his + console, which was the only tech looking article in the room. + In a remote corner of the room he had placed a device + called a refrigerator, somewhat rare on starships, he went to + it and pulled out one can, opening it with a loud rush sound. + Riley sipped on his drink for a second at his desk before + activating the communications console. "Captain Riley to USS + UNION, priority one." Riley keyed in a verification signal to + let the UNION know that it was indeed the ENTERPRISE's Captain + that was speaking. + "USS UNION, Captain James Keihl here. Receiving you + ENTERPRISE, what is your status?" The voice coming over the + radio was certainly uninteresting enough. Riley sipped on his + drink another time before continued. + After another drink Riley turned on the viewer, doubling the + light in his otherwise dim room. "Captain, I wanted to inform + you that the ENTERPRISE is on course for the rendevous. We + should be arriving in a few minutes." + Keilh was seated in the command bridge of the UNION, it + was somewhat larger than the ENTERPRISE's standard bridge, but + UNION had the job of coordinating the efforts of many fighters, + as well as a number of ships that happened to be in the same + quadrant, so Riley didn't allow himself to be jealous. "I'm + glad to hear that," Keihl replied. "We don't have too many + heavy hitters that can be spared, and we need your firepower. + Besides, the Romulans will think twice after the IRON CLAW + incident." + "Acknowledged, UNION, Riley out." The viewer cut to black + and the captain walked over to his bed and lied down. It had + only been six days since the battle, and already word of it + spread throughout Star Fleet. Such a reputation was the last + thing Riley had expected. He wasn't sure if he wanted it. + + The computer droned on, "Personell file, zero- one- one- + seven- zero- one- bee. Name of Captain Thomas W Riley. Position + of commanding officer aboard USS ENTERPRISE. Further data + restricted to security clearance level four or above." + The engineer threw a fit and growled for no particular + reason, save intense frustration. "Computer, give personell + record for USS HOOD circa stardate nine-nine- nine-eight." + "Access denied, data restricted to security level four or + above." Someone is going to great pains to annoy anyone trying + to find out about the super-strong captain of this ship, she + thought to herself. + Grissom frowned again for a quick second and cleared the + computer. "What the hell is he, a Federation experiment?" Once + saying that, she began to consider it. "No, that sort of stuff + went out with the genesis device," she mused. + The hissing of the engineering room's doors didn't even + phase Grissom as she again set about her self-imposed duty. + "Lieutenant," a demanding voice called from them. + "I'll be with you in a second, ma'am," Grissom + absent-mindedly responded. Her reaction gave Gahrut a fright. + He didn't want to see an ugly scene. + Saavik walked in. Grissom started as the tall figure + walked to her. "I have noted your access denials of late on the + computer. I haven't informed the Captain as yet, but duty + dictates I do so." + Grissom turned to look at the Vulcan, ignoring the + hidden threat in Saavik's words. "Tell me something, Saavik. + Can Vulcans crush titanium?" + Saavik was taken aback by this question, especially as + the engineer was supposed to be getting in trouble, not asking + questions to the first officer. "Titanium? The strongest + vulcans could bend small sheets with their hands, but only the + strongest. Why do you ask, Commander?" + The engineer pressed a new sequence of buttons. "I saw our + Captain, our Human captain, crush a titanium can." She tried + for the medical files this time, again the computer responded + with the security denial. "I was wondering if was half Vulcan." + Saavik went to the computer Grissom was typing on and + curtly shut it off. "Captain Riley is Vulcanoid for one half, + human for the other." Well then, she thought to herself, that + wasn't a lie. "I don't think you should pry into the subject + further. It's bad enough that you've probed this far." + Grissom frowned, not taking the hint. "I don't + understand, was he cast-out because of his human half? I've + heard of that being done." Saavik wondered if Paula knew how + badly she was grasping at straws. + "Yes, Commander, Captain Riley was cast-out." Another + nicely worded question, Saavik thought to herself. "If you have + any other questions, you may want to address them to him." + Saavik turned, ignoring Grissom's somewhat confused expression. + For a few minutes, Grissom pondered whether or not to + enter the computer files again. She sighed and decided against + it. She had already attracted the attention of the Captain and + First Officer. Next would be security. + "Curiosity kills," Gahrut observed aloud as he slid over. + "You do realize that Riley's records are probably sealed for a + reason, don't you?" he asked nervously. "I mean, do you really + want to know what's in those records?" + Grissom couldn't answer, fortunately for her. The adress + system had taken over the conversation. "Attention all deck, + crew assembly in five minutes in recreation deck one. Crew + assembly in five minutes in recreation deck one." + Gahrut sighed, he was going into the fires again. He + secretly prayed that this time, unlike the last, he wouldn't + get shot. + + "Commander Saavik, would you know just what the hell is + going' on here?" Someone called to her. She didn't react, but + could easily have gotten away with a reprimand of whoever spoke + so disrespectfully. "I just got the order to get sickbay ready, + it was already ready when we fought the CLAW. Now, half the + crew still has bumps and bruises and now the captain wants to + take us all on some wild adventure?" + Saavik reacted distantly to Matthew's insistance. + "Nevermind that, Commander. Please take your place in the + crowd. I am sure that the Captain will brief everyone when he + comes in." + As if on cue, Riley walked into the room and upon the + stage set up for him. He was by no means comfortable. "All + personell, I need your attention for a few moments." After a + few seconds the crew quieted and Riley felt free to continue. + "As you have no doubt are aware, after our last encounter, the + tensions between the Federation and the Romulans are now + nearing an official state-of-war. We've lost several ships, and + the ENTERPRISE has been called in to assist any way we can." + The doctor glared at Saavik. "You mean we're going to the + front again? Half these systems haven't even been retested yet, + and the crew could use some rest." Saavik nodded her + acknowledgement of the statement and motioned Matthews to + listen. + "We have been dispatched to the Neutral Zone in response + to the loss of the USS FEARLESS and USS MICHEALS," Riley + continued, trying to keep calm. "We have compiled the available + footage of the assault. It isn't pretty, but I wanted you to + know what we are going up against." Riley motioned R'Ress to + start the tape. + The computerized voice of the mission recorder spoke, the + deep voice echoing in the massive recreation deck. "Enemy craft + is an upgraded version of the NOVA class battleship. Upgraded + firepower and sheild capability noted. Improved cloaking device + noted. Extended sensor range noted." + The ship, dubbed the FIERY RAVEN by the tape, looked + similar to the IRON CLAW II that the crew had already + encountered. There were jeers and grunting emminatigg from the + crowd. They didn't want another match up against that + particular kind of beast. + The footage began with a shot of a plasma torpedo ripping + open the USS MICHEALS's engineering section. Though the clip + was brief, it was powerful. The MICHEALS crew were incinerated + in the blast before anyone realized what was happening. + Already Matthews couldn't bear to watch the viewer + anymore, the carnage on both sides of the equation already too + extreme for him to take. "Damn it all, is this what I'm going + be doing for the next few months, watching people die all + around me." + The Catian walked over to the human doctor, having not + actually heard his persistant complaining. "Sad thing about + this situation don't you think?" + "That, Lieutenant, is a massive understatement," Matthews + took another view of the monitor, this time watching the + MICHEALS's engine fly off into space. "I should have expected + it, whenever you sign with the government you have to know the + risks." + "Always, funny how the brochures never say that part," + R'ress tore his eyes away from the viewer. "But then I guess + that it means we had it coming for volunteering." + The viewer turned solid white, then dimmed again, showing + the bridge of the MICHEALS suddenly exposed to space. Her + bridge crew choked as the air fled the protective dome. + Fortunately, the scene changed before they became corpses, + showing instead the FIERY RAVEN finishing off the Federation + starship. + Despite the pain and suffering he knew had taken place + aboard those ships Riley knew that he had to detach himself + from it. "Viewer off," was the only response Riley could let + the entire crew see, though his heart cried for revenge. + Saavik broke the silence which came, "As you can see, + the Romulans are relentless in their fights for the most part, + the don't allow weak people to live beyond the age of five, so + our best is equal to their average." + Riley took front again,"What Saavik is saying is that + there is actually very little known about our foe. What we do + know is that we are taking on the most worthy adversary we + have," Riley looked over at Saavik and motioned for her to + leave. "If you've read your history books you know what exactly + I am talking about. The first Romulan war cost the early + Federation half of her fleet. Hopefully, we can cut this off + before a real war erupts," he added, for once speaking his + feelings of the matter. + The crew discussed among themselves for several seconds + before Riley chose to speak again. "All personell will be + assigned double shifts staring at twenty-four hundred hours. + That means I want this vessel at full status as soon as + possible, if there are questions refer them to your department + heads as soon as I'm done with them." + Most of the crew begun to fan out, but the command crew + and department heads came forward. There was so much to do so + soon. All Riley could do was hope that things would work for + the best. + + CHAPTER FOUR + + ~FIERY RAVEN en route to target at this time, Senator.~ + The giant Romulan felt a great surge of anticipation run + through his system. ~I am looking forward to the conflict, and + I am confident we shall triumph.~ There wasn't a tone of + arrogance in his voice, just a voice of stating a fact. He more + than believed that he would win, he was sure of it, he was + certain of it. + The Senator in the viewer showed a certain disgust as he + spoke. ~Klingon half-breed! You have turned our incursion into + the Neutral zone into a personal arena of conflict, you know + we lack the resources necessary to carry on an ongoing war with + the Federation.~ The Commander growled at hearing this, but + said nothing to let the Senator continue. ~We have rethought + our plans, and have decided that our offensive against the + Federation was ill conceived.~ + The Romulan Commander crushed a glass he held within his + hand. ~Dare you, you know that our attacks on Federation + vessels will be regarded as an act of war. The Senatorium can't + just apologise now and act as if nothing had happened. The + Federation will respond against us.~ The Commander let a fist + slam onto the desk. ~Could it be that you have lost the courage + to enforce such a war? I could arrange it so that you would + have no worries about your own precious hide.~ + The Senator growled. ~Don't attempt to intimidate me, + Commander Sunak. We at the senate view your usefulness as + short-term.~ The Senator must feel nice and safe on the other + end of the viewer to be threatening me so, the Commander + thought to himself. + Sunak let his anger flow as he threw his fist strong into + the viewer. ~Yes, Senator, maybe short-term to you. But your + own cowardice will be your undoing.~ Sunak stood and walked out + of his chambers. His two guardsmen noted his departure and + proceeded to follow him to the lift. ~The senatorium seems to + have changed its mind as to my orders. They will, no doubt + send false messages stating that this vessel is rogue, since + they will now attempt to cover up.~ + One of the guardsmen looked angered. ~I do not + understand why the senators would want to change their mind + now, of all times.~ + ~Simple, Trinam, the senate wanted a small victory, and + then bowed out when they realised the risk of war.~ Sunak + pressed the button at the forefront of the lift console. ~It is + not my intention to attack someone and then apologise saying + that it was the act of a rogue child. Furthermore, I do not + intend to be that child.~ + The same guard looked over at him. ~So the senatorium is + acting like terrorists. Doing the deed without realising the + consequences?~ + Sunak showed a hint of a smile at the Trinam. ~Correct, + but it is annoying many Rom'lnz who wish to finally see the + Federation put away.~ After a few seconds the lift doors opened + to reveal a small circular room lighted only by a number of + consoles bordering the walls. Sunak headed for the only seat + centered in the room. ~Fortunately, we Rom'lnz are more loyal + to our cause than our Senatorium.~ He turned to a man seated to + the left of him. ~Disengage cloaking device and open hailing + frequencies.~ + The Centurion pressed a button and the FIERY RAVEN + rippled itself into reality. ~Cloak disengaged, opening hailing + frequencies.~ The Centurion frowned as he hit the final + sequence of buttons, and nervously he piped up. ~Sir, there are + no ships evident in this sector, and none of our ships are + assigned in this area.~ + ~Spare me your confusion, Centurion, only the senate + thinks our vessels are not assigned here.~ Sunak smiled almost + evilly. ~This is RAVEN calling assault force one. Rendevous is + set, disengage all cloaking devices at ready attack formation.~ + There appeared on Sunak's viewer six separate rifts in space, + and out of those rifts appeared six large warbirds, Romulan + battlecraft posing themselves as an assault fleet. Three TAKARA + MORLATTA's rounded the FIERY RAVEN in a dance of doom and + poised themselves flanking the larger battleship. Two TEMAR + VASTARI vessels appeared from behind the group and dived under + the first three to take the point. Finally a BRIGHT ONE + destroyer appeared behind the rest of the fleet and posied + itself behind the other ships. ~Sir, the assault force + identifies itself as ready for assault.~ The Centurion let out + a grimace. ~I don't understand, sir. The senate just sent our + orders to return to Gorwah, and they said nothing about an + assault fleet.~ + ~That is because,~ Sunak replied, ~they do not yet know.~ + Sunak sat back eagerly in his chair. ~This is Fleet Commander + Sunak of the FIERY RAVEN to all ships. Keep attack posture, + proceed to target at warp eight. For the glory of the Brothers, + let this strike show out cowardly leaders what true Rom'lnz are + capable of.~ + The flock of warbirds screamed through the black void leaving + behind a ribbon of light. ~Sir, shouldn't we engage our + cloaking device before our arrival, we are giving them time to + prepare, maybe even to intercept us.~ The Centurion showed an + edge of fear in his voice. Sunak noticed it, but gave no + indication of consoling the man. + Sunak let a fist slam into his open hand. ~I am counting + on that, my Centurion.~ + + CHAPTER FIVE + + The UNION, quite simply, was a huge vessel. Her primary + hull was simliar to the ENTERPRISE's, but her trunk attached it + to a massive fighter-carrier, complete with four naccells. The + ENTERPRISE was less than one-third of this ship's mammoth size, + being dwarfed by the carrier as she approached. + The ENTERPRISE soon swept around, taking her place in + formation amougst sixteen, smaller vessels surrounding the + carrier. "One battleship, us," Tiber commented as he brought + the starship around the USS MAXIMILLIAN. "I hope that they + don't have too many other NOVA modifeds out there, or we're + toast." + "Not exactly a positive outlook, Mister Tiber," Riley + warned. "Besides, every little bit helps," he conitnued for + Tiber's benefit. "R'Ress, patch me through to the UNION. Get me + Captain Kiehl." + R'Ress tuned her instruments in to the UNION's monitoring + frequency. "Hailing frrequencies are open, Captain." + "This is Captain Riley of the starship ENTERPRISE," he + called to the air. "We've assumed position off the port bow of + the MAXIMILLIAN an are awaiting further orders." + The viewer cut from the shot of the UNION to Kiehl's + uninteresting face. "Greetings, Captain," he said with delight. + "I see that you are true to you word. I need you and your first + officer to beam aboard in one hour for your mission briefing. + Admiral Jameson will fill in the details." + "Understood, Captain. We'll be there in one hour," Riley + replied, a bit surprised by the order. "Give my personal + regards to Admiral Jameson. ENTERPRISE out." The screen cut + again to the shot of the UNION. + "A private briefing? That's a bit unusual," Saavik + offered. "I assumed that the UNION would send us to intercept + any Romulan craft immediately." + "I would too," Riley replied with some thought. "But it + seems like Admiral Jameson wants to try and be clever. I + just hope he knows what he's doing." + "Do you think we're going into combat again, Captain?" + O'Neil asked, hoping beyond hope for a negative reply. + Riley clinched the edge of his command chair, concerned. + "I would expect so, Star Fleet wouldn't call us all the way out + here if they didn't want our firepower." + Tiber nodded in agreement. "Another battle, so soon after + the IRON CLAW II. Star Fleet has some nerve," he muttered. "You + would think that they would give us shore leave at least." + "God knows that I requested it," Riley countered. "But I + don't make the rules." He paused for a second, regarding the + UNION's impressive secondary hull, dotted with hangar bays. + "Mister Saavik, come with me please," he finally commanded. + "Sir?" She asked even as Riley had begun standing. + Riley offered his hand to help her up. She did take it + and proceeded to stand. "I need to discuss some things with + you. Preferably before we go on this mission," he commanded, + heading for the turbolift. Saavik said nothing in reply, but + quietly followed. + + He had taken her to the observation deck, where one could + see a great deal of the ship and surrounding space. There was + little lighting here, but the view of the ENTERPRISE nested in + with so many other ships was breathtaking. + It was also much less conspicous than his or her + quarters. Rumors had already begun circulating as to their + relationship, not that the rumors had any basis in fact. + "Saavik," he called as he walked to the side wall of the + dome. "I was wondering how you were coping with everything. I + know that recent times have been hardest on you." + Saavik look confused for a moment, not sure how to + answer. "I do not understand, sir. As a Vulcan I feel no need + to cope with events." + Riley closed his eyes, a bit upset by the comment. "I + know better than that, Saavik Kahm. I was raised on Vulcan for + six years, and I know exactly how emotionless you really are." + Saavik straightened herself up at that, not expecting her + Captain to question the manners of Vulcans everywhere. But he + had, and he was also, perhaps, the only person who could get + away with it. "I am doing well, Thomas," she finally replied + after some difficulty. "I would have preffered another + assignment, however." + "Me too," Riley confessed. "I've got too many bad + memories about living in the Neutral Zone when I was a child. + Now I'm going through all of them." + "I've been having nightmares of late," Saavik admitted, a + bit more comfortable. "About my father, and Hellguard. I can't + get them out of my mind, despite my Vulcan training." + Riley turned to again look at his first officer. He had + to admit that in the soft lighting of the room she was indeed + quite beautiful. Sometimes, it would be easy to forget that the + two were the commanders of this ship. But duty asserts itself + rather quickly. "I've had dreams too," Riley continued, a bit + more self-conscious. "I can't tell you what they've been about, + but it bothers me. I've never been plaqed by nightmares until + coming back here." + "I've been having them since we entered Gensis," she + confessed, a bit distraught over the matter. "I'm remembering + David." Her voice trailed, losing herself in thoughts. "I'm + remembering feelings I haven't had in years." + Riley walked over and gently placed his hand on her + shoulder. "I wanted to tell you that you weren't the only one," + he softly replied. "I wanted you to know that you weren't + alone." + Saavik finally reached for his hand, and gently caressed + it. "Why do you care so much about me?" she softly asked, + though it was a question which made her nervous. + Riley stepped back, not expecting the question. "You're + my First Officer," he blurted a bit too quickly. "That is, I + care a great deal about how you're coping, as a crewmate," he + stammed unconvincingly. It took him a second to realize that he + was again holding her hand. + "As a crewmate?" she questioned, gently releasing her + touch. "Illogical," she flatly stated in reflection. "Most + crewmates do not hold hands on the observation deck." + Riley turned, a bit embarrassed, and a bit angry. "It's + inappropriate, Saavik," he muttered with notable steam. "It's + damn inappropriate, and we both know it. Now we've got our + orders to follow, so I suggest we do it," he commanded as he + stormed out of the room. + Saavik stood wondering what exactly she had done wrong. + + "Now, this is the last known location of the USS + FEARLESS," Kiehl explained to the assembled Captains and + Commanders as his pointer indicated a sensor trace. "At this + point, we recieved a transmission about a large vessel named + the FIERY RAVEN, presumably a battleship similar to the one + that ENTERPRISE encountered." + The room shifted attention at that, which did nothing to + sooth Riley's nerves as the attention swamped on him in + particular. "The transmission was heavily garbled, probably due + to jamming attempts," Kiehl continued once he was sure of the + room's undivided attention once more. + "Unfortunately, we don't have any more to go on from the + FEARLESS. However, the MICHEALS conflict was far more + substantial than the other. The MICHEALS was able to transmit + her mission logs and sensor readings to us, which you should + have already reviewed," Kiehl completed. + "What is Fleet's appraisal of the situation?" one of the + Andorian captains demanded. "Do they know what's going on?" + "Fleet is hearing word from the Romulan Senate that these + acts of piracy have been commited by rogue elements of their + military," Kiehl replied flatly. "It seems that they were + somewhat disturbed at the progress that we were making with the + Klingon Empire and panicked." + "With due respect, Kiehl," Riley blurted out, "these + aren't the actions of panicked ship commanders. Commander Konok + informed me that his superiors ordered their vessels to attack, + to test our strength." + Kiehl nodded in agreement, "That's likely true, but the + policy makers at Fleet will have to determine that. It's our + mission to capture or destroy the remaning prototype vessel on + this side of the Neutral Zone." + Riley straightened up a bit, finally taking some genuine + interest in the proceedings. "The ENTERPRISE, HEINLEN, and + MORAN are being dispatched to the staging area immediately to + survey the area. The HEINLEN and MORAN are the best scouts we + have, and the ENTERPRISE is the best ship for protection duty + if the Romulans should attack again," Kiehl conveyed. + Riley sighed heavily. "You want the ENTERPRISE to escort + the scouts to the area, so they can be noise posts?" he + quiered. "That's fine if the FIERY RAVEN is alone, we'll be + able to take them. Where will our back-up be if things get + messy?" + Kiehl looked confident. "We've sent a intercept fleet to + that region already which will respond to any trouble that + surfaces," he proudly proclaimed. + Riley simply wasn't convinced. + + CHAPTER SIX + + After a few nervous seconds a woman piped up, though + somewhat shaken. ~My lord, Federation protection fleet incoming + from target at warp nine.~ + Didn't I tell her to relax earlier? Sunak thought to + himself. ~I have obviously prepared for this, Secundam Rela.~ + He motioned to the previous communications officer. ~All ships, + aggressive posture. Close in on Federation targets and + destroy.~ Sunak could feel his Klingon blood pour through his + veins at full strength. + The Federation vessels were impressive enough, he + thought to himself. Sunak could easily make the shapes of two + AVENGER class ships, as well as three ENTERPRISE class ships. + ~Vessels identified as following: Cruisers consisting of + POTEMPKIN, DEFIANT, CONSTELLATION. Frigates consisting of + SARATOGA, REPEATER, AVENGER.~ The female nodded to her captain, + ~I am raising shields, and arming weapons.~ + The DEFIANT and CONSTELLATION were the first Federation + ships to reach the Romulan assault fleet. As they warped past + the warbirds they unleashed their balls of hellfire, which + slammed into the lead cruisers. One of the cruisers bore the + brunt of the impact, but the other began to spin and then + curved off the assault fleet's formation. + The loose cruiser spat a torpedo of its own toward a + Federation starship, which impacted heavily on the DEFIANT's + shields. ~RAVEN to DEATHWING, peel off formation, engage + CONSTELLATION alongside the RAZORBEAK,~ Sunak commanded to his + minion ship. + Another cruiser veered from the front of the fleet and + curved to the outside. The Federation starships veered one + behind the other and came head-to-head against the Romulan + cruisers. + The DEFIANT and CONSTELLATION fired a phaser barrage on + the lead cruiser. The lethal blast of heat singed the boom of + the cruiser, catching it ablaze. The Romulan craft seemed to + act as an angry eagle, diving wildly at the Federation + starship. The DEFIANT tried to maneuver away, but the Romulan's + attack was too swift, and the RAZORBEAK slammed beak-first into + the smooth underside of the DEFIANT. Both ships went up in a + ball of white flame as bits of shattered metal sprayed + themselves through the cosmos. + ~Starship DEFIANT destroyed ,sir, though we have lost + the RAZORBEAK,~ Rela let out in an exited tone, not caring that + her empire had just lost two-hundred people. She merely uttered + the words "RANAM VALASSA" in their reverance. The reverence is + given to those who have acted courageously and have performed + above and beyond their call of duty, it was the first such time + Rela had seen such an act, and she was impressed. The Commander + looked over at her, read the excitement in her eyes, and + smiled, sensing a part of himself in her. + The DEATHWING maneuvered onto the CONSTELLATION and + unleashed a barrage of photon torpedoes, only one of which + actually impacted on the Federation ship's shields. The + CONSTELLATION retorted with another phaser blast, this one + crashed into the Romulan cruiser and sent it reeling. Sunak + tired of this quickly and was about to order the assault ships + to assist DEATHWING before REPEATER and POTEMPKIN showed up + in the fight. The assault craft broke away from the battleship + and centered on the REPEATER. The AVENGER and SARATOGA + arrived and converged on Sunak's battleship. + ~Fire a torpedo burst on the AVENGER and send the + LADYHAWKE to attack SARATOGA,~ Sunak commanded. The AVENGER + felt the violent sting of five torpedoes impacting on her + primary hull, shattering it into countless fragments, leaving + only the rear half of the vessel warping in space until finally + exploding into memory. LADYHAWKE had just maneuvered on + SARATOGA when the Federation ship began to turn tail. + CONSTELLATION finally took a major hit and lost her port + side warp engine. She began to spin for a few seconds before + following SARATOGA's lead back to starbase. ~Sir, it appears + that the Federation ships are attempting to reconverge at + starbase.~ Rela began to feel a surge of power flow through + her. A power that she could see her commander bask in. ~Shall + we cut them off?~ She found herself already starting to plot in + another intercept course before realising what she was doing. + Sunak considered it for a moment, but declined. ~No, + Rela,~ he stated. ~We need to regroup our forces before + starting another attack. We have severly damaged the starbase's + outer defences, and I want survivors to spread the news about + what is happening here.~ There will be no way for the + Senatorium to dismiss this incident as a rogue act now, he + added to himself. + But a Centurion growled, ~We can't let the Federation + ships go like this, we should let go with phasers until they're + destroyed.~ The Centurion was startled by the sudden sensation + of asphyxiation. His Commander had grabbed his throat and began + to throttle him two feet above the ground. + Sunak growled himself. ~We do not have shields or + torpedoes up thanks to that self-same destroyer. The Federation + will be sending an assault force of its own soon and we have + lost ours. If it is your intention to stay here and be + butchered for revenge, I will gladly let you have a + shuttlecraft to go fight their carriers with.~ Sunak let the + man go none to gently and the Centurion crashed to the floor. + ~I am not in the habit of wasting resources, Centurion. We need + to rest and repair ourselves before we can fight again.~ + The Centurion started to rub his throat, trying to ease the + sensation of pain he felt. ~I understand, my lord,~ he managed + through his damaged throat. The remaining bridge crew were + either gaping at the Commander or looking stupidly at the + Centurion. ~May I be excused now, lord?~ + Sunak could understand easily the need for the Centurion + to get away, and he offered his hand to help out his + subordinate. ~Tonin, you must forgive me,~ Sunak began slowly, + ~It is not my intention to bludgeon my crew into submission. + You acted as any warrior would have done, wanting to finish off + his opponent.~ + When the Centurion was fully upright Sunak drew in a + heavy breath and started again. ~We simply cannot afford the + resources to engage their ships again at this time, but I am + sure that she'll be in the enemy's assault fleet when we meet + up with it.~ + Tonin looked confused, this was certainly not an attitude + he'd expected from a Klingon-Romulan commander with a + reputation for demanding discipline. ~I understand, my lord. I + shall be more receptive to your orders,~ he offered. + Rela found herself looking at her Commander with awe, not + many true Romulan Commanders, let alone half-breeds, would + actually apologise for his actions. The fear being that the + crew would lose respect. Sunak had no need of that fear, + however. There would be no way that the crew would lose respect + for Sunak. + + CHAPTER SEVEN + + Captain's log: Stardate 10160.9 + + The scouting party, consisting of the ENTERPRISE, the + HIENLEN, and the MORAN, is nearing the site where contact + with the USS FEARLESS is lost. Our purpose here seems + only to prove that the FEARLESS was indeed attacked by + the Romulan craft dubbed the FIERY RAVEN. + + I don't expect to find the Romulans themselves here, + since there is generally nothing to gain by remaining at + a battle-site after the battle is over. However, we are + assured that our ships will be in an excellent position + if trouble were to occur. + + The intercept fleet, I'm told, has been placed far + enough into the Neutral Zone to make even the most docile + Romulan nervous. Fleet assures me that the ships will be + enough to remove the threat of Romulan attack before it's + even started, but I'm not so sure. I've seen what this + new IRON CLAW II type ship can do. + + The MORAN and HEINLEN were two of the newest class of + ships, the new scouts. They looked unusual, with a primary hull + nestled in between her warp pods. She had the distinctive trunk + connecting her saucer section, as it was becoming known, to her + sensory hull. The majority of the small secondary hull had been + given over to sensors and science, with several bands of sensor + array apparatus. + The ENTERPRISE, however, was there as a gunship, and + more than made up for the two scout's lack of firepower. The + giant starship was leading her smaller sisters into the sector. + Riley was seated again at his captain's chair, with a + worried look on his face. "Keep scanning for any signs of the + Romulan ship," he commanded to his science officer, who didn't + bother to reply. + "Coming up on debris of USS FEARLESS, Captain," Tiber + observed as he made slight adjustments to the ship's course. + "No life signs, as expected," he continued. "The warp engines, + what's left of them, are inert. I'm not getting any power + readings." + Riley had expected as much, though he was disappointed. + "Scan for signs of disruptor activity," Riley commanded, + knowing that the trace would be weak at best. "If we can find + it, I'm sure our scouts will as well." + Saavik looked over the instrumentation on her panel. "May + I suggest that we beam some of the debris aboard for analysis, + Captain? Our engineering crew could do far more capable a job + with the material in hand." + "See to it," Riley commanded. "Make sure that the beaming + time is minimal. I don't need the shields down any longer than + I have to." + "Aye, sir," Saavik replied, standing to leave the bridge. + + Grissom, as yet, had very little to do while the + ENTERPRISE was taking aboard debris. She had already assigned + the crew, since she had expected the duty, but there was no + need for her to actively participate. In these times, her duty + meant that she stayed available for emergencies, which meant + long periods of boredom. + "What are you doing calling me from sickbay?" Matthews + demanded as he entered the room. "In case you didn't notice + we're under yellow alert, which means I've gotta keep my fancy + gear up when everything goes to hell." + "I just have a few questions that I wanted to ask, + Doctor," Paula countered, bemused by Matthew's attitude. "Then + you're free to go back to your work." + "Questions, Lieutenant?" Matthews asked in a worrysome + tone. "What's on your mind, missy?" he concluded, which nearly + sent Grissom fuming. + "It's about our Captain," she began slowly. "I've noticed + some things about him that most humans can't do, or aren't + like," she continued, trying to carefully choose her words. + "Such as crushing titanium cans?" + "He's got really strong hands," Matthews replied + noncommittally. "Not, if there isn't anything more, then I'll + be off." Of course, the doctor wasn't going to get off quite + that easily. + "Too strong for human hands, Doctor," Paula dared. + "Saavik said he was cast out, and that he's half Vulcanoid," + she continued. "But everyone who would know something refuses + to tell me anything." + "That's because we can't," the Doctor replied. "Besides, + why are you so concerned about him. I heard in the grapevine + that you hated men." + Grissom sighed, reputations didn't seem to take long to + stick, but she had deserved it. "I don't like it when a man + keeps secrets from me," she admitted, more to herself than to + Matthews. + "Let me tell you about the Captain," Matthews began + carefully, seeing a bit of the conflict in Grissom's eyes. + "Thomas keeps secrets from himself more than anyone else. He + doesn't need you to go digging up old memories." + "I guess he doesn't," she admitted. "I'll just have to + talk to him about it sometime soon." + "That's what I would suggest, Lieutenant," Matthews + offered as he left. So, he thought to himself, now he's got two + people falling for him. Lucky stiff. + + Riley was impatient. The crews had successfully beamed + the debris they needed aboard, and had succeeded in keeping the + shield down-time to a minimum. It didn't, however, make him + feel any better about waiting for an inevitable attack. + "If that's all we can do here," Riley began before + noticing how flustered his communications officer was getting. + "What is it, Lieutenant?" + "Sir," R'Ress said with forboding, "I've just gotten + several panicked reports from the intercept fleet." The Catian + did his best to clear the static and overlapping signals. + "They've been attacked." + Riley turned his chair to the officer. "What? Already? + Why weren't we informed?" He demanded. + R'Ress was obviously having troubles with the amount of + traffic he was receiving. His voice seemed to crack. "I don't + know, sir, apparantly everything happened in only a couple of + minutes. There wasn't any time." + "Damages, Lieutenant," Riley commanded with a distinct + note of disdain. + R'Ress sorted through more of the communicaes flooding + her board. "We've lost the DEFIANT and AVENGER, no survivors," + Riley's face went red at that, it meant that there was over + one thousand already dead. "The CONSTELLATION suffered extreme + damage and took over one-hundred casualties," R'Ress contiuned. + "The SARATOGA took some damage but turned tail after the other + ships were destroyed." + Riley growled. "Set course for new battlesite, warp + thirteen," he commanded with such a dark overtone that it even + sent shivers down Saavik's spine. + O'Neil frowned at the order, "Aye, sir, warp thirteen." + He quickly set the course and the velocity as ordered, sending + the ENTERPRISE faster than any ship had ever gone on its own + power. The ENTERPRISE quickly began to shake under the strain. + "Sir, MORAN and HEINLIN are calling," R'Ress piped up. + "They're asking if they should assist us." + "Tell them to show up when they can," he angrily ordered. + "And tell the UNION that their brilliant strategy didn't work, + and to get as many ships as they can spare over to us." + "Aye, sir," R'Ress nervously complied. + "Sheilds, Captain?" Tiber asked nervously, though the + answer was obvious. + "Raise sheilds, arm weapons, and red alert," Riley + ordered, sending the ENTERPRISE headlong into battle like an + avenging angel. There were going into the fires, again. + + CHAPTER EIGHT + + The rec deck had emptied with the exception of two, and + these two were showing no signs of leaving as yet. Rela's + dueling stick flew underneath Sunak's arm, and he felt the pain + pierce his skin. He grabbed her arm and flung her easily + several feet behind him. The strength took Rela by surprise. + ~You are much stronger than I pictured, my lord.~ She stood and + came barrelling at her commander poising the stick for a + strike. + Sunak was ready for her and thrusted his own dueling + stick to not only block hers, but send it reeling back across + the floor. Rela lost balance and fell backwards. She looked up + and saw her lord with the stick readied for a final blow. ~I + think,~ he began, ~that you may want to yield now.~ + ~I don't get it,~ she replied as she stood, ~I held that + stick with a death-grip yet you knocked it out of my hand with + ease.~ Sunak offered his hand to her and helped her to compose + herself. + ~That's the point, you held the stick too tightly, and it just + snapped off like a heavy branch would on a tree.~ Sunak went + behind his navigator and put his dueling stick into her hand. + ~Now clinch this as you would for battle.~ She did so, and her + veins started to show through her skin. ~That's too tight, ease + on it. Just put enough pressure to handle the stick and to keep + it sturdy.~ + Her grip on the stick relaxed somewhat. ~Tell me, sir. + Why did you apologise to Centurion Tonin when you grabbed him? + He deserved it didn't he?~ + Sunak fell silent for a moment, and looked into her + eyes.~I'm not the sort of commander who likes to use + intimidation and physical abuse to get people to follow my + orders. I've seen ships that do such and I've seen crews + attempt to kill their commanders.~ He took a seat on the mat + the two had been practicing on. ~I don't want my own crew to + wind up attempting to kill me for something I do.~ + Rela sat and cocked her head with a smile. ~No, you would + much prefer the Senatorium to cast you off as a traitor for + starting a war without their permission.~ + Sunak laid a hand on her shoulder. ~You do understand + what is going on. The Senatorium ordered us to attack any ships + near the Zone so they could ease their political status with + colonists out here. I think they, at the time, realised a war + could result. So they came up with a plan to protect + themselves.~ + Rela gave a look of concern. ~You mean that they were + planning on declaring us rogue all along?~ + ~I believe so. I contacted all other ships within the + area, and when they heard this news they were much more than + eager to jump to our side.~ Sunak looked away from Rela for a + few moments, instinctively she moved closer to him. ~What + bothers me is that I am starting this war.~ + Rela caressed the opposite side of Sunak's face and + pulled it so he would be looking at her. ~You started this? I + don't think so, I think you have saved the honor of our people + with this act.~ + Sunak could feel the soft touch of Rela's hand across his + face, and he reach for her hand. He started to become a bit + lost in his concentration as he looked at her. ~Rela,~ he began + to whisper. She moved over to kiss him and he pulled harshly + away. + ~What is it? What's wrong?~ + The was a genuine pain in Sunak's voice as he spoke, a + pain which seemed to penetrate into his very soul. ~I can't + take you, Rela, I just can't.~ He started to stand and found + that he was emotionally unable to. He looked again at her, and + noted her compassion, her deep caring, her attraction. Could + this be what love is, he found himself asking. ~Rela, I'm truly + sorry.~ + She grabbed his hand, and she could feel the dense skin + of his body for the first time. It was too dense to be Romulan. + ~I don't understand. I thought that you wanted me, like I + wanted you. Please talk to me.~ + The softness in her voice relaxed Sunak somewhat. ~I'm + not a full Rom'lnz by any measure Rela. Only my mother was + Rom'lnz.~ As he spoke, the words became more painful to bear. + Rela put her arm around him and parted her other hand in the + from of a "V" as she caressed his open hand. ~Rela, I'm half + Klingon,~ he finally admitted, though it had been no secret. + Rela was taken aback, but didn't stop showing her + affection.~I knew that. But I thought that Klingons and Rom'lnz + were incompatible. How could you...~ she found herself lost in + a train of thought that seemed to lead no where. + ~My mother died giving birth to me,~ he began slowly, + painfully caring for each word he let out of his lips. ~My + Klingon father donated me to Klinzai research. They performed + experiments on me, corrected the genetic defects in me.~ He + tried to be soothed by Rela's touch, but there was too much + pain involved, too many memories. ~They put me on display like + some sort of animal. I was billed as the greatest feat of + Klingon science in the entire Avastam.~ + Rela tightened her grip on the commander. ~My lord, if + this is too much to bear for you then I will...~ Rela could see + that Sunak's personal reality was overshadowed my memory at + this point. She only held him that much closer. + ~In my fourth standard year, a Rom'lnz ship destroyed the + Klingon science lab where I was displayed, and brought me into + their influence. I was too physically superior to them for me + to be one of the k'manatri, so they inducted me into the fleet + early.~ + Rela looked into her commander's eyes again, this time + seeing all the emotion he possessed. ~S'T'L'Sunak,~ she + whispered to him. ~I still don't understand what your fear is. + I can't see what bothers you so much.~ + Sunak's look of pain subsided, and a look of + incompleteness swept across his face. ~I do not know love. For + me there was only the hate of the klivam and the duty of the + Rom'lnz. I saw others while I was rising through the ranks. I + saw the way that males and females interacted, but I could + never take part.~ + Rela brushed the side of Sunak's rough face. ~You can + now.~ At this point, she kissed him thoughtfully and backed + off. ~Commander,~ she began with a grin on her face, ~I think + you have a ship to run. Your bridge misses you.~ + The giant Romulan stood, helping Rela get up. ~I thank + you, Rela, I have never felt as if I could talk to anyone.~ He + held her a moment, a sensation he found soothing. ~I will,~ he + hesitated so he could pick the right words,~ see you once our + fleet has regrouped a repaired themselves.~ The two touched + their hands together in a ritual only true Romulans could + understand and then Sunak walked off to the lift. + Rela considered following him for a moment, but declined. + There would be no point to pursue this matter on the bridge, + the rest of the crew had no need to overhear the commander's + affairs. + When the lift doors opened, Rela was surprised to see + Tonin walk through towards her. ~Well, what did he say about + me?~ + Rela smiled at the Centurion's nervousness. ~You're quite + safe, Tonin. Sunak's apology was sincere.~ + Tonin looked at her quizzically. ~I get the distinct + impression that more went on here than just dueling.~ I know, + Tonin thought to himself, I am asking a loaded question. But + that was a damn long duel with someone three times your + strength and twice your speed. + ~Let's just say that the Commander had vulnerabilities no + man could ever get to.~ Rela called that the end of the + conversation and walked to the lift with a broad smile on her + face. Tonin just set about massaging his neck. + + CHAPTER NINE + + ~Commander,~ a Centurion called as Sunak returned to his + command chair, ~we had registered a Federation battleship, + closing in at us at very high velocity.~ + Sunak observed the reaction of the crew. What could this + one ship be to be so bold as to challenge a fleet, they were + wondering. It was obvious, however, it was the banshee devil + which had somehow managed to destroy the IRON CLAW II only days + before. Now it had come to try and claim them. ~On screen,~ + Sunak grimly commanded. + The screen flickered a bit, then finally fixed itself. On + it was the image of the Federation's newest and most powerful + warship, the USS ENTERPRISE. Her massive form was charging + them at speeds unheard of. + Rela entered the bridge and was taken aback by the view + she was welcomed. ~What in the name of the Brothers is that?~ + she asked, temporarily letting her discipline slip. ~Is that + the new Federation ship?~ + ~It is the ENTEPRISE, Rela,~ Sunak responded as she + assumed her seat. ~She is headed directly for the battlesite, + and will pass near us quite soon.~ + ~Sensors are also indicating two scouting vessels,~ Tonin + continued. ~They're of a type that I've never seen before,~ he + added with a bit of confusion. ~They are farther away and + are travelling much slower than the battleship.~ + Sunak stroked thoughtfully on his chin, ~She's charging + right into us. Her Captain knows we're still here,~ he + concluded. ~Raise sheilds and drop us from cloaked mode,~ he + commanded. + ~Drop the cloak, commander?~ Tonin responded. ~Is that + wise, sir? Surely we're better off with the cloaked avantage,~ + he added, daring to go too far once more. + But Sunak was undaunted. ~The ENTERPRISE, we know, has + seeker torpedoes. If she comes in firing, we'll be destroyed. + The cloaking device adds no protection for us.~ + Tonin complied, causing the ship to shimmer into reality. + ~Shall I pass the order to the other ships, Commander?~ he + asked. + ~No,~ Sunak replied coldly. ~There's no need for their + commander to know of our other ships just yet. We'll decloak + them when needed. But for now we'll offer ourselves as a + target.~ + Rela drew in a deep breath. ~May the glory be ours today, + Commander.~ + + "A battleship has decloaked at site, Captain," Tiber + announced. "She's raising shields and arming weapons." + Riley did his best to hide his concern. There was now no + way of telling if the FIERY RAVEN's siblings were in the area. + But at least there was one target. "Estimated time to + intercept, Lieutenant?" + "Sixteen minutes at present speed," O'Neil replied. "But + engineering reports that our engines are red-lining and that we + should cut back to warp twelve," he continued, frightened. + There was even noticable sweat coming from his brow. + "If their Commander has half a mind he's already + prepared himself against the anti-matter trick," Riley mused + remembering the previous battle. "Since I don't have really + anything else in mind, we'll slug it out the old fashioned + way." If Riley was trying to console anyone, he failed. + "How soon before MORAN and HIENLEN can arrive?" Saavik + queried. + "Thirty minutes at their best speed," R'Ress responded + depressingly. "They're running at maximum speed at warp ten. + We've got an impressive jump on them." + "Which is how I want it," Riley replied in a grimace. + "We'll go in a do some damage, then turn tail and pull the + RAVEN in, hopefully. If it works, we should catch her away from + her flock." It was a gamble, Riley wasn't even sure that the + RAVEN's fleet had stayed in the area. He also wasn't even sure + about the tactics that the RAVEN's commander was fond of using. + He was sure, however, that he wouldn't fall for such a trick. + R'Ress had already begun relaying the order when Riley + suddenly cut him off. "No, belay that," he commanded, which + caused the crew to pause. "Tell them to sweep around and just + scan for tactical analysis. Fleet will need the cloaking + registers for those ships." + Saavik raised her eyebrow at her Captain's apparent + indecision but said nothing. He was faring no worse than anyone + else, but was having a hard time since he couldn't reverse his + decision to rush into battle. He reacted emotionally, she + thought to herself, and he was now regretting it. + But Riley was quick, and that's what counted. "He's + baiting me," he muttered aloud. "He wants me to fire on his + ship, that's why he's out there, uncloaked." + Tiber studied over his instrumentation for a moment, + desperately looking for signs of other cloaking patterns. + "We're too far out of range to detect any patterns," Tiber + announced. "We've got ten minutes travel before we can find + them, if there are any other ships there." + Riley smiled. "Yes, they're there, waiting for me to jump + right in and get shot at," he concluded, a bit angry with + himself. "I can't believe how stupid I've been." Riley stood up + and walked to Tiber's helmsman's station. He studied the + instrumentation carefully. "They're trying to catch the fleet a + little at a time, going for the scouting parties instead of key + targets. That's why it took so long for us to find out our + ships are missing." + Saavik gazed at her captain, trying to make sense of his + random thoughts. "I don't understand, sir? What do they have to + gain by attacking scouting units." + "The ability to pick off ships a few at a time instead of + a coordinated effort," Riley replied matter-of-factly. "The + Romulans aren't trying to fight a war, they're trying to + sabotauge our strength in these sectors by stripping some of + our defenses." + Saavik's eyes widened as she finally was able to draw + conclusions. "The Romulans are trying to even out the forces by + using what they call 'rogue agents' to attack a handful of + Federation vessels," she commented. "They're at a disadvantage, + strategically speaking." + Riley again took his seat. "Desperately, if they would + try such a crazy idea," he commented. "Some Senator must have + had a few too many ales one night." + Tiber span his chair a bit, not having grasped the + meaning. "Why rogue agents? I don't understand." + "It's simple," Saavik replied. "The Romulans have likely + devised this scheme to cause slight damage to the Federation + defenses along the Neutral Zone. These 'rogue agents' are + enlisted to find and destroy any lone vessels. The skirmished + are designed to look like the acts of a renegade commander in a + new ship." + "That way," Riley concluded, "the Romulans can't + officially be held the blame. That's what Konok meant when we + captured him. We can't morally declare war on the Romulans + since it all the act of some disgruntled ship Captains." + Tiber nodded in understanding. "But what happened now? + Why would they attack an intercept fleet so openly?" + Riley smiled. "Because," he began with deep + understanding, "I think that the RAVEN's commander has had it + with being the scapegoat and has taken matters into his own + hands." + + CHAPTER TEN + + "Entering sector," Tiber announced. "Definate Romulan + cloaking signatures around, looks like a small fleet of them." + Tiber muttered with a hint of expectation. + Riley straightened himself up in his seat. "Lauch a + volley of our seeker torpedoes, and keep it up until the MORAN + or HIENLEN arrives," he commanded grimly. "With luck, maybe we + can even the odds a bit." + The ENTERPRISE fired, in very rapid succession, a barrage + of torpedoes in what appeared to be empty space. Desipte the + fact that the FIERY RAVEN was standing to fire directly in + front of them, the ENTERPRISE Captain was firing at ghosts. + Sunak's eyes widened in terror as he saw the maneuver. + The ENTERPRISE Captain hadn't fallen for the trap, but was + going to spring it the hard way. ~Get our vessels uncloaked and + shielded,~ he barked even as a group of the torpedoes slammed + into one of the three hidden TAKARA MORLATTA's, reducing it to + drifting ash. Suank's surprise was substantial, ~Fire torpedo + and bring us in for phaser barrage,~ he commanded. + The the ENTERPRISE torpedo shower hadn't dried itself up + as yet. The remaining torpedoes found a new target, a TEMAR + VASTARI which was in the process of decloaking. Five of the + remaining torpedoes ruptured the cloaking pattern, atomizing + the vessel in mid-cloak. + "Incoming," Tiber announced as the FIERY RAVEN unleashed + her counter assault. Tiber fired the phasers into it, hoping to + be as lucky as he had been before, but this torpedo didn't + disperse. + The ENTERPRISE shook as the Romulan torpedo slammed into + her. "Return fire," Riley commanded, sending his ship further + into the battle. Two of the original torpedoes remained, + crashing into the remaining TEMAR VASTARI's sheilds. The + Romulan ship took the assault, but the follow up of the + ENTERPRISE's powerful phasers finished her off cleanly. + Suank stood in disbelief, his fleet had already been + comprimised. Of course, the two titans hadn't done much to + one-another as yet. ~Fire phasers,~ the giant Romulan ordered. + Rela complied, sending beams of hot-death into the ENTEPRISE's + sheilding. + Of course, the other remaining warbirds, two TAKARA + MORLATTAs, joined in firing on the devil which had attacked + them. "Sheilds weakening, we can't stand a prolonged attack + like this," Tiber announced as the ENTERPRISE was bombarded + with phaser-fire. + "Back off, back off," Riley barked and gestured wildly + with his hands. Tiber pulled the ENTERPRISE gently back, + trying to gain distance from the counter-attacking vessels. + "Launch torpedoes," he commanded angrily. + The bulk of the torpedo barrage was geared for the FIERY + RAVEN, which suffered massive shield loss. She would have + suffered actual damage if three of the torpedoes hadn't decided + to track the two smaller craft instead. + Then the RAVEN fired her most powerful weapon again, + sending a ball of deadly energy at the Federation starship. + ~Whatever it takes, Tonin,~ Sunak warned menacingly, ~keep that + Federation ship in our arc of fire.~ + Tiber had tried firing at the torpedo again, but the + FIERY RAVEN's weaponry seemed to be more stubborn than the IRON + CLAW II's. The ball slammed into the ENTERPRISE in a shockwave + which sent crewmembers reeling. + R'Ress's communications panel exploded at him, but the + material caused him no personal damage. He instinctively rushed + for the fire retardant nearby and commenced spraying. + Tiber strained to return to his seat. "We're down to only + ten percent shielding, Captain," he reported mournfully. "Their + phaser fire is draining us away." + This would be it then, Riley confessed to himself. At + least we exposed them for what they were. "Fire another + torpedo spread at the FIERY RAVEN and prepare to jettison the + log buoy," he grimly commanded. + But at once one of the TAKARA MORLATTA's hull was torn + from behind and the other broke off firing. The FIERY RAVEN + even seemed to give pause as three new ships entered the + battle, severly changing the odds. + The USS MORAN and the USS HIENLEN rushed forward, photon + torpedoes firing. Behind them was another powerhouse, the USS + SARATOGA, ready to avenge her earlier defeat. + ~We had him,~ Sunak fumed as the sensor reports came in. + ~Order our escorts to dispatch of the newcomers. The ENTERPRISE + belongs to us,~ he commanded. + + + + + +Path: moe.ksu.ksu.edu!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!sdd.hp.com!news.cs.indiana.edu!noose.ecn.purdue.edu!mentor.cc.purdue.edu!neale +From: neale@mentor.cc.purdue.edu (Neale Davidson) +Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative +Subject: STTRR 11-20/20 repost +Message-ID: <57240@mentor.cc.purdue.edu> +Date: 19 Aug 92 13:49:06 GMT +Organization: Purdue University Computing Center +Lines: 1158 + + + + - STAR TREK ------------------------------------------------- + - THE RAVEN'S ROAR ------------------------------------------------- + + Part Eleven through Twenty of Twenty (repost) + + -------------------------------------------------------------------- + + CHAPTER ELEVEN + + "Thank you SARATOGA," Tiber exclaimed as the two smaller + Romulan craft disengaged the ENTERPRISE and rushed to meet the + new trio of ships that had appeared. + Riley felt a wave of relief upon him, his gamble had + worked, after all, even if it had been a bit too close. "Draw + us away from the FIERY RAVEN so we can get our sheilds on + line," Riley commanded. "Engineering, I need to divert as much + power to sheilds and weapons as I can." + Grissom's shaking voice came over the intercom, "I'm + doing what I can. I'm even drawing from life support from + certain decks." + "Then channel all avaiable warp power through the + shields, but get them up," Riley commanded, all too aware of + what would happen if the Romulan battleship could recharge her + torpedo bay before the shields were in better shape. + "Aye, sir," Grissom quaked. The fear which accompanied + battle had gripped her as well, Riley considered for only a + brief moment. + Again the ENTERPRISE drew herself away from the FIERY + RAVEN, but the Romulan craft wasn't about to give up the chase. + Already she began to pull ahead to keep range. ~Crafty, this + one,~ Sunak muttered, having previously underestimated his + opponent. ~It is I who have been baited,~ he concluded with + admiration. He then gave the signal to fire. + "Sheilds only up to twenty percent, still not enough to + resist a plasma torpedo," Tiber announced and instantly + regretted. The FIERY RAVEN had launched another shot, this time + accompanied with phasers. For the first time, the ENTERPRISE's + hull would be comprimised. + The torpedo slammed into the hull of the Federation + battleship, rendering the shields powerless. The phaser barrage + ripped through the armored secondary hull, tearing open crew + compartments and deckways. + Crewmen of differing ranks rushed away, attempting to + seal off the breached areas. Lightning storms from ruptured + power connections filled the air. Thankfully, few were killed, + as the crew knew better than to stay at the edges of the ship. + "We've taken hits in decks nineteen, twenty, and + twenty-one. Three confirmed dead, sixteen unaccounted for," + R'Ress reported as the ship's commincation channels roared into + life. But Riley couldn't think of the dead now. He had to be + concerned with keeping alive the living. + "Train all weapons on the FIERY RAVEN and fire," he + commanded with a grim determination, even as his ship bled + energy into space. "Standby to execute emergency warp jump," he + added, wondering wether he should pull away from the battle + outright, cutting his losses. + The ENTERPRISE retaliated, sending her massive fury into + the heart of her enemy. The torpedoes fired, nearly point + blank, sending the Romulan battleship reeling. Sunak and his + crew were thrown to the floor, surprised by the firepower the + ENTERPRISE could carry. ~Our starboard and aft sheild + generators have been destroyed, Commander,~ Tonin complained. + Sunak returned to his seat, a bit shaken by the massive + blow he'd recieved. ~I can't believe they fired torpedoes that + close,~ he said with genuine surprise. ~Get us some distance, + and overlap our sheilds.~ + Rela obeyed her commander, taking the ship away from her + impressive foe. ~Should we assist the less craft, Commander?~ + she asked, concerned that the two vessels were getting + thoroughly trounced by the Federation trio.~ + Sunak folded his arms, ~Negative. The ENTERPRISE is far + too powerful to be left alone. We'll stay with her until she is + destroyed.~ + Tiber studied over his tactical scanners again, a bit + relieved by the new readings. "We've severly damaged their + sheild grid, Captain. Also, some of their main weapon power + couplings have been destroyed." + Finally, a bit of good news, Riley kept to himself. "What + about us, Lieutenant?" + "Grissom's got the sheilds back up to fifty-three + percent, and our weapons are still on line," Tiber reported. + "We have enough torpedoes for three more volleys." + "Then let's hit them while we've got an advantage," Riley + ordered. "Fire volley into FIERY RAVEN." He grimaced, he had + been using more torpedoes than what was wise for an extended + battle. He didn't need to spend the ENTERPRISE again, and he'd + been cutting things far too close for his comfort. + The ENTEPRISE again launched her death-bringers to the + now-damaged FIERY RAVEN. In rapid succession, the torpedoes + battered the fading sheilds of the Romulan ship. The battleship + succeeded in phasering two of the torpedoes into nothingness, + but the last remaining two went made it through the ship's + defenses and to the ship itself. + The RAVEN's starboard naccell was ripped away from the + remainder of the ship with the first torpedo, and then was + slammed into oblivion with the second. ~Bring us around, launch + all available weapons into that thing,~ Sunak cried, feeling + victory slip from his grasp. + The FIERY RAVEN turned and fired in one swift motion, + sending yet another massive torpedo into the damaged + ENTERPRISE's sheilds. The torpedo ripped through, stripping a + piece of the secondary hull clean off of the ship. + "Massive damage below, sir," Tiber nearly panicked. + "Another nine fatalities. Recommend withdrawl, Captain." + "I concur," Saavik finally spoke, a bit of nervousness in + her voice. "We cannot remain in battle for very much longer." + "If we leave now," Riley muttered, "how many other small + ships will suffer? How much more death will the RAVEN cause. + I'd rather lose this ship, than a dozen or more others," he + retorted. "No, we finish this here and now, if at all + possible." + + CHAPTER TWELVE + + The damaged TAKARA MORLATTA may have looked tattered an + broken, but she still was painfully able to dish out large + amounts of punishment. The HIENLEN's Captain made a mistake + and underestimated her, going in for what she thought was a + sure kill. + But the Romulan craft wasn't noticably weakened by the + torpedeo hit, and was able to counter with a barrage of phaser + power which pitted the HIENLEN's otherwise pristine primary + hull. + The SARATOGA and MORAN set about double teaming the other + Romulan scout ship. Already the two vessels were withering away + the small craft's shielding into tatters. The TAKARA MORLATTA + fired her phasers incessently, trying to keep the powerful + Federation destroyer SARATOGA from getting near enough to + effectively counter attack. + But the advantage in the battle clearly belonged to the + Federation starships. SARATOGA pressed on, with significant aid + from photon power eminating from the MORAN. + Rela's eyes widened with excitment as she viewed the + tactical monitor. The Federation had a definate advantage. All + of the remaning Romulan craft had been severly damaged, + including the RAVEN herself, and only one of the Federation + scouts had been scarred. Granted, the SARATOGA had fled a + battle previously, but she seemed to want to avenge her former + cowardice. + Sunak regarded his minion's, his love's, expressions with + equal enthusiasm. Here was a Romulan who fully understood duty + an honor, a rarity in these scarce times. She had energy, + drive, and sprit. Sunak, in the middle of combat, watching her, + had come to the conclusion that he loved her. He decided + that his first gift to her would be named the ENTERPRISE. + ~Swing around again, launching a phaser barrage,~ Sunak + commanded with renewed self assurance. ~When we've cut to + minimum range, launch the plasma.~ + The FIERY RAVEN turned gently around, once again facing + her most worthy adversary. The ENTERPRISE hung in space, still + angry and determined, even with pieces of her mission. + But Riley had been the fierce one aboard the ship, + determined to end the battle, and to destroy the renegade + legion that Sunak had created. He and his personal fleet had + more damage in this one battle than any of Sunak's ships had + ever taken in their carrers. + SARATOGA fired another series of torpedoes at the scout's + hull. Now stripped of sheilds, the exposed vessel was torn to + shreads under the massive energies of the Federation weapons. + The MORAN closed as well, letting go with her limited phasers, + scarring the debris. + The HIENLEN had managed another turn, coming away from + her agressor a bit more scarred than before. The TAKARA + MORLATTA fired her plasma torpedo again, but this time the + HIENLEN's shields were powerful enough to deflect the attack. + The HIENLEN countered with her own torpedo series, slamming + into the TAKARA MORLATTA's boom section. + In a brief second, the torpedoes ripped through every + deck until they found themselves crashing into engineering. The + Romulan craft erupted into a ball of hellfire, and then + dispersed into the great void. + Sunak grimaced, the battle was now as good as lost. The + Federation scout turned to aid the MORAN and SARATOGA in + finishing off the TAKARA MORLATTA, ending their side battle. + Then the ENTERPRISE once again made her presence felt, + slamming several torpedoes into the FIERY RAVEN's hull, + hovering just outside of the main torpedo's range. ~Rela, close + range to ENTERPRISE and keep our sights on her,~ he commanded + with grim overtones. He knew that once the scout was finished, + the trio of Federation ships, damaged as they were, would + attack and likely destroy the RAVEN next. + + It had been going well so far, despite the damage and how + thin the supplies were getting. Riley's little gambit had + worked, and, what was more, the UNION and her main fleet were + on their way. But Riley was wise enough to know better than to + assume victory was near, instead concentrating on the task at + hand. He was concentrating on removing the FIERY RAVEN from + this plane of existance. + "Sir," Tiber announced with a bit of renewed enthusiasm, + "The MORAN reports that the last Romulan scout's shields are + down and they are moving in for the finish." + But Riley wasn't happy with the news. Fear and + desperation gripped him, for he knew the Romulan Way far too + well. "What? Get them out of there," he barked in a loudness + that could be heard from front to stern of the huge ENTERPRISE. + "Tell those idiots to pull back," he screamed. + But it had been too late. The TAKARA MORLATTA had drawn + in both the MORAN and SARATOGA, who were attempting to finish + off the tiny ship. But it was the Romulan who would perform + best in this combat. Her commander had ordered that the barrier + between the ship's anti-matter and matter containers be + dropped. + The Romulan scout exploded in a wave of annihilation + which ripped through the MORAN and SARATOGA as if they hadn't + existed. The crews of the two ships hadn't the time to realize + their fate, they too were annihilated in the death-storm. Even + the HIENLEN, as far from the explosion as she had been, + suffered from the effect, losing her shielding and stripped of + parts of the outer layer of her hull. The scout quietly headed + back for the UNION, knowing that she had been spent. + But two ships remained, as it seemed inevitable that it + would. The ENTERPRISE and FIERY RAVEN had been far removed from + the act of self-sacrifice. Aboard the ENTERPRISE, there was + stunned silence. Aboard the FIERY RAVEN, there was reverence. + + CHAPTER THIRTEEN + + "Damn them," Riley cried, breaking the silence that had + dominated the bridge. "What's FIERY RAVEN's status?" he asked, + hoping that his enemy had suffered more than the ENTERPRISE. + "They've taken massive damage to their weapons systems + and to their impulse drive," Tiber reported. "Her shields are + shimmering on and off, and she's unable to cloak." + That was the good news, but the ENTERPRISE had suffered + from the Romulan's ferocious counter-attack as well. "What's + our status?" Riley finally got up the nerve to ask. + "Sheilds are down to fifteen percent, with our starboard + shield gone," Tiber replied grimly. "We're down to half impulse + power, and are warp engines are unstable. We also have seven + torpedoes remaining, and phaser power is down twenty percent." + "Still pretty much an even match," Riley observed, his + mind lost in endless computations. Fortunately, the UNION now + was only five minutes away, and likely well within scanning + range of the FIERY RAVEN. Still, five minutes was a great deal + of time in the midst of combat. + "Correction, sir," Saavik piped up. "I believe that is we + who possess the advantage. The Romulan shields are flickering, + which seems to indicated that they are unable to transfer their + shield power to differing sectors of the ship. If they are + using a warp naccell for their main shield generator, then + their power must be distributed evenly." + "And our's doesn't," Riley replied with a grin. "Mister + Tiber, transfer all shield power to the forward and port shield + grid at my command. Standby photon torpedoes and phasers," he + commanded. + Tiber, eager to avenge the crews of the SARATOGA and + HIENLEN, input the commands into the ship's computer. + "Torpedoes and phasers are ready. Shield transfer at your + command, sir." + "Okay, Tiber," Riley cooly commanded, "put them off of + our port side and bring us in." + + ~ENTERPRISE is coming for another attack run,~ Tonin + announced as the enemy ship grew larger in their main viewer. + ~Her shields are quite weak, and will not stand another torpedo + hit. Recommend a close-range torpedo shot in the middle of + their run,~ he offered. + Sunak sat in his chair, not trusting his enemy. ~She's + either commiting suicide, or she's got something up her + sleeve,~ he commented to the air about him. ~Of course, her + Captain does seem one to commit himself for self-sacrifice.~ + Rela looked up at her commander. ~Sir, perhaps they + intend to detonate both of our vessels once they are in range,~ + she offered, not knowing Federation members as well as + Romulans. + ~I doubt it, Rela. Federation members value their lives + too much,~ he countered. ~But, he does seem to be rather + persistant, doesn't he? Watch your scanners carefully, Tonin. + Their Captain is up to something, I'm sure of it.~ + + The ENTERPRISE came slowly forward, awaiting the torpedo + bolt that would inevitably come. "She's withholding fire, + Captain," Tiber reported as the FIERY RAVEN's torpedo bay + remained alit. "She's luring us in." + "I know she is," Riley countered. "Just keep going. As + soon as we start recieving fire, rechannel the shields and + counter-attack." + Then time itself seemed to crawl slowly forward as the + FIERY RAVEN's daunting image grew larger on the bridge's main + viewer. The seconds dragged into minutues. The minutes seemed + like hours. + "We are in torpedo range now, Captain," Tiber announced + when his instrumentation chimed up. + "Wait," Riley ordered, watching his screen. The RAVEN's + image was larger than the viewer now. The giant battleships + were within a mile of each-other, posing for the death dance + one more. + ~All hands brace for nearby explosion,~ Sunak ordered, + bracing himself in his chair. ~Fire,~ he commanded when the + ENTERPRISE markings became completely readable. + The FIERY RAVEN launched the ball of fire nearly point + blank, making Tiber compensate even before Riley could give the + order. The ENTERPRISE's shields took the hit, but collapsed + beyond the point of usability. + "Fire," Riley commanded, seizing the opporunity as the + FIERY RAVEN, failing her attempt at a quick victory, started to + flee. The ENTERPRISE unleashed her last torpedo volley, + dotting stripping the battleship's hull and fortified armor + into scrap. + "Fire," he ordered again, setting alife the ENTERPRIE's + phaser banks. The red beams of destruction crashed into the + FIERY RAVEN's naked hull. + + The bridge erupted into flame, being nearly missed by the + ENTEPRRISE's lethal blow. Rela was thrown back, hard, into the + rear panels of the ship. The all too familiar sound of air + hissing from the hull into space filled the room. + The fight, somehow, had gone to ENTERPRISE. ~Rela,~ Sunak + cried as he righted himself. ~Tonin, get us out of here, + maximum velocity across the Neutral Zone.~ + Gently, Sunak's powerful form lifted Rela's damaged body. + ~Commander?~ she barely spoke through damaged lungs. ~Did we + defeat the ENTERPRISE?~ + ~No, my love,~ he confessed painfully. ~We have beaten + the Federation. The ENTERPRISE will come soon.~ He gently + carried her form heading out of the bridge. ~Tonin, tell + engineering that I don't care what lengths need be taken, but + we must be able to destroy the ENTERPRISE this day.~ + ~Yes my lord,~ Tonin complied even as he led the FIERY + RAVEN away from her better. + + "They're turning tail, Captain," Tiber announced with + apparant glee. "Shall we pursue?" + Riley sighed queitly, wiping the sweat from his brow. + "Hell no, Lieutenant," he ordered with a mock. "Radio UNION and + inform them of our situation. Tell them that we need the best + repair crews we can get and to get the ship back together as + soon as possible." + Saavik looked concerned, knowing how hollow a victory + this had been. "Then what do we do, sir?" + "Then we set ourselves as bait," Riley answered + matter-of-factly. "And let the FIERY RAVEN come to us for a + change." + + CHAPTER FOURTEEN + + Matthews wasn't happy. In fact, he was absolutely + depressed. Sure, the FIERY RAVEN did run away, severely beaten, + but at the cost of sixteen lives thus far, and over fifty major + injuries. + Some of the injured were lucky, taking cuts and abrasions + from shorting panels. Some were not. Deuce was one of the most + unlucky ones. At least Riley had the decency to come down here + and visit him, Matthews thought to himself as he tended other + patients. + Deuce had been near the starboard secondary hull when she + blew. It had been his misfortune to be working on phaser + coolant systems when the RAVEN's fearsome strike ripped away + with her torpedo. + The coolant covered his body, rendering much of it + useless, and ravaging his vital organs. Riley knew that Deuce + was on instruments now, and found it unlikely that he could + even hear his Captain. + "I've only known him for one week," Riley muttered in + self-disgust. "He's going to die for knowing me, isn't he? Not + much different than during Intel." + Matthews said nothing, not really expecting the answer. + Saavik, whom had seen fit to accompany her captain, had gently + placed her hand on his shoulder. In one sense, Riley's innards + were ripped apart as surely as Deuce's. + Saavik couldn't bring herself to say anything, there + wasn't much to say. Riley was brooding in the world between + doubt and pity, trying to understand where things had gone + wrong. Riley was doubting his ability to command, a doing a + lousy job of hiding the fact. + "Perhaps you should get some sleep," Saavik gently spoke, + trying to calm him. "I know that you haven't since we left + Konok with the ASSISTER," she continued, leaving Matthews to + draw his own conclusions. + But Riley said nothing in reply, instead standing calmly. + "If there isn't a chance, then get him off the machine. He + deserves a decent death, at least," Riley ordered out of some + brotherly admiration for the young Ensign. "I'll inform his + family personally when we get home." + Riley then left, saying nothing more, and headed to speak + with another person on his mind. Saavik and Matthews were left + with numerous patients and medical staff. + "It is not logical," Saavik admitted, "but I find myself + wanting to help him." + "Love does that, Commander," Matthews replied without + thinking, causing Saavik to raise an eyebrow in protest. "I + mean, it's natural to help someone in distress." + Saavik, of course, knew what the comment meant, and + wondered how obvious she had truly been. + + Grissom was forced to wear someone else's civilian + clothes, as her quarters had been one of those sections + destroyed by the FIERY RAVEN's attack. Still, she looked quite + impressive in the blue sweater and jeans she had chosen, and + didn't complain about the loss of her clothing. + Again she was forced to take the role of the delegator, + assigning tasks to others that she would rather be doing + herself. Again, she was becoming quite bored. + "Computer," she began with some hesitation. "Access all + available records on Captain Thomas William Riley," she + commanded, at but nervous at the prospect of reopening what was + supposed to be a dead issue. + "Access denied, Captain Riley's records have been + temporarily removed from ENTERPRISE record banks," the answer + came back. Grissom was quietly shocked at the blunt answer. + "All records?" she asked in disbelief. "On whose + authority?" she demanded, still a bit stunned. + "Mine," came a grim voice. "I thought you were told to + stay out of my records, Lieutenant," Riley grunted as he + entered the engineering deck. "But I suppose that your + curiosity would have got the best of you sometime." + Grissom froze in terror. She had expected to get caught, + but the almost evilly angry look in Riley's eyes pierced + through her. She was helpless. "I'm sorry, sir," she panted. "I + won't do it again, I swear." + And then Riley through something at her, a sharp object + flying through the air toward her neck. She flinched from it, + but somehow her hand instinctively caught it. + But it wasn't something meant to harm her. It was an + emblem in the shape of an exotic bird, a huge black warbird, + native to the planet Romulus. Grissom stared at it confused. + "It is the rarest bird on Romulus," Riley explained, + making certain that noone else was in the room or in earshot. + "Translated, it is the Blackwing, the ultimate predator of the + night. Flattering, really," he mused, still obviously angry but + resigned, even relieved to talk to someone about long buried + facts. + "What does it mean?" Grissom innocently asked. "Is this + yours, Captain?" + Riley stroked it in Paula's shaking palm for a moment. + "Actually, no, it isn't mine per se," he explained. "I'm not + rightfully entitled to it, since I'm not a fullblood Romulan." + Grissom's eyes went wide. "A fullblood Romulan?" she + queried, extremely nervous at the prospect. "You're part + Romulan?" + Riley nodded, taking the only other seat in the room. "My + father, whoever he is, served in the Romulan senate. From what + I can gather he had a penchant for captive Human women. That + explains me," he explained to Grissom's eager ears. "After that + I was raised on Vulcan, and then enrolled in Star Fleet + Intelligence. That's why my records are sealed." + She gently laid the emblem on the desk in front of her. + "I didn't know. I've just been," she hesitated, a bit + frustrated by her inability to explain the need for her to know + so much about him. "I've been curious about you. You're such an + enigma to the whole ship." + "Probably true," he confessed. "I haven't had much time + to even meet the crew yet," he added with a bit of guilt. "And + I've asked them all to trust their lives to me. Doesn't seem + right, does it?" + Grissom gave a sincere look of concern for her Captain. + He was obviously worn, with his infamous rise to Captaincy, + Ravis, and the subsequent battles with the IRON CLAW II and the + FIERY RAVEN, he truly hadn't had the time to even relax. + "Things have been hectic for everyone lately, Captain," she + responded truthfully. + Riley stood slowly. "The emblem's yours, Paula," he + started. "Your first new decoration," he added with a tired + smile. "I'll be in my quarters if anyone needs me. Also be sure + that no one needs me." + She took the hint. Her captain was going to sleep and + didn't want to be bothered. She walked him walk away from her + and into the hall, a bit more relaxed by him, and all the more + nervous as well. + + CHAPTER FIFTEEN + + ~She's taken serious burn damage,~ the ship's doctor + explained to Sunak as he brooded in his scorched quarters. ~Her + lungs have been punctured, and with the sick bay severely + damaged and understaffed, I'm not sure what we can do.~ + ~Understand, Doctor,~ Sunak's grim voice bellowed, ~that + your life-span is directly linked to hers.~ The doctor didn't + reply, scared for his life, and quietly left his Commander + alone with his love. + ~There's no need to threaten him,~ Rela managed through + her wounds. ~It isn't his fault that I got torn up,~ she + wornfully smiled. + Sunak considered the honesty of the statement, but wasn't + relieved. ~It's important to me that he devotes his attention + to you,~ he quiety answered as he sat on the side of his bed. + ~I can't stand the thought of anything happening to you.~ + ~Like getting my console in my face?~ she asked + sardoncially. ~It's part of the job.~ + Sunak grimaced. ~Rela, please,~ he whispered, taking her + hand into his. ~It pains me to see you in this much pain,~ he + began slowly, pacing her words. ~I love you, Rela. In the past + few days I've learned that nothing but you matters to me, not + the RAVEN, not the Empire, not even my crew.~ + Rela looked up in disbelief. ~Commander?~ she queried + with a smile. + ~Sunak,~ he whispered, gently bending down to kiss her + cheek. ~You're no longer under my command,~ he added. ~I was + thinking of having you as my wife.~ + Rela's smile widened. ~Of course,~ she quickly agreed. + ~Now, however,~ he began, ~I have one final mission to + perform.~ He stood, looking through the viewport to that sector + of space which housed his enemy. + ~The ENTERPRISE?~ she asked. ~After all of this? We're + going back.~ + ~After all this,~ Sunak smiled. ~That's precisely why we + are going back. There is no home for us on Romulus,~ he + finished, standing to leave. ~Our future, and our fate, lie + with the ENTERPRISE.~ + + Sunak took the command chair of the auxillary bridge. The + secondary bridge had been neccessary, as the main bridge had + been impossible to salvage after the ENTERPRISE attack. + The aux-bridge was smaller than the main one, but no less + functional. ~Sensory readings,~ he commanded to one of the + replacement officers. + ~ENTERPRISE is sitting in wait outside of the Neutral + Zone,~ the young officer replied. ~The Federation carrier which + had been escorting her has rejoined the main fleet.~ + ~And ENTERPRISE is exposed,~ Sunak replied with a bit of + excitement. ~Are there any other vessels in close support?~ + ~There are none,~ the officer replied eagerly. ~The main + fleet is now seven hours travel away. We will have three hours + conflict time if we engage.~ + Sunak looked at the image of the ENTERPRISE with a sense + of fate. ~Well then, what is our status?~ he asked quietly, + knowing how much rode on that information. + ~Our main torpedo is running at fifty percent + capability,~ came the reply. ~Port side phasers are + inoperative, but remaining phasers are fully functional. + Shields are at twenty percent.~ + ~Better than I had expected,~ Sunak admitted. ~Very well, + set course for the ENTERPRISE, maximum available speed.~ + The FIERY RAVEN once again, tattered and scarred as badly + as she was, took to the stars, leaping into battle once more, + one last time. + + CHAPTER SIXTEEN + + Saavik entered Matthew's office, grateful that noone else + had been inside. "Doctor," she began innocently, "I understand + that you've served with Riley before, is that correct?" + "He was first officer aboard the HOOD for six months + while I was on her. I was his physician," he replied. "I + transferred to the ENTERPRISE about a month before he did." + She sat in one of the seats, finding it somewhat hard to + relax in. "What was your appraisal of him? If I may ask?" + "He was a fine officer, if a bit cold," Matthews + admitted. "He never talked to anyone, except me, and that was + only because he had to." He noted that she wasn't really paying + attention to his reply. "What's bothering you, Commander?" + "I find myself constantly thinking, worrying about him. + I've only experienced this once before," she confessed. "I + question my professional distance with him." + "Is it possible," Matthews cautiously began, "that you've + fallen in love with the Captain?" Saavik's eyebrow went up + again, causing the Doctor to be a bit more polite. "I mean, it + isn't uncommon for ship's crewmembers to be attracted to their + superiors." + Saavik crossed her arms, not really wanting to hear what + he was saying. "Attracted? Yes I do find him attractive, but I + have never needed to give it much thought before." + Matthews looked again at her, noting the deeply hidden + worry in her eyes. "Look, everyone on the ship thinks that you + two are already an item," he began again, deciding to be a bit + riskier. "Granted, they're wrong, but they could be seeing + something that neither of you think you are ready for." + Saavik pondered that for a moment. "Thomas said that a + relationship between us would be inappropriate, since we are + the two chief officers aboard this vessel. I find it hard to + dispute his logic in the matter." + "I do," Matthews finally gave up. "You've held hands on + the bridge, and I saw you fighting tears when he was in here + with you. He's already sacrificed his carreer once for you. I + don't see why you two think it's so wrong to be together." + "The crew would," she began but wasn't allowed to + complete. + "The crew damn well wants you two to be a couple, " + expect for a certain Miss Grissom, he added to himself. + "They've been talking about it for days. It's like you were + meant for each-other." + Saavik sighed, "I am Vulcan, doctor. I cannot permit + myself to show my feelings. It isn't logical to have these type + of feelings for my Captain. Therefore, I shall not have them." + Matthews nearly growled at that remark. "I've specialized + in Vulcan psychology, Commander. And in my experience, I've + found that Vulcans suffer from emotional stress far greater + than most humans. When a Vulcan represses her emotions, like + you're thinking about doing, they have a tendancy to explode + when the pressure is too great." + Saavik stood, a but upset by the suggestion. "I must be + returning to the bridge," she flatly indicated. "You will share + none of this conversation with anyone, including the Captain. + Is that understood?" + Matthews nodded in the affirmative, but Saavik's quick + turn put him out of eyesight. "It's a private matter between + you and the Captain," he replied. And God help the both of you, + he added quietly to himself. + + ~Get up, bastard son!~ Lights, shapes, colours, all + failed to connect. ~I said get up!~ Riley felt a sharp pain in + his waist, but he still couldn't move. ~Are you deaf, Earthen + slime-dog? You are supposed to be borite mining now.~ + Riley felt something grab hold of his long, slate-black + hair and yank it upwards. ~I don't work for you.~ + He still couldn't see, but the pain that swept past his + face slammed hard into him. ~All half-breeds work for me, + S'Lavek.~ The voice still couldn't be connected to any face. + ~Are you going to come quietly or do I have to use the + agoniser?~ + Riley stood, but still couldn't make out anything other + than a swirling ball of lights. ~I'm coming, there's no need + for the...~ but he couldn't finish. The guard had struck him. + Blood rushed out of his head, he could feel it begin to flow on + his face, dripping off of the bridge of his nose. He collapsed + on the ground. + ~So, you even bleed red like a Terran, eh?~ The voice was + growing meaner, Riley thought to himself. ~Maybe you could work + for the Federation, eh? I'm sure they would love to see some + klya like you.~ Riley tried to stand again, the pain searing + down his legs. ~Who said you could get up?~ Riley screamed as + sheer pain suddenly asserted itself on his chest. + ~You just did,~ Riley dared, his temper assuming new + heights as his chest roared in pain. ~Or did your little brain + forget?~ + The guard fumed, still Riley had refused to submit to his + whims, and still he was rebelling. ~Enough play, Gene-joke,~ + the guard grunted, raising the agonizer for another strike. + ~I'm going to make you regret your birth.~ + The guard charged, readying his strike, but Riley had + been quicker, assuming an offensive strike. Riley's foot + quickly jetted out into the guard's neck. ~I already do,~ + Riley growled as the guard gaped for air, dropping the agonizer + to the floor. + The guard stammered, trying to regain his composure, but + he had gotten too close to Riley, and the confining chains + weren't doing much of a job. Riley launched another kick, + straight to the guard's head, cutting into it. + The guard fell, unconscious and dying. If Riley felt any + guilt about his actions, he refused to show it. He quietly + grabbed the agonizer and adjusted it to its highest setting. + Then he placed it on his confining chains, slowly burning + through them. + ~Will you be freeing us as well?~ a Vulcan woman called + from the other end of the room. ~If not me, than my daughter, + Saavik,~ she continued. + "Captain," the girl began speaking in perfect Federation + Standard. "This is Saavik, you are needed on the bridge." + Reality slowly asserted itself again, leaving Riley to + stare blankly at the giant Romulan stitching on his wall. + "Saavik?" he managed through his limited confusion. + "Yes, Captain," the intercom replied. "You are needed on + the bridge immediately." + "Status report, Saavik," he muttered, clearing his head + of the memories which had kept surfacing. + "Captain," Saavik's voice began, "sensors indicate a + vessel in this area, closing fast." + Riley sat up, he had been expecting the news. "The RAVEN? + Raise shields and get weapons on-line. I'm on my way," he + replied, somewhat anxious about the next few moments, and + somewhat distressed by the last few. + + CHAPTER SEVENTEEN + + Riley assumed the Captain's chair again, noticably worn + and extremely tired. He was up to four days no without sleep, + and it was beginning to show. "Visual," he commanded, hoping to + catch a glance at the newest of the many enemies he had faced + in his life. + The viewscreen shifted views to show a tiny bright spot, + a distant starship approaching at her best speed. "Magnify," + Riley ordered. The image expanded, revealing the broken hull of + the Romulan battleship the FIERY RAVEN. + It was all beginning again, Riley thought to himself. His + third battle as Captain of the ENTERPRISE was about to start, + and he hardly felt capable. "Is Grissom ready with the + countermeasures, Saavik?" + "Affirmative, Captain," Saavik responded distantly, not + even looking at him. "Anti-matter flares are available at your + command." + Riley barely remembered Grissom's request. He'd been + mostly dazed when he recieved the message concerning it. It was + all hypothetical, a flare to prematurely detonate incoming + torpedoes. At the time, Riley considered, it must have sounded + like a good idea. + + ~ENTERPRISE is fifty thousand clicks and closing,~ Tonin + announced to Sunak's battle-weary gaze. ~From the looks of + things, she's got shields up and weapons armed. I am also ready + some usual anti-matter signatures in their secondary hull, from + their torpedo bays.~ + Sunak grimaced, again the ENTERPRISE was experimenting + with their tactics, and their Captain had yet another trick up + his sleeve. ~They've modified their torpedoes, then?~ Sunak + pondered grimly. ~Interesting. It appears that their carrier + was more of a benefit than I considered.~ + Tonin brought the sensor analysis up on display. ~She's + in better shape than we left her, but I would still say that we + are evenly matched.~ + ~Excellent,~ Sunak smiled, ~A more fitting challenge for + my last command.~ + + "FIERY RAVEN range now fourty-thousand kilometers, and + closing awfully fast," Tiber announced with a bit of dread. + "She'll be in firing range in five seconds, three, two, one, + now." Tiber braced himself for the shot, "Incoming." + As expected, the RAVEN launched a torpedo as soon + as she entered range and instantly set about recharging + another. "Launch counter-measures, fire phasers," Riley + commanded as the adrenaline start to course through his veins. + The ENTERPRISE repsonded with minute streams of + anti-matter glistening toward the huge torpedo, like + fire-crackers chasing the sun. The torpedo detonated when the + streamers slammed into it, clearing a route for the Federation + starship's phasers to the heart of the FIERY RAVEN. + Tonin cried out as some of the auxillary bridge panels + exploded around him. System after system began failing. ~Fire + phasers and bring us back,~ Sunak ordered, though there wasn't + a reply. + ~Damn,~ the giant Romulan cursed, rushing to the + helmsman's station and effortlessly throwing him off of the + chair. ~Karana, plot a course away from ENTERPRISE,~ he barked + as he took the helmsman's station. + + The jolt was serious enough to send ornaments from + Sunak's room falling from their places. Rela herself was jerked + around, despite the doctor's attempts at stabilizing her. Her + last flinch, coming as the next phaser bolt struck, was so + violent that there was an audible crack coming from one of her + bones in her back. + ~Doctor to Commander,~ he tried, knowing full well that + the injuries were already likely to be fatal, even if the Sick + bay had been operational. ~I can't care for my patient if we're + getting knocked across the stars,~ he complained, leaving his + fear of his Commander to the four winds. + + "Their shields have collapsed," Tiber announced + thankfully. "Grissom's counter-measures appear to have worked," + he admitted. + "She's peeling away," O'Neil noted. "Recommend pursuit, + Captain." + But the FIERY RAVEN was far from spent, sending another + massive torpedo into space and following it up with a phaser + barrage. Instinctively Tiber launched the counter-measures + again, obliterating the torpedo. + But the phasers were enough, striking the rear + starboard side of the ship. While the outer hull was scorched, + cooridors and rooms were suddenly exposed to open space. + Fortunately, the rooms had been cleared out before the battle + commenced. + "Bring us about and lay down heavy phaser fire," Riley + commanded, his heart finally into the battle once more. + "R'Ress, raise the UNION and tell them to get the fighters over + here. O'Neil, lock on them with the tractor beam after the + phaser fire, keep that torpedo bay pointed away from us." + The ENTERPRISE fired again, sending wave after wave of + hot death into the RAVEN's hull. Finally, the phasers struck + the exposed torpedo bay, destroying a large chunk of the + forward boom section. + When that was complete, the ENTERPRISE sent forth the + bright blue tractor beam, pulling the Romulan ship closer and + forcing it into a bad firing arc. + The ENTERPRISE pressed on, launching phaser blast after + phaser blast into the RAVEN's helpless hull. The final warp + engine blew, then the impulse engines. + + The impulse engines exploded into nothingness, causing + the entire ships to reverbate with the shock. The doctor was + thrown to the floor, and Rela was thrown off the makeshift + medical bed. Her blood spilling on the floor. + It was all too clear that she wouldn't survive the hour, + even if she survived the battle. ~Doctor to Commander,~ he + tried again. ~Rela is dying.~ + + "FIERY RAVEN's main weapon system is permanently + off-line," Tiber beamed as the new readings came across. "They + still have phaser power, but the tractor beam has placed them + in a bad firing arc. Their shields are destroyed, and all their + drive systems are nonexistant." + "It's over, then," Riley smiled. "Back us to ninety + -thousand kilometers," he ordered, remembering the eariler + battle. "R'Ress, patch me through." + "You're on, Captain," the Catian answered. + "FIERY RAVEN," Riley began, the edge returning to his + voice. "This is the USS ENTERPRISE, Captain Riley speaking. You + have commited numerous acts of war against the United + Federation of Planets. Your ship has been bettered, and we call + upon you to surrender." + + ~Commander, it's ENTERPRISE,~ Tonin replied with regret. + ~They are calling upon us to surrender.~ + Sunak paused for a moment, giving deep concern to Rela's + condition, and knowing that the Humans would at least care for + her. ~Agreed, Tonin. Patch me through.~ + The viewer cut in, revealing Riley's impressive visage + for the first time. Sunak regarded his better with respect, and + even a slight sense of awe. "This is the USS ENTERPRISE calling + upon you to surrender." + Sunak grimaced, knowing that he was violating even this, + most sacred duty. "This is the FIERY RAVEN," he began in + stilted Federation Standard. "I am Commander Sunak. I agree to + surrender, and wait for discussion of terms." + + CHAPTER EIGHTEEN + + Captain's log: Stardate 10161.5 + Captain Thomas William Riley reporting + + Commander Sunak has surrendered himself and his crew to + the USS ENTERPRISE. I am anxiously awaiting his arrival, + we have much to discuss. + + Riley, Saavik, and six security guards filled one wall of + the room. Saavik manned the transporter controls, cooly + ordering them to beam aboard the last four remaining + crewmembers aboard the FIERY RAVEN. + So far, the surrender has been without incident, dispite + the massive battles the two crews faced only moments before. + There was a coolness to the air, a warrior's aura, signifying + respect. + Sunak and his most treasured crewmen shimmered into + existance on the transporter pads. He was quite large, making + Riley regret he had only ordered six red-shirts to the room. + Behind him were two men, one standing proudly, studying the + room with keen interest. + But it was the last two which caught Riley's attention + most readily. The other male was obviously a doctor, caring for + the woman in Sunak's arms. She had suffered greatly from the + phaser barrage Riley had ordered. + "Riley to Matthews," he commanded when noting the + bleeding coming from Rela's battered chest. "Emergency in + transporter room one. Send a surgical team up here." + Riley then regarded the enemy commander for a moment, he + was huge, easily over seven feet tall with a massive build. His + forehead was largely exposed of hair, and his eyes were those + of a stalking animal. ~Welcome to the ENTERPRISE, Commander,~ + Riley called in such a perfect accent that Sunak almost forgot + who it was that had spoke. ~I am Captain Thomas Riley. This is + my first officer, Saavik,~ he added, indicating the rather + attractive woman standing next to him. + ~I am honored to meet you, Captain,~ Sunak muttered + truthfully. ~It is a rare privilege to meet your better in + combat.~ + Matthews entered the room with the crew he slapdashed + together. Instantly he went to work on the young female's case, + since she was the only one injured in the room. "I'm taking her + to sickbay," he explained as his crew lifted her on the medical + bed. "If the Captain permits, you may see her there." + "There will be time for that later," Sunak retorted as + the medical crew rushed out. "May my personal physician + accompany them, Captain? I doubt your crew fully understands + Romulan anatomy." + "Don't be so sure," Riley quiety responded, silencing + Saavik. "He may go, under guard of course." He motioned to two + of the security crewmen to escort the Romulan doctor away. + The Romulan commander stood, giving Riley a sense of awe + as his massive form rose in glory, even in defeat. "As + Commander of the Romulan Imperial Vessel FIERY RAVEN, I + surrender myself and my crew to your hands to answer for the + crimes of the Romulan Senate." + "Not your ship?" Riley curtly asked without thinking. + Sunak stepped down from the pad to stand face to face + with his rival. Riley hardly was lacking physically, having his + own imposing aura all his own. As some would say, his was a + very old soul. "I can't surrender the RAVEN to the Federation, + Captain. No more than I could ask the ENTERPRISE be surrendered + to the Romulan Empire if our situations were reversed." + "I understand," Riley answered truthfully. "We'll destroy + the remains of your vessel without an inspection. Is that + satisfactory?" + "Generous of you," Sunak replied, impressed. "I would not + expect a Federation Captain to be so kind to a Romulan + prisoner. I am impressed." + Riley shut down the transporter controls with a calm + movement. "Most Federation Captains do not understand the needs + of Romulans as well as I do, Commander." + "Indeed," he replied with a sense of amusement. "Your + doctor," Sunak continued with difficulty. "Will he be able to + save her?" + "As annoying as he is," Riley admitted, "Matthews is one + of the best ship's surgeons I've served with. If anyone can, it + would be him." + Sunak breathed heavily. "Then my surrender was not in + vain, Captain. I can sleep easy." + Riley studied over the Commander's expressions, beneath + the hard surface and into the emotional turmoil which layed + beyond. "You surrendered your crew for her benefit, didn't + you?" he finally asked. + Sunak said nothing in reply, only his standing in silence + gave him away. + "Your mate, then?" Riley asked, his mind racing through + Sunak's. Riley had almost forgotten that he had already once + risked his carreer for the woman he loved, or at least wanted + to love. + "Rela was not my mate," Sunak answered matter-of-factly, + "though we promised to mate each-other after the battle. Sadly, + I can see no method for the bonding to occur now. We will never + meet an arbitrator for the union once the Federation has + sentenced us." + "There is one possible method, Commander," Riley offered. + "As compensation for the damage to my ship, you must allow me + arbitrate your exclusive union with Secundam Rela." + For a brief moment, Saavik and Tonin shared the same + expression, their respective jaws dropped. + "You toy with me, Captain," Sunak grimaced. + "I know the ritual," Riley confessed. "I have the + military rank to perform it, albeit in a different service. And + it will aid in the healing of our peoples. I can't see why + not," he finished. + "You would do me that honor?" Sunak asked confused. + "After the pain I have inflicted upon your crew? What madness + possesses you?" + "The end of the battles, Commander. And prayers for no + more," Riley answered, quoting a piece of Vulcan literature. + "After all, you did surrender to us to save her life. I have + never seen such a sacrifice before, and it would be a pity to + waste it." + Sunak smiled, for the first time, truly understanding his + counterpart. "You are a romantic, Captain," he replied. "A pity + we had to meet under such circumstances." + "A pity," Riley agreed, indicating the door. "We have + another duty to perform, Commander. After that I will issue + quarters for your and Rela for your stay until we reach + starbase six." + Sunak nodded, knowing what the trip meant. It was to be + his judgement. + + Tiber studied over the image of the broken FIERY RAVEN + floating helplessly against the black void. Riley had ordered + her destruction when both he and the enemy Commander entered + the bridge, and it would be something that Tiber was going to + enjoy. + Still, it did seem a waste. The FIERY RAVEN was the most + notable opponent the Federation had faced since the Khitomer + incident, and it certainly was more worthy. Even this enemy + ship seemed to deserve a decent burial. + But it was not to be, Riley walked into the bridge with + Sunak, sans security. It was a somber occaision, one to be + performed with a quiet pause. + Tiber fired, using only a fraction of the ENTERPRISE's + phaser power. It was enough, the cutting rays ruptured the last + remaining chunks of ship, delivering to oblivion. + And for once, the bridge was quiet. Sunak wept, releasing + a single tear for the FIERY RAVEN's loss. + + CHAPTER NINETEEN + + "I can't believe that you're going through with this," + Matthews argued as he and Riley entered the recreation deck a + full half-hour before the ceremony. "After all they've done to + us, you're going to marry them off?" + "After all we've done to each-other, Doctor," Riley + coldly reminded. "I've cleared it with Ambassador Spock and + Ambassador Pardek. Both feel that this marriage is the best way + to heal the scars." + "It just seems so weird, Captain sir," Matthews bit back. + "But I suppose that you are the one who gives the orders around + here." + "That's true, Mister Matthews," Riley retorted as he took + his place next to Saavik. "I do give the orders for this ship + and her crew. I also have take the responsibility for every + life aboard her. If this simple marriage between two Romulans + can ease any of the tensions between the Federation and the + Star Empire, then I damn well am going to perform it." + Already crewmembers were filling the massive structure, + outnumbering Romulans by close to two-to-one. There was some + resentment on the floor, but they were well-behaved. The + Romulans were there out of respect for their Captain, and the + Federation crew was there mostly out of curiosity. + After several minutes, Sunak and Rela entered the + chamber, to the massive applause from his Romulan crew, and + even some of the ENTERPRISE's crewmembers. The two walked down + the long hall marked with carpet to the stage where Riley, + Matthews and Saavik stood waiting. + Only Saavik seemed uncomfortable with the ceremony. She + had tried so long to bury her past, and now it was right in + front of her. + Riley looked over to the dark-skinned Romulan Commander, + who stood proudly on the pedestal before his and the + ENTERPRISE's crew. ~Sunak Kavari of Gorwah,~ Riley began, + quieting the room, ~do you recognize me as Arbitrator of your + union?~ + ~I do, Captain,~ Sunak's booming voice announced. + ~Sunak Kavari,~ Riley continued, ~to whom do you pledge + your allegiance?~ + ~My allegiance lies with the Empire,~ Sunak proudly + announced in reply. + ~To whom do you pledge your love?~ Riley asked, with + noted emphasis on the words meaning "love". + ~My love is pledged to the one called Rela Avatra, + Arbitrator,~ Sunak declared. + Riley turned his attention to the young Romulan woman + standing to his right. She had recovered from her wounds quite + well, though there remained a small scar on her cheek. ~Rela + Avatra,~ Riley began, ~do you recognized me as the Arbitrator + of your union?~ + ~I do, Captain Riley,~ Rela replied. + ~Then, Rela Avatra,~ Riley continued, ~to whom do you + pledge your allegiance?~ + Rela looked to her former commander when asked that. + Everyone could easily see the many emotions swelling within + her, starting to pull tears from her eyes. ~I pledge my + allegiance with the Empire,~ she announced. + ~To whom do you pledge your love?~ Riley countered, a + smile on his face. + ~My love is pledged to the one called Sunak Kavari, my + Commander, and my love,~ she proudly announced, succeeding in + holding back her tears of joy. + Riley nodded, then took a hand of both Sunak and Rela. + ~Then I accept the reponsibility of the legalization of your + union. Do both of you agree to the terms of the union, under + penatly of discitizenship if either break the terms?~ + ~We do,~ Sunak answered for both of them. + ~Then, by the power entrusted to me by the Romulan Star + Empire on your behalf, I announced this union complete,~ Riley + announced. + "All hands," Saavik commanded to both crews, "ten-hut." + The eight-hundred gathered people snapped to, standing at + attention, and leaving a perfect path to the rear doors of the + recreation deck. + Rela and Sunak turned, arm in arm, and headed for the + doors, escorted by three security men. From there they would + disappear into sealed personal quarters. + "All hands," Saavik commanded after the two united + Romulans left the corridor, "dismissed." + Riley smiled proudly. Though the ceremony was without the + reverence and awe of the traditional religious ceremonies, it + was still an impressive display. Slowly, the gathered crews + began to filter out of the room, Romulans held in check with + double their number of Federation members. + Riley turned to Saavik, who stood as emotionlessly as she + could during the wedding. "There are some occaisions where it + is acceptable to show some emotion, Saavik," he started. + "I don't understand, sir," She replied, almost ignoring + him. "Vulcans do not show their emotions, they are not + logical." + "Vulcans or emotions?" Riley jabbed. "Neither are very + logical, Commander. The Vulcan philosophy contends that + emotions are leads to chaos, yet they have never been able to + purge emotion from themselves. There still remains that bit of + chaos, doesn't there?" + Saavik finally regarded him, a small look of sadness in + her eyes. "Why are you doing this to me, Thomas?" + Riley took in a deep breath, preparing himself. "Despite + how inappropriate it may be, I do have some strong feelings + about you. I'm not able to deny them, to shut them away like + you try to do." + Saavik walked away from him, even more torn than before. + "Captain, as your first officer, I cannot allow personal + feelings to impair my judgement. I cannot return your + affections for me," she tried, with a notable quaking in her + voice. + He was going to reply, but Saavik quickly headed out of + the massive rec-deck, and he would have to carry his voice a + bit too loud to call out to her. + "Captain," Matthews said with a smile, emerging from a + few feet away, "you never had much luck with women, did you?" + "Why, no," Riley smirked. "It is that obvious?" + Matthews smiled, nodding yes. + "I'm in love with her, Doctor," Riley admitted with a + sigh. "I didn't want to be, but I am." + "I know," Matthews replied, patting his Captain on the + shoulder as he escorted him out of the room. "I know." + + CHAPTER TWENTY + + Captain's log: Stardate 10162.0 + Captain Thomas William Riley reporting + + All is well. The ENTERPRISE is travelling at warp three + to starbase six, where she will spend the next six weeks + undergoing an extensive refit. I have scheduled three + weeks of that time for the crew to have some extended + shoreleave. + + The ENTERPRISE crew has performed admirably, even under + the rough conditions we've been placed under. I consider + myself fortunate to have them. I recommend all of the for + honors. + + As for Sunak, he'll be going to trial almost as soon as + we reach starbase. Likely, the Romulan government will + want him and his wife expedited, but I can't say where + his fate inevitably lies. + + As for me, I'm looking forward to this coming rest. But, + sitting in the command chair, knowing how good of a job + we did, I can finally accept my Captaincy of this fine + vessel. I'm even becoming comfortable with it. + + + "Course set for starbase six," Tiber announced as Riley + filled out one report after another. + "Excellent, we'll put in there for a week for emergency + repairs, and then go back to Earth for a refit," Riley + commented upon hearing the news. "Engage at warp four, steady + as she goes," he commanded, somewhat relieved that the crew was + finally going to get a break. + Matthews came in griping, "A handful of my medical bay + computers are misdiagnosing simple cases. I don't think the + ASSISTER's engineering crew knew what the hell were they doing + when they came aboard." + "Problems, Doctor?" Riley asked with a faint smile. + "God damn programmers aren't smart enough to use the + technology they've been given," Matthews fumed. "I'm about + ready to lobotomise them, but I doubt that fleet's going to let + me go and do that." + "Fleets doing a lot of unpopular things lately," Riley + replied, his mind not on Matthew's problem in the least bit. + "Oh? What do you mean?" Matthews quiered, his mind + suddenly shifting track. + "I've been reading our orders," Riley began. "With + tensions so high in the Neutral Zone, they feel that we should + continue our patrol duty after our refit." + "Look, captain, sir. We've been in three battles already, + and we've only barely managed to come out of them. Why in God's + name should we be going out there again?" Matthews protested. + "The ENTERPRISE has the most firepower of the ships in + that fleet and so they want us that much more," he tried to + explain, though he didn't exactly approve of the decision. + "I'm glad to see that you like the idea so much." The doctor + looked into the star pattern showing on the monitor. "I don't + know, it seems that all these ships are good for is fighting. + That's all fleet is caring about now." + Riley looked over. "That's not true, not entirely at any rate. + Fleet designed this as a battleship, which is what they need. + The Federation is not in the habit of designing warships all + the time." + "This ship seems like a warship," the doctor muttered under + his breath. "A luxury warship. USS ENTERPRISE, NCC-1701-B. + Nicely disguised as a exploration vessel." + "Well," Riley replied, giving up, "I've spoken to Fleet + about reassignment. Hopefully we can get some exploration duty + once the ENTERPRISE is finished in dock." + "That would be a nice change," Matthews retorted, not + quite believing that Fleet would indeed give the go-ahead for + such a venture. "Anyway, Grissom's looking for a sparring + partner in holodeck two. She's beaten everyone who's gone + against her so far. You interested?" + "What's the game?" Riley pondered, pleased with the + invitation to escape for a short while. + "Blade-dueling," Matthews replied cooly. "I don't + approve of it, but I'll be damned if that little girl's going + to get an ego boost of her blade handling." + "Well then, if you think the Captain should crush Paula's + ego," Riley smarted. "I'll go, I'm needing the practice + anyway." He stood, following Matthews to the turbolift. But he + stopped for a moment before actually entering, his eye caught + by a patch of gold on the wall. + Riley looked next to the turbolift where the insignia + plate had been placed. In the time he had been captain, he + hadn't once looked it over. The ENTERPRISE logo and her + registry number were the dominant features were the most + notable, but there was some smaller text which caught Riley's + eye and imagination. + "Space, the final frontier," the plaque said, "these are + the continuing voyages of the starship ENTERPRISE. Her ongoing + mission, to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life, + and new civilizations, to boldly go where no one has gone + before." + The ENTERPRISE burned her way through space, continuing + the legacy set forth so many years ago, and would continue so + many years from now. + + + diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/theretur b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/theretur new file mode 100644 index 00000000..f5722d1f --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/theretur @@ -0,0 +1,1848 @@ +Subject: Re: REQUEST: could someone repost The Return? +References: <1992Apr2.200508.18071@acsu.buffalo.edu> + + + + + T H E R E T U R N + by + Howard Chu + +A "Star Trek: The Next Generation" meets "Star Wars" story/script. This +material was distributed in the rec.arts.startrek and +alt.startrek.creative news groups on Usenet during April 1991. This copy +was obtained from the author on 17 April 1991. Comments and criticism +should be directed to the author, hyc@hanauma.jpl.nasa.gov (Internet). +========================================================================= + +Laforge: All's well that ends well, eh Reg? + +Barclay: I-if you say so, Commander. P-personally, I thought th-things +were well in hand. + +Laforge: Yeah, I can see how you might have looked at things that way. +Still, I'm glad we're going to be getting some shore leave soon. It may +just be a starbase, but it's better than trying to analyze the ship's +computer logs on the ship's computer itself. + +Barclay: I c-could've done that a-a lot more easily, you know... + +Laforge: Well, yeah. Anyway.... I just feel a lot more comfortable +about things this way, you know? + + + +Riker: Well, we actually got to make contact with a new life form, and +rather painlessly, in fact. I wish all our missions were so productive. + +Picard: Indeed, Number One. Although I think I've had enough reminders +of just how little we know about the galaxy we inhabit. I hesitate to +say so, but I must admit that I'm looking forward to a little shore leave +myself. + +Troi: Shore-leave, Captain? You? If I couldn't read the thoughts myself I +would swear that you're joking. + +Picard: Now Counselor - + +Troi: Relax, Captain. You know *I'm* only joking... + +(strained chuckles between Picard and Riker) + +Riker: So we're going to Starbase 42... Isn't that slightly unusual for +a simple shore leave and ugprade stop? + +Picard: In what way, Number One? + +Riker: Well, it's so close to the Romulan Neutral Zone, as I recall it's +more of a monitoring post than a resort, if you know what I mean. + +Data: In fact, Commander, Starbase 42 has three AAA-class hotels with +over 4000 room occupancy and regular tours of gourmet cuisine and diverse +entertainment, as well as + +Picard: Thank you Data, that will be enough for now. + +Data: Yes, sir. + +Picard: At any rate, Will, it should be fairly interesting, also being +situated so close to the galactic rim. Since we're here already I'm just +happy to have refit facilities so near at hand. + + + +Worf: Sir, incoming message from Base Commander Stone at starbase 42. + +Picard: Onscreen, Lieutenant. + +Worf: Aye sir. (pause) It is double-encoded sir, the secondary +transmission is for you only. + +(pause, meaningful glances...) + +Picard: I'll take it in my ready room. Number One, you have the con. + +Riker: Aye sir. (pause, till Picard exits) So much for R&R... + + + +Picard: Greetings Commander, to what do I owe the honor of a +doubly-crypted transmission? Surely the Romulans haven't broken our last +codebook already... + +Stone: Hello, Captain Picard. Just arranging some last minute details +for your refit here. No one knows quite what's going on with the +Romulans, so I decided to use the second code for safety. Things have +moved quickly in the ten days you were gone, Picard. + +Picard: How so? The Romulans are massing for war? + +Stone: Maybe, but not with the Federation. In the past week listening +posts have picked up increasing numbers of military transmissions, while +all our monitor posts have detected *fewer* Romulan warships near the +Neutral Zone. + +Picard: But that would mean + +Stone: Starfleet thinks the Romulans have encountered a new spacefaring +race, on the far side of their territory. The drastic shift in military +force indicates that these newcomers have the Romulans worried. + +Picard: And anything that would make the Romulans worried makes Starfleet +worried, of course. + +Stone: Absolutely. We still don't have anything solid to go on yet, +which is why Starfleet is sending you into Romulan space. + + + +...Captain's Log, Stardate (N). We are enroute to Starbase 42 for debriefing +and refitting from our recent journey. The Enterprise' computer banks +will undergo a complete system dump for transcription to the Memory Alpha +archives for study, while upgrade modifications are made to the ship's +systems. During the time we were with the Zitherians, the Romulans +apparently made hostile contact with a powerful new race. The Enterprise +is being sent into the Neutral Zone and possibly into Romulan territory +itself in hopes of gaining more detailed surveillance reports. + + + +Picard: Ensign, what is our estimated arrival time at Starbase 42? + +Ensign: Approximately two days at our current cruising speed of warp two, +Sir. + +Picard: Increase speed to warp 5, Ensign. + +Ensign: Aye sir, increasing to warp factor 5. + +Riker: Something we should know about, Captain? + +Picard: Indeed, Number One. (toggle a switch, announce:) Senior staff +meeting in 10 minutes. + + + +Riker: So the Romulans have made a new enemy... + +Picard: It appears that way, but Starfleet isn't ready to jump on mere +appearances. + +Riker: Especially not after our *last* Romulan encounter, no doubt. + +Picard: No doubt. But the Klingon contingent is, understandably, getting +more restless since they see an apparent weakening of their longtime +enemy. They are currently willing to keep the peace; they see the wisdom +of trying to learn more about the situation, but their impatience +continues to grow. + +Worf: A warrior does not go blindly into a fight. But a true warrior +also knows when the time is right to attack! + +Laforge: I wonder if it's the Borg again, they reported attacks similar +to the ones we witnessed before. + +Picard: At this point it's anyone's guess, since the Romulans aren't +talking, as usual. But part of our upgrades will include installation of +Improved Definition phaser arrays and control banks. + +Troi: "Improved Definition" ? + +Data: The Improved Definition phaser project is an offshoot of the +research undertaken after our first encounter with the Borg. It is an +enhancement of the frequency shift algorithm we employed against the Borg +in our second encounter, but does not employ all of the enhancements of +the High Definition phaser project for the new Cluster-class starship. +It only involves a few of the principles being explored in the High +Definition + +Picard: If we could continue please, Mr. Data. + +Data: Yes Sir. Sorry, sir. + +Picard: It could be the Borg, but no one knows. Still, the products of +the research taken to prepare for the Borg are the best we have for +facing these unknowns. Commander Laforge, pick 3 of your team to oversee +the upgrade, the starbase will provide the facilities and necessary +manpower. You and Mr. Data will also have responsibility for upgrading +the ship's sensor arrays. If we can get enough information without +leaving the Neutral Zone then so much the better. + +Crusher: No one's even explained yet how we're going to stay in the +Neutral Zone. What's going on? + +Picard: Reports indicate that the majority of the Romulan warships have +been withdrawn from the Neutral Zone to participate in whatever distant +action is occurring. The Zone is currently being patrolled by a +scattered number of frigates and police ships. + +Riker: Sooo... Starfleet figures there are sparse enough patrols that we +can traipse in unnoticed, or if we are noticed, we can stare down any +Romulan who cares to make a point of it? + +Picard: In essence... + + + +Picard: On my way. - Well, I think we've covered most of it anyway. +Let's see what these Romulans are really up to... + + + + + +Worf: The signals are still very faint. We are now getting enhanced +signals relayed from starbase 42. + +Riker: Who ever heard of a Romulan making a distress call? + +Picard: Let's see it, Lieutenant. Onscreen. + + + + + +Stone: Enterprise, as you can see, this Romulan is shaken up pretty +badly. The Klingons have dispatched a squadron of cloaked ships to +investigate. They should arrive in two hours, but they have not +contacted the Romulans yet. Starbase out. + +Riker: Looks like the Klingons want to hog all the fun to themselves. +Are we going to let them? + +Picard: Perhaps not. Ensign, increase to warp 8. We may not have time +for all the upgrades, but we can get a better perspective of things from +the starbase. + +(Ensign: Increasing to warp 8.) + +Picard: Commander Laforge, contact the starbase engineering staff, try to +get a head start on the phaser array upgrades. + +Laforge: Aye sir... + +Picard: Data, join Mr Laforge in Engineering. A fair number of systems +are targeted for modification, and I'd like to have as much covered as +possible. + +Data: Understood, sir. + + + +Riker: Then what? + +Picard: Then? Then we see what unfolds, Number One. + + + +Laforge: Whew-ee, these plans call for some pretty comprehensive changes! +Phaser control, sensor array, warp engine output, even modifications to +the photon torpedo systems. I sure hope those R&D guys know what they're +doing... + +Barclay: Th-these phaser control sy-system changes look pretty +s-straight- forward. I th-think we can f-fabricate the necessary parts +with the replicator. + +Data: That sounds plausible. The reconfiguration should not take long. + +Laforge: Great Reg. Get on it. Data, let's have a look at these new +sensor and scanner controls... + + + +Worf: Another transmission from Starbase 42, sir. + +Picard: Onscreen, Lieutenant. + +Stone: We're about to receive telemetry data from the Klingon ships. +Patching you in, Enterprise. + +Picard: Understood, we are receiving. + + + +Riker: Judging from the scale, those ships must be immense! + +Troi: I sense ... great evil, Captain. Something terrible is happening +out there. + + + +Picard: Evil? What do you mean? + +Troi: Great malevolence is at work here. Just... Evil! + + + +Riker: There's certainly something terrible out there. That must be at +least a third of the border fleet in action. + + + + + +Picard: Crusher to bridge, medical emergency! (stands up) + +Riker: Deanna! (Rushing to her side...) + +Worf: Sir! Tactical telemetry indicates the planet has disappeared! And +one of the moons in the system is now moving in a *linear* path. + +Picard: Linear path? That doesn't make sense. + + + +Crusher: What happened? Deanna, are you alright? + +Troi: (moan...) I-I think so... (moan...) + +Riker: But what happened? + + + +Worf: Captain, the Klingon squadron has ceased transmissions. + +Picard: Acknowledged. Worf, raise Commander Stone. + +Worf: Aye sir. Captain, Base Commander Stone is already hailing us. + +Picard: Onscreen... + + + +Stone: I hope you were watching closely, Picard, so you can tell me I +didn't just see a planet destroyed. + +Picard: I was indeed, Commander, but I suspect we both saw the same +thing. + +Stone: I was afraid you'd say that. I'm forwarding a report to +Starfleet. When is the Enterprise going to arrive? + + + +Ensign: Approximately 24 minutes, sir. + +Picard: In 10 minutes, Commander. We can discuss this further then. + +Stone: Fine. Till then. + + + +Picard: Warp factor 8.2, ensign. + +Ensign: Aye sir, increasing velocity to warp factor 8.2. + +Riker: So what exactly happened just now? Those alien ships were big, but +they couldn't destroy a planet, could they? + +Picard: Hopefully we'll be able to determine that when we dock. +Counselor, are you alright? + +Troi: I will be in a moment, Captain. + +Crusher: No physical damage evident, but tremendously increased cerebral +bloodflow. No hemorrhaging, but that must be one heck of a headache. + +Troi: All of a sudden, such intense fear, then pain, like a million +voices crying out all at once. Now ... nothing. Except ... a lurking +malevolence. + + + +Crusher: This should ease the headache, but I think you better come down +to sickbay for a more thorough examination. + +Troi: I don't think that will be necessary, Dr. It was a psychic shock, +not something that would cause physical damage. + +Picard: We only have a few minutes, Deanna, but perhaps it would be best +if you spent them resting under Dr. Crusher's observation. + +Troi: Yes sir... + + + +Laforge: Engineering to bridge + +Riker: Go ahead Geordi... + +Laforge: Sir, we've recalibrated the sensor array according to these +specifications and have extended our range 35% according to preliminary +testing. Scanner resolution has also improved. + +Picard: Well done, Mr Laforge. Further testing will have to wait, we'll +be docking at Starbase 42 soon and I'll need you and Data then. Your +backup crew will have to oversee any further operations. + +Laforge: Understood sir. I'll put Barclay in charge, since he's already +handled it up to this point. Laforge out. + +Riker: Barclay? (sigh...) + +Ensign: Sir, we've entered sector 43-12. Ready for docking approach in 2 +minutes. + +Picard: Acknowledged, Ensign. Drop to impulse. + +Ensign: Aye sir. Impulse power only. + + + + + + + +K'lnok: The alien battleships docked with the battlestation shortly after +the starbase was eliminated. We have been unable to detect further +activity, and are approaching with full cloaking. There has been no sign +of any surviving Romulan warships. We will resume contact in one hour. +K'lnok out. + +Stone: The Klingons have maintained radio silence to avoid detection, +with a few + +intermittent dispatches like the one you just saw. We have not been able +to converse with them since their telemetry relays stopped. + +Picard: Has Starfleet been notified of the latest developments? + +Stone: Yes, but we've received no reply yet. Your previous orders will +stand until further notice. + +Riker: Even with the improvements made to our sensors we won't get a +better picture than you'll get here on this starbase. What's the point +of sending the Enterprise into Romulan space to monitor a situation that +the Klingons can already monitor? Especially since they can move freely +with their cloaking devices? + +[ed: So we'll have a story to watch, obviously!! }-) ] + +Riker: If I may speak candidly sir, I must say that something about these +orders doesn't make any sense. + +Stone: As you've guessed, there are other motives here. We have enjoyed +a prosperous, peaceful alliance with the Klingons for many years now, but +no one can overlook their natural warrior instincts. In fact, a few +members of the Federation Council have expressed some concern about the +Klingons being the first Federation representatives to make contact with +these aliens. I'm sure you can appreciate these concerns - um, no +offense, Lieutenant Worf. + +Worf: None taken, *Sir*. + +Picard: So we are actually now being assigned to make contact with these +aliens? + +Stone: Yes, if at all possible, find out where they're from, what sparked +their conflict with the Romulans, what they're ultimately seeking. We +want to establish peaceful contact with this race. + +Riker: That could be interpreted as a hostile act by the Romulans, +though. Never mind that simply violating the Neutral Zone is an act of +war. + +Stone: That's a risk we'll have to take. These aliens are too powerful +to be allowed to remain unknowns. We have to learn more about them, see +if they pose any threat to the Federation. We can justify your initial +entry into Romulan space as response to distress calls. We're betting +that the Romulans will be too busy with the aliens to offer much +objection. + +Picard: Since we *are* dealing in unknowns, it would seem wiser to wait +it out, since we *know* violating Romulan Space is an act of war. + +Stone: Jean-Luc, we're not here to debate Starfleet orders. And +Starfleet doesn't want to get caught unaware. Given the destructive +power we've witnessed, the problem may grow too large to handle if we +wait it out. + +Picard: Yes, but what I mean is + + + +Voice: Alert. Intruder detected in sector 43-13. Commander Stone please +report to the bridge. + +Stone: That's in the Neutral Zone! I wonder what the devil is going on. +We'll have to talk more later, Picard. I suggest you and your crew +return to your ship, we may need your services sooner than we thought. + + + + + +Picard: Data, link us in to the starbase commnet. Let's see what's +happening. + +Data: Aye, sir. + +Picard: Bridge to Engineering - + +Barclay: Engineering, B-Barclay here, sir. + +Picard: What's the status of our warp drive upgrade? Is Commander Laforge +there yet? + +Barclay: He j-just arrived sir. A f-full status report is on-on the way. + +Picard: Fine. Picard out. (turn to stare at viewer...) + + + +Riker: How did they get there so fast? + +Picard: Let's not jump to conclusions Number One. We don't know that +this is one of the ships we watched before. Data, can you increase the +magnification? + +What are those objects being ejected? + +Data: Increasing. Scanners indicate the objects in question are +metallic, no life signs indicated. They appear to be small +self-propelled probes of some kind. Judging from the number and +trajectories, the aliens would seem to be surveying the star systems in +that sector. + +Riker: Surveying? So they're on a mission of conquest and colonization? + +Worf: Pardon the intrusion, sir. Klingons fight for conquest. That +battle station was *not* designed for conquest. One cannot expand one's +empire by vaporizing the member planets. + +Riker: Point taken, Mr. Worf. But if they're not colonizing, then what +*are* they doing here? + +Picard: Counselor - can you pick up any impressions that would shed light +on the question? + +Troi: Sorry Captain, the distance is too great. I cannot isolate their +thought patterns from everything else in the intervening space. + +Worf: Sir, the starbase is receiving another transmission from Captain +K'lnok. + +Picard: Onscreen, Lieutenant. + +Worf: Aye sir. + + + +K'lnok: Federation Starbase, this is Captain K'lnok. We have lost +contact with the alien warships. We are now scanning the area for +survivors. + + + +Picard: Worf, what happened to their signal? + +Worf: They switched off, sir. The aliens reappeared in their sector, and +Captain K'lnok ordered full cloaking. That is all I heard before the +channel closed. + +Data: Sir, the alien vessel has changed course and is accelerating. + +Picard: What is its new heading? + +Data: 268.7 mark 3. Sir, it is on a direct intercept course with our +current coordinates. + +Picard: Alert Commander Stone. Data, what is their ETA? + +Data: They are still traveling at sublight speeds, but continue to +accelerate. I cannot determine their maximum velocity or estimated time +of arrival as yet, Captain. + +Worf: The starbase personnel are aware of the course change, Sir. They +have gone to red alert. We are being cleared to disengage from the +spacedock. + +Picard: Ensign, take us out of dock. Lieutenant Worf, sound red alert. +(aside) where is that engineering status report?? + +Laforge: Engineering to Captain Picard + +Picard: Go ahead, Commander. + +Data: Captain, the alien vessel has disappeared from sensors. + +Picard: Number One, take care of Geordi's report. Data, what do you mean +"disappeared" ? + +Data: They were accelerating to lightspeed, sir. The moment they +attained lightspeed they vanished from the sensors. + +Worf: Sir, sensors are now picking up a subspace anomaly, bearing 352. + +Picard: Onscreen. + + + +Picard: Lieutenant, hail the alien vessel. All freqencies. + +Worf: Aye sir. + +Picard: Number One, what is our weapons status? + +Riker: Thanks to Lieutenant Barclay, we have Improved Definition phasers +available. But Geordi is still working on increasing the warp engine +output to provide sufficient energy for the new phasers. + +Worf: The alien vessel is not responding. + +Picard: Keep trying, Lieutenant. Can we fire the phasers with our +current warp configuration? + +Riker: Yes, but only for a limited amount. The old power couplings won't +hold up to the higher energy levels for very long. + +Picard: With luck it won't come to that. + +Riker: I'd like to know how they found us so quickly... + +Picard: Indeed, Number One. Unfortunately they're not giving us the +opportunity to ask. + +Ensign: We are clear of the spacedock, sir. + +Picard: Lay in an intercept course with the alien vessel, one-half +impulse. + +Ensign: Course plotted and laid in, sir. + +Picard: Engage. Counselor, what can you make of the aliens now? + +Troi: I sense a note of surprise, Captain. And also a slight hint of +fear and apprehension. They seem to think we are the Romulans, Captain! +They were not expecting to find us here. + +Picard: Indeed. Fear of us? Fear of the Romulans? + +Troi: I'm not sure, sir, but I don't think so. I can't pick up anything +more specific. + +Picard: Lieutenant Worf, any luck hailing the vessel? + +Worf: None sir. They are apparently capable of receiving our +transmissions but are ignoring them. + + + +Riker: More probes? (looking confused. he's good at that look, eh?) + +Data: Negative. I am detecting life signs. The small objects appear to +be piloted spacecraft. + +Picard: What is our current range? + +Data: Twenty thousand megameters and closing, sir. + +Riker: Are those smaller vessels armed? + +Data: That is highly probable. Energy levels are too high to be +accounted for solely by their propulsion systems. + + + +Riker: Raise shields. + +Worf: Shields raised, sir. + +Picard: Are we still tied in to the Starbase communications net? + +Data: Affirmative. + +Picard: Good. Link our fire control scanners to the Starbase scanners. + +Riker: Afraid they'll overwhelm our targeting systems? + +Picard: It's a possibility we cannot rule out, Number One. We may still +be able to communicate peacefully, but the likelihood of that seems to be +decreasing. + +Data: Range is twelve thousand megameters, sir. The smaller craft are +approaching at approximately eight tenths of lightspeed. The larger +vessel is also continuing to approach. + +Picard: Lieutenant Worf, try to open a channel again. Broadcast this +message: "To unidentified vessel. You are encroaching on Federation +territory. Stop and identify yourselves or we will be forced to take +action against you." + +Worf: Aye sir, opening channel. ... Sir, they are responding. + +Picard: Onscreen! + + + +Ozzel: This is Admiral Ozzel of the Imperial Star Destroyer Ventooin. We +do not recognize the sovereignty of your "Federation" over this space. +We have traced your communications with rebel ships and recognize you to +be aiding enemies of The Empire. Surrender and prepare to be boarded. + +Picard: (gestures to cut the channel) Rebels? Surrender? Counselor, can +you tell what he's talking about? + +Troi: He must be referring to the Klingon vessels, sir. I sense +anticipation, this Admiral is waiting to hear how other task forces have +fared. + +Riker: They must have intercepted K'lnok's report of looking for +survivors. Then they traced the source and destination of the signal to +reach us and the Klingons! + +Data: That seems highly likely sir. This vessel was situated nearly +between us at the time. + +Picard: (nodding to Worf to reopen the channel) This is Captain Jean-Luc +Picard, of the Federation Starship Enterprise. We know nothing of the +rebels of whom you speak. We seek only to communicate and establish +peaceful relations with your people. Why do you wish us to surrender? We +have no quarrel with you. However, I must repeat my prior warning, and +ask you to cease your advance into Federation space. + + + +Riker: Well, that didn't seem very friendly. + + + +Picard: What was that? + +Data: The small alien spacecraft have opened fire. They appear to be +using pulsed energy beam weapons. + +Riker: Any damage? + +Data: None sir, shields are holding. + +Picard: Lieutenant, fire a low-intensity warning shot at the mother ship. +Target one degree off their bow. Let's give them one more chance to +desist. + +Worf: Aye sir. + + + +Riker: Think they'll take the hint, sir? + +Picard: We'll know soon enough, Number One. + + + +Picard: Damage report! + +Worf: Shields are holding at 90%, sir. Minor disturbances on decks 9 and +22. + +Picard: Arm photon torpedoes, ready phasers. Lock on the mother ship. + +Worf: Torpedoes armed, phasers locked on target. + + + +Picard: This is damned annoying. Fire photon torpedoes, delta cluster. + +Worf: Firing photon torpedoes. + + + +Data: A hit, sir. They seem to have deflector screens, no structural +damage is evident. + +Picard: Inform the starbase of our action. That ship should be entering +their weapon range soon. + + + +Riker: That was different - where did it come from? + +Data: A small projectile, sir, very dense. Composed primarily of +protons. Apparently these gunships have a diverse complement of weapons. + +Worf: Shields down to 72%, sir. + + + +Picard: Begin evasive maneuvers! + +Data: Sir, we are completely surrounded by these craft, and they are +orders of magnitude more maneuverable. + + + +Riker: Worf, lock phasers on any small fighters, wide dispersion. Fire +at will. + +Worf: Aye sir. Firing. + + + +Data: Sir, phaser energy conduits are approaching danger zone. Critical +in 20 seconds at present rate of fire. + +Riker: Another round, Worf. Dammit sir! We can track them but we can't +hit so many targets. + +Picard: Indeed, Number One. We're wasting our firepower destroying such +tiny objects. + + + +Worf: Shields at 61%. Phasers deenergized. Minor injuries reported. + +Picard: Full reverse. Let's put some distance between us and that star +destroyer + +before it lives up to its name. + +Data: The gunships are pursuing, sir. They appear to have only +forward-firing weapons; they can only attack when they are facing us. + +Picard: Interesting... Worf, ready tractor beam. Select targets as they +enter facing trajectories. Filter out other objects from the targeting +system until they attain firing threshold. Activate when ready. + +Worf: Aye sir. Targeting computers reprogrammed, tractor beams ready. + + + +Riker: Brilliant! (beaming at Picard) + +Picard: Thank you, Number One. However, we're not out of the fire yet. +Also, I was only expecting to hold them out of attack position, I didn't +realize the craft couldn't handle the stress of deceleration. + +Riker: Well, it was still an excellent idea, sir. + + + +Worf: Shields are down to 30%! Structural damage reported on decks 23 +thru 29. Sickbay reports casualties throughout the ship. + +Picard: But even that may not be enough. Data! Quickly, transmit to +starbase: Lock tractor beams on us, and cycle every 30 milliseconds. +Ensign, cut impulse, full stop. + +Ensign: Full stop, aye! + +Data: Message acknowledged, sir. + + + +Worf: Sir, sensors detect new subspace anomalies! + +Picard: Onscreen, Mr. Worf! + + + +Riker: Our options for peaceful contact seem to be dwindling, sir. + +Picard: I'm well aware of that, Number One. This is exactly the kind of +situation Starfleet wanted to avoid. Now we're facing an interstellar +war with a race we've only been aware of for a little over a week! + +Riker: Well, if they want a war they picked a helluva bad spot to start. +We've seen these star destroyers' firepower; they won't even faze our +starbase. + +Picard: Let's not get too overconfident, Will. They didn't just politely +tap our shields just now either. + + + +Riker: What are they waiting for? They seemed in such a hurry to advance +on us a few moments ago. + +Troi: Their commander is experiencing grave doubts, Sir. I sense that +Admiral Ozzel is having difficulty committing to a course of action. + +Riker: Doubts? Maybe those one-man craft were their primary means of +offense? + +Data: That is a likely hypothesis, sir. Analysis of the overall design +of the star destroyers would indicate they are unaccustomed to fighting +ships of a comparable size. + +Picard: Explain this analysis, Data. + +Data: Sir, the armaments they have so far displayed are not the size one +would expect for dealing with ships of such mass. The number, size, and +rate of fire indicates an arsenal targeted at small gunships, such as the +ones launched against us, or possibly ships up to the size of a patrol +cruiser. Their beam weapons were individually too weak to greatly affect +our shields, but they obviously have the technology to implement larger +weapons. Also, they were unable to coordinate a concentrated firing of +their weapon turrets against us, further supporting the hypothesis that +their vessels are designed to deal with multiple small independent +targets. + +Riker: But how does that explain that battlestation we saw? + +Data: I do not know, sir. + +Picard: That's very interesting, but I don't know how it will help us in +the immediate situation. Counselor, you said you sensed doubt in the +alien commander. Can you learn anything more? Perhaps we can capitalize +on those doubts some way. + +Troi: I don't know, Captain, I'm not picking up anything now. It's as if +my senses were being jammed... + +Worf: Sir, motion detectors are picking up an object closing at high +speed. + +Picard: Identify, Mr. Worf! + + + +Riker: Just when you thought you'd seen it all... + + + +Riker: They don't have rear-firing weapons! + +Picard: So it would seem... + + + +Worf: They are attempting to escape! + +Riker: What? + + + +Picard: We seem to have been given a reprieve! Hail the Klingons, um, +Klingon vessels, Mr. Worf. + +Worf: Aye sir. Channel is open. + +Picard: Greetings, Klingon Commander. It is a great pleasure to be +speaking to you. I am Captain Picard, of the starship Enterprise. + +K'lnok: I am K'lnok, Captain of the Vindicator. We have many things to +discuss, Captain Picard. + +Picard: Agreed. Perhaps we should dock and continue our discussion on +the base facilities. + +K'lnok: An acceptable proposal. We have need of a shipyard. K'lnok out. + +Riker: We better tell Commander Stone to expect more company... And we +should requisition additional technicians to get on the refit. + +Picard: Make it so. Lieutenant Worf, inform Commander Stone. + +Worf: Aye, sir. + + + +K'lnok: Two of the alien vessels returned during our previous +transmission. They must have planned an ambush but were no match for our +firepower. The cowards escaped again, leaving almost no trace. + +Picard: Yes, we've noticed the peculiarity of their drive systems. How +did you discover that this was their destination? + +K'lnok: Our sensors detected residues from their propulsion system. They +use a crude type of ion engine, once we discovered the ion emissions we +could detect tremendous amounts ejected by their engines. We were able +to plot the ships' trajectories based on these traces and followed until +we encountered them here. We were still unable to track the vessels on +our scanners. + +Riker: Ion engines? They'd leave a trail like a flare... But our sensors +couldn't pick them up until just before they arrived. + +Stone: Even the base scanners didn't pick them up. But we're recording +massive ion traces now. + +Laforge: That's no surprise. If they're using ion engines, they must be +enormous to move ships of that size. But that doesn't explain their +translight capability, or why it doesn't leave any traces at translight +speeds. We always tracked them right up to lightspeed, then .. nothing. + +Picard: It seems we continue to face questions with no sign of any +answers. We cannot effectively deal with a threat if we cannot detect +when it will arrive. + +Data: The solution is elementary. Uh, sirs. The alien vessels leave no +ion trace in the intervening space because they do not traverse that +space. + +Riker: What do you mean, Data, how can they travel distance without +traversing the distance? + +Data: By eliminating the impossible, what remains, no matter how +improbable, must be the truth. Sir, our own communications and +transporter systems are based on subspace technology - they do not +operate in normal space. + +Riker: Yes, but we know that only energy forms can be transferred through +subspace, not matter. Are you proposing that they use transporters to +beam their ships from point to point? + +Data: No sir, the energy costs would be prohibitive. However, another +alternative exists - theoretically, matter endowed with sufficient +kinetic energy could be elevated to another dimension, a hyperspace. The +theory was in its infancy in the twenty-first century on Earth, but no +practical results were achieved and research was abandoned with the +advent of the warp drive. + +K'lnok: We too have recorded such research. It was proven to be +impractical to implement. + +Picard: Judging from what we've seen so far, these aliens have a +different standard of what is "practical." Data, access all records +relevant to the topic. We need a way of detecting these vessels while +they are in transit. We know there is a delay, the transition into and +out of hyperspace is not instantaneous. There must be a way of tracking +them while they are in flight. Mr Laforge, go with Data and work out a +means for detection. + +Data: Aye sir. + +Laforge: On our way, Captain. + +K'lnok: We found no survivors in the Romulan sector, and only minimal +Romulan ship debris. It is likely that their vessels cloaked and escaped +in time to avoid destruction. + +Picard: What about alien survivors? + +K'lnok: We found only the remnants of their fighter craft. None of the +pilots survived to be taken prisoner. + +Picard: Prisoner? We have not declared war with these aliens. + +K'lnok: A slip, I meant "to be rescued." + +Stone: Well, the Federation may not formally be at war but we are on a +war footing here. This base monitors a highly sensitive area, we have to +track shipping thru the Neutral Zone in three bordering sectors. Our +regular patrol craft are totally outclassed by this menace. + +K'lnok: And we have yet to discover the location of the battlestation. +If you will excuse me, I must file another report with the High Command. + +Stone: By all means, Captain. + + + +Troi: Captain, I believe we should return to the ship. + +Picard: Why do you say that, Counselor? + +Troi: I'm feeling .. a premonition, of sorts. We haven't much time, sir. + +Picard: Commander, I suggest you alert your personnel. I know it's not +much to go on but I've come to trust my officers' instincts. + +Stone: I understand, Captain. I think we've covered as much as we can for now. + + + + + +Captain's Log, supplemental: After a brief encounter with the alien +vessels, we have returned to dock at Starbase 42. We still have no means +of detecting the approach of the alien vessels. Counselor Troi has been +experiencing premonitions of impending doom, but several hours have now +passed uneventfully. The ship remains at yellow alert, as is the +starbase. The Klingon vessels were recalled to other duties by the High +Command. No further messages have been detected from the Romulans. All +seems quiet. + + + +Riker: What news have you got, Geordi? + +Laforge: Well sir, Data and Mr. Barclay are working out a prototype for +their hyperspace scanner in holodeck 2. I just came to deliver the +damage report. + +Picard: Proceed. + +Laforge: Phaser couplings are now fully operational, and shields are back +to full efficiency. Also, we've installed an additional polarity +detector in the shield controls. This should increase shield +effectiveness in deflecting charged particles, like those proton +torpedoes. + +Picard: Good work. + +Riker: Well, that ought to take care of those fighters. + +Troi: Captain, I'm sensing it again. Intense evil, it's getting closer! + +Picard: Ensign, prepare to exit spacedock. Lieutenant Worf, anything on +the sensors? + +Worf: Negative sir. Sensors detect nothing unusual. + +Picard: Takes us out, Ensign, ahead one half impulse. + +Ensign: Aye sir. + +Picard: Lieutenant, contact the starbase.. Find out if they've picked up +anything. + +Worf: Aye sir. Nothing within scan range, sir. + +Troi: It *is* there, Captain. I'm certain of it. + +Picard: Ensign, lay in an elliptical course. I want a full sweep of this +system, focused on the starbase. + +Ensign: Aye aye, sir. Course plotted and laid in. + +Picard: Engage. + + + +Riker: Sir, the starbase has much greater detection range. If they can't +see anything, we won't see it. + +Picard: Probably true, Will, but if there really is something out there +I'd prefer to go looking for it rather than wait for it to find us. + +Worf: Sir, subspace anomaly detected, bearing 339 mark 25! + +Picard: Onscreen, Lieutenant! + + + +Picard: Hail the aliens, Mr. Worf. + +Worf: Aye sir. (under breath) I do not believe they came here to +talk. + +Riker: What was that, Lieutenant? + +Worf: Channel open, sir. + +Vader: My admiral +reported some difficulties dealing with you. I am here to sort them out. + +Picard: This is Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the Federation starship +Enterprise. I must warn you that you are violating Federation + +Vader: Your Federation means nothing to me. You have aided enemies of +the Empire. You have assaulted Imperial troops. Now you shall learn the +price for crossing the Empire. + + + +Riker: Captain! Red alert, Mr. +Worf! Raise shields! + + + +Riker: Medical emergency! Dr Crusher to the bridge immediately! + +
+ + + +Riker: Dr. Crusher to the bridge immediately! + +Troi: He's being attacked telepathically, I can feel it! Captain, you +must relax your body, stop struggling physically! Concentrate your mind +on resisting! We can fight it but you must focus your thoughts +completely. + + + +Riker: Deanna - + +Worf: Sir, the aliens are launching multiple fighter craft. Estimated +intercept in 2 minutes. Phasers ready. Shall I arm photon torpedoes? + + + +Riker: Affirmative, Worf. Arm forward *and* rear launchers. From what +we know so far it's a fair bet these aliens have never seen warp drive. +How far to the main ships? + +Helmsman: Range is approximately 12,000 megameters, sir. + +Riker: Ensign, set course 357 mark 35. Give me a .3 second burst of +maximum warp on my mark. + +Navigator: Aye, sir! + +Riker: Worf, prepare to target rear torpedo launchers. After we move I +want you to hit the closest target in the rear firing arcs. Full spread, +maximum yield. + +Worf: Aye sir, photon torpedoes ready! + +Riker: Now, Ensign! + + + +Riker: Mr. Worf? + +Worf: Photon torpedoes locked on target, sir. + +Riker: Fire! + +Worf: Aye sir! + + + +Troi: Captain! + +Riker: Deanna, what happened? + + + +Picard: I'm (gasp) alright. + +Troi: It stopped, he's free now. + +Crusher: What are you talking about? What stopped? + +Troi: The Captain was attacked telepathically; he was being strangled. +The attack stopped just a moment ago. + +Crusher: Strangled? We'd better make sure you're alright, Jean-Luc. + +Riker: Better make it fast, Dr. We surprised them just now but that +won't last much longer. + +Worf: Sir, the enemy vessels are changing course. + + + +Crusher: This TriOx compound should help clear your head faster, Captain. + + + +Picard: Thank you Dr. What is our status, +Number One? + +Riker: We have just warped behind the aliens and destroyed one of their +vessels, Sir. I suggest we turn and prepare for a second assault. + +Picard: Make it so. + +Riker: Ensign, set course 180 mark 0. Turn us around! + +Navigator: Aye aye, sir. + + + +Picard: Well Counselor, it appears that we have encountered the source of +the intense evil you've been sensing. The question is, how do we combat +that sort of attack? Our shields are of no help. + +Troi: I'm not certain, Captain, but I believe it must take great +concentration to achieve such effectiveness. Possibly the destruction of +the enemy vessel distracted the being enough to break his mindlink with +you. + +Picard: If only we had more time to analyze the situation. Picard to +Commander Data - + +Data: Here, sir. + +Picard: You'll have to suspend your work on the hyperspace scanner, Mr. +Data. We need you here on the bridge. + +Data: Acknowledged. On my way, sir. + +Riker: Captain, our conventional weapons far outclass theirs. If we're +going to be vulnerable to psychic attacks as well, though, I suggest we +take out as many of their units as possible before they get another +chance. + +Troi: I don't believe they are all psychics, sir. I have only sensed one +mind of appreciable power, and the evil emanates from there. + +Picard: Can you pinpoint the location of that being? + +Troi: Somewhat. My own telepathic powers are limited, and directional +senses are always imprecise, but I am fairly certain he is on that base +station. + +Picard: Then that is our target. We cannot reason with them, so we must +disable them before that base station can destroy another starbase. + + + +Vader: Report, commander. What happened? + +Commander: We don't know yet, sir. One moment they were ahead of us, and +our fighters were closing in, then suddenly they were behind us. +Whatever drive system they're using, it's unlike any we've ever seen +before. + +Vader: You said they were using fusion-based propulsion reactors. + +Commander: Yes, yes, that's what the sensors said, that's what they say +now, but for a moment they read something totally different. + +Vader: You should pay more attention to verifying your facts, Commander. +You are not sounding very rational. + +Commander: Yes, Lord Vader. + +Vader: How are your forces currently deployed? + +Commander: The fighter squadrons are closing with the cruiser, they +should engage it shortly. They will break off and form an enclosing +screen when the star destroyers enter attack range. The cruiser will not +escape this time, Lord Vader. + +Vader: I want that ship captured intact. No unnecessary damage should be +inflicted. Inform the fleet captains. + +Commander: As you wish, Lord Vader. +Inform the fleet captains - the cruiser is not to be destroyed, it is to +be taken intact! + +Vader: Now, proceed towards the base. We shall make another example of +it... + + + +Riker: Data, how long before those fighters reach us? + +Data: Estimated intercept in 20 seconds, sir. + +Riker: Worf, lock phasers, wide dispersal. Prepare to fire at maximum +range and dispersion. + +Worf: Aye sir. + +Data: Sir, the alien base station has changed course. + +Picard: What is the new heading, Mr. Data? + +Data: It is now on a direct course for Starbase 42, sir. + +Picard: Damn. Mr. Worf, fire when ready. Ensign, set intercept course +for the base station, full impulse. Engage! + +Worf: Firing phasers, sir! + + + +Riker: Geordi, divert auxiliary power to the forward shields! Once we're +past them it'll be a while before they can bring their weapons to bear on +our rear. + +LaForge: Aye sir, shields holding steady. + +Picard: Mr. Worf, can you target the base station's propulsion systems? + +Worf: Negative, sir. If they are using ion drive there is no detectable +emission from the base station. + +Picard: Very well. Lock photon torpedoes, closest surface point. + +Worf: Aye sir. Torpedoes ready. + +Picard: Fire photon torpedoes. + +Worf: Firing. + + + +Data: Direct hits, but there is no appreciable decrease in the base's +power output levels. Analysis indicates the surface is mostly armor, +with small weapon systems scattered across. + +Picard: Armor only? Worf, continue firing. Phasers and photon torpedoes, +narrow salvo. + +Worf: Aye sir, firing phasers and photon torpedoes. + + + +Picard: Enemy status, Mr. Data? + +Data: 2% energy drop detected, sir. Possibly a secondary reactor +powering the weapon systems in that area of the base. + +Picard: This is ridiculous. We could attack all day and still not make +any significant difference. + +Riker: Suggest another torpedo salvo, sir. We may be able to trigger a +chain reaction in their power systems. + +Picard: Mr. Data, when will they be in range of the Starbase weapon +batteries? + +Data: At their current velocity, it will take 28 minutes, sir. + +Riker: Captain, we could disable the rest of these vessels first and +still have time to deal with the base. + +Picard: Yes, Number One, assuming they don't get lucky and cripple us +first. Besides, those other vessels are inconsequential. Only the base +station has enough firepower to present a threat. (sigh.) Mr. Worf, +prepare another round of photon torpedoes. + +Worf: Aye sir. (pause) Torpedoes ready, sir. + +Data: Captain, sensors indicate additional fighter launches from the base +station. Also, we're picking up more fighters from the Star Destroyers +behind us. + +Picard: Acknowledged, Mr. Data. How long before they intercept? + +Data: Given past performance, sir, I estimate a 97.4% probability that +they will begin their attack at approximately 400 megameters. At their +current velocity that will be in 52 seconds, sir. + +Riker: They should be well within phaser range already. + +Picard: We need to concentrate our attention and our firepower on that +base station for the moment. Data, how long can we sustain their attack? + +Data: The aliens are using small particle beam weapons, which are easily +deflected by our shields. With the shield upgrade, I estimate their +weapons effectiveness at .04 percent, Sir. + +Picard: Fine, then we ignore those fighters for now. That ought to have +a sufficiently demoralizing effect, maybe they'll realize the futility of +their continued assault. Mr. Worf, maintain torpedo lock on the base +station. + +Worf: Aye sir, torpedoes locked on target. + +Picard: Fire. + + + +Worf: Sir, the enemy fighters are intercepting our photon torpedoes. + +Picard: Intercepting .. ? + +Riker: That's suicide! What are they up to? + +Data: It does appear to be an effective means of shielding the main base +from our torpedoes, Sir. + +Riker: Strangest idea of shields I ever saw. + +Picard: Indeed. Very well then, Mr. Worf, lock phasers on the torpedo +impact crater. Narrow beam. + +Worf: Aye sir. (pause) Sir, the base station is locking on with a tractor +beam! + +Riker: Use reverse tractor beams, try to break their lock! + +Worf: Trying, sir. (pause) No effect. Their beam is too powerful. + +Picard: Commander, can you divert more power to the tractor beam +generators? + +LaForge: They just went to the limit, Sir. No one's ever expected to +need a larger generator on a starship. + + + +Commander: We have them now, Lord Vader. + +Vader: Good. Bring them to the main hangar bay. Inform the fleet +captains to resume course for the base station. We can study the ship +systems later. + +Commander: Yes, Lord Vader. + + + + + + +Path: newserv.ksu.ksu.edu!moe.ksu.ksu.edu!vixen.cso.uiuc.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!usc!elroy.jpl.nasa.gov!bondi.jpl.nasa.gov!hyc +From: hyc@bondi.jpl.nasa.gov (Howard Chu) +Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative +Subject: Re: FROM THE ARCHIVES: crossover/StarWars/TheReturn.zip (part 02/02) +Date: 2 Dec 1993 19:32:28 GMT +Organization: SAR Processing Systems +Lines: 219 +Message-ID: <2dlfsc$kbk@elroy.jpl.nasa.gov> +References: +NNTP-Posting-Host: 128.149.77.149 + +Say, it's been a while since I was in this newsgroup... Just a note, in case +it wasn't obvious; this story began immediately after the episode "To the Nth +Degree." I guess it hasn't figured in much yet, but Barclay still has some +tricks up his sleeve... Here's one more brief installment that I wrote a couple +months ago, it ought to be included in the archive. + -- Howard + hyc@hanauma.jpl.nasa.gov + + + +Commander: Admiral - we have a slight problem. + +Ozzel: Problem? What problem? + +Commander: Sir, the hangar bay moorings will not accomodate this alien craft. +We cannot release the primary tractor beam until the ship is secured. + +Ozzel: So reconfigure a berth for the ship. How long will it take? + +Commander: Preparations have already begun, sir. We estimate at least an +hour until the new moorings can be secured. But in the meantime, sir, we +cannot provide full power to the main cannon, the primary reactors cannot +sustain the sudden heavy power drain while the tractor beam is operating. + +Ozzel: We have insufficient power to attack? This is preposterous! + +Commander: Our orders were to capture the ship intact, sir. We cannot release +the ship from the tractor beam without damaging it until the moorings are +ready, and suspending the ship requires a great deal of power. + +Ozzel: Very well, return to your duties. I will advise Lord Vader of this +new development. + + + +Picard: Weapons status, Mr. Worf - have you found a way to neutralize the +tractor beam? + +Worf: No sir. Phaser simulations are still negative and photon torpedoes can +not be launched. + +Riker: What about extending our shields? That would give the torpedoes free +space to travel in, at least. + +LaForge: Yes, but unless we shrink them down again just before impact, we'll +take an awful lot of feedback damage. + +Worf: Sir - incoming message from the aliens. + +Picard: Onscreen, Lieutenant. + + + +Commander: Attention rebel scum. Your ship has been captured and is being +decontaminated prior to boarding. Make no effort at resistance or you will +be destroyed. + + + +Riker: "Rebel scum?" + +Troi: Captain, they're hiding something. + +Picard: What do you mean? Hiding what? + +Troi: They may intend to board this ship, but I believe they are powerless +to do so at the moment. + +Picard: Why? Why are they powerless? + +Troi: I don't know, I couldn't detect any more details, but I know they cannot +act immediately, or they would have done so already. + +Picard: Very well. I want all personnel in outer areas of the ship evacuated to +more central locations. Mr. Worf, post security detachments along all outer +hull access routes. They've given us time to prepare, we might as well use it. +Staff meeting in ten minutes. + +Worf: Aye sir. I will coordinate security teams here and join you when ready. + + + +Ozzel: Lord Vader, we cannot launch an attack against the enemy base without +full power to the cannon. The attack must be postponed! + +Vader: I am tiring of your excuses, Admiral. However, an attack on the base +may not be necessary if we can learn enough from the captured ship. You may +order the fleet to withdraw. I want the commander of the alien ship brought +to me for questioning within the hour! + +Ozzel: Yes, my lord! + + + +Worf: Security teams are in position, and containment force fields have all +checked out, sir. + +Picard: Very good. What about the outer hull evacuation status? + +Troi: The evacuation has proceeded smoothly, sir, although there were some +complaints that Ten-Forward had to be closed off. + +Crusher: And I've stationed emergency medic teams throughout the ship, just +in case. + +Picard: Thank you, Dr. Now, what can we do about this tractor beam? + +LaForge: We may have discovered a weakness in the beam, sir. + +Picard: Please continue, Geordi. + +LaForge: Our sensors have detected a regular pattern in the pulsing energy +output of the beam. It's not a constant energy field, but runs on a harmonic +power cycle. We may be able to exploit the intervals when the field is at +its weakest. + +Riker: Can you synchronize the phasers with these weak intervals? + +LaForge: Maybe, but it wouldn't do any good. It's only weak for a couple +milliseconds, the phaser beam wouldn't be strong enough to do any damage on +such a small duty cycle. + +Data: However, we may be able to modulate the transporter beam to function +through the field. + +LaForge: We've done it before, although with this tiny an interval to work +with, total transit time will really get extended. + +Riker: Extended how long? + +Data: At full gain, it will take 7.82 times longer for full materialization. + +LaForge: And even at full gain our effective power output is greatly reduced. +We won't have a lot of range. + +Riker: We won't need a lot of range, we just need to get in, find the controls +to deactivate the beam, and get out. + +Picard: Hold on, Number One. No one said anything about boarding the alien +base. + +Riker: Sir, we're completely powerless unless we can deactivate that beam. +This may be the only way. Besides, we're already *in* the base, so we might +as well take a look around... + +Picard: How long will it take to modify the transporters? + +LaForge: Not long, it's a simple modification to the control circuits. + +Picard: Make it so. Commander, you may assemble your away team. However, +I am assigning Mr. Worf and Mr. LaForge to remain on the ship. + +Worf: But sir! - + +Picard: Commander Riker's mission is one of espionage, Mr. Worf, not for +combat. However, with the threat of enemy boarding parties, there is a great +likelihood of combat on *this* ship. As Chief of Security you are needed here. + +Worf: Yes sir. + +Picard: Geordi, I need you in Engineering, to monitor our power systems and +make sure any intruders aren't able to damage critical systems and leave us +without backup. + +LaForge: Aye sir. + +Riker: Data, you're with me. We'll keep the party small and move fast. + +Picard: If that is all, this meeting is adjourned. Good luck, Will. + +Riker: Thank you sir. Let's go, Data. + + + + + +Data: We have chosen a spot near a computer access terminal. Sensors detect no +life forms within a 20 meter radius of the location, so it should be a +relatively safe transport point. + +Picard: Very good, Mr. Data. Be careful, Number One. We'll be out of +communicator contact, so you'll only have your emergency transponder to signal +trouble. + +Riker: Understood, sir. + +O'Brien: And if you need out and that tractor beam is still up, it's going to +be a very slow trip pulling you back, sir. + + + +Riker: If we don't take care of that tractor beam, there may not be anyone to +bring back. And maybe nowhere to go back to, for that matter. + +Picard: We'll be here. And we'll be waiting for your return. + +Riker: See you when we get back, Sir. Mr. O'Brien - energize! + +O'Brien: Aye, sir. + + + +O'Brien: Transport complete, sir, they've made it. + +Picard: Keep a sharp lock on them, Mr. O'Brien. I want them back the instant +they signal. + +O'Brien: Aye aye, sir. We'll get them back. + + + diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/theunfai b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/theunfai new file mode 100644 index 00000000..d23571a2 --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/theunfai @@ -0,0 +1,1685 @@ +Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative +Path: moe.ksu.ksu.edu!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!uwm.edu!spool.mu.edu!news.cs.indiana.edu!noose.ecn.purdue.edu!mentor.cc.purdue.edu!neale +From: neale@mentor.cc.purdue.edu (Neale Davidson) +Subject: STTUQ 1-5/15 repost +Message-ID: +Organization: Purdue University Computing Center +Date: Fri, 4 Sep 1992 13:42:34 GMT +Lines: 613 + + + - STAR TREK --------------------------------------------------- + - THE UNFAIR QUO --------------------------------------------------- + + Part One through Five of Fifteen + + Disclaimer : This is fan-zine material, which means that it's + neither cannon nor seeking to be. I'm doing this for fun. + + This story takes place three weeks AFTER the events chronicled + in THE RAVEN'S ROAR. It is my first "controversial" story to + date, so I hope someone, somewhere, might take notice. + + -------------------------------------------------------------------- + + CHAPTER ONE + + The place stank with old liquor and old people drinking + liquor, yet Riley was as comfortable here as he was anywhere + else. His hulking form was enough to intimidate most people + from harassing him, but the large phaser rifle strapped to his + side did the brunt of the warning for him. + "Romulan ale," Riley commanded to the bartender in a deep + voice which sent shivers up other patron's spine. + The bartender, a tall Tellarite snarled, apparantly put + off by the newcomer's demand. "Romulan ale's illegal, Captain + of the ENTERPRISE." + Riley clinched his fist, keeping his free hand close to + the phaser rifle. "So am I," he warned with a fierce look in + his eye. + Then the two men died laughing. "Jesus, man, how the hell + have you been?" the bartender cracked, putting the room into a + small state of confusion. + "I've been busy," Riley answered, the look of anger + vanishing from his face. "Fleet's given me a lot of work to do + lately." + "I've heard," the Tellarite answered. "The ENTERPRISE and + her three battles of late have gotten you and your ship quite + well known Earthside." + "Really, Tago?" Riley smirked, "Who'd be interested in a + guy like me?" + "Well," the Tellarite began with a wide smile, "about + half the cadets over at the academy ask about you, particularly + the girls," he added with a wink. + "Yeah right," Riley smarted back. "You know how much luck + I've had with women. I've got all the charm of a Denebian Slime + Devil in heat." + "And the smell," Tago snapped back. "Sounds like you've + got yourself a problem, my friend." + "I'm in love with my First Officer," Riley admitted as + Tago grabbed a bottle of neon-blue liquid. + Tago smiled, "I'm sure he's a very nice guy," he said, + forcing Riley to give a hurt expression. "Just kidding, + everyone knows about Saavik's and your unusual relationship." + "Everyone?" Riley asked gaping. "You've got to be kidding + me? You are, right?" he pleaded. + "Well, let's just say that you're not the only ENTERPRISE + crewman to drink here," Tago replied flatly. "I overheard some + of your ensigns in here a few hours ago. They're visiting their + friends in the Academy now." + "Luck them," Riley replied, taking the drink from the + table. "So what'd they say, that the Captain and the lovely + First Officer have stayed in the observation deck too long?" + "Hardly," the bartender smiled, "they make a lot of jokes + about the two blind rats caught in a maze." + Riley sighed. "Is it that obvious? I guess it is that + obvious. I'm in love, Tago. In love with a very beautiful, + very," he paused again, looking for words to complete his + thoughts. There were none. "Sometimes I envy Vulcans." + "Where are you staying, Thomas? Have you found a room + yet, or did you plan to stay on ENTERPRISE?" the Tellarite + asked, changing the subject. + "Um," Riley replied, lost, "I haven't found a room yet. I + haven't actually looked." + "I've got a room upstairs, it's not much, but it's yours + if you want it." + "Thank you," Riley replied, taking a large sip of his + Romulan Ale. + + "I am impressed, Commander," the Vulcan replied in his + characteristically cool voice. "Your professionalism aboard the + ENTERPRISE in the times of crisis you have faced has been + remarkable." + "Thank you, sir," Saavik replied honestly. "Though I must + admit that I had some difficulty during those times. My loss of + command, then the battles, then Thomas, it was all very + tiring." + Spock was dressed, as was usual of late, in his Vulcan + robes. His face was a bit more worn than Saavik remembered, but + it had been three years since the two of them spoke. He had + aged somewhat, but his look had grown stern, and truly + respectful. "I well understand the difficulties you've faced, + Commander. I can appreciate your difficulty." + Saavik looked out of her borrowed apartment, into the San + Fransisco skyline. "I've tried, very hard, to keep control of + my emotions, Spock. But I still have them, escpecially towards + Thomas. It is not logical that I should want to pursue a + relationship with him, yet that is what I want." + "Logic alone does not answer all problems, Saavik Kahm," + Spock replied. "As Jim would say, 'You must rely on your + instincts as well.'" + "My instincts? I do not understand them," Saavik replied + flatly. "I'm angry with him, and I am drawn to him. I haven't + felt this way since," she faded off, drawn into memories she + tried so hard to forget. + "David Marcus," Spock completed. "I apologize, I did not + need to state his name, I was completing the thought." + "It's all right," Saavik replied. "I've shut it out so + long that I didn't remember how much it hurt me. Maybe that's + what's been bothering me." + Spock raised an eyebrow. "Indeed, but it has been my + experience that the emotion of love is not as simple as what + you would prefer to believe." + + Grissom entered her temporary apartment, a small room in + San Fransisco's bay towers. It was a dim place, but it was + going to be home for the next three weeks. + "Lights," she commanded to the room's computer system. + Instantly the dark areas of the room brightened, revealing a + long, tall package in the far corner. + She went to it, the candy-striped red-bowed package had a + simple note to it. It read "From an admirer" in flawless + calligraphy. + She opened it eagerly, revealing three red roses inside. + "Gahrut," she laughed as she sniffed the intoxicating scent. + Her best friend was trying to cheer her up already. God knows + that she would rather be on the ENTERPRISE when the ship needed + her most. + The door chime beeped quiety. Grissom loosened her hair a + bit as she strolled to the door. Gahrut and Campbell were + waiting on the other side. Campbell was carrying a dozen roses. + "We wanted to welcome you Earthside," Campbell explained. + "It was Gahrut's idea." + "Sorry I couldn't carry the roses," Gahrut explained. + "I've got a little trouble in that department. Who sent those?" + "You mean you didn't?" Grissom asked, taken aback by his + question. "I don't know, it was from an admirer it said." + Campbell smiled. "Yet another man to fling off. God I + wish I had your problems," she laughed, letting herself into + the tiny apartment. + "Really?" Grissom replied, smiling, "I thought you and + Tiber were getting along well." + "Oh yeah?" Campbell smiled. "He hasn't had much time + for me lately. It's the bad thing about being a helmsman." + "I never thought of that," Grissom grimaced. "Well, I + haven't gone shopping yet, so I'm out of absolutely everything. + You'll have to make do with ordered-food." + "Gotta be better than the ENTERPRISE's idea of food," + Gahrut muttered. + "This from someone who eats pebbles for breakfast," + Campbell smiled. "How about some Mandarin, ENTERPRISE does a + lousy job with spices." + Grissom walked to the aparment's computuer console + and entered the request. A few minutes later, the food arrived + and the trio began their shoreleave party. + + CHAPTER TWO + + Tago had lied when he said the Riley's room wouldn't be + much. It provided a spectacular view over the entirety of Star + Fleet Academy, and of the Golden Gate bridge. The night image, + filled with so many lights both on ground and in space, + captivated Riley's attention. He could have even sworn that he + could make out the outline of the giant spacedock orbiting + overhead. + Tago walked in, carrying a glass of Romulan Ale to his + friend, and wearing a large, fiendish smile. "So, Captain, what + do you think of the room?" + "Awesome view," Riley confided. "Is that spacedock up + there?" he asked, pointing to a distant shadow in the heavens. + "Yeah, that's it," Tago replied, "It's at her far point + in orbit. She'll show up better in a week or so, and that's a + sight to behold." + "I bet it is," Riley smiled. + "I got something for you," Tago said, handing over the + drink. "A friend of mine, a regular, got me Saavik's address. + The Doctor was very helpful." + Riley sighed heavily, mainly to demostrate effect. "Why + did you go and do that, Tago? I wanted a vacation, not + frustration." + "You've been frustrated for thirty-five years, Captain," + Tago laughed. "Don't you think it's time, man?" + Riley stood from his bed, taking the drink. "I don't + know, Tago. Conflict of interest and all that," he added. + "Look, Tom," Tago responded, "in all of the years I've + known you, not once have you comprimised your job. The truth is + you're scared. You've never been in love, never even dated. And + now you've got a First Officer who reminds you of Venus." + Riley frowned. "I've never had time for any of that," he + explained. "I've always had a mission to perform, or a job to + do. My personal life came last." + "You've got three weeks before the ENTERPRISE is ready to + leave, Tom," Toga retorted. "You've got time now. And you'll + have time on ship. What's wrong in giving it a chance?" + Riley paused a long second, lost in thought. "You drive," + he decided, before taking a sip of his ale. + + Riley walked to the door just as it had opened. He had + expected Saavik's beautiful visage to appear in front of him, + but the Vulcan who stood there was much taller, much older, and + decidedly male. + Riley had inadvertantly, and almost literally, stumbled + into a legend. "Ambassador Spock," Riley blurted in disbelief. + "It's a honor to meet you, sir." + "Likewise, Captain," Spock replied with a lift of his + eyebrow. "Indeed, your reputation proceeds you. Star Fleet has + informed me of your outstanding success in the Neutral Zone, + you should be congradulated." + "I could have handled it better," Riley admitted, + remembering Deuce's death. "But thank you, your words mean a + lot to me." + Spock nearly smiled. The new Captain of the ENTERPRISE + was humbled, even though his carreer had been quite impressive + on its own right. It was the first time Spock realized that he + was a legend. "I am flattered, Captain," he replied cooly. + "Peace and long life, Ambassador," Riley responded, + giving Spock the Vulcan salute. + "Live long and prosper, T'Salek," the Ambassador + responded, citing Riley's Romulo-Vulcan name. "I look forward + to discussion with you at the awards ceremony." + "I am honored," Riley replied with a bit of shock. "I + hope I won't disappoint you." + "Good day, Captain," Spock completed quiety, leaving + Riley and Saavik alone as he left through the wooden door. + "Ambassador Spock?" Riley asked, impressed. "I wasn't + aware that he was even on Earth." + "He has been discussing matters with the President," + Saavik answered flatly. Riley was already feeling unsure as to + why he even bothered to show up. "He has been in touch with + Senator Pardek of Romulus. They are working on peace + negociations," Saavik continued, not even looking at him. + Riley fully stepped in, tired of waiting for an + invitation. "Saavik, I know things haven't been well between + us," he began nervously. + "We have performed well," Saavik responded even more + distantly. "As Captain and First Officer, our efficiency + rating has been well into the ninetieth percentile." + "That's not what I meant," Riley argued. "I didn't come + here to discuss politics, or our efficiency rating." + "Then what reason do you have for being here, Captain," + Saavik responded coldly, causing Riley to draw a deep breath to + regain his courage. + "I needed to talk to you," Riley admitted. "Actually, + Tago felt that I needed to talk to you." + "What is there to discuss?" Saavik curtly asked. "We + both have been very hesistant to adress the matter at hand. + Obviously, we are not yet ready to admit our feelings." + "I can say it to your face, Saavik," Riley replied. "I + love you. I know that as your Captain, I'm facing a serious + conflict of interest. But I can't ignore it." It was obvious + that he was having difficulty with the statements. He voice + quaked, and his hands shook. It was the first time she had seen + him scared. + Saavik sat down, unable to answer or reply for a few + moments. "It's worse for me, Thomas," she finally spoke, + breaking the uneasy silence that had settled into the room. + "I'm Vulcan, I don't act on my emotions. It goes against + everything I've learned." + Riley frowned, regretting his decision. "I should have + realized that. I'm sorry to bother you," he continued, heading + to leave. + "It doesn't mean that I don't love you, Thomas," she + quickly added, not allowing him to leave. "I do love you. I + just didn't want to admit it to myself." + Riley turned, not looking relieved. "What do we do now?" + he asked. "Can I be an effective Captain with you as my First + Officer? Can I be that detatched when duty calls?" + "I think you can," she replied. "It's like you're two + different people, A cold calculating ship's Captain when you + need to be, and a caring man when you can be." + "My two halves," Riley added, a bit disturbed. "It would + seem to be the case." + The two sat silent again for several moments. It was + painfully obvious how lacking in experience the two were in + dealing with these types of emotions. + "Saavik," Riley finally dared, "would you do me the honor + of being my date for the awards banquet Wednesday?" + Saavik smiled, for the first time that Riley could + remember. "It is I who would be honored," she answered. + Riley beamed, the knotting is his stomach working its way + straight. "Then I'll pick you up one hour beforehand." + "Tom," she interrupted, "Ambassador Spock will be our + chaperone. Does that bother you?" + Riley nodded the negative, his eyes showing a mild + contentment. "Nothing bothers me right now, Saavik. For once." + + Grissom returned with yet another box of goods which + needed to be immediately packed. Her family had already begun + providing her with replacement stuff for the things lost when + her quarters left the ENTERPRISE. + The box she carried was quite heavy, but wasn't worth + attaching the expensive av-grav units for a three minute trip. + Her tiny form was withering under the strain, however. + Her temporary apartment had three boxes in it already, + and no furniture other than a bed, chair, and table. The + kitchen had no supplies in it. She cursed herself for + forgetting, knowing she would have to order-out again. + "Message for Miss Paula Grissom," the computer blurted + out once it had succeeded in defining who had entered the room. + "Audio message for Paula Grissom." + "Play it, please," she responded, letting the large box + crash at her feet. + "Hello, pistol," the computer played, and Paula froze in + terror. "Do you remember me?" the disguised voice continued, + taunting her. "It's been a long time, but I'm so pleased that + you came back to visit me. I just wanted to tell you that I was + thinking about you." + Like a machine she walked to the computer bank, lifting + her finger ever so slowly to the controls. "I've missed you, + Paula," the maniacal voice continued. "I've wanted you for so + long, I can't tell you how pleased I am that you a nearby." + Desperately, she hit the erase command, which abruptly + killed the message. "Where did that come from?" she demanded. + "Voice message did not have address trailer," the + computer answered in its ever-cheery tone. "Trace is + unavailable." + She quiety went to her supply bag, removed the phaser + from within, and strapped it to her side. "Refuse all messages + without trailers, computer," she commanded with a failing + voice. + It was happening all over again. + + CHAPTER THREE + + "Miss Campbell," Saavik began with a bit of nervousness + in her voice. "I didn't expect that you would have any company. + I can return later if you would like." The shower was running + in the other room, leaving Saavik to feel like she had + interrupted someone else's affair. + "It's all right, Commander," the younger officer replied. + "Tiber's just getting cleaned up for shopping later, he'll be + out of here in a few minutes anyway." + It was unusual for a high-ranking Star Fleet officer to + visit the private apartments of her command, but Saavik was + having difficulty with her own personal situation, and Campbell + seemed to be the most qualified to discuss it. It had been no + secret that Tiber and she had been seeing each-other regularly, + and that the two were intimate. It was a logical decision to + ask her about such matters, since she seemed to be having + success and experience. "I wanted to discuss a personal matter + with you," she stammered, mildly failing to keep her + emotionless facade. + "Oh," Campbell said exitedly. "In that case I insist that + you stay," she continued with a smile. "Would you like a drink? + I have some herbal tea brewing. I know it isn't traditional + Vulcan teas, but I think it's quite good." + "Thank you," Saavik replied, even though Campbell was + already heading to the kitchen area. "I did not know with whom + I should discuss this, I hope I am not inconviencing you." + "Not at all," Campbell replied as she could hear the + shower water being turned off. "Is this about the Captain?" + Saavik nearly flushed. "You know about us?" she replied + in disbelief. "Have we been that obvious?" + "Yes," Campbell admitted. "Not to a major point, but it's + obvious that you two liked each other since he came aboard. You + held hands a little to long, stood a bit too close when + talking, that sort of thing." + "How does standing close together denote affection?" + Saavik asked innocently enough. "I understand the tradition of + holding hands, but I was not considering affection for Thomas + until recently." + Campbell returned with a large glass of herbal tea. The + scent was most pleasing. "It's not something you think about, + it just happens. It's like, well, Tiber and I were friends a + long time before we became a couple. Until someone else + mentioned it, we never even really gave it much thought." + "Fascinating," Saavik replied cooly. "It has been so long + since I felt these feelings, I had forgotten what it was like. + It was easier then, with David." + "David?" Campbell asked, not knowing how thin the ice was + where she treaded. + "A scientist, a very kind, resourceful man," Saavik + explained. "It was years ago. We were in love, at least for a + short while. He was killed before we could pursue a long-term + relationship." + "I'm sorry," Campbell replied, sitting across from + Saavik. "I didn't mean to push." + "I've accepted it long ago," Saavik admitted. "I have + been reminded of his loss as of late, but I have accepted the + fact he is gone." + "What do you feel about the Captain?" Campbell inquired, + half out of curiousity. "If you don't mind my asking." + "I respect him," Saavik confessed. "He intrigues me, and + excites me. I want to be with him," she slowly continued, "as + much as possible." + Campbell's eyes widened. "I'd say that qualifies as + love," she commented with a wide smile. "Have you talked to him + about it?" + "We have been having difficulty," Saavik admitted. "He is + concerned about a conflict of interest, as am I. But we have + agreed to go to the awards ceremony as a couple." + "That's great," Campbell announced. "So, are you all + prepared for your date? I mean, have you picked out your dress + and everything?" + Saavik was floored by the question. She had expected to + have a long, drawn out conversation about what she should do + about being with Riley, and Campbell had abruptly switched + subjects. "Dress? I was planning to wear dress uniform, as + dictated by regulations." + "You can't dance in those uniforms," Campbell protested. + "Besides, they're not flattering. Regulations state that formal + attire is to be worn, not neccessarily uniform." + Campbell had already stood up, gathering some odds and + ends. "Tiber," she called into the closed bedroom. + "Yeah?" the Andorian's muffled voice came back. + "You're taking me and Commander Saavik to Los Angeles? + Comprennez?" Campbell commanded with a smile. + "Oh I am?" Tiber began to protest. "Oh, you and + Commander Saavik? Sure, yeah, right away," he replied as he + mentally replayed the message. + + "She said 'yes', Tago," Riley muttered. "Now, I've + officially got a date for the awards ceremony. I now get to + look like a total fool in front of Admiral Sulu and Ambassador + Spock. Thank you so much for talking me into this." + "You'll be fine, Tom," Tago retorted, taking the + cramped hovercraft into a mild climb. "All you need to do is + change your looks and personality and you'll have no problem." + "Oh thanks," Riley returned. "And I suppose that you've + been with every woman on the planet by now, right?" + "No," Tago admitted with a smile. "But they all wish that + I had." + Riley sighed heavily. "Right, yeah. Tell me, Tago. Have + you ever thought about counselling for that huge ego of yours?" + "I will when you feel comfortable without that phaser + rifle on your leg," Tago blurted. "Why do you always have to + carry that damn thing around anyway? It makes me nervous." + "That's why," Riley smiled. "Actually, I'm just more + comfortable with it. Ten years of working Star Fleet + Intelligence has made me a bit paranoid." + "Yeah," Tago agreed. "But that's behind you. You've got a + decent future ahead of you. You're the Captain of the starship + ENTERPRISE." + Riley sighed again. "Yeah," he muttered. "I suppose + that's why I've got this awards ceremony tomorrow. I just hope + I don't fluster up." + "You've got a Vulcan girl to say 'yes' to you for a + date," Tago laughed. "What could go right?" + + CHAPTER FOUR + + The trip from the shops of Los Angeles to the rooms of + San Fransisco was frustratingly slow. Grissom never realized + just how much she was used to the transporters aboard the + ENTERPRISE. But the trip was over, and her clothes for the + awards ceremony later had been bought. + She had about four hours to get herself ready for it, and + then she would move into her new room aboard the ENTERPRISE, + away from the problems of Earth. + "Well then," Gahrut announced as the two left the + turbolift and stepped to her apartment doors. "I need to + properly fix myself up for the awards ceremony later." + "Right," she replied. "I suppose that you want to hide + all those embarrassing cracks in your hide, and those unsightly + crystal growths." + "Hey, we men have to primp just like everyone else," the + Horta retorted. "Anyway, I've got to get going. Are you sure + that you're going to be okay?" + "Thanks," Grissom muttered, embarrassed by her fear. "The + streets aren't very safe at night, and I didn't really want to + be alone." + "No problem," Gahrut replied. "My room's three floors + above and about three-hundred feet south. If you need anything, + talk, movies, granite, don't hesitate." + Grissom gave a nervous smile in reply, letting Gahrut + shuffle off into the nearest turbolift. She sucked in her + breath, trying to regain her composure. + Grissom entered her room again, shaking. Her previous + encounter within had nearly frenzied her, and it had taken all + of her courage to re-enter the room. She had decided to move + out, to try and run away again. + "Computer, messages?" she asked, praying that he hadn't + called again. + There was no reply. It was then she noticed that her + computer system had been shut down. The room was black and + silent. In one smooth action she drew her phaser and manually + turned on the lighting system. + The lights came on, illuminating the dark corners + of the room. She scanned it over, looking for things out of + place. Other than the computer, everything appeared untouched. + Hesitantly, she paced to the door to her bedroom. It had + been opened, a small crack was between the door and the wall. + Someone had been inside. + She gathered her strength, raising the phaser to the room + on the other side of the door. In one swift action, she threw + the door aside, and froze in abject terror. + Her clothes had been thrown on the bed, where someone had + indulged themselves in the most perverse way. The perpetrator + was long gone, but he had left his presence behind. + She collapsed, dropping the phaser to the ground, going + nearly catatonic. There was a note on the bed, written by + computer. "See you tonight," it began. "I'm waiting for you." + + CHAPTER FIVE + + "Well, Ambassador," Hikaru Sulu began polite as he + assumed his table near the stage. "It's a pleasure to see you + again. Three years, has it?" + "Three years," Spock replied, setting down his warm + herbal tea. "Indeed. Three years too long, Admiral," the Vulcan + finished. "Congradulations on your promotion, Sulu, you have + been deserving of it for some time." + "Thank you," Sulu agreed as he slid the seat back under + him. "And congradulations on your new carreer. I know how + anxious you are to path things up with the Romulan Senate." + "All wounds need to be healed," Spock cooly replied. "I + believe that the time has come for our common hostilities to + come to an end." + Sulu nodded in the affirmative. "That's your official + reason for being here, is it?" he asked with a smile. "I would + have sworn that you're here to see how Saavik is getting along + aboard the new ENTERPRISE with a Captain you're uncomfortable + with." + Spock went silent for a moment. "You have been speaking + to Doctor McCoy, have you not? He does exaggerate matters + somewhat." + "Actually," Sulu began, "it was a bit obvious even before + I walked into Tago's. It's too bad I missed Riley though, I + would've like to meet him." + "Your fascination with war heroes, Admiral?" Spock + queried. "I agree that Riley's experience in tactical affairs + is without question, though his dealings in other areas I have + found to be lacking." + "Really?" Sulu smiled, noting that a new waves of guests + were arriving. "I take it that you've met the Captain lately?" + "I have," Spock replied, sipping again from his tea. "He + seems an honorable man. But he is emotionally disturbed. His + presence is highly cluttered with regrets and pain." + "This uniform hurts," Riley muttered as Tago led him into + the doors. "I never did like full dress," he added, tugging at + his neck. "And the idea of tying something tightly around your + neck to look good never made much sense to me." + Tago laughed, thankful that the dress code had been a bit + more lenient on him. "Didn't you wear dress uniform when you + got aboard your ship?" he asked with a smile. + "I haven't worn a dress uniform since I graduated from + the Academy, Tago," Riley snapped back. "You don't usually wear + uniforms in the Intelligence branch, must less dress ones." + "Yeah," Tago muttered. "I just think you're upset that + you can't wear that damn rifle in here," he replied with a + faint smile. "Formal occaisions were never your strong suit, + were they?" + "I guess not," he sighed. "But then, that's not why Star + Fleet wanted me was it?" + "Star Fleet wanted him for his knowledge of the + Romulans," Sulu argued. "And he has proven himself a capable + Captain on three occaisions, despite his setbacks." + "He behaves more emotionally than Doctor McCoy," Spock + retorted. "And his relationship with his First Officer makes me + apprehensive." + "Ah," Sulu smiled, "the old fatherly instinct. My father + once told me that his father-in-law made a habit of cleaning + his katana in front of him whenever he asked to see my mother." + "Your implication?" Spock asked noncommitedly. + "You're worried about Saavik falling in love with Riley," + Sulu replied. "Well, from what I hear, that's already happened. + It's just sentient nature." + Spock noticed two arriving gentlemen entering the room. + He recognized the larger as Captain Riley, the other was a + Tellarite wearing what seemed to be a business suit. "Perhaps, + Admiral," Spock continued. "Perhaps I do feel paternal + instincts toward Commander Saavik. After all, I did raise her + after the V'Ger incident until I died." + "There's a unique claim," Sulu laughed. + "I never claimed to be a dancer," Riley argued, stunned + by the news he had heard. "Besides, I don't think she's going + to want me to dance." + "All women want to dance," Tago countered with a devilish + smile. "Granted some in different ways, like the Orion Women, + but they all do." + "Well, I didn't expect that," Riley admitted. "Maybe I'll + be lucky and she'll change her mind and stay home." + "You're getting the medal of valor, and the distinguised + arrowhead," Tago replied. "I doubt that she's going to stay + home. Face it, you're on your first date, Captain." + "Great," he replied with some loathing. "What if I screw + this up?" + "Are you expecting that he'll screw up somehow?" Sulu + asked. "His psyche profile is top-notch. I have to agree + with Sonak's recommendations about him." + "I agree," Spock replied. "My regret," he cotinued, "lies + with the knowledge of Rliey that I have, that both he and + Commander Saavik do not." + Sulu gave a concerned look, but Spock's expression made + it apparant that he would divulge no further on the subject. + "Well, he's here anyway, the newest Captain of the ENTERPRISE. + I wonder what Jim would say." + Spock raised an eyebrow at the thought. "I believe that + he has other, more pressing, concerns on his mind at the + moment." + "She'll be here any moment," Tago prodded. "She's + arriving with some of your crewmates. You can't duck out on + her. If she doesn't kill you the Admirals will." + "I'm not ducking out," Riley argued. "I'm just nervous. + Okay, I'm very nervous," he smiled. + Tago pointed towards the door, making Riley turn to face + the most lovely picture he'd seen in quite some time. + Saavik entered, escorted by Tiber and Campbell. She was + wearing a glistening red dress, cut low. She was adorned by + long pearl earrings and a magnificent pearl necklace. Her hair + had been neatly primped, and her makeup had been perfectly + placed. + Riley drew in a deep breath, suddenly realizing that he + was staring at her glamorous beauty. "Tago," he managed though + a mild shock, "I believe my date has arrived." + + + +-- + +"Our crew's living quarters have left the ship." + - Secundam Yto aboard the IRON CLAW II +Neale Davidson, another writer wanna-be. neale@mentor.cc.purdue.edu + +Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative +Path: moe.ksu.ksu.edu!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!darwin.sura.net!wupost!spool.mu.edu!sdd.hp.com!news.cs.indiana.edu!noose.ecn.purdue.edu!mentor.cc.purdue.edu!neale +From: neale@mentor.cc.purdue.edu (Neale Davidson) +Subject: STTUQ 11-15/15 repost +Message-ID: +Organization: Purdue University Computing Center +Date: Fri, 4 Sep 1992 14:51:51 GMT +Lines: 533 + + + - STAR TREK --------------------------------------------------- + - THE UNFAIR QUO --------------------------------------------------- + + Part Eleven through Fifteen of Fifteen + + -------------------------------------------------------------------- + + CHAPTER ELEVEN + + Gahrut emerged from the room after another three hours. + Seeing her, his guilt was even more intensified. Matthews was + still there, along with two security officers, phasers ready. + "It's not your fault, you know," Matthews tried when + seeing the young Horta emerge. "There was nothing you could + have done for her." + "The hell there wasn't," Gahrut chided himself. "I should + have known there was trouble when she called up to escort her. + I should have been ready." + "There was no way, Gahrut," Matthews tried again. "You + did your best. That's all anyone could have given to her." + Gahrut turned, unconvinced. "Look, Captain Riley's doing + everything he can do at the moment, maybe you can help him out? + I'm sure he would appreciate it." + Gahrut stirred. "Any ideas on who the bastard is?" he + queried with a dark overtone. "Any clues yet?" + "Not yet," Matthews replied honestly. Thankfully, without + clues, Gahrut would have little to vent his anger upon as yet. + "The genetic traces we've found on her have been tampered with. + Whoever did this had access to a lot of expensive equipment." + "He was a Star Fleet officer," Gahrut muttered. "Of + course he'd have access to equipment. He could have just + authorized it away and no one would be the wiser. Damn him," + Gahrut concluded with a grunt. + "Look, is there anything you can add?" Matthews tried + again. "If you want to help Paula, you need to clear your head + so you can think straight." + Gahrut stopped moving. "If your wife was raped while you + were knocked unconscious, would you be so calm and rational + about it?" he dared, giving away too much. + "My wife?" Matthews flustered for a moment. "No, if + anything happed to Jean, I'd been wanting to kill something + right about now," he admitted. "It doesn't mean that it's going + to help anything." + Gahrut turned again. "But at least you can appreciate how + I feel? Can't you?" he pleaded for understanding. + Matthews fell silent, taken aback by the innuendo that + Gahrut was trying to convey. "She means that much to you, + Lieutenant?" + "I've known her all my life," Gahrut replied, quietly. + "In a way, we grew up together. The longest we've been apart + was when she served at Starbase three after graduation and I + got an early transfer to the ACUTIS. That was about three + months." + "And," Mathhews dared, "You feel like she's your mate or + something?" He forced himself to forget the absurdity of the + notion. + Gahrut came close to sigh, at least as close as a Horta + was capable. "Sort of. I know it's physically impossible, but + it still doesn't mean that can't have feelings for her does + it?" he asked with a bit of reluctance. "I mean, there's more + to care and affection than mating, isn't there?" + "Yes," Matthews admitted. "Yes, there is. But you do + realize that sometime, eventually, she'll want another + humanoid," he carefully added. "Just as you will want another + Horta, at some point in your life." + "I want to be human," Gahrut confessed. "Just so I be + with her. I love her so much, I can't stand it sometimes," he + confided. "We've been so close." + Matthews smiled knowingly. "I think that's a bit out of + my league, Lieutenant," he joked. "But anything's possible. + Maybe a tour on the holodeck?" + Gahrut said nothing, taking mild offense at the remark. + "I guess you can't understand, Doctor. I guess it really is + absurd to even contemplate," he added, sliding down the hall. + Matthews stood, a bit remorseful about his comments. + "Sorry," he muttered as he watch the young Horta slowly leave + his sight. + + CHAPTER TWELVE + + "I need to go inside," Saavik indicated as she entered + the cooridor. "Captain Riley's orders," she continued after the + guard hesistated. + "Doctor Matthews told me not to let anyone inside," the + Guard stammered in reply. "He said that that order included + anyone, regardless of rank." + "I outrank the Doctor," Saavik reminded. "And Riley + outranks you. Should I inform him of your disobedience?" she + asked flatly. "Or will you let me inside? It would be wiser to + obey me, would it not?" + "Yes, Commander," the guard admitted. "But Matthews said + that she wouldn't be available for statement for a few hours," + he tried again, fully obeying the Doctor's orders. + "Then," Saavik replied, "tell the Doctor that I will not + verbally discuss matters with her. But I still need the + information the Captain Riley has requested." + There was no way that the guard was going to win, and he + realized it. "Yes, Commander. I will inform him of your answer + when he returns." + Saavik nodded her acknowledgement, and ordered the door + to let her in. Complying, the doors parted to reveal the dimly + lit hospital room. Grissom was lying on the bed, unmoving. Her + expression was only given away by the few tears rolling from + her eyes. + Saavik looked down at the petit woman which lay beneath + her. She seemed so young, so very fragile. How could anyone + seek to destroy this innocence? How could anyone be so + corrupted with evil? she asked herself. + "Paula," she gently began, moving closer to the bed, + "It's Commander Saavik, do you recognize me?" + Grissom slowly nodded the affirmative. "Commander," she + painfully spoke. "ENTERPRISE, I remember." She was waking, but + it was obvious that she was still heavily in shock. + "I need to talk to you," Saavik tried again, sitting down + at Grissom's side. "I need to know what happened." + "It's cold," Grissom said, not hearing. "It's so cold in + here." She was losing it now, her clinging reality slipping + away under the torrent of emotional pain. "What happened? Why + is it so cold?" + "It isn't cold," Saavik replied, raising her hand slowly + to Grissom's face. "It's warm in here, Paula. We're here to + take care of you." + "Take care of me?" Grissom replied. "Saavik? ENTERPRISE," + she continued, trying to piece together her thoughts. "Gahrut, + sweet Gahrut." + Saavik let loose a small smile, having learned a little + more about the strange pair's relationship. "Lieutenant + Grissom, this is Saavik. We are in an emergency and need your + help. Can your help us?" she asked carefully. + "Emergency," Grissom trailed. "Red alert?" she managed, + her mind still not bringing anything together. "ENTERPRISE + under attack," she continued, "I must help." + "One of our crew has been attacked," Saavik continued + carefully, readying herself. "We need to know who did it, + Lieutenant. We need to know before he does it again." + "Under attack," Grissom muttered, "ACUTIS attack?" She + semmed to tense up at saying that. "Attacked on ACUTIS," she + finally considered. "I was on the ACUTIS." + "Yes," Saavik replied with anticipation. "We're on the + ACUTIS. Can you tell me what happened?" + "ACUTIS," she babbled inconherently. "Attacked on the + ACUTIS," she trailed. Then she was gone, her mind lost to + reality, refusing to accept it. + Saavik stood over her, making her final commitment. She + parted her hand, and gently placed it on Grissom's brow. + "Your mind," Saavik slowly began, gathering her courage, + "to my mind. Your thoughts, to my thoughts." She reached out, + mentally, looking into the Grissom's tortured soul. "We are + merging, you and I. We are thinking as one. There is nothing we + need to hide from one-another." + "Please," Paula managed even as her world turned about + her. "I don't want to remember." + + Saavik transported aboard the empty decks of the USS + ACUTIS. Every detail was vividly depicted, though somehow, she + could tell that everything was distorted as well. The halls + were too dark, too long. There was a sour smell to the air, + something she could not recognize. "Paula," she cautiously + began to the image around her, "this is Saavik. I'm here to + help you." + She walked through the cooridor. Though her bearings + weren't entirely accurate, she judged that she was walking on a + quarters deck aboard Grissom's memory of the ACUTIS. She + reached out to the walls, they were ice cold. "Please, Paula, + let me see you. We can work through this." + Saavik walked to the turbolift. The doors opened with the + familiar hiss. "Level, bitch?" the male computer's voice asked + fiendishly. + "Grissom's quarters," Saavik replied warningly. + "Wouldn't you rather go to mine?" the turbolift ventured. + "I could ride your in shaft instead," it laughed. Saavik + punched the console, letting her mind dominate the imagry + somewhat. The doors opened again, revealing the interior of + Grissom's cabin. + "Paula," Saavik asked again, "I know you want to show me. + I know that you want to let go of the pain." She looked around, + and outside the window. There were no stars outside, though she + could faintly see the image of the EXCELSIOR in the distance. + It seemed to be Grissom's single beacon of hope. "Please, let + me in. Let me know." + "Ensign Grissom," someone called from the door which + Saavik had answered. "I need to discuss some things with you + that I find disturbing." + The figure was dark and distorted, the voice was too deep + to be real. She was still sheilding herself, but at least the + memories were playing. "What is it, sir?" Saavik found herself + answering. "I understood that Lieutenant Jackson was pleased + with my work." + "He was," the figure replied, moving closer, + uncomfortably close. "I just wanted to talk to you about a few + things. Wouldn't you like to sit down?" + Saavik found herself unable to fight the impulse of + sitting, as Grissom must have done so long ago. She didn't + remember if the chair had been there before, but it was + somewhat solid now. "I need to be returning to engineering in a + few minutes." + "This won't take long, Ensign," he replied. His voice + seemed to lighten somehow. It was becoming a bit more + recognizable, a bit more notable. "I just wanted to ask you a + couple of questions." + "Questions, Captain?" they countered in unison. "What + do you want?" Captain? Saavik wondered even as they said it. + Captain Heito? + "I was wondering," the Captain replied, stepping forward + a bit, his face still distorted by the vision. "I was wondering + had badly you wanted me." + "Excuse me, sir," the two repsonded, stepping away from + him. "I don't think I heard you properly," they tried again as + he still move closer. + "Oh," the Captain replied with a twisted grin, "I know + you want me. You're not the first. It just takes time for you + to realize that you're already mine." + Grissom slash Saavik stepped back more, "I think you need + to leave, sir. This is not appropriate conduct." But the + Captain was quickly on her, grabbing her breast. + She, they, slapped him with nearly inhuman strength. The + Captain slapped back, angrily, throwing them on the floor. "You + can't deny me," he goaded, his accent becoming clearer. "You + know you want me," he said again, ripping the communicator from + her chest. + They tried to break free from him, but his weight was + greater than hers. Saavik concentrated on the image, trying to + make it more clear. The feature seemed more defined, but it + still wasn't enough. + And, more importantly, she was unable to break free of + the mind meld. They screamed as he ripped apart their uniform's + top, revealing the breast he had fondled. A small amount of + blood dripped from where he had scratched her. "Come on, + Ensign, I know you've been dreaming of this," he said in a + self-assured tone which sent shivers up their spine. + The feature became more clear, and there was no doubt. + Captain Heito was above them, raping them. Saavik and Grissom + fought on, trying to change the relived nightmare, but the + reality, the memory was too strong. He had stripped them enough + now, permitting the rape to run its course. + But there was a new form in the room. A tall, dark + Captain carrying a phaser rifle. "Saavik, Grissom," he cooly + said as he aimed it at his target, "You are free. This is the + past, and it is over." + The image of the wicked Captain faded into nothingness, + and the two female's combined form recovered in appearance. + They stood, confused. "Captain," they said in their mixed + voice. "Is that really you?" + "Yes," Riley commented. "I'm here, with the both of you. + It's over." The room changed around them, and Saavik seemed to + detatch herself from Grissom's image, then resolidfy. + The two were standing in the hospital room, with Riley at + the door. "Captain," Grissom managed through her tears. "You + know? I mean, you saw it?" + "I saw your memory of it," Riley replied, walking over to + her. "I saw enough," he quietly said, taking her in his arms + and hugging her as she cried. "He won't get away from us, now. + He will be punished, and it will be over." + She cried, but her nightmares would finally cease. + Someone else had experienced her pain with her, making it + almost bearable. + + CHAPTER THIRTEEN + + The ladies had been beamed in, one at a time, in front of + Riley and Sulu. The Star Fleet office was sparse, except for a + few notable pieces of antique weaponry that Sulu had been + allowed some time to pack in. But the newest Admiral hadn't yet + been given proper time to dress his new workplace. + It had taken only a few moments for the Admiral to summon + them here, much to the relief of Riley, who had expected the + women cringe at the thought of discussing the matter amoungst + themselves. + But cicumstances were different than normal. The + women didn't have to take it upon themselves to report their + incidents, they were being asked. Perhaps, it helped as + well that the three of them had suffered the same fate and + Grissom, and that there were understanding souls who could + share and relate their experiences. + The first, the one sitting most to Riley's left, was + Lieutenant Commander Tierra Washington. She was rather + smallish, and almost fatally attractive. "Admiral," she greeted + as she took her seat. "Captain Riley, it is a pleasure to + finally meet you." + "I am flattered," Riley answered flatly, thankful that + Saavik was elsewhere. + The second was Lea Thomas, considerably older than her + Star Fleet visual records, but no less pleasant in expression. + "Hello, Captain, Admiral," she greeted nervously, having + forgotten Fleet protocol. + Last came Mary Quix, who said nothing as she took her + seat. Of the three, she seemed the most hesitant to be here. + Understandble, considering the circumstances, but Riley + needed her to be somewhat talkative. She had to at least tell + them all what had happened aboard the ACUTIS. + "The first thing I want all of you to know is that you + are not alone," Riley began, trying to sound as relaxed as + possible. "No one here is going to force you to speak. But I + want you all to know that there is a young woman resting on the + ENTERPRISE who's gone through the very same thing that you + have. And I don't want it to happen again." + "Heito," Tierra began coldly, "Captain Heito should be + punished for what he did to me. But I couldn't report it, I + tried," she continued painfully. "Admiral Keyan told me that + reporting the incident would hurt my career." + "At least you got that far," Mary Quix snorted. "I just + left the ship and tried to forget about it." She let out a + breath, forcing her body to relax. + "No one's blaming any of you," Sulu replied caringly. "I + know that this must have been difficult for you," he began. + "How could you know?" Lea suddenly snapped. "No one ever + did anything like that to you. No one forced themselves inside + of you, Admiral. No one told you how you were supposed to + feel, and how cheap you were because you wanted it." Her temper + flared, causing her stern face to redden. + "No he didn't," Riley snapped back in reply. "And maybe + he can't relate with the experience. I can, I've seen enough of + it on Hellguard to know exactly what it is. You've got the + chance to stop it now, and all I'm asking is for your help. How + many more is it going to take before Heito is stopped?" + "If you know what he did," Lea replied, "then why aren't + you prosecuting? Why do you need us?" + Riley sat back, trying to calm himself, cursing himself + for never dealing with other people's feelings more often. "I + need you because this is mainly a case of word against word. + Grissom's got a bad reputation in Star Fleet, and Heito has a + chance to get off the charges." + "You want us to testify," Quix contiuned for him. "You + want us to go to court." The thought, for the trio of women, + was disturbing. It was hard enough to relieve the experience + here, nevertheless in front of a review board, in front of + their aggressor. + "I do," Riley admitted, "I do want you to help me + prosecute Heito. With your help we can put him away." The women + hesitated, unsure of themselves. "Look, I think he's done this + to eight women already, and he's still in charge of that ship. + I don't want someone else to get hurt." + "I'll do it," Lea muttered. "Since it's not a secret + anymore, I'll help you." Riley offered his hand to hers, + shaking it firmly. "It's been hard living with myself since + then, but maybe I can make it up to myself." + The other two were more hesitant, but more receptive + after Lea's decision. "I'll prepare a statement," Quix + responded. "I don't want to sit in a courtroom. I can't take + that," she admitted, with a bit of shame. + Tierra was the last to agree, pressured by the weight of + the room. "I'll take him to court with you, Captain," she + decided with a wavering voice. "It won't be easy for any of us, + but you're right. More people are going to be hurt if we don't + do anything." + Riley crossed his arms. He had his suspect, and now he + had three more victims, ready to tesitfy against him. All he + needed to do now was to confront and capture Captain Heito + before the ACUTIS left orbit. + + CHAPTER FOURTEEN + + "That gun isn't allowed on this ship," the Lieutenant + nervously protested shortly after Riley emereged from the + transporter beam. Riley, Saavik, and Gahrut had just beamed + aboard at the ENTERPRISE's Captain's insistance, their leader + having blood in his eyes. + "Where's Captain Heito?" Riley demanded, refusing to + relenquish his weapon, particularly not to someone beneath him + in rank. "I'm here to place him under arrest for sexual assault + and nine counts of rape." + The words hit hard, and the Lieutenant stammered under + their weight. "This is a joke, right?" + "Negative," Saavik coldly responded. "Send your security + teams to corner Captain Heito at once, or be dismissed from + duty," she commanded. + It only took a second for the Lieutenant to make his + decision. "This is Lieutenant Harbringer to Security," he + shook, fearful of the grim trio. + "Security here," repsonded a deep, husky voice. + "Can you," the young Lieutenant couldn't believe he was + actually saying this. "Can you place the Captain under arrest?" + "You want me to what?" came the somewhat shocked reply. + "Have you been drinking something, Max?" + "This is Captain Riley under orders from Admiral Sulu," + Riley finally interrupted, none too politely. "Get me your + Captain now, mister, or kiss your Fleet career good-bye." + "Yes, sir," the answer came in a disturbed voice, "right + away, sir." + + Riley, Saavik, and then Gahrut entered the room to the + observation deck where Heito and three security guards awaited + them. It was an uneasy moment for the younger Captain. After + all, here stood the man who presented him his medals. But duty + demanded that Riley arrest him, duty and something more. + "What is the meaning of this?" Heito demanded as his own + security guards held him in check. "You're arresting me, + Captain? Do you know how rediculous that sounds?" + "I'm not laughing," Riley muttered, moving closer to the + ACUTIS Captain. "I'm charging you with nine counts of rape, and + I have four persons willing to prosecute, with more putting in + their statments." + Heito smirked. "Disgruntled ship-mates who couldn't hack + it aboard the ACUTIS. They'd say anything to cover their + careers. You of all people should appreciate that." + "I was in a mind meld with Grissom last night," Riley + stated coldly. "I know exactly what you did, where and when. + And I don't care if I put my career on the line so long as you + go down with me." + Heito stammered. "You're serious about this, aren't you, + Mister Riley?" He shook his head, shocked. + Riley walked up, almost in Heito's face. "You are under + arrest for the rape of Lieutenant Paula Grissom. By order of + Star Fleet Command, you are relieved of duty indefinately + pending trial. Your command of the ACUTIS will be handed over + to your first officer." + It was foolish for Heito to resist, but he did. He lunged + at Riley, hoping to catch the ENTERPRISE Captain off guard. + Riley let him jump, slamming his fist into Heito's chest as he + came near. The cracking of bone was all too audible for + everyone's benefit. + In another second, the barrel of the phaser rifle was + levelled at Heito's forhead. "I should just shoot you," Riley + warned. "After what you did, you deserve it." + Blood began slowly dripping from Heito's lips. He had + never before been dispatched so easily. He braced himself for + inevitable death. + "Security," Riley commanded after a pause that lasted far + too long for comfort. "Get this shit off of Federation + property," he ordered. + The guards complied, lifting the broken form from the + floor and out of the door. "I would have shot him," Gahrut + admitted as the guards carried the form away. "After what he + did, I wouldn't even have hesitated." + "There was a time," Riley muttered, "when I wouldn't have + hesitated either. But now we need to place our faith in our own + legal system. We've got enough against him to send him away." + + CHAPTER FIFTEEN + + Riley sat in his apartment, once again putting off + packing his things. He sat alone, thinking of his shore leave + and wondering when his vacation would start. Saavik had already + returned to ship, to prepare for Riley's inspection. Most of + the local crew were disembarking as well. + ACUTIS had set sail earlier, for the first time with a + new Captain at the helm. The trail had taken all of a single + day. Heito was found guilty and decided not to appeal. The + blemish on his reputation was too great to allow him to retain + a command. + Things had worked out, somewhat. But Riley was tired, and + not actually eager to return to fleet duty. The truth was, he + didn't know exactly what to do. + The door chime went off again, with the final note being + just a hair too flat. "Come," Riley replied to it as he winced + from the sound. + Saavik entered, casually dressed in a sweater and jeans + that Campbell had bought for her. "Captain," she began flatly, + "I wanted to personally inform you that the ENTERPRISE will be + ready for your inspection tomorrow. The crew eagerly awaits + your return." + Riley said nothing, but stood and walked over to her. He + gently placed his arms around her waist and hugged her. + "Captain?" Saavik asked distantly. "I do not think that this + behaviour is appropriate for Star Fleet officers," she replied + coldly. + "Kiss me, Commander," Riley commanded mockingly. Saavik + replied, giving a very gentle kiss on the cheek. Riley sighed + in reply. "Try it again, Commander. Let's see how motivated a + Star Fleet officer can be." + This time, Saavik allowed a more passionate kiss, + pressing hard into him. "Does the Captain approve? Or should I + engage in more practice?" + Riley smiled, his mood broken a bit. "I didn't think that + you really had a sense of humor," he confessed as he tightened + his hold on her. "God knows I don't," he added. + Saavik smiled a bit. "You haven't even packed yet. You're + supposed to be on ship in five hours," she protested. + "You're supposed to be on ship now, aren't you?" Riley + countered. "Anyway, I'm glad you're here. I've been a little + worn out from everything that's happened." + "I can tell," Saavik replied, letting go of the hold. + "Tago tells me that you haven't slept once since you beamed + down. Since your physical needs are substantially higher than + mine, I would have assumed that you would have reached + unconsciousness by now." + Riley smiled. "Physical needs? And what would you know + about that?" he goaded. + "You are not speaking logically, Captain," Saavik replied + flatly. "I am well versed with you biological data as provided + by Doctor Matthews." + "I bet," Riley muttered. "Care to help me with this + packing?" he offered. "I'm not use to having this much stuff + around." + Saavik agreed, and started carefully placing his things + into boxes. He watched her, knowing how difficult a time the + two of them would have in dealing with their feelings. They + were both so very inexperienced in these matters, and Saavik + had a very powerful ghost in her past. He was going to have a + very long voyage ahead of him. He just hoped that he would find + some of it enjoyable. + + "Paula," the woman began slowly, "this is Counselor + Joanna Rogers. I've been assigned to your ship, and I thought I + would start things by seeing how you are doing." + "Is what happened public knowledge, Counselor?" Grissom + retorted angrily. "Does everyone know what happened?" + "No," she replied cooly, "your Captain told me what + happened, and ordered me to keep my mouth shut about it to + anyone else but you." She walked in the room, which had already + been filled with packing boxes. Grissom was going to the + ENTERPRISE early. "As the new ship's Counselor it's my duty to + know the details of most of the crew, yourself included. Just + remember I'm only here to help." + "I'm sorry, Counselor," Paula offered, letting out a deep + breath. "I've been very tired and strained since all of this + began. I just want to forget about it and get on with my life." + Rogers looked around for a place to sit down, and found + one atop a large box casually placed in the center of the + room. "Do you think you will be able to? What you went through + takes a great deal of time and effort to recover from. You may + want to talk things over with me. I'm a very good listener." + "Would you like some coffee?" Paula offered, changing the + subject. "I haven't packed the kitenette yet, so I've got some + floating around somewhere." + "If it isn't any trouble," Rogers replied. "If you don't + want to talk," she began again, trying to help once more. + "Not yet," Grissom replied, taking the coffee bag from a + overly crowded shelf. "I'm not ready yet. I'm sorry, but I have + to think about things for awhile." + "I understand," the Counselor replied. "Tell you what, + we'll have some coffee, and then I'll help you move your stuff + aboard the ENTERPRISE. You can tell me when your ready." + "I appreciate it," Grissom replied with a smile. Maybe + things wouldn't be so bad after all. + + +-- + +"Our crew's living quarters have left the ship." + - Secundam Yto aboard the IRON CLAW II +Neale Davidson, another writer wanna-be. neale@mentor.cc.purdue.edu + +Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative +Path: moe.ksu.ksu.edu!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!darwin.sura.net!wupost!spool.mu.edu!sdd.hp.com!news.cs.indiana.edu!noose.ecn.purdue.edu!mentor.cc.purdue.edu!neale +From: neale@mentor.cc.purdue.edu (Neale Davidson) +Subject: STTUQ 6-10/15 repost +Message-ID: +Organization: Purdue University Computing Center +Date: Fri, 4 Sep 1992 14:15:38 GMT +Lines: 509 + + + - STAR TREK --------------------------------------------------- + - THE UNFAIR QUO --------------------------------------------------- + + Part Six through Ten of Fifteen + + -------------------------------------------------------------------- + + CHAPTER SIX + + Wether she intended to or not, Saavik had already + recieved several stares, which did nothing for her nerves. + While she wasn't overdressed for the occaision, she certainly + was the best dressed of everyone there. + Riley walked over, fighting the butterflies in his + stomach and the urge to run for his life. "You look," he + stammered as he finally caught up to her, "incredible." + "Thank you, Thomas," she replied cooly. "Miss Cambell + aided me with the wardrobe and makeup. She deserves the proper + credit." + Tiber and Campbell, however, we spiralling off from + Saavik already, leaving her more or less alone with her + captain. Riley smiled at his Lieutenants' playing. "I doubt + anyone here could look so remarkable," he added with a smile. + He offered his hand to hers, and she took it. + "Well, Tom," Tago smiled, "I think you have matters here + pretty much in control. Good day, Commander, Captain," he + finished, leaving for the punch bowls. + "Good day," Saavik replied politely, paying more + attention to how well Riley looked in his dress uniform. + Granted, he was notably uncomfortable, as was she, but he did + look quite impressive. "I am supposed to meet with Ambassador + Spock as soon as I arrived." + Riley changed his pose, providing a more formal escort. + "I saw him and Admiral Sulu near the stage," he explained. "I + get the distinct impression that your mentor doesn't approve of + me," he added. + "He doesn't have to," Saavik replied, taking Riley's + offered arm. "Be fortunate that I do," she added, giving a + faint hint of a smile. + They walked for a moment to the stage, not actually + realizing that the people in attendance were literally making a + path for them. + "Captain Riley," Sulu eagerly offered. "I've heard a lot + about you. Congradulations on your missions, and on your + medals." + Pleasant fellow, Riley confided in himself. "Thank you, + Admiral. But to be honest, my crew should share the credit more + than I." + "Really?" Sulu smiled. "I think that you had more to do + with it than you realize. Paula told me a lot about you, she + had only good things to say." + "Miss Grissom?" Riley asked, a bit quizzed by the remark. + "That surpises me. I had been thinking that I'd done something + in a past life." Riley pulled out the seat in front of him, + letting Saavik rest from standing. "Actually, she did an + excellent job against RAVEN and CLAW. I'm surprised you let us + have her." + "Well, I'm going to Star Fleet Academy as an instructor + next month," Sulu admitted with a sorry look. "I'll be teaching + navigation and tactics. Something about a little experience I + had a few years ago. EXCELSIOR will be getting a whole new crew + as a result." + Riley smiled, pushing Saavik's seat gently under the + table. "It seems congratulations are in order for you as well," + he commented. "And to you, Ambassador. I understand that you + will be acting as special envoy to Romulus after these + proceedings." + Spock nodded. "I will. A peace with Romulus has been a + life-long dream of mine, Captain," Spock answered cooly. + "Really?" Riley finally took his own seat, sitting across + from his date. "I have to admit that seems unlikely in the near + future. Hard-liners are taking the helm again." + "Indeed," Spock replied with a certain cold. "As + evidenced with your encounters with the renegade Romulan fleet. + But I am confident such a peace is possible, in time." + Riley grimaced at that, knowing how difficult a struggle + such a peace would be. "You have a long carreer ahead of you, + Ambassador. I hope that it will be fruitful as well." + Spock nodded in quiet agreement. "Tell me, Captain. Why + did you forgo your training on Vulcan? Sonak informed me that + you were one of his best students." + Riley looked in disbelief, at least now he knew the + source of Spock's apprehension. "You are direct, aren't you?" + Riley muttered. + "Very direct," Sulu smiled, "unless you ask him + something, then he'll quote theory." Of course, Sulu's attempt + at being light-hearted fell flat. + Riley sipped on his tea, stealing a glance at Saavik who + was already more than interested in the conversation. "I had + difficulty shutting out emotions," he confessed. "After tree + years, it was obvious that the path of Kohlinar was closed to + me. Besides, I don't have Vulcan blood, and I believe that + you know how difficult it is to be accepted there if you're + not a true Vulcan." + Spock drew in a breath, Riley's words were very sharp + indeed. "True, Captain, I do understand. I was curious," Spock + replied, revealing nothing. + "Of course," Riley added, taking a large swallow of his + own tea. "Curiousity is the path to knowledge," he completed, + letting no more than his words cause injury. + "Ladies and gentlemen and others of the room," a tall + Malaysian Human began from on stage. "I hate to interrupt such + a wonderful party, but unfortunately duty dictates that I had + out three medals to the Federation's two newest heroes." + There was a small bit of applause, and Riley felt his + stomach churn. The big moment was about to arrive, his first + public presentation of a medal. + "Captain Thomas William Riley," Captain Heito continued + upon the stage, "and Commander Saavik of Vulcan. Would you mind + coming upon the stage for the presenation please?" + Riley stood with Saavik, and the two walked to the stage + for the formal ceremony. This time, however, they walked in + military fashion, not touching except for when Riley helped her + walk up the small set of stairs. If she weren't half-Vulcan, + she'd have cursed the high-heels she was wearing. + "Captain Riley, Commander Saavik," Heito spoke, "it is + with great honor that I present the two of you each the + gold cluster of valor." He presented two navy blue ring boxes + from his pocket. He opened each and handed one to each of the + two ENTERPRISE crewmen. + "Also," Captain Heito continued, "to Captain Riley, the + distinguished Arrowhead, the insignia of the Federation. This + is for protecting our interests so valiantly." + Riley took the medal in hand. "Thank you, Captain," he + responded. After that Heito started the room's applause, + somewhat embarrasing the two officers. + "Spock," Sulu replied, smiling and clapping as much as he + could, "You could have been easier on him, at least for her + sake." + Spock said nothing, keeping the words to himself. He did, + however, applaud the both of them for their efforts. + + CHAPTER SEVEN + + Gahrut had been late, and the two of them were more than + likely going to miss the entire ceremony. Not that the tought + of missing seeing Riley and Saavik making puppy-dog-like + expressions towards one another wasn't appealing, though she + did want to congradulate her former Captain on his promotion + to the Admiralty. + "Look," Gahrut argued as Grissom's dress uniform + seemed to cut into her a bit too tightly, "it isn't my fault + that the traffic out of your complex was so tight. I told you + to make reservations for the transporter pad, but no, you + wouldn't listen to me." + "Yeah," she snapped back, "you're the one who said he + knew a short cut." Her face was genuinely upset now, she didn't + want to miss Sulu before he accepted his new carreer. "You took + us well into Oakland with your stupid directions." + "Well," Gahrut muttered back, "at least you know why I'm + not the navigator." + The duo had wandered into the deepest parts of San + Fransisco, a far cry from bayside. They weren't far from the + hall, however, and at least they might make it on time. + "Miss Grissom," someone called darkly from behind. Gahrut + and she turned, but Grissom froze, unable to move, unable to + act. "It's a pleasure to see you again. Is this your + bodyguard?" the man questioned, indicating the Horta. + "Who are you?" Gahrut asked in a confused voice, noting + how quickly Grissom seemed to freak. But the intruder had been + prepared, had been observing them for some time. In a swift + move the shadowed figure raised his phaser at the Horta. + "Okay, rock," the figure demanded, "One sound and the + both of you are ash." He then fired, slamming into the Horta's + armored hide. The rock form ceased its intricate movements. + "No," Grissom panicked, stepping backwards. "Stay away + from me. I got away from you," she pleaded. "You can't be + here." + "Ah, dear Paula," the figure daunted, "You can never + truly get away from the one who loves you," he muttered, moving + closer to her. "It's been so long since I've seen you. You've + been in my dreams for so long. You are mine, and always will + be, sweet, innocent, little Paula." + She was shaking now, raising her phaser at him. "I'll + shoot, I'm warning you," she shook nervously. All it would take + was a flinch in the wrong direction. + But he fired first, using the cutting beam against her + hand. She cried out, pain ripping though her arm as the skin + blackened on her hand. Instinctively, she dropped her phaser, + and ran. Her adrenaline carried her far, but her tiny form was + no match for the behemoth laying chase. + He shoved her, face first, into a old brick wall. The + grout ripped slightly into her skin, cauing intense pain. "Get + away from me," she screamed. "Someone please help me." + He forced her against the wall, not so carefully + unzipping the back of her uniform. "No one can help you, no one + cares. You're dealing with the dregs of society here, little + miss." + She struggled again, slapping him with her injured hand. + She scratched into the side of his eye and he withdrew to cover + the it. She took the opportunity to run again, desperately + trying to activate her communicator. + Quickly, though, the pain returned, another burn blast + from her attacker's phaser ripped into her leg. She fell, pain + overcoming her. "It's impolite to refuse a request from a + superior, bitch," he commanded. "You're mine, don't you get it? + I can do to you whatever it is I want. Right now, I want you." + Grissom's face reddened, "You can't do this," she + pleaded, even as he removed the belt from his uniform. "Don't + do this to me again, please don't." + He didn't listen. + + CHAPTER EIGHT + + Riley had to almost physically keep himself from kissing + the beauty he held in his arms. He was already borderline with + dancing with Saavik in front of the Admiralty, even though it + was a celebatory party, but a kiss would be more than frowned + upon. + He remained content holding her warmth next to his own, + realizing how comfortable it was to have her there. "I've never + danced before," he admitted, looking deeply into her eyes. "I'm + surprised I haven't stepped on your feet." + "The night's still young," Saavik replied with a mostly + hidden smile. "But I am confident that you are improving," she + added, hugging tighter against him. "After all, practice always + is for improvement." + He gingerly stroked her back, memorizing every curve. He + had never before been in this position. Granted, he'd slept + with more than a few while on some missions in godforsaken + hellplanets. But he never could say he loved a woman, he could + never truthfully say that we wanted one above all others. + The idea was at once frightening and exciting, a + combination of emotions that Riley seemed to revel within. He + looked into her eyes once more, seeing the beauty of them, and + then dared to look inside them, beyond into the soul. + Saavik realized what was happening as he started. It was + obvious that he didn't intend harm, and she let him in. Their + minds touched as their bodies danced together. Images of + realities gone by swept through, revealing dreams and passions + long forgotten. + In this union, the two half-worlders sought each-other. + There was no logic to this place, no reason, only pure, + unbridled emotion. They carressed in this place, gingerly + exploring one-another with child-like curiosity. + But there was another in this mind-reality. A tall + blondish man wearing a scientist's uniform appeared, looking + hurt and betrayed. Saavik withdrew from Riley, looking and + apologizing to the figure whom had emerged from some forgotten + past memory. + "David," Riley said softly, reasserting the two of them + into the dance's reality. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have done + that," he added. + "It was enjoyable," Saavik confessed for a moment with a + sad look across her face, "for a time. I wasn't aware you could + do that, I wasn't prepared." + "Nor was I," Riley admitted. "I've never wanted to + before," he added, noting Saavik's confused look. "But it's + wrong of me to push. I just never knew how empty I had been. + And now I can't help my desires." Riley's communicator chriped, + irratating him somewhat as it destroyed the moment. + "There will be time, Thomas," Saavik answered, reassuming + her emotionless facade for the room's benefit. "We have a long + tour ahead of us. We'll both have a chance to be ready." + Again, the communicator chirped. "I know," he softly + replied. "I'm just very new at this," he confessed. + The communicator beeped for the third time, and it was + obvious that it wasn't going to disappear. "Excuse me," he + offered to Saavik as he regretfully let go of her. "Riley here, + this better be good." + "It's not, sir," R'Ress replied through the pin. + "Doctor Matthews is here. Something's happened to Paula," he + continued, wavering. + "Explain," Riley demanded, "Doctor, what's going on?" + "I'm sorry to interrupt, Captain," Matthews voice came + over the communicator, "But Grissom's been attacked. She's in + Bayside, in critical condition." + Riley's eyes widened, hardly the news he had expected to + hear. "Get over there as soon as you can. Saavik and I will + be on our way directly." + "Yes, sir," Matthews replied. + "Get security on her door, noone goes in without proper + authorization," Riley saw fit to add, motioning to Tago, who + was trying miserably to mix it up with some of the ladyfolk. + Tago came over, to the delight of the ladies he left + behind. "Leaving so soon? I thought the party was going well," + he protested. + But there was something different in Riley's eyes this + time. Tago recognized it, Riley was on business once more. "We + need a ride to Bayview Hospital. And get my rifle from my + apartment." + + CHAPTER NINE + + Riley stood at the foot of Gahrut's bed. He noted the + giant blisters on his Lieutenant's armored hide, and wished + that there was something he could do to help. But there wasn't, + all he could do was try to find out what happened. "Tell me," + Riley commaned softly to the Horta's damaged form. + "It didn't know what hit me, Captain," Gahrut moaned. "I + asked who it was, and he fired at me. I didn't have a chance to + react." Gahrut was still slowly leaking fluid, the makeshift + silicon patches were having difficulty holding him. + "What do you remember?" Riley tried, staying as + matter-of-factly as he could. "Did you get a look at him?" + "He was in shadows," Gahrut replied. "It looked like he + was wearing a Star Fleet uniform, but it was to dark to see + anything visually. From his heat pattern, I'd say he was a + human, but I can't be any more specific." + Well, that narrows it down to six billion, Riley fumed to + himself. "Has Paula ever asked you to escort her to places + before?" + "A few times, sir," Gahrut strained. "She was usually + tripped out about someone when she'd ask." + "Tripped out?" Riley responded with interest. + Gahrut shifted somewhat, exposing more of his uninjured + areas. "Yeah, she'd be scared of guys. It'd usually happen + after someone hit on her and wouldn't take 'no'. I'd walk her + to her quarters and that would be it." + "Has she ever carried a phaser in public before?" Riley + asked flatly. + "Never to my knowledge, sir," Gahrut asked. "Why do you + ask?" Gahrut was concered, something terrible had to be going + on, and he felt responsible. + "Security force recovered a phaser from a streetman who + tried to sell it from there," Riley explained. "It was issued + to the ENTERPRISE." + Gahrut was taken aback. "Sir, no one's told me. What + happened to her? What's going on?" + Riley paused for a moment. There was no way to smooth out + the harshness of the news. There was no way to sugar-coat it. + "She was raped, Lieutenant." + "No," Gahrut trailed. "No," he said again, his voice + breaking under the emotional deluge. + Riley gently tapped the rocky form on the bed. "It's not + your fault, Gahrut. You did what you could." + Gahrut didn't reply. Sadness and guilt consumed him. + Riley waited for several seconds, trying to find more words to + ease the pain. There were none. He quietly left to the + hospital's large cooridor where Matthews and Saavik had been + waiting for him. + "I told him," Riley admitted with regret. "He didn't + take it well, but I can't say that I blame him." + "He needed to know, Captain," Matthews replied, his mood + not lightened. "It's not going to be easy. Security's got no + leads yet." + "You mean there were no clues left behind?" Riley + demanded, upset by the assertation. + Matthews sighed. "The doctors here said that she was + clean of usable evidence," he explained mornfully. + "No semen samples?" Riley queried. + "The assailant failed to climax," Matthews responded. "It + isn't uncommon. Generally, rape is a crime of agression or + domination, and not sex." + Riley nodded, understanding all to well. "So, whoever did + this, didn't leave traces of himself behind? That's a bit + unlikely, don't you think?" He was frustrated now, wanting to + do more, wanting to have a target for his agression. + "Well, there are genetic traces from several individuals + on her," Matthews offered. "It isn't conclusive as yet. Whoever + did this took some great pains to ensure that they wouldn't be + easily caught." + "Of course," Riley muttered with distaste. "When Paula + comes to, I'll need to ask her some questions. Will that be + alright by you?" + "No," Matthews protested lightly. "She'll be in shock for + a while. Maybe in a couple of days, when she's more relaxed. + But she'll need time to recover." + "In a couple of days, Doctor," Riley retorted, "the + bastard could be half-way to the Neutral Zone. I want him, and + I want him as soon as I can have him. Is that understood?" + Matthews grimaced, knowing that Riley was barely managing + his temper. "I'll see what I can do, but I can't promise that + she'll be receptive. We're dealing with a deep psychosis here, + Captain." + "And a deep psychotic," Riley countered. His patience was + wearing extremely thin. + "There's more, Captain," Matthews continued cautiously. + "Judging by her past injuries, I'd say that this has happened + once before." + Riley fell silent, sitting down on a nearby chair as if + the strength had been sapped from him. "Before? Her hatred of + men, it came from a rape?" he asked tiredly. + "It is consistant with common cases," Matthews replied. + "The victim will associate all men as threats, particularly + those with authority over her." + "And she has been afraid of you, Thomas," Saavik + commented. "She was afraid with no logical reason, citing a + psychomatic, or phobic, reaction." + "Jesus," Riley muttered distantly. "Is it possible," he + slowly began. "Is it possible that the rapes were by the same + person?" + "Rare," Matthews commented, "but definately possible. + Once someone has asserted his dominance, he may wish to + continue it." + "You suspect a connection, Captain?" Saavik asked as the + Captain stood up. "There is no evidence to support such a + claim at this time." + "No evidence," Riley muttered. "That's why I need to + question Paula as soon as I can." + + CHAPTER TEN + + The fact the Saavik had, for that night, decided to + accompany Riley would have been more appealing if Riley's mind + hadn't been so pressed on Grissom's case. + The two were in his apartment now, studying over records + and reports about Grissom from over the past six years. Riley + was determined to find something, anything, that could give + clues. + Saavik watched him with a sense of wonder. Riley was, + perhaps even more that she, comprised of two distinct sides. + Sometimes Riley was the soft and caring companion she had been + seeking, and at other times he was he stern and determined + Captain she respected. + He was almost two different people, and she decided that + she was in love with them both. "Thomas," she began, looking + through her makeshift terminal's records, "You have been + looking over her files for over three hours. You do need some + rest at some point." + "Not now," he replied, turning to her. "One of my crew's + been attacked, and I want the bastard that did it." + "I understand," she offered. "I am concerned about you, + and your sudden shift in behavior. I appreciate that it is + largely an emotional concern." + Riley lightly bit his lower lip, reaching out for her + hand. "If it is a Star Fleet officer, he's going to be gone + as soon as his ship is ready to disembark. I've got to get + through this bureaucratic mess to get some answers." + Saavik gently accepted the offered hand. "Personell files + of the EXCELSIOR?" she quizzed when she looked over his + shoulder into his monitor. + "Yeah," Riley explained. "It was her last assignment + before the ENTEPRISE. Sulu's ship is in drydock, so her crew is + planetside along with us." Riley tumbled through record after + record, looking for descrepancies or conduct reprimands. + "If you don't find anything there?" Saavik asked + curiously. "Where will you look?" + "Then I will look through the ACUTIS's files," he said, + suddenly taken by realization. "Grissom got defensive last time + I brought up the ACUTIS with her," he trailed. + "Defensive?" Saavik asked with her trademark raised + eyebrow. "When did you bring it up with her?" + "When I was looking for Romulan spies," Riley answered + cooly. "She had abruptly transferred from ACUTIS to EXCELSIOR + for no apparant reason. When I asked about it, she tensed up in + a major way." + "Someone on the ACUTIS then?" Saavik pondered, punching + up the data on her own terminal. "Some of higher rank than she, + then?" + "Everyone was higher rank than she was," Riley reminded + her. "But it was someone in charge of her, I'd imagine. Someone + she was too afraid to report or fight back." + "Apparantly," Saavik commented as the new data flooded + her screen, "she wasn't the only one. There have been six + abrupt personnel transferrs from the ACUTIS in the past seven + years. No explanation was given, though they were all approved. + All six of the cases involved human females with an ensign + rank," she explained. "Of them, three of which are still in + service. Lieutenant Kala Marshall aboard the CUTLASS, + Lieutenant Janis Oyoto aboard the BEHEMOTH, and Lieutenant + Commander Tierra Washington of Star Fleet Command." + Riley cracked a small grin, he had gotten what he wanted. + "What of the other three? Where are they now?" + "Former Ensign Lea Thomas has retired and is living in + Bonn, Germany. Former Lieutenant Mary Quix is living in Mexico + City. Former Ensign Uteo Jasala was killed in a shuttlecraft + accident two years ago," Saavik answered flatly. + "Get their detailed adresses and hand them to me," Riley + ordered. "I'll talk to them about their experience," he + explained. "I need you to talk to Paula when she's ready." + "I understand, sir," Saavik countered as Riley sipped on + his Mister Pibb that Tago had so politely brought him a few + moments before. + Riley raised Saavik's capture hand to his lips and gently + kissed it. "Thanks for putting up with me during this, Saavik. + I know I should be spending more time with you instead." + "No you shouldn't," Saavik countered. "You are showing + your repsonsibility as captain of the ENTERPRISE. I cannot + fault you for that." + And for the seventh time that day, Riley seemed to have + run out of words. He quietly took the list that had been + printed out, and headed for the door. + + She slept, knowing of the world around her but helpless + to take part in it. Her body lay still, unmoving, unwilling to + move. There is nothing but pain in the world, she told herself, + it is better to retreat to within. + But she was cared for in the world, by one completely + alien to her. She could see him off the side of her bed, his + injured rocky skin covered by makeshift patches. He was in + pain, yet he made his way to see her. + How could she know, he thought to himself, just how much + I want to hold her. Could she know how much I curse the fact + that I don't have hands to hold hers, eyes to meet hers, or + even lips to kiss hers. + And she still looked at him, for once finally + comprehendinng his feelings for her all this time. She had + attached to him because she thought him harmless. They had + served together for six years on three starships, and had been + through battles and peace and had struggled through it all. + They had always been together, she realized during these + moments. He had been closer to me than anyone in the worlds. + How could I have been so blind, Gahrut? she asked, though her + lips refused to say the words. + But her hand moved, slowly over to the Horta's injured + body. Carefully, she carressed his hide. This mismatched pair + had been through so much, and there still would be so much to + go through. He would help her through this suffering. She could + tell him, if only she could speak. + + + +-- + +"Our crew's living quarters have left the ship." + - Secundam Yto aboard the IRON CLAW II +Neale Davidson, another writer wanna-be. neale@mentor.cc.purdue.edu + diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/thewitne b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/thewitne new file mode 100644 index 00000000..808a94b4 --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/thewitne @@ -0,0 +1,2913 @@ +Path: moe.ksu.ksu.edu!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!uwm.edu!psuvax1!psuvm!kja102 +Organization: Penn State University +Date: Tue, 7 Jul 1992 11:21:18 EDT +From: +Message-ID: <92189.112119KJA102@psuvm.psu.edu> +Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative +Subject: Repost: The Witness, Parts 1-5 +Lines: 1826 + +I have received a number of requests to repost my story, The Witness. +I am posting the entire thing in two sections, Parts 1-5 and Parts 6-10. +Hopefully this will give everyone a chance to read it. I will still +try to honor e-mail requests for the story. +Enjoy! + ---Kit +Comments, criticisms, kudos and flames to kja102@psuvm.psu.edu +----------------------------------------------------------------------- + + + + ---- The Witness ---- + ----- Parts 1-5 ----- + + +By Kathryn J. Aikin +copyright 1992 + +================ +Captain's Log, Stardate 46147.2. "We are en-route to meet the +U.S.S Newton, where we will pick up Admiral Godon and transport +him to Starbase 133. While at Starbase the computer logs from +our last mapping mission will be transferred for analysis." +Jean-Luc Picard punched the log button on his console as he +finished the entry. "I feel like I'm running a taxi service," he +muttered to himself as he walked over to the replicator. "Tea. +Earl Grey, hot." he spoke to the computer. The door to his ready +room chimed as he picked up the beverage. "Come!" + +The doors to his ready room slid back to reveal the tall form of +Picard's second-in-command, Will Riker. +"I have the shore leave schedule, as you requested." Riker said, +stepping into the room. + +"Fine, thank you." said Picard, taking the board from Riker's +outstretched hand. "I assume you've included yourself in this +list?" + +"Yes sir, as per your 'advice'," Riker answered. The +Captain hadn't advised him, he'd practically ordered Riker to +take some time off. + +"Good. About time, too." said Picard, setting the computer board +down on his desk. "So tell me, Number One," he said, sitting on +the couch, "what are you planning to do with your vacation?" + +"Well, I've heard that there's a great bar on the starbase. +Deanna owes me a cheap dinner." he said. "She lost a bet." he +added, flashing the Riker smile. + +"Indeed. What was the nature of this wager?" asked Picard. + +"It was, um, rather personal." + +"I see. And what was your bet, had you lost?" Jean-Luc enjoyed +putting his self-confident officer on the spot from time to time. + +Me and my big mouth, Will thought. "I would have had to sing." + +"Sing?" + +"Yes Sir. A public serenade, in 10-Forward, with the song of her +choice." + +Picard chuckled and sipped his tea. Troi was exceedingly +creative when it came to wagers. "I gather that you are relieved +that you did not lose?" +"Yes Sir. Very relieved." + +"Thank you, Commander, that will be all." +Riker nodded and left the room. Picard smiled again and picked +up a book from his side table. Perhaps I should play more poker, +he thought, opening the book. +---------- +Deanna Troi was listening to a subspace communication from her +mother, Luaxanna Troi. + +"And you know," continued the older Betazoid, "that you aren't +getting any younger. You need to get out more. Have a little +fun!" + +"Yes, Mother." answered Deanna patiently. She was used to her +mother attempting to run her love life. Not that she'd had one +recently. + +"What about that lovely Will Riker? Are you two ever going to +get back together?" + +"We're just friends, Mother." + +"Hmm. If you say so. He still has feelings for you, you know." +said Luaxanna, coyly. + +"Mother, please." Deanna loved her mother, but at times, she +just wanted to strangle the woman. You can be so single-minded +at times, she thought. + +So can you, replied Luaxanna mentally. I think you get it from +your father. No, I take that back, you get your hopeless love of +rules from him. Be more spontaneous! + +Deanna sighed. It was impossible to argue with the woman. "Was +there anything else you wanted, Mother?" + +"No, Little One, I'll let you go. I love you, Dearest!" + +"I love you too. Goodbye!" Deanna closed the connection and +leaned back in her chair, relieved that the conversation was +over. Talking with her mother took a lot out of her, she +realized. The bell on her door sounded. "Come in," she called, +grateful for the distraction. + +Will Riker stepped inside. "So, have you decided where you're +going to take me out to dinner yet?" + +Troi sat up. "You're not gloating, are you?" + +"Who, me? Of course not." said Riker, grinning broadly. "Well, +maybe just a little." + +Deanna stood up and placed her hands on her hips. "I let you +win, you know." + +"You did not. I won fair and square." replied Riker, standing +over her. + +"I knew you were bluffing. I chose to fold." she answered, +unintimidated by the taller officer. + +"Really, Counsellor, you're becoming a sore loser," he teased. + +"I'm a sore loser? Me? Who was it that threatened to put Worf +on nursery duty just because he had three eights?" she retorted. +She knew Riker had been kidding the Klingon, but Worf had looked +positively horrified at the prospect. + +Riker opened his mouth to reply when the red alert siren screamed +into action. Both officers snapped back into their starfleet +training as they headed for the bridge. + +============ +"Report, Mr. Data," said Picard as the android relinquished the +command chair. + +"An unidentified vessel is approaching at warp nine, bearing 113 +mark 47. Automatic deflector shields have been activated." +replied the android Commander. + +"Configuration?" + +"Ferengi." growled Lt. Worf. "It is the Bashk-Na." The Ferengi +made his warrior skin crawl. They reminded him of the trolls +from his childhood stories. + +"Lieutenant, hail the Ferengi vessel." said Picard, yanking down +his shirt unconsciously. He had just reached a particularly +interesting point in his book and was in no mood to deal with +Ferengi. + +Worf's communications panel buzzed. "They are ignoring our hail, +Captain." Good, he thought. + +"Captain, the Ferengi vessel has passed us. They are continuing +to accelerate." said Data from his position at the conn. + +Riker and Troi entered the bridge from the turbolift. + +Picard frowned. "Have they changed course?" + +"Negative. At this rate they will enter the Romulan Neutral Zone +in seven minutes." + +"They're either running away or in a hurry to get somewhere." +speculated Riker. + +Undoubtedly running away, thought Worf. + +"Counsellor, can you sense anything from the ship?" asked Picard. +Troi looked uncomfortable. "I'm sorry Captain, I can't read +Ferengi. It's impossible for me to tell what they're thinking. +They may be afraid to respond, or they may just be ignoring us." + +"Mr. Data, can we intercept the Ferengi vessel before it reaches +the Neutral Zone?" + +Data pressed a few buttons on his station. "No sir. The Bashk- +Na has too great a lead." + +Damn, thought Jean-Luc, I have no authority to stop them, but +this bears investigation. "Data, plot a course back along the +Bashk-Na's path. Let's see where they came from." + +"Reciprocal course plotted, Sir. There are nine planetary +systems along the Ferengi's path." + +"Any of strategic interest?" asked Riker. + +Data studied the panel. "Negative. Only two systems are +inhabited." + +"Captain, we are receiving a priority one distress call from Zeta +IV." said Worf. + +Data turned. "Zeta IV is along the path that the Ferengi came +from." + +Aha, thought Picard. "On screen, Mr. Worf." + +"It is audio only," answered Worf, touching the communciations +panel in front of him. + +"...extensive fire damage. We have many casualties...medical +assistance...equatorial mine. This is a priority one +distress..." The transmission faded into static. + +"I'm sorry sir, the transmission is of very poor quality." + +Riker shifted in his seat. "Zeta IV? I'm not familiar with that +planet." + +Data turned to face the Commander. "Zeta IV is a small planetoid +in the Doga Minor system. It is home to a small mining colony +engaged primarily in the production of Dyilite." + +"Dyilite?" said Riker. "That's dangerous stuff. I though +Dyilite was only begin mined by automated stations." + +"Zeta IV has not yet been upgraded. It is scheduled to be fully +automated in the next five years." said Data. +"It appears that the upgrades did not arrive in time," said +Picard. He stood and walked over to the conn. "Mr. Data, how +far +to Zeta IV from our present position?" + +Data quickly punched in the coordinates. "One hour, twenty- +six minutes. However, a detour will delay our rendevous with the +Newton." + +"Understood, Mr. Data." answered Picard. "Set course for Zeta +IV, warp eight. Engage." + +"Course plotted and laid in sir," repeated Data, "warp eight." + +Picard touched his communicator. "Picard to Dr. Crusher." + +"Go ahead Captain," came the doctor's voice from the intercom. + +"Doctor, we are responding to a distress call from a Dyilite +mine. I expect we will have casualties to deal with." + +"Captain, Dyilite is extrememly volitile. I'll have to set up a +quarantine field in shuttle bay 4. The survivors will be +contaminated, but they'll have to be evacuated from the surface." + +"Make it so," said Picard as the doors to his ready room slid +open. "I'll alert you when we reach Zeta IV. Mr. Worf, signal +the Newton that we will be slightly late for our rendevous. +Number One, you have the bridge." + +"Aye, Captain." answered Riker. +--------------- +"Sir," came Worf's voice over the intercom, "we are in orbit +above Zeta IV." + +"I'm on my way,"replied Picard, touching his communicator. The +doors to his ready room slid open as he walked onto the bridge. + +"Have you been able to hail the colony? + +"No Sir. I am receiving only an automated distress signal." + +Picard sat in his bridge chair, automatically straightening his +tunic. "Try to hail them again." + +Worf moved his hands over his station. A blinking light in the +lower left of the console caught his eye. "Captain we are +receiving a message. However..." his voice trailed off. + +Picard turned in his seat to look at the Klingon. "Yes?" + +Worf scowled at the panel. "The message is being transmitted at +2 giga hertz. Radio waves." + +Picard raised his eyebrows in surprise. "Radio?" + +"Yes Sir." + +"On audio, Mr. Worf." + +"This is Zeta IV," came a woman's voice through static, "please +respond." + +"This is Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the Federation starship +Enterprise. We picked up your distress signal. We are +prepared..." + +At that moment, Deanna Troi clasped both her hands to either side +of her head. "Oh, no," she moaned, rocking slightly forward in +her chair. + +"Counselor? Are you alright?" asked Picard. + +"It's horrible," answered Troi. "I'm getting images from someone +on the planet. It's sorrow mostly, and..." she breathed in +sharply, "...and pain. It's a Horta, Captain." + +"Enterprise, come in." + +"Yes, Zeta IV, we're still reading you. We can have you beamed +on board for medical treatment immediately. Tell me," he asked, +"does your colony include Hortas?" Jean-Luc had never met a +member of the legendary species. The thought of meeting a +centures-old Horta sent a shiver of excitement through him. + +"Yes, they assist in the drilling." came the reply. "Two were +lost in the explosion. Captain, we've been seriously +contaminated with Dyilite crystals. We can't ask you to expose +your crew to this." + +"Our ship is equipped with an adequate quarantine field. I +assure you, we are in no danger." + +"Very well Captain," came the hesitant reply, "we await your +signal." + +Riker tapped his communicator. "Bridge to transporter room +three." + +"O'Brien here." + +"Is the quarantine field in shuttlebay four ready yet?" said +Riker. + +There was a slight pause. "Yes, Dr. Crusher has just confirmed." + +"Beam the miners directly to the shuttle bay." + +"Understood." answered the transporter chief. + +Picard turned to Riker. "I want you to oversee the operation, +Number One. Counselor, I'd like you to go as well." + +Riker nodded and rose from his chair. "And I'd like to speak to +the colony's administrator as soon as possible. I want to know +what happened down there." +----------------- +Beverly Crusher moved among the injured in shuttle bay 4, +checking on the work of her technicians. She came across a woman +seated on a medi-bed, looking slightly uncomfortable. "How are +you feeling?" the doctor asked, running the medical tricorder +over the woman's body. + +"Not too bad. I guess I missed most of the excitement." the +woman answered, turning slightly away from the instrument. + +"You don't have any major injuries, just some superficial +chemical burns." The tricorder flashed. Beverly stared at the +reading. "Are you originally from Zeta IV?" she asked. + +"No one's from Zeta IV. I was born on Earth." + +"Really? What are you doing out here?" The doctor pressed a few +buttons on the instrument and continued to scan the woman. + +"Oh, the challenge." She regarded the doctor intently. "Will I +live?" + +"Of course, you'll be fine. It's just that..." Crusher was +interrupted by a call from one of her staff at the end of the +shuttle bay. "You'll be fine." she smiled at the woman, walking +away from the table. The woman watched her go, rubbing her +burned arm as another technician approached the table. + +Riker and Troi entered the shuttle bay. Deanna had been mentally +readying herself for the Hortas as they had walked down the hall, +but she found herself overwhelmed when the doors to the shuttle +bay slid open. She swayed and grabbed the door frame as she +attempted to organize the telepathic load she was receiving. +Riker put an arm around her shoulders to support her. "No, +please, I'll be fine," she said, straightening up. "It was +just a little overwhelming at first. The Hortas are in emotional +shock, which they are transmitting telepathically." + +"Can you speak with them?" asked the Commander. + +"No. I can only read their emotional state. I can feel the +emotions behind their thoughts, but I cannot read the thoughts +themselves." + +"Is there any way we can speak with them?" + +"All operations involving Horta Pods automatically include a +telepathic translator, who acts as a 'go-between' for the Hortas +and the people who work with them. I'm sure that one was +assigned to this colony." answered Troi. + +"I'm afraid he won't be of any help," said Dr. Crusher as she +approached the pair. "He was down in the mine when the explosion +occurred. He and two Hortas were killed instantly. Only three +Hortas made it back to the dome ahead of the fire, and I think +I'm going to lose one of those. I feel like I'm working in the +dark. I can't even ask it where it hurts." Her voice carried +her frustration. She looked back across the shuttle bay at the +severely damaged Horta laying on the floor. Two other smaller +Hortas sat nearby, pulsing intermittently. A large Horta moved +around the severly damaged being, nudging it now and then with +its bulk. The injured Horta shook violently as technicians +applied a paste to its wounds. + +Riker crossed his arms. "Those Hortas are our only link to the +cause of this explosion. You've got to keep them alive until we +can find some way to talk to them." + +The doctor looked at him exasperated. "I'll do my best, +Commander, but I'm trying to repair what is basically solid +rock." + +"Of course, I'm sorry. I'll let you get back to your work. Do +you know where I can find the colony administrator?" + +"Under that sheet over there," said Crusher grimly. "The last +one out. She refused to beam up until the Hortas and all other +personnel were safe. The Dyilite crystallization was fatal." + +Riker walked over to the draped shape and lifted the cover. +Starfleet had trained him to accept and understand death, but +this made even him cringe. In contact with Dyilite, the woman's +carbon-based structure had been re-formed and transformed into +silicon, crystallizing her entire body. The clothes had burned +away, leaving a transparent, human-shaped shell. He could see +her internal organs through the crystal flesh. "What a way to +die," he said, as he dropped the cover back over the woman's +body. + +"Claudia knew what she was doing. She saved many lives in giving +her own." + +Riker looked up. The voice came from a woman sitting on the bed +next to the covered administrator. "And you are?" + +"Mackie, Ayla S. Assistant engineer, archeology team leader." +The woman straightened painfully, brushing a strand of auburn +hair away from her eyes. + +"Relax, please. Are you second in command?" +The woman smiled. "There is no real chain of command on a mining +colony of twenty-four people and six Hortas. Claudia was the +chief administrator and part-time communications expert, I was +the assistant engineer and archeologist. On a small station, +we're all expected to command ourselves." She rubbed her +reddened arm. "You have to be able to rely on everyone for your +survival." + +The Commander moved around the bed to stand next to the engineer. +"Your arm looks painful." he said. + +"Is this the informed opinion of a trained medical professional?" +Ayla replied wryly, looking up at him. + +"Commander William T. Riker, at your service." he said, standing +at attention. + +"And Counselor Deanna Troi," came Deanna's slightly amused voice +from behind him. "Can you tell us what happened on the planet?" + +Ayla sighed. "The Hortas are in the best position to say what +happened down there. The explosion occurred in one of their +tunnels. With the loss of Brynn, though, I don't know how to get +through to them." + +"Brynn?" asked Troi. + +"Brynn Kale, our Betazoid telepath. Because the Hortas +communicate telepathically, he was responsible for translating +between the colony and the Horta pod." Ayla looked over at the +technicians hovering around the dying Horta. "They can hear and +understand your thoughts, Counselor, but we can't hear their +response. They want to tell us what happened. We simply need to +find a way to hear them." She looked back at Troi. "Counsellor, +aren't you Betazoid?" + +"Unfortunately, I'm only half Betazoid. I'm more of an empath +than a telepath. I wish I could communicate with the Hortas. +Perhaps then we could help them." + +The hum of a transporter beam signalled the transfer of the +injured Horta to sickbay. +------ +After the most seriously injured miners had been transferred to +sickbay, Dr. Crusher went back to her lab to begin her report of +the incident. As she was going over the medical tricorder logs +of her staff, she paused for a moment. Pressing her +communciator, she spoke "Crusher to Data." + +"Data here," answered the android, after a moment. + +"Data, I have some questions about the modifications you've been +doing on the medical equipment. I've been getting some odd +readings from the latest scans. Can you come down to my lab when +you have a moment?" +"Yes, Doctor, I will be there momentarily. Data out." Data +ducked a flying chair. "Computer! Freeze program!." The +manufactured image of a drunken cowboy froze in his midair flight +across the saloon. "Discontinue. Save program, Data seventeen. +Exit!" The computer tweedled in reply, replacing the bar scene +with the black and orange grid of the holodeck. +---- +"Data, I've been getting some odd readings on my tricorder and I +was wondering if they might be caused by your adjustments." said +Beverly, rising from her chair. She looked at the android and +stifled a laugh. Data had not changed since coming from the +holodeck. + +Data looked at the preliminary report. "The modifications I +performed were designed to increase the range of the device, not +the scanning capabilities. I intended the upgrades to enable the +tricorder to scan without being in close proximity to the +patient, much like the external scanners of the ship." Data +pressed a few buttons on the display station. "According to the +readings, the tricorder is functioning within acceptible limits." + +Beverly sighed. She was tiring of that phrase. + +Data glanced up at her, recognizing her reaction to his answer as +one of discomfort. He rephrased. "What I mean to say is, the +tricorder appears to be working as it was designed to. I do not +think that my modifications have been the cause of the reading +you received. + +"Okay, thanks Data." + +Data nodded and got up to leave. + +"Oh, and Data?" called out Dr. Crusher as he walked toward the +door. "You might want to get a five-gallon hat instead of a ten- +gallon. That one's a little big." + +Data narrowed his eyes and cocked a finger at her. "Thanks, +little lady," he said, in a John Wayne drawl. + +Beverly giggled as the doors slid shut behind him. +------ +[A staff meeting] +"Most of the miners from Zeta IV suffered severe Dyilite +exposure, radiation poisoning, and chemical burns. Since the +Hortas were doing the actual tunneling, they got the worst of it. +I don't have the facilities to properly treat the Hortas, so I +recommend that we put into a starbase as soon as possible." + +Picard nodded as the Doctor finished her report. "Number One, +have you been able to ascertain the cause of the explosion on the +planet?" + +"No sir, the administrator and the colony's telepath died of +Dyilite exposure. It appears that only the Hortas can give us a +clear view of the incident." + +"Captain, I suggest beaming down an away team to survey the +site." said Worf. + +"I wouldn't recommend it Captain." said LaForge, "The entire +infrastructure of the planet's crust has been compromised. The +planet is in danger of collapse." + +Data took up the flow. "The Dyilite crystals are re-forming as +they combust. The new crystal lattice is not the problem; the +bonds are weakest where the Dyilite has transformed the existing +mineral into silicon. If we can stop the Dyilite combustion, the +remaining structure should hold." + +"How long before the crust collapses, Mr. Data?" + +"At the present rate of expansion, I would estimate three hours, +thirteen minutes." + +Picard sat back in his chair and exhaled. "How do you propose we +stop it?" + +"Dyilite is a crystalline element, similar to dilithium, except +in the fact that is it highly reactive with carbon dioxide. +However, Dyilite burns at a relatively low temperature, 150 +degrees Celsius. If heated above 300 degrees Kelvin, the Dyilite +will fuse to become a flexible, plastic-like substance, which, +unlike its crystalline form, is stable." + +"We think and extended phaser blast into the Dyilite lattice in +front of the fire will fuse the lattice, creating a sort of fire +wall. This should stop the combustion." finished Geordi. + +"Risks?" + +"We still do not know what caused the Dyilite to ignite in the +first place. There is always the chance that our attempts to +stop the fire will cause another chain reaction." + +Picard rubbed his upper lip with his right index finger. "Mr. +Data, I want a complete analysis of the original explosion and a +working hypothesis as to its cause before that planet collapses. +I have no wish to inadvertently make the same mistake twice. +Number One, I want you and Counselor Troi to speak with the +survivors again. Perhaps they have some clue as to how this +disaster got started. And find out if the Bashk-Na visited Zeta +IV recently. This may have been what the Ferengi were running +from. Dismissed." +------ +"How are the Hortas?" asked Crusher as she entered the sickbay. + +"The most severly damaged Horta is stablized. The treatment is +of a temporary nature. The creature will not survive without +specialized care." answered Dr. Selar. The Vulcan doctor's +matter-of-fact tone made every diagnosis sound like a +proclimation. She was, however, unconcerned with her perceived +beside manner. + +"And the other three?" + +"Undamaged. They are no longer in need of medical assistance." + +"Good. Dr. Selar, may I speak with you?" + +"Of course." answered Selar. + +Crusher walked into the rear of the sickbay. "I have been going +over some of the scans we took as the miners were brought in. +Most are normal, or as normal as can be expected with this kind +of a situation." she paused, considering. + +The other doctor waited impassively for her to continue. + +"I recorded some interesting readings from one of the miners. I +thought at first it might be a tricorder malfuntion, but +Commander Data assured me it was not." + +"The most recent level 1 diagnostic scan of the tricorders did +not show any malfunction," said Selar. "Please continue." + +The doctor folded her arms. "The point is, I don't think it was +a malfunction. It could be nothing, but it was odd, nonetheless. + +I picked up traces of fluoride in one of the miners." + +Dr. Selar raised one Vulcan eyebrow. "Fluoride has not been in +use for quite some time. What is the patient's origin?" + +"She says she's from Earth, but I haven't received a response +from the Starbase carrying the records of the colony, so I can't +be sure." + +"If fluoride was indeed recorded, it is unlikely that the patient +is of Earth origin. It has not been used there since the early +twenty-second century, 2113, to be exact. Fluoride is still used +in some more remote colonies. The colonies on Tau Ceti Nine and +Pendrog's World still use it as a tooth decay prevention. It is +logical to assume that the patient is not from Earth, but an +isolated Earth colony." Dr. Selar said evenly. "It is possible +that the Dyilite could have interfered with the patient's +molecular structure." + +Dr. Crusher walked over the the lab's table terminal. "Not +likely. They were all decontaminated. You'd have to be in close +proximity to Dyilite for an extended length of time to get change +on the molecular level, and the person would have been long dead +by that time. This one showed only first and second degree +burns, indicating that she'd been exposed for only a few +minutes." She paused, tapping her long fingers on the table. +"It just doesn't make sense!" + +"Then either the tricorder report or the story is at fault." +replied the Vulcan. + +"Exactly. But which one?" asked Beverly, staring at the monitor. +--------- +[end part 2] +======== +The door chime on Ayla Mackie's guest quarters sounded. "Who is +it?" she called. + +"Commander Riker." + +Ayla turned off the technical display she had been studying. +"Come in." + +Riker stepped just inside the threshold. "I was wondering if +you'd like to join me for a drink in 10-Forward. That is, if +you're feeling up to it." + +Mackie stood up and smiled. "I am fully recovered, thank you, +and I would be pleased to accompany you." + +Will noted with pleasure that the miner did indeed look fully +recovered. She had changed into a loose fitting olive-colored +tunic and pants that suited her slim frame. Her arms bore no +trace of the burns she had received on the planet. Riker moved +aside and let the engineer precede him out. As she passed him, +he realized that she was quite tall, almost 2 meters. + +Riker smiled to himself. "I wonder if she knows how to wrestle," +he thought. +----------------- +[10-Forward. Ayla and Will are sitting at a table near one of +the tall windows of the bar. A starfield and the edge of Zeta IV +can be seen.] + +"Tell me about what happened down there." asked Riker. + +Mackie took a deep breath. "For all intents and purposes, it was +a normal day. I was looking over some core samples with Brynn. +The Hortas had been digging in a new area with a particularly +strong Dyilite seam. They had also brought back some interesting +pieces." + +"Pieces? Of what?" + +"Possible archeological pieces. Shards of styrite, aluminum, +glass. Could have been left there by a passing asteroid or a +crashed ship, but I didn't think so. Neither did Brynn." The +woman smiled wistfully. "He was so enthusiastic. He was sure +that these were indications that something had lived on the +planet. So when the Horta point pod called him, he went +immediately." + +"Did he say what the Hortas had said to him?" + +"No, only that they'd 'found something'. Brynn wanted to be the +first to see it. It's against procedure to go alone into the +mine, but he was into his enviro-suit and out the door before I +could stop him. Damn fool," she growled, "he knew I was angry. +Betazoids can be extremely stubborn." + +Will grinned. "Yes, I know." + +Ayla grinned back. "Yes, I think you do," she said. "Anyway, I +got on communications and tried to make contact with him. He was +too far into the mine for the signal to get through. Then came +the explosion." She paused, placing her hand over her eyes. +"The whole planet shook. I saw the Pod Mother go racing into the +shaft through the air-lock. And then the fire, spreading through +the rock around the dome. It was like...like...San Francisco, or +Tel Aviv. People screaming orders, the radiation from the fire +seeping into the dome. World War Three." she whispered. + +"I'm sorry to make you talk about this," said Riker, squeezing +her arm reassuringly, "but we have to know what happened." + +The miner sat silent for a minute. "I really wish I knew. The +only thing I can think of is that maybe Brynn had a leak in his +enviro-suit. Why he wouldn't have set off the sensors in the air +lock, though, I don't know." + +She fell back into thoughtful silence. Riker decided to change +the subject. "You seem to know quite a bit about Earth history." + +"I hold advanced degrees in history and archeology." she +answered, glad for the reprieve. + +"If that's true, then why are you in a mining colony? Why aren't +you doing research or teaching on Earth?" + +Ayla smiled the smile of one who's been asked the same question +hundreds of times before. "Because, Commander, there is always +the chance that you'll come across archeological finds in a +mining operation. On a colony I'm a big fish in a little pond. +On Earth I'd just be another historian. Besides," she added, +"life is much more exciting on the edge of disaster. Isn't that +why you're in Starfleet?" + +"Partly. There are other reasons too." Riker said, leaning his +arms on the table and cradling his drink. "But I'd rather talk +about you. I'm still curious as to how..." +"Hello Will, hello Ayla." came the voice of Deanna Troi. "May I +join you?" + +"Of course, please do." answered Ayla, motioning to the adjoining +chair. + +Deanna set her drink on the table and sat down. "Don't let me +interrupt." + +"Commander Riker was just telling me why he chose Starfleet," +said Ayla, sipping on her syntha-Ale. "It was a fascinating +tale." + +"Oh please, do continue, Will," said Deanna. + +"Uh, well actually, I was interested in how Ayla came to be +stationed in a mining colony." said Riker, looking slightly +confused. + +"Which is a short and boring story," said Ayla quickly. + +Deanna frowned slightly at the abruptness of the woman's +response. There was something not quite right in the attitude +that was emanating from her. She opened her empathic senses to +the woman to locate the source of the inconsistency... + +HATEHATEHATEFEARHATEFEARCANSHESEEMUSTNOTKNOWHATEFEARSORROW + +Deanna winced with the immediacy of the response and shuddered +slightly as she pulled her mind back. + +Ayla pretended not to notice the Counsellor's reaction and sipped +on her drink. "How did you manage to get an assignment such as +the _Enterprise_?" she asked Riker. + +"Hard work, good grades, and a few well-placed bribes." he +joked." + +The two women smiled in amusement. + +"That's a lovely brooch you're wearing Ayla. May I see it?" +asked Deanna. + +"Of course." Ayla removed the pin and handed it to her. + +Troi turned the piece over in her hand. The design was +reminiscent of a coiled serpent. "I've never seen anything quite +like this. It reminds me of ancient Bjorran workmanship. Where +is it from?" + +"It's Celtic. I have a fondness for old Earth antiques." + +"I guess being an archeologist has its advantages. You must have +access to all sorts of interesting objects." said Troi, handing +the brooch back. + +"If I'm lucky. Archeology is an intermittently rewarding +career." + +"Kind of like prospecting." said Riker. + +"Exactly. Ninety-nine percent mud, one percent gold." + +Riker suddenly realized he was gazing into the miner's green +eyes. + +Troi realized it too, and yawned. "Well, I must be tireder than +I thought. I'll leave you two to your storytelling. Goodnight." + +"Goodnight, Counselor." said Ayla. + +Will rose from his seat and watched her leave 10-Forward. "Can I +get you another drink, Ms. Mackie?" + +"Please, not so formal. Call me Ayla. And yes, I would like +another." + +He picked up their glasses and walked to the bar. "Another round +please, Guinan." he said to the hostess. + +Guinan began to refill the glasses. "Who's your friend, +Commander?" + +"One of the miners from Zeta IV. A fascinating woman." + +"Really. From Zeta IV you say. Funny, she looks like someone I +once knew." She finished pouring the drinks. "But that was a +long time ago. Probably just a coincidence." + +"Probably," answered Riker absentmindedly, taking the drinks off +the bar and carrying them back to the table. + +Yes. Probably. repeated Guinan to herself. +------------ +[Sickbay] + +Deanna Troi was sitting next to the injured Horta in sickbay, +trying to get some sense of what the creature was thinking. I'm +here, she projected. No response. + +Beverly Crusher stood a little away from the pair, watching the +scene. "Anything, Deanna?" + +Troi shook her head. "No. I can't be sure if the Horta can even +hear me. It's as if I'm reaching into space." + +The doors to the sickbay slid open to reveal Captain Picard. He +stepped in and walked over to the Doctor. "How is your patient, +Doctor?" he asked. + +"Not good, I'm afraid. It's vital signs are stabilized, for +now." + +"Have you been able to make contact with it?" + +"Counselor Troi has been attempting to reach the Horta without +success." She paused briefly and continued in a lower voice. +"What I'm afraid of, Captain, is that the Horta has been damaged +psychologically. There may not be anything in there to reach." + +A hint of sadness passed over Picard's face. "What about the +other three?" + +"Troi has had more success there. Apparently, even though they +can't talk directly, they've been able to communicate that they +don't know the cause of the explosion." + +"She can speak with them directly?" asked Picard, surprised. + +"No, I think it's more of an exchange of feelings. Deanna asks +the question, and the Hortas respond in a positive or negative +manner. Sort of like twenty questions." + +"Captain, may I make a suggestion?" said Doctor Selar. + +Picard jumped slightly. He had not noticed the Vulcan standing +in the shadows, and Vulcans could be extremely quiet when they so +chose. He nodded to Selar. + +"I propose a mind-meld." + +"Are you sure, Selar? The Horta has been badly injured. We +don't know how it will react to a mind-meld." said Crusher. + +"This Horta has information about the explosion that we require. +We have been unable to contact it by other means. Therefore, a +mind-meld is the logical alternative. Besides," added the +doctor, "we will then know 'where it hurts'." + +Beverly smiled at the Vulcan's use of the term. She was right, +of course. Even if the Horta had not known the cause of the +disaster, simply knowing what medical assistance it needed was +important enough. + +"Captain?" asked Selar. + +"Permission granted." responded Picard. + +The Vulcan moved to the table where the Horta lay. Deanna +relinquished her seat and stood next to the Doctor. Selar stood +silent for a moment, her hands pressed together in meditation. +Then, slowly, she reached out to the Horta, pressing her fingers +into the hard flesh of the creature. "Your mind to my mind," she +whispered, "your thoughts to my thoughts..." Her voice trailed +off. + + --* ---* darkness.... ---* + +Selar's consciousness moved through the Horta's mind. She +marveled at the organization of the creature's neural pathways, +much like the tunnels they dug. But these tunnels were empty, +abandoned. She moved deeper into the Horta's mind, looking for +some indication of the intelligence that had once been there. +Then, a blink in the dark. An echo. She moved toward the +source. A pinpoint of light. A door. Selar opened the door.... + +didyouseethatlookovertherewaitgettheBrynn............. + +A brief thought. The side of a tunnel. She could see a seam of +Dyilite glistening in the darkness. + +thedoorthedoorthedoorgettheBrynn....... + +Selar probed deeper into the Horta. These were impressions and +thoughts from the mine, before the explosion? She was not sure. +She turned a corner in the Horta's mind.... + +-------------************************--------------- + +White hot pain seared through Selar. + +RUNRUNRUNRUNRUNRUNRUNRUNRUNRUNRUNRUNRUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The Horta +was screaming at her, at herself (it is a she! Selar realized), +at her companions.....................Pain enveloped Selar, pain +from the burning of the Dyilite around her. Her mind, shocked, +slid out of the Horta into unconsciouness. + +Deanna caught the Vulcan as she slumped to the floor. "Beverly!" +she said, frightened. + +Crusher was already on the floor next to the other doctor, +running a diagnostic tool over the Vulcan. "She's gone into +shock. Help me get her on the table." + +Picard backed up as Dr. Crusher took control of the situation. +She pressed a hypospray into the Vulcan's neck, anxiously +surveying the medical readouts above her patient's head. +"Damnit, Selar, don't you go out on me." she muttered, grabbing +another hypo from the lieutenant who had come to assist. Crusher +administered the second hypo and focused on the medical readouts +again. There was silence in the sickbay. + +"Well, Doctor?" said Picard. + +"She is, for all intents and purposes, in a coma." said Crusher, +her eyes never leaving the screen. "However, I don't know if +that's good or bad. Vulcans occasionally go into a meditative +state resembling a coma after a mental strain. I can't tell if +she's in a meditative coma or a real coma. I can tell you one +thing," she continued, "if it's meditation, she'll come out of it +in about two hours." + +"And if it's not?" said Picard, voicing the other half of the +statement. + +"We'll just have to wait and see." + +[tweedle] "Data to Captain Picard." + +He touched his communicator. "Picard here." + +"Captain, Commander LaForge and I believe we may have some +indication as to the cause of the mine fire on Zeta IV." came +Data's voice over the intercom. + +"Excellent. Picard to Commander Riker." + +"This is Riker, go ahead." The Commander sounded slightly +annoyed. + +"Commander, will you join me in my ready room? Mr. Data believes +he may have found a possible explanation for the Dyilite +explosion." + +"I'm on my way." came the reply. + +Picard turned back to Crusher. "Doctor, please keep me informed +as to the condition of your patients. Both of them. Counselor, +I would appreciate it if you could stay here. You may be the +first to know if either one of them approaches consciousness." +He walked over to the chief medical officer. "She knew what she +was doing, Beverly." he said, trying to comfort the Doctor. + +Beverly smiled grimly in reply. Yes, but I still feel +responsible, she said to herself, as she watched Picard leave the +sickbay. + +-------------- +Riker walked over to his dresser and opened the first drawer. "I +thought you might be interested in this, being a student of +history." He lifted a small wooden box out of the drawer. "This +belonged to my mother. It's one of the only things I have from +her side of the family." Will cradled the box in his hands, +stroking the lid. + +Ayla moved next to him and gently took the box from his grasp. +Running her fingers along the side, she carefully opened th lid. +Inside was a round shape wrapped in blue cloth which she lifted +out. As she unwrapped the cloth a smile appeared on her face. +"Oh, how beautiful," she whispered, "a glass snowdome. I'm +amazed it's survived in such fine shape." She flicked over the +globe, sending the sparkling crystals inside swirling. "Not the +multiple colors in the 'snow', and the woodland scene," she said, +holding the globe up to the light, "that, and the hallmark on the +base suggest that this was produced on Earth by the Boyd glass +company in, I'd say, the early twentieth century." Ayla lowered +the globe and look at Riker. "A handsome specimen." she said. + +Will looked down at her. "You certainly know your antiques," he +said softly. + +She set the globe down on the dresser. "I know many things," she +answered, pulling his lips toward her own. + +Riker returned the embrace. After a minute he pulled slightly +away. "Ayla," he said, brushing his mouth against her ear, +"would you like..." + +"Yes, Will, very much," she answered, kissing him again. + +[tweedle] "Picard to Commander Riker," came the captain's voice +over the intercom. + +Damn, not now, Will thought to himself. "This is Riker, go +ahead," he answered. + +"Commander, will you join me in my ready room? Mr. Data believes +he may have found a possible explanation for the Dyilite +explosion." + +He sighed. "I'm on my way." Smiling at Ayla, Riker said "I +think he does that on purpose." + +She returned his smile. "Of course. It's the captain's job to +keep the crew off its back on on their toes." + +Will chuckled and hugged her. "I'd love to continue this later. +Where can I find you?" + +"I'll probably be in my quarters." + +"I'll stop by. Duty calls." He planted a brief kiss on her +forehead and left the room. +-------------- + +[Picard's Ready Room. Data, Geordi and Picard are seated. Riker +enters.] + +"Ah, Number One. Sit down." said Picard. "Continue, Mr. Data." + +"The expansion of the Dyilite has increased. Apparently, there +is more of the element on the planet than was previously thought. +Our window until planetary crust collapse has narrowed to twenty- +two minutes, eighteen seconds." +"And the cause of the original explosion?" + +"That's the strange thing. Dyilite is completely stable in its +crystalline form unless it comes into contact with carbon +dioxide. For that reason, it's not found on class M planets. +However, when we scanned the area around the colony, we found +traces of Ultrecium and CO2." said Geordi. + +"Ultrecium? The Romulans use that in explosive devices." said +Riker, sitting up. + +"Are you suggesting that the Dyilite could have been set off +deliberately?" said Picard, his face serious. + +"All that's required is a small container designed to release CO2 +at the appropriate moment. The evidence would be destroyed in +the resulting explosion, along with whoever was unlucky enough to +discover the device." answered Geordi. + +"The Hortas must have found something." said Riker. "They called +for the telepath translator." + +"Who was killed in the blast. Destroy the evidence, then take +out the only means of communicating with the Hortas." said +Picard. + +"But why? If the Romulans wanted the Dyilite, why would they +choose a method that might destroy the very thing they were +looking for?" said LaForge. + +"Perhaps," said Picard, "there is something more to this planet +than meets the eye." + +"Captain," came Worf's voice over the intercom, "large rifts have +appeared on the planet's surface along the Dyilite seam strata. +We are reading tremors of 8.6." + +"On my way," replied Picard. "First things first, gentlemen. +Let's stabilize that planet." + +The four officers walked onto the bridge, taking their usual +stations. "Mr. Worf, are phasers ready?" asked Picard. + +"Phasers ready and standing by," answered the Klingon. Though +not in battle, Worf still got a certain pleasure from firing the +weapons of the great ship. + +"Mr. LaForge?" + +"Weapons targetted on the fire front, Captain." replied the chief +engineer. "It's going to be close." + +"Fire phasers." + +Worf pressed the control panel, relishing the hum of the weapons +through the ship. "Phasers fired, Sir." + +The light beams sliced through the planet's surface, sending +debris into the thin atmosphere. The area directly around the +phaser drilling caved in, forming a large crater. + +"Captain, the crust is collapsing directly around the phasers." +said LaForge tensely, watching the display at his station. + +"How long until lattice fusion?" said Picard. + +"Ten seconds." answered Data. + + "Captain," said Geordi, "we've got a crater approximately 300 +meters across on the surface." + +"Steady, LaForge." + +"Dyilite lattice has fused. There is no combustion in front of +the phaser wall." Data said, looking up from his station at the +planet's image on the screen. + +"Cease fire!" + +Worf turned off the phasers. "Phasers have ceased firing. +Tremors on the surface are beginning to reduce." + +"Excellent. Mr. LaForge, what is the condition of the planet?" + +The engineer looked at his station sadly. "Captain, the +expansion of the fire has been stopped. However, the crater +caused by the phasers collapsed the crust in the area around the +colony." He turned to face Picard. "Whatever evidence was down +there is buried under meters of rock." + +Riker looked at the Captain. "You did save the planet." + +"Yes, Number One. But now we may never know what caused it to be +in danger in the first place." mused Picard. +[end part 3] +------------- +Ayla paced the floor of her quarters. This isn't possible, she +fumed silently, he's no different from anyone else. She paused, +catching her reflection in the mirror. It showed a healthy woman +in her early thirties, but to Ayla, the image was not comforting. + +Cyveraeth, when will you call for me? she thought. The door +chime brought her out of her reverie. "Come in," she said. + +The figure of Guinan stood silhouetted in the doorway. + +Ayla turned and slowly walked toward the hostess. Guinan stood +motionless, her dark eyes never leaving the miner's face. "I am +pleased to see you again, Guinan." + +"As am I," answered Guinan. "May I come in?" + +The miner nodded and motioned her inside. Guinan entered and +moved to one of the room's windows. "I thought you died on +Rigil." + +"Officially, I did." + +"Who are you these days?" + +"I am as you see me now, Ayla Mackie, Engineer and Archeologist." +Ayla said, coming toward the hostess. + +Guinan turned back toward the window. "And does Commander Riker +know this?" + +"He does not." + +There was silence between the two women as they gazed out onto +the starfield. + +"These people are my friends. I care for them." said Guinan +finally. "This is not Rigil." She paused, glancing at Ayla. +"Is it?" + +Ayla continued to regard the stars. "No," she said softly, "it +is not." + +Guinan placed her hand on Ayla's shoulder. A small smile crept +onto her lips as she crossed the floor. Only the mechanical +swish of the doors marked her exit. + +Ayla waited a few more minutes. Then she walked over to her bed. + +Reaching underneath, she pulled out a long, cylindrical bag. She +laid the bag across her knees, considering whether or not she +should open it. With a slight shake of her head, she stood up +and walked to the display terminal in her room, throwing the bag +over her right shoulder. "Computer," Ayla said, "display +technical schematics for _Enterprise_, specifically, tactical, +intruder defense, and emergency evacuation systems." The +computer beeped in acknowledgement. She studied the output, shut +off the display, and walked to the door. Looking both +directions, she slipped down the corridor. +------------- +Riker stood outside Ayla's quarters and pressed the door chime. +No response. Riker rang the chime again, rocking slightly +forward onto the balls of his feet. Puzzled, he stepped into the +electromagnetic sensor that controlled the door. "Ayla?" he +said, peering into the darkened room. Will walked in and hit the +light control. "Ayla, are you in here?" he asked, taking a quick +tour around the room. Must have gone to 10-Forward, he said to +himself as he walked back out into the corridor. On the way to +the lounge he passed Geordi LaForge standing in front of holodeck +3. The engineer was attempting to adjust a holster belt around +his hips. + +"Costume party?" asked Riker, pausing. + +"Uh, no, not exactly," replied LaForge, adjusting his belt buckle +one notch tighter. "Data's been studying the 'wild west' period +of Earth's United States. He asked me to join him, so I thought +I should dress appropriately. Though I can't imagine how they +managed to colonize a country wearing this kind of a get-up." he +muttered. "Would you care to join us?" he asked, opening the +holodeck doors. + +"Well, actually, I was just on my way to..." Will looked into +the holodeck, his voice trailing off. "Wow, Data, you really do +go for detail! he thought. The holodeck had been transformed +into a smoky saloon. Rough frontier types stood at the bar, +throwing back drinks in unwashed glasses. The plank floor was +covered with dirt, spit, and more than a few spent gun +cartridges. Data sat at one of the three unbroken tables, +shuffling a deck of cards. A balding piano player was struggling +through what sounded like a cross between a Brahms waltz and 'The +Girl in the Red Velvet Swing'. "On second thought," he said to +LaForge, "perhaps I will stop in for a drink." + +They made their way over to Data's table. "Ah, Geordi, Commander +Riker, how nice to see you." said the android, looking up from +the cards. + +"Shaddup an' deal!" growled one of the other occupants of the +table. Data had obviously set up a card game with a few of the +unsavories in the bar. + +LaForge and Riker pulled up some chairs. Riker's chair creaked +dangerously under him as he sat down. "Who's your decorator?" he +asked Data. + +Data did not have emotions, but he had mastered the art of +looking confused. "To my knowledge, the holodeck is self- +sufficient in that regard. All decor is programmed by the +computer to match the specifications of the user." + +Riker opened his mouth to reply, then thought better of it. +"Never mind, Data." he answered, running a hand through his dark +hair. + +"Are ya gonna deal or talk?" asked the same player. + +"Would you like to play?" he asked the two officers. + +"Count me in!" said LaForge. A stack of chips was generated for +him by the computer. +"Sure, why not." added Riker. He gave the other players a +hardened poker face. + +Data shuffled the cards one last time and placed them in front of +Geordi. The engineer cut the cards. "The game, gentlemen, is +five card draw. One-eyed jacks are wild. Ante up!" He dealt +the cards with amazing speed and accuracy as the players' chips +clinked on the table. + +"You better not be cheatin', you hear?" said the other cowpoke at +the table. "Arveid an' I don't take lightly to cheatin'." + +"I assure you, the cards are sufficiently randomized." replied +Data, picking up his hand. + +Riker winced. Data had said that very thing when the +_Enterprise_ had been caught in a time loop for seventeen days. + +"Sorry Sir." Data apologized. + +Riker waved him off and concentrated on his hand. + +"What'll you boys have?" said a female voice from behind his +chair. + +"Gimme a whiskey," said the player who had been identified as +Arveid. + +"Yeah, make it two." added LaForge. "What the hell, it's a +saloon, right?" he said when Riker looked at him in surprise. + +"Well, I'll have a..." Riker's jaw dropped open when he turned +to give the barmaid his order. It was the same angular face, the +same shoulder-length auburn hair. The voice was slightly higher +and the eyes dark brown instead of green, but he was looking at +the image of Ayla Mackie. He turned back to the android. "Data, +it is considered a breach of protocall to recreate ship personnel +or guests on the holodeck." + +Data looked up quizzically. "Sir?" + +"Computer, freeze program!" said Riker. He got up from his chair +and moved over to the woman's image. "This," he said pointing to +the hologram, "is one of the miners we rescued from Zeta IV." + +Data put his cards down. "Commander, I did not intentionally +create this image. I merely programmed the computer to deliver +an authentic western scene from Earth. It would not help my +studies to 'stack the deck', as it were, with current +personalities." + +"This is someone you know?" asked Geordi. + +"Yes." replied Will. "It's not exactly her, but it's pretty damn +close." + +"Wow," said Geordi, "the odds against this sort of thing +happening must be enormous!" + +"There are a finite number of human facial combinations, +Geordi." said Data. "Your species does believe that there is +an exact double for each one of you. Given this finite set of +variables, it is theoretically possible for the holodeck to +create a random composite of physical features that match those +of an actual living person. However,the odds against such a +creation resembling a person on this particular ship at this +particular point in time are..." + +"Thank you Data." Will continued to regard the image. + +"What if it's not random?" said Geordi. + +"Explain." said Riker. + +"I mean, the holodeck creates images that match the requested +specifications. But the computer draws the images from known +parameters. In an historic scene like Data's, those known +paramenters might include records from that period, in addition +to the computer's own projections." offered Geordi. + +"Such as?" + +"Such as written texts of the time, or...photographs!" Geordi +said, snapping his fingers. + +"So you're saying this image could have been either randomly +generated by the computer or pulled directly from a photograph +taken over six hundred years ago?" asked Riker, looking somewhat +skeptical. + +"There's one way to find out. Computer, isolate image directly +in front of Commander Riker." LaForge said to the computer. + +[The rest of the holographic scene disappears] + +"Compare image with parameters of program. What is the origin of +this image?" + +[tweedle] "The image was created from photographic records." + +"Display records." + +[A large projection of a black and white photograph appeared in +the holodeck. The photo was grainy, but showed three men standing +in front of a store. The name I. WRIGLEYS DRY GOODS is painted +in large letters above the store front. It is clearly a scene +from the old American west.] + +"It don't see how the computer could have pulled the image from +this photo. The main subjects are three men." said Riker, +folding his arms. + +Data stepped closer to the projection. "Computer, magnify +section B-4." + +[Behind the three men, two figures can be seen in the store's +window.] + +"Magnify." Data repeated. + +[The image becomes larger. It is too grainy to see clearly, but +one of the figures is a woman.] + +"Computer, enhance section B-4." + +[The computer fills in the grainy photo. The image becomes +clearer. It is the face of the woman in the holodeck.] + +The three officers were silent. + +"Computer, what is the date of this photograph?" said Riker +finally. He was beginning to get the creeps. + +"The photograph dates from between 1840 and 1870, old +Earth time." + +"Location and photographer?" + +"The photograph was taken at Mormon's Crossroads, in the Nevada +Territory. The photographer is unknown." + +"Can you identify the woman in the photograph?" + +"Negative." + +"Computer," said Data, "access all visual records. Does this +image correspond with any others in memory?" + +The computer chirped as it accessed its vast storage banks. +Riker realized he was pacing. + +"There is one additional match for this image." + +"Display, please." said Data. + +The computer created a second projection next to the first. It +was a market square. To one side was a cafe, to the other what +appeared to be an office building. Geordi stepped up to the +projection. "There, Commander, in the cafe." he said, pointing +to one of the tables. + +"Enhance that area," said Riker to the computer. +The computer enlarged the area around Geordi's finger. They all +gasped. + +"That's Guinan!" exclaimed Geordi. + +"And it appears that she is sitting with a woman that resembles +the image in the holodeck very closely." commented Data. + +"Location of this projection?" asked Riker. + +"Rigil 2, stardate 11763.3." + +Data looked at the Commander. "Sir, that is three days before +Rigil 2 was destroyed by an antimatter containment accident." + +"Destroyed? The entire planet?" asked Geordi, incredulous. + +"Yes. Rigil 2 was a scientific station. Apparently there was an +uncontrolled antimatter reaction in one of the warp test +laboratories. The resulting explosion blew away the planet's +atmosphere and two-thirds of its mass." + +"What do you mean, 'apparently'?" asked Riker. + +"From accounts of the survivors and surveys conducted after the +incident, it was concluded that the antimatter containment field +on one of the warp test coils had failed. However, the direct +cause of the explosion was never ascertained." said Data. + +"Sound familiar?" said Geordi. + +"Yeah." answered Riker. "Too much of a coincidence. Computer, +locate Guinan." + +"Guinan is in 10-Forward." + +"I'm going to see just how much of a coincidence this is. Exit!" +he said, striding out of the holodeck. +-------------------------------- +[end part 4] +-------------------------------- + +--------------------- + +Will walked straight over to the bar in 10-Forward. "Guinan, I +need to speak with you." he said. + +"Of course, Commander." Guinan answered. She whispered something +to her assistant before following Riker to a vacant table. "You +want to know about Ayla Mackie?" she asked settling into a chair. + +"Yes, how did you know?" answered Riker, surprised. + +"Oh, I figured the question would come sooner or later." said +Guinan, enigmatic as usual. "What would you like to know?" + +"Is she the same woman you knew on Rigil 2?" + +"Yes. I wasn't sure at first, but now I am." Kudos on your +sleuthing skills Will, Guinan said to herself. + +"How well do you know her?" + +Guinan pursed her lips. "I knew her on Rigil. People can be +different at different places. I can't say that I know her now." + +"Who is she? Do you know where she's from?" persisted Riker. + +Guinan folded her hand in her lap. "She told me she was from +Earth, and I had no reason to question her. As far as I know, +she's a human like yourself. Though there always seemed to be a +cloud following her, like a personal sense of impending doom she +carried around." + +"Guinan, Rigil 2 exploded more than a hundred years ago. If +she's the same person you knew, there's no way she could be +human." Riker rubbed his beard. "Could she had been physically +altered to pass for human?" + +"Like I said," repeated the hostess, "as far as I know." + +"In your estimation, did she possess the opportunity or the +skills necessary to cause the Rigil 2 explosion?" + +Guinan regarded the commander carefully. "She was employed as a +technician at the station. She was one of the few who were not +transferred." + +"Transferred? What do you mean?" asked Riker. + +"Most of the people on Rigil had been transferred to other posts +or were on leave. At the time of the accident, the station was +nearly deserted." + +"Except for Ayla." finished Riker. + +Guinan nodded. + +Riker hit his communicator pin. "Riker to security." + +"Worf here." + +"Worf, I'd like you to form a security team. Locate and detain +one of the miners, Ayla Mackie. Contact me when you find her." + +"Acknowledged." came the reply. + +"Is that really necessary?" asked Guinan. +Riker stood up. "If it's at all possible that she's connected to +these two incidents, I can't have her running around this ship." +He stepped around the table and walked to the door. + +Why did you let him go? said a voice in Guinan's mind. + +Perhaps it is time for her to reveal herself. It is a large +burden to carry. I have faith that they will understand, Guinan +answered. + +-------------------------- +[sickbay] + +"Subspace message coming in for you from Starbase Barton, Dr. +Crusher." said Ensign Runninghorse. + +"Thank you. I'll take it in my office." replied the doctor. She +sat down at the terminal on her desk and pressed the RECEIVE pad. + +The blue and white Starfleet logo was replaced with a worded +screen. Ah, finally, the medical records from Zeta IV, she +thought as she paged through the information. Suddenly, she +frowned. Picking up her computer board, she pushed a few +numbers. "Crusher to O'Brien," she said, touching her +communicator. + +"O'Brien here," came the reply. + +"Chief, how many miners did we beam up from Zeta IV?" + +There was a slight pause. "Twenty-one alive, three dead. +Twenty-four in all." + +"Thank you, Chief." And with one body unrecoverable on the +planet, that makes twenty-five, she computed mentally. "Crusher +to Captain Picard." + +"Picard here." + +"Captain, I've just received the records of the colony from +Starbase Barton. There were twenty-four miners officially +stationed on Zeta IV." + +"Yes?" + +"We've accounted for twenty-five." + +"Twenty-five? Are you sure?" + +"Yes. It seems that someone on Zeta IV was not supposed to be +there." continued Crusher. + +"Can you tell me who this extra person is, Doctor?" + +"I'm cross-checking the colony's records with our medical +treatment records now," she said, moving her fingers back and +forth on the keypad. "The colony has no records concerning a +woman named Ayla Mackie." + +There was a slight pause. "Did you find anything unusual when +you treated her?" + +"Yes, actually. She had second-degree radiation burns, which +weren't serious, but her tissues showed traces of fluoride. +That's very unusual, unless you've been living on an isolated +outpost somewhere." + +"Anything to indicate whether or not she is as she appears to +be?" Picard said. + +"The bioscans showed nothing abnormal, but I'd have to do a DNA +analysis to be sure." she answered. "From the preliminary +physical, she appears to be a human female." + +----------------[switch to Picard's ready room]---- + +"Thank you Doctor." replied Picard. He turned to look at Riker +across the snythesized wood table in his ready room. "It seems, +Number One, that you may be on to something here. Let me know +when you find this Ayla Mackie." + +"Worf to Commander Riker." + +"Go ahead," said Riker, touching his communicator. + +"Sir, we have an unauthorized launch sequence for one of the +shuttles in shuttle bay three." + +"Shut it down!" said Picard. + +"I cannot. Bridge controls have been overridden." came Worf's +frustrated reply. + +"Can you reset the launch sequence long enough to get someone +down there?" Picard said, entering the bridge with Riker. + +"I'm on my way." said Riker, sprinting for the turbolift. + +Worf pressed a few buttons on his station. "Yes. The launch +sequence has been reset to two minutes." + +"Launch delay has been overridden," said Data from his station at +the conn. + +"Resetting." said Worf. + +Picard looked expectantly at Data as the android watched the conn +display. "Launch delay is holding at two minutes." +"Worf, go." said Picard, motioning for the Klingon to follow +Riker to the shuttle bay. + +-------------------------------- +Riker entered the shuttle bay warily, his small phaser drawn. +The shuttlecraft's engines hummed, waiting for the go-ahead to +leave the ship. Crouching, he ran to the back door of the +shuttle where the hatch was located. Pressing the hatch control, +he jumped inside the door as it opened. "Freeze!" he yelled, +pointing his phaser at the empty command chair. Puzzled, he moved +up to the shuttle's controls and shut down the engines. Getting +up to leave, he stopped short. Ayla was standing in the open +back hatch, looking at him. + +"I take it you've come to arrest me?" she said, regarding him +impassively. + +He took a step toward her, keeping his phaser hidden in his hand. + +"The Captain would like to have a word with you." + +"I see." She continued to watch his eyes. "Why?" + +"We think there may be some connection between the incident here +and the one on Rigil 2, and that you may be that connection." He +took another step toward her. + +"And what makes you think I've ever been to Rigil 2?" she +answered. + +"We found a visual record of you and Guinan on Rigil 2, three +days before the science station on that planet was destroyed." + +Ayla recognized the acusatory tone of his voice and chose to +ignore it. "Do you think the station on Rigil 2 was deliberately +destroyed?" + +"Do you?" Riker was standing within a meter of her now. + +"Yes, I do." + +"Did you do it?" + +Mackie took a quick step backward out of the shuttle's doorway as +Riker drew his phaser. "Let's go," he said, motioning to her +with the weapon. Ayla did not move, but instead slowly dropped +the bag she had been carrying to the floor. "Perhaps you didn't +hear me," Will said, stepping out of the shuttle and taking hold +of her arm, "the Captain would like to have a word with you." + +Riker was not prepared for Ayla's reflexes, or her strength. She +snapped her arm out of his grasp, knocking the phaser away. +Taking two handfuls of his shirt, she slammed his back against +the side of the shuttlecraft. "Listen to me!" she hissed, +"Starfleet is not so inviolate as you would like to think. There +are many enemies who prefer a lower profile than the Romulans! +Did it ever occur to you that I might be doing my best to look +out for you people?" + +"Who are you?" Will asked in a whisper. + +"Let him go!" came Worf's basso voice from the door of the +shuttle bay. He had his phaser out and pointed at Ayla. + +Ayla's hands gripped Riker's tunic reflexively in surprise, then +slowly released as she backed away from him. Riker smoothed down +the wrinkles in the shirt. "Captain, we have located Ms. Mackie." +he said, pressing his communicator. + +"Excellent, Number One. Will you and Mr. Worf escort our guest +to my ready room?" came Picard's reply. + +"Shall we go now?" said Riker to the woman. + +Ayla picked up her bag and walked toward the door, placing the +strap in Worf's outstretched hand. The Klingon glowered at her +as she passed him. She returned his gaze without flinching and +stepped into the corridor. The trio walked on to the turbolift +in silence. + +"Bridge!" said Riker, staring at a spot just above the turbolift +archway. + +After a few minutes, the turbolift doors opened. Escorting Ayla +between them, the two officers went to the Captain's ready room +on the left side of the bridge. + +"Come!" said Picard, as the door chime sounded. "Ah, Ms. Mackie. + +Do sit down." he said, pointing to the chair on the other side of +his desk. "Perhaps now we can get some answers." + +The miner sat down gracefully and regarded the captain. Riker +joined Counselor Troi on the couch. Worf remained standing +behind Mackie and began to search through the bag she had given +him. + +"Now, would you care to tell me what's been going on?" said +Picard in a soft, authoritative voice. + +---------------------------------------- +"Selar, you must concentrate. Logic can find no place in an +undisciplined mind." + +Selar looked up into the face of her instructor patel and then +back at the equations on her computer learning board. At four +years of age, the emotional control that characterized all +Vulcans was tenuous, and she could feed frustration welling up +inside herself, like a cascade of hatching Pika moths. +"Is it logical to continue to work at a problem with no +solution?" she said, struggling to keep control of her voice. + +A shadow that could have been a smile passed over Patel's face. +"If the problem were indeed without solution. However, many +solutions that are otherwise elusive may be achieved through +persistence." The instructor moved on to another student. + +Selar stared at the equations again, turning them over in her +mind. Start with the summation operator, she thought. Suddenly, +the solution struck her. She entered the appropriate numbers and +the board beeped in acknowledgement. + +Selar opened her eyes. The neutral shade of the sickbay ceiling +greeted her vision, lights dimmed for the night shift. Rolling +her head to one side, she could see the Horta with whom she had +attempted to mind-meld. Rising from her bed, she walked over to +the Horta and seated herself on the chair that had been left by +Deanna. + +Many solutions may be achieved through persistence, she repeated +mentally as she pressed her fingers against the silent Horta. +--------------------------------- +[end part 5] +--------------------------------- +================================================================= +Characters in Star Trek and Star Trek: The Next Generation are +copyrighted by Paramount Pictures, Inc. +Text and story, _The Witness_ by Kathryn J. Aikin, copyright +1992. + +Path: moe.ksu.ksu.edu!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!uwm.edu!psuvax1!psuvm!kja102 +Organization: Penn State University +Date: Tue, 7 Jul 1992 11:26:48 EDT +From: +Message-ID: <92189.112649KJA102@psuvm.psu.edu> +Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative +Subject: Repost: The Witness, Parts 6-10 +Lines: 1067 + +As always, comments, criticisms, kudos and flames to kja102@psuvm.psu.edu +------------------------------------------------------------------------- + ---- The Witness ---- + ----- Parts 6-10 ----- + +By Kathryn J. Aikin +copyright 1992 + +================ +--------------------------------- +"Well?" asked Picard, picking up one of the objects Worf had +removed from Ayla's bag. + +"Be careful, Captain," she said, "that's sharp." + +Picard slid the meter-long blade out of its sheath and studied +its intricate markings. "Why are you carrying a weapon, Ms. +Mackie?" + +"Nostalgia." she answered, lacing her fingers together. + +He frowned and continued to study the sword. "Why were you +attempting to steal a shuttlecraft?" + +"I wanted to do a little sightseeing." + +"I sincerely doubt that." Picard fixed her with his best +Captain's stare. "We have received the colony's records from +Starbase Barton." he continued. "There is no record of you +having joined the colony. It seems we can also place you on +Rigil 2. Just how did you manage to be in both places just +before they were destroyed in 'accidents'?" + +"Bad timing." she quipped. + +The captain tossed the weapon down on his desk. "Enough of this! + +I want to know who you are and why you were on Zeta IV." +Ayla set her mouth in a stubborn line and sat unmoving. + +"The Captain asked you a question." growled Worf from behind +Ayla's chair. "Perhaps your hearing is faulty." + +Picard raised his hand to quiet the Klingon. "We only want to +get to the bottom of this, Ms. Mackie. Your refusal to cooperate +could be interpreted as an admission of guilt or at the very +least, complicity." + +"Why is this important to you?" asked Ayla. "What will you do +with the knowledge?" + +Jean-Luc was slightly taken aback by the question. "What do you +mean?" + +"I mean," she said, "what will it gain you? Will it change +anything that has happened? Will it bring anyone back? Death is +the completion of the circle, Captain, the mate of life." + +"That's true, but not when death is premature or deliberately +caused." + +"Agreed. I believe we want the same thing, Captain." + +"And what is that?" he asked. + +"To preserve life." + +"How does the death of four colonists preserve life?" + +"It was an unfortunate accident." she replied. + +Troi kept her face impassive. What are you afraid of? she asked +herself. + +"Did you have something to do with this accident or the one on +Rigil?" + +"Would an admission of guilt make you happy?" + +"The truth would make me happy." he countered. + +Ayla did not reply. + +Jean-Luc sighed. "Right. Mr. Worf, will you and Commander Riker +escort Ms. Mackie to sickbay? I believe Dr. Crusher is waiting +to give our guest an examination." + +Ayla's eyes narrowed slightly at the word, but she did not resist +as Worf motioned for her to precede him and Riker out of the +ready room. + +Deanna looked at Riker as he stood up. His face betrayed no +emotion, but she could feel his conflict. As the trio left the +room, she turned to Picard. "Captain, I sense...great deception +here." + +"If you mean that you think she's hiding something Counselor, I +can see for myself that..." + +"Not exactly." interrupted Troi. "It's deeper than that. I +realize now that I couldn't get a clear sense of it before +because she was blocking me." + +"Blocking you?" asked Picard quizzically. "How? Telepathically?" + +"It is sometimes possible to prevent telepathic or empathic +scanning by focusing one's mind on a particularly strong emotion, +such as fear, or hate. On Betazed, the technique is called +Nasht. However, when you started questioning her, her +concentration shifted toward you." said Troi. + +"Were you able to discern the nature of this deception?" he +asked. + +Deanna sat still for a moment, considering how to put what she +had felt into words. "It's almost as though she's built her +entire personality around a falsehood. She's like a house of +cards, Captain. Pull out the center, the base, and the whole +house will come crashing down." + +Picard stood up and yanked down his shirt. "Will you accompany +me to sickbay, Counselor? Perhaps we can find that lynchpin +without actually having to pull it." +------------------------ +---* ----* +Selar moved through the smooth pathways of the Horta's mind. She +was determined to go deeper into the being's consciousness, and +deeply she was going. The Horta had pulled herself up tight +inside and her mind was farther away than before. Selar could +feel the memories she sought ahead of her and began to experience +trepidation. Fear is an emotion, she said to herself, emotions +cannot exist within logic. I am logical, therefore, I cannot +fear. Nevertheless, she found herself slowing as she approached +the point where she had touched the Horta's mind last. The +corner, as before, and mentally braced herself... + +Selar felt the mind-touch of another being within the Horta's +mind. As the floodgates of the Horta's memories opened, she was +protected from the onslaught of the Horta's pain, anguish and +sorrow. Selar reached out to the Horta, searching for the +shining brightness of the consciousness that made the Horta an +intelligent being. And it was there, finally. And we are one. + +Selar opened her eyes to see Guinan standing beside her. The two +other Hortas were also in the room. Selar's eyes surveyed the +sickbay silently, coming again to rest on Guinan. "We thank you, +my sister." said the Vulcan, resting her hand on the hostess' +shoulder. + +"You must speak with Picard." said Guinan. + +"Yes." agreed Selar. "There is much to atone for." + +"Selar?" asked Dr. Crusher, uncertainly. "Are you alright? +Guinan? What's going on?" She began running a tricorder over +the Vulcan without waiting for an answer. + +"We must speak with Picard." said Selar. + +"We?" asked Crusher, looking up. + +"The mind-meld was successful, Doctor. I have reached the +Horta." she said. + +"Crusher to Picard." said the doctor, touching her communicator. + +"Yes Doctor?" came the reply. + +"Captain, Dr. Selar has successfully contacted the injured Horta +and wishes to speak with you." + +"I was just on my way now," said the Captain. "I've sent Ayla +Mackie down to sickbay. I'd like you to do a complete physical +on her. See what you can find out." + +"Yes sir." said Crusher. +------------------------------- +[end part 6] +------------------------------- +Crusher turned her head as the door to the sickbay slid back. +Riker, Mackie and Worf entered and paused as the door slid closed +behind them. Ayla's face had settled into a mask of calm +resignation, which was disturbed only slightly by Guinan's +presence. + +"Please, come in." said Beverly. "Would you sit over here?" she +said, pointing to the central medi-bed. "Thank you, Worf, but I +don't need a chaperone." said the doctor, stepping in front of +Worf as he moved to follow the woman. + +"But Doctor, the Captain..." he began. + +"The Captain undoubtedly ordered you to bring her to sickbay, +which is what you have done. Now if you don't mind, I would like +to get on with my work. I will call you if I need help." + +The Klingon grumbled. He knew it was hopeless to try to argue +with the woman. "I will wait over here." + +"Thank you." She looked at Riker expectantly until he joined Worf +on the other side of the room. + +Crusher walked over to Ayla. "Please sit here," she said, +turning on the overhead medical sensor array. "I'm going to give +you a physical and take some small tissue samples from you for +analysis. It isn't painful, so don't worry." Beverly smiled, +but it faded as she realized the woman was not looking at her, +but at Guinan, who had come to stand beside her. + +Beverly watched the tricorder as she ran diagnostic tests on +Ayla. There it is again. What the hell is going on? she +thought. "All right, I've done the preliminaries," she said. +"I'm going to run the DNA tests now." She took Ayla's hand and +pressed a small device against the fourth finger. "This is for +the tissue sample," she explained, releasing Ayla's hand. "I'll +be back in a moment." + +At that moment, Picard and Troi walked into the sickbay. Guinan +turned to face them as they came over to the pair. + +"Guinan, what are you doing here?" Picard asked. + +"I was visiting an old friend." she replied. + +"Old friend?" he repeated. "Then perhaps you can shed some light +on this whole thing?" + +"Captain, I would speak with you." + +He turned to see Dr. Selar standing in the doorway. "Dr. Selar?" +asked Picard, uncertainly. + +"She is here. We are also Ch!narr, Elder Mother of the Pod. We +come to offer testimony and atonement for the destruction." Dr. +Selar walked up to where Ayla Mackie was sitting. She placed her +hand on Ayla's shoulder and looked back at the Captain. "We know +the suffering of our ageless sister. The Pod Mother must also +see the death of her bretheren every sixty-thousand years. We +know her loneliness, for we have shared it." + +"Ageless sister?" said Picard. + +Ayla sighed. "Captain, I am Eithear Tucharba, an Earth Steward. +I have been sworn to protect Terra." + +Picard raised his eyebrows in surprise and waited for her to +continue. + +"Captain, what I am about to tell you is...well, fantastic. I do +not expect you to believe me, although I've been told that you +are a remarkably understanding man." She shot a glance at +Guinan, who nodded. "I began my training three hundred years +before Cassivellannus capitulated with Caesar. My duty is to +watch over the Earth, and those on it. I have followed humanity +out to the stars, to play witness to its survival. " + +Picard's eyes widened slightly as he did the mental arithmatic. +"Do you mean to say that you're three thousand years old? I find +that difficult to believe." + +"How very reassuring," she murmured. + +"It's entirely possible, Captain." said Crusher. + +"Explain." he said, turning to her. + +"When I did the medical scan, she showed traces of fluoride and +chlorine in her tissues. Neither compound has been used on Earth +since the late 22nd century. Now it's very possible that she +could have these things stored in her tissues if she'd been on an +Earth colony, perhaps one of the more remote ones. However, +given Commander Riker's concerns that she might have been +genetically altered to appear human, I did a genome analysis. +She's human, with one important difference. This woman lacks the +gene related to aging." A tinge of wonderment came into the +doctor's voice. "Once her body reached maturity, it ceased to +age. She could be thirty or thirty-thousand years old." + +"You wouldn't believe what you people used to put in your water," +said Ayla. + +"This still doesn't explain what you were doing on Zeta IV." said +Picard, regaining his composure. + +"As I said, I am sworn to protect the Earth. However, that is +also the duty of your Starfleet. Therefore, it is now my purpose +to protect Starfleet." + +"You said that before," broke in Riker. "Protect us? From +what?" + +Mackie smiled. "From invasion or conspiracy, from yourselves if +necessary. To assess the strength of internal and external +threats. This is why I was on Zeta IV. I believe the Ferengi +are involved in a dyilite smuggling ring. About a week ago, the +colony was offered a large monetary incentive to 'lose' a dyilite +shipment." + +"The Bashk-Na." said Riker. + +"They sent a small cruiser to pick up the shipment two days ago. +Their Damon was very displeased that we had refused to give them +what they desired." + +"A small quantity of unprotected dyilite, beamed on board, or +into a planet's atmosphere..." started Picard. + +"Would have devastating consequences." she finished. +"Then it was the Ferengi who were the cause of the explosion." +said Worf, matter-of-factly. + +"No, alas, though we wish it, so great is our sorrow." said +Selar, folding her hands together. "There was a great +civilization on Zeta IV. Its people were numerous and its +buildings many. Some of these buildings survive yet under the +surface of the planet. We knew the interest of the archeological +team in the remains, so when T!yyn and T!uun found an undisturbed +chamber, they called for Brynn Kale to come. He did. But when +he opened the door to the chamber, atmosphere trapped from the +surface was released. The original inhabitants of this planet +breathed as you do. The air that gave them life gave him death." + +"The carbon dioxide in the air pocket must have ignited the +dyilite seam the Hortas were mining." said Picard. + +"We are sorry for your loss, and for ours," said Selar/Ch!narr. + +"I understand, my sister. I rejoice to hear your thoughts at +last." said Ayla. + +"Remember that you are not alone. I will wait for you when the +Zn!k comes." Selar clasped hands with the miner. + +"Why didn't you come directly to Starfleet with the information +about the Ferengi?" asked Picard. + +Ayla chuckled. "Because their reaction would have been the same +as yours, Captain. Doubt and suspicion. Starfleet is not +prepared to believe in 'guardian angels'. More important, +though," she said, her face sober, "is the possibility that +someone in Starfleet is involved in the smuggling. Zeta IV is a +remote outpost, but it was not widely known that it was still +populated. An automated station cannot be bribed. Someone had +to have provided the Ferengi with that information. Perhaps that +someone is in Starfleet. I have been difficult to kill thus far, +but I have no wish to push my luck." + +"And Rigil 2? What were you doing there?" asked Picard. + +"A beautiful place, Rigil." she said with a faraway look. "I +failed there. I misjudged the seriousness of the threat. The +station was the target of an Orion, who believed that it was a +weapons arsenal. I thought I would have more time to deal with +him, to disable the plan." Her eyes moved to Guinan. "I was +wrong, and I carry those souls." + +Troi put a hand on Ayla's arm and smiled. + +"Bridge to Captain." came a voice over the intercom. + +"Picard here," he said, touching his communicator. + +"Sir, you are receiving a subspace message from Admiral Godon." +"Thank you. I'll take it in my ready room." He looked at +Mackie, considering her story. "If I let you go back to your +quarters, will you promise not to try to steal another +shuttlecraft?" + +She grinned. "Scout's honor." +------------------------------ +[end part 7] +------------------------------ + +Picard seated himself in his ready-room chair and touched the +communciations panel on his desk. The screen changed to show the +slender-boned face of a human male in admiral rank uniform. What +had obviously been jet-black hair was now streaked with white, +but the oval eyes of the visage showed no sign of age. + +"Yes Admiral, what can I do for you?" asked Picard. + +"I believe we were scheduled for a rendevous, Captain. What's +the delay?" said Godon. + +"We detoured to answer a distress call from Zeta IV. We should +be underway shortly." + +"A distress call? From Zeta IV?" the Admiral snorted derisively. +"What are those miners whining about now?" + +Picard frowned. "There was an explosion in one of the tunnels. +A dyilite seam was ignited by a trapped pocket of air." + +"That's unfortunate." came the reply. "Survivors?" + +"Approximately twenty-three. My full report will be +forthcoming." + +"Of course, of course," Godon answered, waving his hand. "What +is your E.T.A.?" + +Picard sat back and touched his communicator. "Mr. Mbuto, what +is our time to rendevous with the Newton at warp 2?" + +"Five hours, nineteen minutes, Sir." came the quick reply from +the bridge. + +"Fine. I'll expect you." said the Admiral. "Godon out." + +The screen blanked to reveal the blue and white starfleet logo. +Picard gazed silently at it, considering. +------------------------------------------- + +Beverly Crusher was hovering in front of the main medical sensor +array output from Ayla Mackie's bioscan. "Incredible," she +muttered, pressing some numbers into her hand tricorder. She +turned to Deanna and Ayla. "All of your body's resources have +been adapted to regrowth and repair." she said to the miner. +"Your body has amazing recuperative powers. You show no trace of +the burns you received on the planet. Have you ever had any sort +of illness?" + +"No." answered the woman. + +Crusher shook her head. "Incredible." she said again. "What a +wonderful adaptation." + +The corners of Ayla's mouth curled into a wry smile. "Thank you, +Doctor. However, if you don't mind, I'd like to go back to my +quarters. I am not accustomed to being a laboratory specimen." + +"Well, I'd really like to do a few more tests, but I suppose they +can wait." Beverly answered. + +Ayla slid off the examining table. "Counselor, would you care to +accompany me?" + +"Yes, I'd like that." Deanna replied, smiling. + +The two women walked toward the door of the sickbay. Worf, who +had been stading near the back wall of the room, moved to follow +them. + +"It's alright, Worf," said Deanna, "I'll walk her down." + +"Counselor," he said, "the Captain has not yet released me from +duty. Until then, I am in charge of security. I will accompany +you." + +Ayla turned towards him. "You do not approve of me." she said. + +The tall security chief looked at her with disdain. "Starfleet +does not require the services of a ... nursemaid." + +Guinan hid a smile behind her right index finger. + +Mackie moved closer to the Klingon and looked him in the eye. He +smelled slightly musky, like sandalwood incense. "Tell me +Warrior," she said, "what disturbs you?" + +"I am not disturbed!" he said in an annoyed voice. + +"Indeed. And yet you do not believe the truth of my existence. +Or, rather, you resist it." + +Deanna's eyebrows raised in surprise. The woman was empathic! +she realized. No wonder she was able to block my probing. + +Worf set his jaw stubbornly. + +"So long as you serve Starfleet, I am not your enemy, Warrior." +Ayla continued. + +"We shall see." he rumbled. + +The trio left the sickbay and started down the corridor. Just +before the doors closed, Deanna paused to look back at Will +Riker. Oh, dammnit, he thought and quickly began mentally +reviewing the duty roster for the next shift, anything to chase +away the thoughts in his head. He saw a frown crease her smooth +forhead as the doors slid shut. + +"She did not intend to deceive you." said Selar's voice from +behind him. + +The voice broke his train of thought. "What?" he said. + +"She did not intend to deceive you. Do not judge her harshly." + +"Look, what I think is irrelevant here. If you'll excuse me, I +have duties to attend to." He stalked out of the sickbay. + +"What you think is not irrelevant to her." said Selar softly. +She became aware that Dr. Crusher was running a tricorder over +her. "Yes?" she asked. + +"Your blood pressure is rising rapidly, Selar. How long can you +hold the link? I need to know what additional treatment the +Horta requires." said Crusher. + +Selar closed her eyes for a moment. "We can hold, Doctor, but be +brief. It must be dissolved soon." + +Beverly nodded and moved over to the table where the Horta was +laying. Selar followed. +------------------------------------- + +Picard sat thoughtfully for a moment then hit his communicator. +"Mr. Data, would you join me in my ready room at your +convenience?" he said. + +"Acknowledged." came the android's reply. Sounds of a scuffle +and a gunshot came through the intercom. + +"Mr. Data! Are you alright? What is going on?" said Picard in +an alarmed voice. + +"I am fine, Sir. (a muffled "Caught the lousy varmit cheatin'! +could be heard) I am running a program on the holodeck. In +order to more fully understand the nuances of human interaction, +I am studying an Earth historical period known as 'The Wild +West'. At this moment, one of my partners in a poker game has +attempted to pull a firearm on me, mistakenly believing that I +had stacked the deck of cards against him. (sound of breaking +glass) I have effectively disarmed him and I am endeavoring to +explain that the randomization of the cards is sufficient..." + +"Thank you, Data. I will expect you." interrupted Picard with a +sigh. + +Five minutes later, the door chime on the ready room sounded. +"Come!" said Picard. + +Data walked into the room and stood at attention. "You wished to +see me, Sir?" + +"Yes. Sit down." The android complied. "Data, I have a +research job for you. I need to know all the ports of call for +the Ferengi ship Bashk-Na in the last six months. In addition, +and this is to remain confidential, chart the assignments of +Admiral Kazuo Godon over these same six months." + +"Of course." said Data. + +"Dismissed." said Picard, his eyes following the officer as he +left the room. Please let me be wrong, he thought. +---------------------------------- +[end part 8] +------------------------------------- +"Sir, we have reached the rendevous point with the Newton," said +Ensign Mbuto from ops. + +"Admiral Godon and aide are standing by to beam on board." said +Worf. + +"Excellent. I'll meet them in transporter room three." Picard +walked to the turbolift. + +In transporter room three, the figures of Admiral Godon and his +aide materialized on the pad. "Welcome to the Enterprise, +Admiral." said Jean-Luc as the pair stepped down. + +"Greetings, Picard. This is my personal aide, Lt. Commander +Desmond Vinar." + +The ebony-skinned human inclined his head toward the Captain, who +nodded back. + +"May I show you to your quarters?" asked Picard. + +"Yes, that would be fine. How soon until we reach starbase?" +asked the Admiral. + +"We are thirty-one hours from Starbase 133." + +"Fine." he answered, preceeding Picard out of the transporter +room and down the corridor. After walking a short way in +silence, the Admiral said "Nice ship you have here, Picard. +Would you mind if we took a stroll around?" + +"Of course, Admiral. I'll arrange a guide." + +"No, that won't be necessary," said Godon before Picard could hit +his communicator. "Just an informal tour. I mainly want to see +the bridge." + +"By all means, Admiral. At your convenience." answered Picard. +The hair on the back of his neck was standing up. They stopped +before a door that slid back at his touch on the keypanel. "I +hope these quarters will be satisfactory." + +Godon peered inside. "Oh yes, they'll do nicely. Thank you +Captain. I look forward to seeing your bridge." + +Picard smiled tightly and turned to walk toward the turbolift. +He did not see Vinar's large dark eyes watch him until he +disappeared around a bend. Once he entered the turbolift he hit +his communicator. "Picard to Data." + +"Data here." + +"Data, how are you coming on your 'research'?" + +"I am almost finished, Sir." + +"Good. I'll join you in your quarters." + +"Yes Sir." answered the android. + +A few minutes later Picard was surveying Data's terminal display. +"The Bashk-Na is a Ferengi freighter, register number FC-335. It +has been commanded by Damon Hast for the last seven years. In +the last six months it has made numerous stops within Federation +territory, mainly to pick up and deliver raw materials to Ferengi +and Harradin outposts." Data paused to press a key. The screen +showed a star map, orange lines highlighting flight paths. "None +of the recorded stops of the Bashk-Na correlated with the command +of Admiral Godon. Except one." Data pressed another key. + +"Zeta IV." said Picard. + +"Yes Sir. However, Godon visited the last two ports-of-call of +the Bashk-Na approximately one week prior to their arrival." + +"Hardly enough to justify an official inquiry." he sighed, both +relieved and disappointed. "Thank you Data. That will be all." + +"Of course Sir." The android was ever-solicitous. + +------------------------------ + +Guinan stood behind the bar, surveying her territory. 10-forward +was busy, but not unusually so. She looked up as Will Riker +entered the lounge. He sat down in front of her, hands clasped +in front of his chin. She paused, waiting for him to speak. +After a moment or two she started to wipe the bar. + +"Can I get you something, Commander?" she asked. + +"Hm. Zytherian whiskey." + +Guinan poured the drink and set it in front of him. Riker picked +it up and took a big swallow. "Anything you want to talk about?" +she asked. + +"Not really." + +She took another swipe at the bar with her cloth. "You know, +I've found that people who drink alone are actually looking for +someone to talk to, but don't know it." + +Riker sighed. "Thank you for your attempt at psychoanalysis, +Guinan, but I really don't need..." + +"In fact, I've found that people who drink Zytherian whiskey are +particularly likely to deny the possibility that something is +bothering them." she continued. + +He looked down at his drink and smiled. "Have you ever thought +about becoming a ship's counselor?" he asked. + +"What, and leave all this?" she said, waving her hand in an arc. +"Now tell me, what bothers you about her?" + +"I never said it was a 'her'." answered Riker over his glass. +"Okay, okay, it's Ayla." he said, seeing Guinan's knowing stare. +"I just feel...sort of powerless around her. Like she knows +what's going to happen but won't tell me." + +"And that disturbs you." + +"Well, yes actually. I don't like the thought of someone +watching over me." + +"You rely on people every day. We all watch out for each other +on this ship." + +"Yeah, but we're more open about it," he muttered into his glass. + +Aha, thought Guinan. "Commander, do you know how old I am?" + +"No, not exactly." he said. + +"Do you know anything about what I did before I came to the +_Enterprise_?" + +"No." + +"Does your not knowing interfere with your appreciation of my... +bartending skills?" She said the word with irony. + +"Well, no, but..." + +"I see. I take it you've never withheld anything from anyone." +she said. + +Will didn't answer. He was thinking about Deanna and the reason +she had left him. + +Guinan put her cloth away. "Then perhaps you should rethink your +position." + +"Mackie to Guinan." came Ayla's voice over the intercom. + +"This is Guinan," she answered. + +"Guinan, I need to speak with you." + +Guinan got a faraway look in her eyes. "I know. I'm on my way." +She glanced at Riker briefly. He met her gaze unsmiling, then +stared back down into his diminishing drink as she left 10- +forward. +--------------------------- + +Ayla sat in front of the computer terminal in her quarters where +Deanna and Worf had left her. "Computer," she said, "access all +Federation data on the Borg." + +"Request security clearance." came the smooth voice from the +terminal. + +"Recognize Salis, Yvonne, alpha-alpha-seven-victor-daniel-two." + +The computer chirped. "Clearance approved. Proceed." + +"Display technical schematics on Borg implants." The screen +flickered imperceptibly as it accessed the required information. +Ayla watched the output for several minutes. "Stop!" she said +suddenly. "Reverse." The screen scrolled slowly backward. +"Hold!" She peered closer at the information. Oh, Captain, my +Captain, she quoted to herself. You know more about them than I +would have guessed. "Mackie to Guinan," she said to the +computer. + +"This is Guinan." came the reply. + +"Guinan, I need to speak with you." + +"I know. I'm on my way." + +A few minutes later the chime on Ayla's room sounded. "Come in." +she said, looking up from her terminal. Guinan moved into the +room towards her. + +"What have you found?" asked the hostess. + +Ayla turned the computer screen towards her. "Does this look +familiar to you?" + +Guinan stood absolutely still. "It is a Borg." + +"Yes. It is a technical schematic for Borg implants similar to +those taken from Captain Picard. Now," she said, pressing +another key, "do you recognize this?" + +Guinan peered at the output. "It also looks like Borg +technology..." she said. + +"Almost. This came from the archeological digs on Mytos, forty +years ago. And, coincidentally, Admiral Godon's first command." + +Guinan looked at her in surprise. + +"I've been following Commander Data's investigation. A most +dilligent being. I should like to take the time to know him +someday." She looked at Guinan. "I need to speak with Picard. I +must know what he knows about the Borg." +------------------------- +[end part 9] +------------------------- +"Come!" said Picard as the door chime sounded in his ready room. +He had arrived on the bridge to see Admiral Godon occupying +Commander Riker's chair, his aide hovering nearby. It had not put +him in a good mood. "Guinan, this is a surprise," he said as the +robed hostess entered. + +"Captain, there's someone here who wishes to see you." she said +as Ayla Mackie entered the room behind her. + +"Guinan, this is really not a good time. I am not in the +mood..." + +"Captain," said Ayla stepping from behind Guinan, "I need to +speak to you." + +"It's going to have to wait." he said, returning to the computer +board he was studying. "Now if you don't mind..." + +"I need to talk to you about the Borg." + +Picard's stomach sank at the word. He looked up at Ayla, and +then at Guinan, who nodded. "Please sit down," he said. + +"I'll be in 10-forward." said the hostess. +Ayla took the seat directly across from Picard as the doors +hissed shut. "Captain, I understand that you were...absorbed by +the Borg." + +He winced at the word. "Hardly." he said, tossing the computer +board down on his desk. "I was forcibly taken into their +collective." + +"What did you learn about their origins?" + +Picard let out a sigh and rubbed his forhead. "Only that they +were once a humanoid race. Their 'triumph' was the integration +of machinery into their cellular structure." And, of course, the +absolute certainty of their superiority as a species, he added to +himself. + +"Any indication of where they got the idea of cellular +integration?" + +"No. You think that they may not have come up with the idea on +their own?" he asked. + +Ayla narrowed her eyes in concentration. "The Borg are known for +their 'assimilation' of other cultures. I cannot believe this +practice started only _after_ they were a humanoid-machine hybrid +race. I think they took the idea from somewhere." + +"Two separate Borg-like races?" The thought made him slightly +ill. + +"Sir! Ship approaching from the Neutral Zone!" came Worf's voice +over the intercom. + +Picard walked quickly on the bridge from his ready room with Ayla +close behind. "Identify." he said, taking the command chair. + +"Ferengi. It is the Bashk-Na." + +So you've come back, eh? Picard thought. "Lieutenant, place us +directly in their path. Let's make them take notice of us." + +"Captain, may I remind you that we are expected at Starbase 133?" +said Godon. + +"The Bashk-Na has slowed to one-half impulse." + +"Open a hailing frequency." snapped Picard, ignoring the Admiral. + +"Open." + +"On visual. This is Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the U.S.S. +Enterprise." + +The face of a decorated Ferengi appeared on the screen. "I am +Damon Hast. What do you want, _human_?" The word came out as a +sneer. + +"I understand that you have been smuggling dyilite out of this +sector." + +The Ferengi rolled his eyes. "Merely a cargo run, for which we +made only a modest profit. I was not aware that carrying dyilite +was a crime, _human_." + +"No, but murder is." + +"Murder? I have committed no murder!" exclaimed Hast. "I carry +the rocks. Ask him about murder!" he said, pointing in the +direction of Godon and Vinar. + +Godon jumped out of his chair. Worf pulled his hand phaser and +aimed it at the Admiral. + +Riker stepped on to the bridge from the turbolift. "What the +hell is going on?" he said. + +"Hast!" shouted Godon furiously. + +"Sir, a ship is decloaking next to the Ferengi." said Data. + +"Romulan?" asked Picard. + +"Negative. It does not conform to any known Federation or +Romulan design." answered Data. + +"Red Alert! Shields at maximum." said Riker. "On screen." + +The face of the sneering Ferengi was replaced by a starfield. +Shimmering into view was a ship. + +Picard stood up and moved closer to the screen. "My God," he +whispered. + +The ship was golden in hue. One corner filled the viewscreen. + +"Reduce magnification, factor 10." he said. + +The Bashk-Na was dwarfed in comparison. Four spiky arms +projected from the rear of a pentagon-shaped hull. + +"Mr. Worf, can you hail the alien vessel?" + +"Trying. No response." + +Ayla moved slowly along the wall toward tactical. + +"Drop your shields, Captain." said Godon. "They wish only to +meet you." +"Who? Who are they?" demanded Picard. + +Suddenly, Worf looked down at his panel. "Sir, the alien vessel +is emitting an energy pulse...tight band...possibly a +transmission of some kind." + +"Direction?" asked Picard. + +"The bridge! Ooof!" Worf felt the air go out of his lungs as +Ayla hit him from behind, knocking him to the floor. A phaser +blast passed overhead, gouging deep into the computer boards +behind his station. + +Ayla rolled to her knees and leaped over the railing separating +tactical from ops. Vinar fired again, hitting Godon. The man +vaporized with a whine. She turned her body in mid-flight, +impacting with the full force of her right shoulder. Vinar's +shot at Picard went wide, scoring a smoking line along the wall. +Though knocked to the ground, Vinar continued to hold onto his +phaser. Rolling to his stomach, he aimed at the woman, who was +standing in a half-crouch. There was a glitter of light in her +hand as he fired. The pulse of energey reflected back towards +him, making a loud "pop!" as it hit him squarely in the chest. +The impact threw Vinar on to his back, where he lay still. + +Ayla straightened and moved cautiously toward the Admiral's aide. +There was a gaping hole in his midsection. Pulling back part of +his uniform, she peered inside. What should have been internal +organs was instead a mass of fused circuits and wiring. + +"Android?" asked Riker from over her shoulder. + +She shook her head. "Cyborg." + +"Cyborgs were outlawed hundreds of years ago. How could..." +Riker was interrupted by a bright burst of light from the +viewscreen. + +"Sir! The alien vessel has fired on the Bashk-Na. It has been +destroyed!" Worf had regained his post. + +"Evasive manouver Gamma Hydra, warp 2!" shouted Picard. + +The ship rocked dangerously. And again. + +"The alien ship has fired on us. Shields down!" + +"Fire phasers!" said Riker. + +Lines of light streaked out from the saucer of the Enterprise. +They disappeared into the hull of the monstrous alien ship. + +"No effect. The energy appears to have been absorbed." said +Worf. +"Get us out of here Mr. Data." said Picard. + +Data complied. "No sign of pursuit," he said after a minute. +"However, with their cloaking technology, it may not be possible +to detect pursuit." + +"Thank you, Data." replied Picard. He turned toward Mackie, who +was still kneeling on the floor next to the aide. "How did you +know?" he asked. + +"It is as I told you, Captain," she said, reaching into the +cyborg's chest cavity. "I believe the Borg borrowed their +implant idea from another race. This one." Ayla pulled a +crystal out of the aide and held it up to the light. "However, +unlike the Borg, this race chose to put its implants on the +inside. So instead of having a humanoid encased in a mechanized +shell..." + +"You have a machine encased in a humanoid shell." Picard +shivered at the thought. "Impossible to detect." + +"Well, almost." Ayla said in an wry voice. "If she'd been here, +Counselor Troi could have told you. They 'feel' wrong. To you, +it would have been like getting the 'creeps'." She rotated the +crystal in her fingers. + +"What's that?" asked Riker. + +"Might be a memory chip." She handed the crystal to Riker. "I +think Godon first encountered the remains of the cyborgs' +technology on Mytos. How he managed to contact them, I don't +know. But I suspect Godon and the Ferengi had no idea who they +were dealing with." + +"To their demise." Jean-Luc sat down in his chair. "Mr. Data, +reset course for Starbase 133. Engage." +--------------------------- +Ayla Mackie sat and gazed out into the warped starfield receeding +from the window. She heard the doors to the observation lounge +hiss open and shut. + +"Am I disturbing you?" came Will Riker's tenative voice in the +darkness. + +His voice caused a spot in her stomach to tingle. "Please come +in, Commander." + +Riker crossed the carpeted floor to the window. He stood silent +for a moment, then became aware of a low, resonating melody. It +sounded vaguely familiar, like a forgotten childhood nursery +rhyme. As it echoed in his head, he tried in vain to identify +it. Will felt his muscles relax as the song enveloped him. +Then, suddenly, the music stopped. He swayed slightly, as if a +supporting hand had just released him. "What was that?" he +asked. + +"Sapienestra. It is the life-song of your race." she said. +"Every species has its own life-song, a melody that represents +and binds them to their home world. The Earth was filled with +these songs. So many are silent now." she added in a sad voice. + +Riker looked down at her. He had expected her to be changed; +smaller, or more vulnerable perhaps. But she appeared more +composed, more at peace with herself. "What will you do now?" he +asked, changing the subject. + +She placed the tips of her long fingers together. "I believe I +will enter the Academy." + +"Starfleet Academy?" Will said in a surprised voice. + +A smile crossed Ayla's lips. "Is there another Academy with +which I am not familiar?" + +"Well, yes, there's the Vulcan Science Academy, but surely you +can't mean..." he stammered. + +Ayla turned her green eyes on him. "Will, Starfleet knows of my +existence now. I can no longer do my work from the outside. I +must work from inside." + +"It will take you years to get through." he continued, taking the +seat next to her. "Couldn't you stay and work from here?" The +words tumbled out of his mouth before he could stop them. + +"Think about what you are asking." she said. + +"I am." he lied. "I want you to stay." The words made him +nervous, as if he was revealing a weakness. + +Ayla reached up and stroked his cheek, feeling the roughness of +his beard beneath her hand. "Oh Will," she said, "it has been so +long since I have rested, so long since..." she paused, seeing +hope leap up in his eyes. "I must go. It is my duty, as your +commission is yours. Who knows," she added, her eyes twinkling, +"we may meet again out here. Perhaps I will have the good +fortune to serve with you." + +Riker smiled. "It would be fortunate indeed." + +She returned the smile. "So tell me, Commander," she teased, +"are all the men in Starfleet Academy as attractive as yourself?" + +"No," he growled and pulled her into an embrace. +================================================================= + The End +================================================================= +Characters in Star Trek and Star Trek: The Next Generation are +copyrighted by Paramount Pictures, Inc. +Text and story, _The Witness_ by Kathryn J. Aikin, copyright +1992. + diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/tinman.rev b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/tinman.rev new file mode 100644 index 00000000..2311956e --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/tinman.rev @@ -0,0 +1,157 @@ +WARNING: The following post contains spoiler information for this week's TNG +episode, "Tin Man", so if you're squeamish about spoilers... + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +Hmm. + +This is going to be a difficult review to write. + +On the one hand, there were several things I really enjoyed watching this +week. On the other hand, much of this show smelled entirely too much like the +really bad parts of ST:TMP. More on that, after this word from your local +synopsis: + +The Enterprise is diverted to a far distant star system, further than any +manned probe has ever gone (and neither in Federation nor Romulan space, BTW). +They take on board a passenger/Mission Specialist: one Tam Elbrun, a male +Betazoid who is something of a genetic freak. You see, most Betazoids do not +acquire full telepathic abilities until adolescence, but Tam was born with the +ability, and the early barrage of thoughts and feelings has made him a bit... +strange. He is, however, the Federation's #1 man for first-contact situations. + +Yes, that's relevant. The reason the Enterprise has been diverted is that +Federation long-range probes have detected a new life-form in the system to +which they're heading. It's roughly starship-sized and -shaped, but is most +definitely alive. Unfortunately, the Romulans have laid claim to that section +of space, so it's a race to get there first and to make first contact with, as +the Federation has termed it, "Tin Man". (Hence the sending of the Enterprise: +it's the Federation's fastest ship, and also faster than any Warbird.) + +However, things naturally don't go all that smoothly. Two Rihan ships are also +trying to get to "Tin Man". One of them, by driving its engines to 30% above +operating safety limits and completely crippling its own warp drive, manages +to overtake the Enterprise on the outskirts of the system and hit it with a +few well-placed shots, delaying it long enough so that the Warbird reaches TM +first. It cannot make any contact, however, so decides to destroy TM before it +can be used against them. Tam, in a desperate effort, makes conscious contact +with TM, wakes it up, and warns it of impending danger. TM reacts instinctive- +ly, destroying the Warbird...and almost the Enterprise. Main computers are +partially down and shields are completely inoperative for the time being. + +We find out that TM calls itself G'amtu (sp?), and once had a crew, with which +it lived in symbiosis. Once they died, it felt it had no reason to live, and +so came to this star system to die when the star went supernova (which, as I +should have mentioned earlier, it's about to do). While Geordi frantically +struggles to make SOMETHING work on the Enterprise, the second Warbird shows up. +It claims right of vengeance on TM, and warns the Enterprise not to interfere. +Unfortunately, by this time Tam and Data are on board TM. Tam and TM find in +each other the healing they need, manage to throw both the Warbird and the +Enterprise well clear of the system, and send Data back to the Enterprise, un- +harmed and somewhat awestruck by what he has just witnessed. + +Well, anyway, here's some comments. + +The good thing about this show was NOT the plot. The plot was, in many ways, +similar to what we've witnessed many times before, particularly in ST:TMP. +Among other things, Tam's closing line before merging with G'amtu is "This is +where I belong", which is just too much like Will Decker to suit me. No, +'twasn't the plot. + +What was good, for the most part, was the characterization. It was pretty good, +but I'll lay down some specifics: + +--We got to see Geordi actually DO something in Engineering...something criti- +cal, even. It gave me a nice feeling to hear him say, "I can have shields for +you in thirty minutes," only to have Picard reply, "You've got TEN." He +managed to repair shields, bring back up both the main computer and the long- +range sensors (partially)...nice job. + +--Riker's anger at Tam over the incident for which Tam is now infamous (a +first-contact that went wrong) was very well contained, and even well justi- +fied (he lost two friends from his Academy class in that disaster). Rather +than hearing him bellow out gripes against someone, he seemed to be holding +it all in for the sake of the mission (which, of course, is kinda useless +when the person you're trying to hide it from is a telepath). Nicely done. + +Also, the effects seemed better than usual. (Or maybe just fresher--after +"Captain's Holiday" and then two weeks of reruns, any good effects sequence +is refreshing.) The first shot of the Warbird decloaking, firing, and swooping +past the Enterprise was very well shot, and we finally had a good comparison +of the sizes (that Warbird is a BIG sucker!). + +Finally (for good points), the music for most of the show was also a new sound, +and very well put together, particularly during Romulan attacks. Always a +plus. + +Now, for some bad points. First of all, the plot, as I said, was mostly rehash. +Even beyond that, though, I found one or two gaping problems: + +1) Picard should on no account have allowed Data to go over to TM with Tam. +If Starfleet were worried about having both Soong-type androids on one ship in +"The Offspring", they're gonna have a cow when they hear about this. "Okay, +Picard, let's get this straight. You had a Romulan Warbird warping in for +the express purpose of destroying this lifeform, you had no way of protecting +it that you knew of other than provoking it to destroy the Warbird AND you, +and you decided to beam over our ONLY Soong-type android??! Report to my +office tomorrow at 0900, Lieutenant Picard." + +2) If the Warbird knew how damaged the Enterprise was (and they probably +did), why didn't they stop to destroy it first? It would take away any chance +of their interfering, and would be a bonus to take back to the Empire. "Well, +our mission was a failure, but we blew the Federation flagship to bits..." + +Now, Tam was both a pleasure and a problem. For about the first half of the +show, I was fascinated by him (very much like I was enthralled by Quintin +Stone in Peter David's _A Rock and a Hard Place_). It even looked like he +might be able to pull off sensing the "intense pain" better than Marina +Sirtis ever has. Unfortunately, they didn't do as much with him as I would +have liked, and he did start whining a bit near the end. Wasted potential. +Sigh. + +I guess that covers about everything. Time for the ratings, I suppose: + +Plot: 5. That's about all this baby gets. +Plot Handling: 6. Adequate, but nondescript. +Characterization: 9. If Tam had been better, this might have been a 10. +Technical: 8.5. Excellent effects and music, but stars about to go supernova + don't go gradually, with hours and hours of warning. + +TOTAL: 7.1. Not bad, but not great, either. + +NEXT WEEK: + +Something which should be "Hollow Pursuits", but doesn't mention anything +about what I've heard. This might not be such a good sign, when Richard +Arnold lauds one thing and Paramount promotes another. + +Tim Lynch (Cornell's first Astronomy Major) +BITNET: H52Y@CRNLVAX5 +INTERNET: H52Y@VAX5.CIT.CORNELL.EDU +UUCP: ...!rochester!cornell!vax5.cit.cornell.edu!h52y +"Oh, Mom, I wonder when I'll be waking, +It's just that there's so much to do and I'm tired of sleeping..." + --Suzanne Vega, "Tired of Sleeping" diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/tms0493.txt b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/tms0493.txt new file mode 100644 index 00000000..d5a23f2c --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/tms0493.txt @@ -0,0 +1,641 @@ + Star Trek Movie Lists of Lists + compiled by Mark Holtz + (Revised April 7, 1993) + +DISCLAIMER: "Star Trek", "Enterprise", and all other related items are +copyright and trademarks of Paramount Communications. Any infringement of +these lists on Paramount's legitimate copyright and trademarks is purely +unintentional, and will be corrected upon proper notification. These lists are +for the enjoyment of the reader only, and may not be sold. + +This is the Star Trek Movie List of Lists. It contains a listing of all the +"Star Trek" movie series, plus some added notes. (Due to length +considerations, there is a separate TOS/TAS, TNG, and DS9 List of Lists). This +list comes out around the 1st every month. However, a posting may not come out +due to events beyond my control. + +If you are wondering why I compile these lists, it is strictly out of the +enjoyment of "Star Trek", and enjoy the wealth of information from fellow Star +Trek fans who post on the electronic networks. After being irritated by the +ever constant requests for episode lists on Usenet, I decided, in the middle +of 1990, to post a list of episodes on a regular basis. It soon grew from +that, and, with the contributions of other people, these lists grew to what +you see today. (And still growing). The only payment I ask is thanks and +contributions. I am not making a dime off these compilations. + +To contact the compiler, try the following e-mail addresses: + + Usenet: mholtz@netcom.com + Compuserve: Use Usenet gateway +Fidonet Netmail: Mark Holtz@1:203/1701 (The Itchy & Scratchy Show) + US Snail: Mark Holtz + c/o Valley Mfg. & Eng. Co. + 11358 Amalgam Way, Unit 2 + Rancho Cordova, CA 95670 + +Table Of Contents +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +Star Trek: The Motion Picture + Additional Cast + Starfleet + Klingons + Did You Know . . . + Operation SNAFU +Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan + Additional Cast + Did You Know . . . + Operation SNAFU +Star Trek III: The Search for Spock +Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home + Did You Know . . . + Operation SNAFU +Star Trek V: The Final Frontier + Operation SNAFU +Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country +Thanks to..... +Eugene Wesley "Gene" Roddenberry +{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{} + Star Trek: + The Motion Picture + +Movie Opened: December 7, 1979 +Stardate: 7412.3 + +Additional Cast +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +Starfleet +-=======- +Majel Barrett-Roddenberry - Doctor Christine Chapel +Michelle Ameen Billy - Epsilon Monitoring Station Lieutenant +Roger Aaron Brown - Epsilon Monitoring Station Technician +Paula Crist - Crewman +Steven Collins - Captain Willard Decker +Gary Faga - Airlock Technician +David Gatreaux - Commander Branch +John D. Gowans - Transporter Assistant +Doug Hale - Computer +Leslie C. Howard - Crewman +Sayra Hummel - Engineer +Howard Itzkowitz - Cargo Deck Ensign +Junero Jennings - Engineer +Jon Kamael - Lieutenant Commander Sonak +Persis Khambatta - Lieutenant Ilia +Marcy Lafferty - Relief Navigator Chief DeFalco +Terrance O'Connor - Chief Ross +Michael Roygas - Lieutenant Cleary +Susan J. Sullivan - Crewman +Grace Lee Whitney - Transporter Chief Janice Rand +Billy van Zandt - Alien Ensign + +Bridge Crewman: Ralph Brennan, Ralph Byers, Iva Lane, Franklyn Seales, Momo +Yashima + +Security Officer - John Dresden, Joshua Gallegos, Rod Perry + +Vulcan Masters: Edna Gover, Norman Stuart, Paul Weber + +Klingons +-======- +Mark Lenard - Klingon Captain + +Klingon Crewmen: Jimmie Booth, Joel Kramer, Bill McTosh, Dave Mordigan, Tom +Morga, Tony Rocco, Joel Schultz, Craig Thomas + +Did you know . . . +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +. . . That many of the sets constructed for this movie have been re-used and +re-dressed for the subsequent films and have been used (albeit painted over) +on subsequent movies and Star Trek: The Next Generation. One of these sets was +originally used in the TMP Klingon bridge. It was later used as the TWOK +dilithium reactor room, TVH Klingon "lab" where Spock searched for the +identity of the Probe's signal, and on TNG as backgrounds for various alien +ships. + +. . . The initial set construction was originally supposed to be for a new +series that was going to be a flagship of a proposed Paramount 4th network +titled "Star Trek II"? + +. . . The recreation deck briefing consisted of mostly Star Trek fans. Word +leaked out that they needed a lot of extras for a day of shooting, and many +fans showed up, on word of mouth alone, for this day of shooting. A casting +call was never issued. + +Operation SNAFU +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +* When the travel pod with Kirk and Scotty dock at the Enterprise they are as + Cargo 5 (Look over the Door). But the Announcement says Cargo 6 + +* In one of the extra scenes in the normal P&S video release where Kirk leaves + the airlock and goes after Spock, you can clearly see where the set ends and + where a variety of girders and other construction material starts. + +* When Chekov gets his hand burned, Ilia goes up to help him. The camera cuts + to Kirk with his back to the viewer, and Ilia is still sitting in her chair. + Then, in the next shot, Ilia is seen leaving Chekov and going back to sit + down. + +* During the climactic scene outside of the Enterprise (inside of V'ger), + Kirk, Spock, and McCoy are all wearing jackets with a colored band on the + sleeve. Just after they re-enter the Enterprise and are back on the bridge, + the colors on Spock's and McCoy's jackets are switched. +-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+ + Star Trek II: + The Wrath of Khan + +Movie Opened: June 4, 1982 +Stardate: 8130.3 + +Additional Cast +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +Kirstie Alley - Lieutenant JG Saavik +Bibi Besch - Doctor Carol Marcus +Merritt Butrick - Doctor David Marcus +Ike Eisenmann - Cadet Peter Preston +Nicholas Guest - Cadet +Paul Kent - Beach +Joel Marstan - Crew Chief +Ricardo Montalban - Khan Noonian Singh +Judson Scott - Joachim (uncredited) +Kevin Sullivan - March +Russell Takaki - Madison +John Vargas - Jedda +Paul Winfield - Captain Clark Terrell +John Winston - Communications Officer/Commander Kyle + +Did you know . . . +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +. . . that all of the actors who played Khan's men were, at the time, male +strippers of Chippindales? + +Operation SNAFU +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +* One of the best known SNAFU's is when Khan says to Chekov, "I never forget a + face". "Space Seed" aired during the first season of Star Trek, and Chekov + joined the crew during the second season. It was known before production + started that this was an error, and yet, the powers that be did not want to + leave out Walter Koenig. + +* The blood stain on Kirk's jacket is constantly changing. + +* Saavik mentions that visuals and tactical displays don't function in the + Mutara Nebula. Sulu has a lot of difficulty locating and hitting the + Reliant, but Spock's scanners are able to pinpoint the Reliant's impulse + engines and get a clear reading of the Genesis Wave. Later, Chekov not only + scores three direct hits on the Reliant, but he also knows the exact + distance from Reliant before the Genesis device exploded (4000 km). + +* When Joachim, one of Khan's injured men, is injured and says, "Yours is the + superior intellect", he then dies with his eyes open. However, when Khan + hugs him, his eyes suddenly close. + +* Saavik says that "shields will be useless" in the nebula. However, the + Enterprise enters Warp from inside the nebula....it should have been crushed + since navigational deflectors are a type of shield. +(:)(:)(:)(:)(:)(:)(:)(:)(:)(:)(:)(:)(:)(:)(:)(:)(:)(:)(:)(:)(:)(:)(:)(:)(:)(:) + Star Trek III: + The Search for Spock + +Movie Opened: June 1, 1984 +Stardate: 8210.3 + +Additional Cast +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +Philip Richard Allen - Captain J. T. Esteban +Dama Judith Anderson - T'Lar/Vulcan High Priestess +Merritt Butrick - Doctor David Marcus +Katherine Blum - Vulcan Child +Dave Cadiente - Klingon Sergeant +Bob Cummings - Klingon Gunner +Robin Curtis - Lieutenant JG Saavik +Joe W. Davis - Spock +Gary Faga - Security Officer +Miguel Ferrer - Excelsior First Officer +Conroy Gedeon - Starfleet Security Agent +Robert Hooks - Admiral (Commander) Morrow +John Larroquette - Maltz +Mark Lenard - Ambassador Sarek +Stephen Liska - Torg +Christopher Lloyd - Kruge +Stephen Manley - Spock +Mario Marcelino - Grissom Communications Officer +Scott McGinnis - Starbase Communication Officer +Allan Miller - Alien Captain +Jeanne Mori - Grissom Helmsman +Phil Morris - Crewman Trainee Foster +Vadia Potenza - Spock +Branscombe Richmond - Klingon Gunner +Douglas Alan Shanklin - Security Officer +Cathie Shirriff - Valkris +James B. Sikking - Captain Styles +Paul Sorensen - Merchant Captain +Carl Steven - Spock +Grace Lee Whitney - Commander Janice Rand + +Operation SNAFU +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +* In "The Menagerie-Part One", Spock says "This is the Enterprise, 17 years + ago". Yet, during Star Trek III, the Admiral says "There will be no refit of + Enterprise...she's twenty years old." This would mean that most of TOS, the + lost years, Star Trek I and II would have taken place within three years. + Perhaps Starfleet was embarassed about the Genesis project and wanted to + deny Kirk his ship. + +* When Chekov detects an intruder in Spock's quarters, the graphics used are + that of a TOS style Constitution class ship, not that of a Movie style + refit. Perhaps the Starfleet computer contractors screwed up and installed + improper graphic files? + +* The apparent size of the Bird of Prey changes several times during the + movie. At the beginning, it looks huge, but, at the end, it's smaller. + +* The Enterprise barely clears the space dock doors. No other space dock doors + are shown, and the interior of the dock looks rather confining. However, the + Excelsior, shown to be easily bigger than the Enterprise, somehow got out of + the docking area without delay. +<-><-><-><-><-><-><-><-><-><-><-><-><-><-><-><-><-><-><-><-><-><-><-><-><-><-> + "The cast and crew of Star Trek wish to dedicate this film to the men and + women of the spaceship Challenger, whose courageous spirit shall live to the + 23rd century and beyond. . . ." + + Star Trek IV: + The Voyage Home + +Movie Opened: November 26, 1986 + +Stardate 8390.0: Kirk notes in his log entry that they are beginning their +third month of exile on Vulcan. This means that this film takes place two +months after the end of Star Trek III. + +Additional Cast +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +Vijay Amritraj - Yorktown Captain +Majel Barrett-Roddenberry - Cmdr./Dr. Christine Chapel +Mike Berryman - Starfleet Command Display Officer +Mike Brislane - Saratoga Science Officer +Robin Curtis - Lt. Saavik +Scott DeVenney - Bob Briggs +Tony Edwards - Huey Pilot +David Ellenstein - Male Doctor +Robert Ellenstein - Federation Council President +Thaddeus Golas - Starfleet Controller +Richard Harder - Joe +Alex Hentelhoff - Nichols +Catherine Hicks - Dr. Gillian Taylor +Greg Karas - Intern +Joe Lando - Shore Patrolman +Everett Lee - Cafe Owner +Judy Levitt - Female Doctor +Mark Lenard - Ambassador Sarek +Jeff Lester - FBI Agent +Jeffery Martin - Electronics Technician +James Menges - Male Jogger +John Miranda - Sanitation Engineer +Tom Mustin - Intern +1st Sgt Hoseph Naradzay, USMC - Marine Sargent +Joe Knowland - Antique Store Owner +Brock Peters - Fleet Admiral/Commander-In-Chief Cartwright +Martin Pristone - Starfleet Controller +Nick Ramus - Saratoga Helmsman +Phil Rubenstein - Sanitation Engineer +Bob Sarlatte - Italian Restaurant Waiter +John Schuck - Klingon Ambassador +Madge Sinclair - Saratoga Captain +Raymond Singer - Young Doctor +Eve Smith - Dialysis Patient +Michael Snyder - Starfleet Command Communications Officer +Viola Stimpson - Lady in tour +Newell Tarrant - CDO +Kirk Thatcher - Punk with radio +Mike Timoney - Electronics Technician +Teresa E. Victor - Usher +Jane Wiedlin - Alien Communications Officer +Grace Lee Whitney - Transporter Chief/Cmdr. Janice Rand +Jane Wyatt - Amanda Grayson +1st Lt. Donald W. Zautcke, USMC - Marine Lieutenant + +Shakespeare +~~~~~~~~~~~ +McCoy quotes the famous line, "Angels and ministers of grace, defend us!" from +Hamlet 1.4.39. The entire passage is in "Hamlet 1.4.39-57". + +Did you know . . . +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +. . . In the scene where Uhura and Chekov are looking for the nuclear vessels, +a woman passes by and says "Across the bay, in Alameda." The scene was +originally written with no one responding, and the woman was just passing by, +unaware of any shooting that was going in. They had to track her down to get +her release on the film, and she just asked for a day's pay. + +. . . Part of the reason whales were featured in this film was because both +William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy are members of the "Save The Whales" +organization. + +. . . Kirk Thatcher is the son of former English Prime Minister Margaret +Thatcher. Among other things, he is an independent record producer, television +producer, and special effects/animatronics techie. That was his own hair and +punk rock band playing on the bus during Star Trek IV. + +Operation SNAFU +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +* The Klingon bridge received a complete makeover between III and IV. + +* The Klingon transporter is shown to have 4 pads. However, in III, six + Klingons were beamed down at once. (Maybe they hugged....) Also, according + to the "Day of the Dove", Klingon transporters are silent. + +* In the dinner scene between Kirk and Gillian, the candle in the middle of + the table is constantly changing position. + +* When Scotty is holding the mouse, his middle finger is missing. +\|/|\|/|\|/|\|/|\|/|\|/|\|/|\|/|\|/|\|/|\|/|\|/|\|/|\|/|\|/|\|/|\|/|\|/|\|/|\| + Star Trek V: + The Final Frontier + +Movie Opened: June 9, 1989 + +Stardate: 8454.1 - This movie take place almost immediately after Star Trek +IV, when the Enterprise is undergoing repairs after a shakedown cruise. + +Additional Cast +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +Harve Bennett - "Bob"/Starfleet Chief of Staff +Cynthia Blaise - Young Amanda +Todd Bryant - Captain Klaa +Charles Cooper - Korrd +Cynthia Gouw - Caichin Dar +Beverly Hart - High Prestess +Rex Holman - J'onn +Laurence Luckinbill - Sybok +George Murdock - God Imposter +Bill Quinn - McCoy's Father +Melanie Shatner - Yeoman +Jonathan Simpson - Young Sarek +Steve Susskind - Pitchman +David Warner - St. John Talbolt +Spice Williams - Vixis + +Did You Know . . . +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +. . . That the shuttlebay in Star Trek V is the repainted royal throne room +from Eddie Murphy's "Coming To America." + +. . . Industrial Light and Magic was unable to do the special effects work for +Star Trek V because they were overloaded with the effects work for +RCA/Columbia's "Ghostbusters II" and Paramount's "Indiana Jones and the Last +Crusade." A stock shot from Star Trek IV was used in Star Trek V, and thus, +ILM has to receive credit. + +Operation SNAFU +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +While many Star Trek fans consider the entire film to be a SNAFU, here are +some specific mistakes.... + +* In the opening sequence, when Kirk falls off the cliff, Spock catches him + before he crashes into the ground. Right after he's caught, take a close + look at his shirt. One part of it is puffed out where wires are attached to + keep Shatner from swaying back and forth. + +* The citizens of Nimbus III, "The Planet of Galactic Peace", were forbidden + any weapons, yet General Koord carries a pistol, and the people in the bar + have a gatling gun. + +* Starfleet Headquarters is in the same time zone as Yosemite. When Kirk, + Spock and McCoy leave Yosemite, it's dark; yet, when they are aboard the + Enterprise talking to "Bob" from Starfleet, it's daytime in the background. + Maybe "Bob" uses a fake window, a la "Total Recall".... + +* If you watch the far side of the Galileo when it first lands in the hanger + deck, you can see the feet of some stage hands rolling the shuttle into + place just in front of the advancing fog. + +* When Kirk, Spock, and McCoy shoot up the access way aboard the Enterprise + while escaping Sybok's men, watch the deck numbering. They pass by deck 52 + twice. Also, the decks in turboshaft 3 are numbered one to seventy-eight. + The Enterprise is only 71 meters in overall draft, which would give each + deck just under one meter of height. + +* When the Klingons fire on the Enterprise, it just had used the transporters + so the shields must be down. Yet, there is not one mark on the ship to + indicate a torpedo hit. +[=][=][=][=][=][=][=][=][=][=][=][=][=][=][=][=][=][=][=][=][=][=][=][=][=][=] + "For Gene Roddenberry" + + Star Trek VI: + The Undiscovered Country + +Movie Opened: December 6, 1991 +Stardate: 9521.6 + +Additional Cast +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +John Bloom - Behemoth Alien +Jim Boeke - First Klingon General +Michael Bofshevor - Excelsior Engineer +Todd Bryant - Klingon Translator +Kim Catrall - Lt. Valeris +Carlos Cestero - Munitions Man +Edward Clements - Young Crewman +Rosana DeSoto - Azetbur +Michael Dorn - Klingon Defense Attorney "Worf" +Robert Easton - Klingon Judge +Douglas Engalla - Prisoner at Ruta Penthe +Darryl Henriques - Nanchus +Matthias Hues - Second Klingon General +Iman - Martia +Katie Jane Johnston - Martia as a child +Boris Lee Krutonog - Helmsman Lojur +Mark Lenard - Sarek +Judy Levitt - Military Aide +Tom Morga - The Brute +David Orange - Sleepy Klingon +Brock Peters - Admiral Cartwright +Brett Porter - General Stax +Christopher Plummer - General Chang +Jeremy Roberts - Excelsior Officer +Paul Rossilli - Kerla +Leon Russom - Chief in Command +Clifford Shegog - Klingon Officer +John Schuck - Klingon Ambassador +Shakti - ADC +W. Morgan Sheppard - Rura Penthe prison warden +Christian Slater - Excelsior Crewman +Kurtwood Smith - Federation President +Michael Snyder - Crewman Dax +Angelo Tiffe - Excelsior Navigator +David Warner - Chancellor Gorkon +Grace Lee Whitney - Excelsior Communications Officer + +Changes from theater version +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +When Star Trek VI was released to home video, it added several scenes, +including the following: + +1. A scene in which a potential rescue plan is discussed with a Colonel West. +2. A scene in the torpedo tubes in which it is revealed that Klingons have no + tear ducts. +3. The final scene in which the assassin is revealed to be Colonel West. + +TNG Sets +~~~~~~~~ +* Look closely at the warp engines in Engineering. Straight out of TNG. + +* When Scotty is looking at the prints for the Enterprise, look behind him. + There are the windows for the briefing room. This room was also redressed + for the dining room, and, in reconstruction for TNG's fifth season, they + damaged the wall. + +* Also, look at the presidents office. If you look closely where the view + screen is located, you could swear, by the placement, that a certain bar + seems to belong there also. Also, look at the windows and the entryway. The + president's office is Ten-Forward. + +Shakespeare +~~~~~~~~~~~ +The subtitle "The Undiscovered Country" comes from "Hamlet 3.1.80". In +addition to the title of the movie, the following make further reference to +Hamlet's soliloquy: First, when Chancellor Gorkon toast to "The Undiscovered +Country", and then, with General Chang just before the photon torpedo hits his +ship. + Many have criticized the movie's use of "the undiscovered country" in +applying it to the future rather than death. Yet change is death--the death +of that which is familiar to us. Like Hamlet, Kirk asks himself, "To be or not +to be." If the Federation allies itself with the Klingon Empire, it will be +the death of the universe as he knows it. It could, in fact, be disastrous: +"ills that we know not of" might await the Federation should peace be made. +The undiscovered country could be too agonizing, so it is safer to cling on to +the "ills we have, [rather] than fly to others that we know not of." + Of course, the undiscovered country may also be wonderful beyond +description. That is the dilemma Hamlet faced, and it is also the dilemma +which Kirk faces, though (like Hamlet) Kirk does not face this possibility for +some time, preferring to cling on to the familiar ills of war and hatred. + As viewers, we are quite aware of just what lies in the undiscovered +country Kirk was so afraid of. We have seen the next generation of explorers +(even if they never explore anything). I find it amusing that the "ills we +know not of" happen to be seen weekly as Star Trek: The Next Generation. + Further Shakespeare references: + +As the Klingons leave the Enterprise, Chang says: +- "Parting is such sweet sorrow." Romeo and Juliet 2.2.184 +- "Have we not heard the chimes at midnight?" + 2 Henry IV 3.2.212 [paraphrase] + +During the trial scene, Chang says: +- "Let us sit upon the ground + And tell sad stories of the death of kings: + Richard II 3.2.155-56 + +And during the final show-down, Chang says: + +- "Once more into the breach, dear friends." Henry V 3.1.1 + +- "There's a divinity that shapes our ends + Rough-hew them how we will--" Hamlet 5.2.10-11 + +- "This above all: to thine own self be true." + Hamlet 1.3.78 + +- "If you have tears, prepare to shed them now." + Julius Caesar 3.2.168 + +- "How long will a man lie in space ere he rot?" + Hamlet 5.1.163 + [paraphrase] + +- "Our revels now are ended." The Tempest 3.1.148 + +- "Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer + The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, + Or to take arms against a sea of troubles . . ." + Hamlet 3.1.58-60 + +- "Hath not a Klingon hands, organs . . . + affections, passions? Tickle us, do we not + laugh? Prick us, do we not bleed? Wrong us, + shall we not revenge?" Merchant of Venice 3.1.56-63 + [paraphrase] + +- "I am constant as the northern star." + Julius Caesar 3.1.60 + +- "The game's afoot." Henry V 3.1.32 + +- "Cry 'havoc!' and let slip the dogs of war." + Julius Caesar 3.1.274 + +- "To be or not to be." Hamlet 3.1.57 + +[Note: The source which I got this information from relied upon the +novelization of VI, so any corrections would be appreciated!!!! - mholtz] + +Operation SNAFU +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +* When the Excelsior is hit by the subspace shock wave, Valtane is standing + near Sulu at the captain's chair. The next few scenes show crewmembers being + shaken about. One of the scenes shows Valtane at his station behind a few + crewmembers. The next scene has Valtane next to Sulu again (walking back to + his station, I believe) + +* Valeris is called "Lieutenant", but wears Commander Insignia. Maybe she's a + Lieutenant Commander? + +* In VI, Valeris flies the Enterprise-A out of dock under 1/4 impulse power, + and it zooms out in 2 seconds. However, in III, that same sequence takes + over 2 minutes for both the Enterprise and the Excelsior. + +* McCoy, at one point, had to shoot someone with a hypospray. While the hypo + was designed to look like the original series hypo, McCoy used it backwards. + +* Kirk and McCoy are arrested over two hours after Gorkon is assassinated + (watch the clocks). However, it is implied that they beamed over + immediately. They must've switched over to Klingon Daylight Time..... + +* Kirk's trial begins at around 9 AM Federation time, goes past 11, 3, and 6 + once, and then goes to around 11:30. That's over 14 hours....the trial was + at a snail's pace. + +* During the interrogation sequence, a clock behind Scotty reads several + minutes earlier than the previous shot. It's with his line, "Then we're + dead." + +* The Fed President is told by Chancellor Azetbur that any attempt to rescue + the prisoners will be considered an act of war. As she is saying this, the + plans for Operation: Retrieve are just a few feet away from the President! + +* Deck labels indicate that the transporter room is on Deck 7, yet, when the + officers discover the bodies of the conspirators, they're on Deck 8. + +* When Kirk and McCoy are on Rura Penthe, and that tall alien is definitely on + about something, McCoy says, "He's definitely on about something, Jim." + However, that piece of a dialog is captured on two shots, and, in the first + half of the shot, McCoy's lips are not moving. (UV) + +* The Klingons on the bird of prey have purple blood, but the Klingon at the + end has red blood, which is seen on the spike on his shoulder. It was later + revealed in the video version that the assassin was Human in Klingon + disguise. (V) + +* The closing credits have Uhura listed as "Uhuru". Oops, although Uhuru is + the proper Swahili spelling for "Freedom". +@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@* + Thanks to . . . + +Larry Reznick - For checking over these lists for those ever elusive typos + +David Learn - For the Shakespeare material + +Mike Beltzner, William James Cuffe, Murry Chapman, Tim Dayger, Richard F. +Drushel, Allan Finkas, Neil Fraser, Zorch Frezberg, J. Scott Hofmann, Jon +Jerome, Michael Kaufman, Charles Anthony Leone, Paul Maserang, Robert Oliver, +"Doc Science", Robert Seidel, Chas Stokes, Dave Sturm, Robert Timlin +#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#=#= + Eugene Wesley "Gene" Roddenberry + August 19, 1921 - October 24, 1991 + +He created a legend which continues on today, creating a show that has helped +believe that there was a future worth living for. He showed us that space is +not just for space battles, but for learning new ideas and ways of thinking, +and, indirectly, has done more for civil rights and the space program than +Martin Luther King, Jr. and John F. Kennedy. Gene will be missed, but will not +be forgotten. +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ + Keep circulating the List of Lists. diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/tng-meet b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/tng-meet new file mode 100644 index 00000000..4c56b6ce --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/tng-meet @@ -0,0 +1,222 @@ +Subject: STORY: ST:TNG meet The Three Little Pigs +NNTP-Posting-Host: news.cs.utexas.edu + +~Subject: In really bad taste, I present the crossover of crossovers: + + ST:TNG meets The Three Little Pigs + +Copyright 1993 by Sharad Gupta +{Append standard disclaimers} + +I have a two year old daughter who will not eat unless someone, usually +me, reads the "Pigs" story to her. I had started to feel it's effects +only recently, so to avoid brain meltdown, I modified the story a +wee little bit. [No, Barney is not real, Barney is not real, barney +is not..., barne...] + +[BTW "three little starfleet officers" is serious tongue twister to +the unwary.] + +This is the story of three little starfleet officers, +and one big bad Borg. [Surprise surprise.] + +The three little starfleet officers lived in a starship +at the bottom of a gravity well. +They lived with their bartender, Guinan. + +The big, bad Borg lived in a starship +at the top of the gravity well. +He lived all alone. + +One day Guinan said, +"Boys, it's time for you to go your own way. +And live in your own starships." + +"Yes, it is time," said the first little starfleet officer, Wesley. +"To go our own way," said the second little starfleet officer, Geordie. +"And to live in our own starships," said the +third little starfleet officer, Data. +So the three little starfleet officers packed their bags. +They left the starship at the bottom of the gravity well. + +"Good-by now," Guinan said. +"And don't forget-watch out for the big, bad Borg. +He assimilates little starfleet officers." +"We won't forget," said the three little starfleet officers. +"B is for big," said Wesley. +"B is for bad," said Geordie. +"Borg is for wolf," said Data. +They waved good-bye and went their merry way. + +Soon they came to a place where three wormholes met. +"I'll go this way and build a starship," said Wesley. +"I'll go that way and build a starship," said Geordie. +"And I'll stay right here and build my starbase," said Data. +So each little starfleet officer went his own way. + +Wesley built his starship of straw. [Ok, I know. YOU give me a better idea.] +One, two, three, snip, snap! His starship was done. +It was not a very good starship. +It was not a very strong starship. + +"But who cares?" said Wesley. +"I don't want to work all day. +I want to dance and play." [All together: SHUT UP WESLEY!!!] +He did. + +But someone was watching from the top of the gravity well. +Someone who liked to assimilate little starfleet officers. + +Geordie built his starship of sticks. +One, two, three, zip, zap! +His starship was done. +It was not a very good starship. +Or very strong. [Typical starfleet engineering] +"But who cares?" said that little starfleet officer. +"I don't want to work all day. +I want to sing and play." +This is what he did. [Picture Geordie dancing around playing a fiddle.] + +But someone was watching from the top of the gravity well. +Someone who liked to assimilate little starfleet officers. + +Data built his starbase of tritanium pre-fab bricks. +Now this little starfleet officer worked hard. +He made a floor of dilithium. [He had to be different.] +He made an airlock. [Whatever for?] + +He built his starbase brick by brick. +And he made a docking pilon at the hub. [Instead of on the rim like a dork.] + +"Now I have time to rest and play," +said the third little starfleet officer. +And so he did. + +But someone was watching from the top of the gravity well. +Someone who liked to assimilate little starfleet officers. + +Next day, someone came down the gravity well. +THE BIG, BAD, BORG! +He matched courses with the starship of straw. +He opened hailing frequencies. +"Little starfleet officer, little starfleet officer, drop your +shields," he called. + +The first little starfleet officer looked at the viewscreen. +He saw the big, bad Borg. +"No, no, by the hair of my chinny-chin-chin, +I won't let YOU in," said the first little starfleet officer. +"Then I'll power-up, and fire phasers, and I'll blow +your starship in," said the Borg. + +He powered-up, and he fired phasers. +And he blew that starship of straw right down. +That little starfleet officer beamed out just in time. +[Sorry, maybe next time.] + +He beamed to Geordie's starship of sticks. +"Help! Help!" he cried. "The big, bad Borg is coming." +The second little starfleet officer quickly beamed him aboard, +and put up his shields. + +Now the big, bad Borg cloaked his ship in a hologram of NCC-1701. +He matched courses with the starship of sticks. +He opened hailing frequencies. +"Little starfleet officers, little starfleet officers, let me beam over," +he said in Uhura's voice. + +"Who are you?" asked the second little starfleet officer. +"I am Captain James T. Ki...," said the Borg sweetly. [Puke, gasp, choke] +The two little starfleet officers checked their sensors. +They could see the Borg ship where the corners stuck out of the +hologram. +So geordie said, +"No, no, by the hair of my chinny-chin-chin. +I won't let you in." + +"Then I'll power-up, and I'll fire phasers, and I'll blow +your starship up," said the Borg. + +He powered-up, and he fired phasers. +And he powered-up some more, and fired phasers. +And he blew that starship right up. + +The two little starfleet officers beamed out just in time. +They beamed over to their brother's starbase of tritanium pre-fab bricks. + +"Help! Help! The big, bad Borg is coming." +The third little starfleet officer quickly let them in, +and sealed the airlock. [So who cares about reality anyways.] + +The Borg came. He opened hailing frequencies. +"Little starfleet officers, little starfleet officers, let me beam over," +the Borg called. +"No, no, by the hair of my chinny-chin-chin, +I won't let you in," said the third little starfleet officer. +"Then I'll power-up, and I'll fire phasers, and I'll blow your starbase up," +said the Borg. + +The two little starfleet officers were afraid, +But the third little strfleet officer said, +"Don't be afraid. The Borg can't blow this starbase up. +This is a very strong starbase." + +He said to the Borg, +"Go ahead, fire. Blow your head off. +We're not afraid of a big, bad Borg" + +So the Borg began... +He powered-up, and he fired phasers. +Then he powered-up, and he fired phasers. +then he powered-up, and fired phasers... +His engines overloaded. +His warp core melted. +His sensors overloaded. +BUT...still.. +He could not blow up that starbase. + +Now the Borg was mad! +He had to get those starfleet officers. +"I know what I'll do," he said. + +"I'll go up the side of the starbase- +brick by brick. +Then I'll slide down the docking pilon." + +The three little starfleet officers heard him on the docking pilon. +"He's on the docking pilon," said Wesley. +"He'll come down through it," said Geordie. +Data said, "Quick, let's throw Wesley to the Borg..." [Just kidding.] +Data said, "Quick, get a pot of hot antimatter." +They got a pot of hot antimatter. + +It was very hot! +They put it under the docking pilon. +The Borg came down the docking pilon. + +PLOP!!! He fell right into the pot of hot antimatter. +"Help! Help!" cried the Borg. "I'm in hot antimatter!" + +He jumped up. +He beamed out of the starbase. +He ran, and ran, and did not stop +until he got to his starship. +And he never came down the grvity well again. + +The Borg still lives in his starship, +at the top of the gravity well. +Alone. +He is still big, but isn't so bad. +He never assimilates little starfleet officiers any more. + +Now the three little starfleet officers live together +in the starbase of bricks. +They play and sing and are merry all day long. + +"Who's afraid of the big, bad Borg, +The big bad Borg, the big bad Borg? +Who's afraid of the big bad Borg? +Tra la la la la-a-a-a!" + + **** The End **** + diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/tng0493.txt b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/tng0493.txt new file mode 100644 index 00000000..edf4be32 --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/tng0493.txt @@ -0,0 +1,3254 @@ + Star Trek TNG List of Lists + compiled by Mark Holtz + (Revised April 7, 1993) + +DISCLAIMER: "Star Trek", "Enterprise", and all other related items are +copyright and trademarks of Paramount Communications. Any infringement of +these lists on Paramount's legitimate copyright and trademarks is purely +unintentional, and will be corrected upon proper notification. These lists are +for the enjoyment of the reader only, and may not be sold. Some items in these +lists are taken from Mike Brown's "ST:TNG Program Guide", and no copyright +infringement is intended. This list is only intended to supplement Mr. Brown's +guide, not replace it. You are highly recommended to purchase Mr. Brown's +guide. + This is the Star Trek TNG List of Lists. It contains a listing of all the +episodes for "Star Trek: The Next Generation" TV series, plus some added +notes. (Due to length considerations, there is a separate TOS/TAS, Movies, and +DSN List of Lists) This list comes out around the 1st of every month with a +repost on the 16th, except July and August, when it will come out on the 1st +only. However, a posting may not come out due to events beyond my control. + If you are wondering why I compile these lists, it is strictly out of the +enjoyment of "Star Trek", and have welcomed the wealth of information posted +by other fellow Star Trek fans who post on the electronic networks. After +being irritated by the ever constant requests for episode lists on Usenet, I +decided that, in the middle of 1990, to post a list of episodes on a regular +basis. It soon grew from that, and, with the contributions of other people, +these lists grew to what you see today. (And still growing). The only payment +I ask is thanks and contributions, I am not making a dime off these +compilations. + +To contact the compiler, try the following e-mail addresses: + Usenet: mholtz@netcom.com + Compuserve: Use Usenet gateway +Fidonet Netmail: Mark Holtz@1:203/1701 (The Itchy & Scratchy Show) + US Snail: Mark Holtz + c/o Valley Mfg. & Eng. Co. + 11358 Amalgam Way, Unit 2 + Rancho Cordova, CA 95670 + +Special Requests for Lists: This list is NOT available from the author at +sactoh0. However, FTP sites, BBSs, and e-mail servers are available upon +request. + +Table of Contents +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +Upcoming Episodes of "Star Trek: The Next Generation" + Air Schedule + Brief Descriptions +"Star Trek: The Next Generation" Episode Listings + Cast Listings + Regular Cast + Guest Stars + Season 1-6 Episode Listings + Syndication Notes + United States/Canada + England/United Kingdom + Germany + Hong Kong + Israel + Japan + Lebanon + Mexico/Puerto Rico + Quebec + Video Tape + Laser Disk + Changes from season to season + Major Species Appearances + The Borg + Cardassians + Ferrengi + Klingons + "Q" + Romulans + Stardates + Working Titles + What is canon? + Ranks and Insignia + Picard Surrenders + Picard Violates The Prime Directive + Command Offered To Commander Riker + Wesley Saves The Day. . . . + . . . . and Screws Up + The Walking Dead + Who's Smoking? + Saucer Separation + Shuttlecraft + Family Relations + Attempts At Self-Destruct + Time Travel + The Crew Taken Over + Enterprise Exceeds Warp Limits + TOS/TMS Crossovers in TNG + Security Codes + Convention Hints + How Many Episodes? + Birthdays + The Merry Men (and Women) of Qpid + Money In The Future + Religion In The Future + Did you know . . . + In-Jokes + Shakespeare + Differences in "Encounter At Farpoint" + Operation SNAFU + Data Using Contractions +Mike Brown's Program Guide +Thanks to . . . . +Eugene Wesley "Gene" Roddenberry +123456712345671234567123456712345671234567123456712345671234567123456712345671 + "On the next exciiiiting episode of + STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION" + +REMEMBER: All information in this section is rumor, and comes from various +sources. Most of the information below has appeared previously on the +electronic networks. Also, all information is subject to change. + +Sat. Date Week Of Episode Title +========= ============= ====================================================== +Apr 3 93 Apr 5-Apr 11 Lessons +Apr 10 93 Apr 12-Apr 18 Chain of Command, Part I *>REPEAT<* +Apr 17 93 Apr 19-Apr 25 Chain of Command, Part II *>REPEAT<* + +-- + +Apr 24 93 Apr 26-May 2 The Chase +May 1 93 May 3-May 9 Frame of Mind +May 8 93 May 10-May 16 Suspicions +- - Rightful Heir +- - Second Choices + +Also Scheduled +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +"Death Train", with Patrick Stewart about terrorists taking over a train +containing a nuclear bomb, airs on the USA network on April 14th at 9 PM/8 PM +Central. + +Lessons - Picard becomes romantically involved with a shipmate. At 3am, Picard +can't sleep and decides to get a drink and do some work, but Stellar +Cartography are using up all the computer power (hmmm....). When her gets down +to the lab to find out what's going on, he opens the door and ruins the +experiment. However, he and the Lieutenant Commander doing the work fall for +each other. (She is a pianist, and we have another scene with Data playing the +violin). + +The Chase - Norman Lloyd (St Elsewhere) plays Picard's old archeology tutor. +He tries to talk Picard into leaving Starfleet and going off on some +mega-important dig with him. Lots of dilemma. Eventually, the ship gets roped +into this trip anyway. Loads of aliens: Klingons, Romulans, Cardassians and +some new ones. (Directed by Jonathan Frakes) + +Frame of Mind - Riker is taking part in Bev's theatre group, playing a man in +an insane asylum. As time goes on, he inexplicably finds himself in a real +asylum, and the story mixes between these events. The others try to rescue +him, but he doesn't trust them. A 'what the heck's going on?' sort of story. + +Suspicions - Dr Crusher is accused of murder. While she tries to investigate a +killing, a second murder takes place - and this time, she is the only one who +could have done it! Whoopi makes an appearance in his one. + +Rightful Heir - Worf goes to a Klingon spiritual world to seek some answers +(after Birthright). Gowron is in this episode, plus a *load* of Klingon +extras. + +Second Chances - Tackles the Riker/Troi romance. One guest star will be Mae +Jemison, who became the first African-American woman in space with her shuttle +voyage, will play a transporation engineer. The astronaut's real-life +credentials are breathtaking. SHe's an M.D., who also holds a degree in +chemical engineering from Cornell, and speaks Swahili, Japanese and Russian - +plus English, of course. Levar Burton directs. + +- Next to last episode will be a time travel story. + +Season Finalle - Yet another cliffhanger....with the BORG! Lore returns. Also, +Data will use the holodeck computer to fashion a poker game with great +physicists such as Albert Einstein, Issac Newton, and Stephen Hawking (as +himself). + +Also scheduled.... +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +* Lwaxana Troi will be appearing in a episode. + +* The Borgs have changed after 'I, Borg'. + +* There will be an episode where the Klingon deity Kaylis (spelling unsure) + seems to have returned. We will see Worf in what we would know as a + meditation chamber. He will have a vision in which he sees her and is told + of her return. He must make sure, with the rest of the crew, that it is + truly her and not an imposter. + +Contract Status +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +According to Michael Dorn, serious contract negotiations and signings won't +begin until June 1st. + +Patrick Stewart signed for the seventh season. +-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+ + "Space, the final frontier, + these are the voyages of the starship Enterprise + it's continuing mission, + to explore strange new worlds, + to seek out new life and new civilizations, + to boldly go where no one has gone before." + + "Star Trek: The Next Generation" + +Regular Crew (includes major repeated guests) +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +Starring . . . + +Patrick Stewart - Captain Jean-Luc Picard + - Locutus of Borg (The Best of Both Worlds) + - also directed: In Theory, Hero Worship, A Fistful of Datas +Jonathan Frakes - Commander William T. Riker (First Officer) + - Odan (The Host) + - also directed: The Offspring, Reunion, The Drumhead, Cause + and Effect, The Quality of Life + +Also Starring . . . + +LeVar Burton - Lt. Commander Geordi LaForge (Chief Engineer) + (Season 2 - Lieutenant) + (Season 1 - Lieutenant-Junior Grade) +Denise Crosby - Lieutenant Natasha "Tasha" Yar (Security Chief) + (Died in Action on "Skin of Evil") + [See also Guest Cast] +Michael Dorn - Lieutenant Worf (Security Chief) + (Season 1-2 - Lieutenant JG) +Michelle Forbes - Ensign Ro Laren (Introduced in Ensign Ro) + - See also Guest Cast +Whoopi Goldberg - Guinan (Manager - Ten-Forward) +Cheryl Gates McFadden - Commander Beverly Crusher (Chief Medical Officer) + (Seasons 1, 3-present) + (Crusher was in Starfleet Medical during Season 2) + - Choreographer: Data's Day +Beverly & Wesley Crusher - Jack Crusher (Doug Wert-"Family" [holodeck]) +Colm Meaney - Transporter Chief Miles Edward O'Brien +Diana Muldaur - Commander Katerine "Kate" Pulaski + (Chief Medical Officer-Transferred) + (Special Appearances in Season 2) + +Marina Sirtis - Counselor Deanna Troi +Brent Spiner - Lt. Commander Data (Second Officer) + - Lore (Datalore, Brothers) + - Dr. Noonian Soong (Brothers) +Wil Wheaton - Ensign Wesley Crusher (Seasons 3-4 - Now in Academy) + (Seasons 1-3 - Acting Ensign) + (Season 1 - Civilian) + [See also Guest Cast] + +Guest Stars +~~~~~~~~~~~ +NOTE: Denise Crosby, Michelle Forbes, and Wil Wheaton are listed as guest +stars in the shows mentioned below, thus they are in this section also. + +Chad Allen - Jono (Suddenly Human) +Majel Barrett-Roddenberry - Lwaxana Troi (Haven, Manhunt, Menage a Troi, Half + A Life, Cost of Living) + - TNG Computer +Corbin Bernsen - Q2 (Deja Q-uncredited) +Theodore Bikel - Sergei Rozhenko (Family) +David Tristan Birkin - Rene Picard (Family) + - Jean-Luc Picard (Rascals) +Brian Bonsall - Alexander (New Ground, Ethics, Cost of Living, Imaginary + Friend, Rascals) +Georgia Brown - Helena Rozhenko (Family, New Ground) +Merritt Butrick - T'Jon (Symbiosis) +Cat II - Spot (A Fistful of Datas) +Rosalind Chao - Keiko Ishikawa/O'Brien (Civilian) (Data's Day, The Wounded, + Night Terrors, In Theory, Disaster, Violations, Rascals) +Charles Cooper - K'mpec (Sins of the Father, Reunion - Died) +Nicholas Coster - Admiral Haftel (The Offspring) +Denise Crosby - Lieutenant Tasha Yar (Yesterday's Enterprise) + - Romulan Commander in Shadows (The Minds Eye-uncredited, + Redemption-uncredited) + - Sela (Redemption II, Unification) +Olivia D'Abo - Amanda Rogers (True Q) +John de Lancie - Q (Encounter at Farpoint, Hide and Q, Q-Who, Deja Q, Qpid, + True Q, Tapestry) +Elizabeth Dennehy - Commander Shelby (The Best Of Both Worlds) +James Doohan - Captain Montgomery Scott/"Scotty" (Relics) +Samantha Eggar - Marie Picard (Family) +Siddig El Fadil - Dr. Julian Bashir (Birthright, Part 1) +Mick Fleetwood - Antedian dignitary (Manhunt) +Michelle Forbes - Dara (Half A Life) +Matt Frewer - Berlingoff Rasmussen (A Matter Of Time) +Susan Gibney - Leah Brahms (Booby Trap, Galaxy's Child) +Kelsey Grammer - Captain Morgan Bateson (Cause and Effect) +Jennifer Hetrick - Vash (Captain's Holiday, Qpid - now with Q) +Ashley Judd - Ensign Robin Lefler (Darmok, The Game) + (Ashley is a sister of country singer Wynnona Judd) +Andreas Katsulas - Tomalak (The Enemy, The Defector, Future Imperfect) +DeForest Kelley - "Admiral" (Encounter at Farpoint) +Jeremy Kemp - Robert Picard (Family) +Mark Lenard - Sarek (Sarek, Unification I - Died) +Liberty - Spot (Data's Cat - Data's Day, In Theory) +Carolyn McCormick - Minuet (11001001, Future Imperfect (non-speaking) ) +Eric Menyuk - The Traveler (Where No One Has Gone Before, Remember Me) +Joanna Miles - Perrin (Sarek, Unification I) +George Murdock - Admiral J.P. Hanson (The Best of Both Worlds I & II) +Lycia Naff - Ensign Sonya Gomez (Q Who, Samaritan Snare) +Bebe Neuwirth - Lanel (First Contact) +Leonard Nimoy - Ambassador Spock (Unification II) +Robert O'Reilly - "Scarface" (Manhunt) + - Gowron (Reunion, Redemption I & II) +Michael Pataki - Governor Karnas (Too Short A Season) +Michelle Phillips - Jenice Manheim (We'll Always Have Paris) +Joe Piscopo - The Comic (The Outrageous Okona) +Suzie Plakson - Dr. Selar (The Schizoid Man) + - K'Ehleyr (The Emissary, Reunion - Died) +Saul Rubinek - Kivas Fajo (The Most Toys) +Michelle Scarabelli - Ensign Jenna D'Sora (In Theory) +Robert Schenkkan - Lt. Cmdr. Dexter Remmick (Coming of Age, Conspiracy - Died) +Dwight Schultz - Lieutenant Reginald "Reg" "Broccoli" Barclay (Hollow + Pursuits, The Nth Degree, Realm of Fear) +Judson Scott - Sobi (Symbiosis) +Carolyn Seymour - Sub-Commander Taris (Contagion) + - Mirasta Yale (First Contact) +W. Morgan Sheppard - Dr. Ira Graves (The Schizoid Man) +Jean Simmons - Admiral Norah Satie (The Drumhead) +Daniel Stewart - Young Batai (The Inner Light) + (Yes, he's Patrick Stewart's son) +David Ogden Stiers - Timicin (Half A Life - Ceremonial Death) +Carel Struycken - Mr. Homm (Haven, Manhunt, Menage a Troi, Half A Life, Cost + of Living) +Nick Tate - Dirgo (Final Mission) +John Tesh - Holodeck Klingon (The Icarus Factor - non-speaking, uncredited) +Malachi Throne - Pardek (Unification) +Tony Todd - Commander Kurn (Sins of the Father, Redemption I & II) +Beth Toussaint - Ishara Yar (Legacy) +Ray Walston - Boothby (First Duty) +Herta Ware - Maman Picard (Where No One Has Gone Before) +Julie Warner - Christy (Booby Trap, Transfigurations) +Doug Wert - Lt. Cmdr. Jack R. Crusher (Family-hologram, Violations-flashback) +Wil Wheaton - Wesley Crusher (The Game, The First Duty) +Nobel Willingham - Texas (TNG: The Royale) +Paul Winfield - Tamarian Captain Dathon (Darmok) +Ray Wise - Liko (Who Watches The Watchers) + +Episode Listings +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +KEY: Eps. - Episode Number according to Paramount Count. +Sat. Date - The Saturday in which the episode is first sent via satellite to + the various stations +Week Of - Paramount's Official Week-Of for TNG broadcast +PCode - Production Code Number +Stardate - First given stardate in episode (if known) +Episode Title - Name of the episode. ;) + +All descriptions comes from Mike Brown's TNG Guide and/or Paramount Press +Releases. + +First Season +-==========- +Eps. Sat. Date Week Of PCode Stardate Episode Title +==== ========= ============= ===== ======== ================================== +1&2. Sep 26 87 Sep 28-Oct 4 41153.7 Encounter At Farpoint + + The crew of the Enterprise is put on trial by a mysterious force called "Q" + for all the crimes of mankind. + + [The production code for Encounter At Farpoint is 721 for the two-hour + version, and 101 and 102 for the two-part version] + + 3. Oct 3 87 Oct 5-Oct 11 103 41209.2 The Naked Now + + Romance, danger and chaos result when a mysterious contaminant renders the + crew of the Enterprise intoxicated. + + 4. Oct 10 87 Oct 12-Oct 18 104 41235.25 Code Of Honor + + Kidnapped by aliens known as Ligonians, Lieutenant Tasha Yar battles for her + freedom and the welfare of a diseased Federation planet. + + 5. Oct 18 87 Oct 19-Oct 25 107 41386.4 The Last Outpost + + Held captive over an unknown planet, the away teams of the USS Enterprise + and Ferengi starships must pass an important inquisition by a mysterious + life form known as Portal, before they are allowed to continue their + journeys through space. + + 6. Oct 24 87 Oct 26-Nov 1 106 41263.1 Where No One Has Gone Before + + Teenager Wesley Crusher and a dying alien are the crew's only hope for + escape from a bizarre galaxy where thoughts become real. + + 7. Oct 31 87 Nov 2-Nov 8 108 41249.3 Lonely Among Us + + Passing through a series of complex energy patterns, the Enterprise crew + find themselves trying to solve the mystery surrounding the murder of + Assistant Chief Engineer Singh and the altered personalities of Lt. Worf, + Dr. Crusher and the Captain. + + 8. Nov 7 87 Nov 9-Nov 15 109 41255.6 Justice + + When Wesley is sentenced to death for innocently violating a foreign + planet's customs, Captain Picard is forced to chose between negotiating for + Wesley's life or adhering to the Federation's prime directive which + prohibits interfering with another civilization's way of life. + + 9. Nov 14 87 Nov 16-Nov 22 110 41723.9 The Battle + + A thought altering device, controlled by a Ferengi Captain seeking revenge + on Picard for his son's death, threatens the life of the Captain and the + safety of the Enterprise. + + 10. Nov 21 87 Nov 23-Nov 29 111 41590.5 Hide And Q + + The Enterprise is once again challenged by the dangerous and powerful "Q" + who offers Riker godlike powers in exchange for Riker's membership in the + "Q" continuum. + + 11. Nov 28 87 Nov 30-Dec 6 105 41294.5 Haven + + Deanna Troi is caught between her feelings for Riker and her devotion to + family customs when she faces a prearranged marriage. + + 12. Jan 9 88 Jan 11-Jan 17 113 41997.7 The Big Goodbye + + When the holodecks malfunction, the Captain and two crew members become + trapped in San Francisco, 1941, where they are held hostage by murderous + gangsters. + + 13. Jan 16 88 Jan 18-Jan 24 114 41242.4 Datalore + + Data's android look-alike formulates an evil masterplan that could destroy + the Enterprise. + + 14. Jan 23 88 Jan 25-Jan 31 115 41636.9 Angel One + + While the away team struggle to save male fugitives on a planet run by + women, the Enterprise is ravaged by a highly infectious virus. + + 15. Jan 30 88 Feb 1-Feb 7 116 41365.9 11001001 + + The Enterprise is hijacked by an alien species who need the ship's computer + to regenerate the one damaged on their own planet. + + 16. Feb 6 88 Feb 8-Feb 14 112 41309.5 Too Short A Season + + The Enterprise escorts a Federation admiral to a planet to negotiate the + release of hostages, but the planet's governor wants to kill him in revenge + for a previous hostage crisis that ended in tragedy. + + 17. Feb 13 88 Feb 15-Feb 21 118 41509.1 When The Bough Breaks + + Wesley and several children from the Enterprise are kidnapped by a sterile + civilization which hopes to use them to rebuild their race. + + 18. Feb 20 88 Feb 22-Feb 28 117 41463.9 Home Soil + + A powerful microscopic life form declares war on humans, takes over the + Enterprise's lab and computers, and threatens to destroy the ship. + + 19. Mar 12 88 Mar 14-Mar 20 119 41416.2 Coming Of Age + + While Wesley endures the grueling Starfleet Academy entrance exam, Captain + Picard faces an investigation into his competency as a commander. + + 20. Mar 19 88 Mar 21-Mar 27 120 41503.7 Heart Of Glory + + Lt. Worf is torn between his loyalty to the Enterprise and his fierce + Klingon heritage when two Klingon fugitives take over the ship. + + 21. Apr 9 88 Apr 11-Apr 17 121 41798.2 The Arsenal Of Freedom + + Picard and the away team fight for their lives on a planet run by a + computerized weapons system. + + 22. Apr 16 88 Apr 18-Apr 24 123 Unknown Symbiosis + + The Enterprise is caught in the middle when two alien races wage a bitter + battle over cargo which one of them needs for survival. + + 23. Apr 23 88 Apr 25-May 1 122 41601.3 Skin Of Evil + + A rescue mission turns to tragedy when one of the Enterprise officers is + killed by an evil alien. + + 24. Apr 30 88 May 2-May 8 124 41697.9 We'll Always Have Paris + + Captain Picard is unexpectedly reunited with his first love in the midst of + an investigation into lethal time warp experiments. + + 25. May 7 88 May 9-May 15 125 41775.5 Conspiracy + + Captain Picard and Commander Riker travel to Earth to investigate a + conspiracy in the highest ranks of Starfleet command. + + 26. May 14 88 May 16-May 22 126 41986.0 The Neutral Zone + + While traveling to a meeting with hostile Romulans, the crew discovers a + ship containing three frozen Americans from the 20th century. + +Second Season +-===========- +The start of the second season was delayed until late November due to a +writer's strike which lasted from March 7, 1988 to August 7, 1988. + +Eps. Sat. Date Week Of PCode Stardate Episode Title +==== ========= ============= ===== ======== ================================== + 27. Nov 19 88 Nov 21-Nov 27 127 42073.1 The Child + + While preparing to transport a deadly plague to a research lab, the crew is + stunned by the announcement of Counselor Troi's pregnancy. + + 28. Nov 26 88 Nov 28-Dec 4 128 42193.6 Where Silence Has Lease + + The crew is held hostage in a mysterious void by a being who wishes to + observe the many ways in which humans die. + + 29. Dec 3 88 Dec 5-Dec 11 129 42286.3 Elementary, Dear Data + + Pretending to be Sherlock Holmes, Data uses the holodeck to solve a mystery + that threatens Dr. Pulaski's life. + + 30. Dec 10 88 Dec 12-Dec 18 130 42402.7 The Outrageous Okona + + While the Enterprise crew play host to a witty renegade captain, Data + struggles to acquire a sense of humor. + + 31. Jan 7 89 Jan 9-Jan 15 132 42477.2 Loud As A Whisper + + The future of a warring planet depends on a deaf mediator, who suddenly + loses his ability to communicate. + + 32. Jan 21 89 Jan 23-Jan 29 131 42437.5 The Schizoid Man + + A brilliant but terminally ill scientist seeks eternal life by transferring + his mind into Data's body. + + 33. Jan 28 89 Jan 30-Feb 5 133 42494.8 Unnatural Selection + + The crew grapples with a mysterious disease which accelerates the aging + process, causing humans to die of old age within a matter of days. + + 34. Feb 4 89 Feb 6-Feb 12 134 42506.5 A Matter Of Honor + + Riker's loyalties are put to the test when he is assigned to a Klingon + vessel which plans to attack the Enterprise. + + 35. Feb 11 89 Feb 13-Feb 19 135 42523.7 The Measure Of A Man + + When Data refuses to be disassembled for research purposes, Picard is + enlisted to defend his rights in court. + + 36. Feb 18 89 Feb 20-Feb 26 136 42568.8 The Dauphin + + Wesley finds romance with the beautiful young ruler of Daled Four whose + secret power could destroy the Enterprise and her crew. + + 37. Mar 18 89 Mar 20-Mar 26 137 42609.1 Contagion + + The Enterprise's computer system falls prey to a mysterious electronic + "virus" which programs the ship to self destruct. + + 38. Mar 25 89 Mar 27-Apr 2 138 42625.4 The Royale + + Investigating the discovery of a piece of metal bearing a United States Air + Force insignia, the Away Team finds itself trapped in the world of "The + Hotel Royale", a novel come to life. + + 39. Apr 1 89 Apr 3-Apr 9 139 42679.2 Time Squared + + The U.S.S. Enterprise discovers a Federation shuttle containing an exact + double of Captain Picard from six hours in the future. + + 40. Apr 22 89 Apr 24-Apr 30 140 42686.4 The Icarus Factor + + Riker's long-lost father reappears on the eve of his departure to become + captain on a new starship. + + 41. Apr 29 89 May 1-May 7 141 42695.3 Pen Pals + + Data races against time to save the life of a little alien girl on a planet + doomed for destruction. + + 42. May 6 89 May 8-May 14 142 42761.3 Q Who + + The crew is hurled [a distance of 7,000 light years] by the malevolent "Q", + who sets them up for destruction by a race of half-human, half-robot aliens + known as the Borg. + + 43. May 13 89 May 15-May 21 143 42779.1 Samaritan Snare + + While Picard fights for his life in surgery, Geordi is held hostage by the + leaders of an alien race. + + 44. May 20 89 May 22-May 28 144 42823.2 Up The Long Ladder + + The crew's rescue of a missing earth colony leads to the discovery of a + civilization composed entirely of clones. + + 45. Jun 17 89 Jun 19-Jun 25 145 42859.2 Manhunt + + In her search for the perfect mate, Troi's mother beams aboard the + Enterprise -- and sets her sights on Captain Picard. + + 46. Jun 24 89 Jun 26-Jul 2 146 42901.3 The Emissary + + An official mission becomes a personal matter when Worf's former love is + sent to the Enterprise to mediate a dispute between Klingons and the + Federation. + + 47. Jul 8 89 Jul 10-Jul 16 147 42923.4 Peak Performance + + A simulated war game turns deadly when the crew is ambushed by a Ferengi + battleship. + + 48. Jul 15 89 Jul 17-Jul 23 148 42976.1 Shades Of Gray + + Commander Riker is struck down by a deadly microbe which invades his central + nervous system and attacks his brain. + +Third Season +-==========- +Eps. Sat. Date Week Of PCode Stardate Episode Title +==== ========= ============= ===== ======== ================================== + 49. Sep 23 89 Sep 25-Oct 1 150 43125.8 Evolution + + The crew fights for survival when a mysterious force attacks the ship's life + support systems. + + 50. Sep 30 89 Oct 2-Oct 8 149 Unknown The Ensigns Of Command + + Data races against time to save a human colony that's been marked for death + by aliens. + + 51. Oct 7 89 Oct 9-Oct 15 151 43152.4 The Survivors + + The crew travels to Rana IV, a remote colony where just two of its 11,000 + inhabitants have miraculously survived a devastating attack. + + 52. Oct 14 89 Oct 16-Oct 22 152 43173.5 Who Watches The Watchers + + Mistakenly believing Captain Picard to be a god, the members of a primitive + culture seize Troi and prepare to sacrifice her to him. + + 53. Oct 21 89 Oct 23-Oct 29 153 43198.7 The Bonding + + When the ship's archaeologist is killed on a mission led by Worf, the + Klingon feels responsible for the son she left behind. + + 54. Oct 28 89 Oct 30-Nov 5 154 43205.6 Booby Trap + + The Enterprise is caught in a booby trap that captures the ship and converts + its energy into lethal levels of radiation. + + 55. Nov 4 89 Nov 6-Nov 12 155 43349.2 The Enemy + + After Geordi is stranded on a storm-ravaged planet, the crew's attempts to + rescue him are hindered by an aggressive Romulan warship. + + 56. Nov 11 89 Nov 13-Nov 19 156 43385.6 The Price + + Counselor Troi is swept off her feet by a dashing delegate who uses + unethical methods to conduct his business on board the Enterprise. + + 57. Nov 18 89 Nov 20-Nov 26 157 43421.9 The Vengeance Factor + + The crew's attempts to mediate a violent dispute between warring clans is + sabotaged by a mysterious assassin. + + 58. Dec 30 89 Jan 1-Jan 7 158 43462.5 The Defector + + A Romulan defector leads the crew into a showdown that could erupt into a + full scale war. + + 59. Jan 6 90 Jan 8-Jan 14 159 43489.2 The Hunted + + The Enterprise is bombarded by a soldier who is the victim of government + mind control which turns him into a violent killer. + + 60. Jan 27 90 Jan 29-Feb 4 160 43510.7 The High Ground + + Doctor Crusher's abduction by a radical terrorist group thrusts the crew + into an explosive civil war on Rutia Four. + + 61. Feb 3 90 Feb 5-Feb 11 161 43539.1 Deja Q + + The crew is surprised by the appearance of their mischievous nemesis, "Q". + [Additional info: "Q" is stripped of his powers, and is sent to the + Enterprise] + + 62. Feb 10 90 Feb 12-Feb 18 162 43610.4 A Matter Of Perspective + + Riker is suspected of murdering a respected scientist who had accused the + Enterprise officer of seducing his wife. + + 63. Feb 17 90 Feb 19-Feb 25 163 43625.2 Yesterday's Enterprise + + The course of history is altered when a time rift brings a starship + Enterprise from the past into the present with a crew which includes Tasha + Yar. + + 64. Mar 10 90 Mar 12-Mar 18 164 43657.0 The Offspring + + Data becomes a father when he creates an android using a transfer of his own + neural programming. [Jonathan Frakes directs] + + 65. Mar 17 90 Mar 19-Mar 25 165 43685.2 Sins Of The Father + + When his long-lost brother appears on the Enterprise, Worf is thrust into a + life-or-death battle for his family's honor. + + 66. Mar 24 90 Mar 26-Apr 1 166 43714.1 Allegiance + + Without the crew's knowledge, Captain Picard is kidnapped and replaced by an + evil impostor. + + 67. Mar 31 90 Apr 2-Apr 8 167 43745.2 Captain's Holiday + + While on vacation, Picard becomes entangled in the search for a missing + weapon from the future. + + 68. Apr 21 90 Apr 23-Apr 29 168 43779.3 Tin Man + + The crew is thrust into a deadly showdown with the Romulans over a newly + discovered life-form in a remote star system. + + 69. Apr 28 90 Apr 30-May 6 169 43807.4 Hollow Pursuits + + The crew struggles to help a young engineer [Lt. Barclay] whose obsession + with the fantasy world Holodeck is endangering the ship. + + 70. May 5 90 May 7-May 13 170 43872.2 The Most Toys + + The crew leave Data for dead when his shuttle craft explodes during a + dangerous mission. + + 71. May 12 90 May 14-May 20 171 43917.4 Sarek + + The Enterprise is plagued by an outbreak of violence when it is visited by a + renowned Vulcan ambassador. + + 72. May 26 90 May 28-Jun 3 172 43930.7 Menage A Troi + + The Enterprise is thrown into chaos when Counselor Troi and her mother are + kidnapped by the Ferengi. + + 73. Jun 2 90 Jun 4-Jun 10 173 43957.2 Transfigurations + + The Enterprise rescues a mysterious humanoid whose remarkable powers affect + the entire crew. + + 74. Jun 16 90 Jun 18-Jun 24 174 43989.1 The Best Of Both Worlds + + The evil Borg capture Picard in an attempt to conquer the human race. + +Fourth Season +-===========- +Eps. Sat. Date Week Of PCode Stardate Episode Title +==== ========= ============= ===== ======== ================================== + 75. Sep 22 90 Sep 24-Sep 30 175 44001.4 The Best Of Both Worlds - Part II + + Riker must choose between saving Picard and saving humanity when the Borg + use the kidnapped captain as part of their plan to destroy Earth. + + 76. Sep 29 90 Oct 1-Oct 7 178 44012.3 Family + + While the Enterprise undergoes repairs on Earth, crew members reunite with + family as Picard comes face to face with his jealous brother. + + 77. Oct 6 90 Oct 8-Oct 14 177 44085.7 Brothers + + After being summoned home by his elderly creator, Data clashes with his evil + brother, Lore. + + 78. Oct 13 90 Oct 15-Oct 21 176 44143.7 Suddenly Human + + Picard risks war when he refuses to return a human boy to the alien father + who raised him, and may have abused him. + + 79. Oct 20 90 Oct 22-Oct 28 179 44161.2 Remember Me + + Wesley's experiment with warp fields result in the mysterious disappearance + of the crew. + + 80. Oct 27 90 Oct 29-Nov 4 180 44215.2 Legacy + + A rescue mission leads the crew to the birthplace of their late comrade + Tasha Yar, where they encounter her mysterious sister. + + 81. Nov 3 90 Nov 5-Nov 11 181 44246.3 Reunion + + When Picard is chosen to mediate a Klingon power struggle, Worf confronts + the Klingon who disgraced him. [Jonathan Frakes directs.] + + 82. Nov 10 90 Nov 12-Nov 18 182 44286.5 Future Imperfect + + After an Away Team mission fails, Riker awakens in sickbay to discover + sixteen years have passed and he now commands the Enterprise. + + 83. Nov 17 90 Nov 19-Nov 25 183 44307.3 Final Mission + + After being accepted to Starfleet Academy, Wesley accompanies Picard on a + final mission, only to find himself struggling to keep the captain alive. + + 84. Dec 29 90 Dec 31-Jan 6 184 44356.9 The Loss + + Counselor Troi resigns her post after experiencing a mysterious loss of her + empathetic powers. + + 85. Jan 5 91 Jan 7-Jan 13 185 44390.1 Data's Day + + A friend's impending wedding compounds Data's confusion about the nuances of + human feelings. + + 86. Jan 26 91 Jan 28-Feb 3 186 44429.6 The Wounded + + Picard must stop a renegade Federation starship which is making unprovoked + attacks on a former enemy's ship. + + 87. Feb 2 91 Feb 4-Feb 10 187 44474.5 Devil's Due + + Picard fights to save a terrorized planet from a powerful woman who claims + to be the devil. + + 88. Feb 9 91 Feb 11-Feb 17 188 44502.7 Clues + + Picard and the crew are shocked to discover that Data is lying to them. + [Additional note: The Enterprise travels through a worm hole in which most + of the crew is knocked out for apparently 30 seconds. However, there are + signs that say that they were out longer.] + + 89. Feb 16 91 Feb 18-Feb 24 189 Unknown First Contact + + Critically wounded during a first contact mission, Riker is mistaken for a + hostile alien. + + 90. Mar 9 91 Mar 11-Mar 17 190 44614.6 Galaxy's Child + + The Enterprise as a parent? Seems so, when it accidentally kills a + space-borne creature whose child comes to believe NCC 1701-D is its mother. + + 91. Mar 16 91 Mar 18-Mar 24 191 44631.2 Night Terrors + + Trapped in a rift in space, the crew of the Enterprise are plagued by + unexplained paranoia and hallucinations. + + 92. Mar 23 91 Mar 25-Mar 31 192 44664.5 Identity Crisis + + Dr. Crusher races against time to locate a parasite that threatens to + transform Geordi into an alien creature. + + 93. Mar 30 91 Apr 1-Apr 7 194 44704.2 The Nth Degree + + A crew member is endowed with super human intelligence by an alien probe and + threatens the fate of the Enterprise. + + 94. Apr 20 91 Apr 22-Apr 28 193 44741.9 Qpid + + The mischievous Q turns Picard into Robin Hood and sends him on a quest + designed to force him to prove his love for an old flame. + + 95. Apr 27 91 Apr 29-May 5 195 44769.2 The Drumhead + + A search for a spy aboard the Enterprise turns into a witch hunt in which + Picard is implicated as a traitor. [Jonathan Frakes directs] + + 96. May 4 91 May 6-May 12 196 44805.2 Half A Life + + Picard risks war when he offers asylum to a visiting scientist who wishes to + escape the ritual suicide mandated by his society. + + 97. May 11 91 May 13-May 19 197 44821.3 The Host + + Dr. Crusher's love is put to the test when she falls for an alien who exists + in different "host bodies" in order to survive. + + 98. May 25 91 May 27-Jun 2 198 44885.5 The Minds Eye + + Romulan forces kidnap Geordi and turn him into a killing machine. + + 99. Jun 1 91 Jun 3-Jun 9 199 44932.3 In Theory + + Data experiments with love by pursuing a romantic relationship with a fellow + crew member. [Patrick Stewart Directs] + +100. Jun 15 91 Jun 17-Jun 23 200 44995.3 Redemption + + As civil war threatens the Klingon Empire, Worf's loyalties are torn between + the Federation and his people. + +Fifth Season +-==========- +According to the June 20-26, 1992 issue of TV Guide, the season's rating for +the fifth season (9/16/91-4/12/92) was 11.8, falling behind "Wheel of Fortune" +and "Jeopardy" in the syndicated ratings, and coming close to ABC's average +rating of 12.2. + +Eps. Sat. Date Week Of PCode Stardate Episode Title +==== ========= ============= ===== ======== ================================== +101. Sep 21 91 Sep 23-Sep 29 201 45020.4 Redemption II + + Picard risks all-out war with the Romulans when he involves Starfleet in a + Klingon civil war. + +102. Sep 28 91 Sep 30-Oct 6 202 45047.2 Darmok + + The crew is rendered helpless when Picard is kidnapped and forced to go to + war with an alien captain. + +103. Oct 5 91 Oct 7-Oct 13 203 45076.3 Ensign Ro + + Picard suspects a high-level Federation conspiracy when the crew is ordered + to locate the terrorist leader of a renegade race. + +104. Oct 12 91 Oct 13-Oct 20 204 45122.3 Silicon Avatar + + Picard struggles to communicate with a mysterious, destructive force before + a visiting scientist can destroy it. + +105. Oct 19 91 Oct 21-Oct 27 205 45156.1 Disaster + + The lives of the crew are in Troi's hands when a natural disaster forces her + to take over as captain of the seriously damaged Enterprise. + +106. Oct 26 91 Oct 28-Nov 3 206 45208.2 The Game + + The fate of the Federation is in Wesley Crusher's hands when he returns to + find the crew of the Enterprise addicted to a dangerous new game. + +107. Nov 2 91 Nov 4-Nov 10 208 45233.1 Unification I + + Picard and Data travel to Romulus to investigate an unauthorized mission + undertaken by the Federation's legendary Mr. Spock. [Dedicated to Gene + Roddenberry] + +108. Nov 9 91 Nov 11-Nov 17 207 45245.8 Unification II + + Picard and Mr. Spock clash over a proposed reunification of the Romulans and + the Vulcans. [Dedicated to Gene Roddenberry] + +109. Nov 16 91 Nov 18-Nov 24 209 45349.1 A Matter Of Time + + Picard's quest to save an endangered planet leads him to violate the Prime + Directive when he seeks advice from a visitor from the future. + +110. Jan 4 92 Jan 6-Jan 12 210 45376.3 New Ground + + Worf learns some painful lessons about parenting when his son Alexander + arrives to join his father on the Enterprise. + +111. Jan 25 92 Jan 27-Feb 2 211 45397.3 Hero Worship + + A young boy who is the sole survivor of a devastated ship becomes obsessed + with simulating Data. [Patrick Stewart Directs] + +112. Feb 1 92 Feb 3-Feb 9 212 45429.3 Violations + + Troi, Riker, and Dr. Crusher fall into unexpected comas while the Enterprise + plays host to an alien race. + +113. Feb 8 92 Feb 10-Feb 16 213 45470.1 The Masterpiece Society + + Picard's efforts to save a genetically engineered society from a natural + disaster threaten to destroy it. + +114. Feb 15 92 Feb 17-Feb 23 214 45492.2 Conundrum + + While suffering from an unexplained case of amnesia, the crew find + themselves fighting a war they do not understand or remember. + +115. Feb 22 92 Feb 24-Mar 1 215 45571.2 Power Play + + Inhabited by alien spirits, Data, [O'Brien,] and Troi overthrow the bridge + of the Enterprise. + +116. Feb 29 92 Mar 2-Mar 8 216 45587.3 Ethics + + Loyalty and ethics clash when a paralyzed Worf asks Riker to help him commit + suicide. + +117. Mar 14 92 Mar 16-Mar 22 217 45614.6 The Outcast + + A rescue mission leads to a dangerous romance between Riker and a rebellious + member of an androgynous race. + +118. Mar 21 92 Mar 23-Mar 29 218 45652.1 Cause and Effect + + The Enterprise is trapped in a time warp that forces the crew to endlessly + repeat the same experiences. [Jonathan Frakes directs] + +119. Mar 28 92 Mar 30-Apr 5 219 45703.9 The First Duty + + Caught between loyalty to his friends and the need to tell the truth, Wesley + becomes involved in a cover-up when his Starfleet Academy squadron suffers a + deadly collision. + +120. Apr 18 92 Apr 20-Apr 26 220 45733.6 Cost Of Living + + Preparing for her wedding aboard the Enterprise, Troi's freethinking mother + causes trouble between Worf and his son. + +121. Apr 25 92 Apr 27-May 3 221 45761.3 The Perfect Mate + + A beautiful woman, chosen by her people to serve as a peace offering to end + a centuries-long war, falls in love with Picard. + +122. May 2 92 May 4-May 10 222 45852.1 Imaginary Friend + + A little girl's imaginary friend becomes a frightening reality for the crew + when she threatens to destroy the Enterprise. + +123. May 9 92 May 11-May 17 223 45854.2 I, Borg + + Picard and the crew suffer from conflicting emotions when the Enterprise + rescues a critically-injured Borg. + +124. May 16 92 May 18-May 24 224 45927.5 The Next Phase + + Geordi and Ro are pronounced dead after a transporting maneuver from a + distressed Romulan ship goes awry. [Stardate from Dr. Crusher's Computer] + +125. May 30 92 Jun 1-Jun 7 225 45944.1 The Inner Light + + After a mysterious accident, Picard wakes up living the life of another + person on a faraway planet. + +126. Jun 13 92 Jun 15-Jun 21 226 45959.1 Time's Arrow + + After Data learns of his own death in late 19th-century San Francisco, a + freak accident transports him to that period. + +Sixth Season +-==========- +{Stardates will be added once the satellite reception tape is received from a +friend} + +Eps. Sat. Date Week Of PCode Stardate Episode Title +==== ========= ============= ===== ======== ================================== +127. Sep 19 92 Sep 21-Sep 27 227 46001.3 Time's Arrow, Part II + + The Enterprise crew travels between the 19th and 24th centuries in an + attempt to prevent Data's death in the 19th century San Francisco. + +128. Sep 26 92 Sep 28-Oct 4 228 46041.1 Realm of Fear + + A young Enterprise engineer [Lt. Barclay] is forced to confront his + paralyzing fear of being transported. + +129. Oct 3 92 Oct 5-Oct 11 229 46071.6 Man of the People + + Troi is drastically transformed when a visiting ambassador secretly uses her + to achieve his aims. + +130. Oct 10 92 Oct 12-Oct 18 230 46125.3 Relics + + Trapped in limbo for 75 years, "Star Trek's" Scotty awakens to join the + "Next Generation" in the 24th century. + +131. Oct 17 92 Oct 19-Oct 25 231 46154.2 Schisms + + The Enterprise crew suffers bizarre consequences following a secret, + unwelcome alien visit. + +132. Oct 24 92 Oct 26-Nov 1 232 46192.3 True Q + + [No official description is available] + +133. Oct 31 92 Nov 2-Nov 8 233 46235.7 Rascals + + A bizarre transporter mishap transform Picard and three other staff members + [Ensign Ro, Guinan, and Keiko O'Brien] into children just as Ferengi invade + and disable the ship. [Directed by Adam Nimoy, Leonard Nimoy's son] + +134. Nov 7 92 Nov 9-Nov 15 234 46271.5 A Fistful of Datas + + A holodeck fantasy goes awry, sending Worf and his son into a Wild West + showdown with a villain who's a dead ringer for Data. [Directed by Patrick + Stewart] + +135. Nov 14 92 Nov 16-Nov 22 235 46307.2 The Quality of Life + + Data risks Picard and Geordi's lives in order to protect another "living" + machine. [Directed by Jonathan Frakes] + +136. Dec 12 92 Dec 14-Dec 20 236 46357.4 Chain of Command, Part I + + After resigning [bring relieved of] his command to participate in a + dangerous secret mission, Captain Picard is taken hostage by the + Cardassians. + +137. Dec 19 92 Dec 21-Dec 27 237 46360.8 Chain of Command, Part II + + While under the command of an unfeeling new captain, the Enterprise attempts + to rescue Picard from the Cardassians. + +138. Jan 23 93 Jan 25-Jan 31 238 46424.1 Ship In A Bottle + + A calculating Sherlock Holmesian character traps Picard and others in a + holodeck simulation. + +139. Jan 30 93 Feb 1-Feb 7 239 46461.3 Aquiel + + Geordi is enamored with a beutiful and mysterious Starfleet lieutenant + accused of murder. + +140. Feb 6 93 Feb 8-Feb 14 240 46519.1 Face Of The Enemy + + Forced to impersonate a Romulan Intelligence officer, Counselor Troi becomes + a pivotal part of an elaborate defection scheme. + +141. Feb 13 93 Feb 15-Feb 21 241 Unknown Tapestry + + After Picard loses his life in a surprise attack, Q gives him the chance to + change his destiny. + +142. Feb 20 93 Feb 22-Feb 28 242 46578.4 The Birthright, Part I + + Worf and Data embark on unusual journeys to seek out their fathers. + +143. Feb 27 93 Mar 1-Mar 7 243 46595.2 The Birthright, Part II + + Imprisioned in a society of peaceful Klingons and Romulans, Work risks his + life to show the younger Klingons their lost heritage and inspire them to + claim their honor. + +144. Mar 27 93 Mar 29-Apr 4 244 46682.4 Starship Mine + + [No official description is available] + +145. Apr 3 93 Apr 5-Apr 11 245 - Lessons + + [No official description is available] + +-< Unconfirmed >- + +146. Apr 24 93 Apr 26-May 2 246 - The Chase + + [No official description is available] + +147. May 1 93 May 3-May 9 247 - Frame of Mind + + [No official description is available] + +148. May 8 93 May 10-May 16 248 - Suspicions + + [No official description is available] + +149. - - 249 - Rightful Heir + + [No official description is available] + +150. - - 250 - Second Choices + + [No official description is available] + +151. - - 251 - - + + [No official description is available] + +152. - - 252 - - + + [No official description is available] + +Seventh Season +-============- +According to various published reports, the seventh season will be the final +season of TNG, and the series will be proceeding to movies. + +Syndication Notes +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +"Star Trek: The Next Generation" is a syndicated program that is sold to each +individual station. It is not part of the FOX network, although many stations +that have purchased TNG are also part of FOX. The production code numbers +begin with 101 in order to prevent confusion with the original Star Trek +series. + +United States/Canada +-==================- +The first run episodes are uplinked to the local stations on the Saturday and +Sunday of the Satellite Date. This uplinking is done through Keystone +Communications (formerly WOLD Communications), through AT&T's Telstar 301 +which is located at 96 degrees west. The program is uplinked at the following +times on Transponder 9-Vertical Polarity (5V): + +Saturdays - 2:00 PM- 3:00 PM ET/11:00 AM- Noon PT (D Feed) +Saturdays - 6:00 PM- 7:00 PM ET/ 3:00 PM- 4:00 PM PT (U Feed) + Sundays - 2:00 PM- 3:00 PM ET/11:00 AM- Noon PT (U Feed) + Sundays - 5:00 PM- 6:00 PM ET/ 2:00 PM- 3:00 PM PT (D Feed) + +The audio carriers are wide-band, and are: 6.2-left, 6.8-right, and 5.8-mono. +No scrambling is employed in the uplink. (With AT&T's Telstar 301, launched in +1983, reaching the end of it's life, and with only enough fuel to launch it +out of it's orbital slot, the feeds may be moved to AT&T's Telstar 302 (85 +Degrees West) in the near future, and then to AT&T's Telstar 401, which is +slated to be launched in November of 1993 to replace Telstar 301.) The station +then airs the episode for the first time anytime during Paramount's official +week of (Monday through Sunday), although some stations (notable Paramount +owned ones) are able to show episodes the Sunday prior to the week-of, but +that requires special permission from Paramount. + +The order of the uplink is as follows (from "Time's Arrow, Part II"): + +* Slate with standard television color bars with text over it, saying: + + PARAMOUNT TELEVISION + + <<< STEREO >>> (The "<<< >>>" are flashing) + STAR TREK #227 + 18:00 - 19:00 + + TELSTAR 301/5V (These three lines are in smaller text in + 5:59:45 EDT lower right hand corner of screen) + 09/19/92 + +* Same slate, only time of feed is replaced by flashing "ROLL TAPES NOW" +* Color bars only +* Slate for promos for next weeks episode: + + PARAMOUNT TELEVISION + STAR TREK: TNG + PROMOS FOR EP. #228 + REALM OF FEAR + ALL NEW EPISODE + :30/:10/:05 + FULL MIX + +(Full mix means that the promos have full music and Paramount narrator) + +(If this is a repeat episode, the "ALL NEW EPISODE" is replaced with "NEXT +EXCITING EPISODE". Also, the production numbers have a "R" on the end of +them). + +* :30, :10, :05 Promos for following week's episode-Full Mix +* Slate showing title of episode: + + PARAMOUNT TELEVISION + + STAR TREK + THE NEXT GENERATION + + TIME'S ARROW,PTII + + SHOW #227 + 09/21/92 + +(The 09/21/92 simply indicates the first day of Paramount's official week of +for the airing of that episode) + +* Teaser +* Opening credits +* 4 - :30 Commercials +* Act I +* 2 - :30 Commercials and black spot for local commercials +* Act II +* Black spot for commercials +* Act III +* 1 - :15 Commercial, 3 - :30 Commercials, 1 - :15 Commercial +* Act IV +* 4 - :30 Commercial +* Act V +* Black Spot for local commercials +* Promo for next weeks episode (same as :30 Promo-Full Mix) +* Closing Credits +* "Paramount/A Paramount Communications Company" Logo +* Slate for promos for next week episode (same as above, only substitute + PRODUCTION TRACKS instead of FULL MIX). +* :30/:10/:05 Promos. The production track promos are identical to the full + mix promos except that there are limited sound effects, characters speaking, + and no music. The local station adds in their own music and narration. + +It is currently against Paramount contract to cut short the closing credits +and the Paramount logo in first-run episodes. If your station is cutting the +credits or is cutting the episodes, then write to both the offending station +and: + + Paramount Pictures Corporation + TV Syndication and Promotion + 5555 Melrose Ave. + Los Angeles, CA 90038 + +The episodes from seasons one through five are currently available for daily +syndication from Paramount television. (Some stations, with the unavailability +of "Time's Arrow II" in daily syndication, may elect not to air "Time's +Arrow".) With the exception of "Encounter At Farpoint", there is no editing by +Paramount television in order to make room for more commercials. Any such +editing is being done by your local station. "Encounter At Farpoint" is being +distributed as a two-part episode, with several scenes being moved around, +some other scenes being shortened or cut, and some of the audio being changed. + +Currently, it is permissible for Star Trek: The Next Generation to be subject +to "Syndication Exclusivity" rules. Thus, if, on your local cable system, both +your local station and a out of town station both carry TNG, your local +station can have the out of town station's TNG broadcasts be blacked out on +cable. + +Beginning with the fourth season, the episodes were recorded with Dolby +Surround for rear speaker sounds (but is 100% compatible with stereo sets). +If your station broadcasts TNG in stereo, yet, sometimes during the broadcast, +the audio seems to disappear during the broadcast for a couple of seconds or +seems to be coming out of the wrong channels, then you have a problem which +can only be corrected at the broadcast station. Call up your local station and +talk with the chief engineer. Tell him (or her) that Star Trek: The Next +Generation, starting in the fourth season, has Dolby Surround as part of the +stereo audio. This Dolby Surround information is confusing the "audio +anti-phase detector", and that the detector should be removed to avoid future +problems with the TNG audio. Then, thank the Chief Engineer for his time. + +England/United Kingdom +-====================- +The series was being broadcast on BBC2 Wednesdays at 6 PM, however, they have +stopped after the airing of the two-part episode "The Best of Both Worlds". +However, some notes on the following episodes: + +* "Conspiracy" - The scene with the mother creature is edited out. + +* "The Icarus Factor" - The pain sticks ceremony is heavily edited. + +* "Shades of Gray" - The flashbacks include the scene from "Conspiracy" with + the mother creature....intact! + +* "The High Ground" - This episode is unaired because the theme of the + episode, terrorism, could cause problems. In this episode, Data makes a + reference to a successful use of terrorism in 2017. + +Sky Television now holds the rights to broadcast TNG, and has restored scenes +cut from the above episodes. However, they will NOT be showing "The High +Ground" for the same reasons as the BBC. + +Finland +-=====- +The series is titled "Star Trek - Uusi Sukupolvi", which, translated, means +"Star Trek - The New Generation" + +Germany +-=====- +The series is titled "Raumschiff Enterprise: Das Naechste Jahrhundert", which, +translated, means "Starship Enterprise: The Next Century". The series is +dubbed, and is shown in two consecutive half-hours, with a block of +commcerials in between. The title sequence is visually the same except for +the title of the show, which is stilled, and the words (in TNG-style font) +"Raumschiff" "Enterprise" placed on the screen, and "Das Naechste Jahrhundert" +at the botton using a left-to-right "wipe". + +Hong Kong +-=======- +The series is titled "Space Adventures", and airs on an English station. + +Israel +-====- +The series is titled "Masa beyn haKokhavim, haDor haBa", which, translated, +means "Trek Among The Stars, The Generation the Next". It is broadcast on +Monday afternoons from 3:00-3:45 in English with Hebrew and Arabic subtitled +as part of a children's afternoon show called "Dagi Digitali". + +Japan +-===- +The series is titled "Star Trek '88: SHIN UCHUU DAISAKUSEN", which, +translated, means "Star Trek '88: New Mission In Space" + +Lebanon +-=====- +The series is titled "alrhlt byn alkwakb aljyl alqadm". It is broadcast on +Lebanon's Middle East TV (METV) Tuesday evenings at 8:00 PM in English with +Arabic subtitled. + +Mexico/Puerto Rico +-================- +The series is titled "Viaje a las Estrellas La Nueva Generacion", which, +translated, means "Trip To The Stars the New Generation." + +Video Tape +-========- +The episodes "Encounter At Farpoint" through "The Arsenal of Freedom" are +currently available directly from Paramount Home Video on video tape through +your local video store. Also, Columbia House Video Library is distributing TNG +on VHS video tape. "Encounter At Farpoint" is carried on these series of +tapes as a two-hour movie, as seen originally in 1987. However, the box says +two-part, since the original run of cassettes was the two-part chopped +version. All the other episodes are being distributed in a uncut form. The +episode are ordered according to Production Code number. To order, call +Columbia House for more information at 1-800-538-7766. + +Laser Disk +-========- +For laser disk fans, the TNG episodes are available from: + +LaserDisc Fan Club +2265 East 220th Street +P.O. Box 93103 +Long Beach CA 90809-9924 +(800) 322-2285 +M-F 7AM-6PM Sat 8AM-5PM (PST) + +Each disk costs $31.46, and, with the exception of "Encounter of Farpoint", +each disk contains two episodes in ??? format. So far, every TNG episode up to +"Arsenal of Freedom"/"Skin of Evil". + +Changes from Season to Season +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +During the series progress, changes are made to various areas to reflect the +shows evolution, or to fix some problems. Some of these changes are noted +below: + +From "Encounter At Farpoint" (Pilot) to 1st Season +-================================================- +* Opening credits changed from actor's name only to actor and character name. + +* Troi outfit was changed from blue "miniskirt" to nonuniform dress with rank + pips removed. + +* Troi's hair tied into tight bun. + +From 1st to 2nd Season +-====================- +* Wesley Crusher changes from shirt with rainbow strip to all grey uniform. + +* Worf is made permanent Security Chief (from red to gold uniform). + +* Geordi LaForge is made permanent Chief of Engineering (from red to gold + uniform). + +* Geordi & Worf were both promoted to (full) Lieutenant + +* Ten-Forward is made as a permanent set. + +* Guinan (Whoopi Goldberg) is added to crew as a recurring special guest star. + +* Dr. Beverly Crusher (Gates McFadden) is transferred to Starfleet Medical, + and is replaced by Dr. Katerine Pulaski (Diana Muldaur). + +* Cmdr. Riker has grown a beard. + +* The Con and Ops chair were changed from the couch style chairs to regular + style chairs. + +* Wesley Crusher was made Acting Ensign. + +* Worf wears a new, aluminum-like sash instead of the old, foil-like sash. + +* The stardates now advance in a more logical manner during a season instead + of being somewhat random during TOS and the first season of TNG. + +From 2nd to 3rd Season +-====================- +* The first portion of the opening title sequence is replaced from the planets + to various views of the galaxy. + +* Dr. Katerine Pulaski (Diana Muldaur) was mysteriously replaced with Dr. + Beverly Crusher (Gates McFadden). + +* The uniforms were replaced from the 1 piece collar-less uniforms to the + looser two-piece uniforms with collars. + +* Geordi LaForge is promoted to Lt. Commander. + +From 3rd to 4th Season +-====================- +* Wesley was made full Ensign before going to Starfleet Academy. (Menage A + Troi) + +* Star Trek is now broadcast in Dolby Surround Sound. + +From 4th to 5th Season +-====================- +* Title sequence was slightly rearranged, with the "Star Trek: The Next + Generation" logo coming out of a video-tunnel like effect. + +* Captain Picard occasionally wears a blue-grey uniform with a red jacket. + This was out of Stewart's request because he was getting bored with his + regular uniform, and helped design the jacket. The jacket is made out of + very soft suede and leather shoulders, and cost about $3,000 to make. + +* In the conference room, the wall relief containing the Enterprise lineage + can been changed to some other pattern. + +* The Enterprise's commissioning plaque is starting to tarnish. + +From 5th to 6th Season +-====================- +* The title sequence was changed, with the "Star Trek: The Next Generation" + logo returning to the original effect seen in the first four seasons. + +* The painting of the Enterprise in Picard's ready room (signed by Andy + Probert and Rick Sternbach) has been replaced by a piece of sculpture. + +* A new Jefferies tube set has been constructed. This set is three stories + tall, and has ladders, sliding doors, and lots of grating. + +* Chief O'Brien now wears a hollow circle (Ensign Junior Grade?) + +Major Species Appearances +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +The following is a listing of appearance of major races in TNG: + +The Borg +-======- +"Q Who" - Q introduces the Enterprise to the Borg. One notable scene is where +the Borg cut a section out of the Enterprise and pull it out. + +"The Best of Both Worlds" - A single Borg ship kidnaps Captain Picard, turns +him into Locutus of Borg, and head towards sector 001-Earth. + +"The Best of Both Worlds - Part II" - The crew fight to release Captain Picard +from Locutus of Borg. + +"I Borg" - A single Borg, designated Three of Five, is rescued from a crashed +Borg vessel. + +Cardassians +-=========- +"The Wounded" - A renegade Federation captain is making unprovoked attacks on +Cardassian ships. + +"Ensign Ro" - The Cardassians fake a Bajoran attack to get the Federation to +turn against the Bajora. + +"Chain of Command" - Picard, Dr. Crusher, and Worf travel to Cardassian space +to stop the manufacture of a dangerous Cardassian weapon. But, when it turns +out to be a hoax, Captain Picard is captured, and is tortured for information. + +Ferrengi +-======- +"The Last Outpost" - The Enterprise chases after a stolen T-9 Energy unit. + +"The Battle" - A Ferengi Daimon seeks revenge for Picard killing his son in a +battle a few years ago. + +"Peak Performance" - During a simulated space battle, the Ferengi demand the +surrender of the Hathaway. + +"The Price" - The Ferengi take part in the negotiations of a wormhole. + +"Captain's Holiday" - A Ferengi tries to get the Tox Uthat. + +"Menage A Troi" - A Daimon falls in love with Lwaxana Troi, and kidnaps +Lwaxana, Deanna, and Riker. + +"Unification II" - A fat Ferengi is secretly selling technology to the +Romulans. + +"The Perfect Mate" - Two Ferengi get rescued by the Enterprise. + +"Rascals" - While Picard, Guinan, Keiko, and Ro are turned into young +teenagers, the Ferengi capture the Enterprise. + +Klingons +-======- +(excluding Worf, who has appeared in every episode) + +"Heart of Glory" - Three Klingons, who long for the old days of the Empire, +get rescued by the Enterprise. + +"A Matter Of Honor" - Riker takes part in an officer exchange program aboard +the Pagh. + +"The Emissary" - An old girlfriend of Worf's, K'Ehleyr, is part of a mission +to meet a Klingon ship which has been in "deep sleep" for years. + +"The Defector" - When the Enterprise crosses over the neutral zone and finds +that an invasion plan was faked, and the Romulan ships demand the surrender of +the Enterprise, several Klingon ships also uncloak to help defend the +Enterprise. + +"Yesterday's Enterprise" - In the alternative timeline, the Klingon Empire and +the Federation are at war. + +"Sins Of The Father" - After discovering that Worf has a brother, he travels +to the Klingon Home World. There, Worf discovered that his natural father, +Maug, is accused of betraying Khitomer to the Romulans. When the true nature +of the events might be a cause of a civil war, Worf is faced with taking his +own life to preserve honor. Rather than die, Worf accepts discommendation. + +"Reunion" - Picard is asked to choose a new leader of the Klingon empire. + +"The Drumhead" - Trials begin when a Klingon exchange officer is found to be +giving Federation secrets to the Romulans. + +"The Mind's Eye" - The Klingons accuse the Federation of supplying phasers to +rebels of the Klingon Empire. + +"Redemption" - A civil war begins when a son of Duras challenges Gowron's +right to become leader. + +"Unification I" - Gowron supplies a cloaked ship for Picard and Data to travel +to Romulus. + +"Aquiel" - A Federation communications post is near the Klingon/Federation +border. + +"Q" +-=- +"Encounter At Farpoint" - "Q" challenges the crew to find the secret of +Farpoint Station. + +"Hide And Q" - "Q" tempts Riker with the power of the "Q" + +"Q Who" - "Q" sends the crew for their first encounter with the Borg. + +"Deja Q" - "Q" is stripped of his powers and is sent to the Enterprise. + +"Qpid" - "Q" sends the crew to Sherwood Forest and makes Picard...Robin Hood. + +"True Q" - A visitor on the Enterprise discovers that she has "Q"-like powers, +and "Q" arrives to help her. + +"Tapestry" - + +Romulans +-======- +"The Neutral Zone" - The Romulans announce that they are back. + +"Contagion" - On a planet in the Neutral Zone, both the Enterprise and a +Romulan ship get infected with a computer virus. + +"The Enemy" - Stranded on a stormy planet, LaForge discovers a survivor of a +crashed Romulan ship. + +"The Defector" - A Romulan defects over to the Enterprise with information +that could prevent...or cause...a war. + +"Tin Man" - The Enterprise races against the Romulans to meet up with "Tin +Man", a living starship. + +"Future Imperfect" - Riker believes that he is a prisoner of the Romulans. + +"Data's Day" - A visiting Vulcan ambassador turns out to be a Romulan spy in +disguise. + +"The Mind's Eye" - The Romulans "program" LaForge, and use him to try and +cause a war between the Klingons and the Federation. + +"Redemption" - The Duras family is being helped by the Romulans. + +"Unification" - Sela uses Spock as part of a ploy to take over the planet +Vulcan. + +"The Next Phase" - The Enterprise helps out a disabled Romulan Ship. However, +on transport back to the Enterprise, Ensign Ro and Geordi LaForge disappear. + +Stardates +~~~~~~~~~ +After the random stardates in the original "Star Trek", the powers that be +decided on a more logical way to determine a stardate. Thus, the following +came about. + +EXAMPLE: "Captains Log: Stardate 45076.3" + +The "4" represents that the series takes place in the 24th century, according +to an original writer's guide, although Deep Space Nine may change that. It +also has been noted that 1000 stardates pass with every year. +The "5" represents the season number of TNG without exception. +The "076" represents the portion of a season that advances during TNG. +The ".3" represents a portion of a day thereof. + +During the pre-recorded sub-space messages and recorded logs of away teams, +both the current stardate and the current time (in 24-hour military format, +down to the second) are shown on the bottom of the screen. ("The Defector", +"Identity Crisis") + +Working Titles +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +"Unconditional Return" -> "11001001" +"The Shroud" -> "Skin of Evil" +"Time To The Second" -> "Time Squared" +"Send In The Clones" -> "Up The Long Ladder" +"Beyond Tomorrow" -> "Legacy" +"When Honor is Lost" -> "Reunion" +"Paradise" -> "The Host" +"Civil Wars" -> "Half A Life" +"Breaking Up Is Hard To Do" -> "In Theory" +"Barriers" -> "New Ground" +"Terror In Ten-Forward" -> "Power Play" +"Q and I" -> "Q-Me" -> "True Q" + +What is canon? +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +According to various sources, this is what is considered acceptable, or canon, +for potential TNG episodes: +* Almost all of the original series (except for obvious conflicts) +* All of Star Trek: The Motion Picture +* Most of Star Trek II, III, IV, and VI +* All of the TNG episodes +* "TNG Technical Manual" by Mike Okuda and Rick Sternbach + +The following is not acceptable: +* Star Trek (The Animated Series) +* Star Trek V: The Final Frontier +* All Star Trek Novels (yes, even the ones Gene Roddenberry wrote) +* All fanzines and fan written material +* Mr. Scott's Guide to the Enterprise +* Worlds Of The Federation +* All FASA Material + +Ranks and Insignia +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +On the next generation, the following uniform colors represent which division +a person is in: + + Medical Corps and Sciences - Navy Blue (?) + Security and Engineering - Mustard Yellow + Command and Navigation - Wine Red + +Vice Admiral - Gold rectangle with three circle in it. (Redemption II and +Chain of Command I). (UV_ + +Captain - Four solid gold circles + +Commander - three solid gold circles + +Lieutenant Commander - two solid gold circles and one empty gold circle + +Lieutenant - two solid gold circles + +Lieutenant (Junior Grade) - One solid gold circle and one empty + +Ensign - One solid gold circle + +- Two silver rectangles (worn by Kosinski in "Where No One Has Gone Before") + +Cadet - Various black stripes depending on group assignment. (First Duty) + +NOTE: During seasons one or two, some of the pips were in silver. + +NOTE: There have been inaccuracies with the pips and ranks, especially with +the rank of O'Brien. + +According to Gene Roddenberry, there are no enlisted ranks in Starfleet. +However, in "Family", Sergei Rozhenko (Worf's foster father) mentions +something about meeting another Chief Petty Officer. Later on, in the same +episode, Sergei mentions that he, an enlisted man, managed to raise an +officer. Also, in "The Drumhead", the part-Romulan part-Human medical +technician said that he was so anxious to get into space, he decided to forgo +the Academy and, instead, become enlisted. This will indeed contradict what +Gene has said. + +In "Future Imperfect", some of the ranks in effect 15 years from season 4 are: + +Admiral - Four Gold Bars +Captain - Four Silver Bars + +The other ranks are based upon the "normal" TNG ranks. They are formed by +substituting a bar for a solid circle and a narrow bar for an empty circle. +The rank is part of the insignia/communicator. + +Picard Surrenders +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +"Encounter at Farpoint" - Picard says "Transmit the following in all languages +and in all frequencies: 'We surrender'." + +"The Last Outpost" - The crew assume that the Ferengi have them immobilized, +and attempt to surrender, but the Ferengi surrender first, believing that the +Enterprise have them immobilized. + +"The Outrageous Okona" - Picard drops shields "In case we decide to surrender +to them." + +"A Matter of Honor" - Picard surrenders to Riker on the Pagh. + +"Peak Performance" - Riker asks Picard "Would you care to surrender now?" even +before the war games begin. Later, the Ferengi drop by, and demand the +surrender of the Hathaway. + +"The Defector" - The Romulans ask Picard to surrender, but he doesn't. + +"Yesterday's Enterprise" - Alternate-Picard refuses to surrender to the +Klingons. + +Picard violates the Prime Directive +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +In "The Drumhead", it is recorded that Picard violated the Prime Directive +nine times while in command of the Enterprise. While it was not directly +specified what the nine violations were, this is what is believed to be the +Episodes which contained these violations: + +"Justice" - In order to save Wesley from the death penalty for (accidentally) +violating one of the Edo laws. + +"Angel One" - The crew barely managed to save the survivors of a Federation +ship from death for trying to change the society of Angel One. + +"Pen Pals" - Data communicates with a girl whose planet was slowly +self-destructing. + +"Up the Long Ladder" - Picard essentially forced the clone race to live and +breed with the Bringloidi, despite the strong resistance of the clone race and +the fact that this would completely destroy the non-sexual nature of the clone +race. + +"The Ensigns of Command" - The Enterprise manages to delay a Sheliak vessel +from destroying a Federation colony on Tau Cygna Five, even though the planet +is part of the Sheliak Corporate. + +"Who Watches the Watchers" - The Enterprise treats a Mintakan person for +serious injuries as a result of a Federation observation's post's cloaking +device's failure, ending with that race believing Picard was a God. + +"The High Ground" - The Enterprise engages in a commando raid in order to +rescue Captain Picard and Beverly Crusher on a warring world. + +"Legacy" - The commando raid might have radically changed the balance of power +on the planet. + +"First Contact" - The Enterprise contacts a planet in order to rescue +Commander Riker. + +Command Offered to Commander Riker +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +"The Arsenal of Freedom" - USS Drake (mentioned--offered before Enterprise) +"The Icarus Factor" - USS Aries +"Best of Both Worlds" - USS Melbourne + +Riker actually commands a ship, albeit temporarily, in the following episodes: +"A Matter Of Honor" - Klingon Ship Pagh +"Peak Performance" - USS Hathaway +"The Best Of Both Worlds-Part II" - USS Enterprise NCC-1701D +"Redemption II" - USS Excalibur during a blockade + +Wesley Saves The Day. . . . +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +The Naked Now - Wesley modifies a tractor beam into a repulser beam to push +the Enterprise away in order to give Data the extra time needed to reinsert +the chips. + +Where No One Has Gone Before - Wesley is the only one to notice that the +traveler is phasing. + +The Battle - Wesley discovers the Ferengi transmissions which are affecting +Picard. + +The Big Goodbye - Wesley fixes the holodeck because his mother is in there. + +Datalore - Wesley realizes that Lore is impersonating Data + +Peak Performance - Wesley's experiment is beamed onto Riker's shift, giving +the ship the necessary power to "save the day". + +The High Ground - Wesley comes up with a way to track the dimentional shift of +the terrorists. + +Menage a Troi - Wesley identifies a signal as resembling a Betazoid gong, +helping to save Lwaxana Troi, Deanna Troi, and Riker from the Ferrengi ship. + +Final Mission - Wesley is able to get past the guardian of the well and get +water for Captain Picard. + +The Game - Wesley realizes the true purpose of the game and repairs Data in +time to awaken everyone from hypnosis. + +. . . . and Screws Up +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +Evolution - Wesley, while pulling an all-nighter, leaves a container open, +causing some nanites to escape and wreck havoc on the ship. + +Remember Me - Wesley's experiment causes his mother to be trapped in a warp +bubble. + +The First Duty - Wesley's flight team perform an extremely dangerous maneuver +which results in a serious accident and causes the death of a fellow team +member. The resulting coverup causes Wesley to repeat a year at the academy. + +The Walking Dead +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +Several times during the series, a major character has died, only to be saved +at the last minute. Some of these episodes include: + +Hide and Q - Worf and Wesley get impaled by a soldier. + +Time Squared - The Enterprise is seen being destroyed. + +The Most Toys - Data is believed to be dead by the crew. + +Transfigurations - Worf falls down in the shuttle bay, only to be saved by +John Doe. + +Ethics - After a barrel crashes on Worf back, Worf dies during an experimental +surgery. However, his "redundant" body organs kicked in at the last minute. + +Cause and Effect - A collision with a starship causes the Enterprise to +explode, killing everyone on board, and causing a time loop in which the +Enterprise encounters a collision with another starship, killing everyone on +board, causing a time loop...... + +Man of the People - Deanna is killed in order to stop an ambassador from +passing his bad emotions to another empathic person. + +Who's Smoking? +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +"Encounter at Farpoint" - Q appears in 20th century military uniform with an +unlit cigarette is in his right hand. + +"Lonely Among Us" - Data smokes a pipe (much to the dismay of the rest of the +crew, especially Lt. Yar) as the first part of adopting his Sherlock Holmes +character. + +"The Big Goodbye" - Picard is offered a holographic cigarette in the police +station. His coughing displays displeasure. + +"Manhunt" - Picard as Dixon Hill lights up again in full view, without +coughing. + +"Deja Q" - After Q gets his powers back, he brings the Mexican band to the +bridge, and gives Riker and Picard a cigar, and after he leaves, he becomes +the smoke from Picard's cigar. + +"Clues" - Guinan has a lit cigarette in a holder in D Hill's outer office, +doesn't take a puff. (Watch how the cigarette always changes to a different +length at each camera cut. A common problem in any movie where smoking is +portrayed). + +"Time's Arrow" - Samuel Clemens chomps on a huge cigar. Suffers from tobacco +addiction withdrawal in the second part. + +"A Fistful Of Datas" - Troi, playing the mysterious stranger, is seen smoking +in the sheriff's office. + +Saucer Separation +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +The TNG Enterprise, being a starship carrying families, has the ability to +separate into a saucer and warp drive section in case of an emergency +situation. When separated, the saucer section is capable of only impulse +speed, while the warp drive section turns into a formidable battle machine. + +"Encounter at Farpoint" - While Worf takes the saucer section to Farpoint +Station, Picard takes the warp drive section to meet up with the Q entity. + +"Arsenal of Freedom" - Geordi takes the Warp Drive section in order to destroy +the defense device on Minos, while Chief Engineer Logan takes the saucer +section to safety. + +"Best of Both Worlds - Part II" - In order to retrieve Locutus/Picard, the +Enterprise separates into two sections, with Riker in charge of the Warp Drive +section, and Cmdr. Shelby in command of the saucer section. While the Borg +attack the warp drive section, the rescue shuttle with Worf and Data launches +from the saucer section. + +Shuttlecraft +~~~~~~~~~~~~ +The following shuttlecraft, associated with the Enterprise, have appeared in +TNG: + +NCC-1701D-1 - "Sakarov" ("Unnatural Selection") +NCC-1701D-2 - "Goddard" (loaned to Scotty in "Relics") +NCC-1701D-5 - "El-Baz" (Time Squared) +NCC-1701D-5 - "Onizuka" (used in "The Ensigns of Command") +NCC-1701D-5 - Feynman ("The Nth Degree") +NCC-1701D-6 - ("Coming of Age") +NCC-1701D-7 - "Onizuka" ("The Minds Eye") +NCC-1701D-9 - ("The Price") +NCC-1701D-12 - "Pike" (destroyed in "The Most Toys") +NCC-1701D-13 - (crashed on Vegra II in "Skin of Evil") +- "Fermi" (Distroyed - "Rascals") + +Other shuttlecraft from other ships.... + +NCC-2544-10 - (shuttle from USS Repulse, "The Child") +NCC-45167 - "Cousteau" (from the Aries, "Identity Crisis") + +In "Unnatural Selection", Data states explicitly that he is fully trained to +pilot all current Federation vessels, including auxiliaries (namely +Shuttlecraft). We've also seen Ro, Riker, Picard, Wesley, Geordi, and Worf fly +shuttles, but Data seems to be the crew's "driver." + +In the episode "Power Play", Chief O'Brien mentions that some of the +shuttlecraft are equipped with transporters, as demonstrated earlier with "The +Best of Both Worlds - Part II". + +Attempts at Self-Destruct +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +"11001001" - Picard and Riker try to self destruct in order to prevent the +possibility of the Enterprise falling into enemy hands. + +"Where Silence Has Lease" - Picard tries to self destruct for Nagilum. + +"Contagion" - Virus-induced sort-of-self-destruct-like-thing. + +"Brothers" - Picard attempts to engage the self-destruct sequence in order to +regain control of the Enterprise, but fails. + +Time Travel +~~~~~~~~~~~ +"We'll Always Have Paris" - Dr. Paul Manheim's time experiment causes small +loops to occur in time. + +"Time Squared" - Due to a strange energy vortex, a duplicate Picard from the +future arrives on a shuttlecraft + +"Yesterday's Enterprise" - A worm hole is created, causing the Enterprise-C to +travel through time. + +"Captain's Holiday" - Two Vorgons travel from the 27th century to get the Tox +Uthat. + +"Future Imperfect" - Riker thinks he's in the future + +"A Matter Of Time" - Berlinghoff Rasmussen, in the 22nd century, steals a time +machine from a visiting time traveler from the 26th century, and uses it to +visit the Enterprise and steal some devices to "invent" later on. + +"Cause and Effect" - The Enterprise and the Bozeman gets caught in a time +loop. For the Enterprise, it was for around 17 days. For the Bozeman, it was +either caught in the loop for around 80 years, or simply shot forward in time +about 80 years. + +"Time's Arrow" - Upon discovery of Data's head on Earth, the crew of the +Enterprise travel to a planet. In order to see the aliens/shapeshifters, Data +constructs a phase inverter, and, in the process, manages to travel to 1893. +At the end of this episode, Picard, Riker, Troi, Dr. Crusher, and Geordi walk +into the time vortex. + +Also, the Traveler ("Where None Have Gone Before" and "Remember Me") could be +considered a time traveler. Maybe. + +The Crew Taken Over +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +"The Naked Now" - The entire crew gets a virus that is like intoxication. + +"Lonely Among Us" - While passing through an energy cloud, an intelligence is +picked up, taking over Worf, Beverly Crusher, Assistant Chief Engineer Singh, +and Captain Picard. + +"The Battle" - A Ferengi "thought-maker" is used by Daimon Bok to cause +Captain Picard to relive the Stargazer incident that occurred nine years +previous. + +"Hide and Q" - Q takes over Data, and tells Riker that he has been given the +powers of the Q. + +"Conspiracy" - Several members of Starfleet high command are taken over by the +"Blue Gill" creatures. + +"The Child" - A glowing white sphere enters the Enterprise, and causes Troi to +become pregnant with an alien child. + +"The Schizoid Man" - Data gets taken over by Ira Graves, who transfers his +mind over to Data. + +"Contagion" - Data gets infected with an alien virus. + +"Allegiance" - Captain Picard gets kidnapped, and is replaced by an evil +imposter. + +"The Best of Both Worlds" Parts I & II - Captain Picard is kidnapped by the +Borg, and is turned into Locutus of Borg. + +"Brothers" - A homing program in Data is activated by Data's creator: Dr. +Noonian Soong. + +"Clues" - Troi gets taken over by an alien race that simply wants to be left +alone. + +"Identity Crisis" - LaForge and another member of Starfleet gets taken over by +a parasite from an earlier away team mission in 40???.?. + +"The Nth Degree" - Barclay gains the intelligence of an alien probe. + +"The Mind's Eye" - LaForge is brainwashed by the Romulans, and made to +accomplish a Romulan mission. + +"The Game" - Riker brings back a electronic game from Raisa which is not only +addicting, but provides a form of mind control for everyone on board ship. +Under this mind control, Riker, LaForge, Troi, and Dr. Crusher deactivate +Data. + +"Violations" - Troi, Riker, and Dr. Crusher face inexplicable comas while a +group of aliens are on board. The comas are caused by a nightmare. + +"Conundrum" - The entire crew, including Data, is affected by sudden amnesia, +and is involved in a war. + +"Power Play" - Troi, O'Brien, and Data is taken over by the spirits of cadet +prisoners on a penal colony set up by the Ux-Mal. + +"The Inner Light" - A space probe interfaces with Captain Picard, and forces +him to relive the events of another man. + +"Man of the People" - A visiting mediator uses Deanna Troi to pass on his +negative emotions. + +Enterprise Exceeds Warp Limits +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +The Enterprise is able to only achieve Warp 9.5 "with extreme risk" (Encounter +at Farpoint). However, there have been various times when this 'speed limit' +has been exceeded. + +"Where No One Has Gone Before" - In a warp field experiment with the Traveler, +Wesley's distraction caused the Traveler to phase in and out, and causes the +Enterprise to travel 2.7 million light years in a few seconds. + +"When The Bough Breaks" - When Captain Picard insists that the Aldean people +return the children kidnapped from the Enterprise, the Enterprise is hit with +a bolt of energy that causes it to travel such a distance that it would take 3 +days to travel back to Aldea at Warp 9. + +"Q Who" - Q, with the snap of his fingers, send the Enterprise seven thousand +light years away for their first encounter with the Borg. Also, when the +Enterprise is being chased by the Borg, LaForge reads the speed off as Warp +9.65. + +"The Nth Degree" - Barclay, with the knowledge gained from an alien probe, +creates a space distortion that causes the Enterprise to travel halfway across +the Galaxy. + +TOS/TMS Crossovers In TNG +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +While TNG is supposed to take place 78 years after the original series, there +have been occasions in which various characters and actors have appeared in +either the original series or movies, and then reappeared on TNG. Among these +are.... + +"Encounter At Farpoint" - DeForest Kelley makes an appearance as an unnamed +admiral who hates transporters and notices that Data, with all that knowledge, +doesn't have pointed ears. + +"The Naked Now" - The records from the original Enterprise ("The Naked Time") +were used to combat a microbe that causes drunk-like effects. + +"Symbiosys" - Merritt Butrick was T'Jon "Symbiosis", and, of course, appeared +as Kirk's son David Marcus in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan and Star Trek +III: The Search For Spock. (After his appearance in TNG, Merritt Butrick died +due to complications to AIDS) + +"Sarek" - Mark Lenard makes an appearance as Sarek. + +"Unification" - Leonard Nimoy makes an appearance as Spock, as well as Mark +Lenard as Sarek. Also, Malachi Throne, who played Romulan Senator Pardek in +"Unification", was also involved in TOS's "The Managerie" as Commodose Jose +Mendez. + +"Relics" - Scotty modified the transporter so that the transporter buffer is +recycled and the rematerialization subroutine is disabled so that the two +survivors of the Jenolin could survive while waiting for a rescue. 75 years +later, the Enterprise reactivates the transporter, and Scotty is the lone +survivor, without aging. + +Kirk has been mentioned in "The Naked Now", "Unification II", and "Relics". + +Also: Diana Muldaur, a guest star on TOS episodes "Return To Tomorrow" as Dr. +Ann Mulhall and "Is There In Truth No Beauty" as Dr. Miranda Jones, appeared +on a regular basis as Dr. Pulaski during the second season of TNG. Majel +Barrett, who played Number One ("The Cage") and Doctor/Nurse Chapel, is used +as the TNG computer voice, and has appeared as Deanna Troi's mother, Lwaxana +Troi. + +Security Codes +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +Auto-Destruct Sequence in "11001001": (V) +Activation - +Picard and Riker place their hands on the computer terminals for finger scan. +Computer: "Recognized - Picard, Jean-Luc, Captain. Recognized - Riker, William +T., Commander." +Picard: "Set auto-destruct sequence." +Computer: "Does the first officer concur?" +Riker: "Yes, set auto-destruct sequence . . . now." +Computer: "Auto-destruct will detonate in four minutes and fifty-nine +seconds." + +Deactivation - +Picard: (lays hand on bridge computer console) "Cancel auto-destruct." +Computer: "Does the first officer agree?" +Riker: (laying hand on computer) "Affirmative" +Computer: "Auto-destruct cancelled." +(NOTE: While the auto-destruct can be activated in Engineering, +it can only be deactivated on the bridge.) + +Secured Message Code in "Conspiracy" (UV): + +Picard Secured Message Code in "The Defector": (V) +(Picard and Data are viewing information on Nelvana system) +Computer: "Captain Picard, priority one message from Starfleet coming in on +secured channel." +Picard: "In my ready room. Computer, delay time." +Computer: "Two hours twenty-two minute delay from time of transmission at +Starfleet Command on Lion Three." +Picard: (having entered his ready room) "Computer, key access Four One Two +Mark Eight Zero Picard, Jean-Luc Starfleet Priority Code Gamma. Decode. Begin +Message." +(Message begins). + +Ferengi Captain's Security Code in "Menage a Troi" (V): +Lwaxana Troi: "Oh, I'll need your access code." +Daimon Tog: "Yes, my beloved. Computer, access code kei yuri dactei. . . " +Dr. Farek: (Interrupting) "TOG! Be silent! I knew you were not to be trusted." + +Data's Lock on command functions in "Brothers" (V): + +Spoken: One Seven Three Four Six Seven [Three] Two One Four Seven Six Charlie +Three Two Seven Eight Nine Seven Seven Seven Six [Four] Three Tango Seven +Three Two Victor Seven Three One One Seven Eight Eight Eight Seven Three Two +Four Seven Six Seven Eight Nine Seven Six Four Three Seven Six LOCK + +Display: One Seven Three Four Six Seven Two One Four Seven Six Charlie Three +Two Seven Eight Nine Seven Seven Seven Six Three Tango Seven Three Two Victor +Seven Three One One Seven [One] Eight Eight Eight Seven Three Two Four Seven +Six Seven Eight Nine Seven Six Four Three Seven Six LOCK + +Numbers in [Brackets] are unique to the series they appear in (i.e. missing +from the other). + +Computer Recognition Command Levels in "Brothers": (UV) +Data: Alpha-1 +Picard: Alpha-2 +Riker: Omega-3 (In "Power Play") + +Klingon File Security Access Codes in "Reunion": (UV) +K'Ehleyr's Access Level: "Padoch-Cha" +Required Access Level: "Duco-Cha" + +T'Pel's (Romulan Spy Selak) clearance code to Data for information in "Data's +Day": (UV) +Kappa-Alpha-Four-Six-Zero-One-Seven-Zero-Four + +LaForge's Access Code to in "The Minds Eye": +LaForge: "Computer, reroute the power flow in Cargo Bay 4 transporter through + the auxiliary replicator system." +Computer: "Please verify command with necessary protocol." +LaForge: "Initiate protocol 364-B." +Computer: "Verify priority clearance." +LaForge: "Recognized LaForge Theta 2 997." +Computer: "Acknowledged. Power has been rerouted through auxiliary power + distribution system code number 44762." + +(Note, this code was also used in "Hollow Pursuits") + +Riker Command Override in "Power Play": +When the bridge was taken over: "Computer, transfer command to Engineering, +full security alert." This effectively shut down all control panels, including +Con and Ops. + +After Troi, O'Brien, and Data leave the bridge: "Computer, re-enable bridge +control, security protocol authorization Riker Omega Three." + +Convention Hints +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +Patrick Stewart - May or may not allow taping of convention appearance. He +considers convention appearances to be a personal experience to be shared with +those in the audience. + +Brent Spiner - He is very protective of his privacy, and rarely makes +convention appearances, partially due to a bad experience with a fan at a +convention in New York. He does not allow the video taping or the +photographing of convention appearances. + +Gates McFadden - Do not videotape convention appearance. + +Wil Wheaton - He doesn't allow videotaping. The explanation for this was that +someone had taped him before and sold these tapes without his consent or +paying him. + +Michael Dorn - "I don't LIKE prune juice, Worf likes prune juice, I don't." + +Marina Sirtis - While she does allow for videotaping of her convention +appearances, she reminds everyone that videotaping is a privilege, and not a +right. No flash photography when Q&A starts. Also, she has no idea about how +the pips work, nothing about Engineering, why Worf changed uniform color, and +similar topics. + +Please remember, these actors are taking their personal time in order to +appear at conventions. Some of these actors do not give out autographs, others +do. The "no videotaping" rule is due to the fact that some unscrupulous people +tape the convention appearances and then resell the tapes without royalties +going to the actors. + +How Many Episodes? +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +In order to be counted as appearing on an episode, the character must appear +or be heard in the episode. Holograms and flashbacks don't count. + +NOTE: This section is still being worked on. + +Patrick Stewart - ___ episodes as Captain Picard + + 2 episodes as Locutus of Borg + (Directed 3 Episode) +Jonathan Frakes - ___ episodes as Commander Riker + (Directed 5 Episodes) +Levar Burton - ___ episodes as Lt. LaForge +Denise Crosby - ___ episodes as Lt. Yar (including "Yesterday's Enterprise" + + 3 episodes as Sela +Michael Dorn - ___ episodes as Worf +Gates McFadden - ___ episodes as Dr. Crusher +Marina Sirtis - ___ episodes as Deanna Troi +Brent Spiner - ___ episodes as Data + + 2 episodes as Lore + + 1 episode as Dr. Noonian Soong +Wil Wheaton - ___ episodes as Wesley Crusher +Colm Meaney - 45 episodes as Chief O'Brien/Transporter Chief/Other +Whoopi Goldberg - 22 episodes as Guinan +Diana Muldaur - 20 episodes as Kate Pulaski +Majel Barrett - MANY episodes as Enterprise Computer Voice (most uncredited) + + 4 episodes as Lwaxana Troi + +Birthdays +~~~~~~~~~ +February 2, 1949 - Brent Spiner + 16, 1957 - LeVar Burton + 17 - Michelle Forbes + 23 - Majel Barrett Roddenberry +March 20 - John de Lancie (Q) + 29, 1959? 60? 64? - Marina Sirtis +July 13, 1940 - Patrick Stewart + 29, 1972 - Wil Wheaton +August 19, 1938 - Diana Muldaur + 19, 1921 - Gene Roddenberry + 19, 1952 - Jonathan Frakes + 28, 1949 - Gates McFadden +November 13, 1949 - Whoopi Goldberg + 24, 1957 - Denise Crosby +December 9, 1952 - Michael Dorn + +The Merry Men (and Women) of Qpid +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +Picard -> Robin Hood +Riker -> Little John +Data -> Friar Tuck +Worf -> Will Scarlet. Is not a merry man! +Laforge -> Alan-a-Dale +Vash -> Maid Marian +Q -> The Sheriff of Nottingham + +Money In The Future +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +"Encounter At Farpoint" - Beverly Crusher buys a roll of cloth, and has her +account on the Enterprise billed. + +"Conspiracy" - The planet where the Starship Captains meet is Ditalics B, and +is said to be owned by Ditalics Mining Corporation, which may imply something +of the Federation's economic structure. + +"The Neutral Zone" - Picard mentions that they no longer use money. + +"Manhunt" - Picard, while on the holodeck running the Dixon Hill program, goes +to the bar to buy a drink. He, of course, forgot to bring money, and the lady +had to pay for the drinks. + +"The Price" - There is a bidding war going on for the use of a wormhole, and +Picard mentions how much toll the Ferengi might charge if they get the rights +to use that wormhole. + +"A Matter Of Perspective" - Dr. Apgar's reason for developing the Krieger wave +generator was to sell it to the highest bidder. + +"Unification II" - When Riker enters the bar, he is asked to toss a couple of +coins into the jar for a song. Riker responds that he doesn't have any money. + +Religion In The Future +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +"Who Watches The Watchers" - Picard is thought to be a god by the populace. + +"Data's Day" - In Data's log, a Hindu festival of lights is mentioned. + +Did you know . . . +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +. . . That Geordi LaForge is named after a real Star Trek fan named George +LaForge? George LaForge died from muscular dystrophy in 1975. + +. . . That Denise Crosby originally tried out for the role of Counselor Troi +and Marina Sirtis tried out for the role of Security Chief Tasha Yar? + +. . . That Gene Roddenberry's full name is Eugene Wesley Roddenberry, thus, in +creating Wesley Crusher, Gene used his own middle name and based the character +on what he wanted to be like when he was young? + +. . . Industrial Light and Magic (ILM) did the special effect shots only for +"Encounter At Farpoint". However, they get credit in every episode because of +the extra stock footage for Enterprise flybys and such. Even ILM stock footage +isn't used much anymore, except when the Enterprise enters Warp. + +. . . TNG is filmed in 35mm using Panavision cameras. The film is transferred +to videotape, and post-production is done on video. + +. . . That William Riker and Deanna Troi is based upon Ilia and Decker from +"Star Trek: The Motion Picture"? + +. . . That while "Skin of Evil" was aired after "Symbiosis", they were +produced in the reverse order. Near the end of Symbiosis, when the Ornarans +and Brekkians beam off, Denise Crosby is seen in the background, waving +goodbye as the doors close. (UV) + +. . . That "Star Trek: The Next Generation" has made over $500,000,000 in +syndication and merchandising. + +. . . That if you look closely at the Enterprise during the fly-by in the +opening credits, you can see someone walking past the windows. According to +Mike Okuda in the "Star Trek: The Official Fan Club Magazine" (#60), this is +Captain Picard. + +. . . "The Child" and "Devil's Due" were originally scripts for the proposed +"Star Trek: Phase II" television series. The "Star Trek: Phase II" series idea +was scrapped, and instead, the sets were used for the shooting of "Star Trek: +The Motion Picture" + +. . . At the time of the filming of "Q Who", there were two visual supervisors +at the time: Dan Curry and Rob Legato. They each had their own specifications +for the design of the Borg ship: + +Rob Legato - The Borg ship should be a ball with a trench of detail around the + middle. + +Dan Curry - The Borg ship should be a cube that looked smooth at a distance. + As you got closer and closer, more detail would be revealed the + closer you got. (Dan had hired Special Effects for this job). + +Rob Legato team had some problems, so Special Effects got the job and built +the Borg ship. It took 14 modelers 2 weeks to finish the job. That is nothing +short of amazing when you consider that while the specifications called for +only one side finished, Special Effects supplied a Borg ship that was finished +on all sides. In order to that level of detail, F/X put everything they could +find, including R2-D2, toy soldiers, plastic model "rails", and the F/X logo. + +. . . The junkyard in "Unification II" consisted mostly of ships dragged out +from wherever Mike Okuda could find 'em. Some of the models included: models +from the unmade first Star Trek movie (years before Star Trek: The Motion +Picture), models from ILM that were never used, models of the Enterprise that +didn't come out of the mold right, and a very unusual looking Enterprise. +Some of the models were designed by Greg Jein and Robert McCall. + +. . . "A Matter Of Time" was written partially because Robin Williams, a fan +of the show, wanted to appear. However, when the script was ready for +shooting, Robin was unavailable, so Matt Frewer was cast instead. + +. . . That the shuttle Onizuka, which Data used in "Ensigns of Command", was +named in tribute to one of the Space Shuttle "Challenger" astronauts. + +. . . During the fifth season, a thirty-second ad during one of the show's 10 +national ad slots in a first-run episode costs $200,000. + +. . . Gene died at the same time the crew was filming "Hero Worship"? + +. . . The only episodes when William Riker was called Bill was in "The Naked +Now" and "Haven"? + +. . . Gates McFadden's stunts in "Remember Me" was done when she was pregnant +but she did not know about it until days later. + +. . . For "Relics", only the turbolift door, the command chair, +helm/navigation, Scotty's station, and possibly part of the station portward +of it were reconstructed for this episode. The rest was stock footage from +TOS's "The Mark of Gideon". + +. . . In "Booby Trap", the original name of the holographic scientist was to +be Leah Daystrom, who was the great-great-great-daughter of Dr. Daystrom from +TOS. However, after they cast Susan Gibney for the part, they changed the name +to Brahms, and only made several references to The Daystrom Institute. + +. . . Andy Probert designed the Enterprise D, and owns the designs to the +Enterprise. Paramount is using his designs with permission. You can see Andy +in "Encounter At Farpoint", in the post-atomic court. Andy is the spectator +wearing "a giant tribble", actually a very large fur hat. + +. . . The original 8-foot model of the Enterprise that was built by Industrial +Light and Magic isn't used much anymore. For motion control work, the 4-foot +model is much easier to use, is much more detailed, and, for far away shots, +it's easier to make it seem far away. The original 8-foot model isn't used +except for extreme closeups or for saucer separations. The 4-foot model was +built by Greg Jein in the third season. + +. . . The title "The Dauphin" comes from the French term "Le Dauphin", and is +used to designate the heir to the royal throne (if the royalty was still in +place in France). + +. . . The reason that you keep seeing a lot of the same faces on TNG, +Civil Wars, and (I think) L.A. Law is that the casting is all handled by the +same casting director, Junie Lowrey-Smith (not sure of this name either), who +likes to reuse a lot of the same actors. + +. . . "Family" is the only episode in TOS, the movies, and TNG which has no +scenes filmed on the bridge. + +. . . In order to prepare for the episode "Chain Of Command, Part II", Patrick +Stewart watched tapes from Amnesty International. These tapes included +statements of those who had been tortured, and a long interview with a +torturer who talked about what it was like to be inflicting pain. + +. . . The transporter effect is accomplished as follows: +1> Fill a canister with water. Add glitter and shine a light through it. Stir + briskly and tape. +2> Film the scene, first with the actor, then without. (Or vice versa) +3> Transfer the scene to tape, and use video technology to matte the glitter + over the actor. +4> Use a video wipe to 'streak down' the glitter. + +. . . The translation from "11001001" after Riker introduces them: +Minuet: "Hi!, it's nice to meet you." +Picard: "You are from paris?" +Minuet: "Deep down we're all from paris." +Picard: "Ah yes, deep down we're all from paris." + +. . . The translation from "Time's Arrow": +Data (in English): "I am a Frenchman." + +Poker Player: "Ah, mes parents sont originaires de Boubonnais. Je suis ne a la +New Orleans." / "Ah, my parents are from Boubonnais. I was born in New +Orleans." + +Data: "Alors nous sommes presque freres. Je suis heureuz de vous connaitre." / +"Then, we are almost brothers. I am pleased to meet you." + +Poker Player (in English): "Please sir..." + +. . . According to a November, 1992 issue of "California Business" article, +Paramount's annual first-run TNG gross advertising revenues are about $90 +million, with production costs in the $31.2-$36.4 million range. Net annual +advertising profits are between $30 and $60 million, without even counting the +$70 million+ in licensing and affiliate station fees. TNG airs in 217 markets, +with a 99% national coverage. Weekly viewership is in the 20 million range, +bring in the most desirable of demographics. + +. . . That "Star Trek: The Next Generation" is on the list of shows endorsed +by the Viewers for Quality Television. Other VQT endorsed shows include +"Cheers", "Designing Women", "LA Law", "Life Goes On", "Murphy Brown", +"Northern Exposure", "The Trials Of Rosie O'Neill", "Law & Order", "Quantum +Leap", "60 Minutes", "China Beach", "thirtysomething", and "Beauty and the +Beast". + +(The VQT should not be confused with the American Viewers of Quality +Television. The VQT seeks to change television by encouraging and nurturing +high quality television, while the AVQT seeks to change television by +boycotting or threatening those who produce low quality television. For more +details, write to: Viewers For Quality Television, PO Box 195, Fairfax, VA +22039). + +In-Jokes +~~~~~~~~ +"The Naked Now" - During the scan of records, we see a parrot wearing a +Starfleet shirt, complete with insignia, with nacelles, an obvious reference +to Gene Roddenberry. ("The Great Bird" = Gene) This same screen also reappears +in "Conspiracy". + +"11001001" - The 11001001 is binary, and is converted to 201 decimal, or hex +C9. Under the Z-80 microprocessor series (the Z-80 was used in the TRS-80 +Model I, III, and IV, and for the sound processing in the Sega Genesis), the +C9, in assembly language, is known as "Unconditional Return." + +"Conspiracy" - The topographical map of the planetary surface was a "very +shakey" drawing of Kei and Yuri. Yuri is on the right side, and Kei is upside +down..... + +"The Neutral Zone" - On the family tree of Clare Raymond, which is recalled by +Troi, there are references to various shows, including: W. Hartnell m. P. +Troughton (DW), J. Pertwee m. T. Baker (DW), and P. Davison m. C. Baker (DW), +and J-L. Picard m. W. Riker. Other references include Gilligan's Island and +M*A*S*H. + +"The Child" - In this episode, Doctor Pulanski refers to "Cyano Acrylates", +which are the active ingredient for SuperGlue, as a possible source of the +Ikner radiation that was causing the plague samples to grow. + +"Loud As A Whisper" - (DP) The conference table, "made to resemble indigenous +rock", had various markings on them. Most notable to Lovely Angels/Dirty Pair +fans are the marking "Kei" and "Yuri". + +"The Measure Of A Man" - When Riker is showing off Data's arm to the JAG +representative, there is a pad on her desk which lists Data's parts, including +"Nausican Valve" and "Totoro Interface". Also, it is noted that part of Data's +construction is made out of something called "Yurium". (DP) + +"The Dauphin" - In this episode, Daled 4 is a planet's name. Daled is the +fourth letter in the Hebrew alphabet, and has the numeric value of four. (UV) + +"Contagion" - The Iconian artifact has various markings on it, including "Kei +and Yuri" (DP), "Dirty Pair" (DP), "Gundam" and "Totoro." Also, the various +views as seen through the portal include: Toronto's City Hall and Nathan +Phillip's Square (depicting the arches over the reflecting pool/skating rink), +and Toronto's City Council Chambers. Also, in this episode, the Romulan ship +that attacked the Enterprise was named the "Harkonnen", which just happens to +be the name of the family that attacked the Atriedes family in the Dune +series. In this episode, another Galaxy Class Starship is mentioned. . . the +Yamato. This was originally the flagship of the Japanese fleet that fought in +World War II at both the Coral Sea and Midway before it was sunk by Torpedo +Bombers from an American carrier. Many years later, a Japanese Animation +series was done up, in which a battleship is reconfigured to become a starship +in order to recover something called the "Cosmo DNA". This series was called +"Starship Yamato", however, this series was known in the United States as +"Star Blazers". + +"The Icarus Factor" - The TNG art department had a field day putting in +in-jokes. The mat has the chinese character of "sei", or "star" (as in "starry +sky". The two scrolls hanging on the walls say, in Japanese syllabic +characters (hiragana), "urusei yatsura", a pun of "ususai yatsura" ("noisy +neighbors" or "annoying neighbors", a Japanese animation. Also, while lunging +at Riker, Riker's father says (in a terrible accent), "youroshiku +onegaishimasu", literally saying "Please do me the favor of being kind to me", +but has the meaning of the English phrase "Pleased to meet you." Various other +markings include "Kei" (DP), "Yuri" (DP), "Akira", and "Tonari No Totoro". In +addition, the scrolls hanging on the walls also say, "Ataru", "Lum", and +"Uresai Yatsura". + +"Samaritan Snare" - Picard mentions "Nausicaans" in a conversation with Wesley +on the shuttlecraft. + +"Up The Long Ladder" - When Picard is looking at the list of ships trying to +find the Mariposa, another ship listed is the Buckaroo Banzai captained by +John Whorfin and built by the company that the red Lectroids had made. The +same company name was seen on the USS Hathaway (Yoyodyne Propulsion Systems +(of Grover's Mill, NJ :-) ) + +"Hollow Pursuits" - The anti-grav units contain a flux capacitor. Nothing big, +until you consider that the flux capacitor was a essential part of the +DeLorean/Time Machine in "Back To The Future". + +"Menage a Troi" - The Ferengi Security code begins with "Kei Yuri" (DP). + +"Transfigurations" - (DW) In the sick bay, against the wall, there is an +outline of the top portion of the TARDIS, upside down. Also, three roundals +can be seen against the wall. They show up again in several episodes after +this one. + +"Legacy" - A label on a nuclear reactor says, "Remember, you can never add TOO +MUCH water to a Nuclear Reactor." Starlog #__ includes a complete picture of +the reactor, including some of the rules (some of them hysterical) + +"Qpid" - The scene where Worf smashes Geordi's lute, then says "Sorry" is +completely reminiscent of a scene in Animal House at a toga party. Also, +Princess Bride fans might want to note that the dialog during the sword fight +with Picard/Robin Hood, where he says "There is something you should know . . +. . I'm not from Nottingham.", is reminiscent of a sword fight in the movie +where similar dialog is uttered. + +"Half A Life" - One of the displays has the number "4077" in the corner, an +reference to M*A*S*H. + +"In Theory" - The line "Now would be a good time", spoken by Picard, is +completely reminiscent from Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, which, in turn, was +used by Kirk during "The Doomsday Machine". Also, while it is not be visible +in the actual show, someone on the production crew re-labeled the shuttle pod +"PONTIAC NCC-1701-D". + +"Darmok" - The writers were playing around with the words in this episode, +with DARMOK, the letters reversed, becomes KOMRAD (comrade). JILARD also +becomes JLpIcARD. Also, Gilgamesh is based upon Gilgamesh (from Sumerian +lore), a character described as a combination of Solomon, Ulysses, and +Hercules combined into one. One of the important factor's after his friend's +death is Gilgamesh's fear of death, although never playing a factor in battle, +results in his constant search for immortality, but, in one manner or another, +comes very close, but always manages to miss. + +"The Outcast" - Among the technical phrases used, "Reverse the polarity of the +neutron flow" was a phrase commonly used by the third doctor (Jon Pertwee) +during Doctor Who. (UV) + +"The Next Phase" - One of the control panels on the Romulan Ship looks +somewhat like the TARDIS control console (DW). (V) + +"Relics" - With Scotty on board, there are plenty of references to the old +series. For instance, the "miracle worker" bit comes from Star Trek III. The +"It is green" bit comes from TOS "By Any Other Name". + +"Aquiel" - The name of the Klingon battlecruiser that meets with the E is the +Qu'vatlh (proper spelling, badly pronounced by Picard). This is listed in the +Klingon Dictionary on page 58 as one of the Klingon curses. + +- Other in-jokes, albeit unseen, include: Shuttlecraft "Pontiac" and "Indiana +Jones" on operations board; crew quarters for Lt. Luke Skywalker. + +Doctor Who (DW): A cult British Science Fiction series which ran on BBC1 from +November 23, 1963 to December, 1989. The title character is known only as "The +Doctor", a time lord who travels through time and space in a TARDIS (Time And +Relative Dimensions In Space). The TARDIS is bigger on the inside than on the +outside, and can change outward appearance, however, the Doctor's TARDIS, +being a broken down Type-40, is stuck in the shape of blue British Police Call +Box. The Doctor himself can, at point of death, regenerate into a totally +different body and personality. The series can be seen on several PBS stations +and the USA/Sci-Fi Channel weekday mornings at 9 AM PT/Noon ET. + +Lovely Angels/Dirty Pair (DP): A Japanese anime series where the two main +characters, "Kei" and "Yuri", are members of World Welfare Foundation. Their +job is to take care of problems that crop up. However, they usually leave the +place in worse shape then they arrived, and it's usually not their fault. The +series itself has had TOS in-jokes in it also. + +Shakespeare +~~~~~~~~~~~ +It is well known that Patrick Stewart is a Shakepearean actor from England. +However, several references to Shakespeare appear on TNG. [No, I don't know +what the numbering scheme is] + +"Encounter at Farpoint" - Picard says, "Kill all the lawyers!", which comes +from "2 Henry VI 4.2.74". + +"The Naked Now" - Data says, "When you prick me do I not . . . leak?". This is +paraphrased from "Merchant of Venice 3.1.60-61". + +"Hide and Q" - Q says, "All the galaxy's a stage," to which Picard replies: +"World, not galaxy, all the world's a stage." The reference is from "As You +Like It 2.7.139", with the entire passage from "As You Like It 2.7.139-165". + +"The Defector" - At the beginning of the episode, there is a scene on the +holodeck where Data performs a scene from Henry V, when the King mingles with +his troops shortly before the Battle of Agincourt. + The entire scene is from "Henry V 4.1.84-157", although some lines were cut +out. Originally written for the King and three soldiers (Court, Williams, and +Bates), the author of the episode combined Court and Williams into one role, +represented here as Williams. Williams, incidentally, was played by +Shakespearean actor Patrick Stewart. + Later in the episode, Picard quotes from Williams' speech, which is from +"Henry V 4.1.142-144". + +"Sins of the Father" - The title comes from the "Merchant of Venice 3.5.1-2", +with the entire passage from "Merchant of Venice 3.5.1-7". + +"Menage A Troi" - Picard sets about wooing Lwaxana Troi back from Daimon Tog. +In the process, he delivers a Shakespeare mish-mash from Sonnets 147, 141, 18, +116, and Othello 5.2.13-15. + +"Remember Me" - The title is from "Hamlet 2.5.89-92 & 111-113" with the entire +passage from "Hamlet 1.5.89-113". + +Differences in "Encounter At Farpoint" +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +Currently, "Encounter At Farpoint" is being distributed in both a two-part +form and a two-hour movie form. The two-hour movie was shown as the first +episode of TNG, the repeat was shown as a two-part episode. Currently, the +stations that are showing TNG as a daily syndicated program have "Encounter At +Farpoint" as a two-part episode. + +Unfortunately, the two-part episode is heavily butchered. Among the changes +from the two-hour movie version: + +* The movie version starts out with the credits, the two-parter starts out + with a teaser instead. + +* In the movie version, Riker sees what happens in two sections. In the + two-parter, the second section is cut out. + +* The two-parter had the rejoining of the saucer section with the warp drive + section being majorly edited. + +* A section where Picard is talking to Dr. Crusher about Wesley is cut. + +* A scene where Geordi talks to Dr. Crusher about his VISOR was moved to part + two. It appeared in the first half of the movie version. + +* Some of the audio was changed, and somewhat "sweetened" (Mike Brown term), + in the two-part version. + +To add additional confusion, Paramount has officially retired the two-hour +movie, and has made available for the videotape and laserdisc series an +unbutchered two-part episode of "Encounter At Farpoint." + +Operation SNAFU +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +Opening Credits (1st & 2nd Season) - During the opening sequence, the graphics +are a departure from the Sol system, beginning with Earth with the sun in the +background, and featuring fly-bys of Jupiter and Saturn. During this sequence, +the camera pans right, and we see sunlight off the left side of Earth and +Jupiter, but the right side of Saturn, indicating that Saturn is backlit. (UV) + +Opening Credits (From Third Season On) - During the opening sequence, at the +end of the planets, watch closely the starfields. The stars go in two +completely different directions. + +"Code Of Honor" - While on the planet, watch Deanna's arms. In the group +shots, Deanna's arms are at her sides, while, in the close-ups, her arms are +behind her back. (UV) + +"Datalore" - Upon beaming down to the planet's surface, Commander Riker gives +the stardate as 4124.5. A little later, Captain Picard gives it as 41242.45. +(V) Also, the glass of champagne Lore pours for Data goes flat immediately +before Data picks it up thanks to the time that passed between the times the +two parts of the scene were filmed. (It goes flat as the travelling wipe +crosses it) (UV) + +"Skin Of Evil" - When Riker is being pulled into Armus, the away team runs +towards Armus. However Geordi drops his phaser into Armus. When Captain Picard +beams onto the planet, the away team is standing around calmly, and Geordi's +phaser is back in his pocket. (Either the phaser didn't get THAT dirty, or +they beamed down another one quickly) (UV) Also, the computer-generated +picture Worf is looking at within the first minutes of "Skin of Evil" is the +very same as the one you can see twice later: It contains already this graph +of Armus' energy-level (or whatever it's meant to represent) with the same ups +and downs Troi is causing much later in the show! + +"Conspiracy" - At the beginning of the episode, while Picard is asleep, Riker +tells LaForge to increase speed to Warp 6. Laforge replies, "Aye Sir, full +impulse." + +"Loud As A Whisper" - Data has learned sign language and is now interpreting +what the mediator is saying. Data quotes the mediator as saying "My friends +have died" or something like that, before it is even signed. (V) + +"Measure of a Man" - In this episode, Data is shown bending a metal bar. +However, the metal bar that Riker places on the JAG officer's desk is not bent +in the same manner. + +"The Royale" - The surface temperature of the planet is less than absolute +zero by six degrees Celsius. Also, after they beam the piece of the ship out +of orbit, O'Brien and Riker pick it up with their bare hands (coming from +space, it should have been close to zero Kelvin itself). Plus, after beaming +down, they then scan the atmosphere to see if it's safe to breathe. (V) + +"Samaritan Snare" - Wesley opens a communications channel, and says that +Shuttle #2 is ready for takeoff. However, in the following scene, when the +shuttle is seen powering up, there is a "01" on the outside of the shuttle. +Oops. (UV) + +"The Enemy" - Picard says to Tomaluk that he will be escorting the Romulan +ship to the Neutral Zone. Yet, in the closing shot, the Enterprise and the +Romulan Ship take off in two different directions. (V) + +"The Price" - When the Ferengi Daimon talks to picard about putting photon +torpedoes through the worm hole, he says, "Casualties of war, Captain", +however, his mouth looks as if he is saying "Picard." (V) + +"Yesterday's Enterprise" - At the end of the episode, Geordi talks with +Guinan. However, he is wearing an open neck uniform. (V) + +"Sins of the Father" - The sound effects people must have fallen asleep every +time someone got slapped. (V) + +"Sarek" - The music recital in this episode contained several errors. First, +the quartet seating is towards the audience, not toward each other. Classical +music was originally developed with the performers facing each other in order +to get visual cues. The performing in front of the audience did not come about +until much later. Second, the Allegro is by Brahm's, not Mozart. Thirdly, the +Allegro is a sextet, not a quartet. (UV) Also, in this story, Geordi and +Wesley are setting up this pool, and wesley says that the temperature is 150 +degrees celsious, which is aproximately 300 degrees Farenheit. (where's that +formula?!?!?!) However, there was no obvious radiant heat because Geordi and +Wesley were standing close to the pool and peer inside. (UV) + +"The Most Toys" - When Data is talking to the Enterprise at the start of the +episode, he says, "Level 1 precautions for incoming material remain in +effect." But when Geordi and Wesley are playing back the tapes later, we hear, +"Level 1 precautions remain in effect." Selective recorder? (UV) + +"Brothers" - The code which Data gives to lock the Enterprise computer system +differs between the spoken version and the version displayed on the screen. +(See "Security Codes") (V) + +"Remember Me" - Beverly asks the computer to show her "the Universe". The +computer then puts out a drawing of the Enterprise that is cropped with a +sphere.....with the portion of the saucer section with the bridge cropped off. +(UV) In the final act, when Wesley and the Traveler are entering the equations +into the computer, watch Wesley's hand. He closes his eyes, and then places +his hand on the case, about three inches below the entry pad. While he is +making his entries, his hand starts moving up, while the sound effect people +keep making the sounds in time. (V) + +"Legacy" - During the card trick with Data, Riker's hand keeps on changing +position during the trick when the camera switches. (UV) + +"Reunion" - After K'Eyhlar dies, Alexander the child runs away, and Worf lets +out his primal scream, we see her body being lowered to the floor. As she is +finally settled, her eyes flutter open and closed several times (as, +presumably, the actress, Suzie Plakson, "gets her bearings"). Also notice that +her head is facing towards her left. However, when her body is shown full-on +from the perspective of her feet (as Worf tells Alexander to "look at death, +and never forget"), her head is facing slightly towards her *RIGHT*, and +remains that way for the rest of the scene (a prime example of a scene being +shot in several takes with the continuity person being asleep on the job). +(V) Also, Dr. Crusher and her aide comes from the bedroom, not from the +corridor. (UV) + +"Devil's Due" - In the TOS episode "Day of the Dove", Captain Kang explicitly +remarks that the Klingons have no devil. However, in "Devil's Due", Ardra uses +the guise of the Klingon devil, Fekhlar, a creature that consumes the souls of +cowards. (V) + +"Clues" - Guinan has a cigarette in a holder, which changes length with each +camera cut...a common problem in any movie where smoking is portrayed. + +"The Drumhead" - After the first hearing with J'Ddan, Worf and J'Ddan leave +the hearing room. The doors open, as they are walking though the doorway, the +doors start to close, but hesitate, open back up and then close after they +leave the doorway. Looks like someone pulled on the rope too soon :-) (V) +Also, Satie says that Captain Picard took command of the Enterprise at +Stardate 41162. This is in error . . . it was 41152. (V) + +"Half A Life" - Near the end of the episode, when Lwaxana Troi is standing +next to the mirror and then begins to walk away from it, for a brief instant +the boom from the mic is visible in the reflection. (V) + +"In Theory" - In the teaser, Data finishes telling Jenna the reasons why she +broke up with Jeff. She and Data then close up the photon torpedo, and she +moves off to a control panel. On top of the torpedo rests a black, hand-sized +deviceamajig. Data stands up, holding some sensormajig in his left hand. The +scene then shifts to Data walking towards Jenna, and the sensormajig is now in +his RIGHT hand (with no indication that he ever shifted it there), and Jenna +is holding the deviceamajig she left on top of the torpedo (with no indication +that she ever went back to get it). (V) + +"Redemption II" - In part one of this story, Worf said that he would be +serving on the Bortas. Yet, in this episode, he is serving on the Hectar, with +no explanation about the transfer. + Also, Picard says to Guinan that Yar died a year prior to Guinan joining +the crew. However, "Skin of Evil" was the fourth to last story of the season, +and Guinan is first seen in the second season premiere "The Child", suggesting +only 3-4 months between the two stories. + Picard refers to the battle on Narendra III as taking place 24 years ago to +Sela, and 23 years ago to Guinan. (V) But, of course, Guinan senses time +differently...... + When Worf is given his family name back the blood on the knife is red not +pink as in Star Trek VI. (UV) + +"Ensign Ro" - When Ensign Ro takes off her jacket, her communicator is on her +jacket. However, when she hands the jacket to the little girl, her +communicator jumps to her uniform, with no action of putting the communicator +there. (V) + +"Silicon Avatar" - In the second act, look closely at the tricorder that Dr. +Marr holds during the conversation between Dr. Marr and Data. During the +conversation, she has her tricorder open. She then closes it, then reopens it, +but holds the tricorder UPSIDE DOWN!!!! (V) + +"Disaster" - In the scene where Dr. Crusher and Geordi are evacuating all the +air out of the cargo bay, Geordi hits the button that closes the cargo bay. +The pushing of the button and resulting door closing are audibly heard, even +though sound doesn't travel in a vacuum. (Probably dramatic reasons) Also, +when the ship starts shaking, they cut to ten forward, where the stars are +shaking right along with the ship. (V) + Also, while in the turbo lift, when Picard gives out the pips to the girl +(whose name escapes me). Look closely (actully it's fairly obvious once you +notice it). Her collar has two small holes where the pips go, before the pips +were put on. Either they punched some holes to make it easier to put them on +(since the collar looks fairly stiff) or it's a product of having to do the +shot in several takes =-) + +"The Game" - When the crew are forcing Wesley to play the game, and Riker is +holding his eyes open, Wesley blinks. (V) + +"Unification I" - When Dr. Crusher is examining Data in order to prep him (and +Picard) to Romulus, she asks if Data's ears are detachable, to which Data says +that they are not. Yet, in "Datalore", Data's brother, Lore, is clearly shown +without ears. A design change? + +"Unification II" - After Spock, Picard, and Data have knocked out the Romulan +guards, and Spock has Sela at gunpoint, Picard has no gun in his hand. After a +camera switch, Picard then holds a Romulan disrupter "pistol". A minute later, +after a scene with the Enterprise, Picard is still standing in the same place, +but with a Romulan disrupter "rifle". (UV) After Data gives Sela the famous +"Spock Pinch", and when Picard, Data, and Spock leave the room, look at the +glass pyramid in Sela's office. There is a reflection of a cameraman chewing +gum. (V) + +"New Ground" - Alexander states that he was born on stardate 42305. Unless the +equivalent of 01000 stardate equals approximately one year, Alexander would be +only 2 and a half years old. Also, the creature which Riker saves from the lab +is obviously a hand puppet. (V) + +"Violations" (?) - Troi and the Bad Guy {tm} get into the turbolift on Deck 3. +Troi orders it to go to Deck 8. When she gets off, the doors close just in +front of the camera, clearly showing "Deck 3." + +"The Masterpiece Society" - Geordi states that his VISOR covered the range +from 1 Hertz to 1 Terahertz. While this covers radio, microwave, and far +infrared frequencies, it does not cover near infrared, visible, ultraviolet, +x-rays, or gamma rays. + +"Conundrum" - While a record search is performed, Deanna's father was listed +as "Alex". However, in "The Child", she named her child after Ian, her +father's name. (V) When MacDuff is talking to Picard in Picard's ready room, +when Picard goes to the window, all you see in the window is the reflection of +Picard and the room behind him (not the stars outside), then, when you see +MacDuff, in the reflection, leaving the room behind Picard, when the door +opens, you don't see the reflection of the bridge, you see stars. Oops! (UV) +After Rikers first love scene, a wide-angle-view-pan-to-closeup on the bridge +can be seen at the very top of the screen, in the brightly lit area. (UV). +Shortly afterwards, in the same scene, MacDuff is walking around and up to the +tactical station from his chair, and we can see his legs walk next to Worfs. +The camera cuts to Worf, and we see MacDuff approaching Worf. (UV) Also, +Beverly Crusher is listed in the crew manifest as a Lt. Cmdr, when her +actual rank is Commander. (UV) + +"Ethics" - When the barrel falls on Worf, a second barrel also falls, and it's +lid pops off. However, when Geordi runs over to Worf, the lid is back on the +barrel. (V) + +"Cause and Effect" - The first time we see Picard in the Sickbay talking to +Geordi and Dr. Crusher, he is wearing his standard uniform, and states he had +a feeling of deja vu when he was reading. However, in the next loop, he is +shown wearing his gray uniform while reading in his ready room, and when he's +in Sickbay, he's also wearing his maroon jacket. (Also recall that in the +first loop, when he is talking to Beverly, he is wearing the grey uniform. +Thus, the sequence goes: grey -> standard -> grey). Presumably, both instances +of this scene happen at the same "time", and since Picard's behaviour was not +affected until Dr. Crusher contacted him, why is he wearing the standard +uniform in one loop, and the gray uniform in the next loop? (V) + +"Cost of Living" - In the turbolift where Picard and Data got trapped in due +to the metal parasites, look closely: Picard, in this scene only, is wearing +only three pips. (V) Also, Picard is told that the inertial dampers had +failed, in which he orders the Enterprise out of warp. If the inertial dampers +had failed, they would have been splattered all over the bridge. (V) + +"I, Borg" - During the first time in the lab, Three of Five asks "Do I have a +name?" "I" should not have been used, it should have been "we". + +"The Next Phase" - One of things dropped in films is an explanation as to why +Geordi and Ro are able to breathe or not be able to go through the floors. +Oops. (V) Also, Riker starts playing the trombone.... before his lips reach +the mouthpiece. (UV) + +"Time's Arrow" - The paper which Data picks up is dated "Sunday, August 11, +1893". Unfortunately, August 11, 1893 was a Friday. (V) + +"Man Of The People" - There were several snafus which occurred, including.... +* In Engineering, when Geordi and Beverly were checking out the + Biofilter logs from the Dorian, Geordi had two hollow pips and one solid, + instead of two solid and one hollow. +* When Riker and Troi walked out of Ten-Forward (the scene where Troi was + wearing that revealing dress), they stepped right into a Turbolift. The + sign on the lift's door said "08 Turbolift", indicating they were on Deck 8 + instead of Deck 10. +* Near the end, in Sickbay, when Beverly was reviving Deanna, Deanna's eyes + fluttered open a couple of times, and then remained shut. (This is when she + still looked old.) Although I couldn't make out an actual color, it was + obviously that Marina didn't have her black contacts in. + +"Schisms" - When Riker sits down at CONN when the ensign is having trouble +navigating, when we see his hands over the console, it is the display for +OPS. It was also explained at the end of the episode that the experimenters +had homed in on the Enterprise from Geordi modifying the sensors. Yet, Riker +began experiencing his chronic insomnia days before Geordi made his +modifications. + +"Rascals" - The computer display in the classroom clearly shows "Classroom +Seven" on the screen. Yet, when Picard meets Riker, he refers to Classroom +Eight. (V) Also, when Keiko gets the Coffee, when she picks it up from the +replicator, it's in her left hand, yet, in the next scene, it's in her right +hand. (V) Also, amazingly, the clothings shrank, but not proportionally, and +Guinan's hat and Ro's headband is perfectly. (V) When Rikers dives to avoid a +phaser blast, we *HEAR* the phaser, but not see it. + +"A Fistful Of Datas" - When Data is being connected to the computer, look at +his neck. You can see where the gold makeup ended. (UV) Also, when Pa +Hollinder talks to the young Hollinder, and the Pa turns, his hand gets "cut +off" due to the video wipe. (V) Also, while the Pa talk with Worf and Troi, +talk a look at the manniquin standin for Young Hollinder. + +"Chain Of Command" - The tunnels were underground, yet, they never once used a +flashlight, and there was light down there. (UV) Also, when Worf opens up the +door that was magnetically sealed, it opened inward like a normal door, yet, +when they started to run out, the door slid closed. Trick door? + +"Ship In A Bottle" - When the book is tossed out of the holodeck, it got +zapped immediately. This is conflict with "The Big Goodbye", in which the +gangsters, when they walked out of the holodeck, they de-rezzed slowly. Also, +in "Elementary, Dear Data", there was a sheet of paper which was shown Picard +which did not de-rez when taken out of the holodeck. Moriarity must have made +some programming boo-boos. + +- Betazoid's and the Ferengi Mind: In "The Battle" and "The Price", Deanna's +is able to sense deception from the Ferengi, and later, used against them. +Yet, in "Menage A Troi", the Betazoid Ambassador says that they are unable to +read Ferengi minds, a fact later confirmed in "The Loss". Data has suggested +that this is due to the Ferengi brain separated in four regions. + +- In "Reunion," Gowron was prepared to offer K'Ehleyr a seat on the Klingon +Council for her assistance in getting Picard to quicken the pace of the Rite +of Succession. However, in "Redemption," he states to Picard that females are +not allowed to serve on that Council. He really wanted that pace +quickened...... + +Data Using Contractions +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +In "Datalore", Lore says that there are differences between him and Data, +among them, the ability of Lore being able to use contractions, while Data +couldn't. Yet, in "The Offspring", Data says that he hadn't quite mastered +contractions. It appears that Data can use contractions, as the following +shows indicate . . . . . + +"Encounter At Farpoint" - At the beginning of the "post Atomic-horror" +courtroom, when Q enters, Data says, "At least we're acquainted with the +judge, Captain." Also, when Data is asked by a very familiar "Admiral" if he +is a Vulcan, Data replies, "No sir, I'm an android." (Entire Episode-V) + +"The Naked Now" - Data says: "Correction, sir.. that's blown out." instead of +"that is". Then, after being examined by Dr. Crusher, Data says "I'm already +listed in several bio-mechanical texts.". Later, after Picard orders Yar to +the sick bay, Yar asks "Did he say when?", to which Data replies "I'm sure he +meant now.". In this same scene, "Chronological age, no. I'm afaid I am +not...." (Entire Episode-V) + +"Code of Honor" - + +"The Last Outpost" - During the conversation with Sentry, Data clearly said +"I'm afraid not." (UV) + +"Where No Man Has Gone Before" - After they shot out of the galaxy and were +looking at all the nice special effects outside Data said something like "It's +beautiful". (UV) + +"Datalore" - In the teaser, in response to Tasha's query about holding the +memory of over 411 people, Data responds, "Actually, I'm quite efficient in +some basic human information." Then, in act one, on the way to the place where +he was found, in response to Tasha's query about the colonist's memories, Data +replies, "I've always felt that it was done hurriedly, but I know little +more." Next, in act two, in a conversation with Chief Argyle, Data says, "I've +been most anxious to hear the Chief Engineer's opinion, Mr. Argyle." Then, in +the final act, after the fight with Lore, Picard asks Data if he's ok, in +which Data replies, "Yes Sir, I'm fine." This is quite surprising, since this +is one episode which they should have been extra careful about using +contractions. (V) + +"Heart of Glory" - (UV) + +"Elementary, Dear Data" - When Data and Geordi are just about to confront +Moriarty for the first time, Data notices some scratches near Moriarty's +secret entrance and he asks, "What's this?" (UV) + +"The Offspring" - In the Captain's quarters, after Picard answers Data's +question about Admiral Halftel having children, Data replies, "I'm forced to +wonder how much experience he had as a parent when his first child was born." +(V) + +"Future Imperfect" - The future Data uses a contraction. + +"In Theory" - When entering Jenna's quarters, Data recites several phrases +with contractions, including "Honey, I'm Home" and "You don't tell me what to +do! You're not my mother!" - a clear contradiction of the no-contraction rule. +However, he was running a program in which he was simply reciting various +phrases couples use, and he was saying them in a different tone of voice than +usual. (V) + +"The Quality Of Life" - Data clearly states "The trasnporter controls are not +malfunctioning. I've locked out the controls." +:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+ + ST:TNG Technical Manual + +The "Star Trek: The Next Generation" Technical Manual (Pocket Books, ISBN +0-671-70427-3) is the complete technical guide to the Treknology used in TNG. +It is written by Rick Sternbach and Michael Okuda, who work in TNG's Art +Department. Among their responsibilities include making sure that everything +is consistent in the technical department from show to show. However, they +have been known to clown around a little, and some of that clowning has shown +up in the technical manual. Such as: + +11 - In the saucer section, right above the Captain's Yacht, there is a duck. +A half inch to the left and a little bit down, there is a mouse. Slightly to +the right of the mouse, there is a "Slippery When Wet" sign. In the shuttle +bay, there are three big shuttles, two small shuttles, and a Porsche. To the +right of the duck, about one inch, there is a DC-3 cargo aircraft, and, in +that same rectangle, there is a symbol of a woman and a child (the symbol for +Canada's "Family" rating for movies). Also, right under the warp pylons, there +is a registered trademark symbol. In addition, there is an image of NOMAD on +it's side, center of the saucer section, forward. + +Interestingly enough, if you look at the ship diagram in Engineering on the +show, those exact items show up. + +120 - The tricorder display shows "TR580 TRICORDER VII", alledgely a reference +to the old Radio Shack TRS-80's. +\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/ + Mike Brown's Program Guide + +The best "Star Trek: The Next Generation" program guide is put out by Mike +Brown. It contains everything one could possibly want from a Star Trek guide, +including: + +* The credit/synopsis section. This section contains the complete credits + listing for each episode, and at least a one page synopsis (written by Tim + Lynch) to each and every ST:TNG episode +* The complete air schedule for ST:TNG, sorted a few ways for reference +* The complete cast listing, listed by both the actor's name and the various + characters +* A reference to the writers and directors +* A list of all the other production credits, season by season +* The list of award nominations and award wins +* Reports from attendees of various conventions +* An index to the Starlog ST:TNG magazine articles +* Various articles culled from TV Guide and newspapers +* A list of the episodes released on video tape or laserdisc (US and UK) + +If you are a serious trekker, this is the guide for you! + +The guide only costs $40.00 (including shipping and handling), and comes ready +to be inserted into a loose-leaf notebook (binder is $5 extra). Updates are +also available. For more information and a sample page, please send a +self-addressed stamped business size envelope to: + + Mr. Video Productions + 6013 Mayhill Drive + Madison, WI 53711-4123 + +E-mail address is . . . + + spool.cs.wisc.edu\ + \ +harvard\ att!nicmad\ + ucbvax!uwvax..........!astroatc!vidiot!brown +rutgers/ decvax!nicmad/ + +INTERNET: vidiot!brown%astroatc@spool.cs.wisc.edu +-=+=-=+=-=+=-=+=-=+=-=+=-=+=-=+=-=+=-=+=-=+=-=+=-=+=-=+=-=+=-=+=-=+=-=+=-=+=-= + Thanks to . . . + +Edward Champion - For loaning me half of his Trek tape collection. + +Mike Brown - For information from his program guide, plus his endless + informative contributions to Usenet (buy a TNG Program Guide from + him!!!!) + +Ian Justman - For sending me copies of the new episodes from the satellite + uplinks + +Larry Reznick and Jim Smith - For seperately proofreading this thing and + checking for those evasive typos + +Jim Griffith - For moderating the very informative rec.arts.startrek.info + +Otto 'Hackman' Heuer - For information stolen from his FAQ List + +Tim Lynch & Michael Rawdon - Usenet reviews who point out interesting things + +Brendan Kehoe & Raymond Chen - FTP Site moderators + +Jim Earl and Paul Dyer - Wonderful Local Sysops + +Martin Pollard - The man with the close eye for details + +David Datta - For converting these lists over from Appleworks to MS-DOS format + +Alan Takahashi - For those wonderful notes from conventions + +and . . . . + +Mark Abair, Dean Adams, Mario Alaniz, Mark H. Anbinder, Joeseph Anderson, Mike +Beizer, Mike Beltzner, Michael Bennett, Dan Berry, Brent Best, Woody +Bilyeu-Harper, Joel E. and Francine Bion, David Bisping, David Borkowski, Matt +Brady, Edward Branley, Ray Brown, Chris Burgess, James P. Callison, Chuck +Carroll, Joel Chan, Tim Cherna, Robert Christian, Brian Clayton, Mitch Cohen, +Jeff Comer, Cam Craig, J. Joseph Creighton, Tom Crowell, William James Cuffe, +Erik L. Cunha, Dave Davis, Lee Davis, Ben Delisle, Stephen Dennison, Jon +Drukman, Brooks Duncan, Kevin Eastman, Stuart Elliot, Ken Fischer, Francois +Fortin, Zorch Frezberg, Dominik Gaillardetz, Mindy Garber, Blaine Gardner, +Kevin A. Geiselman, Dean Gilbert, Jesus S. Gonzalez, Richard L. Gralnik, B. +J. Guillot, Michael Gunderson, Andrew Hackard, Paul Hager, John Hale, Jen +Hawthorne, Inge Heyer, Cindy Hill, Scott Hollifield, Phil Holtam, Irwin +Horowitz, Chris Jacobson, Brett Jaffee, Jon Jerome, Charlotte Jerscheid, Glenn +E. Johnson, Lawrence Kiefer, Steve Klemetti, Eric Knippert, Tom Kuchar, Bob +Lawler, Frank Lazer, David Learn, Gabriel Lee, Charles Anthony Leone, Denis +Lepine, Rockford Lhotka, Lloyd Lim, Jim Shaun Lyon, Don Malzahn, Steve +Manitsas, Etienne Mayrand, Scott McClare, Rachel K. McGregor, Kent Miller, +Robert Moore, Ron Moore, Francis Moraes, Michael Mullen, Colum Mylod, Elaine +Naiman, Bryce Newall, Ross Nicol, Roger Noe, Mike Okuda, Robert Oliver, Owen +E. Oulton, David Pearson, Chrys Pelegris, Ken Pergrem, Loren Petrich, Rob +Pfile, Nathan Phillips, Jasper Pino, Geoff Poole, Carl Potter, Marshall +Presnell, Ken Quick, John Rackley, Mitsuhiro Sakai, Konrads Samulis, Paul +Sander, Brian E. Saunders, Richard Saunders, Brian Scearce, Dave Schaumann, +Catherine Schulz, Bob Schmidt, Joe Siegler, David S. Serchay, Betsey Crockett +Shay, Troy W. Simpson, John Smith, Jason Snell, Andrew Sepulveda, Carter D. +Smith, Greg Smith, Mark Spears, William Stone, Lee Storm, Eric Stillwell, Gary +Strand, Chas Stokes, Dave Sturm, Don Sutherland, Frank Swarbrick, Jamie +Talbott, Jonathan Tham, John Todd, Robert William Thomale III, R. B. Torok, +"Mr. Tech", Mika Valiviita, Paul Vega, Scott Viguie, Gary Wachs, David Welle, +Jamie Wells, John Whelan, Edward Lee Whiteside, Walter Wilbury, Hywel +Williams, Wolfram Kresse, Andy Wood, Gregg E. Woodcock, Ivan +(captkidd@ATHENA.MIT.EDU), Erez Zadok, Alan Zander, FNOTMAN@ESTEC.BITNET + +. . . . . and the many other folks on Usenet's rec.arts.startrek and Fidonet +Star Trek and TNG Echos. +-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= + Eugene Wesley "Gene" Roddenberry + August 19, 1921 - October 24, 1991 + +He created a legend which continues on today, creating a show that has helped +believe that there was a future worth living for. He showed us that space is +not just for space battles, but for learning new ideas and ways of thinking, +and, indirectly, has done more for civil rights and the space program than +Martin Luther King, Jr. and John F. Kennedy. Gene will be missed, but will not +be forgotten. +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ + Keep circulating the List of Lists. diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/tngdrink.txt b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/tngdrink.txt new file mode 100644 index 00000000..61c037b5 --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/tngdrink.txt @@ -0,0 +1,393 @@ + Star Trek: The Next Generation + + The Canonical Drinking Game + +Compiled by: Mark Yocom (n9043860@henson.cc.wwu.edu) + +=========================================================================== +Requirements: Episode(s) of ST:TNG + This list + People (the more the merrier) + Beverages of your choice + +Instructions: Simple. Watch the show, and whenever a condition is met, + take the appropriate number of drinks. The definition of + "drink" should be decided before game play starts. Usually, + a good mouthful will suffice. Optional rules are included + at the end of the list for fun variations on the "standard" + game. + +Compiler's Note: I would advise taking some time before game play starts + to decide which conditions to use and which to ignore. + Remember that this list is canonical, so you probably will + _not_ want to use them all (especially with a new episode, + since you'll spend all your time reading the list, rather + than watching). Please send any corrections, suggestions, + requests, submissions, flames, etc. to the address listed + above. + +=========================================================================== +Category: Condition : Number of Drinks +=========================================================================== +General : "Open hailing frequencies" : 1 +Quotes : "Medical emergency" : 1 + : "Belay that order" : 1 + : "Energize" : 1 + : "Hell", "Damn" and other swearing. : 1 + : SEE ALSO: Riker's special swearing rules. : + : "It's not like anything I've ever seen before": 1 + : "Impossible" : 1 + : "Shut up, Wesley" : 3 + : "On screen" : 1 + : "Understood" : 1 + : "Set phasers on..." : 1 + : "Acknowledged" : 1 +--------------------------------------------------------------------------- +General : A female crewmember has flawless makeup after : +Actions : she's been put through the ringer : 1 + : A crewmember straightens his/her uniform : 1 ea. + : SEE ALSO: Picard's special uniform rules. : + : A crewmember drinks (outside of 10 Forward) : 1 ea. + : SEE ALSO: Picard's special drinking rules.: + : A bridge officer is seen in casual clothes : 1 ea. + : SEE ALSO: Picard's & Beverly's special : + : clothing rules. : + : A bridge officer is seen in dress uniform : 1 ea. + : "Ensign Ethnic" or "Ensign Buxom" gets a line : 1 + : Someone is referred to by their first name : 1 + : First names while sexual tension present : 2 + : The sarcophagus is used in sickbay : 2 + : Transporter Room 3 is used : 1 + : A shuttlecraft appears unsafe : 1 + : Someone reads a book : 1 + : Mention of dilithium crystals : 1 + : Someone adopts a persona (Dixon Hill, Sherlock: + : Holmes, etc.) : 1 ea. + : Someone receives a shot : 1 + : Someone receives a shot from a non-medical : + : officer : 2 + : Someone preaches the Prime Directive : 1 + : Someone other than Picard preaches the P.D. : 2 + : Someone preaches about "Humanity's Unique : + : Potential" : 1 + : An "Old Earth Saying" is brought up : 1 + : A member of the bridge crew takes over a : + : by pushing someone out of the way : 2 + : Someone implies that 10 Forward is a Happening: + : Place : 1 + : They fade to commercial playing the "ominous : + : horns" : 1 + : They fade to commercial with a soap-opera-like: + : close up on someone's face : 1 + : The Enterprise is hurled somewhere by another : + : force (Q, Tin Man, etc.) : 2 + : Klingon is spoken : 1 + : English is spoken by Klingons when they are : + : alone and have no reason to speak English : 2 + : An "expendable" is killed : 1 ea. + : A new Romulan ship is revealed : 1 + : Communications malfunction/go out : 1 + : Transporter goes down : 1 + : A token alien is shown in the background : + : and has no lines : 1 + : The token alien is a Vulcan : 2 + : Yellow Alert : 1 + : Red Alert : 2 + : Intruder Alert : 3 + : The Enterprise docks at a starbase : 3 + : Another Captain or Starfleet Command officer : + : is shown : 1 + : A desk hologram is seen : 2 + : There is a countdown : 1 + : Someone stops the countdown : 2 + : Bridge command is handed over : 1 + : The Enterprise avoids a conflict rather than : + : using force : 1 + : The Enterprise actually fights (shots must be : + : fired) : 2 + : Someone uses the episode's title in a sentence: 2 + : The saucer section separates : Whole Beverage + : They contact someone via communicator or : + : intercom without activating it : 1 + : Communicators don't work : 1 + : Communicators are out of range : 2 + : The battle bridge is used : 1 + : The battle bridge is used with the saucer : + : section still attached : 2 + : TNG contradicts a fact stated in TOS : 2 + : Dialogue in the turbolift : 1 + : A poker game is shown : 1 + : A log entry is made : 1 + : A log entry is made - not by Picard : 2 + : A stardate is mentioned - not in a log entry : 1 + : An Old Earth Date is mentioned : 2 + : Someone requests that an image on the main : + : viewer be magnified : 1 + : Someone requests magnification when it's : + : painfully obvious that it's necessary : 2 + : Readings go off the scale : 1 + : The ship/crew is seconds away from disaster : 1 + : Someone removes their communicator : 1 + : Someone places their communicator on something: + : so it can be beamed away or destroyed : 2 + : Someone gives their communicator to a non- : + : crewmember so they can communicate with : + : the Enterprise : 3 + : The transporter room can't lock on to someone : 1 + : The transporter room pulls someone through : + : after their ship explodes : 2 + : Someone who normally pronounces "sensors" as : + : "SEN-sers" pronounces it as "SEN-sohrs" : 1 + : Someone brings up the matter/antimatter ratio : 1 + : A member of the bridge crew looks WAY too : + : pleased with him/herself : 1 + : A Captain's Log entry is made by someone other: + : than Picard : 2 + : A sound effect from TOS is heard : 1 + : The camera pans > 90 degrees to show how BIG : + : the ship is : 1 + : Someone changes their pronunciation of a word : + : within the same scene : 1 + : Someone throws/is hit by/etc. styrofoam props : 1 + : Someone quotes Shakespeare, etc. (See Picard) : 1 + : A bad fight scene occurs : 1 + : The Enterprise is taken over : 1 + : The weapons are rendered useless : 1 + : Phasers are used for a different function than: + : intended (e.g. overload, power : + : a transporter, etc.) : 1 + : Harmonics are changed in shields/phasers/etc. : 1 + : Someone alludes to a work/person/event/etc. : + : that hasn't been made/existed/happened yet: 1 + : A guest appearance is made by someone from TOS: 3 + : Security alert or request : 1 + : Part of a set is destroyed in a fistfight : 2 + : A succession of five face closeups with no : + : dialogue : 1 + : A shuttlecraft is launched : 2 + : A probe is launched : 1 + : Someone mentions Jack Crusher : 2 + : Someone is seen out of uniform (in civvies) : 2 + : The Enterprise is boarded by hostiles : 2 + : The warp engine light goes really fast : 2 + : The auto-destruct sequence is activated : 3 +=========================================================================== +Picard : "Make it so" : 1 +Quotes : "Engage" : 1 + : "Come" : 1 + : "Come" (in personal quarters) : 2 + : "Captain's Log" : 1 + : "Captain's Log, Supplemental" : 2 + : "Proceed" : 1 + : "Number One" : 1 + : "The boy" in reference to Wesley : 1 +--------------------------------------------------------------------------- +Picard : Straightens his uniform : 2 +Actions : Straightens his uniform before giving a speech: 3 + : Drinks : 2 + : Drinks tea : 3 + : Drinks tea identified as Earl Grey : 4 + : Wears chest-revealing bedwear : 2 + : Has an accident or is attacked : 2 + : Accident or attack draws blood : 3 + : Is possessed : 4 + : Requests a Level One Diagnostic : 1 + : Makes a speech that saves the day : 1 + : Tries to avoid Lwuxana Troi : 1 + : Surrenders : 1 + : Leaves the ship : 1 + : Leaves the ship to lead an away team : 2 + : Demonstrates knowledge of a foreign language : 1 + : Swears/hurls an insult in a foreign language : 2 + : Appears uncomfortable (around women, children): 1 + : Quotes Shakespeare, etc. : 2 + : Leaves the bridge during a crisis to talk with: + : Dr. Crusher or Guinan : 1 + : Talks about death to Dr. Crusher : 1 + : Takes a communique from Starfleet in his ready: + : room : 1 +=========================================================================== +Worf : "Impressive" : 1 +Quotes : "Admirable" : 1 + : "Grrrrr" (A simple sneer qualifies) : 1 + : "I am a Klingon" : 1 + : "Klingons do NOT..." : 1 +--------------------------------------------------------------------------- +Worf : Uses the word "human" in a sense meaning puny,: +Actions : weak, or otherwise >not< Klingon : 2 + : Gets beat up : 1 + : Actually wins a fight : 2 + : Throws someone in the brig/Arrests someone : 1 + : Asks for an explanation of a human term/custom: 1 + : Says something with a tilt of his head/nod : 1 + : Has a suggestion shot down offhandedly : 2 +=========================================================================== +Data : "Fascinating" : 1 +Quotes : "Accessing" : 1 + : "Inquiry" : 1 + : "Intriguing" : 1 + : "I am an android" : 1 + : "I cannot feel emotions", etc : 1 + : "Increase speed" : 1 +--------------------------------------------------------------------------- +Data : Uses his strength : 1 +Actions : Uses his strength and shows up Worf : 2 + : Uses his superior android speed : 1 + : Innards are revealed : 1 + : Innards are revealed other than his head : 2 + : Is cut off mid-sentence : 1 + : Is cut off during a list of synonyms : 2 + : Stops himself during an inappropriate speech : 2 + : Has to have "An Old Earth Saying" explained : 2 + : Gives a list of synonyms for the term he did : + : not understand : 1 + : Is able to interpret/use alien technology in : + : no time : 1 + : Uses a new colloquialism : 1 + : Uses a contraction : Whole Beverage + : Affects a human mannerism (e.g. Sherlock Data): 2 + : Corrects somebody's grammar : 1 + : Brent Spiner breaks character for comic effect: 1 + : Gives an "approximation" out to several : + : decimal places : 1 + : Does that little head twitch : 1 +=========================================================================== +Riker : "Hell" : 2 +Quotes : "What the hell is going on?" : Whole Beverage + : "You are personally responsible for the : + : Captain's safety" to Worf : 2 + : "With pleasure, sir" : 1 +--------------------------------------------------------------------------- +Riker : Walks forward as if he's trying to knock an : +Actions : imaginary door down with his forehead : 1 + : Demonstrates knowledge of a foreign language : 1 + : Swears/hurls an insult in a foreign language : 2 + : Thrusts his chin out with a smug look : 1 + : Stands with his feet more than 2 ft. apart :1 per ' beyond 2' + : Pronounces a word in a way that does not match: + : his heritage (e.g. charade=shur-AHD) : 2 + : Acts blatantly like Kirk : 1 + : Gets that annoying smirk on his face : 1 + : Gets the girl : 1 + : Gets the girl for no apparent reason : 2 +=========================================================================== +LaForge : "...lost a lotta good people down there..." : 1 +Quotes : "Maybe not" in response to "Impossible" : 2 + : "I'm workin' on it!" : 1 +--------------------------------------------------------------------------- +LaForge : VISOR is taken or knocked off : 1 +Actions : Tweaks the warp engines/shields/tractor beams : 1 + : Wishes he had human vision : 1 + : Is used as a "human tricorder" : 1 +=========================================================================== +Beverly : "This won't hurt a bit" : 1 +Quotes : "This shouldn't be happening" : 1 + : "Nothing yet, but we're working on it" : 1 + : "He's dead " : 2 +--------------------------------------------------------------------------- +Beverly : Can't figure out some bizarre medical problem : 1 +Actions : Uses the word "stumped" in regards to problem : 2 + : Is seen in a sweater : 2 + : Beams directly to sickbay or orders someone to: + : be beamed directly to sickbay : 1 + : Is seen on the bridge for no apparent reason : 1 + : Appears without her lab coat : 1 + : Appears without her lab coat in sickbay : 2 + : Uses one of her ridiculous 24th century : + : medical terms : 1 + : Performs major surgery : 2 + : Diagnoses something really obvious : 1 + : Shows maternal instinct : 2 +=========================================================================== +Deanna : "What do YOU think about that?" or other quote: +Quotes : reminiscent of ELIZA : 1 + : "Are you troubled?" (when they obviously are) : 1 +--------------------------------------------------------------------------- +Deanna : Senses something really shocking : 1 +Actions : Gives us Betazoid insight into something : + : really obvious : 2 + : Senses (and lists) more than one emotion : 1 + : Cries : 2 + : Is hit on : 1 +=========================================================================== +O'Brien : Has a line in a first or second season episode: 1 +Actions : Disables a weapon during transport : 1 +=========================================================================== +Wesley : "It's easy!" (or "simple", etc.) : 1 +Quotes : "Wow", "Gee", "Ooh", etc. : 1 +--------------------------------------------------------------------------- +Wesley : Talks back to his mom : 1 +Actions : Saves the day : 1 + : Saves the day and nobody understands his : + : pseudoscientific babbling : 2 + : Saves the day and nobody thanks him : 2 + : Appears to be hitting on someone : 1 + : Gets that annoying "impish" grin : 1 + : Creates some spiffy new science project : 1 + : Gets that "I'm not just a kid" attitude : 1 + : Swallows really hard : 1 + : Has his life threatened : 2 + : Has his life threatened and he dies : Party like it's + : : 1999! + : Is seen with a girl (other than when on duty) : 3 +=========================================================================== +Lwuxana : "Little One" in reference to Deanna : 1 +--------------------------------------------------------------------------- +Lwuxana : Reads Picard's mind (or pretends to) : 1 +Actions : Is referred to in an episode in which she does: + : not appear : 1 +=========================================================================== +Yar : Suggests that the Enterprise fight, upon : +Actions : meeting another ship, etc. : 1 + : Denise Crosby makes a guest appearance : 1 + : Decks someone : 1 + : Decks someone just to show her strength, etc. : 2 +=========================================================================== +Pulaski : Mispronounces Data's name : 1 +Quotes : Calls Data "it" or accuses him of being unable: + : to do something because he's an android : 1 +=========================================================================== +Guinan : Makes someone sigh at the end of a talk : 1 + : Talks about "her people" : 1 +=========================================================================== + + +=========================================================================== + Variations +=========================================================================== +"Engage", "Make It So", "Energize", "Accessing", "On Screen" and "Magnify" +are shot words - you must take a drink unless you say the exact word _in +unison_ with the dialogue. Two drinks if you say the wrong word. + +Whenever Riker appears in a scene, the last person to say "Oink Oink" takes +a drink. + +If Troi "senses" something, everyone must stick a finger down their throats +and make gagging sounds - last one to do so takes a drink. (This one could +be dangerous in the latter stages of the game.) + +At the start of a commercial break, guess who will do the next log entry. +Take a drink if you're wrong. If there's no log entry, everyone drinks. + +When Data launches into a long explanation, the last person to interrupt +with "Thank you, Commander..." takes a drink. Doesn't count if you say it +after it's said on the screen. + +Whenever Wesley saves the ship, throw something at the TV. Take a drink if +you don't hit Wesley. + +Before the show, everyone predicts Dr. Crusher's hairstyle. Everyone who +is wrong has to take a drink. + +Whenever Troi gets a headache, drink until the headache subsides. + +Before the show, everyone predicts Guinan's hat style (stop sign or +teardrop). Everyone who is wrong has to take a drink. +=========================================================================== + +-- + _-~-_-~-_-~-_-~-_-~-_-~-_-~-_-~-_-Mark Yocom_-~-_-~-_-~-_-~-_-~-_-~-_-~-_-~-_ +< n9043860@henson.cc.wwu.edu | "Enticed elephant phoned | I mean what I say, > +< 9043860@nessie.cc.wwu.edu | wad dime lieu king ford." | but not always v.v.> + ~-_-~-_-~-_-~-_-~-_-~-_-~-_-~-_-~-_-~-_-~-_-~-_-~-_-~-_-~-_-~-_-~-_-~-_-~-_-~ + diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/tos0493.txt b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/tos0493.txt new file mode 100644 index 00000000..b3d5999e --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/tos0493.txt @@ -0,0 +1,1495 @@ + Star Trek TOS/TAS Lists of Lists + compiled by Mark Holtz + (Revised April 7, 1993) + +DISCLAIMER: "Star Trek", "Enterprise", and all other related items are +copyright and trademarks of Paramount Communications. Any infringement of +these lists on Paramount's legitimate copyright and trademarks is purely +unintentional, and will be corrected upon proper notification. These lists are +for the enjoyment of the reader only, and may not be sold. + This is the Star Trek TOS/TAS List of Lists. It contains a listing of all +the episodes for both the original and the animated Star Trek TV series, plus +some added notes. (Due to the length considerations, there is a separate +Movies, TNG, and DS9 List of Lists). This list comes out around the 1st of +each month. However, events beyond my control may prevent the posting. + If you are wondering why I compile these lists, it is strictly out of the +enjoyment of "Star Trek", and have enjoyed the wealth of information from +other Star Trek fans who post on the electronic networks. After being +irritated by the ever constant requests for episode lists on Usenet, I decided +that, in the middle of 1990, to post a list of episodes on a regular basis. It +soon grew from that, and, with the contributions of other people, these lists +grew to what you see today. (And still growing). The only payment I ask is +thanks and contributions. I am not making a dime off these compilations. + +To contact the compiler, try the following e-mail addresses: + Usenet: mholtz@netcom.com (preferred) + Compuserve: Use Usenet gateway +Fidonet Netmail: Mark Holtz@1:203/1701 (The Itchy & Scratchy Show) + US Snail: Mark Holtz + c/o Valley Mfg. & Eng. Co. + 11358 Amalgam Way, Unit 2 + Rancho Cordova, CA 95670 + +Table of Contents +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +Star Trek (The Original Series) + Cast Listings + Episode Listings + The Best of Trek + Syndication Notes + United States + Germany + Iran + Isreal + Japan (with titles) + Mexico + Quebec + Video Tape + Laser Disc + "I'm a Doctor, not a _________" . . . . + . . . . And Variations Thereof + Attempts at Self-Destruct + Leaving The Galaxy + Time Travel + Security Codes + General Orders + Shuttlecraft + Money In The Future + Religion In The Future + How Many Episodes? + Birthdays + Did you know . . . + In-Jokes + Shakespeare + Operation SNAFU + Where's Scotty's Finger + "Theme from Star Trek" + Additional Notes +Star Trek (The Animated Series) + Voice Listings + Episode Listings + Syndication Notes + Shakespeare + Did You Know . . . + Connical Notes +Thanks to . . . +Eugene Wesley "Gene" Roddenberry +|=|=|=|=|=|=|=|=|=|=|=|=|=|=|=|=|=|=|=|=|=|=|=|=|=|=|=|=|=|=|=|=|=|=|=|=|=|=|= +"For one quarter of a century, they have thrilled us with their adventures, +amazed us with their discoveries, and inspired us with their courage. Their +ship has journeyed beyond imagination. Her name has become legend, her crew, +the finest ever assembled. We have traveled beside them from one corner of the +galaxy to the other. They have been our guides, our protectors, and our +friends. Now you are invited to join them for one last adventure. For at the +end of history lies the undiscovered country." + - Promo for Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country + + "Space, the final frontier, + these are the voyages of the starship Enterprise, + its five year mission, + to explore strange new worlds + to seek out new life and new civilizations, + to boldly go where no man has gone before." + + "Star Trek" + (The Original Series) + +Regular Cast +~~~~~~~~~~~~ +William Shatner - Captain James T. Kirk + (was James R. Kirk in "Where No Man Has Gone Before") + (Tiberius is from TAS's "Bem", and is officially confirmed + in Star Trek VI. Someone has suggested the Changling, + although I'm unable to confirm this) +Leonard Nimoy - First Officer & Science Officer/Commander Spock + (Lieutenant Commander for part of first season) +DeForest Kelley - Lieutenant Commander/Dr. Leonard H. "Bones" McCoy + (Chief Medical Officer) + (The H. is from Star Trek III) +James Doohan - Lieutenant Commander Montgomery Scott "Scotty" + (Chief Engineer) + - Voice of Sargon (Return to Tomorrow) + - Voice of Trelane's Father (The Squire of Gothos) + - Melkotian (Spectre of the Gun) +George Takei - Lieutenant Hikaru Sulu (Helmsman) + (Hikaru is confirmed in Star Trek VI) +Walter Koenig - Ensign Pavel Andreievich Chekov (Navigator) (Seasons 2-3) + (Andreievich is from "Way to Eden") +Nichelle Nichols - Lieutenant Uhura (Communications Officer) +Majel Barrett - Nurse Christine Chapel + - Number One (The Cage) + - Enterprise Computer (uncredited) +Grace Lee Whitney - Yeoman Janice Rand (Season 1) + +Notable Guests Stars +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +Stanley Adams - Cyrano Jones (The Trouble With Tribbles) +Barry Atwater - Surak (The Savage Curtain) +Barbara Babcock - Trelane's Mother (Voice - The Squire of Gothos) + - Mea 3 (A Taste Of Armageddon) + - Isis (human form) (Assignment: Earth) + - Tholian Voices (The Tholian Web) + - Pilana (Plato's Stepchildren) +Barbara Baldavin - Angela Martine (Balance of Terror) + - Angela Teller (Shore Leave) + - Lieutenant Lisa (Turnabout Intruder +Michael Barrier - Lt. Vincent DeSalle (The Squire of Gothos, This Side of + Paradise, Catspaw) +Melvin Belli - Gorgon (And The Children Shall Lead) +Roger C. Carmel - Harcourt Fenton Mudd (Mudd's Women & I, Mudd) +William Campbell - Trelane (The Squire of Gothos) + - Klingon Commander Koloth (The Trouble with Tribbles) +Ted Cassidy - Voice of Balok (The Corbomite Maneuver) + - Ruk (What Are Little Girls Made Of?) +Joan Collins - Edith Keeler (City on the Edge of Forever) +Yvonne Craig - Marta (Whom Gods Destroy) +James Daly - Flint (Requiem for Methuselah) +Michael Dunn - Alexander (Plato's Stepchildren) +Teri Garr - Roberta Lincoln, Gary Seven's Secretary (Assignment: Earth) +Frank Gorshin - Bele (Let That Be Your Last Battlefield) +Mariette Hartley - Zarabeth (All Our Yesterdays) +Clint Howard - Balok (The Corbomite Maneuver) + (Yes, he's Ron Howard's brother) +Bruce Hyde - Lt. Kevin Riley (The Naked Time, The Conscience of the King) +Jill Ireland - Leila Kalomi (This Side Of Paradise) +Sally Kellerman - Dr. Elizabeth Dehner (Where No Man Has Gone Before) +Robert Lansing - Gary Seven (Assignment: Earth) +Mark Lenard - Romulan Commander (Balance of Terror) + - Sarek (Journey to Babel) +Gary Lockwood - Lt. Cmdr. Gary Mitchell (Where No Man Has Gone Before) +Keye Luke - Corey (Whom Gods Destroy) +Bruce Mars - Finnegan (Shore Leave) + - Policeman (Assignment: Earth) +Lee Meriwether - Losira (That Which Survives) +Lawrence Montaigne - Decius (Balance of Terror) + - Stonn (Amok Time) +Richard "Ricardo" Montalban - Khan Noonian Singh (Space Seed) +Diana Muldaur - Dr. Ann Mulhall (Return to Tomorrow) + - Dr. Miranda Jones (Is There In Truth No Beauty) +France Nuyen - (Elaan of Troyius) +Susan Oliver - Vina (The Cage/The Menagerie) +Eddie Paskey - Lt. Leslie (various) +Michael Pataki - Korax (The Trouble with Tribbles) +David L. Ross - Lt. Galloway (various) +Liam Sullivan - Parmen (Plato's Stepchildren) +Vic Tayback - Jojo Krako (A Piece of the Action) +Malachi Throne - Jose Mendez (The Menagerie) +William Windom - Commodore Mathew Decker (The Doomsday Machine) +John Winston - Lt. Kyle (Transporter Chief - various) +Ian Wolfe - Septimus (Bread and Circuses) + - Mr. Atoz (All Our Yesterdays) +Grant Woods - Lt. Commander Kelowitz (The Galileo Seven, Arena, This Side Of + Paradise) +Morgan Woodward - Dr. Simon Van Gelder (Dagger of the Mind) + - Captain Ronald Tracy (The Omega Glory) +Jane Wyatt - Amanda (Journey to Babel) + +Episode Listings +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +Episode synopsis by Edward Champion. + +First Season +-==========- + The pilot episode, "The Cage", was made as the first Star Trek pilot, which +was seen originally by NBC executives. They rejected that pilot, but asked for +a second pilot to be made ("Where No Man Has Gone Before"). Later on, in the +first season, production delays required that, in one weeks time, two episodes +had to be made. Thus, "The Cage" was edited and made a part of "The +Menagerie". After this point, no complete copies of "The Cage" were believed +to exist. + In 1986, a black and white work print was found of "The Cage" in Paramount +vaults. It was released by Paramount home video, which combined all related +color footage from "The Menagerie" and filled in all of the gaps with the +black and white print. (As a bonus, the tape included an introduction by Gene +Roddenberry). Then, a NBC executive discovered that he had a full color copy +of "The Cage" in his closet. In 1988, as a filler episode for TNG due to a +writer's strike, Paramount aired "The Cage" as part of a two-hour program +"From One Generation To The Next", which aired between October 3 and October +9. (Segments also included a sneak peek at Star Trek V, the introduction of +Diana Muldaur as Dr. Pulaski, and scenes from the upcoming second season). The +full-color "Cage" was released on home video to replace the hybrid B&W/Color +copy. + The first season aired on NBC on Thursday nights at 8:30 PM, under Desilu +Studios. + +Order Air Date PCode Stardate Title +===== ========= ===== ======== =============================================== + 0. - PILOT - 1 Unknown The Cage + + Captain Pike becomes part of a scientific experiment in which he must mate + with Vina, the lone survivor of a crash landing on a planet. + + 1. Sep 8 66 6 1513.1 The Man Trap + + An old friend of Dr. McCoy's turns out to be a creature that lives on salt. + + 2. Sep 15 66 8 1533.6 Charlie X + + A young man with strange powers threatens the Enterprise. + + 3. Sep 22 66 2 1312.4 Where No Man Has Gone Before + + After nearly breaking the galactic barrier, the Enterprise must deal with + Lt. Cmdr. Gary Mitchell, who has developed powers since this journey and + become almost power-crazed. + + 4. Sep 29 66 7 1704.2 The Naked Time + + A disease causing psychological effects on the crew strikes the Enterprise. + + 5. Oct 6 66 5 1672.1 The Enemy Within + + A transporter accident causes Kirk to split into two people: one kind and + intelligent, the other violent and evil. + + 6. Oct 13 66 4 1329.1 Mudd's Women + + Harry Mudd, a criminal, and three women beam aboard the Enterprise and try + to sell women taking beauty drugs on a mining world. + + 7. Oct 20 66 10 2712.4 What are Little Girls Made Of? + + Dr. Roger Korby, Chapel's fiance, is found on a planet run by androids. + + 8. Oct 27 66 12 2713.5 Miri + + Kirk, Spock, McCoy, and Rand are trapped on a planet where children live + long but die when they reach puberty. + + 9. Nov 3 66 11 2715.1 Dagger of the Mind + + The 23rd-century equivalent of a "funny farm" is overrun by a mad doctor + with the help of a new mind control device. + + 10. Nov 10 66 3 1512.2 The Corbomite Maneuver + + After destroying a space buoy, the Enterprise is threatened by the Fesarius + and must bluff its way out. + + 11. Nov 17 66 16 3012.4 The Menagerie (Part One) + 12. Nov 24 66 16 3012.4 The Menagerie (Part Two) + + Spock attempts to transport Captain Pike to Talos IV unsuccessfully and must + face court-martial. + + 13. Dec 8 66 13 2817.6 The Conscience of the King + + A murder mystery is linked to an actor who may have committed the murder. + + 14. Dec 15 66 9 1709.1 Balance of Terror + + The Enterprise plays hide-and-seek with a Romulan warbird as it attacks + Federation outposts. + + 15. Dec 29 66 17 3025.3 Shore Leave + + The crew visit a planet where thoughts come true. + + 16. Jan 5 67 14 2821.5 The Galileo Seven + + Spock leads a mission aboard the shuttlecraft Galileo but crash-lands on a + planet with ape-like natives. + + 17. Jan 12 67 18 2124.5 The Squire of Gothos + + The Enterprise is threatened by Trelane, a playful squire with tremendous + powers. + + 18. Jan 19 67 19 3045.6 Arena + + Kirk and the captain of another vessel must fight to determine the fate of + both vessels. + + 19. Jan 26 67 21 3113.2 Tomorrow is Yesterday + + The Enterprise transports back to Earth of the 1960's and accidentally beams + aboard an Air Force pilot. + + 20. Feb 2 67 15 2947.3 Court Martial + + Kirk is accused of killing an officer and the evidence has been altered to + prove Kirk's guilt. + + 21. Feb 9 67 22 3156.2 The Return of the Archons + + Kirk must battle with a computer that puts individuals under a controlling + force. + + 22. Feb 16 67 24 3141.9 Space Seed + + An artificially-bred criminal from the late 20th-century with superhuman + powers tries to take over the Enterprise. + + 23. Feb 23 67 23 3192.1 A Taste of Armageddon + + A war is fought between two worlds using computers. The individuals who live + in the places that are "hit" kill themselves voluntarily. + + 24. Mar 2 67 25 3417.3 This Side of Paradise + + A plant affects the emotions of the people that it hits, including Spock. + + 25. Mar 9 67 26 3196.1 The Devil in the Dark + + Engineers are being killed by a creature that moves through stone. Is it a + threat? + + 26. Mar 16 67 27 3198.4 Errand of Mercy + + Kirk and Spock battle against Klingons killing the inhabitants of Organia, + who don't seem to care whether or not they survive. + + 27. Mar 23 67 20 3087.6 The Alternative Factor + + The Enterprise encounters Lazarus, a mysterious man that seems to have a + double life. + + 28. Apr 6 67 28 3134.0 The City on the Edge of Forever + + After McCoy accidentally overdoses on a drug, the crew must follow him back + in time to the 1930's and prevent him from interfering with history. + + 29. Apr 13 67 29 3287.2 Operation - Annihilate + + The crew must battle amoeba-like aliens that are terrorizing a planet. + +Second Season +-===========- +The second season began in a new time slot: Fridays at 8:30. It is produced by +Desilu Studios. + +Order Air Date PCode Stardate Title +===== ========= ===== ======== =============================================== + 30. Sep 15 67 34 3372.7 Amok Time + + Spock must return to Vulcan to complete an ordeal known as pon farr. + + 31. Sep 22 67 33 3468.1 Who Mourns for Adonais? + + Apollo terrorizes the crew and falls in love with Scotty's girl friend. + + 32. Sep 29 67 37 3451.9 The Changeling + + An ancient space probe mistakes Kirk for its creator and believes its + mission is to destroy imperfect life forms. + + 33. Oct 6 67 39 Unknown Mirror, Mirror + + An ion storm transports Kirk, Scott, McCoy, and Uhura to a parallel + universe. + + 34. Oct 13 67 38 3715.0 The Apple + + Natives worship a serpent-like creature that is actually a computer. + + 35. Oct 20 67 35 4202.9 The Doomsday Machine + + The Enterprise must battle with a machine that eats planets and starships. + + 36. Oct 27 67 30 3018.2 Catspaw + + A "Halloween" like scenario terrorizes the crew of the Enterprise. + + 37. Nov 3 67 41 4513.3 I, Mudd + + Mudd returns on a planet run by androids in which he is ruler. + + 38. Nov 10 67 31 3219.4 Metamorphosis + + A famed scientist who hasn't aged a day is found on a planet with a + cloud-like creature called the Companion. + + 39. Nov 17 67 44 3842.3 Journey to Babel + + A Vulcan ambassador and his wife are discovered to be Spock's parents. + + 40. Dec 1 67 32 3497.2 Friday's Child + + Kirk and Spock try to stop the Klingons from creating an alliance with a + warlike people and must prevent a pregnant woman's death. + + 41. Dec 8 67 40 3478.2 The Deadly Years + + The crew ages rapidly due to a strange disease. + + 42. Dec 15 67 47 3619.2 Obsession + + A cloudlike creature that Kirk had encountered as a lieutenant with Captain + Garrovick terrorizes the Enterprise and Garrovick's son. + + 43. Dec 22 67 36 3614.9 Wolf in the Fold + + Is Scotty a murderer or is the murderer a mysterious entity? + + 44. Dec 29 67 42 4523.3 The Trouble with Tribbles + + Kirk tries to protect some quadotriticale, a high yield hybrid of wheat and + rye, while dealing with tribbles, creatures that multiply quite rapidly. + + 45. Jan 5 68 46 3211.7 The Gamesters of Triskelion + + Kirk, Uhura, and Chekov are kidnapped by beings to fight in deadly games for + the amusement of three brains. + + 46. Jan 12 68 49 4598.0 A Piece of the Action + + Kirk, Spock, and McCoy meet the Untouchables on a planet that reenacts a + book left behind by another starship. + + 47. Jan 19 68 48 4307.1 The Immunity Syndrome + + A giant amoeba menaces the universe and the Enterprise is called on hand + after it destroys the Intrepid. + + 48. Feb 2 68 45 4211.4 A Private Little War + + Kirk, on a Davy Crockett-like planet, is bitten by a Mugato while the rest + of the crew fights Klingons. + + 49. Feb 9 68 51 4768.3 Return to Tomorrow + + Kirk, Spock, and a female doctor have their bodies borrowed by three + survivors of a lost civilization. + + 50. Feb 16 68 52 2534.0 Patterns of Force + + The Enterprise finds a planet in which Nazi Germany has been recreated. + + 51. Feb 23 68 50 4657.5 By Any Other Name + + The Kelvans lure the Enterprise into a trap to see if our galaxy is ready to + be colonized by the Kelvan Empire. + + 52. Mar 1 68 54 Unknown The Omega Glory + + The Enterprise discovers a starship whose crew has died from a mysterious + virus and finds a planet that is parallel to Earth, except that the + communists have won control of the planet. + + 53. Mar 8 68 53 4729.4 The Ultimate Computer + + A new computer invented by a prodigy and installed aboard the Enterprise + assumes that a combat simulation is real. + + 54. Mar 15 68 43 4040.7 Bread and Circuses + + A society similar to Earth is found on a planet in which the Roman Empire is + still in control of the world. + + 55. Mar 29 68 55 Unknown Assignment: Earth + + The Enterprise travels back in time to find Gary Seven, an alien who wants + to prevent the launching of an orbital atomic bomb. + +Third Season +-==========- +As a result of either a letter writing campaign by Star Trek fans, or the +result of NBC not having a replacement show ready, Star Trek was given a third +season by NBC. + +The third season aired on NBC on Friday Nights at 10:00. However, Paramount +Pictures - A Gulf+Western Company bought out Desilu Studios, and thus, the +third season was produced by Paramount. + +Order Air Date PCode Stardate Title +===== ========= ===== ======== =============================================== + 56. Sep 20 68 61 5431.4 Spock's Brain + + Females steal Spock's brain and attempt to use it to gain power and bore the + audience for an hour. + + 57. Sep 27 68 59 5031.3 The Enterprise Incident + + Is Kirk going crazy by dragging the Enterprise to Romulan space, + jeopardizing the crew? + + 58. Oct 4 68 58 4842.6 The Paradise Syndrome + + Kirk loses his memory and is left on a planet where he is worshipped as a + god. + + 59. Oct 11 68 60 5027.3 And The Children Shall Lead + + Five children with powers are guided by Gorgon, the friendly angel, to take + over planets and other people. + + 60. Oct 18 68 62 5630.7 Is There In Truth No Beauty? + + A love triangle occurs between a telepathic scientist, her wooer, and a + alien that causes madness. + + 61. Oct 25 68 56 4385.3 Spectre of the Gun + + Kirk, Spock, McCoy, and Chekov are transported to a recreation of the OK + Corral gunfight, doomed to die. + + 62. Nov 1 68 66 Unknown Day of the Dove + + Phasers turn into swords, Klingons fight the crew of the Enterprise, and an + alien feeds off their fighting. + + 63. Nov 8 68 65 5476.3 For The World Is Hollow, And I Have Touched The + Sky + + McCoy, who only has a year to live, falls in love with a priestess on a + asteroid. + + 64. Nov 15 68 64 5693.4 The Tholian Web + + Kirk is lost, the crew goes mad, and Tholians construct a web around the + Enterprise. + + 65. Nov 22 68 67 5784.0 Plato's Stepchildren + + Powerful telekinetics control the Enterprise crew on the planet Platonius. + + 66. Nov 29 68 68 5710.5 Wink of an Eye + + Kirk encounters a people that lives in a different time continuum (ie time + is speeded up). + + 67. Dec 6 68 63 5121.0 The Empath + + Kirk, Spock, and McCoy are kidnapped by aliens who want to conduct + experiments on them and find a mute women who can cure pain. + + 68. Dec 20 68 57 4372.5 Elaan of Troyius + + A spoiled brat that Kirk is assigned to transport to marry another leader is + pursued by Klingons and causes Kirk to fall in love with her because of her + tears. + + 69. Jan 3 69 71 5718.3 Whom Gods Destroy + + A once legendary captain who has gone insane takes control of a Federation + funny farm. + + 70. Jan 10 69 70 5730.2 Let That Be Your Last Battlefield + + Two humanoids fight against each other, the last of two races who have wiped + each other out. + + 71. Jan 17 69 72 5423.4 The Mark Of Gideon + + An overcrowded, disease-free planet wants Kirk to inflict disease upon their + planet. + + 72. Jan 24 69 69 Unknown That Which Survives + + A hologram threatens the lives of several crewmen of the Enterprise as an + away team is stranded on a planet. + + 73. Jan 31 69 73 5725.3 The Lights of Zetar + + Scotty's girl friend acquires powers to see in the future after looking at + the lights of Zetar. + + 74. Feb 14 69 76 5843.7 Requiem for Methuselah + + Flint, a man with rare articles in his house, is found on a planet with a + robot and a girl, whom Kirk immediately scores with. + + 75. Feb 21 69 75 5832.3 The Way to Eden + + Space hippies come on board the Enterprise searching for the legendary + planet of Eden. + + 76. Feb 28 69 74 5818.4 The Cloudminders + + On a planet, rulers live in the cities on clouds, miners live on the + surface. The miners struggle for equality. + + 77. Mar 7 69 77 5906.4 The Savage Curtain + + Abraham Lincoln comes on board the Enterprise and fights a battle between + good and evil with Kirk and Spock. + + 78. Mar 14 69 78 5943.7 All Our Yesterdays + + Kirk, Spock and McCoy are accidentally transported to the past on a planet + whose sun is about to go supernova. + + 79. Jun 3 69 79 5298.5 Turnabout Intruder + + Dr. Janice Lester, an old romance of Kirk's, switches bodies with him to + become commander of a starship. + +The Best Of Trek +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +To commemorate the 25th anniversary of the original Star Trek, Paramount had +viewers call in and vote on their favorite episodes of Star Trek (original +series). These episodes were aired over the weekend of September 28-29, 1991. +The top ten episodes (with season in parenthesis) selected are: + +10. Balance of Terror (1) +9. A Piece Of The Action (2) +8. The Menagerie-Part One (1) +7. The Menagerie-Part Two (1) +6. Space Seed (1) +5. Amok Time (2) +4. The Doomsday Machine (2) +3. Mirror, Mirror (2) +2. The City On The Edge Of Forever (1) +1. The Trouble With Tribbles (2) + +Syndication Notes +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +United States +-===========- +Star Trek (TOS) is distributed to local stations by Paramount. It has been +edited down in order to fit in more commercials, and is aired according to +production code order, not according to original air dates. + +Germany +-=====- +The series is titled "Raumschiff Enterprise", which, translated, means +"Starship Enterprise". The episode, "Patterns Of Force" was not aired in +Germany + +. . . That "Patterns of Force" has never been aired in Germany due to its Nazi +theme? + +Iran +-==- +The series is titled "Pesh taxan e' faza", which, translated, means "Space, +The Final Frontier" + +Isreal +-====- +The series is titled "Masa beyn haKokhavim", which, translated, means "Trek +among the Stars". It is broadcast in English with Hebrew and Arabic Subtitles. + +Japan +-===- +The series is titled either "UCHUU Patrol", which, translated, means "Space +Patrol", or as "UCHUU DAISAKUSEN", which, translated, means "Mission In +Space". + +Some of the titles were changed in translation. Here are the original titles, +and the alternate titles translated back to English: + +"Where No Man Has Gone Before" - "The Glittering Eyes" +"The Naked Time" - "The Evil Space Disease" +"The Menagerie" - "Phantomatic Mystery Beings on Talos" +"The Devil in the Dark" - "Horuta: The Underground Monster" +"Errand Of Mercy" - "The Invasion of the Klingon Empire" +"The City On The Edge Of Forever" - "The Dangerous Trip to the Past" +"The Doomsday Machine" - "The Gigantic Monster in Space" +"Journey To Babel" - "The Invasion of the Planet Orion" +"Wolf In The Fold" - "The Bloodthirsty Felon of Planet Arugirisu" +"The Trouble With Tribbles" - "The New Species" +"The Tholian Web" - "The Crisis of Captain Kirk Entering the Other Dimensional + Space" + +Mexico +-====- +The series is titled "Viaje a las Estrellas". + +Quebec +-====- +The series is titled "Le Patrouille du Cosmos", which, translated, means +"Cosmos Patrol". The original series has not aired in Quebec since 1985. + +Video Tape +-========- +The entire series is also available uncut from Paramount Home Video, and +includes the original promos for the following episode. The ordering of the +tapes is according to air dates, with "The Cage" considered to be episode one. + +Due to copyright problems with the music in "The City On The Edge Of Forever", +substitute music was placed in this video. + +Laser Disc +-========- +All 79 episodes+pilot are available from Paramount. They are packaged 2 to a +disc, not in numerical order. If you want specific titles, catalog numbers, +etc. "The Laser Video File" offers a complete listing, or they are available +in electronic form from the Barr LD data base. The complete set of the +animated series episodes is also available in a boxed LD set. Only the recent +all-color release of The Cage has digital sound. Some of my discs were made by +PVI in the US; some by PVC in Japan. The PVC ones are mostly in the second and +third seasons, and tend to have fewer defects. Many don't even have CX, +although some (mostly the later/PVC ones) do. The original TV trailers are +enclosed. At least one of the trailers contains slightly different composition +from the actual episode. On the positive side, the colors are more +significantly more saturated than the broadcasts I've compared. + +Changes from Season to Season +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +Changes from Pilot to 1st Season +-==============================- +The opening credits were changed to include a swoosh when the Enterprise flew +by and the famous "Space...The Final Frontier" intro was added. + +Changes from 1st to 2nd Season +-============================- +The opening credits were changed to include DeForest Kelley as one of the main +stars, in addition to William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy. +Thanks to a Pravda article, Ensign Pavel Chekov (Walter Koenig) was added to +the cast. +Grace Lee Whitney, who played Yeoman Janice Rand, was no longer in the cast. + +Changes from 2nd to 3rd Season +-============================- +The opening credits were changed from yellow to blue. + +"I'm a Doctor, not a _________" . . . . +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +Bricklayer - "Devil In The Dark" +Engineer - "Mirror, Mirror" +Mechanic - "The Doomsday Machine" +Escalator - "Friday's Child" +Coal Miner - "The Empath" (Seconds later, McCoy also says "I'm not an + mechanic." + +. . . . And Variations Thereof +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +"What am I, a doctor or a Moon shuttle conductor?" - "The Corbomite Maneuver" + +"I'm a scientist, not a military man." - Mr. Jaeger, "The Squire of Gothos" + +"I don't know. I'm a doctor. If I were an officer of the line, I'd--" - McCoy, +"A Taste of Armageddon" + +"What do you mean? I'm a Doctor" - McCoy, "This Side of Paradise" + +"I'm a surgeon, not a psychiatrist." - "The City On The Edge Of Forever" + +"Well, are you a doctor or aren't you?" - Kirk, "Amok Time" + +"I'm a soldier, not a diplomat." - Kirk, "Errand Of Mercy" + +"I'm not a magician, I'm just an old country doctor." - "The Deadly Years" + + These lines may have originated with Heinlein's 1952 novel "The Rolling +Stones." In that book, Dr. Edith Stone says, "How can I be sure? I'm a doctor, +not a fortune-teller." + Also, there was a 1933 film called "The Kennel Club Murder Case" starring +William Powell as Philo Vance, who was a popular book/movie detective back +then. In this film, there was a Doctor Finnegan, who made the comments "I'm a +doctor, not a magician!", and "I'm a doctor, not a detective!" + +Attempts at Self-Destruct +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +"By Any Other Name" +"Let That Be Your Last Battlefield" + +Leaving the Galaxy +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +The Enterprise leaves the galaxy in the following episodes: + +"Where No Man Has Gone Before" - + +"By Any Other Name" - + +"Is There In Truth No Beauty" - + +Time Travel +~~~~~~~~~~~ +"The Naked Time" - Cold-starting the warp engines + +"Tomorrow Is Yesterday" - The slingshot effect + +"The City On The Edge Of Forever" - The Guardian of Forever + +"Assignment: Earth" - The slingshot effect, and Isis' time-space transporter + +"All Our Yesterdays" - Mr. Atoz's time travel system + +Security Codes +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +"Condition Green" - In "Bread and Circuses", Kirk says "Condition Green", +which really was, "I am in trouble, but, do not interfere." + +Beam up safety code from "Whom Gods Destroy": +Query: Spock - Queen to Queen's Level Three +Response: Kirk - Queen to King's Level One + +Self-destruct code from "Let That Be Your Last Battlefield": +Part 1: Kirk - 1-1A +Part 2: Spock (Scotty) - 1-1A-2B +Part 3: Scott (Chekov) - 1D-2D-3 +Part 4: Kirk - 0-0-0-Destruct-0 Initiate + +Abort: Kirk - 1-2-3-Continuity Abort Destruct Sequence + +(Name in parenthesis is who said it in Star Trek III: The Search for Spock) + +Kirk's "Everything's OK" codes: +"Four-Score-and-Seven" (Episode Unknown) + +General Orders +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +The following are the general orders as given in TOS: + 1. Prime Directive -- Don't interfere with primitive cultures (Unknown - UV) + 7. Do not land on Talos IV, under penalty of death. ("The Menagerie" - V) +12. On approach of another ship, raise shields if no communication. (Star Trek + II - UV) +24. When this order is given, a planet is to be destroyed. ("A Taste of + Armageddon" - V) + +Shuttlecraft +~~~~~~~~~~~~ +The following is the shuttlecraft used on the original series: + +NCC-1701-2 - "Columbus" ("The Galileo Seven") +NCC-1701-7 - "Galileo" (destroyed over Taurus II in "The Galileo Seven") +NCC-1701-7 - "Galileo II" ("This Way To Eden") +No available registry - "Copernicus" ("The Galileo Seven") + +Ironically, during the first season, for the episode "The Enemy Within", the +production crew did not have the budget to construct a shuttlecraft. + +Money in the Future +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +"Errand Of Mercy" - Kirk tells Spock, "Starfleet has invested a great deal of +money in our training. They're about due for a small return." + +"Mirror, Mirror" - "You want credits, Spock? I'll give 'em to you. You'll be a +rich man." - Mirror Kirk + +"The Apple" - Kirk says to Spock, "Do you know how much Starfleet has invested +in you?" Spock starts to reply, "Twenty-two thousand, two hun . . ". Also, in +this episode, Kirk says to Sulu, "You've earned your pay for the week." + +"The Doomsday Machine" - "Scotty, you've earned your pay for the week." - Kirk + +"Catspaw" - "I'll bet credits to navy beans we can punch a hole in it." - Lt. +DeFalco. + +"The Trouble with Tribbles" - There was some credit-bartering going on between +Cyrano Jones and the bartender over the sale of several tribbles. + +Religion In The Future +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +"The Cage"/"The Menagerie" - The keepers in the cage subject Pike to the +hallucination that he is burning in Hell, complete with a lake of fire and +brimstone. The Keeper refers to this as "a fable you once heard in childhood" +Also, Vina compares herself and Pike to Adam and Eve. + +"The Man Trap" - McCoy, just before he shoots Nancy Crater, says "Lord, +forgive me." + +"Where No Man Has Gone Before" - Gary Mitchell gets god-like powers, and +creates a "Garden of Eden" on a desolate planet. + +"The Corbomite Maneuver" - Balok states, "We make assumption you have a deity, +or deities, or some such beliefs which comfort you." + +"Court Martial" - Cogley makes a reference to Moses (The Ten Commandments) as +the basis of Federation law. Also, during Kirk's trial, he refers to the Bible +as part of a long list of documents as part of the list referring to rights. + +"Return of the Archons" - In reference to soulless creatures, Kirk comments to +Spock, about Landru: "He may have been able to give (his computer) his +knowledge, but he could not given it his knowledge, his wisdom, his soul, Mr. +Spock." + +"Errand of Mercy" - Spocks says, "Even the gods did not spring into being +overnight." + +"The City On The Edge of Forever" - While the closing credits list a "Sister +Edith Keeler", and while she does work at the "21st Street Mission", Edith +Keeler probably isn't a nun. Many who work in such missions are referred to as +"brothers" and "sisters". (For a cinematic example, see "Guys and Dolls") + +"Who Mourns For Adonais" - Apollo journeyed to Earth 5000 years ago from +Pollux 4, and was worshipped along with the other gods by the populace. Chekov +says, "Sorry, I've never met a god before." McCoy says, "Scotty doesn't +believe in gods." Kirk also states, "Man has no need for gods. We find the One +quite sufficient." + +"The Apple" - Spock, Kirk, and McCoy make references to the biblical story of +Genesis. + +"The Doomsday Machine" - Matt Decker says, "They say there's no devil, Jim. +But there is. Straight out of Hell, I saw it...." + +"Catspaw" - Spock says to Kirk, "There are Earth legends of wizards and their +familiars: demons in animal form, sent by Satan to serve the wizard." + +"I, Mudd" - Harry Mudd makes reference to not surviving by bread alone, a +direct reference, in part, to Jesus: "Man does not survive by bread alone, but +by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." + +"Journey to Babel" - The name of the planetoid Babel is lifted directly from +the story of the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11. + +"Obsession" - Scotty says, "Thank heavens", to which Spock promptly replies, +"Mr. Scott, there was no deity involved, it was my cross-circuiting to B that +recovered them." McCoy then says, "Well, then, thank pitchforks and pointed +ears. As long as it worked, Jim." + +"The Trouble With Tribbles" - Korax said, "Kirk may be a swaggering, +overbearing, tin-plated dictator with delusions of godhood, but he's not +soft." Also, Spock paraphrases Matthew: "They remind me of the lilies of the +field. They toil not, neither do they spin." + +"A Private Little War" - After Nona heals Kirk, she says "Our souls have been +together." + +"Return to Tomorrow" - Sargon refers to Adam and Eve as possibly being +travelers from their planet. + +"Patterns of Force" - Kirk, in reference to a helmet which Spock is wearing, +says "That helmet covers a multitude of sins", a play on words of the apostle +Peter: "Charity covereth the multitude of sins." + +"The Omega Glory" - Capt. Tracey uses Spock's devilish appearance against him +by likening him to "the servant of the Evil One" in Yang's "Holy Book". + +"The Ultimate Computer" - M5 says "Murder is contrary to the laws of God and +man." Kirk adds, "Daystrom felt that such an act was an offense against the +laws of God and man, and the computer that carried his engrams also believed +it." + +"Bread and Circuses" - McCoy says, "If you speak of worship, we serve many +beliefs." Also, Uhura figures out that they aren't worshipping the sun, but +the "Son of God". Also, Kirk specifically mentions, "Caesar and Christ, they +had them both." + +"The Enterprise Incident" - Scott says to Kirk, "You look like the Devil +himself." + +"The Paradise Syndrome" - Kirk is thought to be a god by the Indian tribe when +he emerges from the "temple". + +"Is There In Truth No Beauty"- McCoy tells Spock, "You look like you paid a +visit to the Devil himself." + +"Day of the Dove" - After Kirk says, "Go to the devil.", Kang replies, "We +have no devil, Kirk, but we understand the habits of yours." + +"The Empath" - Scotty quotes the parable of the Pearl of Great Price from +Matthew. Later, Ozaba quotes Psalm 95:4: "In his hand are the deep places of +the Earth." + +"Requiem for Methuselah" - Flint claimed that he was Methuselah, and that he +knew Moses. + +"The Way To Eden" - Space hippies search for the mythical planet of Eden. + +Also, there are references to "purgatory", one by Spock in "This Side of +Paradise", and one by Harry Mudd in "I, Mudd". + +How many episodes? +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +Kirk - 79 TOS episodes +Spock - 79 TOS episodes + "The Cage" + "Unification II" +McCoy - 74 TOS episodes + (possibly) "Encounter At Farpoint" +Uhura - 65 TOS episodes +Scotty - 61 TOS episodes + "Relics" +Sulu - 47 TOS episodes +Chekov - 33 TOS episodes + +Birthdays +~~~~~~~~~ +January 20, 1920 - DeForest Kelley +February 23, 1935 - Majel Barrett +March 3, 1920 - James Doohan + 22, 1931 - William Shatner + 26, 1931 - Leonard Nimoy +April 1 - Grace Lee Whitney + 20, 1939 - George Takei +August 19, 1938 - Diana Muldaur + 19, 1921 - Gene Roddenberry +September 14, 1938 - Walter Koenig +October 15 - Mark Lenard +December 28, 1936 - Nichelle Nichols + +Did you know . . . +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +. . . Nichelle Nichols was planning to leave Star Trek at the end of the first +season, but was persuaded to stay by Martin Luther King, Jr.? + +. . . The Enterprise model is 11 feet in length, and weighs 200 pounds. The +model is composed of plastic, wood, and rolled steel. The cost of materials, +in 1964 dollars, was $600. The original designer of the ship is Walter "Matt" +Jeffries, who based the ship's registry number, NCC-1701, on his 1935 Waco +airplane (and whom the term "Jeffries Tubes" was invented for). After the +series, the model was donated to the Smithsonian in 1974, and was restored due +to the appearance of cracking paint, stress cracks, and failures in the +lighting system. A "streaking effect" has been added to make a "weathered" +look, but the paint has changed the model color from gray to green. The +restoration process took six weeks. + +. . . That "Assignment: Earth" was originally a pilot for another series that +Gene Roddenberry proposed but never got off the ground? + +. . . That Majel Barrett's real name is Majel Leigh Hudec. The name change was +to fool NBC in order to hire her as Christine Chapel. + +. . . That "Plato's Stepchildren" was the first episode in television history +to feature an interracial kiss? + +. . . In "Assignment: Earth", Spock, upon reviewing 1968 Earth history, says +that "There will be an important assassination today." A few days after this +episode originally aired, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was shot and killed. + +. . . How the transporter effect was filmed: +* Sprinkle glitter against a black background and shine a light through it. + Film it. +* Film the scene, first with the actor, then without (or vice versa) +* Matte the glitter over the actor, and double-expose the film + +In-Jokes +~~~~~~~~ +"The Man Trap" - Sulu says a line written by Gene Roddenberry, "May the Great +Bird of the Galaxy roost on our planet". After this reference was filmed, Gene +Roddenberry got the nickname of the Great Bird. + +"The Trouble With Tribbles" - The writer, David Gerrold, came up with the idea +independent of Heinlein. When Desilu or NBC discovered the crossover, Gene and +David called up Heinlein, who simply laughed it off, then said to go ahead and +use it. + +"The Ultimate Computer" - The term "human engrams" may possibly come from a L. +Ron Hubbard novel. + +Shakespeare +~~~~~~~~~~~ +There have been many references to Shakespeare on the original series, either +though episode titles or through quotations by the characters. [BTW: I don't +know what the 2.1.39 means. :( ] + +"Dagger of the Mind" - This line is referenced in "Macbeth 2.1.39", and can be +best sumaraized in "Macbeth 2.1.34-50". + +"The Conscience of the King" - This line is referenced in "Hamlet 2.2.606", +and can be best sumaraized in "Hamlet 2.2.589-606". This episode is based +largely on _Hamlet_. The basic plot is similar, and there are many plot +devices which are duplicated in the episode from the play, such as the troupe +of actors. Additionally, many of Shakespeare's characters find analogs in Star +Trek. Here is a list of crossovers: Hamlet -> Kirk, Claudius -> Karidian +(Kodos), Ophelia -> Lenore, and Ghost of Hamlet's Father -> Tom Leighton + This episode also contains several themes lifted from Macbeth, as one would +expect since the episode opens with a scene from an "Arcturian Macbeth." The +analogs seem to be: Macbeth -> Karidian, Lady Macbeth -> Lenore, and Macduff +-> Kirk + + Toward the end of the episode, the Karidian Company of Actors performs +Hamlet. Karidian, playing Hamlet's father, speaks the lines from "Hamlet +1.5.10-24", but, unforunately, omits several lines. + Later, Lenore quotes the Soothsayer in "Julius Caesar 1.2.18&23": +"Caesar, beware the Ides of March.", and then paraphrases Fortinbras from +"Hamlet 5.2.36-63" + +"All Our Yesterdays" - This title comes from "Macbeth 5.5.22", with +surrounding text from "Macbeth 5.5.17-28". + +"By Any Other Name" - Kirk says as he holds out a rose-like flower and says, +"As the Earth poet Shakespeare wrote, `That which we call a rose by any other +name would smell as sweet.'" This line comes from "Romeo and Juliet 2.2.43-44" + +"Whom Gods Destroy" - Martha quotes Shakespeare's eighteens sonnet, which +Garth replies, "You wrote that?". This was probably an allusion to the +Elizabethan practice of rewriting pre-existing poems and stories, using huge +amounts of the same text. (It was considered bad writing not to.) + +"Elaan of Troyius" - The plot for this episode was taken from _The Taming of +the Shrew_. As with "The Conscience of the King," some of Shakespeare's +characters find analogs within the episode: Petruchio -> Kirk, and Katherine +-> Elaan + +Operation SNAFU +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +"Charlie X" - Kirk enters a turbolift with the boy Charlie, en route to the +bridge, wearing his usual uniform shirt with the badge on the left breast. +When they emerge from the lift, Kirk is wearing his yellow-green wrap-around +shirt with the badge down near the waist. Yet for the rest of the show (after +the bridge scene and some shirtless scenes in the Enterprise gymnasium) he +retains his usual shirt. (UV) Also, after Kirk talks with the chef, he is seen +in a closeup, but the image is reversed (look at the hair part). (UV) + Then, Charlie is on McCoy's examination table, actively peddling. We switch +to a camera view of the indicator panel, where a reflection of Charlie is +shown, with Charlie motionless. The camera then cuts back to Charlie, who is +fully active. Then, back to the panel, where shows Charlie's reflection +motionless, and then back to Charlie. (UV) + +"The Naked Time" - After Nurse Chapel infects spock with "the disease", Spock +goes into the conference room to get control of his emotions. The doorplate on +this room is on the LEFT side of the door. After Kirk enters, a bit of +dramatics, Spock leaves, then Kirk leaves, we see that the doorplate has moved +to the RIGHT side of the door. (UV) + +"The Enemy Within" - At the beginning of the episode, both the good and evil +Kirk beam up without insignias on their uniforms. (UV) Strange clothing +changes. (UV) + +"What Are Little Girls Made Of" - Strange clothing changes. (UV) + +"The Menagerie" - The ONLY door handle seen in a Federation setting (ship or +starbase, etc.) was on the door to Christopher Pike's quarters, which was kind +of ironic, since he's about the only person who COULDN'T use a door handle! +(V) + Also, during the trial, every senior officer, including McCoy, is wearing +dress uniforms, except for Scott, who is wearing his regular uniform. (UV) + +"Shore Leave" - As you watch the Kirk/Finnegan fight, ask yourself when Kirk's +tunic gets ripped. You'll notice that just before we fade to a commercial, the +camera is on Kirk, who is down and out, and his tunic is perfectly whole. +Camera cuts to Finnegan, who is standing over Kirk, gloating. The camera cuts +back to Kirk, whose tunic is ripped to shreads, and we fade to a commercial. +(UV) Maybe Kirk is Jewish, and "rents" his garment in anguish.... + Also, when Spock is beaming down, Sulu says, "Look, someone is beaming down +from the bridge." How could they determine that someone was beaming down from +the bridge, never mind that it wasn't possible in TOS times. + +"The Galileo Seven" - After Boma leaves to prepare for one of the burials, the +camera stays on the shuttlecraft door as it closes. A propman's hand is very +visible on the lower part of the door, guiding it into place. (UV) + +"The Squire Of Gothos" - Trelane sees Earth's history about 900 years late, +and talks about Alexander's Hamilton's death (July 12, 1804), and how he had +admired Napoleon (who reigned from November 9, 1799-April 11, 1814; March +20-June 18, 1815). This places the episode at around the 2700's, about a few +hundred years after when TNG is stated to occur. (UV) + +"Arena" - When Kirk and Spock are taking cover, at the beginning, behind a +destroyed section of wall, every time Kirk leans against the wall, it moves as +if it's a styrofoam prop. (UV) + +"Tomorrow is Yesterday" - In the closing credits, Captain Christopher is +listed as a Major. + +"Court Martial" - Kirk says "Gentlemen, this computer has an auditory sensor. +It can, in effect, hear sounds. By installing a booster we can increase that +capability on the order of one to the fourth power." Hmmmm, either the writers +or William Shatner seemed to think that it sound more impressive than just +plain old "one". And, I guess we have to assume that both the voices and the +other ship noises were masked out just like those heartbeats. (UV) + +"Space Seed" - As Kirk is bashing in Khan's glass coffin, his phaser falls off +his belt. McCoy keeps looking down at it, like he's wondering when they're +going to yell 'cut' so they can re-shoot the scene. They never did re-shoot +because they didn't want to invest in more glass. (V) + +"The City On The Edge Of Forever" - Clark Gable's first film was made in 1930, +by which time he was hardly a major star, and it would hardly have seemed +strange that Kirk and McCoy might not have heard of him. "Good Night, +Sweetheart" wasn't written until 1931. + +"Amok Time" - At the marriage ceremony as Spock is going up to hit the gong we +get two shots of this happening. In the first shot, from the view of T'Pau, +Spock starts moving toward the gong and then on the right we see T'Pring start +moving to issue the Kah-if-farr. Then, there is a cut looking at the face of +T'Pring, who in this scene is standing still. After a second, T'Pring starts +to move forward to issue the challenge. Nothing too bad but I have to look at +something. Yeah, that scene has several well-known continuity errors. The most +graphic one is a long shot of the set during Kirk's talk with T'Pau, where we +see Nimoy leaning against a wall when, continuity-wise, Spock is supposedly +kneeling, deep in "plak tow." It's also easy to see stage lights in a couple +of scenes. (UV) + Plus, when Spock goes to bang that gong, it rings before it's hit. (UV) + Also, T'Pau speaks to everyone else in Elizabethan/Shakespearean/King James +English -- to a point of using "thee" and "thy". However, she never uses +"thou", but, incorrectly uses thee. Spock even uses this incorrectly in one +instance. + +"Mirror, Mirror" - In the beginning of the episode, Kirks calls up the +Enterprise, requests beam up, and puts the communicator back on his belt. +During the partial materialization on the transporter room, the communicator +is in Kirk's hand with the antenna grid fully open. Then, when the landing +party materializes fully in the mirror universe, the communicator is back on +Kirk's belt. (UV) + +"The Doomsday Machine" - There is at least one side shot of the device where +the stars can be seen through the far side of the maw. (UV) Also, Scotty loses +is brogue for one line. (UV) Also, while the Constellation is being flown into +the doomsday machine, the model looks as if it was bumped. (UV) + +"Obsession" - When Captain Kirk fights an ensign for the right to remain on +the planet, Kirk tosses the ensign against a very solid rock. However, when +that ensign is tossed against that same rock for a second time, that rock is +not so solid and rolls slightly in the manner of a piece of plastic painted to +look like a rock. (UV) + +"A Private Little War" - In the closing credits, the Mugato is listed in the +closing credits as Gumato. + +"Patterns of Force" - After Kirk and Spock enter the Zeon hideaway, Spock +repairs a communicator which was disassembled by the Ekosians. As he tries to +test it, he gives the wrist flip, but the antenna grid doesn't open. Spock +glances down and opens it by hand. (UV) + +"The Omega Glory" - Kirk, Spock, and McCoy are seated and bound, speculating +that the Yangs are Yankees and Cohms are Communists. When the camera is on the +three of them, Kirk's hair is parted one way, yet, when there is a close-up +shot of Kirk, his hair is parted another way. (UV) + +"Is There In Truth No Beauty?" - At the beginning of the episode, it is +established that humans, even with the red visor would go mad if they saw the +ambassador being transported aboard. However, at the end of the episode, Kirk +watches the ambassador being beamed out without the visor. Kirk should have +gone mad at this point. + +"The Lights Of Zetar" - Kirk has Romaine put into the pressure chamber in sick +bay, and has the pressure increased by one atmosphere per second. At that +rate, she would have been crushed like a bug in a minute. (UV) + +"The Way to Eden" - Although not an actual snafu, Adam's hand twitches after +he was "dead". However, many muscular spasms do occur after death. (UV) Also, +there is a short bit where the film is backwards, and Kirk's insignia appears +on the wrong side of the shirt. (UV) + +"The Cloud Miners" - When Kirk and Spock are first captured by the miners, +Kirk says something like, "What's the meaning of this?", but his mouth doesn't +move. (UV) + +*"Day Of The Dove" - There is a prop that is grey, and looks like a grey +hydrant coming out of the wall aprx. 18 inches from the floor. During the big +sword fight, we see them fighting by this "hydrant", cut to another scene, +then cut back to see this "hydrant" knocked over. + +- Hmmmm.... In "Balance of Terror", Spock says that something called "cast +rodinium" is the hardest substance known to Federation science, and yet, was +pulverized by the Romulan weapon. Yet, in "The Doomsday Machine", Spock says +that there is no known way of blasting through solid neutronium. In "Arena", +diamonds are "the hardest known substance", but in "Obsession", a rock +substance is "twenty times as hard as diamonds. (V) + +Where's Scotty's Finger? +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ + James Doohan is missing the middle finger of his right hand. During World +War II, he served in the Royal Canadian Artillery (not the air force, although +he flew - like a maniac - often) for six years and two months and lead the +fifth Landing Craft Assault. He was on the ground when his middle finger +caught three bullets; the head wound and other wounds did no damage. He then +became a flight instructor before leaving the military in October of 1945. + However, if you look at his hand, you'll see a faint red streak, indicating +the entire metacarpal bone was surgically removed. Usually, if Scotty's hands +were called for in a script to operate the transporter, we cut to a shot of +someone else's hands. Usually, we'll see Scotty's hands behind some object or +side on. However, here are some scenes where the missing finger is visible: + +"The Apple" - Scotty's clenched fist. (UV) + +"The Trouble With Tribbles" - After Kirk notices what he got for his chicken +sandwich and coffee, Scotty walks in carrying a whole bundle of tribbles. The +missing finger is clearly noticeable. (V) + +"Star Trek IV" - When McCoy hands Scotty the mouse in Dr. Nichols' office, +Scotty lack of digitude is noticable for a second. (UV) + +"Star Trek V" - When Uhura tosses Scotty the bag of food, the missing finger +is noticable. + + "Theme from STAR TREK" + Lyrics by Gene Roddenberry + From "The Making of Star Trek" by Stephen E. Whitfield & Gene Roddenberry + +Beyond +The rim of star-light +My love +Is wand'ring in star flight +I know +He'll find in star-clustered reaches +Love, +Strange love a star woman teaches +I know +His journey end never +His star trek +Will go on forever. +But tell him +While he wanders his starry sea +Remember, remember me. + +Additional Notes +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +For a good source of information, please try "The Star Trek Compendium" by +Alan Asherman. +{}-{}-{}-{}-{}-{}-{}-{}-{}-{}-{}-{}-{}-{}-{}-{}-{}-{}-{}-{}-{}-{}-{}-{}-{}-{}- + "Star Trek" + (The Animated Series) + +Guest Voices +~~~~~~~~~~~~ +Stanley Adams - Cyrano Jones +Roger Carmel - Harry Mudd +Mark Lenard - Sarek + +Episode Listings +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +Episode synopsis by Edward Champion. + +Order Air Date PCode Stardate Title +===== ========= ===== ======== =============================================== + 1. Sep 15 73 3A 5373.4 Yesteryear + + In order to change the present, Spock must save himself in the past from + death. + + 2. Sep 22 73 7A 5371.3 One Of Our Planets Is Missing + + A cosmic cloud that eats planets is found to be a life form that is just + plain hungry and is not aware that people live on the planets. + + 3. Sep 29 73 6A 5483.7 The Lorelei Signal + + Alien women send signals which draw the male faction of the Enterprise and + cause them to grow old. + + 4. Oct 6 73 1A 5392.4 More Tribbles, More Troubles + + Tribbles return aboard the Enterprise that grow increasingly fat and + gloomers attempt to eat them. + + 5. Oct 13 73 5A 5143.3 The Survivor + + Carter Winston is found after five years and turns out to be a polymorph. + + 6. Oct 20 73 2A 5554.4 The Infinite Vulcan + + A giant scientist wants to clone Spock to use as a galactic peacemaker. + + 7. Oct 27 73 9A 1254.4 The Magicks Of Megas-Tu + + A creature with a broad personality and magic turns out to be our + interpretation of Satan when the creature had visited our planet. + + 8. Nov 3 73 14A 5591.2 Once Upon A Planet + + The crew return to the "Shore Leave" planet and find everything to be going + haywire. + + 9. Nov 10 73 8A 4978.5 Mudd's Passion + + Mudd sells a love potion that actually works but causes its victims to hate + each other after wearing off. + + 10. Nov 17 73 15A 5577.3 The Terratin Incident + + The Enterprise crew begins to shrink and finds a miniature city. + + 11. Nov 24 73 10A 5267.2 Time Trap + + The Enterprise is trapped with Klingons in a segment of space in which there + seems to be no escape. + + 12. Dec 1 73 13A 5499.9 The Ambergris Element + + Kirk and Spock turn into fish on a planet that believes the "air breathers" + are their enemies. + + 13. Dec 15 73 11A 4187.3 Slaver Weapon + + A weapon with 101 uses is found by Spock, Uhura, and Sulu on a shuttlecraft + mission. + + 14. Dec 22 73 4A 5521.3 Beyond The Farthest Star + + The Enterprise tries to stop a creature controlling a starship. + + 15. Jan 5 74 16A 5501.2 The Eye Of The Beholder + + The crew are put into a zoo run by an advanced race of alien beings. + + 16. Jan 13 74 12A 5683.1 Jihad + + Kirk, Spock, and many other aliens go on a mission to find a holy relic that + will prevent a war. + + 17. Sep 7 74 19A 6334.1 The Pirates Of Orion + + As Spock dies from a deadly disease, Orion pirates strike against the ship + that carries the cure to it. + + 18. Sep 14 74 17A 7403.6 BEM + + A female god tells Kirk to go kiss off instead of messing with her children. + + 19. Sep 21 74 20A 3183.3 Practical Joker + + Strange things are afoot on board the Enterprise when it enters a big cloud + after escaping Romulans. + + 20. Sep 28 74 18A 5285.6 Albatross + + McCoy is arrested for creating a plague 19 years earlier on the planet + Dramia. + + 21. Oct 5 74 21A 6063.4 How Sharper Than A Serpent's Tooth + + An astronaut who had visited Earth before and was worshipped as a god + captures the Enterprise in a strange city. + + 22. Oct 12 74 22A 6770.3 The Counter-Clock Incident + + Time reverses itself as the Enterprise enters another universe and the crew + become children. + +Syndication Notes +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +The Sci-Fi Channel has purchased the rights to air the series on cable. It is +rarely seen in local syndication. + +The entire animated series is available on Paramount Home Video. + +Shakespeare +~~~~~~~~~~~ +"How Sharper than a Serpent's Tooth" - The episode title comes from "King +Lear 1.4.285", with surrounding text from "King Lear 1.4.272-286" + +Did You Know . . . +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +. . . the episode "The Slaver Weapon" is an adaption of Larry Niven's "Known +Space" story "The Soft Weapon". Spock replaced a Pierson's Puppeteer. + +Canonical Notes +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +None of the information presented in the Animated series is considered +canonical by Paramount in the Star Trek movies or TNG. In other words, +everything that happened in TAS didn't happen. +-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+ + Thanks to . . . + +Edward Champion - For loaning me half of his Trek tape collection. + +Mike Brown - His endless informative contributions to Usenet + +Larry Reznick - For checking over these lists with a magnifying glass for + those elusive typos + +Brian Madsen - For the ton of additions to these lists + +Otto 'Hackman' Heuer - For information stolen from his FAQ List + +Brendan Kehoe & Raymond Chen - FTP Site moderators + +Jim Earl and Paul Dyer - Wonderful Local Sysops + +Martin Pollard - The man with the close eye for details + +David Datta - For converting this lists over to a different format + +. . . . . and . . . . + +Paul Beatrice, Dan Berry, James P. Callison, Kasey Chang, Tim Cherna, Paul +Clements, Jeff Comer, Janis Maria Cortese, John W Connelly, D. Joseph +Creighton, Anthony A. Datri, Christopher Davis, Dave Davis, Allan Finkas, +Zorch Frezberg, Matt Gertz, Sarah Goldberg, Jesus S. Gonzalez, Michael +Gunderson, Paul Hager, Chris Harmon, Carrie Howard, Irwin Horowitz, Matt +Hucke, William Hughes, Glenn E. Johnson, Steve Langner, David Learn, Charles +Anthony Leone, Denis Lepine, Ian Levstein, Lloyd Lim, Brian Madsen, Etienne +Mayrand, Paul Maserang, Robert Moore, Kenneth Myers, Michael Mullen, Colum +Mylod, Taed Nelson, Samuel Osofsky, Anthony Palombella, Douglas S. Paterson, +Ken Pergrem, Loren Petrich, Dave Phillips, Jasper Pino, Tony J. Podrasky, +Martin Pollard, Geoff Poole, Mitsuhiro Sakai, Paul Sander, Richard Saunders, +Joe Schirmer, "Doc Science", Catherine Schulz, Robert Seidel, David S. +Serchayand, "Sheaf", Keven Spetz, "Mr. Tech", Bernie Verreau, Scott Viguie, +Michael Walsh, Gary Wachs, David Welle, Bev White + +. . . . and the many fine folks on Usenet's rec.arts.startrek and +Echonet/Fidonet's Star Trek Echos. +-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= + Eugene Wesley "Gene" Roddenberry + August 19, 1921 - October 24, 1991 + +He created a legend which continues on today, creating a show that has helped +believe that there was a future worth living for. He showed us that space is +not just for space battles, but for learning new ideas and ways of thinking, +and, indirectly, has done more for civil rights and the space program than +Martin Luther King, Jr. and John F. Kennedy. Gene will be missed, but will not +be forgotten. +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ + Keep circulating the List of Lists. diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/toys.rev b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/toys.rev new file mode 100644 index 00000000..f8244d5b --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/toys.rev @@ -0,0 +1,145 @@ +WARNING: This post contains spoiler information concerning this week's TNG +episode, "The Most Toys". Accidental viewers, be wary. + +Oh, boy. + +This one's going to be REALLY tough to tackle. + +You'll see why in a bit, after the synopsis. This part, at least, should be +easy -- maybe easier than usual. Here goes: + +PLOT ONE: (Yes, there are two.) Data, about to start his third and final +shuttle trip back from the Jovis to the Enterprise to deliver some +hytrititum, is captured by the trader Kivas Fajo. Fajo prides himself on +being a collector of rare and unusual artifacts. Amongst his collection are: +the sole surviving member of a species long thought extinct, the only known +copy of Roger Maris's 1962 baseball card, the Mona Lisa -- and now Data. + +Fajo slowly but surely tries to warp Data to his way of operating. He wants +Data to wear something other than his uniform, so he dissolves the uniform in +seconds. He wants Data to "sit in the chair" and be a good little toy, so he +threatens his assistant of 14 years, Varria, with a prototype disruptor that +is banned in the Federation because it's just TOO nasty. He attacks the +paradox of Data being a "military pacifist", and claims to be Data's +liberator. Data tries various forms of escape, but to no avail. + +Until, enough is enough. Varria, after being threatened so casually with the +disruptor, decides that she must escape, and she wants Data with her for +protection. They make it out to the shuttle bay, but then Varria is killed +(by a second disruptor) by Fajo. Data threatens Fajo with the disruptor, but +Fajo doesn't take it seriously, knowing that Data's programmed "respect for +all other lifeforms" won't allow Data to kill him. He keeps emphasizing +Data's lack of emotion, and says "you're just an android". Data fires -- just +as the Enterprise's transporter beam takes him away. + +PLOT TWO: The Enterprise, meanwhile, has been taken in by Fajo's ruse +(namely, blowing up the shuttle Pike after removing Data from it), and +believe Data dead. We see a great deal of reaction to the death. Geordi +remarks, "I always thought he'd outlive us -- by centuries.", and tortures +himself trying to figure things out. Troi is troubled by Worf replacing Data +at Ops; after all, as she points out, "this is the second time [Worf has] +replaced a crewmember who has died". Eventually, Geordi realizes he DID miss +something. + +Moreover, once they reach Beta Agni II (the site of a water supply +contamination, which was the reason they needed the hitrytium in the first +place), they discover that the contamination was not a natural disaster. Fajo +set it up, JUST so they'd have to come to him for hitrytium and so he could +obtain Data. They find Fajo and beam Data back...deactivating the +already-discharged disruptor in transit. + +The final scene has Data visiting Fajo in the brig, and informing him that +his entire collection has been confiscated. When Fajo says, "I bet that gives +you a lot of pleasure, doesn't it?", Data replies "no, sir...it does not! +I do not feel pleasure. I am only an android." and walks out. + +Whew. That wasn't so bad, I guess. Now, onwards. + +When I first read about this episode, and especially when I saw the initial +preview for it last week, I thought "ugh!! This looks awful!". I was wrong. +While I didn't think it absolutely fantastic, it was very provocative... +and a little disturbing. + +Before I tackle the really big issue (to wit, Data's near-killing of Kivas +Fajo), I'll take care of some smaller issues, though. + +First, nearly all the scenes aboard the Enterprise were well handled, +particularly those involving Geordi. Someone paid very nice attention to +detail when Geordi and Wes went into Data's quarters, as they found: the SAME +painting shown in "Tin Man" (and which I think is a painting of the creature +from "Time Squared"), the literary gift from Picard, the medals, a few decks +of cards ("Data always did fall for Riker's bluffs," Geordi says), and the +holo-image of Tasha. Geordi's reactions are exactly what I would have +expected from him. + +I'm a little less thrilled with the way Picard was handled in this story. He +seemed a bit too gruff throughout most of it. I realize that as a captain, +one cannot always allow oneself the luxury of feelings, but he seemed TOO +cold. (This time, however, as opposed to the "Broccoli" slip in "Hollow +Pursuits", I felt his accidental slip of the tongue in calling Worf "Mr. +Data" at Ops was entirely justified, and entirely right.) Also, if Worf +replacing Data was a permanent replacement, I must object to it. Doubling up +section chiefs is a really bad move, so unless he was going to appoint +someone else as head of Security, I can't say I agreed with it. + +Most of the time I saw Kivas Fajo, I was very unimpressed. I felt like I was +seeing a Ferengi in human garb, and the Ferengi have very rarely managed to +impress me in ANY way. Although he was laid out very consistently, and I +managed to believe he could live that way, I did not enjoy watching him. (And +before you say "but that was the point!", there's a difference between not +liking a character but wanting to see him get his just desserts, and simply +not wanting to watch someone.) Lastly, I thought all the little Terran +touches to his collection were silly and pointless. + +Now, on to the crucial issue: that of Data. There's a little ambiguity in the +show, which I ignored to a point in the above synopsis. Firstly, we don't +actually see the weapon fire -- O'Brien just says as Data is in transport +that the weapon is in a state of discharge. Data, upon his arrival, says +"perhaps something happened during the transport". I ignored that slight +ambiguity because I believe full well that he "pulled the trigger" and the +transport beam was the only thing that saved Fajo from an exceptionally nasty +death. (Remember, we were shown Varria being hit by it -- it's not pretty.) + +Then, there is the additional ambiguity of WHY Data fired, assuming he did. +He states earlier, when Fajo asks, "tell me, Data, have you killed yet?", +that "I am programmed with the ability to use deadly force in the course of +defense." However, he is not physically threatened here. Fajo stated +perfectly, just before Data fires, the possible reasons he could fire: rage +over Varria's death, the desire for revenge, etc. Can Data succumb to one of +these things? + +I'm going to take a somewhat controversial stand on this one. (I say +"controversial" because the two people I've already mentioned it to think I'm +out of my mind.) I submit that Data did fire the weapon, in what could almost +be termed a "fit of passion". I submit that he has slowly been becoming more +human, more "emotional", and he has now crossed an important line: namely, he +has now (for all intents and purposes) killed, virtually out of malice. I +claim that he does have emotions, his denials notwithstanding. What, I ask, +is the difference psychologically between Data and someone who simply has +active mental "dampers" so that telepaths cannot read his mind? + +Anyway, I expect the last few minutes of this show to spark a lot of heated +debate. Let's just hope the heat doesn't spark any flames. At any rate, +here's the wrap-up: + +Plot: 8.5 - The Enterprise gets a 10, but Fajo only gets a 7 (occasionally, + 'twas a bit too predictable). +Plot Handling: 9 - Fajo took enough precautions to make the Enterprise's + acceptance of Data's "death" convincing. +Characterization: 8 - Spectacular Data and Geordi, and pretty good on + everyone else, but a bit off for Picard's + uncharacteristic gruffness. +Technical: 10 - Very internally consistent scientifically, and no particular + gaffes elsewhere. + +TOTAL: 35.5/4 = 9. Much better than I expected. + +Tim Lynch (Cornell's first Astronomy B.A.; one of many Caltech grad students) +BITNET: tlynch@citjuliet +INTERNET: tlynch@juliet.caltech.edu +UUCP: ...!ucbvax!tlynch%juliet.caltech.edu@hamlet.caltech.edu +"His rewards for loyalty are _lavish_, and his punishments for disloyalty are +equally . . . lavish." + --Varria, speaking about Fajo. +-- +Copyright 1990, Timothy W. Lynch. All rights reserved, but feel free to ask... diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/transfig.rev b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/transfig.rev new file mode 100644 index 00000000..2f9ee497 --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/transfig.rev @@ -0,0 +1,149 @@ +WARNING: The following post contains a review of this week's TNG episode, +"Transfigurations", and as such contains spoilers. The author takes no respon- +sibility for any spoilage (unless, like my friend Matt, you just got married +today, in which case all bets are off...) + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +Well, that was VERY interesting. + +Not the wedding, though that was fun too. I mean the show. Considering how un- +impressive the press release looked, and how downright dull the preview last +week looked, I was quite pleasantly surprised. + +But that can wait. First, here's a synopsis from your friendly neighborhood +CRT: + +The Enterprise is on a star-charting mission, exploring sectors previously +unknown to the Federation. They pick up a faint distress call from a nearby +planet, and find one humanoid, critically injured, under the wreckage of an +escape pod. They beam him up (after stabilizing him a bit down planetside), and +somehow, he recovers. Bev refuses to take credit for it, though--it's "John +Doe", as they call him, who's responsible--his cells are regenerating them- +selves at an astounding rate, and some of them are mutating. He regains +consciousness a couple of weeks after having been taken aboard, but doesn't know +who he is. + +From here on in, things get seriously weird. Somehow, the cell mutations in +John's body are linked to strange episodes of pain he's experiencing, and those +in turn are linked to strange energy pulses that come from him. The first +pulse, which hit Geordi moments after John was discovered, gave Geordi a strong +boost of confidence with women. Later, though he has no control over his spo- +radic energy bursts, and they in fact can prove harmful, he can also heal any +sort of injury, such as O'Brien's dislocated shoulder. The mystery deepens. + +Eventually, (like another 2-3 weeks later) by analyzing some remnants taken +from John's wrecked pod, Geordi and Data manage to figure out where his home +planet is, and it's even along their course. By this time, though, John's re- +gained just enough of his memory to know that he cannot allow himself to go +home yet. He attempts to steal a shuttle, and accidentally kills Worf. He +then revives Worf, effortlessly. Meanwhile, another vessel, heading towards the +Enterprise at Warp 9.72, arrives. On it are people from the planet Zalkon, +clearly John's home. The captain, Sunad, denounces John as a criminal and de- +mands that he be turned over to them at once. When Picard, after some delibera- +tion, refuses, Sunad triggers a weapon which makes everyone on board the Enter- +prise completely unable to breathe. + +Everyone, that is, except John, whose memory is now completely restored. He +sends a bolt of energy through the entire ship, releasing everyone, and once on +the bridge, plucks Sunad off his bridge onto the Enterprise. It seems that John +is a transitional stage of Zalkonian evolution, and is about to progress beyond +his physical body. Although those in authority have tried to kill those who +are about to attain this ability as a threat to the "natural order", John's +powers have now progressed to the point where he cannot be affected anymore. +He sends the Zalkonian ship packing, and after bidding a tender farewell to Dr. +Crusher, departs. + +Well, now. Sound interesting? + +It was. + +First of all, this was a Treknology freak's dream-show. There was a great deal +of attention paid to Bev's medical techniques (to be honest, I haven't the +slightest idea if any of it made sense, but hey; I'm an astronomer, not a +doctor :-) ), and a lot of emphasis on decoding the information on what the team +salvaged from the wreckage. That second part was really neat, too--after dis- +covering it was encoded biochemically, they found a star chart, but couldn't +make heads or tails of it. Then, they used the course corrections on the screen +to estimate the mass of the stars who deviated the course. They found one was a +pulsar with a particular period, and located that pulsar. Now THAT'S what I +call attention to details. + +Another attention to details showed up in Geordi's renewed confidence. Remember +Christie, the girl he went after at the beginning of "Booby Trap"? It was the +same girl he went after (and GOT, this time) here. Wonderful job, folks. Now, +about bringing back Sonia Gomez... + +This show probably did more for Bev's character than the entire first season +did. As she found herself slowly becoming attracted to John, I actually found +myself caring about what happened to them both (and with Bev, that's kind of +rare). Of course, seeing her actually working in Sickbay (which I now have the +impression is more of a full wing than a single room, which makes loads of +sense if you're caring for a thousand people) helped, and there was a wonderful +scene between her and Wesley, where he jibes her a bit about her relationship +with John. This was one of those few times when I actually thought the two were +believable as mother and son. Nice work. + +Another nice thing was the time involved in the course of the episode. For +once, we had a situation where everything didn't occur in the course of a day or +two. John was on board for nearly two months, I think, and we only saw the +important bits of his stay. I like it. (It also gave Wesley a chance to get +comfortable in his new job and uniform, and he seemed such by the time we saw +him, which was about a month into things.) + +One quick question, to think about once you've seen it: Is what's happening to +the Zalkonians the same thing that happened to the Organians all those centuries +ago? + +On the cinematography end, there were a lot of very nice shots of Sickbay, and +a couple of great views of the shuttle bay. + +It wasn't perfect, of course; the ending seemed a bit rushed (more so than +usual), for one thing. (And, of course, continuing my crusade: though O'Brien's +scene was wonderful, it was too short--and GIVE HIM A FIRST NAME!!! There...I +feel better now.) However, it was very good, and made me forgive them for +"Menage a Troi". + +Well, it was a long wedding (actually, it was a short wedding, but the reception +went on for almost six hours), and I'm exhausted. But, before I go, here's some +ratings for you to chew on: + +Plot: 7.5. Good, but not terribly original, and the ending was a little + forced. +Plot Handling: 10. On the other hand, the continuity in this program and the + way they handled John's growing power worked nicely. +Characterization: 10. Nice work to Bev and Geordi, and an excellent John. +Technical: 10. As I said, a Treknophile's dream. + +TOTAL: 9.4. Pretty damned good, methinks. + +NEXT WEEK: A rerun of "Deja Q", but THEN, we all know what's coming........ + +Tim Lynch (Cornell's first Astronomy B.A.) +BITNET: H52Y@CRNLVAX5 +INTERNET: H52Y@VAX5.CIT.CORNELL.EDU +UUCP: ...!rochester!cornell!vax5.cit.cornell.edu!h52y +"We are talking the jape of the century lads. We are talking April, May, June, +July, AND August Fools." diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/trek.faq b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/trek.faq new file mode 100644 index 00000000..57fc56f1 --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/trek.faq @@ -0,0 +1,827 @@ +Date: 3 Oct 90 19:06:24 GMT + + + MONTHLY LIST OF "FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS" + in REC.ARTS.STARTREK (last updated 9/18/90) + + This posting is intended to cut down on the "often asked questions" +that seem to pop up every few months in this newsgroup. It is a +supplement to the monthly list of actors' other roles posted by Otto +"HACK-MAN" Heuer, the monthly reality reminder posted by Greg Paris, the +monthly list of lists by Mark Holtz, and the monthly episode guide +posted by Mark A. Lindsay. + This is basically a list of questions that have been brought up and +discussed to death in rec.arts.startrek, and a lot of people would be +happy if they never resurfaced. It also contains pointers to other +information. + +------------------------------------------------------------------------ + 1) Acronyms + 2) Names (Kirk, Spock, Data) + 3) TNG Ranks + 4) Top speed/TNG warp + 5) McCoy's "I'm a doctor, not a ___" lines + 6) Stardates, years, ages, etc. + 7) ftp sites: (parodies, GIFs, PostScript drawings, scripts, Guide) + 8) Episode guide, fortune files, quotes files, tech manuals + 9) Addresses for Trek memorabilia +10) Crew reading USENET? +11) TOS Enterprise separation +12) Games +13) Merritt Butrick +14) Starfleet Military? +15) TOS theme song lyrics +16) Shatner and Nimoy singing +17) Assignment Earth == series pilot +18) Saavik's heritage +19) Uniforms +20) Leaving the galaxy +21) Untelevized TOS episodes +22) Kirk Thatcher +23) Submitting a script +24) Submitting a story for Pocket Books +25) Picard's surrenders; self destructs; time travel +26) Is Paramount making money on TNG? +27) TNG season 4 tidbits +28) The future of Star Trek +99) Misc Trivia +------------------------------------------------------------------------ + +1) Acronyms: + TOS = The Original Series (or The Old Series) + TAS = The Animated Series + TCS = The Cartoon Series/The Comics Series + TNG = The Next Generation + TFS = The Film Series + TMP = The Motion Picture (ST1) + TWoK = The Wrath of Khan (ST2) + TSfS = The Search for Spock (ST3) + TVH = The Voyage Home (ST4) + TFF = The Final Frontier (ST5) + NCC = Naval Construction Contract + USS = United Space Ship + FTL = Faster than Light (warp speeds) + BoP = The Romulan (and Klingon) Bird of Prey vessel + UFP = United Federation of Planets + SFC = Star Fleet Command + SFA = Star Fleet Academy + SF = Star Fleet or Science Fiction (depending on context) + GR = Gene Roddenberry + IDIC = Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations (Vulcan Credo) + LLaP = Live Long and Prosper + + The Great Bird = Gene Roddenberry (An in-joke from early TOS episode) + The Big E = The Enterprise + FX, SFX = (special) Effects + K/S = Generally refers to the "liberal" writing style of some of the + less-accepted Trek books and fanzines dealing with Kirk and + Spock being "more than close friends". + ILM = Industrial Light and Magic + IMHO = In My Humble Opinion + FYI = For Your Information + +If you see other acronyms (and are relatively new to UseNet), refer to +the "often asked questions for new users" file. Episode names are +commonly referred to by acronym; most are fairly easy to figure out. + + +2) NAMES: Kirk's middle initial/middle name. It is generally agreed +that Kirk's full name is "James Tiberius Kirk". It was only given as +"James T. Kirk" in TOS, the "Tiberius" didn't come around until TAS +("Bem") and the novels. In "Where No Man Has Gone Before", Gary +Mitchell makes a gravestone for Kirk that says "James R. Kirk", +apparently before Gene had settled on a middle name. Spock's other name +(you couldn't pronounce it) isn't given in TOS or TFS. It is given in +one or more of the books if you care to believe them. Data's name was +shown on a computer screen once as "Lt. Cmdr NFN NMI Data" ("No First +Name, No Middle Initial"). + + +3) TNG RANKS: Deanna Troi's rank was given as "Lt. Cmdr" in "Encounter +at Farpoint" (the pilot episode) and occasionally on computer displays +(e.g. "The Child"). The "pips" (the circles on the uniform collars) +signify rank. A hollow circle counts as a half circle: + + 0.5: Ensign, Junior Grade + 1.0: Ensign + 1.5: Lt., Junior Grade + 2.0: Lt. + 2.5: Lt. Commander + 3.0: Commander + 4.0: Captain + 5.0: Commodore/Fleet Captain + + +4) The fastest the original Enterprise has gone (not counting "off the +scale") was 14.1 in "By Any Other Name". The Enterprise-D seems to have +a top speed slightly less than 10, not counting the time Q flung it a +great distance. Riker mentioned that warp 10 instigates time travel. +In "Where No One Has Gone Before" it is mentioned that the Enterprise +has reached or passed warp 10. + +The ST:TNG Writer's Technical Manual, 3rd season edition contains the +following table: + + warp c comment + ---- ---- ------- + 1 1 + 2 10 + 3 39 + 4 102 + 5 214 + 6 392 normal cruising speed. + 7 656 + 8 1024 + 9 1516 + 9.6 1909 maximum attainable speed for E + 9.9 3053 maximum speed for E under any circumstances + 9.99 7912 + 10 infinite + + Notes not from the guide: + +For warp speeds 1 through 9, the formula w ^ (10/3) provides the +numbers shown, rounded to the integer. + + +5) McCoy's "I'm a doctor not a _____" EPISODE + Bricklayer Devil in the Dark + Escalator Friday's Child + Engineer Mirror, Mirror + Mechanic The Doomsday Machine + Magician The Deadly Years + Psychiatrist The City on the Edge of Forever + Moon shuttle conductor The Corbomite Maneuver + +The last is paraphrased, since he said "What am I, I doctor or a moon +shuttle conductor", but it fits the mold. Also, in Amok Time, Kirk says +"Well, are you a doctor or aren't you?" and in ST5 says something like +"Dammit Bones, you're a doctor." + + +6) Stardates, years, ages, etc.: + In TOS the stardates ranged from 1513 (Man Trap) to 5928 (Turnabout +Intruder). At this time Gene had intended for stardates to be based on +Julian dates modulo 10000, with one stardate being 24 hours in length. +There are numberous examples where this is false. Some of the most +blatent are The Immunity Syndrome (where a quick calculation shows that +one stardate is less than 2.5 hours) and Requiem for Methuselah (where +one stardate figures out to be about 960 hours). There are a few +episodes where the stardates actually decrease during the show. + In TNG, the stardate is also supposed to be 24 hours, and is in the +form 4xyyy.y where "x" is the season number and yyy.y is a random number +that increases (usually) throughout the season. + The year in TOS is somewhere between 2260 and 2286. + The year on a bottle of Romulan Ale is given in The Wrath of Khan +as 2283(?) + TNG is ~93 years after TOS, and 78-79 years after TMP. + TOS: 1976 Ballentine Concordance: Gives McCoy's age as 45. + TOS "The Deadly Years": Kirk's age is given as 34. + TNG "The Neutral Zone": Data gives the year as 2364. + TNG "Encounter at Farpoint": McCoy's age is given as 137. + TOS "Journey to Babel": Sarek's age is given as 102.437. + TNG "Sarek": Sarek's age is given as 202. + TNG: Wes said that Data is appoximately the same age as he is, +chronologically. + TNG "DataLore": Data says he was found 26 years ago. + Kirk was born in the year 2228 in Riverside, Iowa, where a statue +of him has been erected. + TNG "Encounter at Farpoint": Data graduated SFA in the class of '78 +with Honors in Dextral Biology and Probability Mechanics. + + +7) Anonymous ftp sites with Star Trek related creative stuff: + +a.cs.uiuc.edu 128.174.252.1 TeX, dvi2ps, gif, texx2.7, amiga, +abcfd20.larc.nasa.gov 128.155.23.64 lots of Star Trek goodies +bison.cs.uwa.oz.au phonology), gif, looking for +curie.cs.unc.edu 128.109.136.151 GIF, graphics programs +dsl.cis.upenn.edu 130.91.6.12 GIF, IBM +lut.fi 128.214.25.8 GIF, PD sources modified for +mcs213k.cs.umr.edu 131.151.6.11 xgif +merlin.cs.purdue.edu 128.10.2.3 ConcurrenC, Xinu, mac, GIF +mibsrv.mib.eng.ua.edu 130.160.20.80 bitmaps, GIF, games +milton.u.washington.edu lots of star trek parodies +network.ucsd.edu 128.54.16.3 anime gifs +squid.cs.ucla.edu 131.179.96.44 gifs +surya.waterloo.edu 129.97.129.72 tiff format, gif2ras +uxc.cso.uiuc.edu 136.144.1.2 to the Internet, GIF +wuarchive.wustl.edu 128.252.135.4 X.11R3, GIF, IEN, RFCs, TeX, + +Check out abcfd20.larc.nasa.gov [128.155.23.64] (formerly the xanth +archive) which has the following contents in the directory +pub/star-trek: + +BGvs1701D-I.Z BGvs1701D-IIa.Z BGvs1701D-IIb.Z +README-STTNG STTNGfortune.tar.Z ncc1701c.Z +ncc1701d.tar.Z parody-shootdown.Z stick-ships.Z +trek.vt.Z unix_trek.Z warbird.Z + +The STTNGfortune.tar.Z is the Next Generation fortune, the +ncc17101d.tar.Z is the Postscript pictures of the new Enterprise and the +trek.vt.Z is a ansi vt100 animation. + +Or you can telnet (not ftp) to mbbs.cc.columbia.edu (IP 128.59.41.3), +and follow the information given to you from there. Essentially you'd +be able to connect to a file server which you can download files (kermit +or xmodem protocols only) located in several places. Go to the +"pictures" location and then try to get any of the "Startrek" gif files. +These are the pictures available in the Startrek directory: + beverly.gif laforge.gif strbas.gif + bonekirk.gif picard+yar.gif trekview.gif + crew.gif picard.gif troi.gif + data.gif picard2.gif wesley.gif + enterprise.gif riker.gif worf.gif + enterprise2.gif spock.gif worf2.gif + enterprise3.gif spock1.gif yar.gif + kirk.gif spock2.gif + kirk2.gif spockirk.gif + +Chuan Chee's collection of Star Trek parodies is available via anonymous +ftp from math.princeton.edu in the directory pub/rjc/st (at least until +milton's replacement archive is set up). Consult the file "p.files" for +an index of the contents. (Note that all files in that directory have +been compressed.) For example, the VAX Trek parody is available as +files p.034 through p.048. People who can't ftp can obtain the files +via email. Type this to your unix-like machine: + + echo send filename | mail -s Command rjc@math.princeton.edu + +replacing "filename" with the actual name of the file you want. +Since mail servers are frowned upon by most system administrators, +I ask that you use ftp if at all possible, and that if you have +to use the mail server, to limit yourself to three requests total. + +[ Anyone know of more sites for Postscript drawings, GIFs, ASCII +pictures, serious scipts/novels, etc.? ] + +[ Any ftp site have the "Sam Donaldson as a Vulcan" picture? ] + + +8) If you want a list of TNG episodes (for all seasons), the schedule +information is presented by Vidiot (Mr. Video (Mike Brown)) who also +puts out a very nice guide (which contains all kinds of useful info like +names of actors/actresses) which is available by anonymous ftp at +[machine still being decided]@montana.edu in the [directory still being +decided] directory. All the information needed (which files to get and +what to do with them (unpacking, printing, etc.)) is in the README file +at the same site. The guide is also available by anonymous UUCP from +Mike at + Phone: 608-274-9275 + Baud: 19200/2400/1200 + Login: anonuucp + Password: none (it will not be asked) +Updates are posted to rec.arts.startrek.info occasionally. + +There's also a "fortune" file floating around for both TOS and TNG with +humorous and/or memorable quotes from the episodes. The ftp site is +listed above. + +Other good sources for information (on both series) are: +"The Klingon Dictionary" by Marc Okrand (Pocket Books 85) +"The Making of Star Trek" by Gene Roddenberry (Ballantine/Del Ray 68) +"Mr. Scott's Guide to the Enterprise" by Shane Johnson (Pocket Books 87) +"Star Fleet Technical Manual" by Franz Joseph (Ballantine/Del Ray 75) +"Star Trek Blueprints" by Franz Joseph (Ballantine/Del Ray 75) +"Star Trek Compendium" by Allan Asherman (Pocket Books 81, 87, 89) +"Star Trek Concordance" by Bjo Trimble (Ballantine/Del Ray 76) +"The Worlds of the Federation" by Shane Johnson (Pocket Books 89) +"The Writer's/Director's Guide" (new editions put out for each season) + +FASA has the "Officers Manual", but it has been pulled or denounced by +Gene since it contradicts a lot of what has been said on TNG or in the +Writer's/Director's Guide (Betazoids are NOT from Haven, Star Fleet did +NOT think of creating the post of counselor when they discovered +telepaths, etc.) Roddenberry told them to stop publishing the manual +until they corrected the inaccuracies, but instead FASA made 2-3 more +printings. They will be releasing a new edition that has been worked +out with Paramount, and Richard Arnold has said somewhat +enthusiastically that it is going to be quite nice and meets with Gene's +approval. + +And of course you can get lots of Trek stuff from Trek cons and +magazines (Starlog seems to be the most popular). + +Lincoln Enterprises themselves are at most conventions, and they sell +writer's guides from every season along with final scripts from +episodes. In fact, these scripts even have scenes that are cut out due +to the episode running long. + + +9) Any correspondance with Paramount, Gene, the actors, etc. should be +sent to: + Paramount Studios + Star Trek Offices + 5555 Melrose Ave. + Hollywood, CA 90038 + +Note that scripts have a better chance of getting accepted if you have +an agent. Paramount gets about 800 fan-written scripts a year and uses +about four of them. See the separate section in this posting on +submitting scripts. + +Lincoln Enterprises is run by Majel Barrett (Mrs. Roddenberry), and is +said to be the best source for fan paraphanalia. This is the best place +to get a Writer's Guide from if you're not an established writer. The +address is: + + Lincoln Enterprises + Box 691370 + Los Angeles, CA 90069 + + (213) 462-3850 (orders only, $15 minimum by credit card) + +Star Tech has some good stuff too, like the blooper reels on tape (four +tapes for TOS and one for TNG season one), movie soundtrack CDs, etc. +However, some of their recorded tapes seem to be "gray market", so +beware: + + Star Tech + PO Box 456 + Dunlap, TN 37327 + + Starlog (or Starlog Press) + 475 Park Avenue South + New York, NY 10016 + + +10) None of the crew read Usenet (though we have a writer or two on +here). Wheaton and some of the "behind-the-scenes" people are on +Compu$erve/GEnie though. + + +11) Yes, the TOS Enterprise could separate; just that it would take a +lot more work (and a bigger effects budget) to put it back together. +Kirk orders Scotty to "disengage nacelles, jettison if possible" in "The +Savage Curtain". He might also mention it in "The Apple". + + +12) GAMES: The FASA Star Trek game is pretty much ignored by the r.a.s +community, though many seem to like the variety of TOS and TNG drinking +games that show up occasionally. [Anyone know if these are ftp-able +from anywhere?] + + +13) Yes, Merritt Butrick is dead. He played Kirk's son David in the +movies as well as an alien in TNG's "Symbiosis", along-side of one of +the actors that served with Khan. The actor died in March 1989 due to +complications related to the AIDS virus. The actress who played Vina in +"The Cage" also recently died (early 1990). + + +14) According to ST:TNG Writer's/Director's guide (1987): "Starfleet is +NOT a military organization....No saluting. We may hear the word 'Sir,' +but it is intended as the same kind of curtousy used by junior and +senior officers on commercial airliners....No stories about warfare with +Klingons or Romulans and no stories with Vulcans." Granted the +Romulan/Klingon/Vulcan rule has laxed, but I still believe Starfleet is +non-military (except when they are cornered, like the Borg situation). + + +15) Yes, there are words to the TOS theme song. Roddenberry wrote the +lyrics himself. Not very good. Maybe these should be posted (along +with the lyrics to other TOS songs, mostly from "The Way to Eden") in +the monthly posting of "lists". + + +16) Both Shatner and Nimoy have attempted to sing and have a few albums +out (from the early 70s, I believe). They are *extremely* bad and only +good for comic relief. + + +17) Yes, Assignment Earth was indead a pilot that never got off the +ground. One of a few. Gene wanted to create some more shows. The +reference for this is in the book The Making of Star Trek, (the white +cover, not the silver one). + + +18) Saavik was half Vulcan and half Romulan. This wasn't mentioned in +the movie (probably cut to save time), but it was in the novelization, +the trailer shown on Siskel & Ebert, and was mentioned by Stewart in the +special showing of "The Cage". + + +19) The uniforms were changed from the spandex one-piece suits (that +made the cast look muscular) to the wool two-piece suits (that make them +look flabby but are more comfortable). The new uniforms cost $3000 +apiece to manufacture. Most of the extras are still wearing the old +uniforms. Another reason for the switch is that Brent Spiner suffers +from some back injury. Because spandex is skin-tight, he couldn't wear +his brace underneath. The wool is loose enough and you can occasionally +you can see the top of the brace under the costume if you look at his +chest. + +If you want a Star Trek uniform: Look for Simplicity or McCalls pattern +book in your favorite fabric shop. In the back there are Star Trek +uniforms for adults and children, both sexes. You can also get the +patterns from Paramount's "Star Trek: The Official Fan Club" (both TOS +and TNG uniforms). + +If you're not "sew" talented and want one pre-made, Intergalactic +Trading Post of Tampa Florida is one of many companies that make them in +several sizes. They generally show up at Star Trek/SF conventions. + + +20) The Enterprise has left the galaxy in "TOS: Where No Man Has Gone +Before", "TOS: By Any Other Name", "TOS: Is There in Truth No Beauty?", +"TNG: Where No One Has Gone Before" and in "ST5:TFF" they crossed the +barrier at the center of the galaxy. + + +21) Untelevized TOS episodes: + The Cage + He Has Walked Among Us (unfilmed) + Paleface + (other titles I can't remember) + +A black and white original of "The Cage" was pieced back together with +the color clips stolen for "The Menagerie" which has since been +televized. Just before the premier of TNG, Paramount "found" a copy of +"The Cage" which was all in color (which they then televized). It is +marred by drastic changes in the Talosians' voices in mid-sentence, +otherwise it is fun to watch (along with a grinning, shouting Spock). +The color version they show now has been cut down to an hour and has +Spock's famous "grinning at the singing plants" scene removed. Sigh. + + +22) Kirk Thatcher: +* Was associate producer of ST4. +* Was the actor who played the Punk on the Bus in ST4. +* Wrote the song "I hate You" which the punk was listening to. +* Is a member of the band "Edge of Etiquette" which performed the song. +* Is Margaret Thatcher's son. ("son"?) + + +23) SUBMITTING SCRIPTS: + Paramount has finally received permission from its legal department +to read and purchase fan-submitted scripts. You do NOT need an agent +(though it helps), and the scripts do NOT have to be solicited. + You do have to send for a Paramount Release Form, which has to be +legally executed. Address a stamped, self-addressed, legal-size envelope +and send it with the request for a Release Form to the address given for +Paramount elsewhere in this posting. + Also, it may be a good idea to ask for the one-page ST:TNG Script +Submissions suggestions as well. Paramount STRONGLY suggests that you +obtain a ST:TNG Writer's Guide from Lincoln Enterprises, since they do +NOT send out sample scripts. + Besides the Writer's Guide, here's some other useful information +you can get from Lincoln Enterprises: + + 8001 - ST:TNG Writer's Guide $9.95 + 1106 - How to sell a script by D.C. Fontana $3.95 + 1101 - Original (TOS) Writer's Guide $4.95 + 1109 - ST:TNG Character Biographies $7.95 + +Include $2.00 shipping for up to $10.00 worth of merchandise, $0.50 for +each additional $5.00 worth of merchandise. Prices accurate as of 7/90. + + +24) SUBMITTING A STORY TO POCKET BOOKS: + This comes through Peter David from Kevin Ryan at Pocket Books: the +official Pocket Books Star Trek Novel Submission guidelines. + +** Due to the overwhelming number of submissions that we receive, Pocket +Books can only accept solicited, agented manuscripts. A comprehensive +list of agents can be found in THE LITERARY MARKETPLACE ** + +FORMAT: All manuscripts must be submitted typed, double-spaced, on one +side of non-corrasable typing paper. The page number and your name +should be at the top of each page. Your full name and address should +appear on the first and last page of the manuscript (yes, include your +phone number). + +PROCEDURE: Submit the first three chapters with a detailed synopsis +(four to six pages) of the entire plot. Due to the large volume of +submissions we receive, our reply can take anywhere from one to six +months...so please be patient. If we're interested in publishing your +novel, we'll contact your agent with an offer. We may ask for +revisions, and may also ask to see the completed novel before reaching a +decision. + +CONTENTS: We're only interested in full-length adventure novels of +roughly 70,000 words (about 250-300 pages). We cannot use short +stories, poetry, biographies, romances, blueprints, or trivia books. + +In a one-sentence description, we're looking for exciting science +fiction stories featuring the Star Trek characters we all know and love. +All material is subject to the approvl of Paramount Pictures, who are +very concerned about maintaining the integrity of the characters and the +Star Trek universe. Absolute consistency is a practical impossibility, +but some major themes to avoid include: + +* Traveling intime to change history or learn something, rescue someone, +etc. + +* Having a tear in the fabric of reaity which could destroy the +universe. + +* Pon farr in Spock. + +* Death of a major, established character. + +* Any plot which hines on or describes in detail sexual relaions +(normal, abnormal, and so on). We are not interested in books that +suggest anything other than friendship between Kirk and Spock or any +other crewmembers. + +* Any plot that mixes the Next Generation and the original crew. + +* Data becoming human. + +Plot elements to avoid with respect to specific characters: + +Kirk: no offspring or close relations not already established. Also, +no childhood or current sweethearts; though, you can create temporary +love interests. + +Spock: no sisters, brothers, half siblings (beyond Sybok), offspring, +sudden reversions to emotion, sex. The Vulcan mind-meld has already +been seriously overused of late. No explanations of the "Vulcan Way" +beyond what has already been done in the TV series or movies. + +McCoy: no offspring or close relations not already establihed. + +We can no loner use castmembers who have left the show (no Tasha Yar or +Dr. Pulaski). + +For any regular castmembers--same rules as per Kirk. + +Also, other crewmembers: in general, avoid trying to definitively map +out a character's history much beyond what has already been done in the +movies or television episodes. + +Of course there are guidelines. Disobey them at your own peril if +necessary to your story--but remember, you were warned. + +Thank you for your interest in STAR TREK and good luck with your +writing. + + Best, + + The Star Trek Editors. + +The address for Pocket is Simon & Schuster Building, 1230 Avenue of the +Americas, NY, NY 10020. The editors are Dave Stern and Kevin Ryan. + + +25) PICARD'S SURRENDERS; SELF DESTRUCTS; TIME TRAVEL: +* "Encounter at Farpoint": Picard says "Transmit the following in all + languages and in all frequencies; 'We surrender'." +* "Outrageous Okono": Picard drops shields "In case we decide to + surrender to them." +* "A Matter of Honor": Picard surrenders to Riker on the Pagh. +* "The Defector": The Romulans ask Picard to surrender, but he doesn't. +* "Peak Performance": The Ferengi ask Picard to surrender, but he + doesn't get the chance. +* "The Last Outpost": Picard surrenders to the Ferengi, but they don't + accept. +* "Yesterday's Enterprise": Alternate-Picard refuses to surrender to + the Klingons. +* Picard tries to surrender to the Ferengi, but they beat him to it. +* Picard tries to surrender to the [Romulans|Klingons]. (?) + +* "11001001": Picard tries to self destruct. +* "Where Silence Has Lease": Picard tries to self destruct for Nagilum. +* Kirk tried to self destruct in "Let That Be Your Last Battlefield", + "[one other episode ???]", and finally succeeds in the film series. + +TOS time travel: + 1. The Guardian of Forever ("City on the Edge of Forever") + 2. The slingshot effect ("Tomorrow Is Yesterday") + 3. Cold-starting the warp engines ("The Naked Time") + 4. Mr. Atoz's time travel system ("All Our Yesterdays") + 5. Isis' time-space transporter ("Assignment: Earth") + +TNG time travel: + 1. Picard from the future ("Time Squared") + 2. Enterprise from the past ("Yesterday's Enterprise") + + +26) IS PARAMOUNT MAKING MONEY ON TNG? + Yes. Tons. The following is stolen from industry trade magazines +VARIETY and BROADCASTING, as well as Roger Tang: + + FIRST: License fees (the fees studios charge individual stations +to run their programs): Let's say Paramount charges each station $2,000 +to run the first run package. That's ball park; other stations can get +$10-20K per episode in top 20 markets. Also, Turner can expect $800,000 +to $1 million per episode show of THE WONDER YEARS when it goes into +backend syndication. $2,000 per episode times 238 stations yields +$476,000 per episode shown in first run sydication (which does NOT count +the later syndication or backend syndication). + + SECOND: Commercial fees: According to Vidiot, Paramount has seven +minutes of national advertising in each show. BROADCASTING has +published figures of $60-80,000 per 30 second spot. (They have also +mentioned that rates for the third and fourth seasons are around +$135,000 per 30 second spot). Paramount is garnering $1,890,000 per +showing of an episode. + + THIRD: But wait! Shows are shown more than once even in first run +syndication. Let's assume a cut rate of $50,000 per spot in reruns +(doubt it, since people are STILL watching during reruns). Even a rerun +episode will garner $700,000 in commercial revenue. + + THE BOTTOM LINE: $476,000 + $1,890,000 + $700,000 = well over $3 +million in revenue per episode in first run syndication. And we all +know studios base their financing on just breaking even in backend +syndication. So the claim that Paramount is losing $8 million is just +creative financing. + + +27) TNG SEASON 4 TIDBITS: +1: 9/24 175 Best of Best Worlds Pt. II (by Michael Piller) +2: 10/01 178 Family (by Ron Moore; Best of Both Worlds part 3; + Picard returns to France; including a + possible appearance by Jack Crusher as well + as two very wonderful guest starring roles) +3: 10/08 177 Brother(s) (by Rick Berman; Spiner plays three + characters: Data, Lore, and their creator, + Dr. Noonian Soong (sp). According to Mr. + Frakes, the voice Brent Spiner does for Dr. + Soong sounds like a cross between Jimmy + Stewart and Groucho Marx.) ["Amok Time" + clone? --ed] +4: 10/15 176 Suddenly Human (by Jeri Taylor; NOT a Data story; A missing + human child is found thriving in an alien + culture... is it in his best interests to + return him to "humanity"?) ["Charlie X" + clone? --ed] +5: 10/22 1xx The Reunion (Directed by Jonathan Frakes--lots of + Klingons, including K'Empk (sp?) from "Sins + of the Father", K'Elyhr (Worf's girlfriend), + and her and Worf's child (Klingon civil + war)) +x: 1xx Remember Me (by Lee Sheldon; features the return of Eric + Menyuk as the Traveler (major Wes role). + Beverly notices people disappearing until no + one is left but her and Picard on the bridge + - then he disappears (major Bev role)) +x: 1xx (Picard's brother back on earth) [sounds + like it may be "Family" --ed] +x: 1xx Legacy (the Enterprise visit the world that Tasha + Yar grew up on. Besides encountering rape + gangs, they also run into Tasha's sister, a + gang member) [her Evil twin sister Skippy? + -ed] +x: 1xx (The Transporter Chief might get married + (and will hopfully have a first name by + then.)) +x: 1xx Future Imperfect (*tentative*) (Riker has an accident + during an away mission and recovers + consciousness aboard the Enterprise ... + fifteen years later) ["Wizard of Oz" clone + with Riker waking up in the end? --ed] + +Wil Wheaton is negotiating his own contract now and will be leaving +ST:TNG after filming of the sixth episode (possibly to matriculate). +His character Wes will leave for Star Fleet Academy. + +So we have the return of Eric Menyuk as The Traveler from "Where No One +Has Gone Before", Denise Crosby (possibly as Yar's sister), John +DeLancie (as Q of course), Lwaxana Troi, and possibly Barkley, Wheaton +cameos as Wes, and the bugs from "Conspiracy" (as the cliffhanger at the +end of season 4). + + +28) FUTURE OF STAR TREK: Current plans are for a sixth TOS movie and a +huge convention in California next year around the 25th anniversary date +(Sept 8, 1991). The movie will probably (hopefully) be later in teh +season. The cast of TNG have signed 6-year contracts and have the +option of another year. After this, plans are to create TNG movies. +Rumors are floating of a third series, either another generation *after* +TNG or the years between TOS and TNG. + + +99) MISC TRIVIA + +James Doohan is missing the middle finger of his left hand. It can be +seen in brief shots (especially in the early episodes). Whenever they +needed to show Scotty's hands (like when he operated the transporter) +they had a stand-in and showed a close-up. ("Cut! All right, bring in +the stunt hands.") + +TOS "The Devil in the Dark": Every 5000 years the race of Horta all die +save the one mother Horta. + +TOS "Balance of Terror": Neutral zone outposts 2, 2, 4, and 8 were +trashed by the Romulan ship before the Enterprise was able to engage (#4 +was the one they saw get destroyed on the viewer) + +TOS "Operation: Annihilate!": In a well-known ST blooper, the +amoeba-creature accidently hits Spocks read end instead of his back. + +TOS "The Tholian Web": The name of the Tholian commander who first +attacks the Enterprise after Kirk is lost is Commander Loskene. + +TOS "Wolf in the Fold": The names that the entity was referred to by +were Jack the Ripper, Baratis, Redjac, Kesla, Mr. Hengist (and yes, that +was the wimpy guy from hte Bob Newhart Show). + +TOS "Amok Time": T'Pau was the only person to ever turn down a seat on +the Federation council. + +TOS "Amok Time": The episode where Ensign Chekov makes his debut (1st +episode, 2nd season). (Catspaw was the one he was first filmed in, +although this aired after Amok Time). + +TOS: Where was the ONLY doorknob seen in a FEDERATION setting (ship or +starbase etc.) and why is it ironic that it should be placed there? + +TOS "The Paradise Syndrome": "He Has Walked Among Us" and "Paleface" +were combined into "The Paradise Syndrome", according to speculation by +Allen Asherman and David Gerrold. Reportedly, only Gene Coon knew for +sure, and of course he's been dead for about 15 years... + +TOS "City on the Edge of Forever": If you want H. Ellison's original +script for "City on the Edge of Forever", look for a book called "Six +Science Fiction Plays", edited by Roger Elwood. It's a paperback, +published in 1976 by Pocket Books under the Washington Square Press +imprint. It was distributed in the U.S. and Canada by Simon & Schuster. +I have no idea if it's still in print. If it isn't, check your local +library, used book stores, and the dealer's room at your next +convention. There must be copies out there somewhere. According to +Elwood's foreword, this was the first time Ellision's original uncut +script was published. It's preceded by a ten-page introduction that +Ellison wrote especially for this book, telling his version of the +transformation of his script into what was eventually telecast. The +book also contains these scripts: + "Sting!" by Tom Reamy + "Contact Point" by Theodore R. Cogswell and George Rae Cogswell + "Stranger with Roses" by John Jakes + "The Mechanical Bride" by Fritz Leiber + "Let Me Hear You Whisper" by Paul Zindel +("Sting!" is a movie screenplay; "The Mechanical Bride" is a teleplay; +the others are stage plays) + +According to the Star Trek Compendium: + Kirk: was in 79 TOS episodes + Spock: was in 79 TOS episodes + "The Cage" + McCoy: was in 74 TOS episodes + Uhura: was in 65 TOS episodes + Scotty: was in 61 TOS episodes + Sulu: was in 47 TOS episodes + Chekov: was in 33 TOS episodes + +ST: TMP: The oval things on the belts were originally supposed to be +biorhythm devices. In the novelization of ST:TMP, the little oval things +are described in a footnote. They are called "perscan" devices and are +used to monitor crew members life signs from sick bay. Only the CMO +gets to see the captain's perscan output. According to the footnote, +the lower abdomen is supposed to be an ideal location for a medical +scanner. Making it into a belt buckle seemed the obvious way to +integrate it into the Fleet uniforms. + +TNG season 1: Dr. Crusher's orderly (ensign Freeman) was supposed to be +gay (according to the script writer). + +TNG "The High Ground": "He Has Walked Among Us" was reportedly a minor +inspiration for "The High Ground", abeit uncredited (this coming from a +Creation con). "THG" was one of those supposedly conceived during the +strike as a possible filler (a la "The Child"), and the use of the older +TOS script ("The Paradise Syndrome") would have made it acceptable under +the union crap edicts. + +TNG: Data is NOT Asmovian and does NOT obey Asimov's Laws of Robotics. +The only connection is that Data has a positronic brain. + +TNG: In a War of the Worlds episode ("Thy Kingdom Come"), there is a +kid playing with action figures. One of them is in the likeness of Yar, +Data, Picard, or Riker and he mentions something about Ferengi. + +TNG: Captain Garrett's crew took the E-C to glory at N'rendra III, +which was NOT K'timar (the planet where Worf's father and mother died). + +TNG: In the opening credits (and occasionally in the same shot during +the show) you can see a man walking by the large vertical windows of the +ready room. It is the slow flyby of the Enterprise (from lower left to +upper right) after all the quick flybys. There are large windows just +beyond the bump in the saucer section, and if you look closely (and it +helps to have a giant screen TV) you can see a man walking from left to +right past the windows, then someone walking from right to left behind +him. NOTE: It's harder to catch it with freeze-frame since pausing a +VCR loses half the resolution, so just watch it at normal speed a few +times until you figure out where on the ship you're supposed to be +looking. + +TNG: Paramount has confirmed that the bar on the bridge (with its +"whoopi cushion") is non-alcoholic. + +TNG "Ensigns of Command": The original script called for Data to have +sex with the leading lady in order to get her cooperation later. This +idea never made it through the first draft. Gene's reason for dropping +it: "Only a human male would use a woman like that"... + +TNG is not broadcast in Dolby. There is out-of-phase-but-equal-amplitude +stuff in the ST:TNG soundtrack, which your Dolby Stereo decoder +recognizes as "rear channel information". They mostly put the ship's +noise (a low thundering sound of the engines) on the rear and some times +when ships pass by or shoot. Since Paramount clearly *is* using +"official" Dolby Stereo for _Arsenio Hall_, they might be planning to +use it for ST:TNG's 4th season as well. + +TNG satellite uplink times: + Sat 1800 EDT T301-9 + Sun 1400 EDT T301-9 + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/trek.tng b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/trek.tng new file mode 100644 index 00000000..2a0116fd --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/trek.tng @@ -0,0 +1,114 @@ + + Here it is: + + We're the Most Enlightened guys + On the Good Ship Enterprise + We love Peace and Brotherhood + As you know we should + 'Cause we're Enlightened + So Enlightened + Alien threats + Are just friends we haven't met yet + We're Enlightened + So Enlightened + The Next Generation of Trek. + + Captian-man Jean-Luc Picard + Quotes from the Immortal Bard + Crusher she must think he's hurt + She's tearing off his shirt + But she's Enlightened + So Enlightened + His hairline has shrunk + But she still thinks he's a hunk + 'Cause he's Enligdhtened + So Enlightened + The Next Generation of Trek + + Counsellor Deanna Troi + Senses grief and senses joy + She senses some of Starfleet's Best + Lusting for her chest + But she's Enlightened + So Enlightened + A sensitive wench + She just doesn't have much common sense + Enlightened + So Enlightened + The Next Generation of Trek. + + Riker's whiskers make up great + For what Picard lacks on his pate + A phyiscs principle is there + Conservation of hair + And he's Enlightened + So Enlightened + He's handsome and brave + And so what if he forgets to shave + Enlightened + So Enlightened + The Next Generation of Trek. + + Android Data Meek and Mild + Longs to be a Human Child + When he plays poker with the crew + He cheats like humans do + But he's Enlightened + So Enlightened + Old Joan Baez songs + Are programmed on his positrons + Enlightened + So Enlightened + The Next Generation of Trek + + Geordi's cybernetic Visor + Plugs in where most people's eyes are + This allows our engineer + To see through Troi's brassire + But he's Enlightened + So Enlightened + That thing on his head + Lets him see UV and infared + Enlighted + So Enlightened + The Next Generation of Trek + + We like to laugh behind Worf's back + 'Cause he prefers the direct attack + Violence never wins the day + Still he tries anyway + He's not as Enlightened + Not Enlightened + We'll waive his infractions + We support Affirmative Action + We're Enlightened + So Enlightened + THe Next Generation of Trek + + Wesley's going to catch some heck + If he's caught on the Holodeck + Ev'ry program that he saves + Is full of buxom babes + But they're Enlightened + So Enlightened + His teen fantasies + All have philosophical degrees + Enlightened + So Enlightened + The Next Generation of Trek. + + Guinam come from distant star + Tends the Enterprise's bar + She looks wise and slyly winks + And waters down the drinks + 'Cause she's Enlightened + So Enlightened + It never would do + For the ship to have a drunken crew + Enlightened + (lit up, anyway) + So Enlightened + The Next Generation of Trek. + + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/trek.vt b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/trek.vt new file mode 100644 index 00000000..b7bfcb1d --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/trek.vt @@ -0,0 +1,592 @@ + +[?35l +[?5;7l + + +(0lqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqk +x x +x(B Sixteen years ago, the NBC Television Network, (0x +x(B a subsidiary of RCA Corporation, cancelled the (0x +x(B television series "Star Trek." Now the time (0x +x(B has come for the crew of the USS ENTERPRISE to (0x +x(B taste the sweet fruits of revenge... (0x +x x +mqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqj(B +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      + +(0~(B +(0~(B +. +(0~(B +(0~(B +(0~(B +(0~(B +(0~(B +(0~(B +(0~(B +(0~(B +(0~(B +(0~(B +(0~(B +. +(0~(B +(0~(B +(0~(B +. +. +(0~(B +(0~(B +(0~(B +(0~(B +(0~(B +(0~(B +(0~(B +(0~(B +. +. +(0~(B +(0~(B(0 +x +qnq +(ooooo) +( RCA ) +( ) +qnq +x +  +.  + .  +/ +  .  + // +qq +q  .  + ~// +qqqq +qqq  .  + x~ // +qqqqqq +qqqqq  .  +  ~x // + qqqqqq +qqqqqqq  .  + ~ x // + qqqqqq 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+ f + f + f + f + f + f + f + f + f + f + f + f + f + f +f + f + f + f + f + f + f + f + f +~ f +\x/ +/x\ + (o + (  + f + f + f + f + f + f + f + f + f + f +f + f + f + f + f + f + f + f + f + f + f +~ f +\x/ +/x\ + (  + (  + f + f + f + f + f + f + f + f + f + f + f + f + f + f +~ a  +[?5h[?5l +[?5h     [?5l +[?5h    [?5l +    +     + [?5h  +[?5l     +       +       +       +[?5l       +       +       +       +aaaa +a. +[?5h[?5l +[?5h..[?5l... +[15;45...~ +**[?5h +  [?5l    +[?5h      +     [?5l +[?5h      +    [?5l +      +[?5h[?5l +      +[?5h[?5l +      +      +[?5h[?5l +      +      +[?5h +      +      +      +      +    +[?5l +(0~(B +(0~(B +(BThey're toast, + Captain.(0 +\ +\ +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +    +  +(BExcellent, Mr. Spock. +Ahead warp factor 6, + Mr. Sulu.(0 +x +x +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +      +   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Elite / No porn : HomeBrew Beer. :rpgnet@aol.com: Dec 1,1993 : +:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.: + +Here it is... Star Trek meets AD&D. I hope you like this and will send +me comments, suggestions, and ideas. A nice companion to this guide is The +Complete Guide to AD&D Technology. + +Thanks, +-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- +\ / +/ Reid D. Bluebaugh BITNET - C2MXBLUE.FRE.TOWSON.EDU \ +\ INTERNET - C2MXBLUE.FRE.FSU.UMD.EDU / +/ Creator and Compiler of... \ +\ / +/ THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO AD&D SEX =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=--=-=-=\ +\ THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO AD&D ALCOHOL * / Do you play Car Wars, Toon, / +/ THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO AD&D HYGIENE \ Boot Hill, or Ghostbusters? \ +\ THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO AD&D TECHNOLOGY / I would be interested in / +/ THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO AD&D STAR TREK \ discussing them with you. \ +\ THE ANTI-GIBBERING SYSTEM /-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=/ +/ ALTERNATIVE W.W.F. WRESTLING PROF. \ I no longer keep archives of \ +\ THE BLUE BALL BOWLING SYSTEM / my material. To get my stuff / +/ THE ULTIMATE BAG O' BEANS * \ FTP Greyhawk.Stanford.Edu. \ +\ THE LUCK ABILITY SCORE / It is in the directories / +/ GRENADE WEAPON SPECIALIZATION \ D_D \ incoming \ REID. If \ +\ GUIDE TO DICE GAMES / you like them let me know! / +/ \-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=\ +\ * not available, being revised / Flames are always welcome !! / + =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= + + +----------------------------------------------------------------------- + + A GUIDE TO STAR TREK + + IN ADVANCED DUNGEONS & DRAGONS + + BY + + REID BLUEBAUGH MARC CARLSON + + + Space: The Final Frontier... + + -- Gene Rodenberry + +----------------------------------------------------------------------- + + @ COPYRIGHT 1993 by REID BLUEBAUGH + + The following game is the property of its author, who hearby states + that he reatins the copyright. You may distribute it at will, provided + that nothing in the guide, this notice, or any of the credits are + altered in any way; and that you do not make a profit from it. + +----------------------------------------------------------------------- + + + TABLE OF CONTENTS + +Preface + +Alien Species In Star Trek + +The People + +A Few Weapons Of Star Trek + +Adventure Story + +"Fifty Ways To Kill An Ensign" + +Special Thanks + +----------------------------------------------------------------------- + + + PREFACE + + + The information presented here is so that the DM may create NPCs +based on the Star Trek environment. The information isn't extensive +enough for the creation of Star Trek characters. For people who wish to +play with Star Trek characters, they should purchase the Star Trek +Roleplaying Game. Since few people play both the Star Trek Roleplaying +Game and Advanced Dungeons and Dragons, a conversion system isn't +presented because it would be extremely complex. + The information presented here is for a DM to run AD&D adventures +in the Star Trek environment without playing the complicated Star Trek +Roleplaying Game. + + Reid Bluebaugh + +----------------------------------------------------------------------- + + + ALIEN SPECIES IN STAR TREK + + + +TABLE: Racial Ability Requirements + +Ability Human Klingon Vulcan Romulan +Strength 3/18 6/21 6/21 3/18 +Dexterity 3/18 3/18 3/18 3/18 +Constitution 3/18 3/18 4/19 4/19 +Intelligence 3/18 3/18 6/21 4/19 +Wisdom 3/18 3/18 3/18 3/18 +Charisma 3/18 2/17 2/17 3/18 + +Ability Kzin Andorian Tellarite Gorn +Strength 3/24 6/21 2/17 3/24 +Dexterity 14/24 4/19 3/18 2/17 +Constitution 3/18 3/18 4/19 4/19 +Intelligence 3/18 4/19 3/18 3/18 +Wisdom 3/18 4/19 3/18 3/18 +Charisma 3/18 2/17 1/16 1/16 + +Ability Betazoid Bajoran Cardassian Ferengi +Strength 3/18 3/18 3/18 2/16 +Dexterity 3/18 3/18 3/18 2/16 +Constitution 3/18 3/18 4/19 3/18 +Intelligence 3/18 4/19 3/18 3/18 +Wisdom 3/18 4/19 3/18 3/18 +Charisma 3/18 3/18 2/17 1/16 + + +TABLE: Racial Ability Adjustments + +Race Adjustments +Tera Human ----- +Human Varies by world of origin based on gravity (When working + in a "normal" G-Field): + Lt. Gravity: -3 Strength; +3 Dexterity, -30% Weight + Hv. Gravity: +3 Strength; -3 Constitution, +30% Weight +Klingon +3 Strength; -1 Charisma +Vulcan +3 Strength; +3 Intelligence; +1 Constitution; + -1 Charisma +Romulan +1 Intelligence; +1 Constitution +Kzin Strength (3d8); Dexterity (2d6 + 12) +Andorian +3 Strength; +1 Dexterity; +1 Intelligence; +1 Wisdom; + -1 Charisma +Tellarite -1 Strength; +1 Constitution; -2 Charisma +Gorn Strength (3d8); -1 Dexterity; +1 Constitution; + -2 Charisma +Betazoids No Adjustments +Bajorans +1 Intelligence; +1 Wisdom +Cardassians +1 Constitution; -1 Charisma +Ferengi Strength (2d8); Dexterity (2d8); -2 Charisma + + +TABLE: Average Height And Weight (Male/Female) + + Height In Inches Weight In Pounds +Race Base Modifier Base Modifier +Human 69/55 2d10 154/132 6d10 +Klingon 88/74 2d12 176/111 5d20 +Vulcan 80/74 2d10 154/111 5d10 +Romulan 70/60 2d10 154/111 4d10 +Kzin 96/84 2d12 400/300 5d20 +Andorian 100/78 2d10 154/88 1d20 +Tellarite 78/96 2d10 176/330 6d20 +Gorn 87/61 2d12 440/220 5d20 +Betazoid 69/55 2d10 154/132 6d10 +Bajoran 69/55 2d10 154/132 6d10 +Cardassian 88/74 2d6 154/120 3d10 +Ferengi 59/65 2d4 130/160 3d10 + + +TABLE: Age + + Maximum Age Range +Race (Base + Variable) +Human 90 + 2d20 +Klingon 50 + 3d10 +Vulcan 150 + 5d20 +Romulan 125 + 3d20 +Kzin 50 + 3d20 +Andorian 90 + 2d20 +Tellarite 50 + 2d20 +Gorn 30 + 1d20 +Betazoid 100 + 5d10 +Bajoran [100 + 5d10] +Cardassian [50 + 3d10] +Ferengi [50 + 2d20] + + +Algolian, pl. Algolians + These tall humanoids have a gold leathery skin w/ small circular +openings about the head. They have wide set nostrils, and atop their +head runs a single ridge, back to front. Algolians are famous for +their "Ceremonial Rhythms." + +Andorian, pl. Andorians + Andorians are humanoids with blue skin, white hair, and knobby +antennae on top of their heads. They have no visible ears. No veins +in circulatory system. + Andorians are by nature a violent race, but need reasons to +quarrel. They generally appear as controlled as Vulcans. + Families are important to Andorians, with marriages being made up +of groups of four. They are not big believers in charity. + +Antican, pl. Anticans + These "humanoid" beings bear a vague similarity to both +Terrestrial canines and felines. They have longish muzzles, leathery +skin and large balding craniums, although they have shaggy burnsides +and moustaches. They are carnivorous, demanding fresh meat. They +share the Beta Renna system with their ancient enemies, the Selay. + +Arcturian, pl.Arcturians + These humanoids have a saggy gray skin, with numerous sags and +folds on the face. + +Bajor or Bajoran, pl. Bajora or Bajorans + The inhabitants of the planet Bajor belong to an ancient society +with firm a dedication to spiritual pursuits. Striking architecture +with rounded domes and spherical shapes marks the landscape of the +world. The ancient Bajora were great architects and engineers "before +humans were even standing erect." + The people are deeply mystical, and believe in spiritual +phenomena. They are devoted to a non-secular philosophy that differs +greatly from Humanity's rational, scientific way of life. + The Bajoran religious leader, known as the Kai, resides in the +ancient monastery that is the center of spiritual life surrounded by +monks who meditate and chant in chords. He or she challenges +conventional human logic. The Kai seem to have an awareness on a +higher plane of consciousness, knowing things they cannot possibly +know. The 'powers'of the Kai are not always easy for more secular +minds to accept at face value, but neither can they always be +explained. The Kai often speaks in vague, mystical and indirect +language, forcing the listener to seek the meaning. + The Celestial Temple of the Prophets, the source of the "Tears +of the Prophets", the mysterious orbs that have arrived each millenia +to teach the populace, are among the fundamental sacraments of the +Bajoran religion. The Pagh, roughly translated as "energy meridian," +can be explored through deep tissue massage of their ears, an +exploration that seems to reveal a person's true +nature. The Pagh is more than soul, or fate, but contains aspects of +each. Another word for soul, as well as meaning Ghost, or Spirit is +Borhya. Borhyas often remain after the body's death to give the person +time to say goodbye to his or her past life. + The ritual "Death Chant" sung by the monks is at least 2 hours +long. + Since the Cardassian Invasion of Bajor, and the subsequent rape of +the planet's resources Much of the culture has changed, as this people +try to adapt to the needs of survival. Even with the Cardassian +withdrawal, the political situation remains precarious and the only +stabilizing influence is the Kai. Bajoran terrorists still populate +refugee camps on neighboring planets. + +Barzan, pl. Barzani + These humanoids have raised eyebrows and upswept "V" shaped +forehead ridges. They must wear a breather unit. The Barzan culture +is impoverished. + +Benzite, pl. Benzites. + These beings are humanoid in shape. They are hairless, with a +plue-gray skin. Facially, they bear more of a similarity to cat-fish +than to humans, with feeler-like protrusions over-laying the mouth, and +a mere nose slit. They have three fingers and two opposable thumbs. +And they wear a special breathing unit that sit in front of their +mouth. + Benzites come from the planet Benzar. They have broad, possibly +social, units called "Geostructures," and Benzites from the same +geostructure tend to appear identical to non-Benzites. + +Betazoid, pl.Betazoids + While Betazoids are essentially humans, they are listed +individually because of their culture. The only physical differences +between Betazoids and Earth Humans are a 10 month gestation period, and +the entire population has eyes with solid dark pupils. Their pulse is +aboute 76 BPM, BP is 110/72, respiration of 20, and a body temperature +of 37.2 C. Betazoid women are not considered fully matured until they +reach their "Phase," somewhere in their 40s or 50s when they reach +Midlife. At this point, their sexual drive quadruples, and they are +considered to be fully sexual. + Their homeworld of Betazed is Earthlike, and has large oceans. +Betazoids are telepathic as a race, although they are often merely +empathic when dealing with other races. They are often uncomfortable +around those species whose minds they can not read, like the Ferengi or +the Breen. This telepathy is usually acquired at adolescence, and has +created a society based on total honesty. There is a ritual "genetic +bonding," a form of arranged marriage, performed with Betazoid +children. The actual "Joining ceremony" of adults is performed with +all participants and guests in the nude, to symbolize the act of love +being celebrated. + +Bolian, pl. Bolians + The inhabitants of Bolius IX come in three basic colors: light +green with a yellowish tinge; a blue tinged darker green; and a deeper, +nearly flourescent blue. Men are bald, while the women have shorter +hair, often reflecting the predominant color of their skin. Bolians +have a small double ridge that vertically bisects their bodies, and +long ears. + +Borg, pl. Borg + The Borg may be more than one humanoid species who have been +transformed into a vast group mind, interconnected collective of +cyborgs. The various Borg, and Borg vessels are interconnected through +a subspace communications network. They are responsible for the +destruction and "assimilation" of many civilizations. They have an +extremely high technology level. + + +Breen, pl. Breen + Nothing is really known about this race beyond the fact that they +are impenetrable to Betazoid telepathic powers. + +Brekkans/Onarons + The inhabitants of these two planets are apparently identical in +species. They are humanoid, but for a small ridgy surface at the +bridge of the nose. They are capable of generating intense electrical +charges from their bodies. + +Bulanoan, pl. Bulanoans + These humanoids have a grayish reptilian skin and a scaly face, +although they have hair sweeping around the rear of their heads. + +Bynar, pl. Bynars + This diminuative humanoid race has a fairly large cranium:body +ration. They are asexual. They have asymetrical ears, a lilght purple +tone to their skin, and a ruff of purple hair along the base of the +otherwise hairless skull. + Bynars come from the planet Bynus, a planet in the Beta Magellan +system. They often travel in pairs, and work in pairs. They are +cybernetically interconected with their world's master computer by +means of "mechanical" data buffers and biochips. + +Caitian, pl. Caitians + These bipedal felinoids are human size. Females have thick manes, +but otherwise have a fine short hair pelt, long tails, and large golden +eyes. Males have no manes. Their fur is either orange or brown, +although they may come in other colors. + +Caldonian, pl. Caldonians + A very tall humanoid race, with a large bony forehead. They +appear to have only three digits on their hands. The planet Caldonia +is committed to scholarship and research as its primary trade product. + +Cardassian, pl. Cardassians + Cardassians are tall humanoids, long necked, covered with cord- +like ridges, especially along the jaws, ears, and parallel ridges +sweeping up and away from the deep eye sockets and over the top of the +head. They have a grayish skin color. + Cardassians were once a spiritual people, but due to increasing +poverty brought on, apparently by depletion of their natural resources, +they have become a visciously aggressive people, who have been +described as having a "wolf-pack mentality." That there is a cultural +struggle for dominance even in social settings is obvious even in the +subtleties of their architecture, placing the dominant person above his +subordinants. + +Cheronian, pl. Cheronians + The inhabitants of the planet Cheron are humanoid, with skin tones +of black and white evenly dividing the body in half. They have the +ability to generate electrical charges from their bodies. One was able +to telepathically gain control of a ship's navigational computers, but +this may have been an individual attribute, and not a species wide +ability. + +Chrysalian, pl. Chrysalians + Un undescribed reace refered to as having "been at peace for more +than 10 generations." They apparently do not get involved in +interstellar matters. + +Deltan, pl. Deltans + Deltans are an ancient, highly evolved race who appear completely +human, and are listed individually because of their culture. The only +physical difference between Deltans and Earth Humans are a 10 month +gestation period. Deltans are either bald, or have thick luxurient +white hair, which is never cut. They have an effective exocrine +systems that radiates pheromones that have an extreme effect on Humans. +They are psi-empathic from birth. There is a strong psychic bond +between a Deltan child and its mother. + Deltans never bothered to explore Outer space, being far too +interested in Inner space, and finding adventure and fulfillment within +themselves. However, they are among the best navigators known. + A major part of the Deltan culture is the sexual act. Deltans +combine not merely their bodies but their minds and souls during sex, +finding it far more fulfilling than the mere physical act. Because +Humans are often emotionally incapacitated by this aspect of sex, and +find the thought of returning to the unfulfilling human act +intolerable, it is Starfleet policy that Deltans serving with "sexually +immature" species must take an oath of celibacy. + Deltan females often wear a "love band" about their heads to +identify their sexual status. A male simply touching this band can +invoke a sexual responce. + +Edo, pl. Edo + These beings are tripeds, with 3 arms. They have orange skin, +and yellow eyes. + + + EXTRAGALACTIC, OR EXTRADIMENSIONAL CREATURES + + + These include the Traveler's people, the Kelvans, and Syliva +and Kolb, the servants of the Old Ones. + +Ferengi, pl. Ferengi + Ferengi are short, twisted humanoids, with huge hairless heads, +big ears and sharp teeth. A forehead tatoo indicates the particular +Ferengi is in the military. Ferengi have yellow blood. + The Ferengi don't care about courage, although they are careful to +cultivate the appearence of courage. Cheating and stealing are tests +of cunning and skill. Ferengi feel that a victim of a scam is at fault +because they were not smart enough to protect themselves, nor were they +wiley enough to get revenge. + Ferengi have a form of "honor," typified by the Ferengi Code, +which dictates theri behavior when caught doing something wrong. + Ferengi men do not live with Ferengi women, and male children are +brought up by their fathers. + They are impenetrable to Betazoid telepathic powers, possibly due +to their four "Brain nodes." + +"First Federation" + The inhabitants of the "First Federation" are very small humanoids +that look like small, bald children + +Gorn, pl. Gorn + These seven foot tall bipeds are intellegent reptiles. They are +very strong. They have three fingers (2 fingers and an opposable +digit), and multi-faceted eyes, much like an insect's. + +Grizela, pl. Grizelas + An intellegent, hybernating species. + +Human, pl. Humans + There are effectively three forms of humanity in the galaxy. +There are humans born on Earth (Terra), there are humans who were born +on any of the over a thousand colony worlds; and there are those humans +that have no apparent Earth human ancestry. Among this third +population include the Morg and Eymorg of Sigma Draconis VII, the +Catulans, the Gideonites, the Iotions, the Zeons and Ekosian, and so +forth. One might have difficulty classifying the inhabitants of +"parallel" Earths, such as the Onlies of Miri's World, the Yangs and +Khoms of Omega IV, or the Romans of Planet 892-VI, but for our +purposes, they should be considered a portion of the third population. + On some of the many worlds of humanity, particularly those that +have been inhabited for a long time, the population has often evolved +slightly in order to better adapt to local conditions. This evolution +is best seen in the differences based on gravity. + Regardless of this, on all planets inhabited by beings with a +basically Human physiology, those beings are considered as Human. This +is despite unimportant variations in height, weight, skin coloration, +sensory enhancement, or other superficial differences. In general, +humans range in skin tone from a light tan, with red tints, through a +variety of brown and red shades, to a nearly black shade with purple +highlights. + It should be remembered that although two Humans may have +basically the same physical characteristics, their motivations and +cultural backgrounds may well be very different. + Socially, humanity is continually developing, evolving out of the +dark night of the late 20th and 21st centuries, and the aggressive +period of colonization of the 22nd. Even so, they still often appear +as adolescents against more mature civilizations such as the Vulcans, +the Deltans and the Betazoids. + +Jarada (pronounced Harada), pl. Jarada + The Jarada are a reclusive insect race with a hive-mind culture. +They are protocol obsessive and easily offended. + +Klingon, pl. Klingons + Physically, the members of the Klingon species appear to be +similar to Terran Humans. They tend to be larger in size than humans, +with a greater muscle mass ratio, and they tend to reach their full +height at an earlier age than do humans. + There are a number of distinguishing features, however. The most +notable is that Klingons have a large bony ridged patterned forehead, +with a central ridge that begins at the tip if the nose and follows the +centerline of the body over the top of the head, and down to the base +of the spine. They also have short, hair-like spines on their legs and +a single, large claw on each foot. + Internally, there are a number of differences between Klingons and +Humans, including a large number of secondary backups for biological +systems. They have a large, 8 chambered heart, two livers, 23 ribs, +double lines neural pia matter, a backup synaptic system, and even a +small, auxiliary brain at the base of their spinal column, protected by +the pelvic girdle. + Klingon blood is a bright magenta and quickly dries to a red/brown +color. + Klingons have at least two skin tones, and it is reported that the +darker skinned Klingons come from the northern regions, while the +lighter skinned come from the more southern. Even so, Klinonds tend to +be dark of complexion and hair color, as compared to humans, and male +Klingons usually wear beards and mustaches. + Klingons have an excellent sense of smell, and good vision. + Klingons are, by nature, hunters, and the flame of the predator +burns in their blood. Their preferred food is flesh, preferably raw +and either freshly killed or else still living. This ancestral passion +for violence, deeply rooted in their genetic structure, has shaped +their culture, marking it as a true warrior's society. + Aggression and conflict are natural, preferred states for most +Klingons. Klingons have a long tradition of settling personal disputes +and disagreements through physical confrontations. + While their emotions are turbulent and at times savage, at times, +Klingons will show a tenderness, and thoughtfulness that is surprising +to the unprepared. In general, Klingon society stresses physical +strength and fighting skills above mere intellectual achievement, and +it seems that most Klingon scientific effort goes into developing tools +of warfare. However, the works of Klingon novelists, as well as their +art, opera and poetry show this not to be the case. The "tea +ceremony," named for the human ritual it vaguely resembles, is an +artistic masterpiece of ritual. + Klingons come from the planet Kronos, a green world orbiting the +star Klingon. It has one major landmass, the rest of the planet +remaining covered by ocean. This large area of open sea, and the +planet's seriously tilted axis, combine to give the planet a very +turbulent atmosphere, and a broad range of temperatures, extending to +the extremes. + The government of the "Klingon Imperial Empire" is not always +clear. While there has been mention in the past of an Emperor, there +is no sign of such a person. The Empire is governed by the Klingon +High Council, consisting of about ten Councilors, and the Supreme +Commander. Whether the Supreme Commander also holds the title of +Chancellor is not known. + At least for the males, the Klingon cultural hierarchy is similar +to that of some terrestrial primates, in their contests for dominance +with in the "tribe," with, in theory, the most dominant Klingon ruling +the empire. This may not be exactly true, and it appears that in the +upper levels of the government there are other roads to power than mere +physical prowess. But every dominant male must be prepared for +challenges to his authority from the more submissive males. Personal +charisma has little importance to Klingons society than strength. + Central to an understanding of Klingon culture is the Klingon view +of honor. Honor is very important to a Klingon, and a Klingon's +personal honor is closely intertwined with that of his family. It is +the family and the relationship of the family to the larger "tribe" +that sets the pattern of behavior toward the "tribe" as a whole. These +are described in the myths and legends of Kahless the Unforgettable and +his brother Morath. + A Klingon male's personal relationship to the "tribe" of Klingon +society can be seen by noting several of the rites of passage a Klingon +must go through. + The first of these is the "Age of Inclusion." This is the age at +which a child is recognized by the "tribe" as a living entity. It +occurs about the age of 6. Prior to this time, the child is reared as +though it were a true Klingon child, but with the recognition that in +the violence of the world, that child may die with no great sense of +loss to the family. + The second major rite of passage is the Age of Ascension, when the +Klingon child becomes a Klingon Adult, and a full member of the +"tribe." This rite is celebrated when the child is about 16 years old. +Every 10 years after that, a portion of the ceremony is repeated, with +tests of skill and courage to show the Klingon's friends and family the +depth of his personal strength, and thereby his value to the tribe. +This importance of belonging to the tribe may be seen in the Ritual of +Discommendation, where a Klingon is formally ostracized, turned out +from the "tribe." A Klingon who has gone through this ritual is +considered dead by all Klingons, and where possible it is made to seem +as though that person had never existed. + Another important ritual is the Bonding, the Rustaii, which makes +an outsider a part of a Klingon's family. + The role of women in Klingon society is not clearly understood +yet, but it appears that women are not accepted into political power. +In sexual matters, however, it is the woman who is the more aggressive. + Little is known about Klingon child bearing and rearing, but it +appears that the Klingon gestation period is about 111 days, and that +during the first few years the growth of the child is very rapid. This +implies a delay in the full development of the Klingon brain, a +development that takes place after birth rather than in the womb, but +of course this is conjectural. + There is a classic belief that Klingons move up through the ranks +by assassination, can not be true, since there are old Klingons in high +ranking positions, and besides that would mean a tremendous level of +attrition among the ranks. However, should a Klingon leader cease to +be able to command effectively, killing him before he dishonors himself +or weakens his unit, is an honorable action. Also, any subservient +males who remained under a weak male are, by implication, expressing +their own weaknesses. + Murders and challenges to power, however, should not be anonymous +things. A Klingon ordered to kill a prisoner will make certain that +the victim first sees the face of his or her killer. A knife to the +heart is an honorable death, as is dying by any weapon. Stabbing or +shooting the victim in the back, by the way, may be considered a +courtesy, so that the victim needn't dishonor himself either by further +by fighting his inevitable death, and spared the indignity of being +wrestled to the ground. A knife to the heart is an honorable death, as +is dying by any weapon. + On the other hand, killing by poison is not honorable because the +assassin can do so and not never let his victim know who his murderer +was. The same is true of sniping at a target from a distance. And it +may be this philosophy that has kept the Klingon race from destroying +itself with nuclear weapons. + Illness is not considered honorable, and so the level of Klingon +medicine is quite primitive, by comparison to that of Humans. A +Klingon who is seriously ill, or debilitated by physical injury is +expected to kill himself, in order to keep from dishonoring his family, +as well as forcing them to endure a lingering illness. + Klingons, as a rule, do not lie, and take a VERY dim view of those +who do. Klingons do not cheat, steal or bluff, either. Klingons do +not drink or socialize with their enemies, outside of specified neutral +areas, where this rigidness may be relaxed to an extent. Klingons do +not take hostages, as that is a cowardly act, although they are capable +of committing savage reprisals against subject populations. Klingons +never surrender, and have absolutely no regard for anyone that would so +dishonor himself. With their concept of honor above life, death in the +line of duty is the best death for a warrior. Klingons do not fear +death, but rather they celebrate the release of the spirit at death, +noting the instant with a ceremonial wailing to warn the dead that a +Klingon will soon be among them. + Little is known of the Klingon spiritual life. They have a belief +in Jat'lyn, or the possession of the living by the dead, and while they +have no devil in thier religion, they do have Fek'lyr, who guards the +souls of the dishonored. + +Koinonian, pl. Koinonians + Little is known about this humanoid race that destroyed itself +in a multi-generational war centuries ago. + +Kriosian, pl. Kriosians + Not to be confused with the Klingon colony of Krios, the world of +Krios, like that of its colony world of Valt Minor is inhabited by a +humanoid race, distinguishable from human only by a line of "leopard" +or "giraffe" spots along the hairline and down the neck. This race +produces "empathic metamorphs," of both genders (although the female is +more rare than the male). Whese metamorphs reach sexual maturity, they +begin to emit high levels of pheromones, and begin to empathically +adapt themselves to the members of the appropriate gender around them, +becoming the "Perfect Mate" for the one they finally bond with. + +Kzin, pl. Kzinti + (Note: Animated Series only) + The Kzinti are a species of large felinoids, or cat creatures. +They range about 8' tall, standing bipedally, and weigh in excess of +300 lbs. They are covered in orange and black fur, have claws that +extend from their finger tips, ears that resemble Chinese parasol +segments, and long naked rat-like tails. They are culturally +carnivorus, although, biologically omnivorous. They have an extensive +rib structure that acts as a form of internal armor. + They are a warrior species, bred and genetically engineered in +antiquity by their ancestors to be the equal of their legendary heros. +They are extremely aggressive and competitive, each Kzin struggling to +achieve fame and glory. The Kzinti have fought Humanity in four wars, +and were eventually beaten each time. They had been at a medieval +cultural level, and about a rennaissance technological level when they +were discovered by the five armed Jatoki. The Jatoki tried to hire the +Kzin as a mercenary species, and in turn became the Kzinti first slave +race. + While the male Kzinti were being reborn as Heros, the females were +being genetically reassembled into barely-sentient subservience. + The Rijt are the Patriarch's clan, or the ruling family of Kzin. +In general Kzinti have no names, and are merely designated by their +job, until they earned a name, or partial name, through some grand and +heroic activity. + Some Kzin have telepathic powers, although these are rare. They +are addicts of a hormone extracted from the Sthondat, an animal from +the Kzin Homeworld. Telepaths are often nearly insane, by either Kzin +or Human standards. They are also careless about their appearance, and +are in many ways the antithesis of the Kzin Hero. + +Medusan, pl. Medusans + Nothing is known about the physical description of these beings, +except that if they are corporeal, they are very small. The mere sight +of a Medusan will drive nearly anyone, of any race, insane. Medusans +are excellent navigators. + +Melkot, pl. Melkotians, or Melkots + This highly civilized race is very xenophobic. They appear to be +nothing more than a head and a neck ending in tentacles, floating above +the ground. They also have large round, bright yellow glowing eyes. +However, considering their tremendous mental powers, including +telepathy and illusion, this may not be their true appearance. + +Mintakan, pl. Mintakans + These are vulcanoids, although with a more pronounced forehead +bulge. Their culture is at a level equivalent to early bronze age. + +Mizarian, pl. Mizarians, also Myzarians + These humanoids are white skinned, with wrinkled, striated faces, +and usually wear elaborate hoods resembling the Sydney Opera House. +The people of the planet Mizar II are by nature intellectual pacifists. +The planet has been conquered 6 times in the past 300 years. + +Orion, pl. Orions + Note: It is assumed that there is a connection between these and +the inhabitants of "O'Ryans Planet" mentioned in the background +literature of ST:TMP. + Orion slave girls are humanoid, green and exotic. Allegedly +animals bred for pleasure. + Shaman priests are humanoid, but biological details are hidden +behind featureless golden masks and leather ceremonial garb resembling +that of a Native American plains tribe as viewed in a television +western. + +Pakled, pl. Pakled + These are rotund, lethargic humanoids with bushy upswept eyebrows, +bulging forehead, heavily bagged eyes, and a dewlip. They are not the +most intellegent race in the galaxy, but they are fairly sneaky. + +Pentarus (?) + These are humanoids indistinguishable from human, but for a single +bushy eyebrow across the forehead, although this may just be a fashion +statement. + +Romulan, pl. Romulans + Romulans are the descendents of an ancient Vulcan colony, and +hence are physically similar to Vulcans, although some Romulans have +bulkier foreheads. "Romulan" is the name of the race given by the +Earth Space Forces that met them in combat, basing their views on the +unseen foe on the details they could piece together from combat tactics +and debris details that were reminiscent of Ancient Rome. + The Romulan home world is the third world of a binary star system, +call Romulus and Remii by Human astronomers. The home world is, in +turn part of a dual planet system, and is also called Romulus. Romulus +is geologically very active. It has two continents, Dektenb and +Masfarik, and at least one sea, the Apnex. +The continent of Dektenb has the Firefalls of Gath Gal'thong and the +capitol city of Dartha. Masfarik, on the other hand, is notably more +rocky and barren, with its cities set on the few oases on the +continent. + Romulan cities are built vertically and very tall, from beautiful +and magestic monumental architecture at the top, and stretching down to +dark and grim catacombs set into the bed-rock of the planet. Most +Romulans live in apartment complexes, with only those with the most +power living in individual, almost palatial houses. + The Government consists of a single, powerful "Praetor," less +powerful, but possible as influential "Proconsuls," and a Senate. + Romulans are intelligent, dedicated, and extremely efficient. +Romulans, unlike Vulcans, are very much creatures of pride, aggressive +emotions and passions, and possessing the capacity for great violence +when provoked. + Romulans are superb warriors, fighting in a cool, calculating +manner, and conquest is considered the "Romulan Path to Glory." They +generally don't take prisoners, although they have been known to +capture prisoners for information, killing them when their usefullness +comes to an end. Romulans neither ask nor give quarter. They will +destroy their own ships and people rather than allow them to be +captured, preferring an honorable suicide to failure. + The Romulan lifestyle is Spartan and militaristic, with the +personal wants and needs of the individual often surrendered to the +good of the whole. Romulan leaders demand instant obedience from the +populace, and like many Human totalitarian regimes are seeming obsessed +with security. + Romulan culture favors obedience over original thought and action, +and thus Romulan creative intellectual achievement is not as highly +developed as thier Vulcan cousins'. Romulans seem to be missing the +Vulcan psychic powers, as well as such common Vulcan maneuvers as the +Neck Pinch. Romulans are sexually egalitarian. Romulans view human +culture, and by extention, as exploitive and short-sighted. + Romulans have an absolute belief in their own superiority. They +are often highly manipulative in their affairs, adjusting circumstances +carefully, plotting as if playing a game of chess. They will generally +wait for their adversaries to make aggressive moves first, testing the +resolve of their opponents. + The Romulan salute to their superiors is the right fist struck +over the chest then held out, palm down. + +Saurian + Nothing is known of this species. + +Selay, pl. Selay + The Selay are bipedal reptiles and are about human height and +weight. They have a cobra-like "hood,"and they are a dark green color. +They have an excellent sense of smell. They have four digits, of which +the "dew claw" has evolved into an opposable thumb. Their dark blue- +green planet orbits Beta Renna, a star they share with their ancient +enemies, the Anticans. + + + SHAPESHIFTERS + + + These include the Antosians, the Chameloids and the Lassomorphs of +Daled IV. + +Skeliak, pl. Sheliak + The Sheliak Corporate is a reclusive culture that are fixated one +precision in language and view humanoids as lesser life-forms. They +are technological humanoids that resemble a wrap of black, mucous +secreting folds and tenticles. + +Solari, pl. Solarians + These are stoop-shouldered, craggy-faced humanoids from the planet +Solais. They have been engaged in a war between the blond and +brunettes of their population for the past 1500 years. + + + SUPERRACES + + +Talarian, pl. Talarians + Talarians are outwardly humanoid, although they have a ridge on +the top of their heads, running front to back, and the men are balding. +Talarians express greetings by touching foreheads. They have a rigidly +patriarchal society. The highest concepts in the culture are honor, +family and duty to their superiors. While they are ruthless in combat, +they will adopt an enemies' children. + +Tanaguan, pl. Tanaguans + These are humanoids with upswept eyebrows and 2-3 "V" shaped +ridges on the forehead. + +Tellarite, pl. Tellarites + Tellarites are heavy set humanoids, and their piglike faces gives +them a vaguely porcine appearence. They are intensely aggressive, +boisterous, and argumentative for no reason other than the pleasure of +a good argument. They are not always considered entirely trustworthy. + +Talosian, pl. Talosians + These are an ancient highly technological race of humanoids with +large hairless craniums. They have tremendous psychic powers including +telepathy and illusion. + +Tholian, pl. Tholians + These beings appear to be red-gold, and almost crystaline entities +with large triangular white-glowing eyes. They appear to exist in a +very hot climate. + +Trill, pl. Trill + The Trill are a joined species comprised of two separate but +interdependent entities; the host and the symbiont. The host provides a +humanoid body. The symbiont is an invertebrate, androgynous lifeform +that lives within the host. It looks like a short, fat snake, a foot +long lump of cranial and exoskeletal tissue. The humanoid hosts have +an "M" shaped ridge on thier nose and forehead. + Many centuries ago, the symbionts lived underground while the +humanoids were on the surface. Due to an environmental disaster, they +were forced to 'join' to survive. As time went on, this mutual support +evolved into a biological interdependency. Now, at a certain point in +the humanoid's life, in post-adolescence, some of the humanoids, +although not all of them, are joined with a symbiont and two +individuals become as one. They speak with one voice, which means you +can't ask to speak with the symbiont or the host, only the combined +lifeform. Although, it appears in some cases that the Trill becomes +the active party, supervising the functions of the body. The host +becomes a merely passive observer. + The symbiont's life span is far longer than the host's and as a +result one symbiont will be combined with several hosts during its +life. When a host dies, doctors surgically remove the symbiont, which +then is reimplanted, burrowing itself into the new host. + The result of this joining is often an serene character who brings +a calm, centered voice to any discussion. It is possible that some of +the personalities, memories, experiences, an so forth of some the +symbiont's previous "lives" can come back to haunt them, or otherwise +cause them problems. + It is possible for the Trill entity to exist within another +species of humanoid than the normal host species. + +Troyan, pl. Troyans + Humanoids with blue skin and white hair. + +Ullian, pl. Ullians + This telepathic race appears humanoid, but for bulges in the +temple regions. + +Vian, pl. Vians + These are a highly technological race of humanoids with large +hairless craniums. + +Vulcan or Vulcanian, pl. Vulcans or Vulcanians + Vulcans are an ancient race, proud, dedicated, loyal, +honorable, and have a highly ritualized society devoted to logic and +the suppression of emotions. + Vulcans are different in physiology and psychology from +Terrestrial Humans. They are Human-like in many respects, but in other +ways they are totally different. + The pointed ears are obviously efficient at gathering sounds from +the thin Vulcan atmosphere. Vulcans are stronger than Humans, with a +greater physical endurance. The Vulcan heart is located about where +the Human liver sits in the abdominal cavity, thus implying a greater +lung capacity. They have a higher metabolism than the Human norm. + Vulcan blood chemistry is allegedly based on copper rather than +iron, although there are other arguements that their blood merely has +copper elements to it. Regardless, their blood has little or no +sodium, and is a rich green color. This tends to give them a somewhat +greenish-yellow complexion. Some sources have given the Vulcan heart +rate as 242 BPM with a blood pressure of 80/40, implying larger blood +vessels. However these same sources suggest that the green Vulcan +blood is merely due to the presence of the chlorocurin protein in the +blood, and not the copper elements. + Vulcans tend to be tall and slender, with dark hair, although +there are some blondes. + Vulcan eyes are protected from the glare of the harsh Vulcan sun +by a thin transparent membrane, much like a second eyelid. This eyelid +also allows them to sleep with their eyes open. + Finally Vulcans must return to their ancestral lands and mate +every seven years as they under go the Ponn Farr. It may be assumed +that this need is part of their culture, rather than truly a biological +requirement, as it seems unreasonable that the inhabitants of Vulcan +colonies, including Romulus would have to return to Vulcan to mate, +although, they may have to return the the world they were born on. + The name given to their home planet by human astronomers is +Vulcan, It is a harsh world, dry and hot, with higher gravity and a +thinner atmosphere than Earth. These conditions have shaped the +Vulcans' physical development. + Vulcan's civilization and cultures are older than those of Earth. +In their prehistory, Vulcans were tribal and warlike, at least as +irrational, intensely emotional and savage as early Humans. They were +aggressive, militaristic, and violent. At its height, this +aggressiveness had allowed them to establish colonies on the planets of +distant stars. Finally though, their savagery had brought them to the +last of the great wars that had all but destroyed their world. They +were turned away from the final annihilation by the philosophies of +Surak, the father of Vulcan Logical Thought. Surak introduced the +philosophy of logic, and the suppression of the intense Vulcan +emotions. + Today's Vulcans do not express emotions, letting logical thought +and rational decision-making rule their lives. Many Humans hold the +misconception that Vulcans have no emotions. This is not true, but it +is so widely believed that some Vulcans believe it themselves. +Actually, Vulcans hold in their emotional reactions. They depend on +mental discipline to keep their emotions from affecting their thinking +and actions. + This process is so much a part of Vulcan society, that it is +automatic for Vulcan adults, even under great stress. In fact, the +expression of emotion is considered to be in extremely bad taste in +Vulcan society, where only a barbarian or mental defective would hink +of such a thing. Although even sophisticated and well-traveled Vulcans +find Human emotional expression baffling and somewhat distasteful, +Vulcans who are exposed to human cultures are usually able to live and +work around the emotional species in situations where less +sophisticated individuals might find intolerable. Nevertheless, even +the most inexperienced Vulcan ought not show his dismay, preferring to +avoid Human contact whenever possible. This distancing often gives +them an aloof air, and so often Vulcans are intolerably rude by Human +standards. + The pacifist philosophy that led to the development of Logic has +affected Vulcan culture in other ways as well. For example, Vulcans +are cultural vegetarians, finding the idea of killing animals for food +unacceptable. Generally, Vulcans will avoid killing except under the +most extreme provocation, nor will they use "deadly force" against +another living being. For this reason, Vulcans rarely carry arms, +although a variety of martial art forms have been developed, and are +still taught, such as Tal Shaya, or "Merciful Execution," which can +kill, or the Neck Pinch, which is used to stun. Some Vulcans have +carried this pacifism to an extreme, believing that there is never any +reason to kill any living being. + The Vulcan pursuit of the logical ideal has led them to great +accomplishments in both the sciences and the arts. Intellectual +pursuits come naturally to Vulcans. + They tend to be very private individuals, and dislike to be +touched, not even to shake hands. Vulcans are very aware of their +self-image, and the simple proprieties can assume an importance that +may seem bewildering to outsiders. Vulcans have a great appreciation +for beauty, even in the most simple things. Even their rituals have a +simplicity and elegance to them. + Another result of the intellectual/mystical/philosophical thrust +of Vulcan culture is the development of their mental powers to a level +matched by few other races. Centuries of psychic exercises and mental +discipline have made the Vulcans capable of some remarkable mental +feats. Many of these psychic feats are a regular part of the culture, +with most Vulcans able to perform them to some degree. Among these is +the Vulcan form contact telepathy, called the "Mind Touch." + The discipline of the Kolinar is the mastery of self and emotion, +as well as these psychic feats, leading to a negation of the concept of +"self." + Central to "Vulcan Mysticism" are the concepts of NOME, or All, +and IDIC, translated as "Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations." +Zakdorn, pl. Zakdorn + The Zakdorn, who may come from Qualar II, are a peaceful race +whose culture reflects a calm assurance and confidence. They are +masters of organization and efficiency, methodical and fastidious. +They have also been, for the last 9 millenium, acknowledged the masters +of natural military strategy in the known galaxy. + Physically, they are unimpressive. They are rotund and slightly +twitchy, with pronounced baggy cheeks, jowls and facial folds. + +Zalkonians + These humanoids have ripple-lapped foreheads and cheeks. They +are evolutionaly near discorporeation. + + + GOD-LIKE RACES + + + These include such non-corporeal species as the Organians, the +Dowd, the Q, the Metrons, Trelaine's people, Thasians, "the Companion," +the "Friendly Angel," and so forth. + Treat the various super races in the table as gods without a need +for worshippers (with one exception) and the representatives listed +below as Avatars of those gods. + + "Q" Trelaine Apollo Organian/Dowd Metron +God Status Greater Lower Lower Greater Lower +Type Trickster War Pastoral Peace Simplicity +Strength 12 15 18/27 10 12 +Intelligene 25 17 18 25 25 +Dexterity 13 15 19 10 12 +Wisdom 15 11 18 25 18 +Constitution 14 16 18 10 13 +Charisma 12 14 19 10 14 +Size 6' 6' 9' 6' 6' +Magic Res. 100% 25% 25% 100% 25% +Armor Class 10 2 0 10 10 +Hit Dice 15 5 17 1 5 +Hit Points 130 50 136 6 45 + + +"Q" + The Q Continuum is a collection of super entities about which +practically nothing is known. What information has been revealed is, at +best, highly suspect, as the only member of "The Continuum" humans have +so far dealt with has been a Trickster character. + + + UNKNOWNS + +????? + Short, furry humanoids. ("Journey to Babel") + +????? + Dark, pygmie-like humans. ("Journey to Babel") + +????? + Chubby humanoid with a three nostril nose, as well as pairs of dual +half-inch circular openings on each side of the chin and forehead. +They have one single-hole ear, and hair on the back half of the +cranium. They may be Lyans. ("The Most Toys") + +????? + Reptillian, though females have well developed mammaries. +Hairless, they have a yellowish skin, and the rear of the cranium +extends back into a point. ("Unification", Emmisary") + +????? + Four armed humanoids for whom salt is a narcotic. May be +called Filimase, and artistic species, with a home planet of +Talemestra. ("Unification") + +????? + Small humanoid with a greenish insect-like face ("Future +Imperfect") + +????? + Humanoids with respirator masks, large heads and robes. May +be called Zaranites. (ST:TMP, ST:TVH) + +????? + Humanoids with grim, skull-like faces and an explosion of +bushy hair that comes in black and white. May be called Kazarites. +(ST:TMP) + +????? + Human-like with a tall cranium, and an insect/skull-like face with +sharp folds on cheeks and large pointed ears. They have extremely long +hads that appear to be almost flippers. They wear ornate, long-flowing +clothes. may be called Betalgeusians (ST:TMP) + +????? + This humanoid has long yellowish/white hair, claws and a +"beast" like face with a dark brown, barklike skin. They wear a +sort of plate armor as part of their ceremonial garb. If they are +called, as may be, Rigellians, they may be related to the large 7' +tall race of warriors from Rigel. (ST:TMP) + +????? + Tall insect/stony faced humanoid with scaly forehead. May be +called Megarite. (ST:TMP) + +????? + This race is roughly human shaped, and human arms peak out +from thier robes, but they posess very large hairless, skull-like +faces and craniums. Thier skin is a pale yellow-green color. The +may be called Aamazarites. (ST:TMP) + +????? + Humanoids with respirator masks, large heads and robes. May +be called Xelatians. (ST:TVH) + +????? + Tall Humanoids with bulging foreheads and lon rearward sloping +craniums. They have large, rearward sloping pointed ears. May be +called Arkenites. (ST:TVH) + +????? + Reptiloids with splotchy, scaley skin. May be called Ariolo. +(ST:TVH) + +????? + Humanoids with dark skin with white hair and white markings on +their faces. May be called Efrosians. (ST:TVH) + +????? + White, vaguely walrus shaped beings with hair along the sides +of their "painted doll" faces. May be called Arcadians (ST:TVH) + +????? + Reptile-like beings with thin necks, small heads, and a long snout. +May be called Bzzit Khaht. (ST:TVH) + +????? + Large reptile like humanoids with dinosaurian heads. They +have to tall ridges over the eyes running to the back of the head. +May be called Kasheeta. (ST:TVH) + +????? + Gigantic humanoids, silver skinned, whose heads have horny growths +running from their temples to their chins. (ST:TUC) + +????? + Large horned-toad humanoid, scaly, with horny growths around head, +and its genetalia in the region of its knees. (ST:TUC) + +????? + 7' tall simina with an orange pelt. (ST:TUC) + +----------------------------------------------------------------------- + + + THE PEOPLE + + + Presented below are two sets of stats for the people of Star Trek: +The Next Generation because of the various interpretations. Choose the +one that seems the most appropriate. + + + Strength Constitution Dexterity Intelligence Wisdom Charisma +Picard 14 15 15 17 18 17 +Riker 15 17 16 16 14 17 +Data 23 -- 25 25 -- 14 +Worf 18/00 18 14 14 10 10 +Geordi 13 14 15 17 13 13 +Troy 10 11 13 13 17 17 +Beverly 10 12 13 16 13 16 +Wesley 12 14 15 18 19 12 + + + Strength Constitution Dexterity Intelligence Wisdom Charisma +Picard 12 15 14 16 17 16 +Riker 13 14 12 14 12 14 +Data 25 -- 25 25 -- 10 +Worf 18/00 16 14 12 10 12 +Geordi 12 14 15 14 10 11 +Troy 09 13 14 14 13 15 +Beverly 10 12 13 15 13 15 +Wesley 12 14 14 18 12 13 + + + Presented below are two sets of stats for the people of Star Trek +because of the various interpretations. Choose the one that seems the +most appropriate. + + + Strength Constitution Dexterity Intelligence Wisdom Charisma +Kirk 12 14 14 15 12 17 +Spock 17 15 13 18 20 11 +McCoy 10 10 14 15 13 15 +Scott 11 10 12 16 14 11 +Uhura 10 11 16 16 15 15 +Checkov 12 11 12 15 12 15 +Sulu 12 11 16 15 15 14 +Chapel 11 10 13 12 11 13 + + + Strength Constitution Dexterity Intelligence Wisdom Charisma +Kirk 14 14 16 16 12 18 +Spock 19 16 15 20 20 15 +McCoy 11 11 16 15 13 16 +Scott 12 12 13 16 14 12 +Uhura 11 12 16 15 15 16 +Checkov 13 12 14 14 12 13 +Sulu 13 13 16 16 15 15 +Chapel 9 10 14 14 11 14 + + + Presented below is a set of stats for the people of Star Trek: +Deep Space Nine. + + + Strength Constitution Dexterity Intelligence Wisdom Charisma +Sisko 13 14 12 15 15 15 +Kira 14 15 13 14 10 14 +Dax 10 15 13 19 19 14 +Odo * * * 15 15 9 +M. O'Brien 15 14 16 15 14 12 +K. O'Brien 9 14 13 15 12 15 +Quark 12 17 17 13 12 10 +Bashir 12 12 14 16 11 14 + + * Odo's physical characteristics change with the form he's in. + + + A Look at Spock's PSI + +PSP: 111 + +2 Disciplines: Telepathy Clairsentience +3 Sciencs: Mindlink Sens to Psi Impressions + Probe +10 Devotions: Contact ESP + False sensory input Mind Bar + Post Hypnotic Suggestion Send Thoughts + Radial Navigation + 3 Defenses: Intellect Fortress Mental Barrier + Mind Blank + +----------------------------------------------------------------------- +----------------------------------------------------------------------- + + + A FEW WEAPONS OF STAR TREK + + +---------- +Phaser +---------- + + There are two types of phasers: Phaser I and Phaser II. Phaser I +does not have a handle and can fit easily in the palm of the hand. The +hydrogen energy cell in a Phaser I holds 50 charges. Phaser II is +larger and has a handle. The two hydrogen energy cells in a Phaser II +holds a total of 100 charges. + + Type Range Charges + Phaser I 5/10/15 50 Range is given in + Phaser II 10/20/30 100 tens of yards. + + + A phaser is different than other weapons in that it has a setting +controls that allows various forms of damage. + + +SPREAD: + +Normal - The wielder makes a normal "to hit" roll. + +Wide - The wielder doesn't make a normal "to hit" roll. Instead, the +target makes a saving throw vs. paralyzation to avoid being hit. This +saving throw is made at a bonus of +2 if the weapon is used at medium +range, or +5 if the target is at long range. + + +SETTING: + + The number following the setting is the number of charges that +will be drained from the battery per hit. Wide-spread attacks will +drain twice the number of charges per person affected. The setting are +as followed: + +Stun (1) - Target must make a successful saving throw vs. wands or be +rendered rigidly immobile for 5d4 rounds. A save indicates that the +stun didn't affect the character this time. The ray from this setting +is blue. + +1 (2) - Target suffer 1d10 points of damage, save vs. wands for half +damage. The ray color from settings 1 through 10 are various shades of +red (1 being light red, and 10 being dark red). + +2 (3) - Target suffer 2d10 points of damage, save vs. wands for half +damage. + +3 (4) - Target suffer 3d10 points of damage, save vs. wands for half +damage. + +4 (5) - Target suffer 4d10 points of damage, save vs. wands for half +damage. + +5 (6) - Target suffer 5d10 points of damage, save vs. wands for half +damage. + +6 (7) - Target suffer 6d10 points of damage, save vs. wands for half +damage. + +7 (8) - Target suffer 7d10 points of damage, save vs. wands for half +damage. + +8 (9) - Target suffer 8d10 points of damage, save vs. wands for half +damage. + +9 (10) - Target suffer 9d10 points of damage, save vs. wands for half +damage. + +10 (12) - Target must save vs. death magic or die. + +Maximum (14) - This setting causes matter to vanish. It affects even +matter (or energy) of a magical nature. Disintegration is +instantaneous, and its effects are permanent. Anything within the 10' X +10' X 10' cube is obliterated. A thin, green ray (no wide-spread +attack) causes physical material affected to glow and vanish leaving no +trace. + +Overload (all) - This setting causes the phaser to build up energy that +surpasses safety parameters until it explodes destroying the phaser. +Phaser I has a blast radius of 25 yards and does 5d10 points of damage +to living things in the blast radius. Phaser II has a blast radius of +50 yards and does 5d20 points of damage to living things in the blast +radius. + + +---------- +Phaser TNG +---------- + + Type Range Charges Settings + Type Ic 5/10/15 50 1-3 + Type I 5/10/15 50 1-8 + Type II 10/20/30 150 1-16 + Type III 20/40/80 225 1-16 + + +Range is given in tens of yards. Type Ic is a civilian model. Type III +is a rifle. + +A phaser is different than other weapons in that it has a setting +controls that allows various forms of damage. Also, the weapon has an +automatic timer. + + +SPREAD: + +Normal - The wielder makes a normal "to hit" roll. + +Wide - The wielder doesn't make a normal "to hit" roll. Instead, the +target makes a saving throw vs. paralyzation to avoid being hit. This +saving throw is made at a bonus of +2 if the weapon is used at medium +range, or +5 if the target is at long range. + + +SETTING: + + The number following the setting is the number of charges that +will be drained from the battery per hit. Wide-spread attacks will +drain twice the number of charges per person affected. Each setting has +a unique sound. The setting are as followed: + +Light Stun (1) - Target must make a successful saving throw vs. wands +or be rendered rigidly immobile for 1d6+4 rounds. A save indicates that +the stun didn't affect the character this time. The ray from this +setting is blue. + +Medium Stun (2) - Target must make a successful saving throw vs. wands. +Success indicates that the target is rendered rigidly immobile for +3d6+2 rounds. Failure indicates that the target is rendered rigidly +immobile for 1d6+2 rounds. The ray from this setting is blue. + +Heavy Stun (3) - Target must make a successful saving throw vs. wands. +Success indicates that the target is rendered rigidly immobile for +3d10+10 rounds. Failure indicates that the target is rendered rigidly +immobile for 3d6+2 rounds. The ray from this setting is blue. + +1 (4) - Target suffer 1d10 points of damage, save vs. wands for half +damage. The ray color from settings 1 through 10 are various shades of +red (1 being light red, and 10 being dark red). + +2 (5) - Target suffer 2d10 points of damage, save vs. wands for half +damage. + +3 (6) - Target suffer 3d10 points of damage, save vs. wands for half +damage. + +4 (7) - Target suffer 4d10 points of damage, save vs. wands for half +damage. + +5 (8) - Target suffer 5d10 points of damage, save vs. wands for half +damage. + +6 (9) - Target suffer 6d10 points of damage, save vs. wands for half +damage. + +7 (10) - Target suffer 7d10 points of damage, save vs. wands for half +damage. + +8 (11) - Target suffer 8d10 points of damage, save vs. wands for half +damage. + +9 (12) - Target suffer 9d10 points of damage, save vs. wands for half +damage. + +10 (13) - Target suffer 9d10 points of damage, save vs. wands for half +damage. + +11 (14) - Target must save vs. death magic or die. + +12 (15) - Target instantly dies. + +Maximum (16) - This setting causes matter to vanish. It affects even +matter (or energy) of a magical nature. Disintegration is +instantaneous, and its effects are permanent. Anything within the 10' X +10' X 10' cube is obliterated. A thin, green ray (no wide-spread +attack) causes physical material affected to glow and vanish leaving no +trace. + +Overload (all) - This setting causes the phaser to build up energy that +surpasses safety parameters until it explodes destroying the phaser. +Type Ic has a blast radius of 25 yards and does 5d10 points of damage +to living things in the blast radius. Type I has a blast radius of 50 +yards and does 5d20 points of damage to living things in the blast +radius. Type II has a blast radius of 100 yards and does 10d20 points +of damage to living things in the blast radius. Type III has a blast +radius of 150 yards and does 20d20 points of damage to living things in +the blast radius. + +----------------------------------------------------------------------- + + + ADVENTURE STORY + + + Below is a story of an adventure on the Enterprise from a DM who +ran it. He says it went awesome! The players (or most of them) had a +great time role-playing not knowing a thing about Star Trek. They also +had a great time finding out some of the specifics of the Enterprise +and the crew. It is really fantastic and imaginative and should inspire +other DMs to create some adventurers in the Star Trek setting. + + + Mist, the Old Red Dragon, used her last breath on Moander, the +Darkbringer. The party, however, noticed that the air was filled with +the smell of marsh gas and had determined that the fire from the +dragon's breath would ignite the area, making it very uncomfortable for +the adventurers. Courtney, the Wizard Most Wild, pulled out a scroll, +uttered a few words, and teleported away, attempting to take the party +with him. Unfortunately, he was not quite quick enough to avoid the +magical shock-wave from the deity's explosion -- the spell went awry. +He did succeed, however, in taking the party with him -- to the first +plane of Hades -- except the party's thief, Fingers Bubblefoot, who +wasn't quite able to reach the desperate mage in time. Fingers was +blown clear away to the Astral Plane, where he wandered for some time. +Courtney, seeing the lack in the party, pulled out his most valuable +possession--a ring of three wishes. "I wish the party was back +together", he intoned, not caring about the side effects of such a +powerful item. There was a FLASH, and then a curious tingling +sensation. When their vision cleared, they found themselves in a 20x40 +room, standing on a platform. In front of them were two men, one of +which tapped a curious object on his left chest, and said to the air," +Captain, you had better come down here..." Seeing the weapons the party +possessed, one man drew a small, oddly shaped box and pointed it at the +party. "Drop you weapons", he commanded. Bashar Teg, the barbarian of +the group, refused and attempted to attack the man holding the box. He +only succeeded, however, in getting blasted into unconsciousness. The +other members of the group were more amenable, and surrendered +peacefully. + The brig consisted of 4 rooms, 3 of which branched out from the +fourth. Fingers, Bashar (Bash), and Alex (former cleric, now paladin) +were put into one of the cells, and locked in by a forcefield. The +others (Courtney, and the Mage/cleric Karalina) were taken to sickbay +to tend to their wounds (Karalina was badly injured in the fight with +Moander, and was even possessed by the Darkbringer for a time). + Unknown to the party, someone had followed the party through space +and time. The evil mage, Glyssaxx, had learned of the party's fate and +had teleported onto the Enterprise. Using his spells, he learned of the +mighty "Phaser" and even where several were kept. After killing the +guard, and opening the Armory, he proceeded to steal several phasers. +An alert security guard, however, noticed the breach in the doors and +investigated, getting hit by several magical missiles before being able +to summon aid. + Glyssaxx, seeing himself outnumbered, ran down the hall to find a +place secure enough to cast his teleport spell. Several security +forcefields were already in place, however, but were no match for a few +disintegrate spells. The guards, too, were only a nuisance --fireballs +worked nicely in disposing of them. He didn't count on the +Enterprise's transporter, for when the first guard saw his comrades +fall, he told the computer to beam the mage out into open space. Thus +ended the life of Glyssaxx. + Meanwhile, the party was getting used to the comforts of the +Enterprise. Several experiments with the food dispensers in the cells +yielded amusing results -- horse steaks, halfling sized cakes, and the +art of instantaneous cooking.... The amusement stopped, however, when +Captain Picard entered and accused the party of conspiring with +Glyssaxx. The party denied it. After a lengthy consideration, Picard +decided to let the party out (they had already made several escape +attempts, but of no avail). + Suddenly, an alert sounded. Accompanying by a guard, the party ran +to investigate. Turning a corner, they saw a pale skinned humanoid +dressed in what looked like leather. He was shooting a blue beam into a +panel. The lights up and down the hallway were blinking off and on, and +general mayhem was being created. The guard fired his phaser, but to no +affect. The party decided to attack, and was able to defeat the +creature (Borg), sustaining only minor damage in the process. The Borg, +however, were not so easily defeated, as more and more started +appearing all over the Enterprise. Also, the ship was being bombarded, +frequently throwing everyone to the deck. + The battle ensued for control of the Enterprise, and during a +scuffle in Main Engineering, an iron quarterstaff (through which the +mage Courtney casts shocking grasp) was embedded into the dilithium +warp chamber. Fearing an explosion, the party ducked for cover, only to +discover that instead of exploding, the staff was acting as a conduit +for raw warp energy. + Meanwhile, other members of the party were teaming up with +Enterprise crew members for a rescue mission to retrieve Picard from +the Borg ship, who had been captured during a battle. + Through some computer damage, the self destruct mechanism for the +ship had been activated, giving the party and crew about 10 minutes to +come up with a solution to this massive dilemma. through teamwork, they +determined that the warp energy embedded into the quarterstaff could be +used to amplify spell energy. This was a dangerous risk to the +spellcasters, as it could have disastrous rebounding effects. +Courtney, fishing out a scroll, deemed it plausible to cast a prismatic +sphere, and hope the energy would be sufficiently amplified to surround +the ship, thus protecting it and also providing a means of destroying +the Borg ship. He proceeded to cast... + Aboard the Borg ship, the rescue party has succeeded in +recapturing Picard and transporting back to the Enterprise. Uttering +the final words of the spell, Courtney directed it into the quarter +staff. Blinding light filled every window of the ship as the sphere +took form. Because of the unique nature of the warp drive, it also +moved with the ship. On impulse drive, the Enterprise rammed the Borg +ship. + A blinding flash of light, and the Borg were gone... taking the +Enterprise with them via tractor beam. The astral plane looked rather +strange to the crew of the Enterprise, but with a plane shift spell, +Karalina managed to free the Enterprise from the Borg while leaving +them to wander the Astral plane forever.... + +----------------------------------------------------------------------- + + + "FIFTY WAYS TO KILL AN ENSIGN" + + +The problem is something 'bout your clothes, she said to me +The red shirt and the stripeless sleeves yell, "I'm Security!" +And when you get down planet-side with Kirk, you'll get to see +There must be fifty ways to kill an ensign + +He takes a landing party down to find what's going on +A couple of the bridge crew, and some extras come along +And then before you know it - the `expendables' are gone +There must be fifty ways to kill an ensign +Fifty ways to kill an ensign + + Just step on a rock, Jock + Get thorns from some plants, Lance + A Horta can spray, Ray + Just listen to me + Clouds drink up your blood, Bud + Computers can kill, Bill + You could lose all your salt, Walt + Kirk gets away free... + +She said it grieves me so to see you with such nerves +Not ev'ryone who goes with Kirk will suffer from this curse +But then of course, you must recall - they sometimes suffer worse +There must be fifty ways to kill an ensign + +Just tell him, "I'm not stupid and I'm not expendable +I'm not going!" Tell him that he's a Denebian slime devil +And he's overbearing, swaggering, and dictatorial +He'll find a new way to kill an ensign +Fifty-one ways to kill an ensign + +----------------------------------------------------------------------- + + + SPECIAL THANKS + +Joel Polowin A.K.A. Bunsen Honeydew for his song "Fifty Ways To Kill An +Ensign". + +Marc Carlson (IMC@VAX2.UTULSA.EDU) the co-creator who wrote all the +creatures and a lot of the weaponry. + +----------------------------------------------------------------------- + + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/trekbook.sf b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/trekbook.sf new file mode 100644 index 00000000..388ebf7f --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/trekbook.sf @@ -0,0 +1,231 @@ + ADAPTATIONS OF THE LIVE TV SERIES PUBLISHED BY BANTAM BOOKS + ADAPTED BY JAMES BLISH + ====================== +01 Star Trek Charlie's Law + Dagger of the Mind + The Unreal McCoy + Balance of Terror + The Naked Time + Miri + The Conscience of the King + +02 Star Trek 2 Arena + Tomorrow is Yesterday + Errand of Mercy + Court Martial + Operation - Annihilate + The City on the Edge of Forever + Space Seed + +03 Star Trek 3 The Trouble With Tribbles + The Last Gunfight + The Doomsday Machine + Assignment: Earth + Mirror, Mirror + Friday's Child + Amok Time + +04 Star Trek 4 All Our Yesterdays + The Devil in the Dark + Journey to Babel + The Menagerie + The Enterprise Incident + A Piece of the Action + +05 Star Trek 5 Whom Gods Destroy + The Tholian Web + Let That be Your Last Battlefield + This Side of Paradise + Turnabout Intruder + Requiem for Methuselah + The Way to Eden + +06 Star Trek 6 The Savage Curtain + The Lights of Zetar + The Apple + By Any Other Name + The Cloud Minders + The Mark of Gideon + +07 Star Trek 7 Who Mourns For Adonais + The Changeling + The Paradise Syndrome + Metamorphosis + The Deadly Years + Elaan of Troyius + +08 Star Trek 8 Spock's Brain + The Enemy Within + Catspaw + Where No Man Has Gone Before + Wolf in the Fold + For The World is Hollow and I have Touched the Sky + +09 Star Trek 9 Return to Tomorrow + The Ultimate Computer + That Which Survives + Obsession + The Return of the Archons + The Immunity Syndrome + +10 Star Trek 10 The Alternative Factor + The Empath + The Galileo Seven + Is There in Truth no Beauty + A Private Little War + The Omega Glory + +11 Star Trek 11 What Are Little Girls Made of + The Squire of Gothos + Wink of an Eye + Bread and Circuses + Day of the Dove + Plato's Stepchildren + +12 Star Trek 12 Patterns of Force + And The Children Shall Lead + The Corbomite Maneuver + Shore Leave + +13 Mudd's Angels Mudd's Women + + before finishing> + +NOTE: Nowhere in this series can I find "A TASTE OF ARMAGEDDON". According + to the index in volume 12 it is supposed to be in volume 2. +============================================================================= + OTHER ADVENTURE BOOKS ISSUED BY BANTAM BOOKS ON STAR TREK + ========================================================= +01 Spock Must Die! James Blish +02 Star Trek: The New Voyages Edited by Sondra Marshak & Myrna Culbreath +03 Star Trek: The New Voyages 2 Edited by Sondra Marshak & Myrna Culbreath +04 The Price of the Phoenix Sondra Marshak & Myrna Culbreath +05 The Fate of the Phoenix Sondra Marshak & Myrna Culbreath +06 The Starless World Gordon Eklund +07 Devil World Gordon Eklund +08 Spock, Messiah Theodore R. Cogswell & Charles A. Spano Jr. +09 Vulcan! Kathleen Sky +10 Death's Angel Kathleen Sky +11 Planet of Judgement Joe Haldeman +12 World Without End Joe Haldeman +13 Perry's Planet Jack C. Haldeman II +14 The Galactic Whirlpool David Gerrold +15 Trek to Madworld Stephin Goldin + + MISC. TITLES ISSUED BY BANTAM BOOKS RELATING TO STAR TREK + ========================================================= +01 Star Trek Lives Jacqueline Litchenburg, Sondra Marshak + & Joan Winston +02 Official Star Trek Cooking Manual Mary Ann Piccard + +============================================================================= + + ADAPTATIONS OF THE ANIMATED SERIES PUBLISHED BY BALLANTINE BOOKS + ADAPTED BY ALAN DEAN FOSTER + =========================== +01 Star Trek Log One Beyond The Farthest Star + Yesteryear + One of Our Planets is Missing + +02 Star Trek Log Two The Survivor + The Lorelei Signal + The Infinite Vulcan + +03 Star Trek Log Three Once Upon a Planet + Mudd's Passion + The Magicks of Megas-Tu + +04 Star Trek Lof Four The Terratin Incident + Time Trap + More Tribbles, More Troubles + +05 Star Trek Lof Five The Ambergris Element + The Pirates of Orion + Jihad + +06 Star Trek Lof Six Albatross + The Practical Jojer + How Sharper Than a Serpent's Tooth + +07 Star Trek Lof Seven The Counter- Clock Incident + +08 Star Trek Lof Eight The Eye Of The Beholder + +09 Star Trek Lof Nine Bem + +============================================================================= + + OTHER STAR TREK RELATED TITLES PUBLISHED BY BALLANTINE BOOKS + ============================================================ +01 The World Of Star Trek David Gerrold +02 The Trouble With Tribbles David Gerrold +03 The Making of Star Trek Stephen E. Whitfield & Gene Roddenberry + +04 Star Trek Star Fleet Technical Manual Franz Joseph +05 Star Trek Star Fleet Medical Reference Manual Eileen Palestine +06 Star Trek Blueprints Franz Joseph Designs + +06 Star Trek Concordance Bjo Trimble + +============================================================================= + + STAR TREK NOVELS FROM POCKET BOOKS + ================================== +01 Star Trek: The Motion Picture Gene Roddenberry +02 The Entropy Effect Vonda N. Mcintyre +03 The Klingon Gambit Robert E. Vardeman +04 The Covenant of the Crown Howard Weinstein +05 The Prometheus Design Sondra Marshak & Myrna Culbreath +06 The Abode of Life Lee Correy +07 Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan Vonda N. Mcintyre +08 Black Fire Sonni Cooper +09 Triangle Sondra Marshak & Myrna Culbreath +10 Web of the Romulans M. S. Murdock +11 Yesterday's Son A. C. Crispin +12 Mutiny on the Enterprise Robert E. Vardeman +13 The Wounded Sky Diane Duane +14 The Trellisane Confrontation David Dvorkin +15 Corona Greg Bear +16 The Final Reflection John M. Ford +17 Star Trek III: The Search For Spock Vonda N. Mcintyre +18 My Enemy, My Ally Diane Duane +19 The Tears of the Singers Melinda Snodgrass +20 The Vulcan Academy Murders Jean Lorrah +21 Uhura's Song Janet Kagan +22 Shadow Lord Laurence Lep +23 Ishmael Barbara Hambly +24 Killing Time Della Vanttise +25 Dwellers in the Crucible Margaret Wonder Bonanno +26 Pawns and Symbols Majliss Larson +27 Mindshadow J. M. Dillard +28 Crisis on Centarus Brad Ferguson +29 Dreadnaught Diane Carey +30 Demons J. M. Dillard +31 Enterprise: The First Adventure Vonda N. Mcintyre + (Kirk's first mission as Captain of the Enterprise. Supposed to be + available Sept. 1, 1986 in Bookstores.) +============================================================================= + + + MISC. NOTES ON BOOKS, ETC. + ========================== +01 Shatner: Where No Man... Shatner, Marshak, Culbreath + (Biofraphy of William Shatner, what lead to Star Trek, and what happened + after.) Published by Ace Publications. +02 Recently there was a Klingon Dictionary published. Don't know who wrote + it or who published it. +03 Nimoy also did a set of records related to his Spock character. (5 albums) +04 Shatner did 2 albums that I know of. One not related to Star Trek. +05 Also there is a yearly Calender for Star Trek . +06 At one time there was a monthly fold-out poster sold giving Star Trek news + and trivia. +07 Gold Key at one time published Star Trek comics. +08 When they dropped the series it was picked up by Marvel. +09 Currently DC has the series and is doing by far the best job. . + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/trekland b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/trekland new file mode 100644 index 00000000..0874004e --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/trekland @@ -0,0 +1,1237 @@ +X-VM-v5-Data: ([nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil] + ["63160" "Mon" "23" "May" "1994" "11:34:51" "-0400" "Prince John, III" "jfm@christa.unh.edu" nil "1227" "Please archive this instead of what's you already have. Thanx." "^From:" nil nil "5" nil "Please archive this instead of what's you already have. Thanx." nil nil] + nil) + id KAA28801; Mon, 23 May 1994 10:35:08 -0500 + (5.67b+/IDA-1.5 for ); Mon, 23 May 1994 11:34:56 -0400 + (5.67b/IDA-1.5 for jfy@cis.ksu.edu); Mon, 23 May 1994 11:34:52 -0400 +In-Reply-To: <9405201529.AA24175@edith.princeton.edu> +Subject: Please archive this instead of what's you already have. Thanx. + + (There can be only one...These are the voyages...) + + T R E K L A N D E R + + Copyright 1994 John F. Moore III + + Part 1 + + CAPTAIN'S LOG: Stardate 48344.5 The Enterprise has been ordered to Fyla +VI to receive Ambassador MacLeod, who has been asked to oversee peace +talks between two warring factions on Clari III. I admit a small amount +unease with this mission as Ambassador MacLeod is a relatively inexperi- +enced emmissary... + Captain Jean-Luc Picard stood in transporter room 3 with Commander Riker +and Councillor Troi, all in dress uniforms. Behind them, the transporter +chief was monitoring his station. + "Fyla VI indicates they're ready, sir," the chief said. + "Energize." + The transporter hummed and two figures appeared. The first was a tall +man in his early thirties with long black hair wearing a loose-fitting +shirt and pants under a black sleeveless overcoat. Next to his was a man +in his early twenties with curly blonde hair and dressed similarly to the +other man. + Picard spoke, "Greetings Ambassador MacLeod, I am Captain Jean-Luc +Picard. This is my first officer Commander William Riker and Deanna Troi, +ship's Councillor." + The taller man shook Picard's hand with a firm grip. "I'm pleased to +meet all of you. I'm Ambassador Duncan MacLeod and this is my assistant +Richard." + Riker addressed the pair. "We've arranged for a dinner in your honor +Ambassador at 1800 hours, as well as a tour of the ship. If you'll follow +me I'll take you to your quarters." + MacLeod nodded to Riker. "That would be most appreciated. By your +leave, Captain?" + Riker led the pair out of the transporter room as Picard addressed Troi. +"What do you think of him, Councillor?" + "He's very sincere in his desire to help the people of Clari III, but +there's something... distant about him. I felt it in his assistant as +well. They're both trying to hide something..." + "Do you think they might be a danger to the ship?" + "I don't think so. They're not hostile, but I sense unrest in both of +them." + + Riker led the pair to Ten Forward. + "And this is where we spend our off duty hours. We call it Ten +Forward." + Suddenly MacLeod and Richard seemed very distant for a moment. + "Something wrong Ambassador?" + MacLeod snapped out of whatever he was under. "Umm... nothing Com- +mander. Would you mind if Richard and I looked around here for a while?" + "I suppose that would be all right. If you need anything, I'll be by +the viewport." + As Riker walked toward the tabled by the viewports Richard turned to the +Ambassador, "did you feel it Mac?" + "Yes I did, Richie. But who is it? There are so many people here... +and there's no way of telling if whoever it is will attack us." + + Across the room, Guinan looked at MacLeod and Richard. She then turned +to Data, who was sitting at the bar near her. + "Data, who are those two?" + "They are Ambassador MacLeod and his assistant Richard. They are on a +diplomatic mission to Clari III." + "You don't say... I think those two need a drink." + + A waiter approached MacLeod and Richard with two glasses. + Richard looked confused. "But we didn't order...?" + "They're compliments from... an old friend," the waiter explained. + "Who is this `old friend'?" asked MacLeod. + "An anonymous one... by the being's request." The waiter left. + Richard looked agitated. "Great! We may be in danger and we don't know +who to watch out for!" + MacLeod looked around. "Calm down Richie. The last thing we want to do +is attract attention to ourselves. I think it's time we got on with our +tour." + After informing Riker that they were ready to go, The pair left Ten +Forward. Guinan watched them leave. + "Oh, don't worry Mr. MacLeod... you'll find out soon enough..." + + Captain Picard sat in his ready room when his door chimed. + "Come!" + Riker entered the ready room. + "Yes Number One?" + "Permission to speak candidly, sir?" + "Of course. What's on your mind?" + "I don't trust Ambassador MacLeod sir. When we were in Ten Forward he +appeared to be looking for something rather intently." + "Do you think he plans on endangering the Enterprise?" + "I don't know sir, but Lt. Worf ran a routine scan on the Ambassador and +found a sword on his person." + "A sword, Number One?" + "Hidden beneath his robes. A sword was also found in his assistant's +robes." + "I'll have Lt. Worf keep an eye on our guests, but Councillor Troi +doesn't sense any hostility toward us." + "One other thing I noticed in Ten Forward sir... MacLeod's assistant +became very restless soon before we left, almost as if he was expecting +trouble." + "Could his assistant be a bodyguard, Number One?" + "I don't know sir. MacLeod doesn't strike me as the type who would need +a bodyguard." + "I'll have someone monitor them while they're on board." + "Thank you, I'd feel a lot better sir." + + `Enter Program' the Holodeck computer said. + Lt. Worf was about to enter his usual workout when MacLeod sauntered up. + "Hello, Lieutenant. Mind a little company?" + Worf looked agitated. "I was about to engage in my daily exercises. I +doubt you'd want to join me." + MacLeod leaned his hand against the wall and grinned casually at Worf. +"Oh, I dunno... it could be fun." + + Richie stalked his quarters. He knew MacLeod would be fine...he was far +more experienced than he was. He just didn't like the idea of an +unknown... + The door chimed, interrupting his thoughts. "Come in." + The door opened and the Sense hit him. He suddenly realized his sword +was in the other room. He had to face his opponent unarmed... + "Relax, will ya," Guinan said as she entered. "If I was gonna kill you +I'd have done it long ago." + "You're... you're the bartender from Ten Forward, aren't you?" + "My name is Guinan. So you're the Immortal I sensed this afternoon. +What's your name?" + "Richie -- Richard." + Guinan smiled. "Pleased to meet you Richie Richard. I'm not hostile to +you. I've been an Immortal for much longer than you'd care to imagine. +If I wanted to kill you you'd be dead before you could blink." + Richie believed her... despite being over 400 years old he was still far +too inexperienced at fighting other Immortals. + "Well, it's good to hear that you're on my side. I'll come by and we +can talk about... old times." + Guinan smiled and left. Richie decided to consult with Mac before he +met up with Guinan again. He wasn't sure he fully trusted her yet and he +wanted to check with MacLeod before he revealed to Guinan that there was a +third Immortal on board. + + Part 2 + + CAPTAIN'S LOG: Stardate 48367.8 The crew has been reporting increasing +unrest toward the Ambassador and his assistant. I am planning to meet +formally with Ambassador MacLeod and discuss this in-depth. + + Captain Picard entered the bridge as Riker relinquished the command +chair. + "Status, Number One?" + "We're due to arrive in just under three hours. According to reports, +the situation on Clari III is becoming volotile. The delegates from each +side doubt that the cease-fire will last much longer." + "Go to warp 8, Mr. Data." + Data turned to face the captain. "At warp 8, we will arrive at Clari +III in 1 hour, 26 minutes, sir." + "Good, I'll be in my ready room if I'm needed. You have the bridge, +Number One." + As Picard turned to leave, he noticed that Ensign DeMarcus was manning +Tactical. + "Has anyone seen Lt. Worf? He was supposed to report for duty ten +minutes ago." + + MacLeod and Worf stood back to back as unidentifiably monsterous +humanoids attacked. + Worf was breathing heavily. "Have you had enough, Ambassador?" + MacLeod glanced back at Worf. "I'm just getting warmed up." + Suddenly the holodeck intercom switched on as Riker spoke. "Lt. Worf, +report for duty at once!" + Worf suddenly realized that he was late to report for duty. "Computer, +halt program." + The battlefield disappeared as the familiar black and yellow walls of +the holodeck appeared and Worf almost sprinted out of the room. + "Computer," MacLeod said as Worf exited. "I'd like to see a dojo from +Los Angeles, California, Earth, circa 1994... complete with the following +people..." + + Richie entered Ten Forward and sat at the bar. A waiter greeted him. + "May I take your order?" + Richie simply said, "I'm here to see Guinan." + "I'm sorry, but Guinan isn't on-duty right now." + "Where would she be?" + "I'm not sure... she seems to like the botanical gardens." + "Thanks," Richie said as he went to leave. + As he reached the doors, he nearly bumped into Data and fell on the +floor. + "Excuse me," Data said as he helped Richie up, "I did not see you. Are +you hurt?" + "Only my pride... What species are you? I don't think I've ever seen a +being with white skin and yellow eyes..." + "I am Lt. Commander Data, and I am an android. You must be Richard, +Ambassador MacLeod's assistant." + "Yeah. Listen, Commander... I need to find Guinan, otherwise I'd love +to stay and talk." + "Perhaps another time. I am interested in you and the Ambassador, espe- +cially since I can find no record of your births anywhere in the Federa- +tion." + `Oops,' Richie thought. Neither he nor (he thought) Mac had counted on +anyone checking their birth records. He knew Mac's record wouldn't be on +file, since births weren't generally recorded in the 1500's, but he was +certain that if a record of his existence was found it would certainly +raise some questions. + "Ummm... yeah, sure. Catch ya later." + As soon as the doors to Ten Forward closed, Richie sprinted to find +Guinan. + + "Commander," Worf said, "we are receiving a transmission from Clari III. +The cease-fire has been broken and hostilities have resumed." + Riker sighed. This peace mission could be the end of MacLeod's short +career as an Ambassador in a bloody way. + "Computer, locate Ambassador MacLeod." + `Ambassador MacLeod is in Holodeck 3' + "I'm going down there to inform him of the situation personally. Lt. +Worf, you have the bridge." + "Aye, sir," Worf said as Riker entered the turbolift. + + Riker entered the holodeck to find a run-down training center. MacLeod +was helping a well-built black man about his age stand up. + "One more time, MacLeod," the black man said. + MacLeod saw Riker enter and said to the black man, "Not yet, Charlie. I +think you need a break." + MacLeod went over to Riker as Charlie sat on a bench catching his +breath. + "What can I do for you, Commander?" + "The situation on Clari III has escalated to open fighting." + MacLeod looked concerned by this. "Do you have details?" + "Not yet, but as soon as we hear we'll let you know. Do you want to +wait until things calm down before talking to the leaders?" + "If we wait we may never have a chance. I'm going down there." + "I can't allow you to beam down without a security detail." + "The last thing we need is more people with weapons down there--" + "True enough. I mean, two people with swords beaming down is bad +enough." + MacLeod looked unconcerned about this discovery. "Richard and I carry +swords because it's tradition for our people." + "Is it... tradition... to hide them under robes so they can't be seen by +the naked eye." + "You'd be surprised how many people get paranoid about people carrying +weapons." + "Well, I'd appreciate it if you didn't carry them at all while on board +the Enterprise." + MacLeod walked over to a glass-walled room on the far end of the train- +ing center and grabbed something. As he exited, Riker saw that the +Ambassador was carrying a sheathed sword. MacLeod then handed the weapon +to Riker. + "I'll inform Richard to do the same. We're on your side, Commander." + MacLeod walked back toward Charlie, then turned back to Riker. "I'd +like all the information you have on the situation on Clari III, if you +can." + "I'll see what I can do," said Riker as he exited the holodeck. + + Part 3 + + CAPTAIN'S LOG, Supplemental: We're approaching Clari III and are +preparing to beam Ambassador MacLeod and his assistant to the surface. +Commander Riker expresses concern about the pair going down alone due to +the renewed conflict, but the Ambassador seems unconcerned. I have to +wonder if he knows something we don't... + + Picard sat on the bridge, monitoring the orbital maneuvers performed by +the ensign at Ops... what was her name... Cathaway? Yes, that was it. +Cathaway had been assigned to the Enterprise two weeks ago from the +Acadamy. She worked very hard to please her superiors and seemed likable. +Still, on a ship as big as the Enterprise, it wasn't difficult to +understand why Picard, or any of the senior officers (except Data) had +trouble remembering the names of everyone on-board. + MacLeod entered from the turbolift, getting the attentions of Worf. +Giving the scowling Klingon a cheery smile, he approached the Captain. + Picard looked up at him. "Hello, Ambassador. I must say this is a +surprise. I thought you'd be--" + "Something wrong, Cathaway?" + Everyone except MacLeod turned to see what Riker was talking about. +Cathaway seemed concerned, and until Riker alerted the crew, she was +staring at MacLeod. + "Nothing, sir," Cathaway said as she turned back at her station. + "Captain, may I speak to you in private?" + "Of course, Ambassador. We can use my ready room. You have the bridge, +Number One." + As Picard and MacLeod exited the bridge, Riker walked up to Ensign +Cathaway. + "Do I detect a problem with the Ambassador, Ensign?" + Cathaway seemed like a little girl who had been caught with her hand in +the cookie jar. "Of course not, sir. But as the Captain was saying, his +arrival on the bridge was a surprise." + Riker looked at her sternly. "Your duty is to fly this ship, not watch +the comings and goings of people who may or may not belong in the bridge, +is that understood?" + "Of course, sir. It won't happen again." + "See that it doesn't," Riker said as he sat in the command chair. + + "What can I do for you, Ambassador?" + "Captain, I don't like titles much, especially in private. Mr. MacLeod +or Duncan will do." + "Very well, Mr. MacLeod. You wanted to speak to me?" + "Captain, I understand Commander Riker is a little concerned about my +wanting to go without armed escort." + "So he tells me. I can't say I blame him. The violence down there--" + "I can handle myself rather well, although... that Ensign out there... +Cathaway was her name?" + "Yes, what about her?" + "If you could spare her, I'd like to have her along." + "Rather a strange request... why her and not Lt. Worf?" + "Because I feel... there's something special about her." + "I will consult Commander Riker about it. What have you discovered +about the situation on Clari III?" + "Not as much as I'd like. The two sides were willing to talk peace +until someone... the reports didn't say who... took over as leader of one +of the factuions and renewed the attacks. Most unsettling... + + (The Alamo, night: Duncan is nursing the wounds of several of the +defenders of the besieged fort. With him is Pierre DuSable, a Canadian +sympathetic to the Texans' cause. + "I tell you, mon ami, if we can hold out a little while longer ze +reenforcements will arrive and we'll route Santa Anna's men back to +Mexico!" + Duncan sighed. "I wish I had your optimism, Pierre, but the fact is +we're running out of supplies. Even if anyone arrives we may starve to +death before then." + DuSable stood proud. "Zen I shall form a raid to get supplies from ze +Mexicans!" + Duncan looked at him. "Don't be a fool! You'll die out there!" + "Better to die fighting zen to starve to death!" + Duncan exited the medical shack a moment later shaking his hand and +barring the door from the outside. + "Forgive me, my friend, but I'm more qualified than you for this kind of +thing." + Under cover of darkness, Duncan crept into the Mexican camp. After +killing a sentry and taking his uniform, he walked into the supply area. + *The mother lode*, he thought as he found two wagons full of food, +waiting to be unloaded. *This will sustain the Alamo for a few more days* + Suddenly, he Sensed someone. Pulling out his sword and turning, he saw +a Mexican officer enter the tent, carrying a saber. + "Well, well," he said. "Looks like I found myself a spy. You know, +spying's a dangerous business... one could lose his head if the pressure +gets too high." + Duncan barely managed to block the Mexican's attack. + As Duncan retreated, the Mexican began speaking. "I plan to order my +forces to attack. That fool Santa Anna will have no choice but to order a +full assault. He wants to play the waiting game, let the Texans starve to +death. Doesn't he realize those idiots will die for what they believe +in?" + "And you're just the man to help them, right?" + Duncan dodged as the Mexican's slice cut open a bag of flour. As a +white cloud hung around them, the pair continued, but Duncan began to +fight back. As the battle raged between the two, Duncan seized the +advantage until the Mexican was forced to his knees. + Suddenly, there was a loud thunderclap as Duncan's eyes widened and he +fell to the ground. The Mexican put away his pistol and readied himself +for the Final Strike when he also fell from a gunshot. + A figure crept up to Duncan. "Mon ami, are you all right?" + Duncan looked weakly at him. "Pierre? What are you doing here?" + "I thought you might need some help, especially since it was my idea, +non?" + The pair walked back to the supplies, leaving the Mexican to heal...) + + "And you hope to reason with a man like that?" Picard asked. + "I hope so. But if not I want as few people as possible down there." + "I will recommend that Ensign Cathaway be assigned to you for this, if +you think that she'd be helpful." + "Thank you Captain." + + Julia Cathaway Sensed MacLeod exit the Captain's ready room. She tried +hard not to let it affect her again, though it was easier since she knew +he was there this time. She couldn't let Riker know her secret, and he +really came down on her hard. The fact was that she was scared of Riker, +moreso than any Immortal she'd faced. She tried hard not to come into +conflict with him, but it wasn't always easy. She heard Riker and the +Captain discuss something, but was too afraid to do anything but watch the +screen as the planet revolved below the ship. + "Ensign Cathaway." + Julia nearly jumped out of her skin as Riker bellowed her name. She +wondered what she did now to deserve his ire. + "Yes sir?" she said, turning to face them, hoping her nervousness +didn't show. + "You're relieved of duty. Report to Transporter Room 5 at 1800 hours." + "Yes, sir." + Julia almost sprinted off the bridge, relieved to be away from Commander +William Riker. + + Part 4 + + FIRST OFFICER'S LOG: Stardate 48380.1 Ambassador MacLeod is preparing +to beam down to Clari III with his assistant and Ensign Julia Cathaway. +I'm a little concerned as to why the only escort the Ambassador wants is a +recent Acadamy graduate who's not even associated with security. + + Richie had finally found Guinan in the Botanical Gardens. Of course +Guinan Sensed him long before he approached but made no indications of it. + "Hello Richard," she said without looking up from the plants she was +studying. "I was wondering when you were going to show." + "Hello Guinan." + "You and your boss have made quite a stir on the ship. I don't suppose +he's an Immortal too?" + `Uh-oh... I didn't want her finding out'. Richie maintained his cool, +glad that Guinan was an Immortal and not a Betazoid like that Troi chick. +For whatever reason Immortals seem to be full humans of Earth descent. If +there were other Immortals, he had yet to encounter them. + "Why do you say that?" he asked. + "Mainly because the crew seems to be more aggravated with him than you. +But there are other reasons..." + "Such as?" + "Neither of you have any birth records within the lifetimes of any +crewman on board, and Ensign Cathaway Sensed him..." + "You mean there are FOUR Immortals on board." + "Yeah... scary thought, eh? I had to reassure her that neither of you +were gonna decapitate her. She really is a nice girl, if a little high- +strung." + "Mind if I ask--" + "The late 1700's." + "What?" + "You were about to ask how old I was right?" Richie nodded in response. +"I experienced the Awakening in the 1700s in the Southern US. My master +beat me to death. I remained anonymous until Earth started space travel +in earnest. It was then that I left Earth. My ship fell into a wormhole +into deep space. It was there that I met my first alien, the last sur- +vivor of a people that had been destroyed by the Borg. He died in my care +some five months later, but I had learned much about his culture. Event- +ually I found my way into Federation space and I met Picard. I claimed to +be a member of the race the alien belonged to. And the rest is history. +Now what about you and MacLeod?" + "I was Awakened in the 1990s. I was hanging around with Mac back then +too, along with his girlfriend Tessa. Tessa was shot to death by gang +members. I was shot that day too. I've been traveling off and on with +him ever since. + "Mac I'm not too sure of. I know he's been around since the 1500s but +he doesn't talk much about his Awakening. I know he's battled more +Immortals before I met him than I've seen since hooking up with him. And +what about Cathaway?" + "I don't know much about her. She tends to avoid me, or any Immortal." + + MacLeod sat in his room staring at a picture when his door chimed. + "Yes?" + The door slid open as Cathaway entered. + MacLeod stood. "Ah, Ensign. Come in, please." + Cathaway looked nervous. MacLeod tried assuring her, "Come on, I don't +bite, and I don't attack unless threatened." + Cautiously, she entered. MacLeod could see her white-knuckled death- +grip on her sword, expecting an ambush of some kind. Slowly, he put his +hand, his sword hand, on hers and gently guided it to a nearby table. + "We're all friends here, Cathaway... I promise I won't hurt you. Now +put the sword down..." + Something in MacLeod's voice calmed her enough that she released her +grip on her sword. Breathing a sigh of relief, MacLeod backed away. + "Would you like something to drink?" + "Ummm... no thank you." + MacLeod walked to the replicator. "2 Synthales" + Two mugs of the liquid appeared and he brought both to Cathaway. + "I said I wasn't thirsty, sir." + "Stop with the formalities and the pretenses. I'm Duncan MacLeod of the +clan MacLeod, not Ambassador MacLeod. I'm an equal, not a superior. The +only difference is that you think I'm going to trick you into a compromis- +ing position so I can kill you and take your Quickening. To prove that +I'm not going to, I'll let you choose the drink, that way if I've poisoned +one you have a 50% chance of choosing the other one, and if I've poisoned +both then we'll both recover at the same time and it won't make a +difference. Now take the drink." + Cathaway chose one and they both drank at the same time. When no ill +effects occured, Cathaway relaxed a little. + "You're probably wondering why I asked you to join my little party +planetside?" MacLeod asked. Cathaway nodded. "Well, I don't want any +mortals endangering themselves needlessly, but we're relatively safe--" + "Unless someone phasers us at maximum level," she said. + "Well, there is that, and there's little I can do about it if they try, +but other than that we're safe." + Cathaway noticed the picture on the table next to where MacLeod was +sitting. "Who's this? Another Immortal? A sweetheart, perhaps?" + "No, it's someone I loved a long time ago. I did my best to save her +life, but..." + Cathaway turned to him. "I know the feeling. When I was on my training +cruise, we were struck by an asteroid that got past our navagation +shields. The section where we were hit was the section where my fiancee +and I were walking. The whole section went up in flames. I was Awakened +that day. No one else survived the explosion. To this day I wish that I +hadn't been cursed with Immortality." + "I didn't know--it's hard falling in love with an Immortal knowing that +you'll outlive her, possibly by centuries... but I can't imagine what it's +like--" + Cathaway turned to face him. She was crying. "That's right, MacLeod! +You can't know the pain I endure every day, knowing that my Adam is dead +because he wasn't born into this curse!" + She grabbed her sword and ran out of MacLeod's room. + + Part 5 + + At 1800 hours Ensign Cathaway entered Transporter Room 5. She was +carrying a tote bag full of things she thought she might need planetside: +spare uniforms, energy packs for her phaser, toiletries, her sword... + MacLeod and his assistant were already waiting. That she knew before +entering, thanks to her damnable Sense. She really hated being Immortal, +but didn't know if she had the courage to end it. Besides, Adam wouldn't +have approved... + Commander Riker was also there, as well as Lt. Worf. She was about to +step onto the transporter pad when she noticed that no one else was making +a move in that direction. + "Something wrong, sirs?" she asked, placing her bag on the pad and +walking over. + Riker cleared his throat. "The situation has escalated. The Captain +has ordered that a qualified security detail be assigned--" + "Despite my objections," MacLeod interrupted. + `I'm sure you objected MacLeod,' Cathaway thought. `You want my Quick- +ening to yourself with no witnesses!' + "In any case," Riker continued, "the Captain has ordered Lt. Worf to +accompany the three of you down. Good luck to you all." + The four stepped onto the pad and Riker barked, "Energize". Cathaway +felt the tingle of her atoms being converted to energy and sent to the +planet's surface. + + As soon as Worf saw the surface of Clari III he pulled out his phaser +and began scanning for potential targets. The beings on this planet were +hostile creatures who might mistake him and those he was sworn to protect +as enemies. + MacLeod placed his hand on Worf's phaser arm and lowered it. "Calm +down, Lieutenant. The last thing we need is for whoever's here to mistake +us for the enemy by a display of weapons." + Worf couldn't argue with MacLeod, because he was right; any display of +hostile intent could cause them to become targets. But at the same time, +MacLeod made him look bad to a subordinate. Worf settled on giving him a +dirty look. + "I'm going to have a look around. A representative of the Tyone faction +was supposed to meet us here and take us to a neutral position where we'd +meet with the Feuhl faction's representative. + "I'll go with you Mac," his assistant said. + "No Richard, you stay with Worf, in case our contact centers on our +transporter signal. Ensign Cathaway, you come with me." + Worf noticed Cathaway tense immediately, but she complied and grabbed +her bag. + + As soon as they were out of sight and earshot from Worf, MacLeod turned +to Cathaway. "Why are you afraid of me?" + The question took Cathaway by surprise. She was expecting MacLeod to go +for his sword and blame her death on `hostile natives', not a direct +question. + "You... you're Immortal..." + "You think all Immortals are cold-blooded killers? If I was, then +Richard would have been dead long ago." + "Richard is..." + "You remember the picture in my quarters?" Cathaway nodded. "He was +with her the day she died. He was Awakened that day. If I was such a +cold-blooded killer, I would have taken his head the day I found out, +while he was still adjusting to the change. Instead I nurtured him and +tried to keep him safe until I felt he was ready to explore the limits of +his new abilities. + "I admit I've taken more than my share of Immortal lives, but never +unless they deserved to die. You think Richie is my only Immortal friend? +I've come close to killing a few friends, only to pull them back to reason +before the Final Strike. One friend I DID kill, but only after he real- +ized that he was a danger to everyone around him if he lived." + "Why was he--" + "He had a dark side that came out and killed those he felt close to. He +had no memory of his dark side's actions; in fact, he thought that it was +a different Immortal. When he realized that his enemy was himself, he +begged me to take his life." + "I'm sorry, MacLeod," Julia said. "It's just that I've run into three +Immortals since my Awakening before you, and all but one of them cared +nothing but to take my head. Friends?" + Julia extended her hand, which MacLeod took. Julia found herself +looking into MacLeod's eyes. She wanted to turn away, but there was +something captivating about him. She was entranced in his eyes, eyes that +have seen eons pass. They gazed at each other for what seemed like an +eternity. The moment before their lips met her communicator switched on. + *Worf to Cathaway* + Julia composed herself and pressed her combadge. "Cathaway here." + *Prima Tu-Jar of the Tyones has arrived. Return to Base Camp immediate- +ly.* + "On our way." + Julia looked at MacLeod. "Perhaps another time... Duncan?" + MacLeod grinned at her. "If it's one thing we have, it's time." + + Part 6 + + Duncan and Julia walked back to the Base Camp. Along the way, they +shared a number of things about themselves, and Julia admitted that the +one other Immortal who didn't try to kill her was Guinan. Guinan helped +her through her fiancee's death and through her own fears about her new +life. + "I had someone like that too. His name was Darius, and for over four +hundred years he was like a father to me... until he was murdered by a +mortal." + Julia noticed that Duncan was very tense when he mentioned Darius. She +was about to question him about Darius's death when she saw Worf and a +squat four-legged orange creature with several pseudopods on its torso +eyestalks all round its conical head. She and Duncan immediately stopped +the conversation. She was told of the dangers of allowing mortals, +especially ones prone to violence, know of the Immortals' existence + Duncan walked up to the creature and addressed it. "Long life to you +and your family. I am Ambassador Duncan MacLeod." + The creature faced Duncan and spoke. "Have peace with your Essence, +MacLeod-Duncan. I am Prima Tu-Jar of the Tyone peoples. It is refreshing +to see a two-leg who knows our customs." Worf sneered at Tu-Jar as it +continued, "The meeting place is ready, as per your specifications. The +Feuhl will be arriving soon, although I do not expect much." + "We must be hopeful, Prima. I take it the Feuhl were the ones to resume +hostilities?" + "Yes. Soon after a large, dark-skinned two-leg arrived, the hostilities +resumed." + "I would be very anxious to meet this... `two-leg' that seems to have +spurred the conflict." + The party arrived at the meeting place, an abandoned underground +shelter. Inside was a table with a single makeshift chair (the Clarians +apparently had no use for such things, as well as two others against the +wall. + "I apologize for not having enough sitting apparatus for your group, but +we were unsure of the size of your group." + "It's quite all right. This will do just fine. Your hospitality is +most appreciated." + Julia heard Richard clear his throat, but Duncan ignored him. "When +will the Feuhl delegate be arriving?" + "Within two cycles. The Feuhl have been informed of your arrival." + "Perhaps we should keep a watch so that the delegate can be welcomed +when it arrives. Do we have sleeping arrangements?" + Tu-Jar seemed confused. "You do not sleep erect? We were unaware of +this detail of two-leg society." + "I'm sure the floor is quite comfortable," Duncan then turned to the +others, "unless you wish the comforts of the Enterprise?" + Richard seemed to consider Duncan's offer to return, but declined. Worf +was duty-bound to remain, while Julia had... her own reasons to stay. + "Then I'll take the first watch with Ensign Cathaway," Duncan said. +"We'll take four-hour shifts, Richard and Lt. Worf will take the other +watch." + "And what shall I do, MacLeod-Duncan?" + Duncan grinned at Tu-Jar. "You'll teach me about your people. It will +help me relate to both delegates better. I'm sure the sociology files the +Federation has don't begin to explain your people's ways." + Tu-Jar made a gutteral warble, which Julia assumed was the way the +Clarians laughed. "You are indeed a wise being, MacLeod-Duncan. I shall +rest until you return from your watch." + + As Duncan prepared to go outside, he was stopped by Richie. + "Why didn't you introduce us, Mac?" + "Because both delegates haven't arrived arrived yet. Get some rest +Richie." + Julia was already waiting for Duncan when he exited the shelter. + "Do you think you'll be able to talk peace with these people?" + "First I need to talk them into renewing the cease-fire. Tu-Jar seems +more than willing to help me, so now I need to work on the Feuhl delegate. +Once I can stop them from killing each other I can try to reach some sort +of treaty." + "What about this other being that he mentioned?" + "*It* mentioned. Clarians are unisexual beings. As far as the being +Tu-Jar mentioned, I'm not sure what to make of that. Someone wants to +keep the hostilities going, and I want to find out why." + "That can wait until the fighting stops. For now, why don't we make a +little peace of our own..." + Duncan then embraced Julia and kissed her. + + Part 7 + + After a day and a half, Duncan had learned much about the Clarians and +the reasons behind the war between the Tyones and the Feuhl. He and Julia +were about to relieve Richie and Lt. Worf when the sound of a phaser dis- +charge was heard and Worf flew backwards down the stairs with a burn on +his chest. + Julia pressed her combadge. "Enterprise, beam Lt. Worf directly to Sick +Bay, he's been hit hard by a phaser!" + Julia turned to Duncan, but he was already bounding up the stairs. + + "Richie!" + Duncan exited the shelter, but there was no sign of Richie or whoever +attacked Lt. Worf. His first thought was that Richie was disintegrated, +but if that was so, why was Worf still intact? No, Richie had to be +hiding or trying to find whoever attacked the shelter. Drawing his sword, +Duncan began searching as well. + After a few minutes, he Sensed someone behind a column. + "Richie?" he whispered. No answer. + He stalked up to the column and whispered Richie's name again. Still no +answer. He came around to face whoever was behind the column, and nearly +caved in Julia's skull. + "Jesus, MacLeod, a simple hello would have done!" she whispered. + "Julia, what're you doing out here? You should be guarding the Prima." + "I had the Enterprise beam Tu-Jar aboard." + "Get there yourself. I don't want to endanger--" + "No way, MacLeod! You're not getting away from me that easily. We'll +split up and find that bastard." + + Richie limped back to the shelter to find it empty. + *Great!* he thought, *either they're all dead or they left thinking I +was. Well, I'm gonna find a way to get home.* + Richie limped out to find his hunter. + + Duncan Sensed someone on the other side of a nearby structure. He hoped +it was Richie. He was starting to worry. He'd been searching for over +twenty minutes and had found Julia three times, but still hadn't found +Richie. + He came around and caught the glint of moving steel and ducked just in +time as the blade of a sword struck the structure where his neck was a +moment ago. + "So, Sinor MacLeod, we meet again. Thees time only one of us shall walk +away!" + Duncan stood poised to face a man he had not seen since the Alamo. + + Captain Picard entered Sick Bay to see his head of security under a +surgical unit. + "What's his status, Doctor?" + Dr. Crusher's eyes never left the screen she was looking at. "He was +hit by a phaser down there. He's in critical condition, and not improving +very well." + "Will he be all right?" + "I don't know. He was hit square in the chest. Whoever hit him was an +excellent shot and knew exactly where to hit him. If not for Ensign +Cathaway's quick response he'd be dead." + Picard pressed his combadge. "Picard to Bridge." + *Riker here.* + "Any word from the Away Team since the attack on Lt. Worf?" + *Ensign Cathaway had Prima Tu-Jar beamed aboard and said she was going +to try to capture whoever attacked the Away Team, thinking it might be a +link to whoever renewed conflicts down there.* + "Keep track of her. And send down a security detail to help in the +search. Picard out." + + Julia ran to the sound of steel on steel. She was stopped by Richard. + "What's going on?" + "Mac's found our attacker... an Immortal." + "How do you know that?" + "I Sensed him just before Worf was hit. How is he?" + "He was barely alive when I had him returned to the ship." + "And the Prima?" + "Safe. We've got to help Duncan!" + "It's his fight. We can't interfere. It's part of the Rules. You know +that." + "But--" + Julia watched helplessly as she saw Duncan gaining an upper hand, +backing his foe against one of the columns. Suddenly Duncan was thrown +back by a phaser discharge. + The other Immortal holstered his phaser and sauntered up to Duncan. + "So Sinor MacLeod, eet seems that you fell for the same treeck twice, +eh?" + The Immortal poised over Duncan for the Final Strike. + "NO!" Julia screamed as she charged him. Throwing her fury behind her, +she knocked the Immortal back. But he was quick to recover and hit her +behind the neck with his sword, sending her reeling. + "You should not be so queek to die, sinorita," he said as he swung his +sword to her neck... + ...And was blown back by a phaser blast. Three officers from the +Enterprise rushed into the battlesite. + "Away team to Enterprise. Six to beam up and one to beam to the Brig." + + Part 8 + + CAPTAIN'S LOG: Stardate 48397.4 We have captured the leader of the +Feuhl military, an Earthling known as Sancho Marin. We have not yet found +out why he's trying to escalate hostilities here, or even how he managed +to survive a direct hit from a phaser, but I intend to find out. Ambass- +ador MacLeod and the away team assigned to him, with Lt. Dijar replacing +an injured Lt. Worf have since returned to the surface to begin negotia- +tions between the two factions. + + Julia watched as Duncan disarmed the tempers of Prima Tu-Jar and the +Feuhl delegate, Ryla Drei-Fru. + "But we have no promise that the Feuhl will keep the cease-fire this +time! Your military advisor, Marin-Sancho, could not have brought you to +battle if you did not wish to go." + "It has a point," Duncan said. "What promise can you give that you'll +keep your end of the bargain, Ryla?" + "I swear on the blood of my children that we will not attack the Tyone +as long as Marin-Sancho remains away. His followers were few, but they +were enough to convince the Tyones that we wished to continue the attack. +Without their leader, his followers have no direction." + MacLeod stretched. "Well, it's getting late. I think we have enough +trust between us that no one will try to kill the other, so why don't we +rest for the night and start talks in earnest tomorrow?" + "Agreed, MacLeod-Duncan." + "I concur." + "At last," Julia mumbled to Dijar. "I thought he'd NEVER get those two +to speaking terms..." + Julia and Duncan went to the back room as Dijar stood guard. Dijar, a +Ceradian, only needed sleep once every standard month for 72 standard +hours. Because of this, Ceradians were excellent as sentries or guards. +Riker certainly picked a good replacement for the Klingon. + Julia looked at the cots that MacLeod had replicated. These were +certainly more comfortable-looking than the floor. + She was asleep moments after lying down. + + "I advise against this, sir," Riker said as he and Picard headed toward +the brig. + "I understand your concern, Number One, but if he won't talk we have to +do this." + They arrived at Marin's cell. Waiting there was Lt. T'dor, a Vulcan +from Behavioral Sciences. The Vulcan nodded to the Captain and his first +officer as they approached. + "Hello Mr. T'dor." + "Captain, Commander. I am ready to perform the mindmeld, with your +permission." + "Make it so." Picard said as the security officer trained his phaser on +Marin and released the force field. + Marin didn't move as T'dor entered and began the ritual. + "My mind to your mind... my thoughts to--" + Suddenly, as quick as thought, Marin seized the Vulcan officer and used +him as a shield. + "Let me go, or your pointy-eared amigo weel have an odd angle to hees +head!" + `Captain,' Data said, `Sensors are picking up a ship approaching fast.' + "What type?" Picard asked. + `Unknown.' + "Go to Yellow Alert." + `Aye sir.' + Sancho Marin merely smiled. + + Part 9 + + Julia and Duncan were walking hand-in-hand under the twin moons of Clari +III. Julia couldn't remember being happier than she was by Duncan's side. +She never thought she could feel this way after Adam's death... + *Adam,* she thought, *I'll always love you, but I don't want to be alone +any more--* + Julia's thoughts were interrupted as a phaser blast hit the pillar near +the pair and Sancho Marin jumped the pair. Duncan pulled out his sword +and pushed Julia away, telling her to get to safety. + The next few moments seemed to happen in slow motion as the combatants +clashed swords. + Duncan pressed the offensive, trying to get Marin away from her. + "Ah, Sinor MacLeod, you are mucho aggressive when you have the sinorita +to defend, eh?" + "You'll not touch her while I still live!" + "Then I shall have to make you no longer live." + Suddenly Marin charged Duncan, forcing him back until Marin gained the +upper hand. Duncan tripped onto his back and fell prey to Marin's sword. +As he soaked up Duncan's Quickening, Duncan's head rolled in her direc- +tion. She looked at in horror as she stared into the vacant eyes of her +dead lover... Adam?! + She was so horrified by what she saw that she didn't hear Marin's +Quickening finish. + "Well, well... looks like Sinor MacLeod died in vain, eh?" + Marin's sword flew toward her neck... + ...and she woke up. + + Data sat in the command chair. He was the only crisis-experienced +officer on the bridge. + *Go to Yellow Alert,* Captain Picard said from the brig. + "Yellow Alert, Mr. Kaal," Data said to the Tactical officer on duty. + "Raising shields," Ensign Kaal said as the klaxons wailed. + "Captain," Data said, "we may have to break orbit. I am alerting the +away team of our situation." + *Make it so. I'll return to the bridge as soon as the situation here is +resolved.* + "Understood. Data out. Helm, talk us to 356 Mark 67, Warp 3." + "Heading set and engaged, sir," Lt. Dhemn, the Navigation Officer, +stated. + "The ship is powering up weapons!" + "Go to Red Alert." + The klaxons wailed more urgently as the weapon systems were brought +online. The ship shook under enemy fire. + "Enemy weapons barely touched the shields, sir. Maybe they're no threat +to us after all." + "I do not think that is the case, Mr. Kaal. If I am correct, the ship +pursuing us wants our prisoner intact. But why would they chase us...?" + + "My followers weel not rest unteel I am free, Sinor Picard." + "Then they'll be awake a long time," Riker stated. + "Don't be so hasty, Number One," Picard whispered to his first officer. +"Don't forget he has Lt. T'dor in his custody." + He then spoke aloud. "If we let you go, will you agree to leave Clari +III?" + "You have my word as a Mexican, Sinor Picard." + "I still don't trust him sir," Riker murmured to his Captain. + "Nor do I, Number One, but what choice do we have?" + Picard tapped his combadge. "Picard to transporter room. standby for +transit to the pursuing vessel." + *Standing by.* + "If you release Lt. T'dor, I'll beam you back to your ship. + "I think I like thees Vulcan's company, so he weel amuse me unteel I am +returned." + Picard tapped his combadge again. "Mr. Data, signal the vessel that +we'll be returning their leader to them." + *Understood, sir.* + + Duncan exited the shelter to the windy Clarian night. He saw Julia +standing with her back to him about ten meters away, her hair blowing in +the breeze. He approached her and placed his hand on her shoulder. She +shrugged it off and backed away. + "Julia, what's wrong?" + "I can't be involved with you any more, MacLeod... I can't take losing +another man I care for." + "Julia..." + "Duncan, please... just go." + Duncan walked away silently. He didn't see Julia's tear-streaked face +under the twin Clarian moons. + + Part 10 + + Counselor Troi quietly entered from the turbolift and watched the events +from the Science stations. Data was, of course, the epitomy of calm on +the bridge. The rest were young officers who would have been replaced by +the more experiences department heads, were they able to report to the +bridge, but the Captain and Will were handling the hostage situation in +the brig and Lt. Worf was recovering from his wounds in- flicted by Sancho +Marin. These were mere babes, hinging on Data's every command and +counting on him to save them. She didn't need to be an empath to feel +their fear of making a mistake that could cause the deaths of every man, +woman, and child on the Enterprise. + *Picard to Data. We're ready to transport.* + "Understood Captain. We will lower shields momentarily." + Lt. Kaal pressed a few buttons on his station and indicated that he had +lowered shields. + "Hail the vessel," Data said. + The bridge of the vessel came up. It was filled with Clarians. Marin +still had Lt. T'dor in his grip. + "Ah, Enterprise. Muchos gracias for freeing me... now I shall have the +honor of destroying you," Marin said as he effortlessly snapped T'dor's +neck and tossed him aside. + "Shields up! Red Alert!" Data ordered as the screen shifted back to +the vessel. + The vessel fired phasers and photon torpedos, the Enterprise shook +violently. + "Shields down to 35%, Mr. Data!" + "Helm, evasive maneuvers. Mr. Kaal, return fire. Data to Captain +Picard." + As the Enterprise fired its weapons, the vessel disappeared. + "Cloaking device activated, sir." Kaal reported. + *Crusher to bridge* + "Data here. Go ahead Doctor." + *Data, that attack seems to have knocked the Captain and Commander Riker +unconscious.* + "Are they injured?" + *They appear to have concussions, but I don't know how bad yet. There +are a lot of casualties coming in that are more serious.* + "Understood Doctor. Keep me informed. Data out." + Dianna felt the tension on the bridge climb even higher as the bridge +crew realized they were on their own. + "Damage report, Mr. Kaal?" + Kaal looked at the readouts coming in. "Warp Drive damaged; we can only +get to Warp 2 until repairs are made... Impulse engines also seem to be +hard hit as well... communications are out... Decks 10 through 19 report +heavy damage... they hit us hard, sir. + Data stroked his chin in a fashion that he saw other crewmen do when +they were deep in thought. + "Bridge to Sick Bay." + *Crusher here.* + "Doctor, transfer all wounded to the saucer section. I am taking the +drive section back to Clari III while the saucer section is taken to the +nearest starbase." + Data then turned to Troi. "Counselor, I want you to assume command of +the saucer section--" + "Data," Dianna said, "Why are you separating the ship?" + "Because I must protect the lives of the injured and the crew's +families--" + "But Data, these people aren't battle-experienced. Wouldn't it be +better to--" + Data looked squarely at Troi, and she thought she could almost feel a +glimmer of concern from him. "Counselor, no one is ever ready for their +first battle. Most hope they never have to face another being in a +contest where there is a good chance only one will survive. But Ambass- +ador MacLeod's group is back at Clari III, and the Clarians are trying to +achieve peace... a peace that can not happen if Mr. Marin returns. For +the sake of a world's safety, we must place our own safety aside." + Dianna had never seen Data like this. If she didn't know better, she +would have thought that Data was trying to avenge a blow to his pride in +allowing the Enterprise to be crippled under his command. + "All right, Data. I'll get them to safety. You do what you feel is +right." + Data turned to his bridge crew. "Please report to the Battle Bridge and +prepare for separation." + + Duncan sat by the entrance to the shelter. He couldn't understand why +Julia had sent him away. All he knew was it hurt... he hadn't felt so +hurt in almost 400 years... since Tessa's death. He could almost feel her +body in his arms... and the bodies of all the others he'd loved and lost +in his 800 years of existence. He couldn't begin to count the people that +he cared for, male and female, lovers and friends, mortal and Immortal, +who died despite his best efforts to save them. + + (The Alamo: Duncan heard the charge of the Mexican army as they stormed +the fort. The brave Texans and their allies valiantly fought to keep +their enemy out, but eventually it proved to be to no avail. He saw the +body of Davy Crockett fall from the platform above to his feet. He +checked Crockett's pulse, already knowing there would be none. + Suddenly, the Mexicans burst through the doors of the fort. Duncan +charged the onslaught and wound up fighting alongside Pierre. + "Quite ze fight, eh mon ami?" + "Just watch your back and don't let them in!" + Suddenly a shot hit Pierre square in the chest and he crumpled. + "Pierre!" Duncan knelt before his friend. + "Please.... mon.. ami....... do an old.. Quebecois proud....... Do +not... let ze Mexicans...... ween........" + "Don't die on me, Pierre! Please don't die...") + + "Duncan?" + Duncan slowly lifted his head to see Julia looking at him. + "Hi." + "Listen, I'm sorry I was hard on you like that--" + Duncan placed a finger over her mouth. "Shhhh.... you don't need to +explain. If it's what you want..." + "I don't, but I'm just afraid of seeing you die." + Duncan held his hand out to her. As she accepted it he pulled her down +and held her close. + "I know. It's one of the prices of Immortality." + + Part 11 + + Data and his bridge crew sat ready on the Battle Bridge. Each of them +knew this was for real. The slightest mistake could cost them the lives +of everyone in the drive section. + *Troi to Data. We're ready to separate.* + "Commence separation maneuver Counselor," Data said. + As the saucer section sped away, Data said, "helm, set course back to +Clari III, best possible speed." + "Course laid in and engaged, sir." + "Go to red alert, Mr. Kaal." + + Duncan was worried. The Enterprise had not acknowledged his check-in +for over two hours. He hoped nothing had gone wrong, but when dealing +with an Immortal one could never tell. + Julia walked up to him. "The Enterprise is capable of handling itself, +you know. She doesn't need you to worry about her." + "If it was just Marin we were dealing with I'd agree with you, but he +has followers and I'm not sure what kind of resources they have. They may +be able to obtain something that could destroy the Enterprise." + "At least the talks are almost over. Personally, I think Richie and Lt. +Dijar are going stir-crazy waiting for something to happen." + + "Damage control reports impulse power restored... shields up to full power." + "Thank you, Mr. Kaal. Estimated time to Clari III?" + "Estimating 4 hours, 23 minutes, sir." + "I only hope we will not be too late..." + + Part 12 + + The drive section took an orbit around Clari III. There was no sign of +Sancho Marin's vessel. + "Open a channel to the Away Team, Mr. Kaal." + "Channel open, sir" + "Enterprise to Away Team. Report please." + *Enterprise, this is Ensign Cathaway. Where have you been? Is some- +thing wrong up there?* + Data briefed the Away Team of the situation. *So Marin could return at +any time, then?* + "I do not know. It would seem likely that he would return here to +resume the hostilities again--" + Suddenly the drive section was rocked from a phaser blast. + "Shields down to 54% sir!" Lt. Kaal announced. "Sensors indicate that +they appeared briefly and cloaked again." + "Find them, Mr. Kaal. Lt. Dhemn, scan the area for somewhere where we +might be able to... even the odds." Data mentally patted himself on the +back for being able to use one of the phrases he picked up from Commander +Riker. + + "I do not understand your concern, MacLeod-Duncan," Drei-Fru said. "I +have assured you that the Feuhl will not resume conflicts--" + "But there is no way the Tyones could know that," Tu-Jar said for +Duncan. + Duncan was worried. Not only did he need to worry about the peace talks +breaking down, but he knew Marin would be back to have another go at +either Richie, Julia, or himself, and he didn't need to have either +delegate or Lt. Dijar endangered because of the three Immortals. + "It's me Marin's after. He'll be back to finish the job. I'm going +out there to provide him with a target besides the five of you--" + "No way, Mac," Richie said. " I'm going with you. We're in this +together." + "And if you think I'm letting you out of my sight for one minute, Duncan +MacLeod, you've got another think coming!" + Duncan was touched by his friends' loyalty, but only briefly as a band +of Clarians burst into the shelter, phasers drawn. + + "I think I've found something, sir," Lt. Dhemn stated as another phaser +burst rocked the drive section. + "Shields down to 32%," Lt. Kaal announced. + "Lay in a course, best possible speed," Data said calmly. + "Course laid in, sir," Dhemn stated. + "Engage." + As the drive section sped toward Dhemn's "odds-evener", Data looked +over Dhemn's shoulder. + "All right, Lieutenant, show me what you have found." + Dhemn's panel screen lit up as he spoke. "The Ydires Nebula. If we +reconfigure the sensor array to 5338 angstroms, we should be able to use +the ionized particles of the nebula to track the vessel's exhaust trail, +even if it's cloaked." + "Well done, Lt. Dhemn. Lt. Kaal, adjust the sensors accordingly. Time to +the nebula?" + "Estimating twenty minutes at this speed," Dhemn announced. + + Part 13 + + The Clarians attacked with a ferocity that Duncan had not seen in some +time. Prima Tu-Jar and Ryla Drei-Fru retreated to the sleeping chamber. +Duncan, Richie, Julia, and Lt. Dijar had hidden behind crates and tables +to shield them from the phaser fire. + "Just like the Alamo," Duncan mumbled. + "Sir?" Dijar queried. + "A similar situation I was in a long time ago," Duncan said, phasering +one of the attackers. + Slowly, the number of attackers was dwindling, but how long did they +have before their phasers ran dry? + + The Enterprise rocked again as it entered the Ydires Nebula. + "Shields down to 16%. Sir, one more hit could penetrate the hull!" + Data studied the viewscreen as he spoke. "I am well aware of that +fact, Lieutenant. Any sign of the vessel?" + "I think I have something...036 mark 64, range 45,000 kilometers." + "Lock phasers and fire!" + The Enterprise's phasers connected and, for the first time, the battle +bridge crew felt as if they had a chance of surviving. + + The away team stood victorious, though their phasers were nearly +drained. They managed to take a prisoner and find out where Marin was +hiding. + "I'm going after them," Duncan said. + "Not without us," Richie stated. + "Not this time, Richie," Duncan said. "I need you to guard the +delegates and try to get them to safety. I'll contact you in 24 hours. + Grabbing the phaser with the most power, Duncan ran off after Sancho Marin. + + Part 14 + + The drive section exchanged blows with the Clarian craft for some time. +The Enterprise, having already been weakened, was getting the worst of it. + The ship rocked yet again. + *Data,* Geordi called from Engineering, *the containment fields on the +warp drive are collapsing! If Engineering takes another hit--* + "Understood Geordi. Do we still have warp power?" + *Yeah, but I wouldn't push it too hard until we canh stabilize the field.* + "Helm, get us out of here, best possible speed." + The drive section sped away. After a few moments of disorientation, +the Clarians followed. + "They're gaining," Lt. Kaal said. + "Geordi," Data said, "I am about to do something that might be consid- +ered...suicidal. Can the ship take full reverse?" + *Are you NUTS, Data?! The strain put on the ship at this speed would +be tricky if the ship was intact, but in the shape it's in--* + "Can you draw power into the inertial dampers? Perhaps that will +decrease the strain." + *Hell, anything's possible. I'm shutting down all nonessential systems +...that means you may have to deal with emergency lighting only...give me +five minutes.* + "We do not have five minutes, Geordi. The Clarian ship is faster and +more maneuverable than we are currently." + Geordi sighed. *I'll see what I can do. Buy me three minutes. +LaForge out.* + "Mr. Kaal, I want a spread of Photon Torpedoes that will keep the +Clarian ship from coming within firing range." + Kaal looked at Data quizzically. "Sir?" + "The Clarians' Torpedoes have a considerably shorter range than ours. +We must keep them beyond that range." Data walked over to Kaal's panel +and pulled up a tactical display. "Fire the torpedoes in such a way that +the Clarians will have to slow to avoid getting hit, in a conical +pattern." + Kaal's face lit up in understanding. "With their ship caught in the +middle beyond firing range! But why not fire dirctly at them?" + "Their shields are more able to take direct hits. No doubt they have +boosted frontal shield power. Therefore, I am going to attemp reversing +warp speed to get behind them and attack their weaker side before they +can react." + Kaal set the firing array. "Spread ready, sir. Awaiting your orders." + Data returned to the command chair. "Wait until we are aklmost within +their firing range, then fire the spread. Boost frontal shields." + Data's firing spread kept the Clarians at bay, though they tried to hit +the drive section . The few shots that reached the ship weren't enough to +penetrate the shields. + *LaForge to Bridge, you have your boosted dampers. I hope you know what +you're doing, Data.* + "Helm, reverse thrust, maximum warp!" + The drive section strained under the sudden change in thrust. The +inertial dampers were hard-pressed to keep the ship together. The +Clarian ship shot by the drive section. + "Fire all weapons, now!" + The drive section unloaded everything onto the Clarians' rear. The +ship shuddered as its rear shield began collapsing. Then, it disappeared. + "Sensors are still picking it up," Kaal announced. "Apparently their +cloaking system was damaged." + "Make them aware of that fact, Mr. Kaal," Data said. + A single torpedo was fired, impacting on the Clarian vessel. + "They appear to be heading back to Clari III." + "Mr. Dhemn, get us there, best possible speed. Bridge to Engineering, +damage report?" + *We took a beating from that maneuver, but we're still holding together. +We can give you warp 3, no higher.* + "Understood. I only hope the Ambassador will be all right." + + Part 15 + + Duncan crept into the fortress Sancho Marin was using. After rounding +a corner and making sure there were no guards, he said, "You can stop +trying to follow me. You should have known that I could Sense you..." + Julia sheepishly crept from the shadows. + "What the hell are you doing here, Julia?" + "No way was I gonna let you out of my sight, Duncan MacLeod," she said +in retaliation. + Suddenly, the pair Sensed someone approaching. + "Did Richie follow you?" Duncan asked. + "Not that I know of," Julia answered. + The pair turned to see Marin approach. + "Well, Sinor MacLeod...shall we dance?" + Duncan drew his sword and the pair circled each other. + *Why did I have to be an Immortal?* Julia thought. *I just wanted to +be a Starfleet researcher, and now I've got to watch the man I love face +death yet again!* + Julia unconciously drew her phaser as Marin and Duncan clashed swords. +Duncan was forced back until he was close to the edge of the floor. Marin +swung and Duncan dodged, but lost his balance and fell over the edge. + Marin cartefully aimed his phaser at Duncan, who was sprawled on the +ground recovering from the fall. "As much as I would love to take your +Queekening, eet would be much easier to destroy you." + "NO!" Julia screamed as she fired on Marin. The phaser blast knocked +Marin over the edge as well, and watched the battle from above. She knew +she'd bought Duncan time to recover. + Duncan rose to his feet first and immediately attacked. Marin was hard- +pressed to defend himself. Duncan saw Marin draw his phaser, but before +Marin could fire it, Duncan attacked the phaser with a blow that removed +Marin's hand. + Marin's scream alerted the guards, who charged in, guns blazing. This +distraction gave Marin enough time to activate his communicator. + "Amigos," he said through gritted teeth, "get me away from here!" + Marin disappeared in a transporter beam, leaving his allies behind. + + CAPTAIN'S LOG: Stardate 38434.7. The drive section has rejoined the +saucer section at Starbase 136. Sancho Marin has escaped, but the Clari- +ans have signed a peace treaty thanks to Ambassador MacLeod. Ensign +Cathaway has given her resignation from Starfleet to join the Ambassador +on his next assignment: overseeing diplomatic relations in the Gamma +Quadrant. The trio will be transferring to the USS Serties in a few +hours. + + Captain Picard and Commander Riker entered Transporter Room 5 with +Duncan, Richie, and Julia Cathaway. + "Well, I want to thank you for all your help, Captain," Duncan said. + "The thanks should go to you for your help with the Clarians," Picard +said. + Suddenly, Duncan, Julia, and Richie looked a little distant as Guinan +entered. + "I should've known I couldn't leave quietly," Richie smirked. + "Don't flatter yourself, kid," Guinan said flatly, "I'm here to say +goodbye to Julia." + Julia and Guinan embraced each other. + "Take care of the ship, Guinan," Julia whispered. + "And don't you lose your head over MacLeod," Guinan warned Julia. + The trio stepped onto the transporter pad. + "Energize," Duncan said, and with a shimmer of light, they were gone. + +-- +***************************************************************************** + Prince John III jfm@christa.unh.edu + Join the Government of New Atlantis...Email me today and ask how! + "You want it all but you can't have it!" -- Faith No More + + + diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/trekmlin.txt b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/trekmlin.txt new file mode 100644 index 00000000..74629259 --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/trekmlin.txt @@ -0,0 +1,841 @@ +From: rfd@po.CWRU.Edu (Richard F. Drushel) +Date: 15 Dec 92 17:41:00 GMT +Newsgroups: rec.arts.startrek.misc +Subject: FAQL: MULTI-LINGUAL "STAR TREK" / Version 3.0 / 9212.15 + + +====================================================================== + FREQUENTLY-ASKED QUESTIONS LIST: MULTI-LINGUAL "STAR TREK" + version 3.0 Stardate 9212.15. + compiled by Richard F. Drushel (rfd@po.cwru.edu) + +Version history. + + 9212.15 RFD Version 3.0 moved Version History to top of file, + explicit statement of posting frequency + on r.a.s.misc, corrections to 2d, 4a; + additions to 3a, 3c, 4a; added 2k, 2l, + 2m, 2n. + 9211.25 RFD Version 2.0 longer "About" section, Scandinavian + character support, added 2i, 3b, 3c, 3d, + 4a. + 9210.19 RFD Version 1.0 original file + +====================================================================== + + Contents: + + 1. About this file + a. What it's all about + b. Standard disclaimers + c. Orthographic conventions + 2. Opening voiceover + a. TOS-English + b. ST2:TWOK-English + c. TNG-English + d. TOS-German (TV) + e. TOS-German (cards) + f. TNG-German (broadcast TV) + g. TNG-Italian + h. TNG-Finnish + i. TOS-Swedish + j. TNG-Mock Swedish + k. TNG-Dutch + l. TNG-German (video) + m. ST2:TWOK-German + n. ST3:TSFS-German + 3. Episode titles + a. TOS-German + b. TNG-German + c. TNG-Finnish + d. TOS-Japanese + 4. Interesting words and phrases + a. Finnish + +====================================================================== + +1. About this file. + +1a. What it's all about. + + This FAQL (Frequently-Asked Questions Listing) draws together +interesting bits from various translations of "Star Trek" into non- +English languages. I have compiled it from E-mail submissions, +posted information on rec.arts.startrek.*, and my own collection of +"Star Trek" media. The sources I used are credited after each entry. + + I will attempt to post this FAQL to rec.arts.startrek.misc on the +1st and 15th of each month. This is the posting cycle observed by most +other FAQL keepers. If for some reason I should lose my USENET access, +or be otherwise unable to maintain this FAQL, I will attempt to leave it +in the custody of a reliable someone who can. + + The Version Number will increment by units of 1.0 any time a +change is made to the FAQL, be it addition, deletion, or correction. +All changes will be noted in the Version History section, conveniently +located at the top of the FAQL so you can see if it has changed since +the last time you read/downloaded it. [Thanks to Carol Botterton +(botteron@bu-it.bu.edu) for this suggestion.] I will always post the +Version Number and Date in the Subject: line of each repost. + + This FAQL is not copyrighted by me. (How *could* it be?) Feel free +to use all of it or part of it in your newsletters, BBS information files, +in any *NON-PROFIT* way you wish (that is, don't print it on a laser printer +and sell it at $10 per copy). If, however, you use isolated entries from +this FAQL, I *DO* ask that + + (1) you credit Paramount Pictures Corp. as the copyright holder + for the "Star Trek" universe; + (2) you credit me and this FAQL as the collection source; and + (3) you credit the person(s) who contributed each entry to the FAQL. + +This is simply a courtesy to those who have helped create and maintain +this document for all the "Star Trek" community. + + Additions and corrections are *ALWAYS* welcome! Send E-mail to +rfd@po.cwru.edu. + +1b. Standard disclaimers. + + "Star Trek", "U.S.S. Enterprise", and "To boldly go where no man +has gone before" are registered trademarks of Paramount Pictures Corp. +The copyrights on individual items in this FAQL remain with the owners. +This collection has been assembled without the permission of Paramount +Pictures Corp., and may not be redistributed in whole or in part for +profit without such permission. I think that covers everything... :) + +1c. Orthographic conventions. + + As Europeans are painfully aware, the 7-bit ASCII character set +used on USENET lacks many characters commonly used in non-English +languages. The following conventions are used for the representation of +Scandinavian characters: + + [ A-umlaut \ O-umlaut + { a-umlaut | o-umlaut + + German a-umlaut, o-umlaut and u-umlaut are represented as ae, +oe and ue, respectively. I have decided to to represent the German +esszet as a capital B rather than ss or sz (that's what we always did +in German class :) + +====================================================================== + +2. Opening voiceover. Next to the misquote "Beam me up, Scotty!", this + is the signature of the "Star Trek" universe... Pronunciation note: + Both Shatner and Stewart say "civil-eye-zashuns", while Nimoy says + "civil-uh-zashuns". + +2a. TOS-English. Voiced by William Shatner. + + Space...the final frontier. These are the voyages of the + starship "Enterprise". Its five-year mission: To explore + strange, new worlds. To seek out new life, and new + civilizations. To boldly go where no man has gone before. + + [From: TOS audio] + +2b. ST2:TWOK. Voiced by Leonard Nimoy before the *closing* credits. + + Space...the final frontier. These are the voyages of the + starship "Enterprise". Her ongoing mission: To explore + strange, new worlds. To seek out new life forms, and new + civilizations. To boldly go where no man has gone before. + + [From: ST2:TWOK motion picture soundtrack (1982). Atlantic SD-19363] + +2c. TNG. Voiced by Patrick Stewart. + + Space...the final frontier. These are the voyages of the + starship "Enterprise". Its continuing mission: To explore + strange, new worlds. To seek out new life, and new + civilizations. To boldly go where no one has gone before. + + [From: TNG audio] + +2d. TOS-German (TV). TOS is called "Raumschiff Enterprise" (Starship + Enterprise). The opening is not a literal translation from English. + Unidentified voiceover: + + Der Weltraum -- unendliche Weiten. Wir schreiben das Jahr 2200. + Dies sind die Abenteuer des Raumschiffs Enterprise, das mit + seiner 400 Mann starken Besatzung fuenf Jahre lang unterwegs + ist, um neue Welten zu erforschen, neues Leben und neue + Zivilisation. Viele Lichtjahre von der Erde entfernt, dringt + die Enterprise dabei in Galaxien vor, die nie ein Mensch zuvor + gesehen hat. + + [Space -- infinite vastness. This is the year 2200. These are + the adventures of the Starship Enterprise. With its crew of 400 + men, it is underway for five years, to explore new worlds, new + life, and new civilisations. Many lightyears away from Earth, + the starship Enterprise penetrates into galaxies that no human + has seen before.] + + [From: bjelli@cosy.sbg.ac.at (Brigitte Jellinek), with correction + by fuhrhop@fokus.berlin.gmd.dbp.de (Christian Fuhrhop)] + +2e. TOS-German (cards). This is taken from the TNG Inaugural + Trading Card Set. It is a literal translation from English. + Note that "Starship" is not a German word; the correct word is + "Raumschiff". + + Das All, die endgultige Grenze. Dies sind die Reisen vom + Starship "Enterprise". Sein stetiger Auftrag ist fremde, neue + Weiten zu erforschen, nach neuem Leben und neuen Zivilisationen + zu suchen und es zu wagen dorthin zu gehen, wo noch kein Mensch + zuvor gewesen ist. + + [From: tomcat@cwis.unomaha.edu (Jeffrey S. Jo)] + +2f. TNG-German (broadcast TV version). TNG is called "Raumschiff + Enterprise: Der Naechste Jahrhundert" (Starship Enterprise: The Next + Century). Unidentified voiceover: + + Der Weltraum - unendliche Weiten. Wir befinden uns in einer fernen + Zukunft. Dies sind die Abenteuer des neuen Raumschiffs Enterprise, + das viele Lichtjahre von der Erde entfernt unterwegs ist, um fremde + Welten zu entdecken, unbekannte Lebensformen und neue Zivilisationen. + Die Enterprise dringt dabei in Galaxien vor, die nie ein Mensch zuvor + gesehen hat. + + [Space -- infinite vastness. This is a distant future . These are + the adventures of the new starship Enterprise. Many lightyears away + from Earth it is on its way to explore new worlds, unknown life-forms, + and new civilisations. The starship Enterprise penetrates into + galaxies that no human has seen before.] + + [From: bjelli@cosy.sbg.ac.at (Brigitte Jellinek)] + +2g. TNG-Italian. + + Spazio, l'ultima frontiera, + questi sono i viaggi dell'astronave Enterprise, + nells sua continua missione + per esplorare nuovi mondi, + per incontrare nuove forme di vita a nuove civilizzazioni, + per andare dove nessuno e' mai stato prima d'ora. + + [From: adamsf@gw.wmich.edu (Fran Adams)] + +2h. TNG-Finnish. This intro is subtitled (the show is not dubbed). + The first line is quite appropriate for a forest industry-oriented + country :) + + Star Trek - uusi sukupolvi [Star Trek - The New Generation] + + Avaruus, tuo k{ym{tt|mist{ korpimaista viho viimeinen. + T{ss{ kerrotaan t{htilaiva Enterprisen retkist{: + sen jatkuvasta teht{v{st{ tutkia outoja maailmoja, + etsi{ uusia eli|muotoja ja kulttuureja, + rohkeasti menn{ sinne minne ihminen ei ole ennen mennyt. + + [Space, the very last of the wildwoods where no one has ever + threaded. Here is told about the treks of the starship Enterprise: + about its continuing mission to explore strange worlds, to seek out + new life forms and cultures, to boldly go where no human has gone + before.] + + [From: jyrtsi@vipunen.hut.fi (Jyri-Pekka J{rvinen)] + +2i. TOS-Swedish. As broadcast on the Nordic/TV5 channel. + + Rymden -- den yttersta gr{nsen. + Stj{rnskeppet Enterprises uppdrag {r + att utforska nya, ok{nda v{rldar. + Att finna nya + livsformer och kulturer. + Att tappert fara till platser + d{r ingen m{nniska naagonsin varit. + + [From: Rudolf.Hersen@era-t.ericsson.se (Rudolf Hersen)] + +2j. TNG-Mock Swedish. As might be spoken by The Swedish Chef from + "The Muppet Show": + + Spacee....de final frontyoor. + Deez are de voyageen uff de stoorship "Oonterpreez". + Eets oon-i-gooen mishun -- to exploore strangee noo woorlds, + To seekee oot noo lifee, und noo civiloozashuns, + To booldly goo whar noo won has i-gon befyor! + + [From: rfd@po.CWRU.edu (Richard F. Drushel)] + +2k. TNG-Dutch. Here is the 'official' subtitle translation of the opening + lines of TNG from Dutch television: + + De ruimte. De laatste grens. + Dit zijn de reizen van het sterreschip Enterprise. + Haar ononderbroken missie: Het verkennen van verre werelden. + Zoeken naar nieuw leven en nieuwe beschavingen. + Gaan waar niemand ooit is voorgegaan. + + [Some people on soc.culture.netherlands complained of the literalness + of this translation. "Ononderbroken" means continuous and not + continuing; "voortgande" would have been better. "Verre" means far + or distant, but a more meaningful translation would be "vreemde" + (foreign). The last sentence is dry like "go where nobody's been". + Someone suggested "Onbevreesd gaan waar nog nooit iemand heen gegaan + is", which better reflects the sentiment of "boldly".] + + [From: john.lindeyer@synapse.org (John Lindeyer)] + +2l. TNG-German (video version): + + Der Weltraum -- unendliche Weiten. Dies sind die Abenteuer des + Raumschiffs Enterprise, auf seiner Reise zu neuen Welten, um neues + Leben und neue Zivilisationen zu erforschen, wo noch niemand gewesen + ist. + + [Space -- infinite vastness. These are the adventures of the spaceship + Enterprise on its journey to new worlds, to explore new life and new + civilizations, where no one has been before. + + [From: fuhrhop@fokus.berlin.gmd.dbp.de (Christian Fuhrhop)] + +2m. ST2:TWOK-German. Voiced before the *closing* credits. Note that this + is a very broad paraphrase of the original English text. + + Der Weltraum bleibt die grosse Herausforderung. + Das Raumschiff Enterprise stoesst auf seinen Reisen + in immer neue Gebiete vor. Es bleibt seine Aufgabe + ungewoehnliche neue Welten zu erkunden, auf die Suche + zu gehen nach neuen Lebensformen. Mutig stoesst die + Enterprise dorthin vor, wo noch kein Mensch gewesen ist. + + [Space remains the final challenge. + The spaceship Enterprise reaches ever new areas on + its journeys. It remains its task to scout no-ordinary + new worlds, in search of new lifeforms. Boldly the + Enterprise travels where no human has been before.] + + [From: fuhrhop@fokus.berlin.gmd.dbp.de (Christian Fuhrhop)] + +2n. ST3:TSFS-German. Voiced before the opening credits. This is another + broad paraphrase of the original English text. + + Der Weltraum -- in seiner Unendlichkeit unsere letzte + grosse Herausforderung. Immer wieder stoesst das Raumschiff + Enterprise auf seinen Fluegen in bisher unbekannte + Bereiche des Universums vor, um neue Lebensformen + und neue Zivilisationen aufzuspueren und fremde Welten zu + erforschen. Welten, die noch nie ein Mensch erblickt hat. + + [Space -- in its vastness our last great challenge. + Again and again the starship Enterprise travels on + its flight to formerly unknown areas of the universe, + to detect new lifeforms and new civilisations and + explore alien worlds. Worlds, that no human has ever seen. + + [From: fuhrhop@fokus.berlin.gmd.dbp.de (Christian Fuhrhop)] + +====================================================================== + +3. Episode titles. Sometimes the titles are not translated literally... + +3a. TOS-German. When the German title is a non-literal translation from + English, an English back-translation is given in brackets. + + # 1 The Cage + # 2 Where No Man Has Gone Spitze des Eisbergs + Before [Tip Of The Iceberg] + # 3 The Corbomite Maneuver Pokerspiele + [Poker Games] + # 4 Mudd's Women Die Frauen des Mr. Mudd + [The Women Of Mr. Mudd] + # 5 The Enemy Within Kirk : 2 = ? + # 6 The Man Trap Das Letzte seiner Art + [The Last Of Its Kind] + # 7 The Naked Time Implosion in der Spirale + [Implosion In The Spiral] + # 8 Charlie X Der Fall Charlie + [The Charlie Case] + # 9 Balance Of Terror Spock unter Verdacht + [Spock Under Suspicion] + #10 What Are Little Girls Der alte Traum + Made Of? [The Ancient Dream] + #11 Dagger Of The Mind Der Zentral-Nervensystemmanipulator + [The Central Nervous System + Manipulator] + #12 Miri Miri, ein Kleinling + [Miri, A Small One] + #13 The Conscience Of The Kodos, der Henker + King [Kodos, The Executioner] + #14 The Galileo Seven Notlandung auf Galileo 7 + [Emergency Landing On Galileo 7] + #15 Court-Martial Kirk unter Anklage + [Kirk on Trial] + #16 The Menagerie Talos IV - Tabu + [Talos IV - Taboo] + #17 Shore Leave Landurlaub + #18 The Squire Of Gothos Toedliche Spiele auf Gothos + [Deadly Games On Gothos] + #19 Arena Ganz neue Dimensionen + [Totally New Dimensions] + #20 The Alternative Factor Auf Messers Schneide + [On The Razor's Edge] + #21 Tomorrow Is Yesterday Morgen ist gestern + #22 The Return Of The Archons Landru und die Ewigkeit + [Landru And Eternity] + #23 A Taste Of Armageddon Krieg der Computer + [War Of The Computers] + #24 Space Seed Der schlafende Tiger + [The Sleeping Tiger] + #25 This Side Of Paradise Falsche Paradiese + [False Paradises] + #26 The Devil In The Dark Horta rettet ihre Kinder + [Horta Saves Her Children] + #27 Errand Of Mercy Kampf um Organia + [Fight For Organia] + #28 The City On The Edge Griff in die Geschichte + Of Forever [Grab Into History] + #29 Operation: Annihilate! Spock auBer Kontrolle + [Spock Out Of Control] + #30 Catspaw Das SpukschloB im Weltall + [The Haunted Castle In Space] + #31 Metamorphosis Methamorphose + #32 Friday's Child Im Namen des jungen Tiru + [In The Name Of The Young Tiru] + #33 Who Mourns For Adonais? Der Tempel des Apoll + [The Temple Of Apollo] + #34 Amok Time Weltraumfieber + [Space Fever] + #35 The Doomsday Machine Planeten-Killer + [Planet Killer] + #36 Wolf In The Fold Der Wolf im Schafspelz + #37 The Changeling Ich heiBe Nomad + [My Name Is Nomad] + #38 The Apple Die Stunde der Erkenntnis + [The Time Of Understanding] + #39 Mirror, Mirror Ein Parallel-Universum + [A Parallel Universe] + #40 The Deadly Years Wie schnell die Zeit vergeht + [How Fast Time Passes] + #41 I, Mudd Der dressierte Herrscher + [The Conditioned Ruled] + #42 The Trouble With Tribbles Kennen Sie Tribbles? + [Do You Know Tribbles?] + #43 Bread And Circuses Brot und Spiele + #44 Journey To Babel Reise nach Babel + #45 A Private Little War Der erste Krieg + [The First War] + #46 The Gamesters Of Meister der Sklaven + Triskelion [Master Of Slaves] + #47 Obsession Toedliche Wolken + [Deadly Clouds] + #48 The Immunity Syndrome Das Loch im Weltraum + [The Hole In Space] + #49 A Piece Of The Action Epigonen + [Epigones] + #50 By Any Other Name Stein und Staub + [Stone And Dust] + #51 Return To Tomorrow Geist sucht Koerper + [Mind Seeks Body] + #52 Patterns Of Force + #53 The Ultimate Computer Computer M5 + [Computer M5] + #54 The Omega Glory Das Jahr des roten Vogels + [The Year Of The Red Bird] + #55 Assignment: Earth Ein Planet, genannt Erde + [A Planet Called Earth] + #56 Spectre Of The Gun Wildwest im Weltraum + [Wild West In Space] + #57 Elaan Of Troyius Brautschiff Enterprise + [Bride Ship Enterprise] + #58 The Paradise Syndrome Der Obelisk + [The Obelisk] + #59 The Enterprise Incident Die Unsichtbare Falle + [The Invisible Trap] + #60 And The Children Shall Kurs auf Markus 12 + Lead [Course For Markus 12] + #61 Spock's Brain Spocks Gehirn + #62 Is There In Truth No Die Fremde Materie + Beauty? [The Strange Matter] + #63 The Empath Der Plan der Vianer + [The Plan Of The Vians] + #64 The Tholian Web Das Spinnennetz + [The Spider Web] + #65 For The World Is Hollow Der verirrte Planet + And I Have Touched [The Misdirected Planet] + The Sky + #66 The Day Of The Dove Das Gleichgewicht der Kraefte + [The Balance Of Power] + #67 Plato's Stepchildren Platons Stiefkinder + #68 Wink Of An Eye Was summt denn da? + [What's Humming There?] + #69 That Which Survives Gerfaehliche Planetengirls + [Dangerous Planet Girls] + #70 Let That Be Your Last Bele jagt Lokai + Battlefield [Bele Hunts Lokai] + #71 Whom Gods Destroy Wen die Goetter zerstoeren + #72 The Mark Of Gideon Fast unsterblich + [Almost Immortal] + #73 The Lights Of Zetar Strahlen greifen an + [Rays Attack] + #74 The Cloudminders Die Wolkenstadt + [The Cloud City] + #75 The Way To Eden Die Reise nach Eden + [The Journey To Eden] + #76 Requiem For Methuselah Planet der Unsterblichen + [Planet Of The Immortals] + #77 The Savage Curtain Seit es Menschen gibt + [As Long As There Are Men] + #78 All Our Yesterdays Portal in die Vergangenheit + [Gate To The Past] + #79 Turnabout Intruder Gefaehrlicher Tausch + [Dangerous Exchange] + + Another fitting addition to this list is "Star Trek V": + The Final Frontier [At The Edge Of The Universe] + + [From: Stefan_Radermacher@k.maus.de (Stefan Radermacher) and + "Das STAR TREK Universum" by Ralph Sander, quoted by + Onno.Meyer@arbi.informatik.uni-oldenburg.de (Onno Meyer)] + +3b. TNG-German. When the German title is a non-literal translation from + English, an English back-translation is given in brackets. + + First season: + + # 1 Encounter at Farpoint Mission Farpoint + [Mission Farpoint] + # 2 The Naked Now Gedankengift + [Thought Poison] + # 3 Code of Honor Der Ehrenkodex + # 4 The Last Outpost Der Waechter + [The Guardian] + # 5 Where No One Has Gone Der Reisende + Before [The Traveller] + # 6 Lonely Among Us Die geheimnisvolle Kraft + [The Mysterious Force] + # 7 Justice Das Gesetz der Edo + [The Law of the Edo] + # 8 The Battle Die Schlacht von Maxia + [The Battle of Maxia] + # 9 Hide and Q Rikers Versuchung + [Riker's Temptation] + #10 Haven Die Frau seiner Traeume + [The Woman of His Dreams] + #11 The Big Goodbye Der grosse Abschied + #12 Datalore Das Duplikat + [The Duplicate] + #13 Angel One Planet Angel One + #14 11001001 11001001 + #15 Too Short a Season Die Entscheidung des Admirals + [The Admiral's Decision] + #16 When the Bough Breaks Die Sorge der Aldeaner + [The Concern of the Aldeans] + #17 Home Soil Ein Planet wehrt sich + [A Planet Resists] + #18 Coming of Age Pruefungen + [Tests] + #19 Heart of Glory Worfs Brueder + [Worf's Brothers] + #20 The Arsenal of Freedom Die Waffenhaendler + [The Weapon Dealers] + #21 Symbiosis Die Seuche + [The Plague] + #22 Skin of Evil Die schwarze Seele + [The Black Soul] + #23 We'll Always Have Paris Begegnung mit der Vergangenheit + [Meeting With the Past] + #24 Conspiracy Die Verschwoerung + #25 The Neutral Zone Die neutrale Zone + + Second season: + + #25 The Child Das Kind + #26 Where Silence Has Lease Wirklichkeit oder Illusion? + [Reality or Illusion?] + #27 Elementary, Dear Data Sherlock Data Holmes + #28 The Outrageous Okona Der unmoegliche Captain Okona + [The Impossible Captain Okona] + #29 Loud as a Whisper Der stumme Vermittler + [The Speechless Mediator] + #30 The Schizoid Man Das fremde Gedaechtnis + [The Alien Memory] + #31 Unnatural Selection Die jungen Greise + [The Young Old Ones] + #32 A Matter of Honor Der Austauschoffizier + [The Exchange Officer] + #33 The Measure of a Man Wem gehoert Data? + [Who Owns Data?] + #34 The Dauphin Die Tronfolgerin + [The Successor to the Throne] + #35 Contagion Die Iconia Sonden + [The Iconia Probes] + #36 The Royale Hotel Royal + #37 Time Squared Die Zukunft schweigt + [The Future is Silent] + #38 The Icarus Factor Rikers Vater + [Riker's Father] + #39 Pen Pals Brieffreunde + #40 Q Who Zeitsprung mit Q + [Timejump with Q] + #41 Samaritan Snare Das Herz eines Captains + [The Heart of a Captain] + #42 Up the Long Ladder Der Planet der Klone + [The Planet of Clones] + #43 Manhunt Andere Laender, andere Sitten + [Other Countries, Other Customs] + #44 The Emissary Klingonenbegegnung + [Meeting of Klingons] + #45 Peak Performance Galavorstellung + #46 Shades of Gray Kraft der Traeume + [Power of Dreams] + + [From: fuhrhop@fokus.berlin.gmd.dbp.de (Christian Fuhrhop)] + +3c. TNG-Finnish. The order of episode broadcast in Finland is given in + the last column. When the Finnish title is a non-literal translation + of the English title, an English back-translation is given in brackets. + + First season: + + # 1 Encounter at Farpoint Kohtaaminen avaruudessa # 1 + [Encounter in Space] + # 2 The Naked Now Alaston hetki # 2 + [Naked Moment] + # 3 Code of Honor Kunniakysymys # 3 + [Matter of Honor] + # 4 The Last Outpost Viimeinen etuvartio # 6 + # 5 Where No One Has Gone Miss{ kukaan ei ole k{ynyt ennen # 5 + Before + # 6 Lonely Among Us Yksin{iset keskuudessamme # 7 + # 7 Justice Oikeus # 8 + # 8 The Battle Taistelu # 9 + # 9 Hide and Q Piilosilla #10 + [At Hide-and-Seek] + #10 Haven Onnen satama # 4 + [Haven of Happiness] + #11 The Big Goodbye Suuret j{{hyv{iset #12 + #12 Datalore Datalore #13 + #13 Angel One Enkeli Ykk|nen #14 + #14 11001001 11001001 #15 + #15 Too Short a Season Liian lyhyt aika #11 + #16 When the Bough Breaks Avaruuden lapset #17 + [Children of Space] + #17 Home Soil El{m{nmuoto #16 + [Life Form] + #18 Coming of Age Kypsyyskoe #18 + [Maturity Test] + #19 Heart of Glory Kunnian syd{n #19 + #20 The Arsenal of Freedom Vapauden asevarasto #20 + #21 Symbiosis Symbioosi #22 + #22 Skin of Evil Pahan pinta #21 + #23 We'll Always Have Paris Pariisi muistoissamme #23 + [Paris in Our Memories] + #24 Conspiracy Salaliitto #24 + #25 The Neutral Zone Puolueeton vy|hyke #25 + + Second Season: + + #26 The Child Lapsi #26 + #27 Where Silence Has Lease Paikka vailla ominaisuuksia #27 + [Place Without Properties] + #28 Elementary, Dear Data Yksinkertaista, rakas Data #28 + #29 The Outrageous Okona Naistenmies #29 + [Ladies' Man] + #30 Loud as a Whisper Mykk{ sovittelija #31 + [Speechless Conciliator] + #31 The Schizoid Man Jakautunut mieli #30 + [Schizoid Mind] + #32 Unnatural Selection Luonnoton valinta #32 + #33 A Matter of Honour Kunniakysymys #33 + #34 The Measure of a Man Ihmisoikeus #34 + [Human Right] + #35 The Dauphin Perint|prinsessa #35 + [Crown Princess] + #36 Contagion Tartunta #36 + #37 The Royale Hotel Royale #37 + #38 Time Squared Kaksi kapteenia #38 + [Two Captains] + #39 The Icarus Factor Ikaros-tekij{ #39 + #40 Pen Pals Kirjeyst{v{t #40 + #41 Q Who Borgien armoilla #41 + [At the Mercy of the Borg] + #42 Samaritan Snare Panttivanki #42 + [Hostage] + #43 Up the Long Ladder Kloonien heimo #43 + [Tribe of Clones] + #44 Manhunt Miesjahti #44 + #45 The Emissary Neuvottelija #45 + [Negotiator] + #46 Peak Performance Huippusuoritus #46 + #47 Shades of Gray Harmaas{vyj{ #47 + + Third Season: + + #48 Evolution Evoluutio #49 + #49 The Ensigns of Command Ihmisten planeetta #48 + [Planet of Humans] + #50 The Survivors Eloonj{{neet #50 + #51 Who Watches the Watchers? Kuka vartioi vartijoita? #51 + #52 The Bonding Kiintymys #52 + [Devotion] + #53 Booby Trap Ansa #53 + [Trap] + #54 The Enemy Vihollinen #54 + #55 The Price Rakkauden hinta #55 + [Price of Love] + #56 The Vengeance Factor Koston kierre #56 + [Circle of Vengeance] + #57 The Defector Luopio #57 + #58 The Hunted Takaa-ajettu #58 + #59 The High Ground Avaruuden kapinalliset #59 + [Rebels of Space] + #60 Deja Q Vanha veijari #60 + [Old Rascal] + #61 A Matter of Perspective Henkil|kohtainen n{k|kulma #61 + [Personal Point of View] + #62 Yesterday's Enterprise Eilisp{iv{n Enterprise #62 + #63 The Offspring J{lkel{inen #63 + #64 Sins of the Father Is{n synnit #64 + #65 Allegiance Kaksoisolento #65 + [Double] + #66 Captain's Holiday Kapteeni lomailee #66 + [Captain's Having a Holiday] + #67 Tin Man Peltimies #67 + #68 Hollow Pursuits Insin||rin painajainen #70 + [Engineer's Nightmare] + #69 The Most Toys Ker{ilij{ #68 + [The Collector] + #70 Sarek Suurl{hettil{s #69 + [The Ambassador] + #71 Menage A Troi [idin vierailu #71 + [Mother's visit] + #72 Transfigurations --- + #73 The Best of Both Maailmoista paras #72 + #74 Worlds I & II [The Best of Worlds] #73 + + [From: jyrtsi@vipunen.hut.fi (Jyri-Pekka J{rvinen)] + +3d. TOS-Japanese. English translations from the Japanese titles are given. + If somebody has the actual Japanese, I'll be glad to include it. + + # 4 Mudd's Women Frightful Venus + # 5 The Enemy Within Two Kirks + # 6 The Man Trap The Bloodsucking Beast on the + Planet M-113 + #10 What Are Little Girls The Computer Man + Made Of? + #12 Miri 400 Years Old Girl + #17 Shore Leave Very Funny Amusement Planet + #19 Arena Duel With the Monster Gorn + #21 Tomorrow is Yesterday First Year of Stardate 7.21 + #31 Metamorphosis Splendid Metamorphosis + #32 Friday's Child Enemy Klingon Comes In + #42 The Trouble With Tribbles The New Species (Quadrotriticale) + [Kuwadotoritikeeru] + #46 The Gamesters of Triskelion Order From Space! Strangle With + Neckband! + #52 Patterns of Force Fear of Ekos Nazis + #57 Elaan of Troyius Elaan, Princess of Troyius + #60 And the Children Shall Lead Apprentices of Devil + #61 Spock's Brain The Stolen Brain of Spock + #63 The Empath Medical Experimentation on + Living Persons at Minara + #64 The Tholian Web Crisis of Captain Kirk Who Was + Thrown Into Different Dimensional + Space + #66 The Day of the Dove Mystery in Space! Eat Out the Anger! + #76 Requiem for Methuselah Love at the Age of 6200 + #77 The Savage Curtain The Rock Man on the Unidentified + Planet + + [From: Stephanie Boag, "Engage", Oct. 1992 (final issue of fanzine) + via aa396@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Bill Henley)] + + # 2 Where No Man Has Gone The Glittering Eyes + Before + # 7 The Naked Time The Evil Space Disease + #16 The Menagerie Phantomatic Mystery Beings on Talos + #26 The Devil in the Dark Horta: The Underground Monster + [Horuta] + #27 Errand of Mercy The Invasion of the Klingon Empire + #28 The City on the Edge of + Forever The Dangerous Trip to the Past + #35 The Doomsday Machine The Gigantic Monster in Space + #36 Wolf in the Fold The Bloodthirsty Felon of Planet + Argelius [Arugirisu] + #45 Journey to Babel The Invasion of the Planet Orion + + [From: David Gerrold (1984). "The World of Star Trek". Revised + edition. New York: Bluejay Books. 209 pp. ISBN 0-312-94463-2. + page 125] + +====================================================================== + +4. Interesting words and phrases. + +4a. Finnish. + + Open hailing frequencies Avatkaa kutsutaajuudet + Hailing frequencies open Kutsutaajuudet auki + closed katkaistu + Sickbay, medical emergency Sairastupa, kiireellinen tapaus + h{t{tila + Energize K{yntiin + Shut up, Wesley Suu kiinni, Wesley + On screen/viewer; viewer on N{ytt||n + Set phasers on stun Vaiheiset lamautukselle + Lock phasers on (the vessel) Lukitkaa vaiheiset (alusta) kohti + Make it so Tehk{{ niin + Toimikaa siten + Engage K{yntiin + K{ynnist{ + Come Tulkaa + Sis{{n + Captain's log Kapteenin p{iv{kirja + Captain's log, supplemental Lis{ys kapteenin p{iv{kirjaan + Number one F|rsti + I am a Klingon Olen klingoni + Klingons do not... Klingonit eiv{t... + Earth females are quite fragile Maan naiset ovat niin hentoisia + Fascinating H{mm{stytt{v{{ + Accessing Haen + Haku + Inquiry Kysymys + Intriguing Kiinnostavaa + Kiintoisaa + I am an android Min{ olen androidi + With pleasure, sir Ilomielin, kapteeni + Standard orbit Vakiokiertorata + Stardate T{htivuorokausi + I'm sensing a powerful mind Aistin voimakkaan mielen + Stand by Valmiina + Saucer section Lautasosa + We are being scanned Meit{ keilataan juuri nyt + Sensor scan Anturikeilaus + Three to beam up Kolme siirtyy laivaan + On the viewer N{yt|ss{ + Let's see what's out there Katsotaan, mit{ tuolla on + Warp speed Poimunopeus + Away team Loittoryhm{ + Shuttlecraft bay Sukkulahangaari + Red alert Punainen h{lytystila + So be it K{yk||n niin + Intruder alert Tunkeilijah{lytys + Terraforming Maankaltaistaminen + Life support system Yll{pitoj{rjestelm{ + Engineering K{ytt|j{rjestelm{ + Cloaking device Verholaite + What the hell is going on here? Mit{ hittoa t{{ll{ tapahtuu? + Ten Forward Keulakymppi + Proceed Tehk{{ se + Magnify Suurentakaa + Belay that order Peruutetaan + K{sky kumotaan + Confirmed Vahvistan + + [From: jyrtsi@vipunen.hut.fi (Jyri-Pekka J{rvinen)] + +End of FAQL. +====================================================================== + +-- +Richard F. Drushel ****** Ph.D. in Developmental Biology as of 4:45 PM 9211.20 +rfd@po.cwru.edu ** Cleveland FreeNet ** Co-Sysop, Coleco ADAM Forum ** Go Z80! +"The bright and blinding sunlight shines so hotly on the trash-heaps that mere +undigested food and snotty Kleenex flow as rivers of milk and honey." - c.5253 + diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/treknolo b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/treknolo new file mode 100644 index 00000000..be7395eb --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/treknolo @@ -0,0 +1,1032 @@ +Subject: Treknology Rationalization (part 2 of 3) + + + Later studies of the "breakaway maneuver" and its associated +parameters revealed that had this early incident not involved such +extreme conditions, the time traveling starship would have remained +"linked" to the net gravitational influence of the star used as the +initiator mass. This would have caused the celestial body itself to +assume the role of adjusting its own impact on the expansion of the +universe to compensate for sending a vessel back in time, and would +permit such voyages thru time while retaining the ability to target +spatial destinations as well. This type of controled temporal +translation was successfully demonstrated by the Enterprise via Sol +during the mission Kirk's log describes as "Assignment: Earth", and +was later employed from a captured Klingon cruiser to solve the +"Whalesinger" crisis. + Given the operational parameters of starship reactor systems, the +time it takes to build up power applied to generating the warp field +effect normally requires an initiator mass the size of a star or greater +to perform the breakaway maneuver. A planetary mass is just too small +under most circumstances as the vessel will have already moved too far +from the center of its gravitational field before attaining threshold +power where the time dilation effects are manifested. This does not +mean it isn't possible to use a planetary mass as the initiator, only +that the ship in question would have to bring up its power output in an +incredibly rapid surge to do so. The only known means of doing this is +the all but suicidal technique of deliberate implosion to "cold-start" +completely shut down power systems. Only one ship, NCC-1701, is known +to have ever survived this procedure. Historians remained baffled as to +why the crew dubbed the gambit an "Irishman's Chance". + Were you to travel back in time without triggering some form of +gravitational impact compensation for your mass, the continuum would +soon destroy you via an effect strikingly similar to the manner in which +a living creature's immune system destroys that which does not belong. +The unfortunate time traveler would experience progressive +disintegration as the particles of his/her body are randomly pushed back +to their own correct time. + An advanced form of such compensation was an integral part of the +Atavachron, which functioned by actually forcing open "portals" between +times. As Kirk, Spock, and McCoy went through the portal but bypassed +the compensation stage, they were in grave danger and had but little +time to return. Sarabeth could not return with them unless they could +have learned to use the machine to compensate for her entry into their +era, but alas there was no time for that before the star in that system +went nova. + + Just as the 3rd-order Cochrane function is known as Tertiary Warp, the +1st and 2nd orders represent Primary, and Secondary Warp. Primary Warp is +the function consisting of the sum of the infinite series begining with X +plus (X^2)/2 plus (X^3)/6 etc. As with the 3rd-order series, it may be +calculated with the equivalent formula (e^W)-1. This was the first type of +warp field effect propulsion system developed, and it is still in use on +later vessels as the Impulse Drive sub-system. + When Secondary Warp drive systems were developed, governed by the +2nd-order Cochrane function consisting of the sum of the infinite series +begining with X^2 + (X^3)/3 +(X^4)/12 etc., equivalent formula: +2*((e^W)-(W+1)), it was learned that they, and all higher order warp fields, +were dangerously unstable at low fractions of threshold power. This forced +the retention of some form of Primary warp drive, though it need not handle +enough power to go superluminal. + All warp field effects are created via the use of superconducting +Cochrane coils, which are wound according to the complex topological patterns +defined by Impulsor Calculus, the branch of mathematics developed by Zephram +Cochrane to express the new kinematics and mechanics resulting from his +successful unification of gravity with the electro-strong-weak force of +quantum physics. As this essay is intended for a 20th century audience, +ethical constraints place severe limits on the range of comments that can be +made on this subject, but the inference should be obvious that if theoretical +physics has mastered the unification of the primal forces of nature, it +becomes possible to use a force easily generated and controled, such as +electromagnetism, to manipulate phenomena normally governed by another force, +such as gravity. + Cochrane's mechanics superceded Einstein's, as his in its time +supplanted Newton's. Each is "true" or at least acceptably valid, +within its range, and may be thought of as a special case approximation +of its successor, which is itself regarded as a superset of its +predecessor. The following clues to Cochrane's accomplishment, +paraphrased from the preface to his own textbook, are deemed safe for +20th century humans. + The first is that while current attempts to build ever larger particle +accelerators will lead to the unification of the strong nuclear force with +the electro-weak force, this approach will not be successful with gravity. +The reason is that while accelerators of sufficient power approximate the +fantastic extremes of temperature and pressure found during the era +immediately following the Big Bang, it was not these aspects of the early +universe but rather the extreme curvature of space-time then in force which +wedded gravity to the other forces. As space-time expanded, or flattened, +gravity was the first force to de-couple from the others. + The second clue is that while Newton's mechanics were based upon the +Euclidean model of geometry, and Einstein's was grounded in 19th century +alternatives such as that of Riemann, Cochrane found the mathematical tools +he needed to join the probability functions of quantum physics to the +structures defined by distortions of space-time in the "strange attractors" +of Fractal Geometry's framework for the study of "chaos". + The warp effect itself derives from Cochrane's advanced concepts of +gravitation under which the interaction between the mass of a physical body +and the surrounding space/time matrix defines a complex mathematical field +known as a continuum profile. On a purely theoretical level, Cochrane was +able to establish a new understanding of the term velocity by demonstrating +an intriguing difference in the continuum profiles of moving objects versus +those stationary relative to the observer. All objects having mass distort +the space/time continuum around them, but when an object is in motion +relative to the observer, the pattern of the this distortion, known as the +continuum profile, becomes skewed along the direction of travel. + Space/time is not infinitely malleable, it takes a minute but finite +interval for gravitational distortions to be fully manifested upon newly +encountered regions. Because of this propagation-time factor, the region of +space/time in front of a moving object at a given instant is not as distorted +as it would be had the object in question been excerting its gravitational +influence on it for an arbitrarily long period, and the region behind the +traveling body shows excess distortion because of the time it takes to flatten +back to its undisturbed state. The concept of relative motion remains in +force, for the skewing of the continuum profiles of all objects in the +universe is measured from the vantage point of the observer's own comparably +skewed line of travel. In measuring the velocity relative to himself, the +observer is actually noting the degree of continuum profile skewing relative +to his own, and an inertial frame of reference becomes one with a constant +degree of skew. + In astrophysics, this effect is largely muted by the ability of +space/time to "remember" repeated transits, so that all cyclic motions, such +as the orbits of planets, literally "groove" their paths into the very fabric +of the continuum, diminishing the skewing effect to almost vanishing levels. +Also, such circular motions involve the interaction of mutually influencing +bodies, so that each experiences far more change in the direction of its +skewing factor than in its absolute magnitude. + But for non-cyclic motions, such as that of spacecraft executing huge +linear translations thru the continuum, the effect is sufficiently pronounced +to impact observations made from onboard instruments. Generations after +Cochrane, the ability of the space/time continuum to store such +information-laden "memories" would be used by Dr. Carol Marcus to establish +the theoretical basis for the long suspected existence of morphogenetic +fields, and would lead her to attempt the exploitation of this phenomena via +the "Genesis" technology. + In creating his unified field theory, Cochrane opened the door to +full-scale interaction/exchange between the primal forces of nature. Using +the analytic tools of his carefully derived Impulsor Calculus, he has able to +map out complex yet stable forms of interwoven electro-magnetic fields which +would cross "the line" by manifesting part of their effect in the form of +gravitational phenomena. He was then able to follow the conceptual trail +back to the actual design and contruction of field generating coils that +could transform his theories into useful technology. In his first great +practicle success, he proved that if his coil systems were used to +reconfigure the continuum profile of a "stationary" object so that it +acquired the relative "skew" of a moving one, it moved accordingly. + This led first to the developement of the long wished-for "jetless" space +drive, ultimately called "Impulse drive", in which designers no longer needed +to bother about reaction mass carried onboard only to serve as kinetic +exhaust. Later studies revealed that the application of sufficient power to +the skewing field would produce a degree of skew effect so highly pronounced +as to be insupportable by the familiar Einsteinian continuum. Attaining this +"threshold" level would so stress the ordinary continuum that a vessel and its +surrounding field envelope would literally be ejected into a higher order +continuum in which the speed of light was no longer relevant as a limiting +factor. Cochrane himself visualized our familiar continuum as "floating" +above the larger realm, and so described the transition process as "dropping +into sub-space" rather than apply an upward linguistic bias and the overused +"hyperspace". + A gentle, private, and in some respects almost old-fashioned man, +Cochrane lived far enough into his twilight years to see his work send +humanity to the stars, before he mysteriously vanished. Some say that the +warp-driven space yacht presented to him by the greatful governments of +several worlds disappeared at the same time, fueling speculation that he +headed into unknown space on some final adventure. While historians argue +over his ultimate fate, none dispute the enormity of his contributions, +without which the very founding of the Federation could never have occurred. + + Just as the 20th century's mastery of undreamed of natural forces such as +electricity produces technological wonders inconceivable to 17th century +minds, so did Cochrane's breakthru set the stage for a vast family of related +discoveries and devices that seem almost magical to residents of our time. +In the decades following the construction of the first "impulsor drives", +further experimentation and theoretical studies led to totally different, +often unexpected, applications of the basic Cochrane coil system. The coil +itself would become as basic a concept to an entire branch of technology as +the "circuit" is to the field of electrical engineering. + Physicist Alicia Chalmbers interwove two coils, one wound clockwise, the +other anti-clockwise, and sent twin currents thru them in opposite +directions. The "Chalmbers" coil did not move, as its external effect upon +the continuum was balanced between opposite and equal influences, but within +the dual-coil itself a profound disruption of space/time took place. Wave +like patterns of variation in the "topological gradient" or distortability of +space/time, went out equally in all directions. A second Chalmbers coil, +though unenergized, reacted to the distortion pattern by converting part of +its energy content back into electricity. + Of course, modulations in the current flow to the first Chalmbers coil +were echoed analog fashion in the current output of the second "receiving" +coil, giving birth to sub-space radio. The effect propagates at the +theoretical limit of the warp effect, Warp 10, the actual speed depending on +whether the Chalmbers coils are of the Primary, Secondary, or Tertiary +variety. All StarFleet, and virtually all modern civilian vessels, use +Tertiary Chalmbers systems, allowing communications at 131792.79 x C. +Passive listening for natural occurences of this phenomena, and the active +use of a form of sub-space radio in "radar" mode, constitute much of the +sensor technology of Starships. + Another variation of the basic Cochrane device bends the coil away from +its "barber-pole" configuration, to double back on itself full circle, in +effect coiling the coil in a single loop. The result is an artificial +gravity field projected perpendicular to the plane of the loop, in either +pull or push mode depending on the orientation of the windings and/or the +direction of current flow. Within its housing, the loop coil is physically +anchored or it would simply spin in a warp driven circle rather than impart +its effect to the gravity field. Such units are always paired so that the +torque from each cancels the other rather than be imparted to the vessel via +the structural elements holding them in place. + Other variants of the Cochrane coil take the form of conical shaped pairs +of coils nested within each other facing in opposite directions. The conical +shape causes the warp field's skewing effect to be projected away from the +coil system rather than centered upon it. By using the two coils in tandem, +one can induce any desired combination of push or pull force up to the +system's operational limits on a distant object, moving it arbitrarily close +to the starship's hull and holding it there. Known as a tractor beam, this +piece of equipment is indispensable for modern spacecraft operations, without +it sleek warp-driven starships would be reduced to reliance upon primitive +manipulator arms such as the one found on the 1980's space shuttle. When +holding a derelict vessel via tractor beam, it is possible to apply the the +repulsive force against selected portions of the outer hull, concentrating +the attractive force thru the vehicles' center, so as to not only retrieve +and stabilize it, but provide artificial gravity as well for the comfort of +boarding parties. + In man's first experience with interstellar combat, the technological +level of the participants had the vessels of both sides drop into sub-light +speeds to maneuver against each other in a tight volume of laser crossfired +space. These primitive battles were analogous to the way in which late 20th +century fighter planes would reach a combat zone via supersonic travel, then +go subsonic for the actual dogfight. The advantages of a weapon that could +unleash its effect at warp speed were so obvious that an all out technology +race to build such a device began even before the first Romulan War was over. + Ultra high velocity missiles carrying powerful matter/anti-matter +warheads were already in use. As the M/A anhilation produces a shower of +photons in the extremely high energy gamma ray portion of the spectrum, these +missiles were dubbed photon mines. Though their highly developed fusion +thrusters could accelerate them at hundreds of G's, they were still so slow +compared to even the sublight capabilties of impulse driven starships that +one had to use them in the manner of depth charges, simply deploying them in +the expected path of the enemy ship and hoping for the best. Attempts to +replace the fusion thruster with a warp engine enjoyed some success against +vehicles moving at sublight speeds, but against vessels traveling at warp +speeds what was needed was a weapon that could travel substantially faster +than any ship. + The answer was ultimately inspired by the ancient submarine torpedo, +which used steam power pumped into the torpedo by the submarine rather +generated onboard the weapon itself. The modern analog of the torpedo tube +emerged as an inside out warp engine coil which generated its field within +its own interior and imparted an enormous skewing effect on any object placed +inside. The specially designed warhead pod would zip out of the tube at +extremely high warp speeds, having an unprecendented degree of skew, but free +of the mass of any onboard warp field generating equipment. Though the +warhead pod is designed to retain its imparted skew as long as possible, it +does begin to decay immediately after leaving the tube. As this takes at +least several minutes, the effective range is quite adequate for the tactical +role these weapons play. Note that these devices have almost no steering, +only a slight course correction capability, and so must be carefully aimed. +The parallel to ancient submarine weapons was so close that the term "photon +torpedo" became permanently attached to these deadly implements of celestial +combat, which in the ST:TNG era are capable of as much as 10 to 15 minutes +travel at speeds approaching warp 9.9. + + Early experiments with Dilithium crystals found that two such crystals, a +mirror, a semi-reflector, and a light source made a marvelously efficient +laser, as Spock once demonstrated in escaping from Gestapo headquarters on +the planet Ekos. When Science Officer Bruno Wilhelm placed a dilithium laser +setup inside a Chalmbers coil, the crystals synchronized so as to overlap the +coinciding lightwaves exactly out of "phase" making the light energy +effectively vanish from our continuum, only to reimerge as a uni-directional +highly intense disruption of the space/time continuum now known as the +"phaser effect". Such synchronization of the crystals required a +super-luminal transfer of coordinating influences, and so was only possible +in the context of a coil-induced sub-space environment. Within the coil, one +can reasonably construe the laser as being "in" sub-space. + When fully powered, the phaser effect travels at the Warp 10 limit for +the type of Chalmbers coil used, be it Primary, Secondary, or Tertiary. +Naturally, StarFleet vessels are armed only with Tertiary phasers, anything +less would produce a "beam" literally too slow to catch a Tertiary warp +starship with Dilithium focused anti-matter reactors. + However, hand phasers don't have access to quite enough power to energize +the coil component to its equivalent threshold power level. The result is +that the phaser beam produced travels at a speed dependent upon the power +level applied to the coil. Whereas a beam emitted from a coil at threshold +power would always move at Warp 10, with additional coil power just boosting +the intensity or striking power of the beam, at just below threshold power +the beam's speed is the reciprocal of Warp 10. This is a mere 7.58766 x +10^(-6) x C, or approximately 7300 feet per second from a Tertiary coil, +therefore hand phasers use Primary coils so that the phaser effect +propagatation velocity is proportional to the reciprocal of the Primary warp +field's Warp 10 limit of 22025.47 x C. The reciprocal value is therefore +approxiamately 8.45 miles per second. At still less coil power, the speed +diminishes in direct proportion to the fraction of threshold power applied to +the coil. Operational maximums for ST:TNG hand phasers take their coils to +about 1/3 of threshold velocity, so that the weapons full power effect moves +at roughly 2.82 miles per second. + One can vary the proportion of coil vs. initiating light energy levels +only so far without overloading the hand phaser, causing burnout or even +detonation. Thus to moderate the phaser effect down to stun levels, the beam +in some models of hand phaser may travel as slowly as 200 or 300 feet per +second. We've seen this effect quite clearly when Kirk once fired his phaser +set for stun at the metabolically accelerated Deela of Scalos, who simply +stepped out of the way. Hand phaser on stun is definitely a close quarters +only weapon, where speed is not significant. + Unlike sub-space "radio", which simply attenuates under an inverse square +law, phaser beams have a much shorter range due their propensity to "decay" +by losing their energy to the creation of visible spectrum photons all along +their path of travel. This is what the observer sees, not the phaser beam +itself. The actual phaser effect is one of micro-range random space/time +fluctuations in the topological gradient of the space encountered, imparting +warp impulses to the atoms encountered. The effect tends to spread and +propagate thru solid matter, so that material objects are likely to +distribute the effect throughout their particularly shaped volumes. + At high power, the effect is so severe that all molecular bonds are +snapped, and all of the particles are "impulsed" in random directions. What +had been a solid object becomes an expanding cloud of particles moving fast +enough to penetrate other solid matter to an enormous extent. A body so +"disintegrated" on a ship would pass right thru the hull like a burst of +gamma rays, but because the particles are traveling via impulse rather than +momentum, their behavior apes that of neutrinos in that they do almost no +damage to the matter they pass thru. + Lower power simply streches the molecular bonds without breaking them, +their rebounding motions translating into simple heat. In this manner, a +hand phaser may be used to heat rocks for warmth, cook food, or even act as a +very precise cutting torch. At the lowest useful power, the jolting of +molecules is too slight to really impact inanimate matter, but does tend to +produce neurological shock as large numbers of synapses have their firing +threshold randomly raised or lowered. The vast number of additional versus +inhibited synaptic firings causes a biological equivalent of "systems crash" +leading to unconsciousness, as the nervous system becomes hopelessly confused +and overloaded by spurious signals. As no actual tissue damage is sustained, +the nervous system "reboots" itself eventually. Somewhat higher power can do +permanent, even lethal damage to the nervous system however, and can cause a +seizure-like muscular convulsion. This minimally lethal effect is not unlike +electric shock. + + To residents of the 20th century, the transporter is perhaps a more +incredible application of Cochrane's Unified Field Theory than superluminal +travel, since the later affords no real Terrestrial gauge for appreciating +the effect, whereas the wonder of instantaneously materializing elsewhere has +been part and parcel of Earth's mythology/magic belief systems for millenia. + Building on the ability of the "looped coil" to project gravitational +fields, experimenters eventually learned to handle gravity waves in ways that +parallel optical technology's capabilities with light waves. Ultimately, +command of these techniques was sufficient to produce a gravitational wave +"hologram" in which the system literally captured the continuum profile of an +object down to the minutest detail of atomic constituents and molecular +bondings in the intersection between its stationary "reference beam" and the +rotating "scanning beam". Sophisticated split beam techiniques permitted the +"projection" of a second "continuum profile image", which, depending on the +operational limits of the equipment, could be located at an arbitrarily +large distance and direction from the source. These experiments were +originally conceived in pursuit of improved medical technology following the +progression of X-rays, ultrasound, nuclear magnetic resonance, and positron +emmision tomography, with the result enabling Dr. Crusher to obtain a clear +view of the parasite creature embedded in Admiral Quinn during the +"Conspiracy" period. + The transporter breakthru grew out of experiments attempting to +manipulate matter via alterations of the continuum profile associated +with an object. If a continuum profile projection were maintained long +enough, it began to fill itself in with atoms picked up from the +environment. Eventually, it would recreate the original, though in the +meantime, if sufficient power was used to intensify the projection, this +profile construct could behave like the original, even appearing to be +solid matter, as long it remained within range of the projection radius. +At the same time, it was shown that changes in the profile of the +original were reflected in the original object as well in the +projection, establishing the real-time linkage between the two. Early +attempts at matter manipulation were usually destructive, not until the +early 24th century would the raw computer power be available for such +things as the holodeck, where the projection could be based on computer +simulations rather than real life / real time models, but in these +pioneering efforts, the ability to project a profile back on its own +source object, while maintaining an independent second projection +elsewhere, was developed. + Dr. Janet Hester of the Deneva Research Station first conceived the idea +that if one reversed the "topological polarity" of the image projected back +upon the source, in effect FLATTENING the impression it made in space/time, +while simultaneously boosting the gravitational intensity, and thus the DEPTH +of the spatially projected image, one could create a situation in which the +probability of finding any given constituent of the source object at the +original location could be reduced to zero, even as the probability of +finding it at the projection's location went up to unity. Every component of +an object, its atoms, the chemical bonds between them, even the ongoing +molecular processes, would cascade back and forth between the twin loci of +probable locations, finally coming to rest at the one brought to unity. Of +all the marvels that have sprung from Zephram Cochrane's insights, none more +clearly demonstrate his success at unifying gravitational space/time +continuum phenomena with quantum mechanical probability functions. + It would take another four decades of dedicated experiment and study +before Science Officer Winston of the USS Moscow became the first human to +transport across to the USS Tehran. Still more work was required before the +ability of the tranporter to project a "virtual" yet functional copy of the +active components of the scanning and projection processes to envelope the +retrieval site would eliminate the need for physical hardware at both ends of +the transport linkage, and theb to learn to bend the projection around the +surfaces of planets using the natural gravitational field so that transport +could be free of line-of-sight restraints. The depth of dense planetary +matter the transporter can penetrate is still limited, but the often +life-saving speed and conveinience of transport in general has proved well +worth the time, cost, and often sacrifice it took to perfect. + + +Path: maverick.ksu.ksu.edu!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!usc!cs.utexas.edu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!torsqnt!geac!contact!yung +From: yung@contact.uucp +Newsgroups: rec.arts.startrek +Subject: Treknology Rationalization (part 1 of 3) +Message-ID: <1990Aug17.173012.2174@contact.uucp> +Date: 17 Aug 90 17:30:12 GMT +Reply-To: yung@contact.uucp () +Organization: Contact Public Unix BBS. Toronto, Canada. +Lines: 401 + + + S T A R T R E K T E C H N O L O G Y + + by Leon Myerson + +COPYRIGHT 1988 by Leon Myerson - permission to download and reprint this +essay for free distribution within the ranks of Star Trek fandom is hereby +granted provided the author's name and this copyright notice are retained. +This essay may be periodically superceded by revised versions uploaded to +Data Library 2 of CompuServe's Science Fiction Forum. + + DISCLAIMER SECTION: None of the ideas expressed in this essay are +"official". All concepts put forth are solely my own opinions and +speculations, and as such, might be completely contradicted by "official" +Star Trek material issued in the future. I have drawn as much as possible +upon the filmed Star Trek episodes and features, and refer to such +"references" as the Franz Joseph blueprints and Technical Manual, and to the +"Spaceflight Chronology" book, when I have found it useful to do so. At +other times, I made it up. This material and any companion essays I may +upload, are for the sole purpose of having fan-fun with the Star Trek +universe. I have no connection whatsoever with ST:TNG or with Paramount, I +just like to speculate regarding futuristic science. -Leon. + + + + Warp numbers do not directly refer to speed, but to power. Warp 1 is the +power level required to enter the warp continuum, and is known as Threshold +power. Warp 2 is twice that power level, etc. Fractional warp is simply +less than Threshold power while the ship, though traveling via warp field +effect, is still "in" the Einstein space-time continuum at sub-light speed. +The unit of power between whole warp factors for a given vessel is one +"Impulse", as in the ST:TNG episode "Conspiracy" when Geordi answers Riker's +command to increase from Warp 5 to Warp 6 by acknowledging the addition of +yet another full impulse to the power already coursing thru the warp +nacelles. + The formula relating the Warp number W to velocity in terms of C is not +the hopelessly inadequate V = W^3. In Trek Classic's very first episode the +Enterprise was seen at the edge of our galaxy. Even assuming this to be the +near edge reached by going perpendicular to the galactic plane, it is still +at least 1500 light years from Earth. At a cruising speed of Warp 6 = 216 C, +the ship would have spent at least 7 years getting out there, then 7 more +back. + Nor would that formula fit the size of the United Federation of Planets' +Treaty Exploration Zone mapped in the "StarFleet Technical Manual". This zone +was pictured as being approximately 12,000 light years in radius, with both +the Klingon and Romulan empires located at the rim some 60 degrees apart. +Clearly, Enterprise did not require an excess of 50 years to reach the neutral +zone. + In the ST:TNG episode "Conspiracy", Picard and Riker confront the parasite +mother creature in the guise of Lt. Cmdr. Remmick as he/it sends a beacon to +the parasite beings' homeworld via StarFleet's own CommNet. The 3-D map of +that network on the wall behind him fits almost perfectly the Treaty +Exploration Zone of the Trek Classic Era. + + Instead of V = W^3, velocity is defined by the sum of an infinite series +known as the 3rd-order Cochrane function, which is applicable to Tertiary +warp effect fields such as are utilized by major Federation vessels from the +Tritium class onward. The first term of this series is the familiar W^3, the +second term is the integral of the first term, W^4/4, the third is the +integral of the second, W^5/20, and so on, ad infinitum. Each term is the +integral of the preceding term. Thus the common mistake so often made is to +quote only the first term of the series as if it were the entire function. + The behavior of this series is such that the terms rise in value at +first, then become increasingly smaller so as to converge on a definite +value. This may be calculated by the equivalent formula: + + V = 6 * { e^W - [ (W^2)/2 + W + 1] } + +where V = velocity, W = Warp factor, and e = base for natural logs 2.71828.. + + When calculated in this manner, this function gives the following values: + + Generated Uncorrected + Power Warp Speed x C + + 1 1.31 + 2 14.33 + 3 69.51 + 4 249.59 + 5 779.48 + 6 2270.57 + 7 6384.80 + 8 17639.75 + 9 48315.50 + 10 131792.79 + 11 358809.85 + 12 976018.75 + 13 2653889.35 + 14 7214947.68 + 15 19613332.78 + + For starship designers, these numbers seemed too good to be true, and +indeed they were. From the earliest days of starship operations, warp +engines had always registered a small power loss as they were fed more than +Warp 1 power. Defined as the difference between Generated Power and +Delivered Power, this drain was ascribed to the faintly conceived notion of +"continuum drag". It was Delivered Power that determined actual velocity +according to the 3rd-order Cochrane function. As the phenomena was still too +poorly understood for mathematical description, progressive increases in +power generation capability had to be matched empirically with increases in +Delivered Power via actual flight testing, and the term Warp Factor continued +to refer to Generated Power. + The Dilithium breakthru made it possible to generate unprecedented +multiples of threshold power, and led to the Federation's investment in the +Constitution class vessels. Able to safely generate and sustain Warp 8 +power, these ships found the drag/drain worsening rapidly at the higher +levels. + It was the USS Enterprise, under Christopher Pike, that first challenged +the "Warp Barrier". After three month's total overhaul at the Terran Orbital +Shipyards personally supervised at every stage by Montgomery Scott, the ship +went on speed runs pushing her anti-matter reactors as high as Warp 13 for a +few seconds at a time. The resulting measurements at last permitted Scott to +define the continuum drag equation: + + tan(A) + CDF = G - ------------------------------------ + 10 + (G-S) + (tan^2(A)+((G-S)^2)-1)^(1/2) + +and thus + + D = G - CDF + + where D = Delivered Power; G = Generated Power; CDF = Continuum Drag +Factor; A = 5.1050881 radians; and S = 9.8658770244 (Scott's constant). The +corrected table of Warp speeds is therefore: + + Generated Delivered Warp Speed + Power Power x C + + 1 1.00000 1.31 + 2 1.98354 13.91 + 3 2.96260 65.98 + 4 3.93509 230.94 + 5 4.89755 696.42 + 6 5.84370 1926.80 + 7 6.76140 4999.38 + 8 7.62571 12075.26 + 9 8.38615 26048.20 + 10 8.96633 46707.91 + 11 9.33067 67348.90 + 12 9.53548 82717.85 + 13 9.65322 93087.64 + 14 9.72615 100151.85 + 15 9.77477 105155.01 + + Old Warp New Warp + + A graph of Scott's equation plotting Generated Power as X against +Delivered Power as Y, shows that at threshold power (Scott's equation and the +3rd-order Cochrane's function are not applicable below this point) X = Y = 1, +and the graph line proceeds at an almost 45 degree angle assuming equal +scales. (This graph is available as WARP10.RLE in DL2 for those with IBM PCs +or compatibles.) + But as Generated Power exceeds 8 times threshold level, Delivered Power +deviates ever more significantly and the graph curves sharply to the right. +The curve is half of a hyperbola, rotated by angle A, with the significant +asymptote line represented by the equation Y = 10, so that while the +Generated Power may go arbitrarily high, the Delivered Power will only +approach ever more closely but never equal 10. The speed value for Warp 10 +from the uncorrected chart, 131792.39 times the speed of light, is the +theoretical limit of the Tertiary warp effect, and can only be approached, +never equaled or exceeded. This is also the velocity of such warp continuum +energy transmission phenomena as sub-space radio and the standard phaser +effect. (The complete hyperbola is graphed in WARP_X.RLE, also in DL2.) + By the time of ST:TNG, it had become standard practice to quote Warp +factors in terms of Delivered, rather than Generated, power. This explains +the apparent discrepancy between the eras. Overall Generated Power +capabilities are still crucial to military vessels, as even a few dozen extra +C's may mean the difference between success and failure when outrunning or +persuing an opponent. Here then is the standard warp factor scale used in the +24th century: + + + Delivered Generated Tertiary + Power Power Warp + + 1 1.0000000000 1.31 + 2 2.0167653720 14.33 + 3 3.0383208502 69.51 + 4 4.0670614879 249.59 + 5 5.1072983806 779.48 + 6 6.1676537197 2270.57 + 7 7.2682459514 6384.80 + 7.5 7.8487197368 10628.50 + 8 8.4694304149 17639.75 + 8.2 8.7364919027 21588.78 + 8.4 9.0203187626 26414.32 + 8.6 9.3280961537 32310.48 + 8.8 9.6717993420 39514.34 + 9 10.0729838055 48315.50 + 9.1 10.3071067812 53422.73 + 9.2 10.5747605008 59067.65 + 9.3 10.8903152831 65306.85 + 9.4 11.2777216596 72202.80 + 9.5 11.7800905867 79824.61 + 9.6 12.4836439773 88248.61 + 9.7 13.5895662949 97559.17 + 9.8 15.7014109302 107849.55 + 9.9 21.8369448362 119222.79 + 10 INFINITE 131792.79 + + New Warp Old Warp Velocity x C + + To calculate the Generated Power corresponding to a given Delivered +Power level, use the formula: + + ((D-10)^2*(tan(A)^2-1)-tan(A)^2 + G = S - --------------------------------- + 2*(D-10)*tan(A)) + + + An interesting aspect of the 3rd-order Cochrane function is that Warp 1 +is not C but 1.31 x C. Taking the reciprocal of this number, 0.763, gives +what is known as threshold velocity. Under fractional warp power, a starship +"accelerates" as the power is steadily increased. At Warp .99999 etc., the +ship is traveling at 0.763 x C. Transition occurs, an explosive event +accompanied by the hauntingly beautiful phenomena known as the Chromatic +Detonation, the optical analog of a sonic boom. In the next micro-instant, +the ship is on "the other side", traveling through the warp continuum at 1.31 +x C. The ship is never observed at speeds 0.763 < V < 1.31 under normal +conditions. + It should be noted however, that the boundary layer of the warp field +effect creates an envelope of 4 dimensional Einsteinian space-time within +which the ship travels. Therefore, all the familiar physical laws of the +"ordinary" continuum still apply within the envelope. From the outside, it +appears as though a space-time anomaly were manifested sequentially along a +linear path. Fleeting, multiple images of the vessel in the center of the +anomaly are created at widely spaced intervals which grow more distant at +higher warp factors. Light coming from within the envelope gathers at the +boundary layer until it reaches optical crossover threshold, at which point +it "pulses" through, thus re-entering normal space-time to project the image +of the ship. This effect was nicely filmed for the climactic scene in +ST:TSFS when we see the Enterprise fleeing the detonation of the Genesis +Device. + External light enters the envelope via complex optical interaction with +the warp field boundary layer. The micro-instant lost for photons in front +of the ship's path to cross the boundary layer causes them to appear to +originate from directions shifted away from the line of motion in favor of +apparent origins perpendicular to the direction of travel. While an optical +blind spot exists directly behind the ship along the direction of motion, due +to the superluminal velocity involved, the tear-drop shape of the overall +warp field minimizes the area so blanked out to a vanishingly small region. + The overall effect is curiously symmetrical to that observed by vessels +approaching light speed in normal space-time. Such a vessel would see its +3-dimensional field of view collapsed into twin circles of light in front of +and behind the ship, with a band of darkness around its mid-section. A +vessel in the warp field traveling at superluminal velocities experiences a +tunnel-like effect in which the dark region consists of circles in front of +and behind the vessel, and its view of the universe is projected onto a +cylindrical tube which the ship appears to travel through. + Of course, the ship's computers correct for this effect to present an +intuitively "normal" view upon the bridge and other viewscreens. Windows +facing port or starboard reveal a relatively normal view without +sophisticated correction, others have internal holographic layers which serve +as the functional equivalents of corrective lenses to keep the view at least +intelligible, if not exactly accurate. + Sometimes a foreign body, such as small pieces of asteroidal rock or +chunks of cometary ice are pulled into the forming continuum envelope as a +starship achieves transition. Usually this is a harmless occurence, unless +the "dragger" is massive enough to damage the hull if it should collide with +the vessel. If so, the ship will usually power down below threshold to +release the object, otherwise it can remain within the influence of the warp +field effect and go along for the ride to the starship's scheduled +destination. An unusually extreme instance of this effect occurs in ST:TMP +when the old Enterprise, bucking wildly from her imbalanced engines, pulled a +whole asteroid into the warp envelope formed around herself, and was forced +to pulverize it with a photon torpedo. + Old space junk from various inhabited systems often gets distributed +about the galaxy in this fashion, centuries in orbit about their star of +origin affording plenty of time for a chance encounter with a transitioning +starship. Some of places identifiable objects ultimately turn up can be +downright humorous. Items too small to possibly damage a vessel thru its +deflector shield are usually ignored, especially when they have no possible +salvage value. + An example would be the cryonics satellite found just prior to the +NCC-1701-D's recent visit to the Neutral Zone which originally WAS orbiting +Sol, minding its own business for centuries. People in the future tend to +leave space junk that old alone, the objects most popular as tourist sights +actually being protected with "landmark" status. A sleeper ship such as +Khan's would certainly have been detected, but the cryonauts registered NO +life signs at all, so no one ever knew what was in this craft. Eventually, a +starship pulled it into its envelope and carried it thousands of light years +out to the vicinity of the starbase Enterprise was visiting for Captain +Picard's conference with StarFleet authorities regarding the apparent loss of +stations near the Neutral Zone. + This is also now considered the most probable explanation for the early +1990's Voyager 6 probe having reached a black hole capable of sending it to +the "machine" planet, as various research ships have made many voyages +directly from the Sol system to known black holes since warp drive was first +employed. Its return to the Sol system as "V'ger" prompted some talk +off a system wide clean up of old hardware, but nothing ever came of it. + + The relativistic time dilation experienced at Tertiary threshold +velocity is such that time passes at 64.6% per cent, or roughly 2/3's, +the "normal" rate of objects "at rest". This time dilation factor goes +along with the ship as the warp effect envelope separates from normal +space/time in crossing over the threshold, and remains stable +thereafter, so that all the time spent under way at superluminal +velocities is discounted by 1/3 for those on the vessel vs. those +staying behind. The effect is rather conveinient for starship crews, as +it effectively cuts by 1/3 the travel time between stop-overs, and since +all Tertiary warp vessels experience it, there is no disadvantage in +reaction time against opponents. + There are social aspects to the cumulative effect of a lifetime career +devoted to star travel, in that one's age starts falling behind that of +friends, family, and above all spouse's left behind. In the 2nd, 3rd, and +4th feature films, we see James Kirk wearing four bars and three dots on his +sleeve, indicating 23 years service in StarFleet. Yet his birthday +depression in ST:TWOK and the presence of the fully grown David Marcus all +point towards a 50th birthday. Assuming Kirk graduated the Academy at the +normal age of 22, adding 23 years leaves a 5 year gap. The gap is simply the +cumulative effect of the time he's spent cruising at warp speed. For married +personnel, this "age gaping" becomes a serious problem over a lifetime, and +was a major factor in StarFleet's decision to allow families to go along on +its latest vessels of the ST:TNG era. + A very important aspect of this effect derives from the behavior of the +threshold cross-over phenomena in the presence of intense gravitational +fields, such as would be found near stellar bodies. The intense warping of +space/time already imposed upon the region of the continuum nearest the star +causes it to become more tolerant of extreme profile skewing than normal +space. As a nearby ship accelerates, the threshold velocity is reached, but +cross-over does not occur, one has to increase the degree of skew with still +more power. This means going nearer to lightspeed while still in the normal +continuum, thus the time dilation factor increases. Since the time dilation +at cross-over remains in effect throughout the period spent in the warp +continuum's sub-space, it is possible to retard one's own rate of time +passage to an arbitrarily high degree to assist in making extremely long +voyages. + Some of the early Federation exploration ships, such as the famous USS +Horizon, used this sort of maneuver on occasion, but more often avoided it +due to the detrimental effect upon shipboard reaction time it causes. +Merchant vessels sometimes tried it, but the extreme danger of maneuvering so +close to a star led first to uninsurability and finally to outright +regulatory prohibitions against the practice. Ships full of colonists almost +always housed them in sleeper chambers, an old and proven technology dating +as far back as the late 20th century, leaving only the crew awake. + One of the greatest scientific discoveries made by the original +NCC-1701 Enterprise was that if a ship went EXTREMELY close to an object +of stellar mass while in the normal continuum, then poured on maximum +power to force its way to threshold before putting significant distance +between itself and the gravity field of the celestial body in question, +then the effective threshold velocity could actually be slightly above +lightspeed, and the associated time dilation not only extremely large +but NEGATIVE. This is the essence of time travel under what has become +known as the breakaway maneuver. + The class of phenomena known as "time travel" are extremely complex +and remain poorly understood. Most recorded incidents have involved +multiple effects which, in the absence of a fully developed theory of +time, are often difficult to untangle for separate description and +analysis. The Enterprise's unintentional journey to the Terra of the +late 1960's began with an accidental encounter with an uncharted black +hole. The unusual properties of this particular hole had attracted +their attention, resulting in the Enterprise making a low warp speed +sensor pass. The anomalous readings prevented them from realizing the +nature of this object until it was too late. The hole's intense +distortion of the continuum pulled the Enterprise out of warp, where the +ship was in iminent danger of being sucked into the hole itself. + On Kirk's orders, Sulu applied full emergency power in a desperate +attempt to fight their way back to threshold so as to to re-enter the +warp continuum, but even as the mighty starship trembled under the +effort, the threshold power level was moving higher and higher as they +neared the event horizon. With seconds left before the end, Mr. Scott +in engineering surmised the nature of their situation. Knowing the ship +could never make the rising tertiary warp threshold in time, he engaged +the emergency circuit breakers to take the tertiary booster coils +offline, and diverted 100% of the reactor output into what was now a +lower threshold secondary warp field system. The collapse of the +tertiary field into a secondary one "collided" with the rapidly growing +overall power level, kicking the ship into the warp continuum with such +explosive force that she briefly left sub-space itself on a kind of +"ballistic arc" OVER rather than thru the warp-space she would normally +traverse. + It would take Spock many weeks of theoretical study and analysis +before he would devise a tentative explanation for their seemingly +miraculous appearance within the Terran atmosphere. Ultimately, his +explanation for their movement thru space as well as time rested upon +two major points. + First, time travel does not permit violation of the conservation of +mass law. One cannot simply send 200,000 metric tons of starship back +in time to coexist with an "earlier" copy of the same 200,000 tons of +matter without in some way compensating for the effect such functional +duplication of mass will have on the overall gravitational process of +the cosmos. + Second, in this particular incident the mode of compensation took +the form of an exchange or displacement of the 20th century matter that +would one day be the Enterprise and her crew, this material swapping out +of the normal plane of existance to reside in the hyper-continuum the +ship had traversed to reach its destination. Therefore, in a manner +related to the phenomena of "symmetry breaking", the cosmos "selected" +as the ship's re-entry point a location determined by the whereabouts at +that time of the raw materials which would one day be the Enterprise and +her crew. + As most of this material would be found on Terra in the 1960's, that +is where the ship materialized. Fortunately, not quite all of the +material constituting the Enterprise was of Terrestrial origin, or the +ship would appeared at the center of the Earth instead of 5 miles above +its surface. That it wasn't 5 miles below the surface instead was +simply good luck as to the total net effect of the mass-origin location +factors. When the Enterprise returned to its proper place in time, the +older version of her material constituents resumed their proper place in +the continuum as well. + +Path: maverick.ksu.ksu.edu!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!usc!cs.utexas.edu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!torsqnt!geac!contact!yung +From: yung@contact.uucp +Newsgroups: rec.arts.startrek +Subject: Treknology Rationalization (part 3 of 3) +Message-ID: <1990Aug17.173205.2372@contact.uucp> +Date: 17 Aug 90 17:32:05 GMT +Reply-To: yung@contact.uucp () +Organization: Contact Public Unix BBS. Toronto, Canada. +Lines: 212 + + + + This is the last part of this lengthy article. Unfortunately, the + end of the file was cut off by my editor mainly because of its + inability to handle such a enormously big file. However, the missing + part consists of only a few lines of numbers and therefore should + not interfere with your viewing enjoyment. + ---Amos Yung--- + +***************************************************************************** + + + The Secondary Warp field effect was originally achieved by winding a +second-stage "booster" coil around a specially designed Primary coil. The +early versions of this system would energize the Primary coil first to +navigate at low percentages of threshold power. Once clear of stellar and +planetary gravitational fields, they would engage the booster coil +reconfiguring their warp field into the 2nd order type. When this was +accomplished, power would be steadily increased until the threshold level was +attained and transition to the warp continuum occured. The Primary and the +booster together constitute the Secondary coil. Should the booster fail +under operational stress, a fairly common occurence in the early days, the +Primary alone could be used and could operate above its threshold level to +take the ship to superluminal velocities. + While later vessels retained the above system layout, experience proved +it far more efficient to energize the whole Secondary coil system as a single +circuit, and to navigate at very low power and speeds with an independent +miniature Primary system. This became known as the Impulse Drive. As it was +intended only for low speed operations, this system would not normally be +capable of handling the power load it would require to bring the vessel past +the threshold point. However, engineers took advantage of this dual +propulsion system to split the vessel itself, letting each major sub-division +of the hull house one of the systems. It became customary to place the major +living quarters in the hull with the smaller Impulse Drive, both to better +shield the crew from the higher radiation levels the more powerful Secondary +system created, and also with the idea of better accomodating the entire crew +should "coil burnout" force the abandonment of the other hull. + The terminology of vessel design adopted the convention of referring to +the hull housing the Secondary coil system as the Secondary Hull, and +the other housing the Primary coil only Impulse Drive as the Primary Hull. +Tertiary drive systems simply wound yet another type of booster coil around +the Primary and Secondary stages nested inside it, but as there were still +only two drive systems and two main hull sections, the one with the large +engine system continued to be called the Secondary Hull. + In the event of separation, the Primary Hull's Impulse Drive, freed of +the weight of the entire Secondary Hull and the even more massive main drive +engine nacelles, is usually large enough for superluminal propulsion. This +has been shown quite clearly in ST:TNG during the initial encounter with Q, +when the Primary Hull found its way to Farpoint after the entire ship spent +some 10 minutes pushing itself to its operational limits while going in +exactly the opposite direction. It is equally well implied by Geordi's +instructions to Engineer Logan to take the Primary Hull to a Starbase if +unable to re-establish contact with him after performing the saucer-sep +manuevar in the "Arsenal of Freedom" incident. + The first three orders of warp field phenomena correspond to the first +three "generations" of warp drive technology in the "Spaceflight Chronology". +Logically, a "Fourth generation" designation should have waited for the +developement of Quarternary warp, the sum of X^4 + (X^5)/5 + (X^6)/30 etc., +equivalent formula 24*((e^W)-((W^3)/6 + (W^2)/12 + W + 1)), but the impact of +Dilithium on power generation, and thus overall performance, was so great +that the "Fourth generation" label took hold for the Constitution class. All +orders of warp field phenomena remain subject to the Warp 10 limit on +Delivered Power, but higher order warps produce greater velocity for the same +Delivered Power than lower orders. (See Appendix for tables of Primary, +Secondary, and Quartenary Warp Factor Equivalent Velocities). + The term "Fifth generation" is usually applied to the abortive attempt to +harness "Trans-Warp", a misbegotten application of the Interphase phenomena +first observed by the Enterprise NCC-1701 during the "Tholian Web" incident. +The abandonment of this dangerous system was made doubly disappointing by the +continued failure of Federation science to perfect a workable Quartenary warp +drive. The seemingly insurmountable difficulties encountered in the early +attempts at Quarternary drive design were the prime reason for the costly +"Trans-Warp" interlude. + However, in the intervening decades advanced theoretical studies have led +to vastly simpler, more reliable Tertiary drives which can be pushed, and +above all held, far closer to the Warp 10 limit of Delivered Power than the +original design multi-stage units. These single stage "integrated" units +were first used in ship's of the NCC-1701-C's Ambassador class, and marked +the arrival of warp technology's "Sixth generation". A highly refined and +advanced version of this type of drive serves as the main propulsion for +"Galaxy" class starships such as Enterprise NCC-1701-D. Gone are the +inefficientcies of the nested, three coil approach, advances in Impulsor +Calculus theory and supercomputer simulation techniques having found a single +coil equivalent. + As the early efforts at Quarternary warp floundered on the complexities +of a four level multi-stage approach, the success of the single stage +"integrated" approach for Tertiary warp has scientists of ST:TNG's era once +more confident of eventual success, and aggressively paced research programs +are again under way in the race for the Quartenary drive. It should be noted +that the extra heavy warp nacelle mountings and overall structural strength +rating of the Galaxy class design should easily permit retrofitting of +Quarternary Warp engines when they become available. + Montgomery Scott correctly predicted the crippling deficientcies of the +Trans-Warp system, but was unable to dissuade StarFleet from investing in it. +Rightly convinced that Quartenary warp would have to await improvements in +warp theory permitting "integrated" designs, he attempted to convince +StarFleet to allow him to challenge the Warp 10 Barrier itself. Alas, Scott +was never able to secure StarFleet backing for his proposal, and only a +handful of ST:TNG era technical persons who've studied his original notes +even know what he had in mind. + Realizing that the "SuperWarp" scheme was far too radical for his era, +Scott dedicated his leisure time engineering studies to the design of the +ship he felt StarFleet should build in place of more "Excelsior" class +vessels. Yet this project also offered too many radical advances, as Scott +was allowing for upgrades to integrated Tertiary or even Quartenary main +drives in his huge dreamship. But while the Galaxy class would ultimately be +larger and incorporate advances beyond his wildest imaginings, even a cursory +glance at Scott's old plans and drawings reveals the striking similarities +that mark the true lineage of these greatest of all StarShips. NCC-1701-D's +operational status is the way Scott would most have wanted StarFleet +Engineering to acknowledge its continuing debt to its greatest practitioner. + As for the mechanics of SuperWarp, the mathematically inclined are invited +to contemplate the significance of the other half of the hyperbola relating +Generated to Delivered power, which most Federation scientists dismiss as a +mere geometric curiousity. Of course, scientists once thought that C itself +represented an impassable barrier, yet as Spock would say, "There are always +possibilities". + Without giving too much away, I can offer the following clue, that the +Constitution class USS Enterprise NCC-1701 under James Kirk, once broke +through the Warp Barrier by accident, the result of her Captain's famous +propensity for taking desperate gambles in otherwise hopeless situations. +Students of warp physics correctly identifying the occassion are eligible to +win a scholarship to StarFleet academy, which, alas, may not be used until the +23rd century. + + -Leon Myerson; 72157,3432; 6/23/88 + + + APPENDIX 1 - PRIMARY WARP + + + Generated Delivered Primary + Power Power Warp x C + + 1 1.00000 1.72 + 2 1.98354 6.27 + 3 2.96260 18.35 + 4 3.93509 50.17 + 5 4.89755 132.96 + 6 5.84370 344.05 + 7 6.76140 862.85 + 8 7.62571 2049.24 + 9 8.38615 4384.92 + 10 8.96633 7833.82 + + + Theoretical Limit = 22025.47 x C + + Threshold Velocity = 0.5814 x C + + Time Dilation at threshold = 0.813205 + + + + + APPENDIX 2 - SECONDARY WARP + + + Generated Delivered Secondary + Power Power Warp x C + + 1 1.00000 1.44 + 2 1.98354 8.57 + 3 2.96260 30.77 + 4 3.93509 92.46 + 5 4.89755 256.13 + 6 5.84370 676.42 + 7 6.76140 1712.18 + 8 7.62571 4083.24 + 9 8.38615 8753.06 + 10 8.96633 15649.70 + + + Theoretical Limit = 44030.93 x C + + Threshold Velocity = 0.6944 x C + + Time Dilation at threshold = 0.717939 + + + + + APPENDIX 3 - QUARTERNARY WARP + + + + Delivered Generated Quarternary + Power Power Warp + + 1 1.0000000000 1.24 + 2 2.0167653720 25.34 + 3 3.0383208502 170.05 + 4 4.0670614879 742.36 + 5 5.1072983806 2617.92 + 6 6.1676537197 8218.29 + 7 7.2682459514 24167.20 + 7.5 7.8487197368 40826.52 + 8 8.4694304149 68510.99 + 8.2 8.7364919027 84149.66 + 8.4 9.0203187626 103286.47 + 8.6 9.3280961537 126697.69 + 8.8 9.6717993420 155331.49 + 9 10.0729838055 190346.01 + 9.1 10.3071067812 210676.62 + 9.2 10.5747605008 233155.87 + 9.3 10.8903152831 258009.95 + 9.4 11.2777216596 285488.88 + 9.5 11.7800905867 315868.94 + 9.6 12.4836439773 349455.49 + 9.7 13.5895662949 386586.00 + 9.8 15.7014109302 427633.43 + 9.9 21.8369448362 + diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/trekscip.hum b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/trekscip.hum new file mode 100644 index 00000000..78ec5782 --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/trekscip.hum @@ -0,0 +1,302 @@ +Path: ucbcad!ames!hao!boulder!cu-den!udenva!jtrim +>From: jtrim@udenva.cair.du.edu (Jeff Trim) +Newsgroups: rec.arts.startrek +Subject: Trek Classic meets New Trek - the story! +Date: 9 Nov 87 22:58:21 GMT + +Piccard: "Star Date Unknown - The Enterpise has just come out of Warp speed + from an appearent "accident" with our Warp Engines. I sent CMD + Ryker down to Engineering to find out what happened" + +Ryker: [ On Communicator ] "Captain, Ensign Wesley was playing with the warp + drive controls again - shall we toss him in the brig?" + +Piccard: "Oh no Number One - You know that ever since that Alian in the Last + Outpost told me to encourage his learning I have let him play with + every control system on the ship! Hehehe, poor kid was simply having + fun. I think that even though he placed 3,100 human lives in danger + we can let this pass as usual, right Ryker? + +Ryker: "Of course Sir - well just do the usual "naughty little child" speach + and send him down to Transporter Control so he can dinker with that. + Ryker out." + +Piccard: "Hehehe - Kids today, always getting in to trouble don't they? + Reminds me when I was...." + +Troi: "CAPTAIN! Shouldn't you be thinking up a way to get us out of here? + +Piccard: "oh yes your quite right...okay so where are we Data?" + +Data: "Appoximately 25 years before our show went on Television Sir. In the + days of the Free Speech Movement, Vietnam, Food for peace, The Cuban + Missile Crisis, Civil Rights, Protesting, Drug Expirmenting, The + Beetles, Woodstock..." + +Piccard: "JUST THE FACTS DATA." + +Data: "well to put it simply we have travled back in time Sir. Back to the + days when GOD...er I mean..Gene Roddenbury first started writing these + scripts...you know back in the dark times." + +Piccard: "Yes Data I know of it - Worf, Yar what do the scanners show?" + +Worf: "Captain unidentified craft is approaching us. It is registered as - + CAPTAIN! The U.S.S. Enterprise!" + +Piccard: "NO! You mean the original ship with all of it's flaws and mistakes + that we were created to improve upon? You mean the mold for which + 90% of our series has copied line for line, story for story?" + +Worf: "Yes Sir, and it is pulling into orbit around us captain." + +Piccard: "Well then i guess it's time to do the all famous, completely over + used, everyone give a suggestion to the captain scene." + +Yar: "We should take 5 hostages from their ship and torture them until..." +Piccard: "Thanx, Yar - anyone else?" + +Worf: "I say we fight to the last man and self destruct the ship" +Ryker: Of course - Never says anything + +Yar: "Captain - communication from the other Enterprise" + +Piccard: "Put it on Visual Yar" + +[ The screne clears and Kirk is on viewer - Sulu, Checkov, Uhura, Spock are in + the background ] + +Kirk "This is the USS Enterprise calling unidentified ship, can you read me" + +Piccard: "Enterprise, this is the USS Enterprise of your future. My name is + Captain Piccard. I want you to know that I surr..." + +Troi: "NO! Captain you DON'T HAVE TO DO THAT." + +Piccard: "..Ah, yes...er I invite you over here to see what your future looks + like. We are from the year 1987 - Where Gene is given a new job + after 25 years and gets to recreate a New Generation of Star Trek. + Enterprise, we are the Next Generation!" + +Spock: "Captain he refered to Gene Roddenbury. I believe he was the one that + got all of us into this mess. I believe that he might be telling the + truth. + +Kirk: "Commander Enterprise - Prepare to recieve us" + +[ In the Transporter Room ] + +[ Kirk Materializes with Spock, McCoy and Scotty ] + +Piccard: "Welcome to the Enterprise Captain Kirk, my name is Piccard. + +Kirk "Hello Mr. Piccard, this is my first officer Mr. Spock, Chief Medical + officer McCoy and Engineer Mr. Scott" + +Scott: [ See's Worf ] "A Klingon! [ Pulls his phaser ] "I canna believe it + how'd this nastly little beastie get on 'er ship? Captain I knew this + was a Klingon trap. + +Kirk: "Easy Scotty, lets let Piccard explain to us about this - Captain?" + +Piccard: "Well..um..ah - you see, Gene Decided that there would be this new + alian in 1987 and it would be named the Ferengi..and uh...we would + pretend like all the agressions of the past didn't happen and we + are all friends now and there is no real explaination..uh" + +Kirk: "I see. You mean to tell me that we have to be friends!!! After all + I've gone through - and now Gene makes us friends!! Were's the script + writer..LET ME AT 'EM, LET ME AT 'EM!!!! + +Spock: "Hypo him doctor!" + +McCoy: " [ Hypo's Him ] - Easy Jim. Here's a sedative." + +Scotty: "Alright Klingon - at ease. I guess Gene has his reasons, but someday + I'll get even." + +Kirk: "Whew - I am okay now - shall we tour the ship gentlemen?" + +[ Piccard leads them to the bridge ] + +Piccard: "This is the bridge gentlemen -" + +Spock: " [ See's Wesley ] Facinating Captain they use teenagers on the bridge! + +Kirk: "Piccard - why do you let allow teenagers on the bridge?" + +Piccard: "Well..uh captain, you see Gene has determinded that todays viewing + audience is below the age of 13 years old. Therefore all of us + that have spend years and years working for Star Fleet and attending + the academy have been outclassed by - you guessed it - someone that + is 1/5 of our age. Let me show you - Wesley?" + +Wesley: "Yes Captain?" + +Piccard: "I want you to turn my communicator into a combination phaser rifle + and grenade launcher, okay?" + +Wesley: "But of course Captain, right away!" + +McDougal: "Captain, I have been an Engineer for 27 years and I am absolutely + positive that that cannot possably be done!" + +Wesley: "What? You must be the dumbest, stupidest person I know!! All you have + to do is push these three buttons, turn this dial, pull down this + lever, turn this gidget [ okay - this goes on for another 30 seconds ] + + and presto - what is absolutely, positively impossible is done! + +Piccard: "Isn't that amazing! I mean my Engineer now looks like the biggest + dolt on the ship - but boy - doesn't Wesley look intelligent!" + +Spock: "Facinating Captain - the kid actually does "steal the show" as the + 20th century producers used to call it." + +Scotty: "Ay - but if he was in my Engineer'in section and double talked my like + that I'd have 'em placed into the matter/anti-matter condenser to + be sure." + +Kirk: "Uh-huh - well I tell you what I think we'd better be getting back now" + +Piccard: "So soon, I was going to let Ryker show you the rest of the ship" + +Spock: "This unit..er..person seems to serve no perpose - what does he do?" + +Piccard: "..er..uh well he takes over for people when they should be doing it + themselves. He's like a Wesley in reverse - he takes over someone + elses job and screws it up worse than they would have done otherwise. + But he always looks like a hero in the end. + +Kirk: [putting on a faked smile] Well isn't that helpful!" + +[ Pulling his Communicator ] + +Kirk: "Sulu 4 to transport back" + +Wesley: "Wait - Remember I made modifications to our transporter! Can I + transport you back, can I, can I?" + +Kirk: "Well..uh..okay - Sulu belay that order - we'll let use the New Enterprise + transporters instead. + +Wesley: "Weeeeeeeeee! Okay here we go! Locking on to your coordinates - okay + beaming!" + +COMPUTER: MALFUNCTION, MALFUNCTION, MALFUNCTION - + +Kirk: "Hay uh - AAARRRRGGGGGGG!!!!!!!!!" + + [ And the Rest is - uh hummm - history! ] + +Please E-MAIL ALL Flames - Don't post to the NET! + +From ucbcad!ames!nrl-cmf!ukma!psuvm.bitnet!miq Fri Jan 15 14:30:20 PST 1988 +Article 6956 of rec.arts.startrek: +>From: MIQ@PSUVMA.BITNET (Jim Maloy) +Newsgroups: rec.arts.startrek +Subject: Picard's last stand, and the new Captain + + The scene: A full-brass competency hearing, called after Captain + Picard surrenders to a crippled Ferengi shuttle that + has two mortally wounded crew members on board. + Picard has been stripped of his rank and transferred + to an ore-freighter. The top brass are now discussing + the issue of who should take command of NCC-1701D. + + Attending the meeting are: + + Fleet ADM Montague, Commander of Starfleet + ADM Abdallah, Chairman of Picard's competency board + ADM Wu, CIC of the First Exploration Fleet + VADM Phillips, Surgeon General of Starfleet + RADM Solok, Starfleet Personnel Records Officer +--------------------------- + + Montague: So then, Mr. Solok, it is your opinion that we should not + give command of the Enterprise to Commander Riker? + + Solok: It is my logical conclusion that the Commander would not + be able to perform the duties of a starship captain. + + Phillips: I'm forced to agree with Admiral Solok, sir. Riker's + psychological profile shows that he would be forced into + a nervous breakdown within two weeks. He would be torn + apart by the contradictory needs to lead the away teams + and to protect his own life. In one simulator run, he + put himself on report for trying to beam down to a + hostile planet. + + Montague: So we must choose another officer. Any recommendations? + + Abdallah: During the hearings, Picard spoke very highly of Lieutenant + Commander Data's knowledge of starship operations. I would + consider him first. + + Solok: Mr. Data also has a highly logical mind, aside from his + peculiar desire to be human. + + Phillips: I'm afraid I have to dissent with you on this one. Despite + Data's qualifications, he just doesn't have the intuitive + inspiration it takes to command a starship. + + Solok: I fail to see the logic in... + + Phillips: Besides which, his judgement circuits need a major overhaul. + He rattles off an entire thesaurus entry at the slightest + provocation. + + Wu: I'd have to go with Phillips too, sir. We just can't have + him stop in the middle of a critical situation with a + monologue of similar events in history. + + Montague: Very well then, Data is out. Is there anyone left worth + considering? + + Solok: For obvious reasons, Lieutenant Commander Troi cannot + be considered. + + Wu: Absolutely not. We can't have a starship commander freeze + every time an unexpected emotion appears. + + Phillips: Lieutanants Worf and Yar are out, too. Much too aggressive. + + Wu: Yes, that would get us into more trouble than someone who + surrenders all the time. + Ensign Crusher has proven his ability there, too. In a + simulator run, he faced five Ferengi vessels in what was + intended to be a "Kobayashi Maru" test. + + Montague: ...and? + + Wu: The first thing he did was request visual communication, + and demand an immediate surrender. The Ferengi, after + getting over their initial shock at seeing a 15-year-old + Terran commanding, collapsed laughing and babbling about + the moronic practices of us Terrans. + + Ensign Crusher took advantage of the 30-second delay and, + rigging the ship's phasers for a simultaneous five-way + burst, disabled all of the Ferengi opponents. + + (Montague is silent for a long while, then slumps his shoulders in + defeat) + + Montague: Very well, then. Let the record show a unanimous decision + to promote Ensign Crusher to Captain, and assign him to + command the U.S.S. Enterprise. + + (The other panel members file out, leaving Montague alone in the + conference room. He mutters something incoherent about wanting to + beam the young captain into an antimatter pod.) + +------- +James D. Maloy The Pennsylvania State University +Bitnet: MIQ@PSUECL, MIQ@PSUVM Aerospace Engineering, '87 +UUCP : {akgua,allegra,cbosgd,ihnp4}!psuvax1!psuvm.bitnet!miq + +Disclaimer:-) The preceding opinions were fictitious. Any resemblance + to any actual opinions, living or brain-dead, is purely + coincidental. + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/trekwars b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/trekwars new file mode 100644 index 00000000..ddd78e52 --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/trekwars @@ -0,0 +1,2992 @@ +Subject: Trek Wars Part I +NNTP-Posting-Host: discovery.brad.ac.uk +X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2] +Xref: tivoli.tivoli.com alt.startrek.creative:7153 + + + TREK WARS - PART I - EXODUS + +STAR FLEET OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUE - PROTOCOL JE6 -/ MESSAGE READS : + +STARSHIP ENTERPRISE (NCC1701-D) DESTROYED WITH LOSS OF ALL HANDS ON TRAINING +MISSION TO SIGMA FOXTROT SECTOR. ONLY SURVIVOR : PICARD, ADMIRAL J.L. + +ADMIRAL PICARD HAS SURRENDERED TO CAPTAIN ROGAN OF THE TRANSPORT HERCULES +AND AS OF THIS STARDATE IS DEMOTED TO THE RANK OF ENSIGN UNTIL A FULL +COURT-MARTIAL CAN BE CONVENED. + +ENSIGN PICARD EN ROUTE TO EARTH FOR COURT-MARTIAL ON CHARGES OF GROSS +NEGLIGENCE. + +FOR THE CREW OF THE ENTERPRISE, A MINUTE'S SILENCE WILL BE OBSERVED AT THE +NEXT MEETING OF THE FEDERATION COUNCIL. + +MESSAGE ENDS// DISCONNECT. + +** Transport Hercules(NCC1400-45-B). Earthbound. ** + +Picard, the rank pips stripped from his uniform, still could not believe +that it had happened. The Enterprise had been following a pre-ordained +path with Captain Riker at the conn, and he had chosen to go to inspect +the shuttle-bay. He had sat for a moment on the bridge of the Galileo - +the craft which had brought him aboard the Enterprise when he had taken +command - and in that moment all hell had broken loose. +A titanic shock had shaken the Enterprise. As decompression alarms bellowed +and the very fabric of the ship groaned, The shuttle had automatically +sealed. One last, enigmatic transmission from Captain Riker at the Conn - +"My - God! Look at the Size of that thing!" And then he had been thrown +clear by the explosive decompression of the shuttlebay. Now, broken to the +rank of ensign, he knew with cold certainty that his career was over. +"Oh, not yet, Picard. That would make my life terribly boring, and we +wouldn't want that, would we?" +Picard glowered at the voice, but calmed himself. Anger never did any good. +"Q," he acknowledged in a tight voice. +"So formal, Mon Capitaine? I just thought you'd like to know where your +friends are..." +Q materialised with his usual flash of light. It took all of Picard's self +control not to grab the little runt by the neck and squeeze. +"Amongst Humans, we have a thing called tact." He growled. +"Oh! You thought I was intruding on your grief. Well, you're right. It's +wasted, after all." As the last of Picard's tattered pride gave way and he +prepared to lunge, Q continued hastily, "Since they're still alive and in +very good health." +Picard caught at the shred of hope. A quiet voice in his head told him +that he was clutching at straws, but he ignored it and focused on Q. +"Oh, yes, Mon Capitaine. The erstwhile and annoying Captain Riker, The +dreadful first officer Mr Crusher, The overly aggressive security chief +with the Klingon ancestry, the engineering expert without the eyes and the +whole gamut of muddle-headed trainees and their exasperated counselor, +that Betazoid Woman, what was her name again? Oh, and a certain CMO tipped +to be the hottest bet for captaincy of the Pasteur when it gets out of its +over-run production line. I believe you where quite fond of her." +"Your point?" Picard said cooly, refusing to rise to Q's baiting. +"They went through a singularity left over from one of my earlier +experiments. Quite... violent, at least from a mortal viewpoint... but the +ship was essentially intact when it emerged on the other side." +"Which is where." Picard was gathering his mental forces. The creature of +desperation was being replaced by the strong-willed leader of old. +"Oh, a long time ago, Picard, in a galaxy far, far away." Q smiled +obsequiously, almost condescedingly. +"So what do I do about it?" Picard felt desperation bite once more : out of +the entire Galaxy? How would he ever get to them? +"You'll need to contact an old friend and find some contacts. You'll need +a mercenary team of about four, five people. Then meet me at these +co-ordinates and get ready for the ride of your life." He tossed Picard a +piece of vellum, folded neatly into four. Picard opened it. +"This is blank, Q." +"Oh, silly me." Q said with a voracious, predatory smile. A quill pen appeared +and scratched out a series of digits. +"Just who is the old friend you recommend I look up?" Picard asked. +"Well, there are two people on Earth at the minute who are deeply surprised +to be there. One is fond of digging, and the other one just seems to like +blowing things up, apart or away." +"Vash and Tallera." Picard guessed. +"Bravo. Get to it, Ensign." Q gave Picard just long enough to see his +mocking grin before he blinked out. +Picard sank into deep contemplation. This was going to be difficult. + +** Starship Enterprise. Under Attack, location unknown. ** + +Riker surveyed the damage report. +"How many of those things are out there?" +"Sensors report at least twenty-five small ships. They're so small they're +avoiding our phaser blasts." Alexander Rhozhenko Worf growled from the +weapons console. +"Type?" +"Unknown. Early reports suggest a one-man craft with a pair of Ion Engines +and large solar panels to charge their main cannon. They're incredibly +manouverable." reported Ensign Dygjek from the Sensor station. +"Shields, Mr Worf?" Riker snapped, holding the armrests firmly as the +bridge shook once more. Alexander Worf looked more like his father every +day, Riker thought. Especially now, with that defiant glare in his eyes. +"They are holding, captain. The blasts are not phasers, though. They +appear to be actual laser beams, although I can't see how a ship that size +could put out a beam with the power figures I read." +"Mr Crusher, I want a Lorenz somersault with a wide spread of photon +torpedoes." Riker barked. +"Aye sir." +The great ship rolled its nose upwards, up and over, sweeping in a tight +circle as the torpedo tubes flared time and time again. +"Report." +"Fifteen of the small fighter craft are damaged or destroyed. The ten +remaining are regrouping." The trainee Science Officer's voice jumped an +octave. "Sir! I read a large vessel incoming-" +He never finished his sentence. Out of nowhere, blurring from a faded +outline to a solid ship, came a vessel that dwarfed the Enterprise. The +huge ship had none of the clean lines of a federation ship, none of the +aesthetic curves or white, sharp beauty. This ship was a ship of war. +"Rebel Alliance Nebulon B Frigate Excelsior hailing unidentified craft and +TIE fighters. Unidentified craft, Identify yourself. TIE fighters - look +behind you!" + +From behind the tiny aggressors, a wing of needle-like ships swung in, +incredibly fast, and in a few seconds, it was all over. The three fighters +- their wings split in an X-shape - roared close to the Enterprise. +"This is Captain William T. Riker of the Federation Starship Enterprise +hailing -" he raised an eyebrow at the coincidence "-Excelsior. We're new +here. Any hints on how to avoid those things?" +"This is Wedge Antilles, New Republic Fleet, Rouge Squadron. You look pretty +beat up. Had a lot of run-ins with the Imperials?" +"Not really. We hit a bad wormhole or something. How does it look from out +there?" +"Your ass-end is all shot up, but I think you'll hang together. I don't +think we can squeeze you into a hangar bay : are you hyperdrive capable?" +"We have a warp drive capability." Riker hedged. +"Hmm. This is going to be a bit difficult..." + + +-- ++=======================================================================+ +| [] | +| Matt.R.Austin [] "We will return you to our normal | +| M.R.Austin@bradford.ac.uk [] service as soon as we are certain | +| [] what is normal anyway." | +| [] - Tricia MacMillan, HHGTTG | ++=======================================================================+ +Path: tivoli.tivoli.com!geraldo.cc.utexas.edu!cs.utexas.edu!swrinde!pipex!uknet!strath-cs!bradford.ac.uk!mraustin +From: M.R.Austin@bradford.ac.uk (MR AUSTIN) +Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative +Subject: Trek Wars Part II +Date: 23 Mar 1995 22:47:52 GMT +Organization: University of Bradford +Lines: 130 +Message-ID: <3kstqo$63r@columbia.acc.brad.ac.uk> +NNTP-Posting-Host: discovery.brad.ac.uk +X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2] +Xref: tivoli.tivoli.com alt.startrek.creative:7154 + + + TREK WARS - PART II - PICARD THE MERCENARY + +** San Francisco Spaceport. ** + +Picard waited at the shuttle door in silence. When it hissed open, he +saluted crisply to the officers awaiting him, feeling a bitter sense of loss +at the irony of it all. How the mighty are fallen. +"Ensign Picard." The voice threw him, for a moment, but he rapidly placed it. +"Maam." he said, formally. The president of the United Federation of +Planets inclined her head. God, she looks terrible, Picard thought. Hardly +surprising. +"Picard, I want to talk to you about your request for dismissal from the +service." She'd changed so much... was it possible that this was the same +woman he'd once known? +"I have my reasons, Maam." He kept his stance and voice even. +"I'm sure you think you do. The fact is, Picard, you're the scapegoat for +this mess, but that won't last forever. I know if you could have averted +this whole catastrophe you would have. When this is over I for one would +be glad to see you back in service... there are some who always suggested +that Admiralty was a waste of your talents for field command." +"Maam. I must leave the fleet immediately. I have to - There are many +things that I must deal with here. I am no longer fit for service in this +fleet." He unclipped his solitary rank pip and communicator badge and +offered them. +She stared at them for a long while. "I know this must gall you, Picard. I +can tell-" +"Please, Maam-" +"Call me by my proper name, Damn you! We've know each other too long to +beat around the bush." +"Lwaxana. Please understand that I cannot allow my name to be linked with +the fleet any more. I have to leave." +"I know you must feel guilty over Deanna -" +"Lwaxana, please just listen. I have received word that it just might be +possible that they are still alive. But in order to follow this lead I +must be disgraced and dismissed. I have to contact someone with a +definite animosity toward the fleet." +Lwaxana Troi stared at him with sad eyes. "Deanna was more dear to me than +your entire crew was to you. If there is the slimmest chance she might be +alive, you must do as you see fit." +She turned on her heel and left. Picard looked at the ground for a moment. +"Most impressive, Mon amour." Picard tensed. "Hi honey. You'll never +believe who I just ran into." +"I could hazard a guess," Picard said quietly, turning slowly around. Vash +was there, hands on hips, looking serious. +"There I am, closing the deal of the century, and pow, big flash of +light. I'm going to wring the little-" +"Those are such widely held sentiments, my dear, that You'll just have to +take a ticket and get in line along with the rest of the galaxy." The +mocking laughter put the seal on the arrogance of the voice. +"Q!" they yelled in unison. There was a flash, and Q appeared, dressed in +a medieval costume that Picard recognised. +"Dashing, isn't it?" Q smiled, giving his Guy of Gisburne outfit a quick +brush down with the palm of his hand. "Ah, this brings back memories... +You are an extremely tricksy woman, Vash, and I am certain I did +those Tellarites a big favour by removing you from their presence. Have I +mentioned that you've hardly aged a bit? Unlike our dreary companion, +whose head has, if its possible, got greyer than ever." +"You've given me more than a few extra grey hairs, Q." Picard said, +rubbing his bald head to subvert the joke. +"And in return, Picard, you have given me whole minutes of amusement. I +believe Tallera is waiting for you in a little coffee bar to the left of +the main exit. You'll need this." +He threw Picard a small bottle. Picard read the label and then looked at Q +in surprise. +"Superglue remover?" he asked. A terrible thought hit him. +"See you around, Picard," Q said and popped out. +"Come on, Vash. Tallera is in a bit of a sticky situation." + +** Starship Enterprise. In contact with New Republic Frigate Excelsior. ** + +"So you see, Captain Riker, you're in a bit of a sticky situation." +"Thank you for pointing that out." Riker put in drily. +"We are more than willing to tow you in for repairs, but we'd need certain +assurances first." +"If I and some of my crew transport over to you as honour-hostages, and you +place a small unit on our ship, will that suit you?" +"Certainly. I'll be interested to meet you, Captain." +"Riker out. Transporter, Myself, Mr Crusher, Mr Worf and Lieutenant +Barclay to beam over. Counsellor Troi to receive the visitors." +The sparkle of the Transporter field took them away. + +On the bridge of the Excelsior, Captain Ma'Baan was extremely shocked when +four people materialised out of thin air. His already wide eyes widened +still further. The tall man with the beard stepped forward decisively, one +hand extended in greeting. +"I'm Captain Riker." +"Pleased to meet you, Captain," Ma'Baan recovered his footing. "If you +don't mind, just how did you do that little trick?" +"We have matter transporters." +Ma'Baan blinked involuntarily, closing both the external and internal +eyelids that his race had been blessed with. +"If it were not for the evidence of my own eyes, I would be inclined to +call you a liar or a madman." In fact, to his wide-spectrum sight, the +transporter effect had been spectacular. + "Haven't you developed a mattertransferance system?" +"Perhaps we might have, if we had not spent so many years fighting amongst +ourselves..." +"Civil Wars?" +"Bitter and vicious ones. It is noted by us that your ship is not a ship +of war. Although we are puzzled by the wreckage of the Tie fighters : the +energy-to-destruct ratio seems ludicrously small. Some predictions even +range to 2 : 4. Our own turbolasers cannot get beyond 17 : 6." +"We used Photon Torpedoes." +"How odd. Our own ships carry Proton torpedoes. It appears we have a great +deal to discuss, Captain Riker." + +The ships in the Enterprise shuttlebay were the same daggerlike vessels +that had made such short work of the attacking craft. They had slipped +gently between the ripped doors and settled on extendable landing skids. Three +men and three small, stumpy robots were approaching the airlocked door, +their faces hidden behind helmet seals and blast shields. The outer door +hissed closed and the lock cycled open. +"I'm Wedge Antilles, and these are Meko and Tikks. You're counsellor Troi?" +"Yes." Troi acknowledged with a small nod. +"If you don't mind me asking, just who were you councilman for?" +Troi paused, trying to understand the earnest young man's question. +"I'm a psychiatrist and Empath. My job is watching the mental health of +the crew." +"Hmm. I figured from the ship design that you had a different culture, but +this is going to take some adjusting to..." + +-- ++=======================================================================+ +| [] | +| Matt.R.Austin [] "We will return you to our normal | +| M.R.Austin@bradford.ac.uk [] service as soon as we are certain | +| [] what is normal anyway." | +| [] - Tricia MacMillan, HHGTTG | ++=======================================================================+ +Path: tivoli.tivoli.com!tadpole.com!uunet!EU.net!uknet!strath-cs!bradford.ac.uk!mraustin +From: M.R.Austin@bradford.ac.uk (MR AUSTIN) +Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative +Subject: Trek Wars Part III +Date: 23 Mar 1995 22:48:16 GMT +Organization: University of Bradford +Lines: 196 +Message-ID: <3kstrg$63r@columbia.acc.brad.ac.uk> +NNTP-Posting-Host: discovery.brad.ac.uk +X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2] +Xref: tivoli.tivoli.com alt.startrek.creative:7181 + + + TREK WARS - PART III - TROI AND THE ROGUE. + +** Kyoto's Cafe-Bar, San Francisco Spaceport. ** + +Tallera was sitting silently, fuming slightly, when Picard found her. +"This is an insult for which you will pay dearly, Picard. Whoever that oaf +was who dared to- to-" She came to a halt, unable to articulate around her +rage. +"Glue you to your seat, please continue?" Picard said evenly. +"He had better start watching his back unless he wants a knife in it!" +Picard studied his fingers for a moment, mostly to avoid looking Tallera +in the eyes. Her gaze was as heated with rage as the slopes of hell. +"Is that all?" When Tallera went a very undignified purple he continued +quickly, "You've just met Q. He makes a habit out of annoying people for +no very good reason. And as for killing him, well, I'm afraid there's +rather a backlog of death threats on him at the moment." +Tallera smiled coldly. It was not the sort of smile that inspired Picard +to rate Q's survival chances very highly if he were ever foolish enough +to get within arm's reach of her. +"I need you to do me a favour, Tallera. I need a small team of topflight +mercenaries for some very unusual work. And I need them soon." +Tallera's eyes flickered for a moment as she tallied up past +acquaintances. +"What sort of team?" She asked, professional nature gaining the upper hand +over her anger for a moment. +"A general combat one. It may be necessary to take back a starship." I +hope not, Picard added to himself. +Tallera narrowed her eyes. +"I can name two, plus myself, who might be convinced to do it for +appropriate cash payments." +"I need four or five." +Something in Tallera's face puzzled Picard. "How badly." +"I'm willing to pay a lot." +"Then I can get you the best shipboard fighter the galaxy has ever known. +But you'd better be extremely well provided for or have a hell of a good +reason. The Raven doesn't come for just anyone." +Vash raised her eyebrows. "He's still kicking around?" +"Yes." Tallera said, looking mildly annoyed. +"I ran across him when I was time-jumping with Q, about fifty years ago." +"Fifty years? He-" +"He's an immortal, Picard." + +** Republic Frigate Excelsior Hangar bay. ** + +The X-wings, Captain Riker considered, were startlingly beautiful +machines. There was a hard edge to them : they had the symmetry and poise +of a throwing dagger, the clean, sharp, deadly lines that made them look +as though they were moving even sitting still. He wouldn't mind taking one +out for a spin sometime. +Except, of course, for the minor fact that there wasn't a gun in the place +aimed right at his back. He could understand the paranoia, but he wished +it would get disposed of. The 'New Republic' had been fighting for years, he +understood, and were liable to keep on fighting. +He turned to the robot who was following him. There, too, was something +different : in this galaxy, robotics was clearly an advanced science, +capable of mass-producing units. This was a protocol droid, he understood, +an aging model called a B-2DI. It was roughly humanoid, but with a +polished silver surface, with an art-deco look to it's stylised human shape. +"So where exactly are we going to?" he asked it. +"The orders came in from Counsellor Princess Leia Organa only moments ago, +sir. The Princess has taken some considerable interest in your appearance, +and has ordered you to be brought to a rendezvous at the soonest +opportunity. Once our technicians have finished convincing our network to +talk to yours, we shall be on our way to meet the Millennium Falcon." +"How about you fill me in on the history of this place while we're moving +along." +"Certainly sir, but I should warn you I'm only an interpreter and not very +good at telling stories. Well, not at making them interesting, anyway." +"Go ahead..." +"Two years ago, The Rebel alliance scored a crushing blow against the +empire with the destruction of both it's latest weapon, the Death Star, +and it's head, the Emperor Palpatine, in one blow, at the battle of Endor..." + +Over on the Enterprise, Troi was just bringing the tour to an end with the +Holodecks. The pilots - the only name she was sure of was their leader, +Wedge - looked around in stunned surprise as she ran the Black Sea program +that Worf had introduced her to. Wedge looked around and grinned. +"This is amazing. And you say this is all for recreation?" +"It is occasionally used for training, but more often that's done in a +specific gym. Mostly it's here for relaxation." +"Can I program something?" +"Sure : Computer, accept the next voice and allow base-level clearance." +"Hi there. Desert environment, double-suns, canyons formed by wind +erosion. A large valley." +The simulation began to form. +"A city. Sprawling. Buildings mostly in white, all in early stages of decay." +He looked around. +"It'd pass for Tatooine." He looked around. "If my eyesight were a little +poorer." +Troi detected a deep well of memories. +"Is this your homeworld?" she asked. +"Not mine. A friend's." +A bitter twinge of pain clouded his thoughts. +"I wonder where he is right now." + +"Approximately six months ago we started having trouble with the Imperials +again. Almost overnight, they began to co-ordinate on a much larger scale, +forming a coherent fleet in this area. Five months ago, we discovered that +one of the Admirals of the Fleet was unaccounted for. Three months +ago, an expedition to this area vanished without trace. And a month ago, +Princess Leia Organa's brother, the Jedi Knight Luke Skywalker, was in +this sector when his X-wing vanished without a trace. While he is not +assumed to be dead, given his remarkable survival skills, the chances of +finding him are extremely small. And the battle against the Imperials +grows harder every day. It seems that the battle of Endor was not as final +as we might have wished." The B-2DI came to the finish of its tale. +Riker nodded grimly. This galaxy had been torn by war for decades. He had +heard the story of the Clone Wars, the Old Republic pitted against the +Empire, and of the Rebel alliance and the battles of Yavin, Hoth, and +Endor. He had heard the story of the young 'Jedi', Skywalker, and of his +friends : the smuggler Han Solo, the pilot Wedge Antilles, and the rogueish +Lando Calrissian. And of his sister, the current figurehead of the New +Republic, Leia Organa. He had never before encountered any group so +strained by irreconcilable wars. The Emperor made Hitler look like a +reasonable and civilized man. And the coldly related information about Grand +Moff Tarkin was enough to make him shudder. He had sparked the rebellion at +the massacre at Ghorman, slaughtering the protesters at the spaceport by +bringing down a warship on top of them, landing jets reducing the +protesters to ash and smoke in seconds... The concentration camps had not +accrued so many deaths over the course of the entire second world war as +Tarkin had ordered in one moment when he commanded that the first Death +Star be fired on Alderaan. He would have been inclined to disregard the +stories as propaganda, but it was all so believable. He had the feeling +that trying to explain the slowly boiling tensions of the Romulan problem +and the deteriorating alliance with the Klingons, not to mention the +Cardassians and the ever-more-complex beauracracy of the Federation, would +be like trying to explain Socrates to a Rock. It wasn't that they were +stupid, just that their frame of reference was entirely different. +He sighed. +"You've had a more difficult time of it than us, and that's a fact. The +last real war we had to contend with was the Eugenics wars, way back in +the twentieth century." +"Is your society stable, sir?" +"Not exactly. We don't fight openly, but there's always that threat. And +there's always a paper war happening somewhere. And we've met any number +of beings and races that could forseeably destroy us if they put their +mind to it. Let me tell you about the Borg..." + +Picard surveyed his small group. Lansen was a short, wiry fellow with a +permanent grin. According to Tallera, he was the best thief in the system. +Next to him, Koigot stood, quiet, impassive. A glittering implant lit his +temple, revealing the tiny interface jack that connected to his little +biocomputer. He was rated the best shot with a pistol phaser in five systems. +But the Raven was still more impressive. He stood nearly six inches taller +than Picard. Slung at his side was a broadsword of some length. He wore a +long black overcoat, ragged at the bottom, giving him the air of a +tattered, but still predatory, old bird. He wore a black fedora and a +mask of black metal shaped like a medieval knight's shield, with the stylised +outline of a raven in flight on it in white, like a heraldic device. The +outstretched wings of the bird framed the eyeslits, through which red eyes +glowed. +"I will do this for nothing." He announced quietly, his English slightly +tainted with an unidentifiable accent. "Loyalty to comrades, one final stand +against the uncaring machine, these things are pleasing to me. The Raven +bids you welcome, Picard." +"Yeah, same here." Lansen grinned. Koigot merely nodded. +"Now we leave," Tallera said with a look of slight annoyance on her face. +She seemed disappointed that The Raven had not charges his usual enormous +fees. +"Indeed." came the arrogant voice, and Picard half closed his eyes in +desperation. +"I thought you didn't like interfering too much with events?" +"I'm not in control here, Picard." Q paused, clapped one hand to his heart +in mock grief. "Do you know how difficult that was to say? I'm quite +/shattered/ by the concept. I'm hurrying you along because I'm so terribly +/Bored/ by all this fooling around. You see, the two timelines are +beginning to fray, and I rather fear that unless we get your friends back +we'll be looking at a full scale Stocastrophe. You really wouldn't want to +go through the whole Trelane business again, would you?" +Picard shuddered. Their encounter with Trelane, Q's... Apprentice? Pupil? +Protege? - had been emotionally searing. He had seen Jack Crusher, driven +half insane, ripped from another universe and dropped into their own. He had +witnessed a Beverly Crusher dying - which Beverly, from an infinite +number of possible Beverlies, he could not know, but the sound of her neck +breaking as she fell had driven ice into his soul. +"You see, Picard, that anomaly was never intended to be permanent. It was +a fledgling immortal's first attempt at something really impressive that +got quite out of hand. The distortion around it is so great that even +Q-continuum physical laws begin to break down. We call it Drift Hysteresis. +Darktime. It's a conjunction point between two galaxies that are +fundamentally not equipped to be connected. Think of it as the point +between a vat of nitroglycerine and a roaring fire. If it opens too +widely, the reality bulkheads may fail and a chain reaction might just +take us all out in a bang that would make the big one look like a damp +firecracker. So let's move, shall we?" +Picard clenched his fists. This was going to be interesting to say the least. + +-- ++=======================================================================+ +| [] | +| Matt.R.Austin [] "We will return you to our normal | +| M.R.Austin@bradford.ac.uk [] service as soon as we are certain | +| [] what is normal anyway." | +| [] - Tricia MacMillan, HHGTTG | ++=======================================================================+ +Path: tivoli.tivoli.com!geraldo.cc.utexas.edu!cs.utexas.edu!swrinde!pipex!uknet!strath-cs!bradford.ac.uk!mraustin +From: M.R.Austin@bradford.ac.uk (MR AUSTIN) +Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative +Subject: Trek Wars Part IV +Date: 23 Mar 1995 22:48:34 GMT +Organization: University of Bradford +Lines: 144 +Message-ID: <3ksts2$63r@columbia.acc.brad.ac.uk> +NNTP-Posting-Host: discovery.brad.ac.uk +X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2] +Xref: tivoli.tivoli.com alt.startrek.creative:7155 + + + TREK WARS - PART IV - THE RAVEN IN FLIGHT. + +Picard looked around his group. They might well all be top-notch personnel, +but he still faced the 'minor' problem of getting them to Q's coordinates. +"Now all we need is a ship. Unless, Q, you'd care to stop all this fooling +around and take us directly? +Q grimaced. +"Oh, Picard, whatever gave you the idea that I might make this all easy +for you? No. You need a ship." +"Why?" Vash put in. "You didn't need one to take me on our little +archaeological whistle-stop tour of the galaxy." +Q grinned smugly. "I'm not half the omnipotent immortal I used to be, my +dear." He intoned, sarcastically. "I simply can't be bothered to haul you +around willy nilly for your personal amusement anymore. I've grown tired of +all that. No, you'll need a ship." +Picard closed his eyes. +"So in other words, you can't do it." +"Won't, Picard." Q said sharply. "I won't do it, not I can't do it. It just +makes things more interesting." +The Raven spoke. "I have a ship. We will go immediately." +Q rubbed his hands. +"Attaboy. Oh, this is going to be more fun than I've had in aeons." He +began to sing in a rich baritone. "Here we are again, happy as can be..." +Tallera shot a glance at Picard. +"I really am going to break his neck for him one day." +"But not today, my over-aggressive friend. Not today." Q clapped his hands. +"Now, shall we stand around discussing things while the universe goes +foom, or shall we flit off and find the excitement?" + +** Starship Enterprise. Perimeter Space of New Republic. ** + +Wesley finished checking the readouts on the navigation console. +"Where's the rendezvous?" he asked. Troi looked at Wedge. +"Near Kashyyyk. Han and Leia are en route from Coruscant now." +"Okay." Wes tapped his communicator. "Bridge to Captain Riker. We have +the star maps and our destination." +"Very good, number One. Warp Two." +The Enterprise blurred into a starbow and was gone. +"Go to hyperdrive for Kashyyyk. And notify Admiral Ackbar that he needs a +new frigate on patrol." +"The Sunfire is already outward bound. All personnel, Jump stations. All +personnel, Jump stations. Orienting for the jump to lightspeed." +The excelsior rotated, aligning her prow with the distant speck of light +that was Kashyyyk's main sun. And was gone. + +Leia was beginning to get tired of this. +"Again?" She said. +"It's not my fault. I had that unit overhauled two months ago." +"No hyperdrive. Again." +"I think its-Ow!" there was a dull ringing sound. +"Is that a pipe? Or is it the emptiness of your head making all that noise?" +"Ha-ha. Chewie, I need a Ditmars-six wrench and a coil of Polygamite +monofilament. And if you've got a Mark Nine microcutter, that'd help." +Chewie grunted and passed the tools down. +"Never should have let Lando's boys near this tub." Han's voice echoed up from +the pit of piping. "I just found a sabacc card down here. I'm willing to +bet that half the man-hours I paid for were spent on cards..." +Leia groaned and went up to the bridge. It was remotely embarrasing that +a counsellor of the New Republic had to rely on a rackety old smuggler's +vessel for transport, and she said so. +"I agree most heartily, Princess Leia." C-3P0 piped up from the corner. +"Well, sweetheart, I love you too. This rackety old smuggler has patched +up the Hyperdrive, so anytime you like we can get going for Kashyyyk." +"I'll believe it when I see it," she said with a smile. +Han pulled the lever and the stars blurred into starlines. +"I believe it." She said, a little surprised. +Han smiled from behind a layer of grease. "See? This old bird's got a few +years left in her yet." + +** San Francisco Spaceport. ** + +Vash looked at the Ravenflight with a distinctly disapproving air. +"You fly around in that thing? You're braver than I thought." +The Raven's expression, thankfully, was hidden behind his mask. +Picard examined the ship with a critical eye. It might be old, but a +starship captain's eye for detail picked out the overlarge plasma +conduits, the additional bulge around the engines. The Ravenflight was a +fast ship under the decaying exterior. +"It'll make warp five and at sublight it's the equal of a Carrack-class +cruiser. It's fast enough for you." + +Once they were aboard and the Raven had gone to the bridge, Picard drew +Tallera to one side. +"Who is the Raven, exactly? I mean his real name, where he comes from." +"No-one knows his real name. He's thought to be the last of a race long +since dead, but he's not telling anyone." +"And what is this whole Immortality thing?" +"He's as vulnerable as you or I to damage. But as near as anyone can +figure, he's been around for at least a hundred years." +"I have a projected lifespan of another two hundred years, Picard." came +the Raven's voice from behind them. "I've been around for more than a +millenia. As to my name, as to my race, both long since ceased to have any +meaning. Now there is only the Raven. I am what I am and no more." The +Raven's voice was very quiet. +"I have seen all four Enterprises go about their missions. I have seen +Star Fleet fight time and time again to survive, to rise above the ghosts +of war and find a better peace. Know this : unless they can do so, the +human race still may perish at it's own hand. I have seen my own race die, +Picard. It is a fate I would wish not even upon my worst enemies." +For a moment, there was silence. +"I am the last of my kind. Once, we straddled the galaxy, fearless, +indestructible. Now our fire has gone out of the universe. I am all that +is left. It is a high and lonely path I tread." +Picard looked down. There was such pain in the unearthly voice that it cut +him to the bone. +"Now, we must go." + +The Enterprise slowed as it reached the Kashyyyk system. The lush green +planet below looked cool and appetizing. +Wedge looked at the screen. +"Well, here we are. Wookiee central, the planet with the most dangerous +natural hazards this side of the galaxy." +"What's a Wookiee?" Wes asked. +"Eight-foot humanoid covered head-to-toe in hair. They look pretty fierce, +but they're good friends of the Alliance. But that's all academic : we're +only waiting for the Falcon. It'll be good to see Han again..." + +A few moments later, the Excelsior dropped out of Hyperdrive into the +Kashyyyk system. +"The Falcon should be here any minute, Sir." Riker's droid companion +informed him. +"Is this the same Millenium Falcon that fought at Yavin and Endor?" +"Indeed, sir, At Yavin, Solo rescued Luke Skywalker from attack, and at +Endor General Calrissian led the attack on the Second death star in it +while General Solo co-ordinated the ground attack. It was also responsible +for the evacuation of Princess Leia from Hoth, and before that for her +rescue from the first Death Star." +"Quite a history." +"Indeed, sir. General Solo is one of the best known figures of the +Alliance after Commander Skywalker and Leia Organa. He is a gambler of +some repute : he won the Millenium Falcon from Lando Calrissian in an epic +nine-hour game of sabacc." +"Does he play poker?" Riker asked, thinking that he might just have to see +how good this Solo was... + +-- ++=======================================================================+ +| [] | +| Matt.R.Austin [] "We will return you to our normal | +| M.R.Austin@bradford.ac.uk [] service as soon as we are certain | +| [] what is normal anyway." | +| [] - Tricia MacMillan, HHGTTG | ++=======================================================================+ +Path: tivoli.tivoli.com!geraldo.cc.utexas.edu!cs.utexas.edu!swrinde!pipex!uknet!strath-cs!bradford.ac.uk!mraustin +From: M.R.Austin@bradford.ac.uk (MR AUSTIN) +Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative +Subject: Trek Wars Part IX +Date: 23 Mar 1995 22:54:28 GMT +Organization: University of Bradford +Lines: 188 +Message-ID: <3ksu74$63r@columbia.acc.brad.ac.uk> +NNTP-Posting-Host: discovery.brad.ac.uk +X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2] +Xref: tivoli.tivoli.com alt.startrek.creative:7161 + + + Trek Wars Part IX + + And Height And Depth And Eternal Stars + +** Coruscant. Command Control. ** + +The vast assembly hall was barely half-filled. The Republic fleet, Wedge +had explained to Riker, was stretched to its very limits just trying to +hold the fragile alliance together : and the Republic Shipyards were +desperately low on vital supplies. Leia and General Solo were standing +with them, pointing out key figures in the bustle. +Riker noticed a dark-skinned man with a dazzling smile approaching from +behind. The man put a finger to his lips and then jumped on Han. Han went +crashing to the floor and the two men rolled there, wrestling with each +other. Riker stepped forwards to intervene, but Leia laid a hand on his +arm and shook her head, smiling. +"Lando, you stinking son of a space flea, what the hell are you doing here!" +"I might ask you the same, oh disreputable one. I thought you intended to +retire from all of this." +"I keep meaning to, but..." he glanced briefly at Leia, "There are a +couple of things that just keep me hanging around." Leia blushed faintly. +Lando flashed her a hundred-watt smile and took her hand. +"Princess," he said with easy grace, and kissed it. +"Same old rogue. Don't you ever change?" +"I am as eternal as your beauty. But, sadly, business matters call. +I've had an idea that might solve your metal problems. You're mostly short +on Hfredium, aren't you?" +"That's the big bottleneck, yes." +"I've found a rich site. I fully expect to be able to extract a thousand +tons a day." +"That is rich. What's the catch." +"It's N'Klon." +"It can't be mined. It's in close orbit around a primary star, for crying +out loud : you can boil steel on the day side." +"I've had a few thoughts on that. If you'd care to look them over, perhaps +pass them on to interested parties that, shall we say, might not be so +interested if I went personally?" +"Ackbar doesn't blame you for resigning your commission, Lando. He just +feels sorry to loose one of his 'Invincibles'." +"Anyway, I have to flit. The Lady Luck is warming up and I'm due at the +Makos reclamation facility in ten hours." +He flashed another smile at them all, shook hands briefly with Han and +Riker, kissed Leia's hand again, and was gone. +"That man," Leia said, smiling a little, "is an even bigger rogue than +you." +Han looked a little worried about that. +"I may surprise you yet, Princess." +Leia smiled, lasciviously. +"You do that, Han. You do that." + +** The Ravenflight. Bridge. ** + +The entire of Picard's little band was crammed onto the flight deck. The +Raven stood in the far corner, brooding and silent. Koigot was flicking +his modified Type II phaser in and out of its holster with practised ease, +the implant glittering at his temple. Lansen was flexing his fingers, +making fists and then releasing them. Tallera was just sitting there, her +eyes smouldering. Vash was leaning on a console, idly stroking her hair +into place. Picard wanted to be pacing, but the others took up all the +available space. +There was a flash, and Q appeared. +"Very well. The time has come, I feel, for a little talk. Vash. How do you +feel?" +Vash looked as though she'd been expecting that question. "It's almost +exactly how you described it." +The Raven stared at her. +"You're a-" he began, but Q raised a finger to his lips. +"All in good time. Now, since our masked friend would probably have told +you this sooner or later, we are in his galaxy. He came to ours a long, +long time ago, fleeing a persecution that made Hitler's purges look positively +civilized. But now we have a rather more devious need in mind. Somewhere +out there is a battleship. Aboard that ship is a person of vital +importance. We will need all Koigot's accuracy, all Lansen's skills, all +Tallera's experience, all Vash's special abilities, all The Raven's +training, and all Picard's high-vaunted intelligence to get him. I have to +take a little trip elsewhere. Au Revoir!" +"How will we know who this person is?" Picard shouted. +"I should imagine that Vash or the Raven will be able to find him. Now +cease bothering me." +He vanished. + +Across space he flew, darting like an arrow towards the beacon of +Skywalker's mind. +They had broken his legs again today. They were running out of things to +do to him that weren't lethal. He felt the mental light of his mysterious +visitor approaching. +There was a flash, and a curly-haired man in an unfamiliar uniform appeared. +"Hello, Luke." he said, smiling. +"Q?" asked Luke, wondering whether they were feeding him some new +hallucinogenic. Neither Ben nor Yoda had ever mentioned the ability to +appear at will. +"You disappoint me, young Skywalker. I am far more than a Jedi. And, +indeed, less than a Jedi as well. I never had your training... but then +again, I never needed it. That's just the way the universe expands, I +suppose." +"Can you free me?" +Q shook his head. +"This is a complex machine I'm manipulating here. I'm trying to turn it +off without damaging it or ripping my hand off - metaphorically +speaking - between the various moving parts. I love playing games like +this : it's so beautifully complicated. Too many key players, too many +subtle shifts. This is really going to give me a good, old fashioned +workout. I've got to go. But be of good cheer, Skywalker. Help is on its way." +He vanished. + +Across space he screamed, revelling in the power flowing through him. The +exposure to Darktime had done more than mess up his materialisation : it +had very nearly killed him. But, here... +He looped-the-loop around a cooling supernova out of sheer exhilaration. +Back to the roots, back to the start. Nearest the bone is where life is +sweetest. +Another thought spurred him on. A short passage from Sliin's "The Death of +Marhata". +"And as he watched, all was laid waste : +The petty scribblings of mortal man, +And the mighty works of God, +And Height, And Depth, And Eternal Stars, +were scattered to ash before the void. +And the rest is Silence." +The Organians had a touch with epics and poems that Q admired. The Death +of Marhata had always been his favourite. +In a flash of light, he arrived. +"Q!" came the cry, as expected. +"Well, well, well. Captain Riker! Almost mildly entertaining to see you +again." +"I might have guessed you'd be bothering us before long." +"Oh, believe me, if I had a choice in the matter I wouldn't ever go near +this grotty little universe again, but events seem to be conspiring +against me. Which is unpleasant, to say the least." +Leia was watching him. +"Who are you?" +"Ah, the delectable Princess." Q bowed. "I'll let Captain Riker here do +the honours." +"This is Q, a member of the Q continuum. A galactic-sized pain in the +neck, and as arrogant as they come." +"Oh, the pain." Q clutched one hand to his chest, as if mortally wounded. "You +cut me to the quick with these accusations, you know. I'm just a dabbler in +arrogance. You should meet Mogen if you think I'm bad." He smiled, coldly. +"You're-" Leia began. +"Oh, *spare* me. Yes, I'm a Jedi of sorts. All sorts, actually. I've got +some important news for you all, concerning missing loved ones. Ex-ensign +Picard, after a number of misadventures too tedious to relate, is freshly +arrived and - sad to relate - as dull as ever. Commander Skywalker is +neither fit, nor well, but he is still alive. Cancel your red alert, if +you would : I'm getting a headache." +Ackbar tapped a pair of buttons, and the klaxon ceased. +"Now, If we'd all get ourselves in a co-operative frame of mind, I've a +few orders to give." +"You are not in a position to give orders." Ackbar said, quietly. +"You, on the other hand, are not in a position conductive to good health." +Ackbar shot upwards, stopping inches short of the ceiling. +"I can lower you, or drop you. Which would you prefer?" Q asked, calmly. +"Enough of this. Q, bring him down." It was Mon Mothma's tones that echoed +across the chamber. +Q smiled. "Certainly." +Ackbar floated back down to the ground. +"Now. Are we in a co-operative frame of mind yet?" + +** The Heart of Fury. Bridge. ** + +The Heart Of Fury was the cleanest Klingon ship Data had ever seen. Worf +noticed his rapid survey of the room. +"I seem to have developed a most irritating habit of cleanliness during +my time at Starfleet." He said, almost smiling. +Data nodded agreement. +"This is Lieutenant Ro, who you may remember." +Worf nodded his shaggy head. +"And this is Major Kira, an expert in Guerilla tactics." +Worf extended his hand and shook hers. +"We should leave now. If it were done, then twere well it were done quickly." +"Macbeth, I think." Ro said. +"It loses a great deal in translation, but the Klingon Play is one of our +greatest works. If you would do me the honour, Commander Data, of taking the +sensor station?" +"Of course." +"Warp three for the Sigma Foxtrot sector." +The Bird of Prey leaped away from Deep Space Nine. + + +-- ++=======================================================================+ +| [] | +| Matt.R.Austin [] "We will return you to our normal | +| M.R.Austin@bradford.ac.uk [] service as soon as we are certain | +| [] what is normal anyway." | +| [] - Tricia MacMillan, HHGTTG | ++=======================================================================+ +Path: tivoli.tivoli.com!geraldo.cc.utexas.edu!cs.utexas.edu!swrinde!pipex!uknet!strath-cs!bradford.ac.uk!mraustin +From: M.R.Austin@bradford.ac.uk (MR AUSTIN) +Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative +Subject: Trek Wars Part V +Date: 23 Mar 1995 22:48:55 GMT +Organization: University of Bradford +Lines: 123 +Message-ID: <3kstsn$63r@columbia.acc.brad.ac.uk> +NNTP-Posting-Host: discovery.brad.ac.uk +X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2] +Xref: tivoli.tivoli.com alt.startrek.creative:7156 + + + TREK WARS - PART V - TOWARDS THE DARK SIDE + +Luke did not know how long he had been in this chamber, but his body told +him it had been too long. They had begun softening him up already : +torture droids had poked him with red hot irons, passed high voltages +through him, beaten him, cut him, broken bones, injected him with drugs that, +Jedi mind-training or no, turned reality inside out. They were stretching and +compressing time, too, changing the length of the light and dark cycles to +disorient him. He had been kept awake for a week by pounding noise and +flashing lights, trapped in the dark. His force-sense could find no living +being within his reach. The Imperials knew what they were doing. He was +isolated from anything that might be useful. His manacles had been welded +shut : any grip he could exert on the mechanism of the lock was useless. +He knew what they were trying to do. They were slowly, calmly, coldly +nudging him towards the Dark Side. He could hear Yoda's voice so clearly +as he thought back. +"Fear... Anger... Hatred... of the Dark Side are they." +They wanted to make him afraid, to make him hate them. Then he would have +taken the first step towards the Dark Side, the first step that could +never be taken back. + +He was worried that they might be succeeding in their goal. He could find +only shreds of calm in his mind, and his dreams were filled with dark +thoughts of revenge and retribution. + +He waited. He could do nothing else. + +** Starship Enterprise : Ten Forward. ** + +The Falcon curved around Kashyyyk, burning white in the light of the sun. +Wedge waved from the window as it slid effortlessly between the Enterprise +and the Excelsior. Troi smiled. There was a charming honesty and openess +to the young pilot that she found heart-warming, in a way. After dealing +with endless numbers of cagey ambassadors, hostile aliens, and so forth, +it was a pleasure to meet someone with such a marvellously uncluttered +perspective. He cared for his friends and his ship, and nothing else came +into the equation. She stepped to his side and watched. She was aware +that, behind her, the other pilots were relaxing and chatting with the +Enterprise crew while Guinan kept the synthehol flowing. Wedge had to be +the only person in Ten-forward that didn't have a drink in his hand. +"Would you like a drink?" she asked, feeling a little foolish. Good god, +she thought suddenly, why am I acting like a nervous schoolgirl? +"I don't know if you have this one. Lando keeps recommending it to +everyone. It's a weird concoction... Ah... I think it's called Hot +Chocolate?" +Deanna smiled. "Oh, I think we can rustle something up." + +On the Bridge of the Excelsior, Riker entered in time to see the Falcon +cut across the bow of the Enterprise. He was also just in time to hear +Ma'Baan mutter "Show-off" and for the muted laughter that comment drew. +He could almost be back on the Enterprise. The sense of cameraderie was +the same, the cheery optimism was identical. +"Hello, Excelsior! Better lay on a landing. Her royalness doesn't like to +be kept waiting." +A sound almost exactly like a friendly punch in the arm came over the channel. +"Sorry, your worshipfulness! Oh, and before you go, Chewie's eager to go +planetside if he can-" +There was a loud rumbling growl that made Riker jump. +"Ma'Baan to Solo. Tell Chewie he can go planetside if he wants, but we'll +need to be ready to pull out on short notice. It seems like our visitors +have stirred up a real furore." +Riker coughed quietly. +"Excuse me... what was that growl?" +"Chewbacca. He's a wookie with a kind of honour-debt to Solo. He's first +mate on the Falcon - and a fine pilot to boot." +"Wookies are the intelligent indigenous race of the planet Kashyyyk below +us. They stand between seven and nine feet tall, are erect humanoids, and +are completely covered in fur. They excel at close combat, ranged weapons, +and-" The droid cut off when Riker waved a hand to shush it. The Falcon +was slowly curving gracefully towards the open bay. + +Picard surveyed the damage in amazement. +The Klingon Bird-of-Prey had been holed in fifteen or sixteen places. +Lansen shook his head, biting one corner of his mouth in concentration. +"I read residuals in the damage that don't make any sense. Looks like a +laser, but It'd have to be huge to put out the power that caused this." +"A laser?" Picard looked at him in confusion. "Lasers are outmoded +technology, overly bulky units which-" +Lansen cut him off with another shake of his head. +"These read out as being forty-to-sixty times the power of a conventional +beam. It looks like they might have rigged some kind of phase/amp-feedback +effect, but the Daystrom institute couldn't break that problem when they +were working on multi-use armaments for Starfleet... mind you, that was +back before they came up with Phasers, so there's been a lot of time for +someone to break it. And evidently someone has." +"Even at sixty times the power of a lab-standard cutting beam, it shouldn't +have done more than clipped the shield... +"I've got another one." Tallera called from the viewscreen. She tapped out +a command and the main viewer zoomed in on a small wreck. +"I have never, in all my years, seen a craft like that." Picard said, quietly. +The main hull had been drilled clean through with a phaser blast, but the +two hexagonal panels to either side were a feature Picard had never seen +in his life. +"I'm getting some figures on it. Only big enough for one person. Those +panels are solar cells of a kind. Engines - I read plasma around the +debris, consistent with Ion engines. I can't tell you anything about +armament, but I'd bet you any money those tubes under the window are laser +nozzles." Lansen nodded, pleased with his readings, and shut the display off. +"Multiple attackers, small, fast craft. The Enterprise Phaser locks +weren't configured for small craft. There's no reason to suppose that +Klingon locks were any different." Picard could see it. The Bird-of-Prey +would have been like a bear under attack from a cloud of hawks. That they +didn't do a lot of damage would be irrelevant : they would have simply +kept on pecking and dodging, pecking and dodging... +"Send an immediate message to Starfleet command, flagged urgent. Inform +them and tell them to contact Lieutenant Commander Data and Klingon +Emmissary Worf immediately. And transmit to the Klingon High Command at +the same time. Keep it short : unknown attackers on the loose, prepare +phaser locks for multiple, small, fast targets." Picard nodded to himself. +Vash smiled, slightly. "I'll, er... make it so." +Picard shot her a look. +"It looks like Q's anomaly is a two-way door..." The Raven said, grimly. + + +-- ++=======================================================================+ +| [] | +| Matt.R.Austin [] "We will return you to our normal | +| M.R.Austin@bradford.ac.uk [] service as soon as we are certain | +| [] what is normal anyway." | +| [] - Tricia MacMillan, HHGTTG | ++=======================================================================+ +Path: tivoli.tivoli.com!geraldo.cc.utexas.edu!cs.utexas.edu!swrinde!pipex!uknet!strath-cs!bradford.ac.uk!mraustin +From: M.R.Austin@bradford.ac.uk (MR AUSTIN) +Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative +Subject: Trek Wars Part VI +Date: 23 Mar 1995 22:49:12 GMT +Organization: University of Bradford +Lines: 269 +Message-ID: <3kstt8$63r@columbia.acc.brad.ac.uk> +NNTP-Posting-Host: discovery.brad.ac.uk +X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2] +Xref: tivoli.tivoli.com alt.startrek.creative:7158 + + + TREK WARS - PART VI - THE GATHERING DARK + +** Republic Frigate Excelsior. Bridge. ** + +Riker ran his hands over his uniform once more. It was already perfectly +straight, but if he didn't do something soon he was going to start +fidgeting. It had to be the tensions in the place getting to him : he'd +dealt with dozens of ambassadors, dignitaries, even planetary Royalty, +before, so it couldn't be the approaching meeting with the Princess. +At one side of him, Alexander stood - already towering over Riker's +not-insubstantial frame. On the other, Wes Crusher was looking more mature +than ever before. There was a thin scar running down one cheek that he +refused to discuss, and StarFleet records hedged at an accident on Colony +Alpha during advanced training. Whatever was behind that incident, Wes +wasn't talking about it, but he'd changed over the advanced course... Some +of his optimism and cheerfulness was gone, and replacing it was a tough +edge that reminded Riker a little of himself. Barclay was still talking +animatedly with one of the Excelsior crew about his recent performance in +Chekhov's 'The Cherry Orchard' as Petya Trofimov. There was another person +who had changed a lot. His confidence had increased in leaps and bounds, +and he'd become a thoroughly respectable actor. Beverly was even talking +about trying him in some Shakespeare. +Those little digressions had kept him diverted for long enough for the +walk from he landing bay to the bridge. The Door to the bridge slid open. +"I can't believe you can't get a better sensor package for that thing!" came a +female voice. +"Listen, Sweetheart, since Lando knocked the main array off for me I've had no +end of problems. I'm not about to try a tricky landing just for your +entertainment. You don't like climbing? Next time, We'll book a shuttle. +Oh, Hi, Ma'Baan. And you must be the new guys." +"Captain William T. Riker of the Federation Starship Enterprise. You must +be General Solo." +"Skip the General. I stand down my commission in a month's time-" +"Not if Ackbar has anything to say about it you don't." The woman interrupted. +"And you must be Princess Leia Organa." +"Yes. If certain grubby pirates would go get cleaned up, the diplomats here +can deal with the real business." + +** The Ravenflight. Sigma Foxtrot sector. ** + +Data angled his head slightly to one side, a physical mannerism that he +found often encouraged humans to continue. And this was VERY interesting. +"...I am no longer your commanding officer, but I hope I am still your +friend. Can you produce me any theories, Data?" +Data paused, assembling the known facts in a logic field and applying a +series of Matrix filters. +"Extrapolations from current data are what could be termed "Sketchy" at +best, Jean-Luc. However, eliminating all possibilities of less than fifty +percent, I believe that the hypothesis that the Anomaly is a +two-directional gate are unlikely. Anomalies are usually single-acting +introverters which apply a focussed but variable distortion to the +spacetime continuum, not a fixed tunnel sustained in another set of +dimensions. I do have records, however, of a tunnel between two universes, +under StarFleet coding KIRK-ENT-5-1-LAZARUS-INCIDENT. The enterprise +encountered a humanoid who was given the name "Lazarus". He was eventually +revealed to be two beings from separate universes. The two Lazaruses were +sealed in a corridor between the universes, which was apparently generated-" +"Thank you, Data. It is possible that Q's inference of 'A long time ago in +a galaxy far away' might be his typically roundabout way of explaining the +concept of an entirely separate universe. In the meantime, what action do +you feel is appropriate?" +"Your decision to notify Worf is most intelligent, Captain. Worf is both a +trusted member of the Klingons' Greater Council, and also a friend who can +be trusted to accurately convey your message in appropriate terms. I +myself am aboard the U.S.S. Lyman en route to station Deep Space Nine for +a conference on new developments in robotics, a radical new 'Fuzzy Logic' +chip which may in due course allow a more human response from machines-" +"Your point, Data?" Picard smiled slightly. +"I will be in an appropriate position to meet with Worf aboard his +personal flagship and arrange an outing to the co-ordinates for further +examination of the evidence." +"Very Good, Data. It's been good to see you again." +"I have found it stimulating to interact with you once more also." +"Good Luck, Data." Picard closed the connection. "And good Hunting." +He turned to the crew assembled on the bridge of the Ravenflight. +"That ties up this end of the situation for now. All we need is Q." +"It's such a delight to hear you say that, Picard. It seems that in your +old age you are finally coming to appreciate me." +Picard knew better than to rise to Q's baiting. +"Well, Q?" +"The anomaly is invisible to your instruments, Picard. To get through the +Drift Hysteresis alive, you'll have to do exactly as I say." +Picard drew himself up. +"Very well." +"Second star to the right. And straight on until my warning..." + +** Deep Space, beyond the Republic rim. ** + +The Imperial Star Destroyer 'Invictus' was cruising through the night, her +running lights blinking in solemn unison along her 1600-meter length. A vast, +triangular sliver of metal, a city in space, she sailed serenely onward. +Her occupants were not so serene. +"Admiral, how much longer must we tolerate that... abomination amongst our +crew!" +The Admiral turned one baleful eye on the young Captain. The man was +quivering, but whether with anger or fear he could not tell. +"Hesk will continue to be a part of the operations of my strikeforce until +I wish it otherwise. He is a valuable addition to our force and as such-" +The door hissed open and a nightmare entered. +Hesk was utterly black. Faint gleams of light marked the surface +occasionally, but most of the light falling on Hesk simply vanished into +him. The only features in his face were a thin-lipped mouthful of needle +fangs, and a pair of slitted eyes that glowed with molten fire. +"Captain Ungari. I will not be referred to as an abomination." His voice +was rich, melodious, as sticky as tar. +Without warning Hesk seized the captain's hair with one hand and tipped +his head back. +"Sweet kiss of nightfall, the moon's embrace, +doth light its softness on thy face" Hesk said, poetically, and ripped the +captain's throat out. He spat the torn flesh onto the desk in front of +Raust and let the gurgling Captain slump to the deck. +Raust watched Hesk with his one good eye for a moment. +"Your powers as an enforcer of discipline are in no question," Raust said +eventually, "But you will execute only upon my command. +Hesk crouched to all fours by the corpse. +"Forgive me, for I am a worm." He said, his voice full of scorn. He lapped +at the spreading pool of hot red and straightened, looking like a pleased cat. +He sat down. +"I require sustenance, Admiral. And regardless of your feeble sacrifices +to my powers I will still require fresh blood on every possible occasion. +I am Vader to your emperor." +Raust's one eye gleamed horribly in the dark. +"Do Not Mention that Name." he said, his voice on the sharp edge of anger. +Raust was only human from the waist up, and then only barely so. His legs +and lower torso had been crushed. One arm had been ripped from the shoulder +by the indigs of the planet his shattered nav unit had dropped him on. He had +lost the eye to the attack of a predatory bird only moments later. When the +imperial troops, evacuating the failure at Endor, had found him hours +later, he was more dead than alive. Now, he was seated in a +powerchair that maintained his vital functions, his one remaining arm +spliced into a neural cradle that converted his nerve signals into motor +control. A bionic implant eye glinted dully in the empty socket. His skin +was sagging, half-melted by the tremendous blast of fire that had +destroyed his lower body and cauterized the wound so effectively, and darkly +spotted with age. + +Despite all this, he still had the tactical brain that had made him first +in his year, every year, through his Officer Training. He had flown Tie +Fighters and Assault Gunboats during his time as a junior, and he had +commanded or been high in the command structure of most ships from a Frigate +through to a Super Star Destroyer. The Executioner, to be exact. He had +been third in command - the only high-ranking survivor of the catastrophe. +And the reports of Vader's treachery had seared him to the bone. +Hesk found it all rather amusing. Alive, the Emperor had been a sadistic +and cruel man, a foul perverted mass of undead flesh + +- no, he had been a hero and saviour of their race in a time of darkest + need + + - He had slaughtered + millions + + - he had saved the righteous + + - he was the + devil + +- he was God - + +Hesk's mind threatened to overload on him. His attacks were getting worse. +But his face betrayed not one flicker of his confusion. +He was Hesk the Warlock, and no-one else. He repeated the statement to +himself, a mantra of identity. +He would stay sane. He would. +Raust watched him silently. +"We are coming up on the position our patrol last reported in from. They +had encountered a strange vessel and were endeavouring to destroy it. +Their last transmission was something garbled about X-wings and then they +ceased to send. A scout frigate from Delta group was sent to investigate +and never returned. If the Rebels have developed a new craft it may be +dangerous to us. So we are going in force." A buzzer sounded. +"We're coming up on the system." He opened a connection and spoke to the +bridge crew. "Order the crews to their fighters. Interceptors to deploy +first with Assault Gunboat support, employing Ki's Wedge for maximum +coverage. And prepare the main gun. Raust out." + +** Republic Frigate Excelsior. Conference room. ** + +Leia looked across the table at Riker. +"Well," she said, "That would seem to cover it. As the official +representative of the New Republic, I hereby welcome you and your crew +into the Alliance. You drive a hard bargain, Mr. Riker." +"Call me Will. You're not such a poor negotiator yourself, Princess Organa." +"If we're to be allies, you might as well call me Leia. Everyone else does." +"Very well. Leia." +"There's only one more thing, really. I don't suppose you came across an +X-Wing while you were out there?" +Riker shook his head sadly. +"I'm afraid not. That would be Commander Skywalker, am I right?" +"He's been missing so long... Even threepio has started to whinge about +missing artoo." +A comm unit bleeped. +"Princess! You've got to get off the Excelsior fast. The Sunfire is under +attack - we're needed -" +"Riker to Enterprise, prepare to beam back all crew members on my mark." +Riker snapped into his communicator. +"Can you get me clear as well?" Leia asked quickly. Riker nodded. +Wes Crusher and Alexander Worf came through the doors a second later. +Barclay was only a moment behind. Leia turned on her commlink. +"Han, Chewie, get the Falcon clear. I'll rendezvous in a while." +"Enterprise : Five to beam up. Energize!" +The sparkling of the Transporter effect took them clear. + +They materialised in Transporter room three. +"Mr. Crusher, Mr. Worf, with me. Barclay, get down to engineering. Leia - +would you like to have a look at the bridge?" +As he marched down the corridor he tapped his comm badge. +"Riker to LaForge. Geordi, how are your repairs on the shuttle-bay doors +going?" +The voice had the slightly muffled tone of an enclosure suit. "We're still +working on it, Captain. We should be done in two hours." +"Very good, Riker out. Bridge! Open a Channel to the Millennium Falcon for +me and get General Solo." + +** Deep Space, beyond the Republic Rim. ** + +The battle, one-sided as it was, raged still. Nimble X-wings sliced +through TIE squadrons, lasers blazing, eyes locked onto crosshairs. But +the slower Frigate was taking a pounding as green bolts ravaged the hull. +Quoroth, Blue Leader, slammed a dodging Interceptor with his cannons and +called to his squadron. +"Blue Group!! Somebody tell me what the Hell that Star Destroyer is doing!" +"He's just sitting there! He could have us creamed, but he's just sitting +there!" +On the Bridge of the Invictus, Raust's dry, leathery voice gave that +statement the lie direct. +It had taken Raust a year to perfect his weapon. Over fifteen additional +Plasma ring reactors had had to be installed to power the titanic beam. +"Fire." he said, evenly. + +Along the hull of the Invictus, energy crackled, sparks a quarter of a +kilometer long building towards the nose of the ship. At the nose, the +huge projector lit up with an infernal glow. +A beam of something barely tangible chewed the frigate apart in a split +second. +Quoroth screamed. He couldn't help himself. He had never seen firepower of +that magnitude. +A TIE fighter came in on his tail as he stared in shock, and blew him apart. +The thin slit in the scar tissue where Raust's mouth should be curled +slightly at the edges. +The replay, slowed by a thousand times, showed the first impact of the +beam. The slender engineering boom snapped clean through as the Helix of +pure force sheared through the metal. The Tractor/Pressor helix could rip +a hole through a ship, on on a wider setting, carve up piecemeal anything +in a wide-aperture cone of destruction. + +Deep in the bowels of the Invictus, Luke threw back his head in despair. +He had heard the throbbing generators and seen the flickering lights, and +a second later he had felt the tremor in the Force as the Sunfire died. +He understood the pain Ben had felt when he had sensed the destruction of +Alderaan. The crew of a Frigate was small, but it was closer... and he +knew it had been out looking for him. +He struggled to keep calm. He was standing at the edge of the Dark Side, +anger calling to him across the divide. +He forced himself back from the mental precipice, using every remaining +ounce of his Jedi training. +He would not break. +But the darkness mocked him and doubt seared his soul. + + +-- ++=======================================================================+ +| [] | +| Matt.R.Austin [] "We will return you to our normal | +| M.R.Austin@bradford.ac.uk [] service as soon as we are certain | +| [] what is normal anyway." | +| [] - Tricia MacMillan, HHGTTG | ++=======================================================================+ +Path: tivoli.tivoli.com!geraldo.cc.utexas.edu!cs.utexas.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!EU.net!uknet!strath-cs!bradford.ac.uk!mraustin +From: M.R.Austin@bradford.ac.uk (MR AUSTIN) +Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative +Subject: Trek Wars Part VII +Date: 23 Mar 1995 22:49:31 GMT +Organization: University of Bradford +Lines: 194 +Message-ID: <3ksttr$63r@columbia.acc.brad.ac.uk> +NNTP-Posting-Host: discovery.brad.ac.uk +X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2] +Xref: tivoli.tivoli.com alt.startrek.creative:7159 + + + Trek Wars Part VII - Into the Fray + +** ISD Invictus. Private Quarters. ** + +In his chamber, Hesk clutched his head and tried to keep his mind from +shattering. The duality in his nature was killing him. The gestalt mind +was like an emulsion of water and oil : it kept separating into two +mutually incompatible halves. To make matters worse, the mindframe +changes were interfering with his somatic stability : his body was +restructuring itself in accordance with the predominant mindframe. The +blood he/they had consumed was making his badly-defined human stomach +heave. Once, it had known... they both had known... what and who they +were. Now, their mindframes had become so entangled, neither really knew +what was it's own memory and what belonged to the other. + +Hesk's humaniform lost definition as the dark One gained a measure of +control. The white One's somatology began to recede, and the gestalt +focussed fiercely on retaining its integrity. Finally, the semi-molten +darkness reformed, adopting the familiar, smoothed shape. The Gestalt +forced open the boundaries of its mind and soared outward, searching. +There were some unpleasantly familiar sensations... not current, but some +kind of portent for the future... A feeling that made the dark One itch... +From some godforsaken part of the creature's gestalt consciousness, a +single letter formed. No. Not a letter. A name. The sensations... a figure +from future or past, a vision into the streams of time... the arrogant +laughter, the sneer of derision... +Q. +Q was coming. +Hesk's face remained calm, but both his minds were screaming. + +** The Ravenflight. Sigma Foxtrot Sector. ** + +On the bridge of the Ravenflight, Picard touched the aft thrusters. There +was a subtle rumble in the fabric of the ship and Picard looked around. +What he saw made him jump. + +Q was on his knees, fists clenched. His face was contorted and his eyes +blazed. For a moment, Picard thought the look was anger, but then he +realised what it was. +Q was in pain. +Even as the thought entered his mind he was struck with how empty a +statement that was. Q looked like he was dying. Every muscle was strained, +bloodless lips framing sharp white teeth, half-closed lids revealing +terrified eyes. + +Then the world went white and they vanished. + +Picard felt the light pass clean through him, so bright and blinding that +it seemed like a physical blow. He turned. The Ravenflight was glowing, +every faded colour blazing bright white. His companions seemed like +shadows of ordinary white against the tide of impossible brightness. Their +outlines seemed speed-blurred, and Picard found himself forced into speech. +"What is this?" +Q sniggered. It was not a pleasant sound. When Picard looked at him, he +knew something was wrong. + +Q's eyes were filled with insane fire. His laughter was that of cracked +lunacy. + +Picard closed his eyes and prayed. + +** Kashyyyk, Republic Space. ** + +The Enterprise was on Red alert as it warped out of Kashyyyk orbit. The Falcon +was aboard, and Solo had snapped orders to the helm once on board. +"Coruscant, at your best speed." +The Enterprise was at Warp six, and when General Solo had been told +exactly how fast that was, he had raised an eyebrow. +"That's pretty impressive. The Falcon will make Point Five in hyperspace : +that's a logarithmic scale with a theoretical maximum of one. It equates +to about 17 cee in normal space." +"Our ETA is about nine hours. Do you need anything?" +"We're all kind of fifth wheels around here until we arrive. We've got to +get to Ackbar and find out what in the hell is going on." +Riker considered for a moment. +"If you'll give me some information, we can set up a tactical tank on a +holodeck." +"A what?" +"A reduced map of the systems involved with all the known forces +displayed. It's a new control technique we're trying out for large battles +: it enables us to fight flexibly as a controlled fleet rather than a mob." +"You guys having Imperial problems?" +Riker shrugged. "The Klingon alliance is in the balance, the Romulans are +being quiet - which means they're planning something - the Ferengi have +tripled their prices into Gamma Quadrant because of the Sispaari conflict, +the Cardassians are pushing for extradition of political prisoners to the +extent of covert raiding... At least here you've only got one set of +enemies to keep an eye on." +Han gave one of his mournful smiles. "Yeah. But there's a lot of places to +hide." He fell silent, and Riker realised he was thinking of Commander +Skywalker. By all accounts the two were close. +"Come on," Han said, shaking himself out of his reverie. "Let's see this +tactics setup." + +They made their way down to the holodeck, and were surprised to meet +Alexander Worf and one of the X-wing pilots coming out of holodeck Six. +Worf stood to attention. He lacked his father's beard, but the family +resemblance was clear. His eyes burned with the same determination. +"Captain." +"Mr. Worf, as you were." +"Permission to speak freely, sir?" +Riker stopped as he was ushering Solo into the holodeck. +"Granted." He said, with some puzzlement. +"I suggest you try the program marked Incom Space Superiority Fighter." +"Incom..." Riker began, wondering what that was. +"The X-wing, Captain. It is supremely manoeuvrable, well armed... a true +warrior's craft." +Riker smiled. So like his father. "I'll keep it in mind." He tapped the +door control. The holodeck sealed. +"Access file Tactank. Ignore subfiles. Prepare to download information +from temporary storage." +A cubic tank, some fifteen feet in each dimension, appeared in the center +of the room. The space within could be scaled, rotated, zoomed, weighted +for individual force's strength and effectiveness indexes, and even made +to run potential engagement strategies as accelerated time simulations at +any level from individual starships to full scale galactic war. +Solo looked at the display and nodded. "We ought to get the others here. +Leia, Chewie... the Rogue squadron pilots. We have this saying : two heads +are-" +"Better than one." +"Ain't we got fun now," He said, with one of his trademark lopsided grins. +Riker smiled back and tapped his communicator badge. +"Riker to All hands. Can the visiting Republic personnel make their way to +holodeck six. Out." + +The Excelsior came out of Hyperspace alert and ready. Ma'Baan's +wide-spectrum sight saw the wreckage almost as the Scanning officer +reported in. +"Scan the wreckage for energy residuals. I want to know what happened +hear. Get Patrol wings out there and have all crews stand ready. And get +us aligned for the jump out. I want all hands prepared for emergency +withdrawal. Go." +The crew rolled smoothly into action. +The cloaked Imperial probe droid noted the polished moves. Distant, the +Invictus received its report. + +Raust studied the reports with interest. +"Interesting." +Hesk snarled. "We cower here like insects when we ride the shoulders of a +giant." +Raust turned the baleful glare of his eye on Hesk. +"You are a fool. You would have us leap to battle against a fly purely to +prove your own ferocity." +Hesk froze. The gestalt mind raged. "You," he hissed, "are a coward. You +hold the most destructive power in the universe and you refuse to bring it +to bear on those feeble mortals-" +"SILENCE!" Raust's implant eye flared. A targeting spot nestled warmly on +Hesk's forehead. It was not known how many weapons were built into the +powerchair, but no-one doubted that there were many. +"The Emperor held the most destructive power in the universe. When the +betrayal came, it could not save him. Power is a fool's trinket : skill is +the stroke of the master." +Hesk spat on the floor. +Raust leaned just slightly forward. +"Learn this lesson, /abomination/." His voice was as black as midnight, and +threaded with steel. "When a strong man guards his house, he controls +it... until a stronger man comes. Then the weaker of the two is broken and +bound and the stronger free to take of what he will. The Emperor trusted +too greatly in his own abilities, at the end. He underestimated an enemy, +and overestimated the loyalty of the accursed Vader. I will walk as the +cautious cat until the moment to pounce is right." +His eyes held the glow of infernal light. +"And then all will know that the Empire has returned." + +Luke could feel something. Out at the fringes of his force sense, +there was... a thin edge of a mental screech, something unlike anything he +had felt before. +A God is dying, he thought. +His head Sagged. His legs had been broken with a metal bar, but he closed +off the pain and the sight of the twisted flesh. In his mind a light was +burning. +"Ben..." he said. +"No." came the answer. In his minds eye, a figure formed. He wore an +unfamiliar uniform, and his face looked tired... but with a cold arrogance +that gave him an air of nobility. "Hold to the light, boy. Cling to it. +We are on our way." +"Who are you?" Luke called out in his mind. +"I am the cat that walks by himself, and all times and all places are the +same to me. I am Q." The face seemed almost to smile. "Stay with the +light. Stay with the light." +He faded. + +For the first time in an eternity of pain, Luke dared to hope. + + +-- ++=======================================================================+ +| [] | +| Matt.R.Austin [] "We will return you to our normal | +| M.R.Austin@bradford.ac.uk [] service as soon as we are certain | +| [] what is normal anyway." | +| [] - Tricia MacMillan, HHGTTG | ++=======================================================================+ +Path: tivoli.tivoli.com!geraldo.cc.utexas.edu!cs.utexas.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!pipex!uknet!strath-cs!bradford.ac.uk!mraustin +From: M.R.Austin@bradford.ac.uk (MR AUSTIN) +Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative +Subject: Trek Wars Part VIII +Date: 23 Mar 1995 22:49:56 GMT +Organization: University of Bradford +Lines: 383 +Message-ID: <3kstuk$63r@columbia.acc.brad.ac.uk> +NNTP-Posting-Host: discovery.brad.ac.uk +X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2] +Xref: tivoli.tivoli.com alt.startrek.creative:7160 + + + Trek Wars Part VIII - Birds of Prey + +** U.S.S. Lyman. En route to Deep Space Nine. Personal Quarters. ** + +Data was running three simultaneous data inputs - one to each eye and the +third audio only to his ear - when the communicator bleeped for his attention. +He tapped the badge and the communicator opened the channel. +"This is Captain Hagmar. We're coming up on DS9, ETA about twelve minutes." +"Thank you, Captain. If you could inform my other staff for me. I am +rather preoccupied at present." +"Ah-" the Captain cleared his throat "There's another small matter +concerning one of your staff." +Data turned down the input rate on his audio channel to better focus on the +problem. +"Proceed?" +"It's the Bajoran. She slugged two ensigns, a lieutenant, a commander, +and, ah, myself in a little fracas about an hour ago." The Captain rubbed +his jaw gently. +"Lieutenant (J.G.) Ro?" +No-one, the Captain thought, no-one but Data could pronounce brackets in a +sentence. "What was the cause?" +"As I understand it, one of the ensigns tried to hit on her." +"She was struck first?" +"No, he, ah, tried to romance her. She booted him in the... reproductive +system. His friend tried to intervene and got a black eye and a bloody +nose for his trouble. After that it all kind of escalated." +"I see. What is your opinion of these events?" +"My opinion is she's got a great uppercut and a mean right hook and I +wouldn't like to meet her in a darkened sub-corridor. But she's on your +staff, technically it's your jurisdiction." +"If you would send her to my quarters?" +"I'll get her released from the Brig and send her down." +Data unhooked the inputs and dedicated the maximum possible runtime to the +problem. Lieutenant Ro was proving to be more troubling by the day. + +** Republic Cruiser Excelsior. Perimiter space. ** + +The Excelsior completed it's sensor sweep. Ma'Baan double-timed across the +bridge to the console and leaned over to examine the screen. With +irritation, he dropped one pair his internal eyelids against the strong UV +light of the screen. +"The Sunfire is so much diced scrap, sir. We read plenty of TIE fighter +cannon strikes, but nothing big enough to reduce a modified Frigate to..." +he paused, lost for words, before gesturing helplessly at the wreckage. +"*that*. In fact, we read nothing at all. It's like something physically +mangled it. Scrunched it up like so much wet paper." +"Get the X-wings back on board and give me as much deep sensor scanning of +the surrounding space as you can. We're looking for a cloaked probe of +some sort. Watch all the frequencies for transmissions, even just bursts. +Order the crew to jump stations and divert all power to shields. Just keep +the dorsal turret arrays ready and a couple of proton torpedoes hot." +"Got it, sir. Should I transmit a signal to Coruscant-" +"Do I look like a Nerf-herder to you? This is way too hot to trust to +anything bar word of mouth. How about the black boxes?" +"The dorsal one's been found, slit neatly in two. They're bringing it in +anyway, in case the techs can retrieve anything. The bridge one is missing, +presumed destroyed, and the tail one's intact but, according to the +readings, utterly demagnetised. All the storage, even the core half-stack +unit that's supposed to survive even if you drop it from the ionosphere." +"I think it would be something of an understatement to say that things are +taking a distinctly nasty turn..." Ma'Baan said, blinking rapidly in his +agitation. +"Sir! I'm reading-" The sensor lieutenant never finished his sentence. +Ma'Baan saw it. +It was a raw hole in space, as if something had punched through from the +other side. To his sight, the rent blazed with colours : whirling, +cavorting, spilling ice-cold blues and fiery reds through the divide. +Something was straining through the hole, a ship of unfamiliar design. +"Jump to lightspeed! NOW! Magog and Rietzche save us all, go NOW!!!" The +first officer howled, and the navigator threw the lever. The stars blurred. + +** The Ravenflight. Bridge. ** + +Picard looked up, slowly, barely daring to believe they might be back in +normal space. He looked for Q. +Q was immaculate, draped relaxedly across a velvet chaise longue that had +definitely not been on the bridge when they entered... whatever it was. +"Q?" Picard enquired, his voice betraying the tension. +"And the rest is silence." Q said, his voice almost serious. +"Are you alright?" +"What a ridiculous question. I'm Immortal, Picard, I don't catch head +colds or break bones or whatever it is you squishy lumps of protoplasm do." +"A simple yes would have done very adequately. Perhaps you'd care to get +out of the chair and tell me what comes next?" +Q beckoned Picard over to the chair. Picard, feeling more than +vaguely irritated by this game, walked over to Q and crouched to bring +their faces to eye level. +"Mon Capitaine, I... can't seem to move my legs." Q whispered. +"Q, this is no time to play games." +"You want to play games? Get the chessboard out. I can't feel or move my +legs. My materialisation is all out of sync because of the exposure to +Darktime... This, for example, was supposed to be leather and I was +supposed to be sitting in it, not sprawling across it. I'll sort myself +out given time, but until then I suggest you occupy yourself with checking +the others. Time is not exactly in plentiful supply, around here." +Picard sighed and reached to tap his communicator. +Damn. His subconscious was still firmly tuned to Starfleet methods. No +communicator badges on this ship. +He walked purposefully through to the larger room : larger, in that one +person could pace back and forth if no-one else was in there. The whole +internal layout of the ship puzzled him : this had certainly never been +built at the Martian shipyards, nor any other Starfleet site. It was a +compact ship, a halfway house between a shuttle and a small cargo +freighter. Everything, to his Starfleet-trained eye, seemed wrong, +somehow. +He killed that train of thought as he entered the large room and busied +himself. "Is anybody seriously injured?" He asked, matter-of factly. +"I feel like someone kicked me in the ribs, from the inside. But it's passing, +and there doesn't seem to be any internal bleeding." Lansen spoke up, his +perpetual grin a little faded. +"I'm fine." Koigot said, and returned to silent introspection. +"Nothing here." Vash said cheerily. +Tallera simply nodded. +"I'm... alright, Picard." The Raven's voice was a little disoriented. +"Are you sure?" Picard asked, concerned by the odd lilt. It was almost as +though he were drunk : the tone was slurred, and his balance was off. +"I have to talk to Q." The Raven said. He stalked out at speed, his +disorientation seemingly gone in a flash. Picard looked around the +others. Vash shrugged. With a small sigh, Picard turned and headed back +toward the bridge. + +The door to the bridge was still open when Picard arrived. From the +corridor, he caught just a snippet of the conversation. +"Why did you bring me here?" +"Oh, stop being such a baby : I though you were meant to be a mighty warrior?" +"The Force is with me... Picard! Show yourself!" +Picard stepped onto the bridge. The Raven was looming menacingly over Q, +his eyes glowing brightly through the slits in his mask. +"Let him be, Raven. Tell me what you were talking about." +"I want to know where we are." +"Q hasn't seen fit to tell me that yet. And I know from experience that +he's as stubborn as a mule, so I shouldn't bother with him." +The Raven continued to stare at Q. +"I'm quite capable of taking care of myself, Picard." Q said, sarcastically. +With a flurry of motion, he kicked the Raven halfway across the bridge. +The Raven somersaulted neatly and landed on his feet. One hand went to his +belt, and Picard saw for a fleeting second that the hand strayed to a +tubular device hooked on his belt rather than to the sword slung at his +side. But then the Raven growled, and lowered his hand. Q stretched +languorously and got to his feet. +"Well, that would appear to be that. Shall we continue?" + +The Enterprise came out of warp and inserted herself neatly into Coruscant +orbit. Almost immediately, the hail came from the surface. +"This is Mon Mothma. I want to speak to Leia Organa immediately." +"This is Captain Riker of the Starship Enterprise. We'll put you through." +Under his breath, he murmured to Troi, "I feel like a secretary." Out +loud, he continued, "Computer, location of Princess Leia Organa." +"Princess Leia Organa is in Turbolift A/7C, en route to the Bridge." +"She'll be here directly, Mon Mothma." Riker said, brusquely. As if on +cue, the turbolift doors swished open and Princess Leia and Han Solo +stepped out. +"Mon Mothma's on the line for you." +"Mon Mothma." +"Leia. Report, please." +"We're all fine. I've extended an official New Republic membership to the +crew of the Enterprise. And incidentally, this ship is amazing. The techs +would go wild for some of the things the Enterprise can do. Matter +Transporters, Food replicators... on amenities they're way ahead of us." +"What about Luke?" +"Nothing, I'm afraid. They're newcomers : I'll explain as soon as we can +get into a one-to-one conference. But essentially, they're okay in my book." +"Your official Jedi book?" +"From what Luke's taught me, they check out A-1." She turned to Riker. +"Can you and a few aides transport down with me to the surface?" +"I'd be glad to. Counsellor Troi, lieutenant Worf, come with me. Mr. +Crusher, you have the Conn." +Wes nodded, his face set in a grim expression. What had happened to him, +Riker wondered. The Traveller had nigh-on ordered him to return to +Starfleet : had that rejection soured him? Or was it the "incident" so +obliquely referred to in his Academy files? Certainly, his posting to the +Enterprise had been mostly secured by the combined influences of Admiral +Picard and the one man that everybody at Starfleet respected : Boothby, +the Groundsman at the Academy. +He shook such thoughts from his head and entered the Turbolift. +"Transporter Room." he told the lift, and the doors closed. The lift began +to descend and he began to brace himself for the forthcoming meeting with +Mon Mothma. + +** Deep Space Nine. ** + +Data had spoken at length with Lieutenant Ro, at such length that they had +docked at DS9 before he was finished. He was going to have to configure a +whole new subroutine for the "Relationships" program, dealing with +unwanted advances. Emotions continued to fascinate him : lately, he had +become particularly interested in the language of emotions : namely, +profanity. The human race alone had developed more offensive terms than +seemed reasonable. When you started to examine the profanity of the +Tellarite race, though, you realised what a truly inventive species could +do. They had over forty-six thousand "swear words" for dealing with +business transactions alone. +He took down his central network for a few hundredths of a second - the +android equivalent of closing your eyes and sighing - and then returned to +the problem. +"I am beginning to understand your reasons for striking the Ensigns, but +your actions against the higher officers puzzle me. Particularly your +attack on the captain." +"I didn't know he was the Captain. He wasn't in uniform." +Data accessed his "stern" physiology file at level 2. +"I took you for this post at the recommendation of Counsellor Troi. I trust +you will not render her faith in you unsupportable. That is all." he +reverted to standard pattern. "Now, we must disembark." + +Deep Space Nine was an intriguing place, Data decided. The Cardassian +Architecture, while obviously more functional than decorative, had a +particular style to it that would bear more intense scrutiny at a later +date. He spotted O'Brien immediately. +"Data! Welcome to DS9. I got Sisko to let me greet you, so we can talk +about things while we go to his office. How are you?" +"My physical condition is highly satisfactory, Miles. How are you? And +how are Keiko and your daughter?" +"We're all fine, but there's some bad things going on in general. Gul +Dukat is in conference with Sisko at the moment : something about new +security arrangements..." + +As they drew closer to Sisko's office, angry voices could be heard. +"...absolutely not! They're Federation citizens, they have a right to be +on this station-" +"The recent rise in Bajoran terrorist activity forces this move, Sisko. If +you expect us to attend the Diplomatic Talks here, we insist all +Bajorans are removed from the station first. Only under those conditions +will we attend. Otherwise, you can - frankly - forget it." There was a +tight, cruel smile that accompanied those words. +"I will not be party to the wholesale removal of every Bajoran on this +station. I will not condone such blatant racism-" +"And we will not expose our personnel to risk, Sisko. Starfleet Command +have authorised this : I challenge you to take it up with them." +There was a moment's silence. +"Gul Dukat, I hereby... accede to your request, although I note for the +record that I personally object to this on the grounds that it is +discrimination of the worst kind. I'll begin clearing the station at +mid-day tomorrow. Now, if you'll excuse me?" +Gul Dukat walked out, past Data and O'Brien. His face bore a look of +tightly contained victory. +O'Brien watched him go with a sour face. Then he knocked quietly on +Sisko's door. +"Commander Data to see you, sir." +"Come in. Welcome to Deep Space Nine, Commander Data. I want to talk to +you about your withdrawal from the Logistics Conference. Excuse me for a +moment, won't you?" He tapped the communicator. +"Major Kira to my Office in ten minutes, please." he tapped it again to +close the channel, and turned to Data with an expectant look. +"I have received a communication from an old friend who wishes me to +investigate a disturbance in the Sigma Foxtrot sector. I intend to leave my +staff here to take notes on the conference for me." +"If it's reason enough for you, then it's reason enough for me. But a lot +of those who are attending were wanting to see you there. I only point it +out because they might be disappointed if you don't attend." +"I feel that this request takes precedence..." +A short, intense woman burst into the office. +"What does Dukat want?" +"Major, I'm in conference-" +"I don't care. What does Dukat want?" +Sisko put his hands to his face and sighed. +"He wants all Bajorans off the station by the date of the Diplomatics Talks. +And he's got Starfleet backing on it." +"That's ridiculous. Even if you clear out the Bajorans, they could hire +an assassin or set a bomb to get him-" +"I know. It seems to be just a gesture, a little statement that he means +business. He doesn't care about the threat : he just wants to flex a +little political muscle, show his dislike as blatantly as possible." +"So we have to put up with it?" +"I'm afraid we don't have a choice. This isn't some trade conference : +this might just stop all out war. And all out war could well mean Bajor +goes back to the Cardassians : Our fleet is stretched to the thinnest its +ever been." +Data raised a hand. "Excuse me, Major. There is a Bajoran among my staff : +the Logistics Conference is expected to last some time, is it not?" +"That's what Starfleet's hoping. We've got scientists from all over coming +to this conference, pushing the non-combatant nature of it and gambling on +the old adage about never destroying what you might need to get what you +want. Namely, the Cardies won't blow a whole station away to secure the +place. Besides, the Hood is on station, holding position five minutes warp +travel away. First sign of trouble, we evacuate the whole station +excepting the weaponry officers and their crews. And me." +"I may have to reassign Ensign Ro to my personal detail in order to clear +this situation. May I use your communicator?" +"Go right ahead." + +Data tapped the comm panel into life and entered his request. Behind him, +he could hear Sisko and Major Kira arguing. He finished submitting his +request, and turned around. +"Major Kira?" +"What is it?" +"My Starfleet files on you mention a background with a Bajoran terrorist +group." +"What about it?" +"Do you have personal experience of Guerilla fighting?" +"A little." +"Then I have a proposition for you. I have received a communication +regarding raider activity in the Sigma Foxtrot sector. You must depart +this station before the conference. I am willing to offer you a consultant +post aboard a vessel on a mission to that sector." +"I'm flattered, but it doesn't do anything to help the situation with +Bajor, now does it?" +"It could. As I am sure you are aware, the Sigma Foxtrot sector is +innocuous enough alone : but it does connect on two neutral territories +which, in turn, connect on to Hostile space. If either of these sworn +neutrals is assisting the Cardassians, it would constitute an illegal act +under Organian treaty stipulations. Thereby forcing the Cardassians to either +retreat or surrender." +"I'll think it over." +She left, obviously in deep thought. +"I believe I have just 'lied'." said Data, at length. "My CPU is in a +considerable loop." +"I thought you couldn't lie?" Sisko said, interested despite himself. +"I cannot deliver false information knowingly. The Cardassian possibility +is one of the options regarding the origin of the raiders. It has a +possibility of two point zero six eight times ten to the power of minus +fifty-seven, to one. Would that not constitute a 'lie'?" +"Not in my book." +The Comm bleeped. +"Commander Sisko. I've just hauled in a couple of Mantynes on drunk and +disorderly charges. They're insisting they talk to you. They claim they +are delegates for the Logistics conference." +"I'll be there as soon as I can, Odo." Sisko said, and tapped the comm +offline. He had barely opened his mouth when the comm bleeped again. +"Commander, there's a disturbance on Pylon Two. Two captains are bitching +about whose cargo is whose : they demand to speak to you..." +"I'm sorry, Commander Data, you'll have to excuse me." +"Of course, Commander Sisko. I will make preparations-" +Sisko's communicator bleeped loudly, two high-pitched wails. The emergency +code. He very nearly punched it in his haste. +"Commander, a Klingon Bird-of-Prey just decloaked half an A.U. out from +the station! They're hailing-" +The Desk Comm lit up, and Data and Sisko moved round to view the screen. +An imperious Klingon face stared back at them. +"This is Captain Worf of the Klingon Scout Vessel Heart Of Fury. I was +told I could find Commander Data here?" + +** Coruscant. Command Control. ** + +The main battle room at Coruscant was in full swing. A dozen techs were +wrestling with a Radar display, while the operators dodged around them, +frantically punching buttons. Admiral Ackbar was issuing sharp commands +to the rushing teams. At the head of the room stood Mon Mothma, cooly +commanding, every inch the confident leader. She dismissed the +determined-looking man in combat leathers - Commander Katharn, of Special +Forces, Leia thought, but the man was already leaving and she had other +things to contend with - and turned to greet them. +"Mon Mothma, may I introduce Captain William Riker, Counsellor Deanna Troi, +and Security Cheif Alexander Rhozhenko Worf, all of the Starship Enterprise." +Mon Mothma accepted their extended hands, not rushing, nor wasting a moment. +"I would dearly love to become better acquainted, but the situation sadly +does not allow." She indicated the large display before them. +"At our last count, there are over a hundred Imperial ships of Capital +Class or greater still unaccounted for, and that figure is a conservative +estimate. We believed for a while that we had failed to account for a +Grand Admiral, a mistake which would have weighed heavily, but the log +entries concerned are... ambiguous at best, and the twelve named have been +accounted for. Our friends in Special Forces infiltrated an Imperial +Dreadnought and has just delivered me this." +She tapped a control on the panel, and the display showed a slightly +overweight man in what, for a human, would have passed for his mid thirties. +"This is Admiral Raust. He was supposedly aboard the Executioner at Endor, +but it looks like he survived that, which give you some idea of his +resourcefulness. He has distributed a call to arms over the Imperial +Network, amounting in effect to a declaration of War against the New +Republic. His files in the palace Archives indicate that he was inclined +to be over-cautious and fight battles from a self-preservationist +viewpoint. Evidently something has spurred him on. It may be that he has +some new weapon, or it may be-" Deanna felt a wave of emotion +wash over the woman, a wave of bitter grief and pain that did not show +itself in Mon Mothma's fine-sculpted face "-that they hold Commander +Skywalker. Or another factor entirely may enter the equation." +A comm officer leapt to his feet and hurried towards them. +"Mon Mothma, Admiral Ackbar sir, the Excelsior just jumped in. The Sunfire +has been destroyed. And they report a... rip in space from which something +was emerging." +"Order the Fleet to standby." Ackbar said, his voice carrying clearly +across the stunned room. "Prepare for war." + + + +-- ++=======================================================================+ +| [] | +| Matt.R.Austin [] "We will return you to our normal | +| M.R.Austin@bradford.ac.uk [] service as soon as we are certain | +| [] what is normal anyway." | +| [] - Tricia MacMillan, HHGTTG | ++=======================================================================+ +Path: tivoli.tivoli.com!geraldo.cc.utexas.edu!cs.utexas.edu!swrinde!pipex!uknet!strath-cs!bradford.ac.uk!mraustin +From: M.R.Austin@bradford.ac.uk (MR AUSTIN) +Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative +Subject: Trek Wars Part X +Date: 23 Mar 1995 22:54:45 GMT +Organization: University of Bradford +Lines: 212 +Message-ID: <3ksu7l$63r@columbia.acc.brad.ac.uk> +NNTP-Posting-Host: discovery.brad.ac.uk +X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2] +Xref: tivoli.tivoli.com alt.startrek.creative:7162 + + + Trek Wars Part X + Redemption + +** Enterprise. Coruscant Orbit. ** + +Riker ran his hands through his hair and sighed. +"Evaluation, inferences and conclusions. And Coffee would be good." +There was a small chuckle at the comment. They all knew how he felt. +"Deanna?" +"They are suspicious, of course - as we would be if someone told us a +similar story. The appearance of Q notched us some points, though : +Evidently these 'Jedi' have considerable social standing. To be more +specific, they were 'the guardians of Peace and Justice in the Old +Republic.', according to Leia." +"Any sense of subterfuge, or similar?" +"None. They are extremely keen to find new allies : after so many years of +war, they're reluctant to trust in strangers, but at the same time they +want to be able to trust, to let go the old prejudices. In general, they seem +to be forward thinking, open-minded, and they have a team spirit of quite +phenomenal proportions. I'd trust them." +"Alexander, Tactical analysis." +"Starfleet has always based its tactics on Naval thinking : it builds +starships like the ancient destroyers and cruisers of the ocean-going +fleets. Here, the tactics are based on Airborne conflict. The mind-frame +is that of the old earth or Klingon 'Fighter Pilots' : Starfleet thinks in +terms of vast, powerful ships, the Repubic thinks in terms of small, fast, +manouvrable craft. To be honest, I think they have a point : the Incom +T-65, the "X-Wing", is a case in point. The larger, 'capital' ships are +built like naval cruisers, however, with craft like the Frigates falling +somewhere in-between. Most of the battles are fought between fighter +craft, with the larger ships either firing from a distance, sacrificing +accuracy for safety, or being attacked by waves of fighters. They can't +conceive of two large ships battling it out : they're too valuable to +risk. The battles become shifted to a personal level, each pilot or +gunnery officer operating more-or-less freely within certain parameters +determined by their tacticians. They have a saying : 'If you see it, hit +it.' In other words, if you have a chance to take out an enemy fighter, +do so." +"Sounds chaotic." +"With due respect, sir, I would be hard pressed to think of any battle +that has not been chaotic in one sense or another." +"Point taken. So. In general, we are an oddity in their tactical mind-set." +"Yes. Although our armaments are superior to theirs in accuracy, and our +manouvrability is perhaps greater than a ship of comparable size." +"My feelings are, a good night's sleep would be a big tactical asset." +There were murmurs of heartfelt agreement. +"We'll reconvene here tomorrow at 0800, unless the situation changes +radically during the night. Mr Crusher, If you're rested, then you have +the conn." +Wes nodded, face as grim as ever. +"If you have a moment, though, I'd like to speak to you alone. Dismissed." + +** The Heart of Fury, en route to Sigma Foxtrot sector. Personal Quarters. ** + +Laren sat in her sparse room and thought, long and hard. +Her time with the Maquis had been a disastrous mistake. They'd had a +vision of sorts, a sense of honour, when she'd joined. But as time passed +and the Cardassians grew more and more a distant enemy, as the rest of +Bajor began to put its pain behind it and move on, the Maquis had grown +increasingly fanatical. While politicians pushed for rebuilding and closer +ties with the Federation, the Maquis became more bitter. Eventually, she +had fled their company, and, with the sad knowledge that she could never +again be a true part of Bajoran Society, gone begging to starfleet. +Admiral Picard had personally sponsored her re-application to the academy, +against heavy flak from those who remembered her all too well. She'd made +it to Leiutenant, albeit Junior Grade, and thought she could leave it all +behind. But every time someone came on to her, like that ensign on their +transport, she would lash out. Deanna had diagnosed it in her, before she +re-applied : Fear of placing emotional trust in anyone other than herself. +The door chime sounded, a more aggressive note than the Federation's +polite bleep. She said "Come!", then had to get up to operate the control. +No voice control on this ship. +It was the other Bajoran, the woman who'd joined them on DS9. Kira Nerys. +"May I come in?" +Ro nodded, curtly. +For a moment, Kira regarded her. +"I think you think you need to be alone with your thoughts." +Ro nodded again, her face carefully neutral. +"I think you're wrong. You know, I used to be pretty active in the Bajoran +Resistance." +"I don't want to talk about that." +"Oh? Well, that's life, I suppose. We all have to talk about unpleasant +things. We all have to live with bad decisions, We all have to face the +fact that everything changes with time... for the worse, as well as for +the better." +Ro motioned her in with a wave of her hand. +"I don't want to stay long. We're going to be coming up on the sector, +soon. I just wanted to say, well, any time you want to talk to someone in +the same situation, you know my name." +Ro sighed. "Your situation-" +"Don't make assumptions," Kira said, and there was a hard edge to her +words. She softened her voice a little. +"A few months ago, we had to stop a bomber on DS9. He wasn't just hitting +Cardassians - ordinary people were getting hurt, even killed. And then we +found out he was working with the Cardassians, just to stir up anger in +Starfleet. The bomber was one of my oldest friends, my mentor and teacher. +Having to betray him was a painful thing... but it was the right thing." +She brushed at her uniform, and turned to leave. +"Kira..." Ro said, her voice uncertain. Kira stood, waiting. +"Thanks." +"Call me Nerys." Kira said with a small smile. + +** Enterprise. Conference room. ** + +"Mr Crusher... Wes. This is entirely off the record. You've... changed a +lot, since our last tour together. You're sharper, more professional... +and colder" +"Captain, I don't want to discuss this-" +"Dammit, Wes, this isn't Captain Riker talking to you, this is Will. I +want to know, as a friend. What happened to the Wes Crusher I used to know?" +Wes' shoulders slumped. +"You probably know the Traveller told me to go back to Starfleet. He said +I needed the change. Quoted Dune, in fact : 'Change stirs something +inside, wakes a part of us that is normally asleep. The Sleeper must +awaken.' So I did as I was told. I spent a lot of time talking with +Boothby, with Admiral Picard when he was on Earth. But I just didn't feel +the same. I didn't belong, anywhere. I hadn't belonged in Starfleet since +the... incident. But it was worse than that. Everything seemed old, and +tired, and not a part of the world I used to know. It was like all the +colour had drained out of the universe. I drifted from one meaningless +relationship to another, I did as little work as possible. Then I ran into +Robin again. She was doing an advanced course with some of the same +modules as me. We... spent a lot of time together. For a while, I felt like +I had some meaning back in my life." He fell silent. +"What happened next?" Prompted Will quietly. +"We were doing that test on the Moonbase - you know, where one +of the Cadets is supposed to be an agent, and you have to defend yourself? +Everyone is so suspicious of each other they fight it out, without any +need for intervention. Robin and I worked together, because we knew we +could trust each other. But..." He paused. "A maintenance sweep had missed +a damaged catwalk. I went over it first, and she followed... Half way +across, the whole section she was on sheared off and fell, taking her with +it. I dived for her, ripped my cheek open on a torn strut..." a finger +traced the scar, almost in reflex. "She didn't die. Gravity wasn't strong +enough. But her back was broken in two places. She didn't blame me. Not +even through the hours of regen therapy, not even when she fell again and +again trying to walk, not ever. But I blamed myself. And I promised myself +that I'd never put myself in a position where I could hurt someone that +badly again." +Will nodded. +"Wes, I don't know what to say... except that there are times when you're +stuck between the Devil and cold black vacuum, and then you've got to risk +it. Theres a good line from an old film. 'You take a chance getting up in +the morning, crossing the Street, or sticking your face in a fan.'" +That brought a small smile to Wes' face, and for a second, Riker saw a +flash of the old Wes. +"Point taken, Captain. I'll think it through." +"Wes... Don't think you have to carry the whole burden. Deanna will always +be there if you want a pro, but if you just want to talk... follow the +sound of the trombone." +That really did make Wes smile. "I'll listen for the bum notes. Now, I +think I'm due on the bridge." + +** ISD Invictus. Hesk's quarters. ** + +Hesk was sitting cross-legged in his room, fighting with himself, when +there was a flash of light. +"Well, well, well. What do we have here?" came the familiar, arrogant voice. +"Q." Acknowledged Hesk. He shifted his position slightly. +Q sighed. "Now I know why I was so keen to get rid of you. Always +aggressive, aren't you?" +"Of course. One of the finer traits the Continuum saw to it that I got." +"You remember, then?" +"Oh, yes. Very, very clearly, now." His eyes flared. "You SONOFABITCH!" He +uncurled into a leap. Q stopped him in midair with a gesture. +"Not a good move. You've learned nothing since we abandoned you. I just +came to tell you... I'm here to correct a few mistakes. And you, my sticky +friend, are number one on my to-do list." He leaned closer to Hesk's +contorted face. "If I were you, and thank the continuum I'm not, I'd be +watching my back every moment of the day and night." +Through what titanic effort Q did not know, but Hesk forced words through +his immobile throat. +"I'll have your steaming corpse at my feet next time, Q." +Q smiled. +"My friend, you are already dead. I've seen you killed. What I'm going to +do will be much worse. Much, much worse." He raised two fingers to his +temple, saluted casually. "Be seeing you." +He vanished, and Hesk fell to the deck. But Q's mocking laughter echoed +through the chamber. +There came a signal at the door. +"Admiral Raust wants to-" +Hesk tore the man's stomach out and left him choking blood on the floor. +He began to walk towards Raust's quarters. A young ensign was a little +slow in getting out of his way, and Hesk ripped his terrified face off for +him. He glowered at the others in the corridor, and dived into them with a +scream of anger. By the time he reached Raust's quarters, he was coated in +blood. +He practically ripped the door off its tracks as he entered. +"What!" he screamed, flecks of blood flying from his lips. +Raust turned the baleful glow of his bionic eye on Hesk. +"Look at this." +He pointed at the screen. On it the blue-red tear in the void showed. The +Ravenflight appeared. +"If you examine this ship, you'll notice some interesting things about it." +Hesk glowered. +"It's an Old Republic ship. Substantially altered, but I'd know those +lines anywhere. That, there on the screen, is a Koenyessar Maktor IV. More +commonly known as the StarSword." +Hesk shrugged. +"That line was built specifically for use by one particular group of people." +He paused, for effect. "The Jedi." + + +-- ++=======================================================================+ +| [] | +| Matt.R.Austin [] "We will return you to our normal | +| M.R.Austin@bradford.ac.uk [] service as soon as we are certain | +| [] what is normal anyway." | +| [] - Tricia MacMillan, HHGTTG | ++=======================================================================+ +Path: tivoli.tivoli.com!geraldo.cc.utexas.edu!cs.utexas.edu!swrinde!pipex!uknet!strath-cs!bradford.ac.uk!mraustin +From: M.R.Austin@bradford.ac.uk (MR AUSTIN) +Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative +Subject: Trek Wars part XI +Date: 23 Mar 1995 22:55:05 GMT +Organization: University of Bradford +Lines: 189 +Message-ID: <3ksu89$63r@columbia.acc.brad.ac.uk> +NNTP-Posting-Host: discovery.brad.ac.uk +X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2] +Xref: tivoli.tivoli.com alt.startrek.creative:7164 + + + Trek Wars Part XI + Unto the Breech + +** The Heart of Fury. ** + +The lighting on the bridge was subdued, and the redly glowing light +indicated silent running. They were cloaked, preparing for entry to the +Sigma Foxtrot sector. Worf issued a few rapid commands in Klingon, then +turned to Data and his party. +"We've got very little to start with beyond Admiral-" He stopped. "Beyond +Picard's co-ordinates. And your knowledge." +He turned on the main viewscreen, showing a three dimensional map of the +local sectors. +"So, Mr Data, If you would give me your analysis?" +"The information I received from Jean-Luc was what might be termed +'Sketchy'. In essence, the information does not correspond to any known +craft, nor to the particular design ideas of any known race. I would +suggest we continue to the site of the destroyed craft and examine it there." +"Major Kira? Lieutenant Ro? Do you have anything to add?" +"If I were new to this sector... which most of the indicators would seem +to suggest... then I'd stay very much where I was. Staying where you are +means you get familiar with the locale, and you don't risk running into an +angry neighbour in unfamiliar territory. It's a different matter entirely +if they know this area well : but for a group trapped behind enemy lines, +in uncertain territory, staying where you are is the smartest thing you +can do. It's not a good thing, but it's your best option." Ro said, +quietly. Kira nodded. +"I go with that." +"There is one more point. We do not know whether these ships have the +technology to penetrate the cloaking field. How much energy can we direct +to battle systems before the Cloak becomes inactive?" Data asked. +"With minimal life support and Artificial gravity, we can be battle ready +about sixty seconds after dropping the field. Remember, though, that we +can always turn and run." +Data tipped his head to one side, and one of the Klingons on the bridge +choked. +"I have learned that discretion is the better part of valour, and that to +live to fight another day is better than to die in a futile battle. +Besides, we can then repower the weapons and be ready for them in a +moment. It would be a great thing to die in battle for the Empire... but +it would be a Greater thing to win that battle." +There were small murmurs of agreement from some of the Klingons, although +one or two rumbled their disapproval. Worf turned his glare on them and +they fell silent. +Worf took the command chair. +"Co-ordinates laid in and set." Data reported. +"Engage." Worf said. Data thought he saw, just for a second, a small smile +on Worf's face. + +** The Ravenflight. Bridge ** + +Picard was just debating what to do in his head when Koigot called. +"Got it. Slight subspace distortion off the port bow, range point one A.U. +Weapons lock laid in." +"See if you can just cripple it. It might tell us something." +"Okay." +He tapped the panel, and a red-orange beam flared from above the cockpit. +The beam struck something, and for a second, a multi-appendaged metal lump +showed up, spiralling helplessly. A split second later, it blew up. +"I didn't hit it that hard... must have had a self destruct." Koigot said. +"Definitely not any known design." Lansen said from the sensor console. +"It was an Imperial Probe Droid." The Raven said, his voice a ghostly whisper. +Tallera turned on him. +"Time for total truth between us." She said, using the Vulcan phrase. +"You already know that this is my galaxy. I was... I still am, a Jedi +Knight. The Jedi were the binding force of the Republic, a force for peace +and justice whose power came from the Force." +"That's what you meant when you were talking to Q." Picard said, as the +memory came back to him. "You said 'The force is with me.' I assumed you +meant that we would side with you..." +"The Force is a field that surrounds all life. It binds us together, it +flows about us and through us... it partially controls our destiny, but we +can shape our destiny with its use. But as there is Good and Evil, so +there are two sides to the force. One of our own, a young Jedi called +Annakin Skywalker, came into the employ of Senator Palpatine. Palpatine +gathered an army and took the Republic by force, forming an Empire. Under +the direction of Skywalker, we were systematically hunted down. He himself +cornered me on Vokos. There was a duel fit for epics. I won, but only +barely. I flung him into a pit of Lava, and knew that I was doomed. I had +acted in anger, forsaken my Jedi training. I had begun the journey to the +Dark Side. I fled. Later, I heard that Skywalker had crawled from the pit, +more dead than alive, and become a machine-man obsessed with vengeance. He +became Darth Vader, taking his name from the prophesy of destruction in +the Jedi Book. There was no hope remaining. I took myself into deep space +: this very sector. I had planned to space myself in penance, but +something caught my ship and hurled me through the void. And, +unbelievably, I found myself without the Force. In your galaxy, a great +evil hides... I believe Captain Kirk encountered it, on the Enterprise-A. +It is contained by a barrier of energy. That barrier drains the Force from +the galaxy, to contain the evil within. So, I found myself alone, lost, and +half-blinded without my Force Sense. But I realised that without the Force, +I could not hear and need not heed the call of the Dark Side. And so I +settled, content to live out my time here, to leave behind the wars of my +home." +"Why did you let us convince you to return?" +"One of your playwrights expressed it well. 'I Could be bounded in a +nutshell, and count myself king of infinite space, were it not that I have +bad dreams.'" +"Hamlet." Said Picard, nodding. +"I am preoccupied as he. 'To be or not to be. Whether 'tis nobler in the +mind to bear the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, or take arms +against a sea of troubles, and by opposing, end them... To sleep, +perchance to dream... aye, there's the rub. For what dreams may come, when +we have shuffled off this mortal coil, must give us pause.'" +Tallera snorted. +"I cannot understand your people's ability for procrastination. We sit +here waiting for something to happen-" +"Ah, she's proably right." Said Lansen from the Sensor station. "I read +something incoming-" +There should have been a noise of some sort. But in space, all is silent. +So, quietly, without fuss, a huge ship appeared above them, +incomprehensibly vast. +The Ravenflight shook. +"They've got a tractor lock!" Lansen yelled, and his face was one of terror. +"That's a Star Destroyer." Said the Raven, calmly. "Quickly now. Nothing +but fast and sure moves will save us." +Silently, the others followed him. + +** Enterprise. Bridge. ** + +Wes watched the activity outside the Enterprise. A pair of modified +frigates were forming up with a Calamari cruiser. A flock of smaller +ships were flitting between the hulks : some repair tugs, some fighters... +The size of the New Republic force was just beginning to dawn on Wes. +A frigate broke off from main group and began to manoeuver, coming alongside. +"They're hailing, sir." +Wes nodded. +"Commander Crusher here." +"Captain Ma'Baan here. Is Captain Riker indisposed?" +"He's getting some sleep." +"Wise man. I'd like to follow his example. We're expected to be ready to +jump out in about five hours. Ackbar wants to load Rogue Squadron aboard +your vessel and send you through as an exploratory party. Your sensors are +better than ours, at any rate. One thing though : your 'Warp Drive'. Does +it work from inside the gravity well of a planet?" +"On a Sol-type planet, like Coruscant, It's dangerous to get closer than +the very top layer of the atmosphere, but beyond that we can work +perfectly safely." +"The Imperials may have Interdictor craft out. They project a cone of +pseudo-gravity that can pull a heavy cruiser out of hyperspace in a split +second. I've got Ackbar to send you converted copies of the training files +to lock into your computer. You'll be able to identify them through the +sensors, that way." +"Thank you." +"Ma'Baan out." +The signal cut off. + +The Invictus hung against the stars, waiting. Other craft were inbound : +two Interdictors, A multitude of Corellian Corvettes, even one or two Star +Destroyers. The tractor-pressor helix was being frantically tuned, trying +to make it take higher loads for longer, replacing the switches that had +burned clean through when they fired on the Sunfire. And all this had to +be done whilst maintaining the secure bubble around Skywalker. +Raust opened a channel. +"Are you at the craft yet, Hesk?" +"Positive. There are some letters on the side, but they're not Basic..." +(I know... I should know how to read this... Why won't my mind work?) +"We're waiting for scanner teams to arrive." +(They're there, I know it, but I can't feel them, I can't touch them... is +this madness? Is this what it's like to be blinded?) +"Hesk Out." +(I'm so very sure I should know who I am... And who is Q?) +That thought galvanised him. +(Q. Q. I will tear you limb from limb, Q. I know you of old, whoever I am. +And I have a great deal to pay you back for. If only I could remember what +it was...) +There was a noise, and Hesk looked up. Towering over him was a ragged +figure with tattered wings. He was standing on the rim of the ship. Two +stormtroopers brought their weapons to bear, and he somersaulted neatly +out of the way. Something in Hesk's head shouted, 'Jedi!'. +The tattered figure landed between the two troopers, who shot each other +as he sprang clear again. +Something hit Hesk, burning across his side. Another bolt chewed the decking. +"Fall back!" he yelled. But something was going on in his mind as he +stared at the determined face behind the gun, the face of an aging man +with eyes that burned. +(I know this face,) his memory prompted. (From a vision of the past... or +the future... I know this man.) +(Picard.) + +-- ++=======================================================================+ +| [] | +| Matt.R.Austin [] "We will return you to our normal | +| M.R.Austin@bradford.ac.uk [] service as soon as we are certain | +| [] what is normal anyway." | +| [] - Tricia MacMillan, HHGTTG | ++=======================================================================+ +Path: tivoli.tivoli.com!geraldo.cc.utexas.edu!cs.utexas.edu!news.sprintlink.net!EU.net!uknet!strath-cs!bradford.ac.uk!mraustin +From: M.R.Austin@bradford.ac.uk (MR AUSTIN) +Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative +Subject: Trek Wars Part XII +Date: 23 Mar 1995 22:55:34 GMT +Organization: University of Bradford +Lines: 285 +Message-ID: <3ksu96$63r@columbia.acc.brad.ac.uk> +NNTP-Posting-Host: discovery.brad.ac.uk +X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2] +Xref: tivoli.tivoli.com alt.startrek.creative:7165 + + + Trek Wars Part XII + Into the Darkness + +** ISD Invictus. Landing bay. ** + +Hesk and his squad had fallen back to the cover of the door. The crew of +the captured ship were moving through the bay with the ease of +professionals. Already, Hesk's force were less than half their original +number, and the steely-eyed man with the glittering implant at his temple +was felling more and more. +"Seal the Blast Doors!" Hesk howled. +(Picard. Q. The two are of the one. They are together.) +The doors slammed shut. +"Get reinforcements deployed on every exit, above as well." +(Riker.) +(Who is Riker?) +(Yar.) +(Who is Yar?) +(Picard. Q. Riker. Yar. They are all... all... Nothing but names. I know +them, and I do not know them. I have not ever met them, but I have and I +will and I won't and I've never seen them and I haven't and yet at the +same time I have and I will and why does my head pound so?) + +In the bay, Lansen was running a critical eye over the ceiling. +"There." He said, and Koigot and Picard blew open the section. +The Raven hurled himself upward, seeming almost to fly. Tallera fired a +grapple and swarmed up the rope, eyes blazing. The others followed. +The Raven was already at the blast door. He drew the tubelike device from +his belt and- +There was a snap, and a hissing hum- +and the lightsaber sprang into life. +With two economical swipes, he slashed the blast door open. +Lansen grinned. +"Hardly subtle," he said, "But a damn sight faster than picking the lock." + +They met the stormtroopers half-way, and in seconds a vicious firefight +was blazing. In the midst of it stood the Raven, his glowing blade a blur +as shots slammed off it. He went through the squad of troopers like a +whirlwind, his redly glowing eyeslits burning with unholy fire. He was +chanting in a language Picard had never heard, bellowing his battle cry, a +bloody-handed god walking amongst them. +In less than a minute, it was all over. + +The Heart of Fury shuddered. The weapons console showered sparks, and the +officer fell backwards, twitching. +"Shields collapsing!" Howled the Klingon at the console. +"GET US OUT OF HERE!" Worf Bellowed, And Data's hands fairly flew across +the console. The Bird of Prey dived, corkscrewed, and blasted clear. +"Warp Engines damaged." Data reported calmly. "Containment Breach imminent." +"Shut Down!" Worf snapped. +"Field holding." Data replied. +"Full power to the weapons. Get those shields back online. Major, set your +terminal for fire control and SOMEBODY CLEAR THIS SMOKE!" Worf yelled. +"They're here!" Ro called from the sensor station, and the battle raged +once more. +The Tie Fighters dived and dodged, pinwheeling across the stars in +deadly arcs, lasers blazing. +"Rear shields at fifty percent and falling!" +Kira was wrestling with her console, her fingers flying. A Tie Fighter +caught a disruptor blast and span out of control, taking another with it. +"We've got fifteen ships left-" The Heart of Fury shuddered once more. +"Rear shields down to ten percent and still falling! Fore shields at +twenty five percent!" +"The doubled-hulled ones are firing some kind of missile. Concentrate your +fire on them!" Ro yelled. +Data's hands blurred, and Kira jumped. Data was running helm and fire +control both, one hand and one eye for each. The two double-hulled craft +were caught by a disruptor blasts. +"Thirteen left." +"My lucky number." Growled Worf. "Keep Firing!" + +The lieutenant at the Invictus Sensor station slammed the Red Alert Button. +"Incoming Craft!" +"Get the Interdictors into position. Try to keep them distant." Raust replied. +The battle was joined. + +The Enterprise blasted out of the stars, her nacelles pulsing almost white. +Riker stared at the scene. +"Dear God..." +Through the viewport, a dozen Star Destroyers were manoeuvring, and swarms +of smaller craft boiled out of them like angry insects. +"Launch Rogue Squadron. Alexander... Hit anything you can." +"Sensors show three Imperial Star Destroyers, Two Interdictor-class Star +Destroyers, Twelve Frigates, Forty-three Corellian Corvettes, and vast +numbers of Tie Fighters. I get heavy levels of Transmission from the Star +Destroyer in the center of the fleet." +"That's their Command ship. Hit it with whatever you can bring to bear." +The photon torpedo launchers flared five times. + +The Invictus shook. +Deep in the bowels of the gargantuan craft, Picard steadied himself. +"Something just hit us, and hard. I think we've managed to put ourselves +on the primary target for an assault." +Koigot sprayed fire across the advancing troopers. +"Stow it, Picard." He said, with a grimly determined smile. +All of the team opened fire at once, spitting blue-white light at the +troopers. Koigot's beam died, and the powerpack spat out. He slapped in a new +one in a moment and added his beam once more to the inferno. +Hesk arrived, like a spectre of death. +The Raven saw him and charged. + +The last Tie Fighter burst open before one of Data's pin-point +accurate disruptor blasts. +Worf breathed a sigh. +"Cancel Red Alert. How badly damaged are we?" +"The Warp core has been stabilised." Data reported. "It will hold for +speeds no greater than Warp Two, but it will hold." +"Cloaking field went down when they fired that Ion weapon. It's a +fused lump. Infra-Red reports three small fires, all being contained. +Shield generators damage, mostly light, Structural damage negligible, Core +systems mostly unaffected. We'll hold together, I think." The Klingon at +the engineering station reported. Data heard his soto voce comment : "You +hear me, Fury? Hold together." +Worf relaxed visibly. +"Is that it?" +"Not by a long shot." Ro reported. "We've got new company." +"Red Alert." Worf said, sounding tired. "Once more unto the breech." +The Modified Frigate bore down on them, turbolasers blazing. + +The Raven and Hesk were mere inches apart when time froze. +Q smiled at Hesk's immobile face. +The action was entirely mental, but, mostly for effect, he passed his hands +across Hesk's eyes and snapped his fingers in front of his face. +Hesk dissolved. +In his place, two entities formed. The Gestalt consciousness shattered like +glass, forming for each nothing more than a scattered handful of memories. +The Dark One was a formless blob of black liquid, fluid like oil, sticky +like tar. +"I've taken everything that makes you what you are." Q said, lightly. +"I've taken all your precious memories, all the perception of the future +that you're so proud of. Since we shed you here, before moving on to +pastures new, you have been a continual thorn in the Continuum's side. And +now, you will not even know that. You will be a concentration of evil, +without knowledge, without form, a worthless skin of evil. But I will give +you your old name back." +He leaned closer to the shapeless mass, lowered his voice. +"Armus." +With a thought, he hurled the thing from him, across the light-years and +the twisting pathways of time, to a planet in the far-distant galaxy that +would, in the Armus' future, see the demise of Tasha Yar. +"C'est la vie." Commented Q, feeling almost mournful. He turned to the +remaining part : the part that held the name of Hesk. +"Hmmm." He considered the albino skin, the malformed face, and shook his head. +"It'll have to go." He said, in the manner of an artist considering a +finished piece. +Not that the real Hesk was, in any respect, finished. The clone of Annakin +Skywalker, made in an attempt to replace the badly-injured Skywalker who +had crawled from the lava pit, had failed abysmally. Skywalker's +DNA had been badly damaged, and the result had been a thing that was of no use +to the Emperor. It had been cast aside, drifting, until it had encountered +the creature shaped from the negative outpourings of a race of nascent +immortals. The two had merged, become one, a creature uncertain of mind but +possessed of incredible anger and power. Enough power to alert the +Continuum and set this plan in motion. +Q flourished his hand and the thing took on the form of the Gestalt once +more. +"Nice." he commented to himself. He produced a quick double of his current +form, who patted him on the back before fading out. +"A good bit of work." +He sighed. +"Oh well," he commented to no-one in particular, "I suppose I'd better let +events follow their natural course." + +Time resumed its steady passage. The two met, like giants clashing. Hesk +did not know what had happened to him, but he knew an enemy when he saw +one. He dodged the lightsaber with incredible skill and wrenched a tube +from his belt. +The green blade sprang into being. +The Raven stood, lightly balanced on his toes. +"Let us see if you know how to use that, abomination." he said, evenly. +Hesk showed his teeth. +"Deeds, not words." +The Raven considered. +"So be it." +The blades clashed. Sparks filled the air. + +Picard turned to his team, taking advantage of the brief respite. +"Vash. Can you find this person we're supposed to look for?" +Vash grinned, tightly. +"I've been waiting for you to ask that." She closed her eyes, stretching +out with her mind. +"I've got them. Back this way." +"I'll cover you." Koigot said, impassive. +Picard Nodded. +They set off at a run. + +More stormtroopers rounded the corner. The sight of the duelling figure +threw them for long enough for Koigot to slice them in two. + +In space, Wedge and the rest of Rogue Squadron held the line. The X-wings +dodged nimbly, tracing lines of orange fire across the hordes of Tie +fighters. Space was thick with them. +"Enterprise here. We read some heavy modifications on the Star Destroyer +in the center of their fleet." +Wedge corkscrewed and fired, blasting clean through a wing of Interceptors. +"Got you. Keep an eye out." +A bleeper sounded in his helmet. +"Here come the Cavalry!" he whooped. +The Republic fleet was arriving. + +The Heart of Fury groaned. +"Shields down!" yelled the first officer. +"Photon torpedoes aft!" +Data ignored the failure of the lock-on program and fired. The first +torpedo knocked down what was left of the shields. +The second, by chance only, struck the engines. +For a second, explosions racked the engineering module of the scout +frigate. Then one explosion ruptured the reactor containment vessel. +The Frigate blew apart in a spectacular shower of pyrotechnics. +"Hold tight!" Ro yelled, and the explosion caught the Heart of Fury, +tossing it like a leaf in a gale. + +Luke could sense them coming, now. A warrior, a thief, a man of command, +and... a Jedi? He reached out his mind, touching the pursuing stormtroopers +with confusion, muddling their sense of direction. + +Tallera was watching like a hawk. +"I don't like this, Picard. It's too quiet. They're planning something." +"Silence, please. The maestro is in concert." Lansen said. The lock on the +door was completely unfamiliar to him, but a lock was a lock wherever it +came from... + +On the bridge, Raust watched the deploying Republic fleet. +"Ackbar's stamp is on this. Watch the Mon Calamari. Order the main gun +charged and re-deploy the fighters. As soon as you identify the command +ship, target it and fire." + +Hesk and the Raven slashed, stabbed, circled. Koigot's phaser was still +playing merry hell with the troopers foolish enough to enter his line of fire. +The impasse held. +Hesk found himself winning. His opponent was faltering, falling back. He +hissed through his teeth. +"Do you know the expression, 'To bate an ace'?" The Raven enquired, and a +horrible doubt entered Hesk's mind. +"To concede an early advantage to an opponent in order to ensure his +eventual destruction." The Raven finished, deflecting a swipe. He +somersaulted backwards. +Hesk watched him, wary of some new trick. +The Raven shut down the lightsaber. +Hesk sneered in victory. +"Now, you die!" he crowed, and he lunged. +The Raven threw up his hands and dark lightning crackled. The wicked +fingers of force-driven electricity tore into him, into his soul. The +Raven's eyes burned like fire. + +Hesk clawed at empty air and screamed as the Raven's fearsome power raged +through his system. Here was power driven beyond all care for self, beyond +control, power driven by a bitterness and hatred so deep that not even +Hesk, the embodiment of evil, could encompass it. +Hesk fell to his knees, sparks arcing to the decking. +For a moment, the Raven held back. Enough of his old, honourable self +remained for that. But it was trickling out of him, the last grains of +humanity pouring through the neck of the hourglass, leaving the vacuum +blackness of the Sith. +Hesk, his body shaking as though possessed, forced his head up. +"Do you not even have the strength to finish what you began?" he spat. +"The journey is complete." The Raven said, his voice filled with pain. +He sent forth the force-lightning once more, and Hesk died. + +From the decking, He picked up Hesk's fallen Lightsaber. The Dark Side +held him, now, a prison from which death would be his only escape. But +here... this weapon had been crafted and wielded by a Jedi of a subtle new +mastery, a Jedi of greater scope than any he had seen in his long life. To +his force sense, it glowed with the power of freedom and justice. Not even +Hesk's evil had tainted it. He threw it to Koigot. +"This belongs to the person Q would have you rescue. Return it to them." +Koigot looked at him questioningly. +"It is a high and lonely path I tread. I cannot walk this road : nor can I +turn back. It ends here." +He sighed, and the huge figure seemed smaller, as if broken by the weight +it carried. +"But if I am to die, it might as well be a glorious death. Remember my +name. Tell the others I bid them the last farewell." +He turned on his heel and began his journey to the heart of the storm. + + +-- ++=======================================================================+ +| [] | +| Matt.R.Austin [] "We will return you to our normal | +| M.R.Austin@bradford.ac.uk [] service as soon as we are certain | +| [] what is normal anyway." | +| [] - Tricia MacMillan, HHGTTG | ++=======================================================================+ + + Trek Wars Part XIII + Morituri Te Salutant + +Worf hauled himself to his feet. The bridge was a smoking ruin of twisted +metal and tangled wiring. +Data extracted himself from under a collapsed girder and went to work on +his console, jury-rigging the wiring with all the speed his system could +muster. +"Sound off." Worf croaked from smoke-clouded lungs. +"Ro. I'm okay." +"Kira. My leg is pinned." +"Kha'Ghal. Fit for duty." +"Chak. Fit for duty." +There was a moment of silence. +Worf bowed his head. +"In death, you honour our lives. +You have not fed the hungry mouth of War in vain. +We will remember your names." +Chak and Kha'Ghal saluted solemnly. +"Data. Report." +"Warp engines beyond field repair. Warp core breach probable in twelve +hours or less. Impulse engines damaged. All port and forward thrusters +destroyed. Disruptors destroyed. Sensors damaged. Life support failure in +fourteen hours. Reactor has suffered heavy damage. Five separate hull +breaches. Structural integrity compromised throughout. Primary and backup +transmission systems inoperative, probable hardware failure. Transporter +repairable. Flight control systems shorted. We are adrift and gaining +velocity." +"And the bad news?" Kira said, grimacing through the pain. +Data turned from the console. +"Overall survival prospects are-" +"Never tell me the odds." Kira said through clenched teeth. + +Lansen was muttering to himself as he sorted through the wiring. +"Can we just burn our way in?" Tallera asked, impatiently. +"Depends how many pieces you plan on being in. There are explosives all +over this area. No, not that one, it's never the negative lead, got to be +a T-1 loop in this thing somewhere..." he resumed his quiet monologue. +Footsteps echoed through the corridor and Tallera and Picard assumed +defensive positions. +"It's Koigot." Vash said. "He's alone." +"Got you, you little-" Lansen joined two wires and touched a third to the +connection. +The lights flickered. +Lansen looked up. +"That wasn't me..." he said, defensively +The door slid open. + +Tallera was the first through. +"Great space..." She swore, quietly. +A broken thing hung on the wall. It raised its eyes and managed a crooked +smile. +"Luke Skywalker..." he managed. +"We'll get you out of here." Picard said decisively. +"You must be Q's rescue party." Luke said, forcing the words past his +swollen tongue and cracked lips. +Picard raised an eyebrow, but set to work. +Koigot arrived at a run. +"The Raven's split off to do his own thing. He told me to bid you the last +farewell." +The ritual words lit a beacon in Luke's mind. +"The Raven is a Jedi?" +"Yeah. You should have seen it. He threw these lightning bolts. It +was... scary." +Tallera, working carefully with her phaser on Luke's manacles, snorted. +"You, scared? Must have been terrifying." +"Listen..." Luke managed. "The lights... They're charging the main gun. We +have to warn the others." +"He gave me this, as well." +Koigot held out the lightsaber. +Picard took it, considered it, and turned it on. +(Just like a feint in fencing. Flick it through fast and clean.) +He whipped the glowing blade through Luke's manacles in a blur of motion. +Luke smiled. +"Pretty good." +"Vash, Lansen, help him. Form up : we'll see if we can get back to the +Ravenflight." + +"The command ship is redirecting a huge amount of power to storage cells. +I read new power sources coming on line." Wes reported, crisply. +"Look at the fighters. They're cleaning out an area. And she's swinging to +bring her nose to bear on Ackbar's flagship. We've got problems." +"Tie Bombers closing off the port bow!" +Alexander's hands danced on the console. The phasers flared. +"Good shot." Riker nodded. + +The Raven strode through the corridors, His heart cold and his mind churning. +(The way of the dark side is that of a snowball rolling down a hill. What +begins as a tiny snowflake becomes an avalanche too great to stop. All I +can do is direct it where it will do least harm, or perhaps some small good.) +(Here.) +He hit the door control. +The officer went for his gun and fell, blue sparks crawling over his skin. +The Raven threw his mighty powers at the consoles. Insulation and casing +disintegrated, flaring into flame in its haste to depart, and metal +sparked and ran. + +On the bridge, the cry went up. +"Shields failing! +"Backups." Raust responded, calmly. +"The main gun is taking too much of the charge! They'll be down for two +minutes!" +"Deploy the other cruisers for defensive coverage. Hold position." + +"The command ship's shields are weakening. The fleet is redeploying to +protect it." Wes reported. +"Let's give them a real oddity in their tactical mind set, shall we?" +Riker remarked, almost pleasantly. "Full ahead." + +On the Invictus, Luke raised his head. +"They're panicking on the bridge. The shields are failing." +A blaster bolt ricocheted off the wall and she ducked. +"We're pinned down." Koigot reported. "There's no way we can get to the bay." +Lansen's grin was utterly gone. +"Ave Picard." he said, grimly. "Morituri te salutant." +"We have to call for help, somehow." +"My kingdom for a communicator." Tallera snapped. +Vash closed her eyes and stretched out. +(The mind, Vash, is a strange and wonderful thing... it envisions +impossibilities, it breaks down barriers, it can open the whole universe +to you. Stretch out with it. Stretch out with your feelings.) +Out into space she hurled her Q-trained mind, seeking a familiar spark. + +Deanna jumped. +(Trapped. Need help. Get us out of here.) +(Vash?) her mind responded, even as she leapt to her feet. +(We're on a Star Destroyer. Their shields are going and they're charging +some sort of weapon-) +"Vash is out there. On the Command ship." She said, while her mind fairly +burned with the power of the message she sent. +(The Admiral?) +(Here.) +"Admiral Picard's with her-" +"Mr Crusher, we've got to punch through that cordon somehow!" +"Republic fleet, this is Enterprise. Direct anything you can bring to bear +on our next target : We're going in." +The weapons of the Enterprise blazed as she screamed forward. + +Raust stared at the white ship tearing across space. +"Emperor's teeth!" swore one of the console ops. +They couldn't be doing this. It ran contrary to every tactical ploy Raust +had ever studied, to everything the republic knew of tactics. Even at +Endor, Calrissian's desperate gambit had been a rational attempt to escape +the fearsome firepower of the Death Star, not a headlong charge into enemy +territory. +"Concentrate fire on that ship." + +Koigot's beam died on him and he pushed home his last powerpack. +"The Enterprise is on its way." Vash reported. +(We're still here, Deanna.) her mind encompassed the vast Destroyer, +locating them in space, converting mental image to solid co-ordinates. + +The Heart of Fury trembled. +Data applied himself to the beam pinning Kira and lifted it aside as +though it were made of paper. Kira groaned. +Data flicked through his physiology files and identified emergency +procedure. He tore a thin strip from his uniform top and looped it +around Kira's leg. +"This will hurt a little." +He slipped a short length of broken strut through the loop and tightened the +tourniquet. +"Hold this." He told Ro, and strode to the sensor console. +"What's happening, Data?" Worf asked. +"Uncertain. Sensors, even in their damaged state, cannot detect anything +out of the ordinary. But we are accelerating towards something : a mass +that does not register." +The decking bucked beneath them and Kira moaned softly. +"I hypothesise that we are drifting toward Q's timespace distortion-" +The world went white. + +The Enterprise broadsided a Frigate as it tore past, sending flaming +debris flying. Ackbar watched. +"Give them all the support we can. Keep the defensive line occupied." +The orders flew across space, and the republic fleet advanced. + +Raust stared in confusion at the fleet. Here were tactics that eluded him, +subtleties that had to be wrenched from their hiding places rather than +appearing so obvious to him. Desperation was a greater innovator than +necessity in the heat of battle. +The white craft punched through the cordon. +"Shield Status." +"Capacitors charging. Another forty-five seconds." +"All gunnery crews, target that ship. How long until the main gun is ready?" +"Twenty seconds." +The door to the bridge exploded inwards. +The Raven stood silhouetted in the doorway. +"Vengeance." He said, simply, and all hell broke loose. +Raust screamed for Hesk in blind terror, but the Raven's lightning arced +wildly across circuits, showering incandescent fire across the vast chamber. +After an infinite moment, the cataclysm came to an end. +Raust's chair was damaged. His breathing came hard, each gasp torn from +the smoky air by sheer will. +The Raven considered the devastation. +"What then remains, but that we should cry, +Not to be born, or being born, to die?" +He lifted his hands to his mask and unclipped it, letting it fall. His +eyes still lit with red, but Raust saw, just for a second, the glitter of +tears. +"And so it ends." +The Raven turned his power inwards, and died. + +Raust wheezed, but his implant eye blazed. He forced the powerchair +forwards, to the fire control station. If he was going to die, it would be +in one final act of retribution. He threw open every circuit, brought +every power source to his station, and swung the nose to bear on the +closing fleet. + +Koigot's beam failed and he ducked a laser blast. Picard flashed a burst +across the advancing troopers, ignoring the insistent bleeping of the +low-power light. Tallera turned on Vash. +"Where the hell is -" +Light enfolded them and the world sparkled away. + +They crouched on the transporter pad, unwilling to believe it. +"Admiral." The transporter chief nodded with a small smile. +The floor shuddered. + +Riker clenched his fists. +"Get the shields back up!" he roared. +Wes looked up from the sensor station. +"We've got heavy subspace radiation across the whole spectrum -" +A sadly battered Bird of Prey burst through the rift. + +On the bridge of the Heart of Fury, Data saw the enterprise and tapped his +comm badge. +"Data hailing enterprise. We need to beam out-" + +A proton torpedo slammed into the hull of the Enterprise. +"We're losing power to primary systems!" Geordi reported from engineering. +"They hit a main junction point!" +"Data, we're losing power. You'll have to beam over to us. Alexander, wide +spread of phaser bursts, now!" + +Data assessed the situation. Before he could speak, Worf spoke. +"I will stay. We can only beam five. Remember my name." +Data lifted Kira effortlessly and ran to the transporter, Ro and the two +Klingon officers on his heels. +Worf stared at the huge grey craft before them, and smiled as the computer +slurred the countdown to warp core breach. +"In Death, I honour your lives. +I will not feed the hungry mouth of War in vain..." + +Data materialised on the pad and lowered Kira abruptly to the deck. He +leapt to the console and blurred his hands over the controls. +Over fifteen of the decks, lighting failed. +Worf stared down at himself as the sparkles took him away. + +On the bridge of the Invictus, Raust closed the contact to the main gun. +He choked blood, and the light in his implant died. +Over the surface of the Invictus, sparks arced. + +"Get us the hell out of here!" +The Enterprise leapt clear, her impulse engines blazing like the stars +themselves. + +The Bird of prey exploded. Antimatter spewed, and the tattered wreck of +the Heart of Fury became the heart of a fireball, a blast propogated at +the speed of light. The explosion raged against the unresisting texture of +the void and the relatively insignificant mass of one Imperial Star Destroyer. +The nose of the craft swung wide, and the helix of pure force tore through the +cordon of Imperial craft like a chainsaw. Plasma fire erupted from +ruptured reactors, shattering those unaffected by the beam itself. Within +seconds, the Imperial fleet was decimated, and space itself boiled with +the ferocity of the explosion. + +Out of the fire blasted the Enterprise, her hull charred and pitted, but +her running lights and warp nacelles burning bright and defiant. + +In the transporter room, Worf looked at Data almost angrily. +"You have denied me a glorious death." +Data considered. +"Yes. In order that you may go on to greater glories." +Worf's face split in a grin, and he roared with laughter. + +Luke was still weak, despite the best care the Enterprise and the Republic +could offer, but he took his accustomed place at the council table for the +meeting. + +"You could stay with us, you know. The clean-up from that battle won't be +easy, and we could use more people like you." Leia said. +Picard shook his head. +"Q is adamant that we return to our place tomorrow at latest. He's off +doing things on his own at the moment, but he'll come back. He always does." +"But we'll throw you a party for tonight," Han said with a lopsided grin. +"Sounds good." Lansen piped up, and the others smiled. +"We'll see you in the main hall in four hours. Until then." Mon Mothma +concluded. + +Picard fiddled with his uniform. After so long out of Regulation clothing, +it felt vaguely strange. His little team of Mercenaries formed a knot of +colour amid the Starfleet uniforms : Tallera in black combat leathers, +looking somehow relaxed and alert at the same time, Koigot in a metallic +blue tunic and loose trousers, Lansen beaming happily in a colourful silk +jacket that made him look like a harlequin, and Vash resplendant in a +floor-length red dress that she had borrowed from Deanna. He came to +attention as the doors ground open, and had to clench his jaw to stop it +dropping. +It looked like the entire republic had turned out to see them. Stirring +music began from the orchestra seated to one side of the chamber, but even +their huge numbers did not make a dent in the total of people in the room. +He summoned his reserves of dignity and struck out, striding in time to +the music, along the huge concourse to the distant dais where Mon Mothma, +Leia, Luke, and all the others stood. The others fell into step with him +faultlessly, heads up, eyes bright. + +The music reached a crescendo as they began to mount the steps, stirring +the blood in Picard's veins. He normally detested Martial music, but this +was something else. As they came closer to Mon Mothma, the music fell in +volume, dropping into the background. +Mon Mothma tipped her head upwards. +"For their Deeds at the Battle Of The Rift, and for the rescue of +Commander Skywalker from Imperial captivity, The New Republic honours the +crew of the Enterprise with this token of our appreciation." +She placed a golden medallion around the necks of Picard, Riker, and Worf. +They turned together to face out across the vast hall as the music rose +once more. The applause almost drowned it out. + +Han climbed the steps, with Guinan at his side. +"Ladies and Gentlemen, We have a little announcement to make!" Han grinned. +The two glanced at one another, and then cried in unison, +"The Bar is Open!" +The revelries began. + +Across the great hall, dancers whirled, but here and there, people stood +alone. Picard was sipping a cup of Earl Grey that Guinan had provided for +him in passing when Luke stepped to his side. +"I don't know if this will work where you are going, but I thought you +might like to have it. I made one up especially." +Picard took the lightsaber from Luke. +"I don't know how to thank you-" Picard began. +"This is my thank-you, for what you did for me." He extended his hand, and +the two men shook. +"I have to go. I'm going with Commander Katarn to retrieve Artoo and my +X-wing from Raust's space-platform base. I know you'll be gone before I +get back, but... don't think I'll ever forget you." +"Nor I you." Picard said with a small smile. +Luke raised one hand in a casual salute, then turned and moved away into +the crowd. +Picard considered the Lightsaber. It would make a damned fine momento of +this little outing. +"A new toy?" remarked an amused voice from behind him. "Can I play?" +He turned round, and found Vash standing there. For the second time that +evening, he had trouble keeping his mouth closed. +She smiled, and offered him her arm. +"Shall we?" +Picard put his cup down neatly and bowed from the waist. +"I would be delighted." +They danced. + +Troi was besieged with ardent suitors, but she spotted Wedge chatting with +Meko and Tikks and walked over. +"Might I have the next dance?" She enquired, a mischeivous sparkle to her +eyes. +"Ah... uh, sure... I mean, if you're free... why not?" +He took her hand, and lead gracefully into the steps of the dance. + +Han was chatting to Leia when Riker approached. Han flashed him a rakish +smile, and Riker replied in kind. +"They say you're pretty good at cards." Riker said. +"I hear the same thing about you." Han replied. +"Do you know how to play poker?" + +Q watched from the rafters, draped across the beam looking down. +He became aware of a prescence and sat up. +The Raven appeared, outlined in blue light. Below, on the dancefloor, Luke +looked up and smiled. +"Have a seat." Q said, almost smiling. +The Raven shook his head. +"I've come to give you my thanks, Q." +Q shrugged. +"I did very little, really." +The Raven smiled. +"You freed me from my nightmares, Q. That alone would have been enough." +He tipped his head on one side, as if listening to a distant voice, +and sighed. +"I must go." +"I know the feeling." Q said, ruefully. "Whenever something goes wrong at +home, it's always 'Fetch Q', 'Where's Q?', 'Get Q : He'll know what to +do.' But I would have us part as friends." +The Raven nodded, waved in farewell, and faded out. +"Just don't tell Picard." Q said, slightly grumpily. "I don't want to +ruin my image." + +From high above, he watched the revelries. Riker and Solo were staring, +poker-faced, at each other as they played. Republic and Starfleet +personnel mingled, chatting with the manner of old friends. +"Ain't life grand." He said. +Far below, Picard and Vash were dancing far too slowly for the music. It +even looked like they were kissing, but of course, that was silly. Still, +he grinned. +"And here's to love. Let the band play on!" +And so, it did. + +-- ++=======================================================================+ +| [] | +| Matt.R.Austin [] "We will return you to our normal | +| M.R.Austin@bradford.ac.uk [] service as soon as we are certain | +| [] what is normal anyway." | +| [] - Tricia MacMillan, HHGTTG | ++=======================================================================+ diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/tselar b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/tselar new file mode 100644 index 00000000..c4042689 --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/tselar @@ -0,0 +1,2611 @@ +Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative +Path: moe.ksu.ksu.edu!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!mips!darwin.sura.net!nntp.msstate.edu!Ra.MsState.Edu!plp1 +From: plp1@Ra.MsState.Edu (pat parker) +Subject: CORRECTED REPOST; _T'Selar_ part 1 +Message-ID: +Sender: news@ra.msstate.edu +Nntp-Posting-Host: ra.msstate.edu +Organization: Mississippi State University +Date: Sun, 12 Jul 1992 02:30:50 GMT +Lines: 447 + + +Star Trek +The Next Generation + +_T'Selar_ + +_Part_I_ + +By Patrick Parker, June 1992 + +* * * * * + + The doctor was not wearing her blue and black Starfleet regulation +medical uniform. Instead she wore a coarse, neutral-colored pullover with a +hood. The hood was pulled back allowing the wind to blow through her inky +hair. + She turned around slowly, surveying her surroundings; a barren plain +strewn with rocks and sand. Her face was the color of the sand, the color of +slightly oxidized brass. As she turned toward the morning sun, its red rays +tinged her face an earthy-grey tone. + She lifted her face and watched the sun rising, her nictitating +membranes turning her dark eyes a milky color. She relished the heat of the +crimson orb. On the Enterprise, the normal temperature was twenty degrees +below her comfort zone. + As she stood facing the sun, her pointed ears picked up words floating +through the air. She was listening to poetry, though few humans would have +recognized it as such; the language and rhythms being alien to their ears. +Even translated into Federation Common, it would have seemed more of a +computer program - or a scientific paradigm, than a poem. + The poetry was not alien to the doctor, however. It touched her and +moved her spirit. It called out to the logical part of her and she reveled in +its precision and succinctity. It was Vulcan poetry, and it was very much a +part of her. + After the words had faded to silence she stood quietly meditating. She +was able to repair minute cracks in her emotional defenses by doing this. She +had always found it challenging trying to work with humans, but they had +seemed particularly inane for the past few weeks. She desperately needed to +go back to her homeworld, but recently it had looked like she was not going to +get any time off. She decided to inform the CMO of the necessity of a +vacation - today. + "Computer, freeze program." + Instantly the wind died and the sand that had been blowing in it hung +suspended in midair. The sun halted its ascent through the sky, and the +temperature began to drop. The doctor shook her pullover vigorously, causing +sand to cascade to the ground around her. + "Computer; save program, discontinue, and exit." + The vast world disappeared from around her and was replaced by the +sterile fifty-foot by thirty-foot grid of holodeck four. She exited the +holodeck and proceeded to her quarters to finish preparing herself for the +day. + +* * * * * + + Beverly Crusher moved down the hallway quietly; stealthily. Anyone +seeing her would have noticed a slight change in the way she walked, but +probably couldn't have put their finger on it. She was concentrating on the +way she walked. She had been to her T'ai Chi class again last night and was +really beginning to enjoy it. Lately, she had been trying to stay aware of +her balance and inertia as she walked. The result was a quieter tread. + Beverly neared sickbay and could see Dr. Selar standing in the outer +ward. She was leaning against a table, rubbing her temples. As Dr. Crusher +neared the door, Selar straightened and turned to greet her. She was looking +a touch greener than usual today. Dr. Crusher's forehead wrinkled with +concern. + "Dr. Selar, are you all right?" + "I am well, Doctor. However, I shall wish to speak with you privately +at the end of my duty shift." + Dr. Crusher picked up a medicorder from the table and flipped it open. +The Vulcan seemed about to object, but Dr. Crusher was already scanning Selar. + "You are not all right, Dr. Selar. Your Kiptotropin and Expotropin +levels are at one-hundred and ten percent of their normal levels. Numerous +other hormones are at slightly reduced levels. I think you should lie down +and allow me to examine you further" She looked up at Selar. + "That is not necessary, Doctor. This hormonal fluctuation does not +interfere with my ability to perform my duties." Selar spoke in her typically +flat tone. + "Then perhaps we should have that talk now - in my office." She turned +from the Vulcan doctor and walked into her office. Selar stood for a moment +with an eyebrow raised, then followed Dr. Crusher. + "Dr. Selar, What is the matter with you?" + "As I have indicated, this is a normal hormonal condition. It does not +impede my functioning at the present." + "At the present?" + "Yes, Doctor. However, I must return to Vulcan soon." + "Return to Vulcan, Why?" + "For - medical reasons." + "Medical reasons! Selar I'm tiring of this. As one of my staff you +have an obligation to tell me what is the matter with you and why must you +return to Vulcan." Crusher was scowling now. + "I must return to my homeworld for physical reasons." + Dr. Selar's cool demeanor made it all the more obvious that Dr. Crusher +was about to blow her stack. Suddenly, realization dawned on the Chief +Medical Officer. + "Selar! You've been here about seven years, haven't you?" + "More accurately, six years, eleven months." + +* * * * * + + Two figures stood on the edge of the cliff, the wind buffeting them from +behind. Their voluminous cloaks were wrapped around them and their hoods were +pulled over their heads. The two stood there watching the red sun reflect off +the coppery sand as it was blown off the top of the cliff. + The two were father and son. The father was nearing his second century, +yet was still a strong and vital man. The son was in his fourth decade and +yet did not seem nearly so strong as his venerable father. The younger one +shivered even though the temperature was above one hundred degrees. He +dropped to one knee until the trembling stopped. When his composure returned, +he slowly stood and walked stiffly with his father away from the precipice +toward the city. + "Son," said the father as they struggled against the wind, "perhaps you +should contact her vessel and verify her return." + "She will return. This affects her as it does me." The son's voice was +strained, as was his control. + "It does affect her, Styhk, but something clearly prevents her timely +return. + "If she does not return, father, she will die. If that occurs, I will +die also." Styhk was struggling up a slope and his father took him by the +elbow to help him. "In either case, I will wait." + "You are not thinking clearly. If she were able to return, would she +not already be here - prior to the time? You must let us find another." + Styhk pulled away from his father and struggled up the hill. His father +followed Styhk, and when the father got to the top of the hill, the son was +shouting above the gusting wind. + "You will not find another. You will not contact Enterprise. I will +wait until she returns or until we both die." There was an awkward pause when +he realized that his response to his father's logical suggestion was +emotionally motivated. He turned and hastened toward the city, followed by +his father. + +* * * * * + +Captain's Log, Stardate 49201.0. The Enterprise has +just received new orders from Starfleet command. The +USS Dauntless, a neutral zone patrol ship, was damaged +in a battle with the Romulan warship Retribution. For +some unknown reason, Retribution broke off her attack +and returned to Romulan space - without destroying the +outmatched Dauntless. The Dauntless is limping back +to Starbase 473 for repairs and the Enterprise is the +closest ship available to beat the border until the +Dauntless can return to her patrol. + + Picard signaled the computer to end the log entry. He sat in his ready +room staring out the window at the colorful warp effect. The Captain wondered +what type of difficulties the Enterprise would encounter this time. It seemed +like this ship had never been close to the neutral zone without meeting some +type of Romulan resistance. He called out for the computer to prepare a cup +of hot, Earl Grey tea, and stood up to retrieve it. Just then the door +chirped, indicating a visitor. + "Come," Picard commanded, reaching up to pull his jacket down in the +front. It was still a habit, even though the newer olive and crimson jackets +did not creep up in the front like the older ones. The door opened up and +Beverly Crusher stepped in. Picard could tell immediately that she wanted a +favor. + "Good morning, Doctor. May I get you a cup of tea?" She nodded and he +told the food slot to prepare another. He fetched the first cup and gave it +to the doctor as she sat down on Picard's couch. He returned to the wall to +get his cup. "Now, what can I do for you." + "Well, we have an interesting situation in sickbay. Dr. Selar must +return to Vulcan soon. She has asked me for leave and I've granted it." + "Return to Vulcan - why, Doctor?" + "For medical reasons." + "Medical reasons? Could you elucidate?" + "Dr. Selar must return to Vulcan for," the doctor paused looking for +the words to describe the touchy situation. "Physical reasons." + "Dr. Crusher, you are beating around the bush." Picard took a sip of +his tea and sat down on the couch a discreet distance from her. Her shoulders +slumped when she realized that he would not take her request at face value and +he would not let it drop. + "You see, there is a physiological cycle that occurs in Vulcans +approximately every seven years. It is called Pon Far and..." + Picard held up a hand to stop her, realizing where she was leading. He +knew about Pon Far from his mind meld with Sarek of Vulcan, but he had not +realized that the mating urge was as strong in Vulcan females as it was in the +males. For Vulcan males, the urge was so powerful that it could cause +insanity and death if ignored. + "How long does she have before she cannot function normally, Doctor?" + "She expects to be in fervor within the next two weeks, but she is +already showing symptoms. As it progresses there will be pain and +progressively reduced mental capacity. We must go to Vulcan to allow Selar to +take care of this." + The Captain leaned back on the couch and pondered the situation for a +moment. "I'm afraid the situation is not as simple as that. We will be +arriving at the Neutral Zone in three days, and we cannot afford to take the +time to divert to Vulcan." + "Captain, Dr. Selar could die if we do not make this diversion." + Picard considered this for another moment and then touched his +communicator. "Mr. Data, report to my ready room." Data acknowledged and Dr. +Crusher turned to Picard. + "Jean-Luc, this is a very private thing for Vulcans. I would suggest +you tell as few people as possible." He nodded just as Data stepped into the +room. + "Mr. Data. After we arrive at the Neutral Zone, how long do you expect +it will take the Dauntless to relieve us." + "The estimated repair time for the Dauntless is three weeks, Captain." + Dr. Crusher looked from Data to the Captain. "She cannot wait that +long." This got a look of curiosity from Data. + Picard nodded and took a sip of tea. "Data, if we launch a +shuttlecraft, how long will it take it to reach Vulcan?" + Data calculated for a fraction of a second and replied. "Captain, I +assume you would wish to minimize time-in-flight for this shuttle. We will +reach a point in our path closest to Vulcan in two days, three hours. If we +launch from that point, it will take eight hours at maximum velocity for the +shuttle to reach Vulcan. + "Doctor, is a two and a half day delay acceptable?" + "It should be, Captain." The corners of her mouth twitched upwards. + "Good. Data, schedule a shuttlecraft to depart at that time." + +* * * * * + + Poet Styhk of Vulcan lay on the ground staring up into the night sky. A +human poet would have seen the stars and noted their innate beauty. A human +would see representations of goals and dreams in the stars, but Styhk saw the +stars through different eyes. Styhk perceived the order and the constancy +that they represented. + Tonight he needed for the stars to preach to him their message of order. + He was in intense pain and was in danger of losing his emotional control. +Coming at this point in his life, his father's words had stung him with their +perfect logic. + Most other races perceived the Vulcans as emotionless, but this is far +from true. Long ago they chose logic as their path to truth; and over the +centuries perfected emotional control as their path to logic. They believe it +to be their strongest point; that trait which makes them somewhat superior to +other races. + As Styhk's control slipped, he lost sight of the unanimity of stars. He +could only focus on one at a time. From which one, he wondered, was +Enterprise bearing Selar to him? Would she even return for Pon Far? Or would +they both die because of this insane cycle they were born to and were bound +to? Perhaps she would find another and only he would die. + "No," he mumbled, then louder, "No!" + +* * * * * + + None of the pricks of light that Styhk saw that night were the +Enterprise returning Selar to Vulcan. The only things visible in the sky +above him were the stars - but there was something else. Something lurked +near the planet. It wasn't visible to naked eye or to powerful technology. +Logically it shouldn't have been there, but it was. + The Retribution hung in the magnetic disturbance of Vulcan's nearest +planetary neighbor; invisible and motionless. As the ship soaked up +information from Vulcan, most of her crew slept confident in their ability to +remain undetected. + Falkl'or lay in his cabin, but he wasn't asleep. He stared at the +ceiling and listened to his consort sleeping beside him. He thought of the +danger his ship and crew would be in if they were discovered. Not from the +Federation or the Vulcans; he could surely escape from anything they sent +after him. The Romulan Council was another matter. They would have his head +if he failed. Especially since his predecessor had failed so miserably with +the Vulcan Reunification. He would not sleep until his ship was safely inside +the Romulan Empire carrying the information they had been sent to gather. + His mind turned to the Vulcan people. They, with their faulty logic, +simply did not understand the way of things. They actually thought they could +suppress their emotions. They couldn't even fool other races into believing +in their perfect emotional control, but they believed it themselves. + "Why bother," he mumbled. The fiery passion of the Romulan people was +what made them strong. It was why these lesser cousins of the Romulans would +eventually fall. + Falkl'or knew that the Romulans didn't have a particular use for Vulcan, +yet they believed in 'reunification' fiercely. It wasn't reunification they +wanted. It was revenge. Revenge for having their superior ideology scorned +by the Vulcans; revenge for being forced off the Vulcan homeworld so long ago. +Falkl'or decided that his ship was aptly named. + He looked over at his sleeping partner lying naked, her back to him. If +he couldn't sleep, at least he could amuse himself. He shook her until she +rolled over and submitted to him. + +* * * * * + + "Dr. Selar, I think someone ought to go with you." + Bev Crusher was standing just inside the door of Selar's quarters. She +had never been in the Vulcan's room, but she held her curiosity for another +time. "I've seen the way you've been acting all day today, and I'm not +convinced you can make the flight by yourself." + Dr. Selar stood beside her sleeping mat packing the few items she +planned to take with her. She looked at Crusher with a look that an +uninformed person could have mistaken for aggravation. "I do not require any +assistance, Doctor Crusher. The shuttle will be piloted by computer - so my +functioning is not of concern." + "Still, you will very likely need medical assistance. I have watched +you getting worse for the past two days. If you don't select a travelling +companion then I will select one for you." Beverly had proven many times that +she could be just as stubborn as any Vulcan. She pulled a datapad out of the +pocket of her jacket and began scrolling through names. + "Doctor Crusher, I do not require a companion." Selar seemed obstinate, +but when this didn't impress the CMO, she continued. "Allow me to restate it +differently, Doctor; I do not _want_ you to select a travelling companion for +me." This caught Dr. Crusher's attention. + Dr. Crusher realized that Selar was having a hard time controlling her +emotions. She put a gentle tone in her voice - but was still firm. "Selar, +that statement makes me even more determined to assign you a companion. When +a Vulcan admits having desires, you know that she is in bad shape. You are +leaving in an hour, with a companion" + "Doctor, I don't want a companion - because I don't want any of the +other medics to know about this. It is none of their concern and it is +possible that it will adversely affect their ability to work with me when I +return." Selar had begun this statement a bit shaky, but she seemed to pull +herself together toward the end. + "Fine," The fiery-haired doctor stated. "I already know, and this +cannot affect our professional relationship, so I will go with you." + +* * * * * + + Falkl'or lay contemplating getting up and going to check on the progress +of the data gathering. He had occupied himself with the Engineer, R'annec, +for most of the night and didn't want to get up just yet. Just as he was +about to pull himself from bed, the klaxon sounded. + The sound startled the sleeping R'annec. She leapt from the bed into a +fighting stance, one arm pressed against her breasts to hold them in place. +Falkl'or got up almost as quickly and began pulling on his uniform. He had it +on and was out the door by the time R'annec had realized what was going on +enough to begin dressing. + In the bridge, the main bridge officers were still gathering. When +Falkl'or stepped off the lift, one of the crew began informing him of their +situation. + "Lord, Federation cruiser T'karin off our port side. She's making +sensor sweeps. Looks like broad range radiation sweeps." + "Damn, they're picking up radiation emissions from the cloaking shields. +Have they located us yet?" + "No, my lord. They made a pass and are coming about for another, but +their course does not indicate that they have found us. It'll probably take +them another couple of more passes. Shall this soldier ready the weapons +systems?" + "No, wait until they pass, then move us away from the T'karin. Plot a +course along the pattern of this planet's magnetic field. As soon as you have +the planet between them and us, take us out of here." + The bridge crew plotted the course and waited in silence as the forward +tactical display showed the relative positions of Retribution and T'karin. As +the Federation ship glided silently over the Retribution, she slowly slipped +into a magnetic line and moved away. A few moments later she was headed back +toward the Romulan Empire. + +* * * * * + + Having slowed to impulse speed long enough to eject the shuttle, the +Enterprise leapt back into warp to complete its journey to the neutral zone. +The doctors watched from the shuttle as the huge starship seemed to lengthen - +then burst out of existence in a spray of color. + Dr. Selar pressed a button to activate the program that Data had written +to pilot the shuttle to Vulcan. The shuttle oriented itself and leapt +forward, the occupants settling in for a long, uneventful ride. + The Vulcan leaned back in the pilot's chair and folded her hands in her +lap. She closed her eyes and assumed a completely neutral demeanor. Dr. +Crusher slid an isolinear chip into a slot just below the copilot's viewer and +sat back while the viewer scrolled through the book she was reading. + It was mind-numbing reading. A new medical thriller in documentary form +called _Zeta_Strain_. It had been meticulously researched by the author and +it had a great deal of real information about Starfleet Medical Headquarters. +Some Starfleet agents had even allegedly debriefed the author to find out +where all the semi-valid details in the book had come from. According to the +rumors, she had looked most of it up in a library and postulated on the +remainder. The result was a startlingly believable book. + Beverly was not really into reading such fiction as this. She knew too +much about Starfleet Medical Operations to buy into the story line - but so +many of the interns and medics on the Enterprise had been raving about it that +she had decided to pick up a copy of it. Within a few minutes of powering it +up, she realized that she couldn't even remember the previous page. She was +about to doze off when Selar opened her eyes and turned to her. + "What are you reading, Doctor?" Selar had attempted to place herself +into a meditative trance, but she was used to being alone when she meditated. +Crusher's routine tapping on the page-advance key of the reader was agitating +her. Fortunately she was able to use a neutral tone of voice for the query. + Beverly's head snapped up. "Oh, this?" She glanced back at the screen +trying to remind herself of what she was reading. "It's just a new piece of +fiction. I'm really not that interested in it. Would you like to read it?" + "That is quite all right, Doctor." Selar had quickly decided that if it +was too uninteresting for a human, that it would certainly not be suitable for +a Vulcan. She got up from the seat and moved to the rear compartment of the +shuttle to attempt to sleep her way through the trip. + Vulcans normally needed only a few hours sleep every few days, but the +hormonal changes associated with Pon Far changed that. She had found that she +tired quickly and had difficulty staying awake during the later part of her +duty shifts. + Yesterday she had even fallen asleep during a meal break. Dr. Crusher +had to go find her when she did not show up after lunch, and she received an +unwanted break for the remainder of the day. + The Vulcan was soon asleep in the back of the shuttle and it didn't take +long for the human to nod back to sleep in the front. +* * * * * + + R'annec had her arms elbow-deep in the cloaking device control subsystem +and was looking at a schematic lying on the floor. For the past few months +the Federation had been getting progressively more proficient at spotting +cloaked ships, and she wanted to know why. She felt like she was close. + She was performing the modifications to the cloaking device by reflex, +and thinking about more personal matters. She had planned for a long time to +entice the Captain into a relationship and ride him to a position of power. +She wondered if Falkl'or actually thought she was his pet, or if he was +setting some elaborate trap for her; testing her loyalty. No, she decided. +Males are too stupid to see through the schemes of a woman. + She extracted her hands from the control cabinet and walked over to an +engineering computer terminal. Tapping a few keys, she instructed the +computer to run a broad range radiation scan on the cloaking shields. + "So that's what they're seeing..." She moved back over to the +schematic, glanced it over, and leaned back into the control cabinet. After a +few more adjustments and scans she had the results she wanted. "See if the +witless bastards can find us now!" She replaced the cabinet cover and started +to the bridge triumphantly. + On the bridge, Falkl'or sat in his command chair scanning through some +of the information they had gathered from Vulcan. They had what they had come +for, so now all he had to do was get his crew back home. The Council would be +pleased. He glanced over and saw that R'annec had entered the bridge and was +moving over to his chair. + "Lord, this engineer has located what she considers to be the reason +that the Federation ships were able to detect cloaked Romulan ships. The +fault has been fixed through a minor adjustment of the field generators." She +used the formal address for her captain only because there were subordinates +within earshot. + He started to acknowledge the good work, but the sensor operator called +out to him. "Lord, this soldier is detecting a small craft directly in our +path. Federation shuttlecraft. Its course indicates it is coming from the +general vicinity of the Empire, and proceeding to Vulcan." + "Long range shuttlecraft, soldier?" + "No, my lord. Standard short range shuttle. Couldn't have even made it +from Federation Starbase 473. It must have come from a ship, but long range +sensors indicate no vessels in the area." + "Soldier, what ship does the Federation shuttlecraft's transponder show +it came from?" + "My lord. NCC-1701-D. Enterprise." + Falkl'or's right eyebrow shot upward in curiosity. + +* * * * * + + Dr. Crusher awoke when Selar started mumbling. She turned in her seat +and saw that Selar was calling out in her sleep. The words were incoherent. +Dr. Crusher stood to stretch her legs and saw that Selar was shivering and +sweating. She started to move over to wake her, but as she got close Selar's +eyes flipped open. She was startled to see that Selar's eyes were white until +she remembered the Vulcan's nictitating membranes. Odd, she thought, it isn't +that bright in here. She pulled out her medicorder as Selar sat up on the +bench. + Selar tried to complain that she needed no assistance, but realized it +would be futile to try to convince Dr. Crusher of the fact. She pulled a +blanket from a compartment under the bench and wrapped it around herself. + Dr. Crusher finished with the scan. "Hormonal disparity is worse and +brain waves slightly off norm." She pulled a hypo from her kit and put a +cartridge in it. Selar tilted her head to expose the side of her neck and Dr. +Crusher pressed the device against the artery. It hissed and she placed it +back in the kit. + "That ought to hold you till we get you home." Dr. Crusher used her +medicorder to monitor the onset of the medication. + "Thank you, Doctor. My condition is improving as we speak." She folded +the blanket precisely and placed it back in the locker. Her shivering was +calming and her nictitating membranes were sliding back. + Just then the shuttle's proximity sensors went off. Both stood and +turned in time to see the gigantic Romulan warship materialize directly in +their path. + + +Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative +Path: moe.ksu.ksu.edu!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!mips!darwin.sura.net!nntp.msstate.edu!Ra.MsState.Edu!plp1 +From: plp1@Ra.MsState.Edu (pat parker) +Subject: CORRECTED REPOST; _T'Selar_ part2 +Message-ID: +Sender: news@ra.msstate.edu +Nntp-Posting-Host: ra.msstate.edu +Organization: Mississippi State University +Date: Sun, 12 Jul 1992 02:31:46 GMT +Lines: 424 + + +Star Trek +The Next Generation + +_T'Selar_ + +_Part_II_ + +By Patrick Parker, June 1992 + +* * * * * + + The doctors collapsed into the pilots' seats. They tried the controls +in a futile attempt to get away. The warship had already locked tractor beams +onto the tiny shuttle. They tried to call for help - no luck; they were +surrounded by a subspace jamming field. They leaned back in the chairs and +watched in shocked silence as they were dragged into the gaping maw of the +Romulan shuttle bay. + When they landed they were immediately surrounded by a group of armed +Romulan troops. They sat and waited - they were certainly not going to depart +the shuttle until forced to. + Soon a Romulan came and tried to open the door. When that failed, he +placed a resonator against the hull of the shuttle and began talking into it. +The device made the entire hull of the shuttle act as a resonating board for +his voice. The doctors heard his echoing voice clearly and understood his +meaning well. + "Shuttle occupants. Open this hatch or it will be blown open. Do not +bring weapons with you or you will be killed." The two doctors looked at each +other resignedly. They stood, opened the hatch, and stepped down into a +circle of a dozen phasers. + Two Romulans stepped up to them. One of them had a scanner and began +searching the captives. The other Romulan removed their communicators and the +items from their pockets. + The first Romulan was talking aloud as he scanned Dr. Crusher, then +Selar. "Human female. No medical disorders. No weapons. No devices. +Vulcan female, unidentified, non-contagious medical disorder. No weapons. No +devices." The Romulan stepped back and watched as the doctors were led away. + They were led down a corridor and pushed into a detention cell. Dr. +Crusher leaned against the wall and slid to the floor. Selar remained +standing and watched as the guards exited the cell and engaged the detaining +field. + They did not have to wait long. Soon a Romulan male appeared on the +other side of the crackling detention field. From his demeanor and dress, the +doctors guessed that he was in a position of command in the vessel. He spoke +in a calm, clipped fashion. + "Names and ranks." + Selar stepped forward and spoke. She was cool and collected. "You are +in violation of the Neutral Zone Treaty. Taking prisoners will not result in +a favorable situation between the Federation and the Romulan Empire." + "Names and ranks, " the Romulan repeated. He was just as controlled as +the Vulcan. + "You will not be able to garner a position of power through the use of +hostages." + "Names and ranks, Velakht!" The Romulan's voice rose a note this time. + Dr. Selar raised an eyebrow and regarded the Romulan for a moment. +"Selar, doctor aboard the Federation vessel Enterprise." + "Crusher, doctor aboard the Enterprise." + "What are two doctors doing in a shuttle this far out in space?" + Dr. Crusher started to open her mouth to speak, but Selar interrupted +her subtly. "We are on a mission to Vulcan to render medical aid. There has +been an explosion on Science Station T'Maltic." She spoke with typical Vulcan +composure and surety. Dr. Crusher was amazed. She clamped her mouth shut and +listened to Selar's lie. + "Are there no doctors on Vulcan?" + "Every hand is needed." + "Your shuttle was carrying very few medical supplies." + "Supplies are not a factor. Medical skills are." + "Our physician informs me that you are impaired. Why do you go to +render aid when you need aid yourself?" + "This is a rather typical aberration. It does not affect my ability to +perform my duties." She had practiced that line on Dr. Crusher often in the +last few days and had it down. + "I see - a genetic defect; it is to be expected." He paused considering +her story. "An explosion, eh?" He turned and left the room without another +word. The doctors were left alone in their cell. + +* * * * * + + Styhk was standing at the top of the slope leading down to the cliff. +He had always found that walking along the cliff calmed and inspired him. It +was as if the cliffs themselves called out to him. That was why the poetry he +periodically transmitted to Selar was accompanied by customized holodeck +programs. He thought it proper that the poetry come to her the same way it +came to him. + He leaned against a boulder at the top of the slope, out of breath. +Normally he had no difficulties in the thin atmosphere of Vulcan, but the +illness was rapidly getting worse. He couldn't safely delay Pon Far much +longer. But he was determined to wait. + "Never again," he said to himself. He didn't want to ever allow Selar +to leave again. He wouldn't let her leave. She would bond with him and they +would be together from that point forward. All she had to do was get here. +"Get here!" + He laid his head on the boulder. Why wasn't she here yet? She probably +wouldn't get here and he would die. He looked up. She has to come. They had +been promised to each other since birth and Selar wasn't one to go against +tradition. She would get here soon. Soon... "Soon!" + He began making his way down the slope to the cliffs. He was so tired +his feet were dragging, but he had to walk along the cliffs. That would +soothe his emotions for a while, if he could just get there. His vision +blurred and he tripped over a rock. Get there, he thought, as he tumbled down +the slope. + +* * * * * + + "You lied." Beverly and Selar were sitting in the back of the detention +cell whispering to each other. The red-haired doctor was surprised at Selar's +having lied about the reason behind their journey. "Granted, it is certainly +a very private thing, but I've never heard you tell a lie before." + "I have never told a lie before now, Doctor." Selar spoke to Crusher in +a low voice while watching the door. + Dr. Crusher looked around at her surroundings. "Well, if there has ever +been a good time to lie, this is it. What do you suppose they are going to do +with us?" The Vulcan raised both eyebrows at this, and turned to the other +doctor. + "I seriously doubt that they could use us to place themselves at a +political advantage with the Federation. However, if the Romulans were to +discover that I am experiencing Pon Far, they would almost certainly attempt +to rape me. Indeed, I might not be safe from that even if they do not +discover the nature of my condition. You would not be safe from that fate +either. I am sure you recall the circumstances surrounding Tasha Yar's second +death." + Beverly looked disgusted with the idea of being made to bear Romulan +offspring like Tasha was. She shook her head. "I have never understood why +anyone would want to do that to another being." + "The Romulans are intense creatures - they do not do anything without +doing it fervently. They enjoy tormenting other beings; particularly Vulcans +and Humans." + The Vulcan thought for a moment, then continued. "Tasha was not the +only one. There have been multiple cases of Vulcan-Romulan and Human-Romulan +offspring as products of rape." Selar considered this line of thought. "If +the situation deteriorates to that point, I shall die rather than submit." + "But what about your partner back on Vulcan? If you die, then he will +too." + "Doctor, if we do not arrive at Vulcan soon he will die anyway - and I +will not outlive him by long." + +* * * * * + + Falkl'or sat in his command seat, tapping a fingernail on the armrest. +He had been contemplating the Vulcan's lie. They could make the prisoners +talk. Getting information from the human would be simple, but squeezing the +knowledge from the Vulcan would be truly pleasurable. + "Soldier, send an encoded tight-beam message back to the Council. +Include the data we collected from the Vulcan homeworld and tell them we have +a pair of guests that they will find amusing." He stood up and strode from +the bridge. + When he reached the detention cells, he stood quietly outside the field +until the prisoners noticed him. He knew that his calmly watching them would +unnerve them - particularly the human - and make them more susceptible to +interrogation techniques once they reached Romulus. + Selar lay asleep on a bench in the cell. Dr. Crusher sat on the floor +beside the bench watching the Romulan watching them. She managed to hold her +nerves together for a few moments, but then submitted. "What do you want with +us?" This woke Selar and she sat up. She seemed a bit disoriented for a +moment. + The Romulan captain stood at the door for another moment. He sniffed +the air and spoke to the human. "An explosion on a science station, eh? We +can do with your feeble minds as we please. It might prove amusing to +reprogram you and send you back to the Enterprise. Does that prospect please +you or would you rather tell the truth?" + "What makes you think that you would succeed this time. You failed the +last time you tried that?" Dr. Crusher was recalling when the Romulans had +captured Geordi LaForge and tried to use him as an assassin. + "Oh that is just a small example of what we could do. You could be made +to perform any number of interesting feats." He pursed his lips in a thin +smile. + "You won't have time to do anything like that to us. The Enterprise is +already on it's way to retrieve us. How do you feel about putting yourself at +odds with Captain Jean-Luc Picard? I'd be worried if I were you." + The Romulan sniffed again; what was that strange odor? "You are no more +proficient at lying than the Vulcan. It is you that should be worried - both +of you. Not only will we find out what you are hiding from us, but +afterward..." He allowed the implication to stand for a moment. "Or perhaps +before..." He reached out for the controls for the detention field. + Selar stood up from the bench and Beverly clenched her fists. The +Romulan just smiled. "No, I think I'll let you rest so you will be fresh for +the interrogators, but when we're back on Romulus - then we'll see." He knew +he had won the mental battle for now and he walked away to let them +contemplate the possibilities. When he left he was still trying to figure out +what that faint smell was. + +* * * * * + + R'annec was checking the newly improved cloaking field when Falkl'or +strode into the engineering section of the Retribution. He walked right up to +her and took her by the arm. + "Come with me." + R'annec glanced around at her subordinates, all busy at their stations, +then turned back to the Captain. + "What is the problem? Where are we going?" + His voice was low and husky. "To my quarters." + "But it is my duty shift. I cannot leave here." R'annec was annoyed +and could tell she was going to have trouble keeping her temper in check this +time. + Falkl'or looked over at one of the engineering officers. "You have +engineering until Engineer R'annec returns." With this he grabbed R'annec's +elbow and pulled her out of engineering after him. Within the minute they +were in his quarters and he was stripping her clothes off her. + Damn, thought R'annec. I wonder what's got him like this. He is +definitely losing control. She resisted for a moment and Falkl'or drew back +his hand and slapped her. Crap, I'd better let him have it. She quickly +finished undressing and pulled him onto his bed on top of her. + As the Captain amused himself, R'annec lay there trying to figure out +how Falkl'or had changed so much. She had chosen him carefully because of his +ability to do what was necessary to increase his personal power - and hers. + He had seemed to change since receiving this information gathering +mission, especially since he picked up the prisoners. Damned if she knew why +he even bothered with them. The shipboard rumors said they were insignificant +medics. + She realized, though, that she had really grown fond of him. That was +an added advantage. She figured that he hadn't really changed lately - that +she had been stressed out and was blaming him. I could really be enjoying +this, she thought. She clutched him and began responding to his passion. + Falkl'or finished and rolled off to the side, sitting up on the edge of +the bed. "Bitch, you're miserable today. I should've just taken the Vulcan." +He quickly got dressed and left the room, leaving R'annec unsatisfied and +alone. + +* * * * * + + The Enterprise glided along the invisible line separating the Federation +from the neutral zone. At this point there was only a light year separating +them from the Romulan Empire. If an incursion into Federation space were to +happen, it would only take an instant for the invaders to leap across the +distance separating the two realms. + Despite the ever-present possibility of attack, the Enterprise's watch +had been eventless. They had patrolled the border for almost a day and there +was no sign of the Romulans. The crew did not relax, though. They patrolled +in a wide elliptical path with sensors on full sensitivity. They would know +if any Romulans came within a million kilometers of them. + On the bridge, Riker sat slumped in the command chair watching the main +viewer. He would rather be with Deanna. He was quite pleased with the +improvement in their relationship after his recent encounter with Lwaxana +Troi. Because of their discussion, he had been able to open up to Deanna more +than ever before; and she was responding favorably. + He was so thoroughly engrossed in his daydream that he was startled when +Worf announced an incoming long range communication. He turned to Worf and +nodded to try to hide that the Klingon had surprised him. + "Who is it from?" + "It is Staoq of Vulcan," Worf responded. + "On screen." He turned to look into the face of an ancient Vulcan man. +Riker knew the Vulcans were not trivial people, and this one would not have +called unless he had important news. He decided to give the Vulcan a terse +greeting and get right to business. "Staoq of Vulcan, I am Commander Riker of +the Enterprise. What can we do for you." + The Vulcan seemed to appreciate the lack of petty decorum, and also went +directly to the point. "You have a Vulcan doctor, Selar, on your ship. Her +presence is required on Vulcan." + Riker wrinkled his brow and motioned for Worf to call the captain to the +bridge. "Doctors Crusher and Selar should be on Vulcan already. Their +shuttle departed the Enterprise fifteen hours ago." + The Vulcan tilted his head to the side slightly and considered this for +a moment. "What was Dr. Selar's estimated time of arrival?" + "Data?" Riker referred the question to the android. Data looked up at +the screen and replied. + "The doctors' shuttle should have arrived on Vulcan six hours, fifty- +three minutes ago." + At that moment the turbolift whooshed open and Picard stepped out of it. +He strode down the access ramp to the command section of the bridge. Riker +relinquished control of the situation. + "Captain," said Riker. "Doctors Crusher and Selar have not made it to +Vulcan yet. They are seven hours late." + The captain frowned and looked up at the screen. "Our scans at the time +of departure indicated that they engaged the navigational program correctly +and were well on their way." + "Nevertheless, captain," the elderly Vulcan stated. "They have not +arrived here and due to their continued absence we now have a medical +emergency here. You must locate Selar and bring them here immediately." This +sentence was related passionlessly, but it had a marked effect on Picard. + "And am I correct in assuming that Doctor Selar's life will be +endangered if she is not found soon?" + "Yes." The Vulcan seemed surprised that Picard knew enough to deduce +this. + Picard stood up and paced once around the command area, stroking the +back of his head in concentration. He returned to the viewer. "Sir, we will +not be able to leave the neutral zone border until the Dauntless takes our +place here in three weeks. I would suggest that the Vulcans send out a set of +ships to locate the doctors." + The Vulcan agreed to have a set of search ships sent out after the +shuttle and started to turn away from the screen. He turned back for a moment +and stated flatly. "It is ... unfortunate, that Selar is not here in time." +With this, he ended the communication. + +* * * * * + + Back on Vulcan, the venerable Staoq turned slowly away from the blank +communication set. He now had only one logical choice since Selar would most +likely not be found in time. He would send for a proxy to relieve Styhk. He +turned to his wife and nodded. She left the room, a substitute in mind. + While he waited, he stood beside his son. Styhk was lying on his +sleeping mat. They had placed him there when they found him collapsed by the +cliffs. He was curled up into a fetal ball, sweating and convulsing. His +mind was in complete chaos and he mumbled incoherent phrases. Every so often +his babbling was punctuated with a repeated word; "Selar." + The door opened and Pentu stepped inside. She was still young, barely +forty years old, but was experienced in these matters. She had served as a +surrogate Pon Far partner several times in situations similar to this. Her +standing in the community was similar to that of a doctor, or a midwife. She +stood to one side and allowed Staoq to leave the room. + She moved over to Styhk's side and touched him on the arm. He looked up +through glazed-over eyes. "Selar?" His convulsing calmed slightly. + "Selar is not here. I am Pentu. Allow me to help." + He did not comprehend what she said. He reached up and took her hand, +pulling her close. "Selar!" + She allowed her robe to fall to the ground around her ankles and sat +down on the mat beside him. She placed his fingertips on her temple and her +fingers on his face. She began the meld and dove into his mind. + He cupped a breast in his palm. + Her free hand moved +downward from his chest to his groin. + + + He removed his hand from her breast. + She nudged his groin again. + He threw her from the mat and scurried backward into a corner of +the room. + "Styhk, if you do not do this, you will die." She moved slowly toward +him. + "Then I will die! Leave me in peace." He picked up a chair and waved +it menacingly. + "Styhk..." She moved closer. + In the outer room, Staoq and his wife waited patiently for Pentu and +Styhk to finish. They were quite surprised to see Pentu fleeing naked from +the room followed by an airborne stool. She ducked out of the way and the +stool shattered against the opposite wall. Pentu turned toward the elderly +couple and shrugged. + +* * * * * + + Doctor Crusher sat against the wall of the detention cell watching +Selar. The Vulcan had pulled the sleeves of her uniform up to the elbows, but +was still sweating. As Beverly sat here helplessly watching the Selar, she +smelled a faint smell. It reminded her vaguely of cinnamon and oranges. + "Selar, do you smell that odor? What is that?" + The Vulcan doctor slowly sat up and blew a breath out through her nose, +clearing it. She sniffed the air, then turned her head and sniffed her wrist. +"I am the source of the odor, Doctor." She rolled her sleeves back down. + "You, Selar? When did you start wearing cinnamon perfume?" + "I do not wear perfume, doctor. That scent is a pheromone that is +associated with my condition." + "Uh Oh..." Beverly's eyes got bigger. + "What?" + Crusher lowered her voice and moved over toward the Vulcan. Within a +couple of feet, the cinnamon-orange smell was intense. "How close is the +Romulan's reproductive physiology to the Vulcan's?" + Selar looked up, disgusted. "Quite dissimilar, doctor." + "But you said that Vulcans and Romulans have produced offspring before; +the reproductive systems cannot differ that much." + "They differ," the Vulcan was offended now. "Significantly. What is the +point in your insulting me and discussing such noxious topics?" + "The point is," Crusher leaned closer and whispered to Selar. "Whether +or not your pheromones will elicit a response in Romulan males." Doctor +Crusher had to jump back to avoid being knocked over as Selar jumped up. She +fell back anyway and knocked a chair over. + Selar leaned over the doctor. "The Romulans are sufficiently degenerate +that they will certainly not be affected by my...condition." She stood up and +turned her back on Dr. Crusher. + Beverly was not sure about Selar's dismissal of the effects, and she sat +there amazed at Selar's response. She had never seen the Vulcan doctor take +offense or show emotion toward anything before, and this outpouring of emotion +was like a hurricane breaking a building apart. The doctor stood up and +carefully righted the chair. + "I'm sorry, Selar. I didn't intend to insult you. I was just concerned +- that's all." + "Doctor Crusher. If you must speak to me, kindly change the subject." + "OK, sorry Selar." Crusher was silent for a couple of minutes during +which Selar didn't move. The Vulcan just stood there and stared away from +Beverly. + Selar broke the silence. "They are certainly making that dreadful noise +with the sole intention of upsetting me." She placed her hands over her ears +for a moment, then shook her head and dropped her hands back to her sides. + Beverly Crusher listened carefully, but heard nothing. "What noise," +she finally asked, timidly. + "The detention field to this cell. It is making a noise that is grating +on my very soul. Of course you can't hear it - you're human." Crusher +started to reply to this, but decided to let it drop. There were a couple +more minutes of silence, this time broken by Beverly. + "What is his name?" + "Whose?" + "Your," Crusher searched for an appropriate word. "Partner...your +mate." + Selar spun around for a moment and Beverly thought she had accidentally +insulted the Vulcan again. + "Styhk. His name is Styhk." Her expression and voice softened at the +thought. "He is a poet and I feel very strongly for him." + Beverly smiled. Selar appeared to be calming down; the memories making +her feel better. "I can tell that you love him. Tell me more." At this the +Vulcan's face clouded again and her eyebrows grew together. She looked like +she would explode again, but calmed down again a moment later. + "We are both forty-two years old; we have experienced Pon Far together +five times." She sat down on the bunk beside the human. Beverly smiled and +nodded again. + "But this time is going to be different. Special. This time we are +going to bond and he will be moving to the Enterprise to be with me." + Beverly jumped up, excited for Selar. "You're getting married!" Selar +nodded, smiling. Selar found that she enjoyed smiling. She had never done it +before. She wouldn't be doing it now, but for the raging hormone imbalance in +her system. She sat and held hands with Beverly, thoroughly enjoying the +first girl-talk session of her life. + Both women shouted as something slammed into the wall behind them. They +jumped up and turned around to see two Romulan guards standing in the door to +the cell. One of them had smashed a datapad against the outside wall of the +cell and was reaching for the controls to the detention field. He had a +lecherous grin on his face. The blood drained from the doctors' faces. + Beverly stepped back a step as the two guards entered the cell and +started toward the women. One of the guards grabbed at Beverly, but missed +when she instinctively stepped aside. He turned and lunged at her again. +This time she couldn't sidestep, but her T'ai Chi training took over and with +a subtle twist of the Romulan's arm she sent him tumbling through the air. He +crashed headfirst into the wall. + Wow, Beverly thought. Did I do that? I can't believe the T'ai Chi +actually worked. I never really figured I'd really use it for defence. She +turned around just in time to see the other Romulan's fist. There was a flash +of red hot pain as he smashed her face, then everything went black. + Selar tried to back away from him as he stalked toward her, his nostrils +flaring with each breath. She tried to remember some of the mandatory +Starfleet self defence lessons, but her knees buckled with fear. She fell +back and scrambled into the corner. + The guard paused standing over her. He took a deep breath of the +cinnamon-orange musk and unbuckled his belt. Selar whimpered as he kneeled +and forced her legs apart. She could smell his breath as he leaned over her. +He reeked. + + +Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative +Path: moe.ksu.ksu.edu!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!mips!darwin.sura.net!nntp.msstate.edu!Ra.MsState.Edu!plp1 +From: plp1@Ra.MsState.Edu (pat parker) +Subject: CORRECTED REPOST; _T'Selar_ part3 +Message-ID: +Sender: news@ra.msstate.edu +Nntp-Posting-Host: ra.msstate.edu +Organization: Mississippi State University +Date: Sun, 12 Jul 1992 02:32:37 GMT +Lines: 443 + + +Star Trek +The Next Generation + +_T'Selar_ + +_Part_III_ + +By Patrick Parker, June 1992 + +* * * * * + + Selar tried to scream, but she couldn't. She was too scared and +sickened at the thought of being raped. She tried to sit up as the Romulan +hunched over her and unfastened her pants. She tried to push him away, but he +punched her and she fell back. She lay crying as he ripped the front of her +pants apart and grabbed her groin. She smelled brassy sweat. She smelled +foul breath. She smelled burning flesh. Burning flesh? + The guard dropped his weight forward onto Selar and she screamed, +finally able to make her vocal cords work. She thrashed about trying to get +him off of her, trying to get his hand off of her groin, trying to get her +pants pulled together. She finally realized that he wasn't moving. + She threw him off of her. He rolled to lie face down beside her, and +she saw a smoking hole the size of her head in his back. She looked up, saw +the Romulan Captain - phaser in hand, and fainted. + During this struggle, Beverly Crusher had been slowly regaining +consciousness. There were voices far away; screaming, but in the darkness she +couldn't see who was screaming. She felt compelled to find the source of the +screams, to get to the voices, but she seemed to move so slowly. + There was light now, and it hurt her eyes even through her swollen lids. +She realized her whole face hurt. The names of her broken facial bones +automatically came to her trained, medical mind; +Nasal...Maxilla...Zygomatic... + She pulled herself up to an elbow and leaned against the wall trying to +bear the pain. She couldn't breathe through her nose and she didn't want to +open her eyes. Had the Enterprise been attacked? She didn't remember how she +had been injured. + The screaming had stopped now and it was quiet. What the hell was going +on here? I'm not on Enterprise. Where am I? Suddenly she remembered. She +squeezed her puffy eyes open and lurched toward Selar. The Vulcan wasn't +moving. Neither was the Romulan. + Falkl'or watched from the door to the cell as the human crawled toward +the Vulcan. Damn, he thought. Such lack of discipline. He raised his phaser +and blasted a hole in the chest of the Romulan that Beverly had knocked out. +He then turned and reactivated the detention field. He walked away leaving +the injured doctors alone with the smoldering bodies. + +* * * * * + + The engineer lay in her quarters wearing only an over-sized shirt. She +had been working in engineering for hours and now she was enjoying the quiet +solitude of her quarters. She was thinking about Falkl'or's not being pleased +with her performance earlier that day and she wanted to make up for it somehow +- but not right now. She just wanted to rest by herself for a moment while +she figured out how to please her Lord. + R'annec did not get to rest long though. The door opened and Falkl'or +walked in and paused by the bed. He blew out an exasperated breath. The +smell of charred meat still clung to his clothes. R'annec wrinkled her nose +at the smell. + "Two guards were assaulting the prisoners," he explained. "I had to +kill them." + R'annec sat up and tried to calm him down a bit. "I'm sorry I didn't +please you this morning, my Lord. I was inconsiderate of your desires." +R'annec smiled and reached out for his hand. "Let me make it up to you; come +lie with me." She had ideas of a mutually pleasurable night with her lover. +He had other ideas. + He jerked her shirt off and pushed her down onto the bed. She frowned +slightly as he shed his clothes and leapt on top of her. She tried to adjust +herself to make it enjoyable for both of them, but he was in a frenzy and was +hurting her. With each thrust he mumbled some incomprehensible obscenity. + Finally his rage, if not his passion, was exhausted and he rolled away. +Seeing that he was not satisfied, she climbed on top and tried to continue. +He just knocked her off with a knee and sat up. "I don't know what they saw +in the ugly Vulcan bitch, anyway." + He had raped her. The bastard had used her to vent his frustrations +against the Vulcan prisoner. R'annec had no idea how the Vulcan was able to +change her man into such a monster. She'd see, though. She have to go see +just what it was about the Vulcan prisoner that drove Falkl'or into such a +frenzy. + +* * * * * + + "Mr. Worf, raise the T'karin on subspace." Picard was tired of running +his starship up and down the neutral zone while his two highest ranked medical +officers were missing. He still couldn't leave the zone because there were no +ships close enough to take over the patrol, and the waiting was unbearable. +He at least wanted to know how the search was going. + Counselor Troi looked over at him from her chair. She could tell what +was troubling him, and gave him a brief smile to reassure him. He looked back +to the main viewer and smoothed out the front of his green sweater. He had +just finished tugging the crimson jacket into place when the klingon announced +that the commander of the T'karin was on screen. + "This is Captain Picard of the Enterprise. Commander Slway, how is the +search going?" + The Vulcan on the viewer had the appearance of a typical Vulcan Defence +Forces Commander. There was an immovable composure etched into his thin face. +His short, black hair framed his head in a model of control. + "We have not located the missing doctors yet. Our squadron has swept +the path that the shuttlecraft should have taken from its point-of-departure +to Vulcan. We are now searching two star systems that lie near the shuttle's +supposed trajectory." + "You have not located any energy residue or debris that could be +associated with the shuttlecraft, have you?" + "No, Captain Picard. However, before we left Vulcan we were +investigating a set of curious energy readings from near one of the Vulcan +moons. The readings indicated neutrino and graviton emissions, but we located +no source." + Data turned to the Picard from his position at the Operations station. +"Captain, low-level neutrino and graviton emissions could indicate the +presence of a cloaked Romulan warship." He turned back to his station. + The Vulcan on the screen glanced at the android, then back at Picard. +"Yes, we were unable to pinpoint the source of the emissions before they +ceased. I would advise you to be alert for the presence of cloaked Warbirds +in Federation space. We will transmit to you the sensor readings that we +obtained from the moon. You may find them useful in locating any cloaked +ships." + The android bent over his station and began interpreting the incoming +sensor data as the communication screen blanked. + +* * * * * + + There was pain and madness. Swirling lights resolved into vague shapes +and strange sounds came through the flickering illumination. A gust of frigid +air would hit her, followed by a blast from hell. She was wracked with +convulsions. + Beverly watched as the Vulcan slowly regained consciousness. Dr. +Crusher was rarely unable to help a hurting patient and this was more than she +could stand. Soon, she would be forced to watch as Selar died from mating +season sickness. What a senseless death, she thought. + Selar came awake suddenly and pulled herself up, groping for her torn +pants; trying to pull them up. The pants were ruined and did nothing to serve +her modesty, so Beverly had taken her own oversized blue jacket and tied it +around the Vulcan's waist as an improvised skirt. + The cool air blowing under the jacket and onto her exposed pelvis was +provoking her condition. She pulled the jacket closer around her waist and +tucked it between her legs to cut down on the cold air. + "Why did you kill them?" Selar asked Bev. + "I didn't kill them. The Romulan Captain killed them. They were trying +to rape us." + "You shouldn't have killed them, Beverly. They could've had me and I'd +have a beautiful baby and everyone would live and it would have been fine." +The Vulcan lifted an eyebrow and glared at Beverly. "Now I'm going to die +too. You've killed them and me, Beverly. And my baby that I could have had - +you killed the baby too. Why did you want to kill us, Beverly? You are most +illogical." Selar's clinched fist was shaking. + Dr. Crusher backed away a step, afraid. "Selar, calm down - you aren't +thinking straight right now. I didn't kill the Romulans, and besides, you +were fighting them yourself. Do you remember?" + "Of course I was fighting them. The bastards were trying to rape me. +If I could, I'd kill every one of the damned Romulans. I'd strangle every one +of their little vermin offspring. That would get them back for all they've +done to me and my baby. That would get them back for all they've done to my +people." + Before Beverly could say anything, Selar continued her ranting. "My +people will not stand for this. They will mass their warships and destroy +every pathetic planet in the so-called, Romulan Empire!" She was shouting +now. Suddenly she leapt off the bench, her improvised skirt falling behind +her, and leapt into the detaining field. With a crackle and a flash, it +propelled her back against the opposite wall. She slumped to the ground. + Beverly ran over and lifted one of Selar's eyelids. The other eyelid +popped open and Selar focussed on the Doctor through milky white eyes. She +shook her head. + "Doctor, that was illogical, wasn't it?" Selar asked. + "That was damned stupid, Selar." Beverly was flushed with angry concern +for her patient. Her face softened. "But understandable in your condition." + Selar bent one leg and pressed the warm thigh against her other leg to +keep the cold air away from her groin. Beverly started to get the jacket- +skirt, but Selar pulled her closer. + "Doctor. If I were in a better condition, I could use my mental powers +to cause myself to die. I can't do that now, because I cannot draw upon the +concentration necessary. Don't you think that it's ironic?" + Beverly frowned and started to say something, but Selar cut her off. +"If I were in perfect health I could kill myself, but now that I am infirm, I +cannot." She clamped a hand over her mouth to suppress a laugh. in a moment +she looked back at the Doctor. "You have to kill me since I can't kill +myself." + "Hush this talk of killing and dying. If you'll just hang on for a +moment, Jean-Luc will be here to get us." She crossed her fingers. + +* * * * * + + Picard paced back and forth on the upper deck of the bridge. He was +unusually agitated and was unable to sit still in his command chair while +Beverly and Selar were lost. As the Captain paced on the upper deck, Riker +paced around the lower level. Deanna Troi watched the two with growing +irritation. Finally she stood up and faced the Captain. + "Captain, you and Commander Riker are agitated to the point that you +would both be close to useless in an emergency situation." She turned to face +Riker. "I know you have both been up for longer than twenty-four hours and I +suggest you both get some rest." + They both knew from her looks that it was anything but a suggestion. +Picard puffed out his chest in a simulation of perfect health. "Nonsense, +Counselor. I am fit." He thumped his chest with his fist. Riker nodded his +enthusiastic agreement. They looked for all the world like a pair of children +trying to convince their mother that they didn't need to go to bed early. + Deanna placed one hand on her hip. "Neither of you are in perfect +fitness right now. If you don't heed my request then I can have the acting +CMO make it a medical order." Her other hand hovered over her communicator. + The two officer surrendered simultaneously. It looked like the air had +been let out of them. Picard started to say something as he stepped toward +the turbolift and Riker started up the ramp, but Data called out from his +station. + "Captain, I'm picking up energy signals similar to the ones the T'karin +broadcasted to us. The readings are coming from just inside the neutral +zone." + Counselor Troi glared at the android as Picard swung around the rail of +the upper deck and, with his Number-One, strode to the command chairs. Troi +sank into her chair with her arms crossed, pouting. + "Mr. Data, is it a cloaked Romulan vessel?" Riker asked. + "Given the specific types of radiation, I believe it to be..." + "Captain! On-Screen." Worf shouted, interrupting Data. + They all looked to the viewer and saw a massive Romulan ship materialize +in front of the Enterprise. The ship's running lights cast an eerie green +brilliance onto the upper and lower wings of the Warbird. The ship slowed and +rotated to face the Enterprise as it finished materializing. + "Captain, sensors show that to be the Retribution. She is the ship that +crippled the Dauntless." Worf's hands were poised over the weapon controls +ready for the captain to call his warrior skills into action. "Shields? +Weapons, sir?" + "Yellow alert," Picard agreed. "And hail them." + "Captain, they are hailing us," Worf said as he initiated the Yellow +Alert and raised the shields. + "Onscreen." + The view resolved to that of two Romulans. One of them was smiling a +confident grin and the other was quietly avoiding looking directly at the +communication screens. There was a moment of silent evaluation as the two +captains looked each other up and down. Picard spoke first. + "This is Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the Federation starship Enterprise. +You are currently in violation of the Neutral Zone Treaty. You engaged the +USS Dauntless in battle four days ago. This is also a violation of the +Neutral Zone Treaty as well as being a flagrant act of war." + Picard's tirade did not impress the Romulan captain. "It seems that +your view of the facts is skewed, Piek'rd. The Dauntless entered the neutral +zone and engaged us in battle. We were forced to defend ourselves. Had we +attacked the Dauntless in earnest, it would be dust right now." His grin +faded and he leaned forward. "Perhaps we should have destroyed the +Dauntless." + Picard straightened his back. "Just what do you mean by that, +captain..." + "Falkl'or." The Romulan leaned back in his seat. "I mean that we have +uncovered your spies in the neutral zone, Piek'rd, and soon we shall know +exactly what your plans for them were." He smiled triumphantly and his second +in command frowned silently, still not looking directly at Picard. + "That is preposterous!" Picard turned partially away from the screen. + "Oh is it?" Falkl'or looked down and pressed a control on a panel. He +sneered as an inset window appeared on the screen. The inset showed the +partially dismantled Enterprise shuttlecraft in the Romulan shuttlecraft bay. +A horde of Romulan engineers and scientists were swarming over it taking it +apart. + Worf slammed a fist into the top of his console and Riker jumped up from +his chair. Deanna rose from her chair with a bit more reservation, but with +the same look of concern. Picard was furious. + "What have you done with the passengers of that shuttle?" + "Oh, don't worry, your agents are still alive, though one was slightly +injured in an escape attempt." Falkl'or was clearly pleased at the reaction +he was getting from the Enterprise crew, but his first officer shifted +nervously again. Falkl'or pressed another control and an inset appeared +showing the two doctors huddled in their cell. + Deanna gasped when she saw Beverly's face and Selar's ripped uniform. + "Those two women are doctors, not spies, and they were light-years away +from the neutral zone. You must have been in Federation space to be able to +intercept that shuttle." + "We picked them up well inside the neutral zone." Falkl'or lied. "What +would a pair of doctors be doing in the neutral zone." + "That shuttle was headed to Vulcan on a medical mission of gravest +necessity. You know they weren't inside the neutral zone. You must release +them." + "I do not have to do anything on your account, Piek'rd," Falkl'or +scowled. "I must, however, be leaving now. If you attempt to stop me, YOU +will be in violation of the Neutral Zone Treaty. Retribution out!" + The main picture on the screen faded to black, leaving the two insets +with the views of the shuttle and the prisoners. Worf jabbed his finger at a +control to purge those two windows. + "Captain," Data said, his fingers flying over the controls of his +station. "The Romulans are getting ready to cloak. I am attempting to use +the sensor readings from the T'karin to follow them..." He worked for a few +more seconds. "Captain. A computer generated image of the Retribution is now +appearing on the tactical displays. + "Good! Helm, place us between the Retribution and the Romulan side of +the neutral zone. Keep us directly in her path. Engage." He waited for a +moment as the tactical display showed the Enterprise moving to block the +Warbird. "Mr. Worf. If they attempt to jump to warp speed, target their +engines with phasers - just enough to stop them." + +* * * * * + + On the Romulan ship, Falkl'or sat back in his command chair, pleased +with the taunting he had just given the Federation captain. He chose to +ignore the funk that his second in command was displaying. He was having too +much fun teasing Piek'rd to chastise his sub-commander right now. + "Helm, engage cloaking device and take us out of here." He glanced over +his shoulder at Engineer R'annec at her station. She smiled confidently as +the ship became invisible. + The helmsman looked up at his captain. "Lord, the Federation vessel has +moved directly into our course. She is remaining directly in our path." + "What? Try evasive maneuver three-three." He pushed himself up out of +his chair and stepped forward to look over the helmsman's shoulder. + "Lord, she moves to block us each time. She can see us." + Falkl'or turned and frowned at the Engineer who was busy running scans +of the cloaking system. As the captain came up behind her, she turned to him +and shrugged. He backfisted her across her cheek, knocking her into her +console. + "Report to Engineering. Get down there and fix your damned cloaking +device so that the Enterprise can't see us. Don't leave there until you get +it corrected." + She was fuming as she stormed off the bridge. Her cheek was numb and +was beginning to swell, but the bruise was not so noticeable yet. She was +already green with fury. She stomped down the corridor and around the corner +toward Engineering. + Halfway to Engineering she passed by the brig and slid to a halt, an +idea forming. She had intended to go see just why this Vulcan prisoner was +changing Falkl'or so much. R'annec clinched her fist and turned into the +brig. She was prepared for the Vulcan's quiet control, but she pulled up +short in surprise at the detaining field. + The Vulcan lay on her side facing the back wall. Her hair was in +disarray and she wore a blue jacket as a skirt. She was convulsing slightly +and breathing hard. + "My God! That smell..." R'annec breathed. + The human turned and stood up as R'annec turned off the detaining field +and stepped inside the cell. The left side of the human's face was blue and +her left eye was swollen shut. R'annec stepped toward the Vulcan, but the +human slid between them. + "I think your people have already done enough damage. If you're not a +doctor, then why don't you leave." She reached up and brushed a strand of red +hair out of her face. + R'annec started to step around the human, but got cut off again. +R'annec punched at the doctor, but Beverly sidestepped and tried to lead +R'annec off balance for a T'ai Chi throw. It didn't work. R'annec flowed +with Beverly, her motions as smooth as a cat. Too late Beverly realized she +was off balance, then in the air. Beverly flipped through the air, spread- +eagled, and landed face first on the floor. Pain exploded throughout her head +and she had to fight to remain conscious. + R'annec turned away from the disabled human and knelt at the Vulcan's +side. She took her by a shoulder and pulled her onto her back. When the +Vulcan didn't resist, but simply lay there shivering and panting, she sat back +onto her heels and rubbed her chin. + Hmmmmm, could it be? Surely Falkl'or wouldn't keep this Vulcan +imprisoned during her mating time. R'annec turned toward the human who was +clawing her way upright. she pointed back at the Vulcan. + "Is this Pon Far?" + Beverly tried to raise an eyebrow, but it hurt too much. She couldn't +even bring herself to be sarcastic. She hooked an elbow over the side of a +chair and leaned back against it. + "Yeah. What do you know about Pon Far? What do you care?" + "My people haven't completely shaken off the primitive urges of our +Vulcan ancestors." She looked back at Selar. "Mostly it occurs in Romulan +females now. The scent is similar. A lot of males don't even know that we +still have traces of the urge." She looked back at Beverly, her expression +softened. "I'm sure the captain would turn you both back over to the +Enterprise if he knew her condition. We are a compassionate people." + This time Beverly did raise an eyebrow. She shook her hair out of her +face. "It doesn't matter. You've killed her anyway. I doubt she'll make it +much longer and without medical supplies I can't help her." + R'annec looked back down ar Selar. "I can help her." She started to +reach out to Selar, but Beverly lurched forward. R'annec reached up and +placed her hand on Beverly's chest. With a push she sent the doctor sliding +backward across the cell. + "Our people are not as evil as you think - you'll see. I will make her +stronger right now and the captain will take you back to the Enterprise when I +tell him about her condition." + The Romulan looked down at the Vulcan and took a deep breath. Placing +her fingertips on either side of Selar's head, she found the temples. Beverly +looked on in amazement as R'annec began a mind meld. + +* * * * * + + The helmsman on the Enterprise worked constantly, and with Data's help +was able to keep the Enterprise in the path of the Romulan ship. Worf was +poised, anxiously awaiting any attempt to escape, but the Romulan ship finally +powered down their engines and sat quietly in space, ignoring the Enterprise's +hails. + "Captain, message from Vulcan. It is Staoq again." + The captain looked weary, but managed to pull himself together. +"Onscreen." + The elderly Vulcan appeared on the screen and began speaking without any +amenities. "Captain Picard. Have you located Selar yet?" + "We have located her, but she is being held captive by the Romulans." + "She is still alive?" + "Last time we saw her she was alive but looked to be in bad shape." + The Vulcan thought for a moment then spoke simply. "My son is beyond +our ability to help, now. If you are unable to return Selar to Vulcan very +soon, He will die." Staoq terminated the communication with that. + Picard stood up and strode toward the ready room, talking. "Mr. Data, +You have the bridge. Commander Riker - come with me. I want to talk to my +senior staff in fifteen minutes." The door whooshed shut behind the two +officers. + +* * * * * + + Falkl'or strode into Engineering and was surprised not to see R'annec +working on the cloaking device. He looked around, but there were only a few +of R'annec's subordinates running Engineering. + "Where is Commander R'annec?" + None of the engineers knew, so he stormed over to a computer console. +"Computer, where is Commander R'annec?" + "Commander R'annec is in Engineering." + He turned to see R'annec just walking into the engineering room. His +eyes were big and he was mad. + "Where have you been? I told you not to leave here until you had the +cloaking device repaired." + She took him by the elbow and steered him into her office. "I have +found out something extraordinary. It is quite important." As the door +closed behind them, she turned and leaned against her desk. + "I stopped by to see the Vulcan prisoner on my way to engineering." + "What!" + She cringed. "I wanted to know why you have been acting so strangely +lately." + "Strangely in what way?" His mood was not improving. + "You just haven't been yourself lately and I've found the reason. The +Vulcan prisoner is experiencing Pon Far." + "Pon Far? So what?" + "So, she is emitting pheromones that are making you and the other males +on this ship act atypically. That's also why the two guards tried to rape +her. They couldn't help themselves." + "That's rubbish. We have advanced past being influenced by such basic +animal instincts. Besides, that is not the point. The point is I told you to +go to engineering and you disobeyed." + "My Lord, if we turn the Vulcan back over to the Federation vessel, we +can leave in peace - we won't need the cloaking device. It is cruel to keep +her here during Pon Far." + The Romulan captain's face hardened. "I don't give a damn about Pon +Far. It is amusing to see a Vulcan in this condition; I knew all along that +their perfect emotionless attitude was a ruse." + He sneered and continued. "The only reason I killed the two guards was +because I thought they might kill the prisoners; and that would make them +useless to us. I'd let every crewman on this ship take the Vulcan if I didn't +think it would relieve her suffering. Let the bitch stay in heat for all I +care." + "But my Lord, she'll die." + "Forget the prisoners, R'annec. It is unbecoming an officer of your +station to show concern in such matters." He took her by her shoulders and +pressed his body against hers. "I think that when I complete this mission and +bring these prisoners back to the Council, there will be a nice reward in it +for me." He kissed her on her neck, his mouth lingering just below her ear. + "But what about the Enterprise?" + "They are as good as destroyed. I have put in a call for backups and +three warships are responding. As soon as the Enterprise is destroyed, I will +begin my new life of power on Romulus." He pushed her back and held her by +her shoulders. "And you, if you stop showing undue concern in matters that +are not yours to trouble with, can benefit from this too." He smiled a +reassuring smile at her. She smiled back at him, but was still troubled with +the Vulcan. + + +Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative +Path: moe.ksu.ksu.edu!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!sdd.hp.com!mips!darwin.sura.net!nntp.msstate.edu!Ra.MsState.Edu!plp1 +From: plp1@Ra.MsState.Edu (pat parker) +Subject: CORRECTED REPOST; _T'Selar_ part4 +Message-ID: +Sender: news@ra.msstate.edu +Nntp-Posting-Host: ra.msstate.edu +Organization: Mississippi State University +Date: Sun, 12 Jul 1992 02:33:36 GMT +Lines: 564 + + + + +Star Trek +The Next Generation + +_T'Selar_ + +_Part_IV_ + +By Patrick Parker, June 1992 + +* * * * * + + The five Enterprise officers sat around the polished black table as +Captain Picard stood, his hands resting on the back of his chair. He looked +at each of them in turn. + "Counselor, what impressions did you get about the doctors' condition?" + "Nothing beyond the obvious, Captain. Beverly, besides being injured, +is feeling helpless. Selar's thoughts are chaotic; I sensed," she paused, +clearly disturbed. "hatred." + Geordi looked up surprised. "Hate, Counselor? I thought Vulcans were +beyond emotions such as that." + "No, Geordi, the Vulcans can normally hide their emotions completely, +but during certain physically stressful times, their emotions can show. +Though I admit, I've never sensed hate from a Vulcan." + "Hmmmmm," Picard pondered aloud for a moment. "Mr. LaForge, Data, can +we pinpoint the doctors' position aboard the Retribution?" + Geordi spoke up. "We can program the sensors to locate humans and +Vulcans aboard the Retribution. It'll only take a few minutes. We can get +their location and O'Brien can reset the transporter to operate during the +Romulan's shield fluctuations. Should be no problem." + "No, Commander LaForge." Worf looked disappointed in the Engineer's +simple-minded scheme. "The detention cells on board the Warbird will be +shielded specifically against transporter beams. You will not be able to beam +them out of their cells." + "Well," Riker said, simply. "We'll just have to go in there and take +them out of their cells." + "Captain. We do not have much time to implement this plan." Data was +looking at a terminal that was sitting on the conference table. "Long-range +sensors have just detected three more Warbirds en route to this position. +They will arrive in one hour, twenty three minutes." + Picard nodded and looked at Riker. "Prepare a boarding party and wait +in transporter room three while Mr. LaForge and O'Brien locate the doctors and +punch through the shields with the transporter beam." + "Right." Riker stood up and started for the door. "Mr Worf, Data, +accompany me to transporter room three." + +* * * * * + + Selar was huddled in the corner of her cell muttering to herself in +Vulcan. Every once in a while she would lapse into Federation Common, and +Beverly would pick up a vile curse. Selar was stronger after the Romulan +woman's mind meld, but she was still very emotional. + Dr. Crusher looked up. She had dried blood on her upper lip and chin +from where she had reset her own broken nose. She couldn't open her jaw very +wide and both of her eyes were swollen almost shut. Her voice was a deep, +throaty mumble. "Selar, calm down. The Romulan woman helped you. You would +have died if she hadn't." + "I would prefer to have died," The Vulcan's black eyebrows were pulled +down and together over her white eyes in a look of pure hatred. "rather than +to have mind-melded with that...thing." + "But..." Crusher began to refute the Vulcan, but was cut short when +Selar continued. + "I'd rather have been raped by the guards. At least that way my mind +would still be my own." She clenched her fists. "If that crone comes back +here I will kill her." + +* * * * * + + R'annec was perched on a catwalk, half-heartedly working on the cloaking +shield generator. Below her, the power couplings for the cloaking device and +the defensive and navigational shields lay exposed. She waved a tool over the +couplings and sat back, dropping the instrument on the catwalk. + I can't believe he doesn't care about the Vulcan woman. He was never +like that before. It must be the pheromones. He's reacting to them a bit +differently than he would to a Romulan woman's. + She picked up another tool and leaned into the pulsing cabinet. +Scanning the power bus, she frowned and leaned back. + "Computer, what is causing the surges during the shield fluctuations?" + "An external power source is attempting to transmit power from outside +the defensive shields to inside." + She picked up a data pad and called out to the computer. "Computer, +place a graph of the external power supply on data pad number sixteen." As +the image appeared on the hand-held computer, she frowned and pondered the +strange signal. "Computer, overlay this image with the graph of the +transporter energy output." The computer complied and she thought for a +moment. "Not OUR transporter signal, the Federations'." The computer changed +the display on her data pad and she smiled as the pattern matched almost +exactly. + "So, they're trying to beam over here. We'll fix that." R'annec leaned +back. "Computer, modulate the shield frequencies using a random offset +frequency and change that offset frequency at random intervals, not to exceed +fifteen seconds." + She leaned forward into the shielding cabinet again and began making +adjustments, satisfied that it would be impossible for the Federation ship to +beam through the shields now. She frowned. If Falkl'or would just return the +Vulcan to her ship, this could end. Senseless. She shook her head. + +* * * * * + + Geordi looked up from the transporter console and blew an exasperated +breath, his cheeks puffing out. He reached up and scratched his forehead. +Looking over at O'Brien, he shrugged. + "Damn! We just about had it. They started modulating their shields +just as we were about to break through." + The transporter chief scowled and tweaked another control on the panel, +then looked up and shook his head. There was no way they were going to be +able to get a signal through that. Both of them stood back and looked up at +the away team waiting on the transporter platform. + Riker, Worf, and Data were wearing shiny, black, energy-ablative vests +over their standard Starfleet jackets to help protect them from phaser fire. +Worf would have preferred full Klingon battle armor, but the Enterprise didn't +carry armor in their arsenal. The ablative vests were intended to provide +minimal protection during unshielded engine work, but they would serve as +armor in a pinch. The three stepped down from the transporter pad when the +Engineer indicated that it was useless trying to beam through. Worf looked +positively deflated. + Riker reached up and tapped his badge, which he had pinned on his +shoulder when he put the vest on. "Riker to Picard. We're unable to punch a +transporter beam through the Romulan shields. They've discovered our plans +and they are specifically blocking us." He tilted his head, looked up at the +ceiling, and awaited a reply. + On the bridge, Picard plopped into his chair, his plans exhausted. + +* * * * * + + The Vulcans stood around the sleeping mat, discussing the dying Vulcan. +The doctors had done everything medically possible to stabilize Styhk's +condition, but by refusing Pentu's services, Styhk had sacrificed his own +life. + "There is a way." Styhk's elderly father stated to the doctors. + The doctors stood waiting quietly for the elderly Vulcan to continue. + "A mind meld will strengthen him. It will give Picard time to retrieve +Selar." + One of the doctors shook his head. "Unadvisable." + "With a group meld, the side effects should be negligible." + The doctor looked down at Styhk, who was weeping and spasming. He +looked back up and repeated his diagnosis. "Unadvisable." + Staoq glanced at his emotional son and considered the possible side +effects of melding with a mind in such turmoil. Even with the effects spread +over a group, insanity could ensue; or even worse - emotion. The elderly +Vulcan bowed his head in deference to the doctor's logic. + +* * * * * + + R'annec shook her head, leaned back, and rubbed her temples. She was +beginning to get a headache but she couldn't stop now. The cloaking device +was still not working properly, and Falkl'or had told her not to leave until +the ship was invisible again. With a huff, she leaned back into her work. + As she adjusted the device, her thoughts drifted back to the prisoners. +The mind meld had been painful; the Vulcan's mind was in such turmoil. +R'annec had actually felt the guard on top of her, had smelled his breath and +the smell of the phaser burning through him. She could feel her logic +slipping away; her sanity leaving her. + R'annec had also felt Selar's hatred for the Romulans. I don't really +blame her, the engineer thought. Falkl'or should have let her go. Damned +foolishness, that's what this is. Selar should not be here. She should be +lying with Styhk. Poor Styhk, he sent me...sent her poems every week, +faithfully. Why can't I... R'annec shook her head again. Why can't she be +there for him - he needs her...needs us now. I can't just stand around while +Styhk needs me. + She leaned back again and looked down from the catwalk. There were two +other engineers in the room, but they were occupied. She carefully removed +the protective shielding from the back of one of her instruments, exposing the +power pack. With another look around, she leaned forward and carefully lay +the instrument inside the cabinet with the power pack touching the couplings. + Hmmm. Now to make it look like an accident. She looked around. The +other engineers were still busy. She picked up her data pad and scooted +closer to the cabinet. She lay her head on the side of the opening to the +power couplings, carefully positioning herself where she would be scorched by +the blast, but not killed. With one more glance at the busy engineers, she +spoke softly into the sensor on the data pad. + "Computer, raise the charge on the power couplings one-hundred and fifty +percent." + There was a faint hum, followed by a blast of noise and sparks. She +screamed and dove off the catwalk, her hair singed. As she rolled to a stop +on the deck and looked back, a secondary blast melted the power coupling, it's +cabinet, and the catwalk into slag. There, she thought. Now it's up to the +humans. As the other engineers ran over and helped her up, a call came in +from the bridge. + "What the hell was that!" Falkl'or was outraged and R'annec was glad he +was on the other side of the intercom. She ran over to an Engineering console +and checked a screen. Then she addressed the intercom. + "My Lord, there has been an accident here in Engineering. Shield and +cloaking generators are damaged. It'll take about five minutes to reroute +power. Engineer out." She thumbed the communication panel off before he had +a chance to reply. + One of R'annec's subordinates looked up at her after checking another +screen. "Engineer, I think we can reroute power through the submixers and +save a couple of minutes." + Damn, she thought, but displayed no emotion. "Good idea, engineer." +She touched the intercom button. "My Lord, make that three minutes." + Damn, she thought. + +* * * * * + + On the bridge of the Enterprise, Picard had just stood up from his +chair. He was tilting his head back and pressing his fingers into the back of +his neck, hoping to squeeze the tension headache out of existence. + He thought back to the start of this mission. I knew this wouldn't be +simple. Just a matter of time until the Romulans showed up. Blast their +incessant interference. + Deanna leaned back in her chair, her forehead creased with concern. She +knew it was futile to suggest Picard get some rest right now. She was about +to suggest calling a doctor to administer a headache remedy when an alarm on +the Operations console tweedled. Picard snapped back to attention. + "Captain," said the operations ensign. "There has been an explosion +aboard the Retribution. Her shield generators appear to be disabled." + "Ha!" Picard strode forward to stand between the Helm and the +Operations stations. "Is there any indication how long they will be down?" + The ensign nervously ran his fingers over the panel for several seconds +while Picard waited, impatiently looking over the ensign's shoulder. + "They seem to be charging a set of power mixers to power the shields. +I'd estimate about five minutes, sir." He looked up at the captain. "Best +guess." + "That'll have to do." The captain looked up from the operations +console. "Picard to Riker. The Retribution's shields are down. You have +four minutes to get the doctors out of there." + "We're halfway there, captain," came the Commander's voice. + +* * * * * + + The three Federation officers materialized in a triangle, facing +outward, weapons drawn. The corridor was empty, though; O'Brien had done a +good job of placing them. The normal lighting on the Warbird had a slight +greenish tinge, and the red emergency lighting combined with this to make +everything look dull and grayish. + Worf dropped into a fighting stance looking down the corridor while +Riker watched down the other way. Data stood in the middle with a phaser in +one hand and tricorder in the other. He swept the tricorder in a wide arc and +indicated the direction they should move. + Data and Worf led the way, with Riker following a few paces behind. +They quietly ran down the corridor for about forty meters, rounded a corner, +and ran into a couple of Romulans. Data and Worf each stunned one of the +surprised Romulans. They stepped over the prostrate bodies and continued. + "We are now entering the transporter-shielded area of the Warbird," +Data whispered flatly. "I'm reading the doctors' life signs twenty meters in +that direction." He pointed down the corridor and moved off. Riker checked +his chronometer and started after Data and Worf. + "Three minutes left." + When they rounded the second corner, they were in the outer room of the +brig. Four Romulan guards stood in the room, but these Romulans weren't +surprised. Phasers were raised and fired, but the ablative vests dispersed +the deadly energy. Riker, Worf, and Data ducked back out of the room and took +cover around the edge of the door. + Data stood fingering the controls of the tricorder while Riker and Worf +fired quick shots into the room to keep the guards away. They had managed to +stun two of them when more arrived from a door in the other side of the brig. + "Commander," Data said. "I am reading Romulan reinforcements." + Riker ducked back out of the doorway as a barrage of phaser beams burst +into the corridor and sizzled against the bulkhead opposite the door. "No +kidding!" Riker fired another shot around the corner. + "No, Commander. I am detecting fifteen Romulan troops moving this way +from that direction." He pointed back down the corridor they had come down +earlier just as the first of the reinforcements ran into the corridor, phasers +blasting. + +* * * * * + + "Sir, the shields! They're coming up faster than expected." + Picard leaned forward. "How much longer?" + "Now estimating one minute, captain" + The captain frowned and considered his options for a moment. "Have they +reached the beam-back site yet?" + "No sir, they're still inside the shielded area. I'm now reading large +amounts of phaser fire." + Picard reached down to the arm of his chair and pressed a button. The +sound of phaser fire came over the communication channel. "Picard to Riker. +The shields are coming up faster than expected. You have only one minute +left. Move to a point where we can beam you back." + "But captain," came the shouted reply. "We're within spitting range of +the doctors. We've got to get them out of here!" + "There's not enough time. Move back to the transport site immediately." +He paused. "That's an order." + There was no sound on the channel except the crackling of phaser +discharge. Finally Riker responded. + "We're cut off captain. We'll have to try to find another site outside +this shielding." + Riker fired a shot at the advancing Romulan troops, then dove inside +another door across the hall from the brig. As Data leaped into the door, +Riker motioned him into the lead position, then followed. + Worf paused at the door, mashed a button on the phaser, and threw it +back down the hall at the pursuers. "Thirty seconds!" Riker yelled back at +the Klingon. Drawing another phaser from under his vest, Worf hurried after +the other two. + "The transporter-shielding ends in another eighty meters, Commander." +Data read from the tricorder. The three officers turned and sprinted down the +corridor as a loud explosion sounded behind them. + "Hmmmph," Worf grunted in satisfaction as he ran. + +* * * * * + + R'annec was working as slowly as possible, while not overtly hindering +the shield repairs. She had ducked into a control cabinet and was making some +adjustments to the shielding circuits when she heard phaser fire in the +engineering room. Peeking out of the control cabinet, she saw three armored +Starfleet men with phasers. The half-dozen engineers were quickly stunned and +the intruders glanced around the room. + Not spotting R'annec, the tall, dark-haired human, tapped his +communicator and called out for the transporter to engage. R'annec ducked +back into the cabinet and slapped the palm of her hand onto her forehead. + "Damn! They didn't get the prisoners." She thought for a moment, then +looked out of the cabinet again. The shimmering transporter effect was +beginning to take place. + "Damn." she repeated, and jumped out of the cabinet, running at the +three officers. The bearded human was surprised and didn't quite have time to +raise his weapon when the lunging Romulan hit him with her entire body. The +Romulan security guards burst into the engineering room moments later, only to +find the six unconscious engineers. + +* * * * * + + As the frustrated landing party materialized, R'annec and Riker fell to +the platform. Both of Data's hands were full and he looked back and forth +between them for a moment trying to determine what to do with the phaser and +tricorder so that he could help the Commander. He finally put the instruments +down on the transporter pad and moved to help Riker, but the Klingon was +already there. + Worf pulled the Romulan off the top of Riker and threw her across the +transporter room with a puissant shout. R'annec hit the ground and skidded +across the floor into the far corner. She started to get up and Worf leapt +forward with his phaser trained on her chest. With a grimace, he started to +thumb the trigger. + "Mr. Worf!" Riker shouted, getting up. Worf growled and R'annec +remained frozen halfway to her feet. "At ease, Mr. Worf!" + The Klingon slowly relaxed his body - just slightly. He remained +vigilant, though, and when R'annec began to rise again, he growled, rendering +her motionless again. + "I'm here to help you get your doctors back." R'annec explained from +the corner. + "Unlikely," snarled Worf. + Riker nodded to the Klingon security officer. "Agreed. Mr. Worf, +escort her to the brig." + "Gladly." He moved forward and attempted to grab R'annec by the arm, +but she jerked her arm away from him and shouted at Riker. + "Keep your ogre's hands off of me, damnit! You can point me where you +want me to go, but I don't want to be touched by that thing again." She +flicked her eyes at the outraged Klingon. + "You," Worf stressed. "don't have a say in the matter, Romulan!" He +made another grab for her arm, but she eluded him again. + "Call your ogre off, commander. I'm here to help you." + "Mr. Worf, Could you simply direct our -guest- to her cell." Riker +conceded. + Worf grumblingly complied and backed off, waving his phaser toward the +door. The Romulan Engineer stood up and straightened her uniform, then left +the room with the Klingon following a short distance behind. + Riker looked at Data and shrugged. + +* * * * * + + The cell block of the Retribution was a mess. Beverly and Selar watched +through the detention field as Romulan medics revived the stunned guards and +technicians repaired the battle-damaged equipment in the outer room. + "Do you suppose the boarding party escaped? Do you suppose," Beverly +addressed the Vulcan hesitantly. "that they're still alive?" + "They have not been brought here to be detained, Doctor. As for their +medical condition, I cannot say." Selar's voice was tinged with irritation at +the illogical question. + "They were so close. They almost had us." Beverly turned away from the +detention field and paced a few steps, considering the abortive rescue +attempt. + "As you can see, Beverly..." Selar's irritation trailed off as did her +voice. Beverly turned around to see the Vulcan pitch forward and hit the +floor. + +* * * * * + + The boarding party hardly had time to remove their ablative vests when +they were summoned to the conference room. When Picard heard the description +of what happened aboard the Retribution, and about the Romulan woman being +brought back, he made a thoughtful noise and had Worf send for her to be +brought to the conference room. He stood looking out the window at the green +running lights of the Retribution while they waited in silence. + When the Romulan arrived, with a pair of security officers, Picard +turned around and looked at her for a moment. She stood quiet and still until +he spoke. + "What is your name and rank?" + "R'annec. My position is analogous to that of your Chief Engineer." + + Picard glanced at Troi who gave him an almost imperceptible nod. +"Engineer R'annec, didn't you think it a bit futile to attempt to tackle my +officer while he was already in transit. You couldn't have stopped him, but +you could have killed both him and yourself." + "As I have told your ogre, I was not attempting to stop him from +transporting. I wanted to be brought here to help you." + "Hmmmph!" Worf looked away from the prisoner. Picard ignored the +Klingon's objection and thought for another moment. + "Why should you desire to help us?" + "The Vulcan, Selar should not be there. She should be on Vulcan, but +the captain will not return her to you. Her condition is affecting the males +on the Retribution. They are not themselves." + "Selar's condition?" Troi asked. Picard had not told anyone else the +nature of Selar's journey to Vulcan, but he now gave them the most terse +update possible. + "Why do you concern yourself with Selar's condition?" Picard continued. + "I just do." + "What makes you think you think you can help us?" Riker queried the +Romulan prisoner. + "You can use me as a bargaining chip. If you manipulate the situation +correctly, my captain will trade your officers for my release." + "That is a lie." Worf stated flatly. "The Romulans would never make a +trade of prisoners - especially two for one." He looked at R'annec. "They do +not have that much honor." The Klingon folded his arms across his chest, +effectively ending the conversation as far as he was concerned. + "The captain..." R'annec paused, considering her words. "Cares. He +and I are - close." R'annec frowned the smallest of frowns. Troi didn't miss +it, and she frowned also. + Riker saw the counselor's reaction and spoke out. "I agree with Worf. +They won't bite for this one." + "You don't have a choice." R'annec shouted. "If you don't hurry, Selar +will die, and so will all of you. There are more Warbirds on their way to +destroy you. They'll be here in minutes." + Data looked over at Picard. "Twenty one minutes to weapons range, +captain." There was a silence, during which Picard walked back around the +table and looked out the window again. + He turned back around and looked at each of the officers in turn. Worf +shook his head no. Riker shook his head no. Data made no motion or +expression. Geordi shrugged. Deanna nodded. "Counselor?" + "Captain, she is truly concerned - I don't know why. She believes that +the captain of the Retribution will make the trade." She sat calmly with her +hands in her lap. + Picard was silent for another minute, while all eyes focussed on him. +Finally he nodded. "We don't have anything to lose playing this hand out." +He started toward the door, but R'annec called out. + "Captain," Picard turned to her. "A favor please?" + Worf grunted. Picard raised an eyebrow. + "I do not wish to look like a traitor to my people. Do not mention my +cooperation." She paused. The room was silent. "Please." Picard mumbled +something incomprehensible, turned and left. + +* * * * * + + "My lord, they are hailing us." + Falkl'or spun around to the screen, still in a rage. "Put them +through." Falkl'or's second in command stepped up beside the captain as the +screen resolved to the bridge of the Enterprise. Piek'rd sat in his chair +with a smug look. Strange, Falkl'or thought. He almost looks proud that his +rescue attempt failed. + "You seem quite satisfied with yourself, Piek'rd. Despite the fact that +your raiding party failed completely." + "Not completely, captain. We didn't get our people back, but we got the +next best thing." He smiled and motioned to his side. A Klingon entered the +range of the viewer dragging R'annec behind him in chains. The Klingon pushed +her onto her knees in front of Piek'rd. Falkl'or's jaw dropped. + "It seems, Falkl'or, that we did manage to bring back a quite valuable +member of your crew. Your Chief Engineer, in fact. Quite informative." + Falkl'or stammered and Piek'rd continued. "Perhaps you would like to +discuss a trade." Falkl'or's jaw snapped shut at the bold idea. He looked +thoughtful. + The second in command stepped forward. "Outrageous! You should know +that we would never..." He was brought up short as the back of Falkl'or's +fist found his face. Falkl'or smiled as his first officer stumbled back. + "That is...acceptable, Piek'rd. I would enjoy getting such a valuable +officer back." + The first officer's eyes flew open as he held his nose. Falkl'or +continued. "Our conduct has been truly miscreant. Please forgive me and +return my officer in trade for yours." + Picard smiled. "If you will move our doctors to a transporter pad on +your ship, we will pick them up with our transporters. To do so, we will both +have to lower our shields, at which time you can beam your engineer back. The +trade will be simultaneous." + Falkl'or beamed a broad grin. "Very good, Captain. We will call you +when we get the doctors in position for transport. Retribution out." + +* * * * * + + "He's lying," said Riker, Deanna, and Worf simultaneously as the +communication channel closed. The looked at each other and Troi continued. + "He is definitely dissembling. He does not truly intend to trade +prisoners in good faith." + Picard looked up at Geordi, who was standing at the main-bridge +engineering terminal. "Is there anything they can do to stop it, Mr. +LaForge?" + "Not that I can see, captain. They'll have to lower their shields to +beam her back, and they couldn't possibly raise them again fast enough to +block us from locking onto the doctors." + Picard nodded. "Mr. Worf, remove those manacles and escort Engineer +R'annec to transporter room three." He looked back to the other bridge +officers. "We may as well try, since Commander LaForge doesn't see how they +could stop it. We need to get the doctors back and get out of the neutral +zone before the Romulan warships arrive in ..." + Data looked up. "Twelve minutes." + +* * * * * + + Dr. Crusher was hoping for a miracle. She sat in the cell beside Selar, +staring at the floor. The Vulcan lay very still on the floor, her eyes glazed +over with the milky membranes. She was not asleep, but she wasn't exactly +awake either. + Bev had felt that Jean-Luc would come through for her - and she knew +he'd tried, but she was beginning to fear it was too late. Selar was about to +die. Tears of frustration squeezed from Bev's blackened and swollen eyes. + She could understand what Selar had meant about the sound of the +detention field getting on her nerves. Logically, Dr. Crusher knew there was +no way she could be hearing the subsonics of the field, but she swore she +could hear their hum in her head. The sound, whether imagined or real, +rattled her soul to it's core and drained her of hope. She sat alone in the +cell slowly losing her mind. + Suddenly everything was quiet. No subsonic hum. She stared at the +floor in disbelief. Had she just snapped? Was that the end of her sanity? +She was startled when a pair of Romulan guards picked her up by the arms and +began to carry her from the cell. To weak and afraid to resist, she looked +back to see another pair of guards picking up Selar and following along +behind. + They were carried down the hall and around a corner. Bev tried to keep +up with where they were, but her vision was blurry. They were carried for an +indeterminate amount of time before they set her down. Bev looked up and +realized that she and Selar were on a transporter pad. + She looked around. There was another Romulan - familiar. Oh, it's the +Romulan captain. Crusher suddenly realized they were being released. They +were going home. + "Oh, thank you, Jean-Luc; thank you," she said to noone in particular. +Selar looked up, weakly and smiled. Bev reached out and took Selar's hand and +squeezed it. "We're going home, Selar. Hold on." They held hands as the +transporter beam began to dematerialize them. + As they disappeared, R'annec began to materialize. Just as she became +solid, during the brief moment of disorientation, Falkl'or reached up and +jerked her from the pad. + "Now!" He shouted at the transporter operator, who pressed a set of +buttons on his console. The Romulan smiled and nodded at his captain. + +* * * * * + + O'Brien smiled as R'annec dematerialized off of his pad. He already had +the lock on the two doctors and he thumbed the control to transport them home. +He grinned bigger as the doctors began to take shape on his pad. O'Brien +loved his job. + Suddenly the doctors were gone. He blinked and looked at the controls. +he still had a lock, but their signals were dispersing. Oh my God! He ran +his fingers over the controls and the doctor's forms flickered, then +disappeared again. O'Brien hated his job. + + "What do you mean they're fading?" Riker shouted into the communicator +badge. + O'Brien's voice came back over the channel. "Their signals are being +scrambled, sir. I'm losing them." + "Well hang onto them, damnit!" + Picard turned to Worf. "Open hailing frequencies." He turned back +around to see the Romulan bridge, Falkl'or standing in the center, holding +R'annec by the elbow. R'annec had a look of outrage on her face. + "What have you done?" Picard shouted at the Romulan captain. + Falkl'or just grinned. "I would suggest you give us back the prisoners +before they're completely lost." + Chief O'Brien's voice came over the communicator again. "Captain, +there's nothing I can do. I'm losing them." + "O'Brien, place them back onto the Retribution, immediately." Picard +stared at the Romulan captain who was grinning like an ass. He turned his +attention To R'annec. Raising his finger, he shouted, "You!" + Just that moment, Counselor stood up, reached over the rail to Worf's +console, and slapped the control to terminate communications. Worf and Picard +both scowled at her. + "Captain, she asked you not to reveal her part in the rescue attempt." + "She lied!" Worf growled at the counselor, who stood her ground. + "She tried, captain. This deception was not her doing. By not exposing +her, perhaps she may still be able to help us." + "Do you think so, counselor?" Picard asked. + "I do." + Just then, Data turned around in his chair at the operations console. +"Captain, I don't think Engineer R'annec will have time to help us. There are +three Warbirds entering weapons range; on tactical." Everyone on the bridge +looked up to see three ships swoop in to encircle the Enterprise, their +forward disruptors glowing like the furnaces of hell. + + +Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative +Path: moe.ksu.ksu.edu!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!sdd.hp.com!mips!darwin.sura.net!nntp.msstate.edu!Ra.MsState.Edu!plp1 +From: plp1@Ra.MsState.Edu (pat parker) +Subject: _T'Selar_ part 5 - the conclusion +Message-ID: +Sender: news@ra.msstate.edu +Nntp-Posting-Host: ra.msstate.edu +Organization: Mississippi State University +Date: Sun, 12 Jul 1992 02:34:18 GMT +Lines: 649 + + + + +Star Trek +The Next Generation + +_T'Selar_ + +_Part_V_ + +By Patrick Parker, June 1992 + +* * * * * + + "Helm, try to maneuver us out of this circle." Picard sat back in his +chair and braced himself for the inevitable battle. "Mr. Worf, fire at your +own discretion." He cringed at the thought of releasing the Klingon to his +own discretion. + They had tried to hail the ships - tried to deter combat. The Romulans +weren't responding with talk, but with attack posturing. Each of the four +Warbirds spat forth a globule of energy at the Enterprise. Worf's skillful +manipulation of the phaser banks destroyed two of the globules before the +other two sizzled against the ship's shields. + "Captain. I can't get us out of this circle. They're anticipating our +moves." The ensign at the helm was getting panicky. + "The Picard Maneuver?" Riker pondered aloud. + "No, Number-One, it's old-hat. The Romulans study that tactic with +greater diligence than our own cadets do. We seem to be forced into a +slugging match." Picard's jaw twitched at the unpleasant thought of trading +shots with four Warbirds. Worf, however, smiled as he launched attack after +attack on the enemy vessels. + Data looked back from his console. "Captain, I would estimate our +chances of winning a direct battle with these four D'daridex class Warbirds to +be approximately one in five-hundred thousand, seven-hundred, twen..." + "Yes, Data, I know." Picard cut the android short just as another burst +of enemy fire jolted the ship. The android turned back to his station. + "Captain. Sensor arrays are damaged and warp drive capability is +failing," Data announced. + Worf pounded his fist on his console. "Weapons malfunction, Captain. +Targeting is operational, but the firing hardware is not." He paused and +sighed. "Shields are also failing." + The captain contemplated briefly the apt naming of the Romulan warships. +They reminded him of the fierce birds used for wars and hunts in ancient +Europe. He watched as they swooped around the Enterprise picking their shots. +He was brought out of his trance by the last of the damage reports, this one +from Engineering. + "Captain, If the ship takes much more, the antimatter containment fields +will fold." The Chief Engineer was shouting into the intercom to be heard +above the noise of fire extinguishers going off in engineering. + Riker turned to the Captain. "Sir, shall I initiate saucer-separation?" + It was times like this that the captaincy of the Enterprise weighed +heavily on Jean-Luc Picard. Thousands of lives balanced on his decisions. +The lives of non-starfleet personnel. The lives of children. His personal +distaste for having civilians and their children on the Enterprise had been +softened by the exceptionally-talented Wesley Crusher, but had never been +fully assuaged. No decisions of a starfleet captain were ever easy, but this +was a particularly perplexing choice for him. + "No. We cannot allow the Romulans to take the crew of this ship as +prisoners. We saw their treatment of the doctors. I cannot allow that to +happen to my crew. Not a thousand of them - not even two of them. I have a +plan." + The bridge crew listened as he laid out his bold orders for them. They +would use a final burst of warp energy to blast the Enterprise between two of +the Warbirds. As they passed between the Romulan ships, the engine nacelles +would be jettisoned, and would smash into the warships. The already-dying +engines would serve as warp-speed, antimatter torpedos, leaving them with only +two Warbirds to contend with - not a much-improved situation. + As a last result, Picard would pilot the crippled Enterprise into the +Retribution, eliminating the possibility of prisoners. When Picard finished +with the hasty explanation the bridge crew sat in silence for a moment. They +then turned back to their stations. It was clear in their minds that the +captain was right in his decision. Grim determination etched their features. + As they made preparations for the captain's plan, each of them also +prepared themselves for the likelihood of death. Riker and Deanna stole a +glance at each other. Deanna smiled a comforting smile. Picard thought back +to his brother's family on Earth, and to his own wife and children - a +thousand years dead. He felt ancient. + Data performed his duties to within a mil of specs, but still had free +processor time enough to dedicate a subroutine to the contemplation of death. +Worf swelled with pride at the upcoming strategy. It did have a distinctive +honor to it. + When all preparations were made, Picard and Riker stood, and held up +their right arms, index fingers outstretched at the flickering images of the +Warbirds on the damaged main viewer. The crew's hands hovered over their +controls. The Captain and the Commander gave the order simultaneously. + "Engag..." + Before the order was complete, a pair of ships crossed in front of the +Enterprise, unleashing fiery energy on the Romulan Warbirds. As recognition +came across the faces of the bridge crew, a threesome of ships dropped onto +the Romulans, firing torpedos as they fell. The Romulan ships fell quickly +back to a few hundred thousand kilometers as the five new ships settled like a +halo around the damaged Enterprise. + Data turned to the Captain. "Reliant-Class Vulcan Defense ships, Sir. +T'karin, T'Pau II, Diversity, Savant-Child, and Regent." Riker grinned and +Picard smiled a more subdued - but none the less relieved - smile. + "Mr. Worf," Picard said. "Hail the T'karin and the others. Relay our +gratitude to the captains." He sank back into his chair and pinched the +bridge of his nose between his thumb and index finger. + +* * * * * + + R'annec had been standing at the engineering station of the Retribution +during the battle. She wasn't doing anything, just sitting and staring at the +screens, trying to calm down. The sonofabitch - he has screwed everything up, +damnit! + When the Vulcan ships arrived and the Romulans were forced to back off +and, she slapped her hand down onto the console to place it in sleep mode, +then turned to leave the bridge. Falkl'or caught her elbow and when she +resisted, dragged her out of the bridge. She matched his long strides to keep +from being dragged along. + The bastard! I can't believe his damned outrageous nerve. R'annec was +in a furious daydream as they walked toward engineering. She assumed they +were going to engineering, and was rudely jerked out of her daydream-funk when +he turned toward his quarters and yanked her along behind him. Her jaw hung +open at his audacity. + Reaching his quarters, she jerked her elbow away from Falkl'or and +stepped inside the room, rubbing her bruised arm. She paused for a moment, +her rage building as he spoke. + "The stupid Federation bastards and their Vulcan slaves can have their +brief reprieve. We still have the prisoners and soon we will destroy Piek'rd +and the Vulcans also." He grinned an evil grin and reached for her. She +stepped away, still rubbing her arm. + "You are outrageous!" R'annec shouted at him. "Your ship is in a +battle situation and you're in here wanting sex." He frowned for a moment, +then smiled again. + "Don't worry about that. We have time for this." He reached out for +her again. "It will only take a couple of minutes, then we can go destroy the +Enterprise and begin out new life of power in the Romulan council. Now off +with this." + "I don't think so." Her eyebrows grew together as he grabbed for her +jacket. With a violent scream she kicked his knee and backed away. The joint +collapsed backward and he hit the floor screaming and clawing at her legs. As +he clawed at the floor, she calmly stepped over and picked a phaser from his +weapon display. + She smiled as the deadly burst of phaser energy consumed him. + +* * * * * + + Doctor Crusher sat quietly beside Selar's prostrate form. Her hands +were folded in her lap and she stared into the corner. She had never given up +hope before. Well, maybe for a short time after Jack had died, but now she +was truly without hope. The failed rescue attempt and the near-release +combined to form an albatross that was too much for her tired body and mind to +bear. + She didn't flinch when the detention field's buzzing stopped this time. +It was just another trick. Her hopes wouldn't be foiled this time. She would +suppress them like Selar would have. + She looked over at Selar. The Romulan, R'annec was bent over the +Vulcan. It didn't matter, though. She couldn't help Selar now. Maybe with +some medical equipment, they could save Selar, but not here; not now. +Beverly's eyebrows did flinch a bit as R'annec hefted the unconscious Vulcan +to her shoulder and started for the door. + "Come on," R'annec hissed, waving a phaser at Beverly. She just sat +there. What now? What trick can they play on us now? R'annec moved back +into the cell and nudged Beverly with her foot. + "Come on, we've got to get out of here." R'annec sounded urgent, but +the Romulans were masters of deceit. They had tricked her before. Beverly +sat still and quiet. But this one did help Selar earlier... + She looked up at the Romulan, as if seeing her for the first time. Her +eyes opened wide and she pointed at the door to the cell, questioningly. +R'annec nodded her head and waved the phaser at the door. Beverly got up and +followed her. + In the outer room of the detention block lay four motionless guards. +R'annec and Bev stepped over them and started down the hall. When Beverly +looked to be strong enough to take it, R'annec let Selar down off her shoulder +and the Romulan and the Human carried Selar between them. They rounded a +corner that showed signs of blast damage. + They stumbled into Engineering, carrying the Vulcan between them and +R'annec raised the phaser and stunned three surprised engineers in quick +succession. R'annec and Bev moved over to an engineering console and laid +Selar down. R'annec stood up, flipped a switch on the phaser, and blasted two +pieces of shielding equipment into molten components. The lights dimmed and +klaxons began sounding. + The doctor and the engineer started back out the door with Selar hanging +between them, but were brought up short by several guards running toward +engineering. They ducked back inside the door and R'annec tossed Beverly the +phaser as she pulled another out of her jacket. Beverly looked at the weapon +as if she didn't know what to do with it. Several phaser beams blasted into +the side of the door. + +* * * * * + + "Captain, another explosion on board the Retribution." Data's yellow +eyes darted over the read-outs in front of him. "More severe than the +previous explosion. Their shield generators appear to be completely +destroyed." + "What is our range to the Retribution, Mr. Data?" + "Two-hundred, seventy thousand kilometers, sir." + "Helm, bring us into transporter range." Picard tapped his communicator +badge. "Mr. O'Brien, I want the doctors out of there as soon as we get in +range we will cycle the shields long enough for you to operate the +transporter." + As the Enterprise moved forward, the other Romulan ships moved into an +attack formation and waited. The T'karin and the other Vulcan Defense ships +moved along side the Enterprise as it made it's way toward the four Warbirds. +Picard's temples throbbed as he watched the escalating conditions on the main +viewer. + "We are receiving a hail from the Retribution. They are warning us +off." Worf spat the word 'warning' out as if it were an insect that had flown +into his mouth. Picard's grip on his armrest tightened. + In a few moments, the Enterprise slowed to a stop, fifteen thousand +kilometers from the cluster of Warbirds. The Vulcan ships interposed +themselves between the Enterprise and the Romulans so that the larger ship +could lower its shields in order to transport the doctors aboard. + The tension mounted over the seconds as they waited to hear from the +transporter chief. The report finally came over the communicator. "I've got +them, captain, both doctors and the Romulan engineer. Sickbay, we have a +medical emergency in transporter room three. + Picard, Riker, and Troi all started toward the turbolift, but Worf +stopped them. "The Retribution is hailing us again, captain." + "On screen." + Picard looked up into the face of the Romulan captain. It was not +Falkl'or's wild eyes, but the typical, collected expression of the new captain +of the Retribution. He sat tall in the command chair, accompanied by the new +second-in-command who also had the calm Romulan facade that Picard was so +familiar with. The new captain spoke. + "This is Trantoik, Captain of the Retribution. You, Picard, have been +allowed to recover your doctors; that incident was Falkl'or's folly and he is +now dead." He paused to allow the blunt sentence to impact. "You also, +however, transported the traitor, R'annec aboard your ship. You will return +her immediately." His eyes narrowed. + +* * * * * + + In sickbay, several blue-smocked medics worked quickly to stabilize +Selar. Dr. Crusher tried to help, but was quickly ruled unfit for duty by the +acting CMO and was placed on a biobed with medics of her own to tend to her. +Beverly continued calling out instructions to Selar's doctors until the +doctors had her sedated. + Working with miracle drugs, and state-of-the-art medical equipment, the +medics reduced the swelling of Beverly's nose and eyes. The fracture +attenuators began their repair of her broken nose, jaw, and cheek bones, and +in a few minutes she opened her eyes and looked up into the concerned face of +the captain. She smiled as best she could and started to speak. + "Jean-Luc, I knew you'd..." + The captain placed his index finger over his lips and shushed her. The +medic pressed the hypo against her neck again, and she drifted back to +unconsciousness with a smile on her lips. + Picard turned toward the Vulcan lying on the next table. The doctors +had cut her ruined uniform off of her and a blue sheet was draped over her. +The machines were keeping her vital statistics relatively stable, but a doctor +hovered over her anyway, watching and waiting. + "Doctor, how is Selar's condition?" Picard motioned toward the Vulcan. + "Well, she's unconscious and we don't really know if we want to wake her +up or not. She seems to be in a self-induced stasis which seems to be barely +keeping her alive - with some help from the biobed." + The young doctor brushed back his hair with his hand and shrugged. +"Nobody really knows much about Vulcan physiology - nobody but the Vulcans +themselves, that is. A doctor from the Savant-Child is transporting over here +to take a look, but I wouldn't think she could last too long in this +condition; a few hours at most." + +* * * * * + + R'annec stood at the edge of the empty observation lounge with her hands +behind her back. She was looking out at the Romulan Warbird called +Retribution. No longer her ship - no longer her people. She could never see +her world again; never walk under the light of Romulus and Romii again. She +would miss the firefalls. Oh well, she thought. It is the path I've chosen. + R'annec turned around as the doors of the observation deck whooshed open +and Picard stepped between the two impassive security guards. Picard seemed, +to R'annec, to be a thoughtful, calculating man. The kind of man that would +have made a good Romulan captain. + She thought back to Falkl'or. At first, she had blamed his incompetence +on Selar's condition, but she now knew better. The captain had long shown +signs of his failing control that she could now see with perfect clarity of +hindsight. + It was good, she thought, that all Romulans do not have that potential +for loss of control. Then she remembered Falkl'or's scream as she pulled the +trigger. Perhaps we all do have that potential. She shook her head slightly +to clear the thought, then turned her attention to Picard. + He looked like he was tired, but R'annec couldn't be sure; all humans +looked that way to her. He moved across the room and stood a prudent distance +from her, collecting his thoughts to speak. She spoke first. + "How are the doctors doing? Will Selar survive the trip to Vulcan?" + Picard leaned against the table and waved his right hand as he spoke. +He looked not unlike a Shakespearean actor. "Dr. Crusher is recovering. Dr. +Selar is, however another matter. It seems that we are unable to leave here." + Her right eyebrow shot up in that seemingly universal gesture of +surprised curiosity. "Is the Enterprise damaged that badly? Perhaps I could +assist your Engineers in their repairs." + It was Picard's turn to be astounded. A Romulan offering in seemingly +good faith to actually assist a Federation ship. "No, Engineer R'annec, our +engineers have the repairs almost completed. We shall have warp capability +fully restored soon." + He paused and motioned toward the Warbird hanging in space. "The +problem is that the new captain of the Retribution is not willing to allow us +to leave here unless we return you to them - and you obviously do not wish to +return to the Retribution to face charges of treason." + "Absolutely not. But what about Selar? Can you not send her back +aboard one of the Vulcan ships. They would be better suited to deal with her +condition anyway." + "No, If we were to send a single ship away with her, the balance of +power here would be shifted back into the hands of your people. Another +battle would endanger not only the lives of my crew, but those of the Vulcan +crews. Our ships must leave here together to afford us a measure of safety. +However, if we move to leave, it could precipitate combat." + The Romulan turned back to look out at the Retribution. Fitting name +for a Romulan ship, she thought. Unfortunately, their retribution is focussed +on Selar through me. Selar doesn't deserve this retribution. Her only +mistake was to be born into a cruel cycle of nature. Damn. + "I can return to Retribution." She hesitantly continued, still gazing +out the window. She didn't see Picard frown. + In attempting to lighten his responsibility she was placing him in +another moral quandary. He could not allow her to return to the Romulans; +that would violate every moral fiber of his being. She had helped them save +the doctors - Beverly at least, and she would have him forfeit her life. + "No. You have asked for amnesty and we will provide you that. You have +done a tremendous amount for us. You certainly do not have to sacrifice your +life for us any more." + +* * * * * + + Trantoik sat in the command chair, almost feeling the authority rising +from it into him like a tangible force. He gripped the armrest of the chair +and surveyed his new domain. Retribution was his. + "My lord, Enterprise is hailing us." + "Place Picard on the viewer." He straightened his back and donned the +impassive, Romulan visage. The bald human captain appeared on the viewer, +flanked by his minions - the sub-commander and the consort. Nobody spoke for +an instant while the captains scrutinized each other for a moment. + "Picard, you have called to inform us that you are returning the traitor +to us." Trantoik lead. + "No, I have not, Trantoik." Picard and his sub-commander shifted +slightly on their feet. The consort remained motionless, her disturbing eyes +locked on Trantoik's face. "Engineer R'annec has asked to be granted +political asylum. She shall not be returning to you." + The Romulan captain's eyes narrowed. He spoke calmly. "You would have +your ship destroyed over a Romulan traitor? Over a woman?" + "I would take that risk for the engineer, yes. She is a part of the +Federation now, and is afforded the full protection of Starfleet - not to +mention our allies, the Klingon Empire." + "Then she will die today along with her new found, tragically patriotic, +Federation allies." The communication channel was closed and the four +warbirds began firing up their disruptors. + Trantoik spun his chair to face the helm and weapons stations. "Attack +sequence five-A. Signal the other Warbirds; I want every one of those ships +destroyed." + As the Romulan ships moved into their positions for the attack, Trantoik +watched the Enterprise and the Vulcan ships shift apart and begin priming +their weapons. Trantoik raised his fist and was about to call for the attack +to begin, when the weapons officer called out. + "Lord, we're reading massive neutrino emissions in this sector. That +could possibly mean..." His voice caught in his throat and he looked up at +the view screen. + Trantoik's jaw dropped when he saw what was unfolding on the main +viewer. As he watched, five Klingon Birds of Prey shimmered into existence +above the Enterprise. The Klingon ships sat in space, almost straining, it +seemed, to be loosed upon the four Romulan ships. Trantoik sat calculating +for a moment, his fist clinched, then turned to the communications officer. + "Signal the other Warbirds; we're returning to Romulus." + +* * * * * + + Riker flashed his famous grin at Worf. "It works every time, Mr. Worf. +The Academy is going to have to start calling that the 'Worf Gambit.'" The +Klingon shifted his weight from one foot to the other, still not completely +convinced at the honor involved in the ploy. + "We could have won the battle, Commander." Worf was grinding his teeth. +"We did not need to resort to illusionary Birds of Prey." + "Mr. Worf, you're just a bit upset at having to work with a Romulan to +pull off the bluff?" + The Klingon looked at Riker, then at the captain, who was watching the +exchange with piqued curiosity. He considered informing the commander that +Klingons do not bluff, but squelched the idea. "No sir. I am not." He +turned from the commander and stared intently at the main viewer, effectively +dismissing the Riker. + Picard turned and sat down in his chair, suppressing a grin. "Helm, +plot a course to Vulcan, warp factor eight-point-zero." He waited as the helm +console beeped and whistled. The helmsman nodded and Picard lifted his index +finger. + "Engage." + +* * * * * + + Staoq stood in front of a shifting panel of color and light. To humans +the shifting colors appeared random, but Vulcans could see the pattern. This +piece of artwork was part of a recurring Vulcan motif, non-linear dynamics; +changes which at first glance, seemed random, but further mathematical +observation revealed their underlying logic. + Staoq watched the shifting light, seeing some of the more simple +patterns, but reaching, grasping, almost comprehending the nature of a hidden, +more complex order to the art. Brilliant, he thought. Vulcan art augmented +their concept of logic. + The ancient Vulcan's mind turned to his son. Soon, he would experience +Pon Far again. He would, this time, be bonded to Selar. If Enterprise would +get here soon. If not, Styhk would die. The doctors could not keep him alive +much longer. Enterprise was due at Vulcan any minute now, and Staoq awaited +them with logically stifled anticipation. + Staoq turned as the communication panel chirped. It was Picard. +Enterprise had achieved orbit around Vulcan. Staoq nodded his consent for +them to transport down, and turned as the communication channel closed and the +transporter effect began. + Selar was on a maglev, a blue sheet draped over her. Two medics and +Commander Riker were with her. As they materialized, a Vulcan doctor appeared +out of the other room and took the maglev and Selar back into the room. When +the Enterprise medics tried to follow, they were turned aside by the Vulcan +doctors. Soon, the Vulcan doctors came back into the outer room pushing the +empty maglev with the blue sheet carefully folded and lying precisely in the +middle of the floating platform. + Riker turned to Staoq. "Will they be all right in there? I mean - in +their condition... Will they be able to..." Staoq raised an eyebrow and +stared silently at Riker. + "Uh, I guess so... I'll -uh- just be out here." The embarrassed +commander fled from the small abode to wait outside. The medics followed him +outside and beamed back up to the Enterprise, leaving the commander to walk +about on the cliffs of Vulcan. As he made his way down the steep path to the +cliffs, he was overcome by the stark beauty of the scene. + It was not actually beautiful by normal earth standards, merely rock and +sand, but to Riker the panorama spoke of unharnessed power. The wind blasting +the sand out into the void, the sand drifting to the plain below, the sun's +searing heat, all combined to a collage of austere, beautiful, unharnessed +power. He stood transfixed until he heard someone behind him. + Turning away from the cliffs, he saw the Romulan, R'annec. She was +dressed in a dark, canvas-like, hooded cloak that was fashionable in this area +of Vulcan. She stood with the hood pulled close over her head. The wind +whipped the edges of her cloak around and between her legs. She raised her +head and Riker saw her delicate features as if for the first time. He was +surprised that a Romulan woman could be so profoundly desirable. It must be +the setting, he thought, shaking his head and squinting against a blast of +wind-blown sand. + "Do you have permission to be down here, on Vulcan?" He snapped back +into Commander-Riker-mode. She nodded. + "Your captain contacted the Vulcan government and secured me permission +to be here as long as I am accompanied by a starfleet officer." + "Are you accompanied by an officer now?" + "Aren't I?" She looked askant at Riker, a thin smile on her lips. + He grinned back at her. "So you are." R'annec seemed like she could be +an interesting one, Riker thought. He moved toward her slowly, but she turned +away and looked out over the cliffs. + "Striking, isn't it?" She didn't look at him when she spoke, but +continued looking out at the setting sun. + "Very much so," said Riker, referring not to the scenery, but to her +figure silhouetted against the red light of the Vulcan sun. He shook his head +again and moved up beside her, his hands behind his back. "You worked well +with Mr. Worf. You really came through for us back there. Thanks." + "Let me assure you it was certainly not a pleasure working with Mr. +Worf." She cocked an eye at him, annoyed at the memory of having to cooperate +with the Klingon to break into the Romulan sensor network in order to program +the illusion of the Birds of Prey into their computers. + "Yeah, well uh..." Riker's voice faded off and he looked back out into +the sunset. There were several minutes of silence as neither looked at the +other and both looked at the sunset. The Romulan broke the silence. + "I never dreamed to be on this planet in person. I never dreamed it +possible." + Riker turned and looked at her. It was impossible to tell her emotions +with the hood pulled over her features. Perhaps, he thought, that was why the +Vulcans liked hoods so much. Riker said nothing, and in a few moments R'annec +continued. + "The visual effect of the sunlight on the falling metallic sand is not +unlike that of the firefalls of..." Her voice became so soft Riker couldn't +hear it over the wind. + Riker did not know what to do. The Romulan was clearly distressed, but +how would she react if he... He shrugged and moved closer. Placing his right +arm around her shoulders, he stood looking at the sunlight. She didn't seem +to mind the contact, and in a little while, hooked her left arm under his and +around his waist. They stood like that as the sun set. + In a few moments, as the wind began dying sown, they heard the tinkling +sound of the transporter. They jerked their arms from around each other and +turned to see Dr. Beverly Crusher materializing. She formed facing away from +the couple, and by the time she turned to face them, they had stepped a +discreet distance away from each other. + "Dr. Crusher, why aren't you still in bed?" Riker called out to her. +She looked annoyed and moved closed. + "Why wasn't I informed when we arrived at Vulcan?" Her voice sounded +very nasal and she talked without moving her mouth much. Her bruised eyes, +however, were almost completely healed. + "Because we knew you'd drag yourself out of your bed and come down here +to see about Selar. You really should be resting right now." + "And why shouldn't I come to check on Selar? I am the Enterprise's +Chief Medical Officer." Riker knew it was futile trying to get her to rest +when she had her mind set on a patient. + "So how is Selar, Will?" + "I don't know. We haven't seen her since we left her with the Vulcan +doctors and Styhk." + Crusher nodded and the three of them stood on the edge of the cliff for +a few minutes, watching the last traces of sunlight fade over the distant +horizon and awaiting news of Selar's condition. Again, they were disturbed by +the whine of transporter beams. This time it was Picard and Deanna. As they +came into being on the edge of the cliff, Riker called out. + "Seems to be a popular spot. A regular outing for us." He grinned and +chuckled at his own joke as the two newcomers joined the group. + "Beverly, why are you out of bed? You should be resting and +recuperating." Picard addressed the fiery-haired doctor. She was beginning +to tire of the repeated question, and shot an index finger up at her captain, +the other hand coming to rest on her hip. + "I'm here because I'm the CMO and one of my staff doctors is down here +in a medical emergency. Just what are you doing here?" + "I came to see Selar's condition, just as you did." Picard was ready to +let the point drop, but Deanna laughed. + "Well, that's not quite the whole story. I thought that our captain +needed some fresh air," she paused and gestured to their surroundings. "and I +suggested taking a walk here on Vulcan. I'd heard the Vulcan sunset was +beautiful." + "Suggested? Humph!" Picard snorted in mock protest. "Practically +threatened to have me ruled unfit for duty if I didn't." The group shared a +laugh, except for R'annec, who looked confused. She turned to Picard. + "I am curious - if it's not too personal a question," she paused, +collecting her words. "Why is it that you make your relationship with your +consort so open to your crewmembers?" R'annec gestured toward the Counselor +as she spoke. + Troi blushed slightly and Picard's mouth hung open for a moment. Riker +grinned and Beverly slapped a hand over her mouth, turning away to keep from +laughing openly. R'annec looked even more confused. + Picard finally got his mouth shut and straightened his back. He brushed +his hands down the front of his green sweater and gestured to the Counselor. + "Counselor Troi is certainly not my consort. She is a highly valued +member of my medical staff and performs her duties for the entire crew." +R'annec's mouth dropped open in surprise as Riker snickered and Troi blushed a +deeper shade of red at the connotation the captain's explanation carried. + "What I mean is," he paused and shifted his weight. "Counselor Troi +administers to the needs of my crew." He realized that wasn't exactly phrased +correctly either. "Psychologically, that is." + R'annec's mouth snapped shut and she nodded, not wanting to hear any +more about human sexuality right now. The whole group stood in awkward +silence for a few minutes, some staring at the stars, some staring out over +the cliffs. + In a few moments, they heard a shuffling and turned to see Selar and a +tall, young Vulcan man, presumably Styhk, making their way slowly down the +slope from the dwelling to the cliffs. They were dressed in long, coarse +robes, similar in design to R'annec's cloak. + Beverly called out to them as they approached. "Selar, are you +alright?" + Selar and Styhk came closer and in the half light, Beverly thought Selar +may be smiling, but as they drew into the group, the smile was replaced by +calm, Vulcan features. + "Styhk and I are fine, doctor. We are not yet..." She paused and +struggled to chase off another grin. "...fully recovered, but our conditions +are improving." Selar and Styhk looked at each other, and seemed about to +smile again. + "It was a close one, Dr. Selar. We didn't know for a while there if +you'd make it." He grinned enough for Selar and Styhk both. + The Vulcan woman ignored the comment in typical Vulcan fashion, but did +pick up the way Riker addressed her. "My name is no longer Selar. Bonded +women on Vulcan have a prefix attached to their name at the time of bonding. +I am now known as T'Selar, wife of Styhk of Vulcan." This time smiles did +flicker on the faces of the Vulcans, to be quickly replaced with more +appropriate expressions. + All the humans made approving noises, polite laughs, congratulations, +and gentle hand claps. Picard tried to pronounce the new name, +but didn't get the inflection correct. T'Selar corrected him and all the +humans tried it again. I came out in several mutilated forms, none closely +approximating the first sound of the new Vulcan name. T'Selar began to +correct them again, mild annoyance creeping into her voice. + "T'Selar," the hooded Romulan offered the correct pronunciation. Selar +looked up, surprised at a visitor picking the sound up so soon. Everyone's +attention focussed on R'annec as T'Selar realized who it was under the hood. +R'annec pulled back the hood and smiled faintly at T'Selar. + "You!" the Vulcan woman shouted, clinching her fists and stepping +forward. "How dare you set foot on this world, you degenerate bitch!" +Everybody in the group was shocked at T'Selar's sudden outburst. The group +was still in shock when T'Selar leapt through the air and tackled R'annec. +The two women rolled about on the ground, R'annec brushing aside the doctor's +clumsy attacks. R'annec still had not fought back when Styhk reached the +struggle and pulled his wife off the Romulan. He stepped back and held onto +her shoulders, a disapproving look on his face, as R'annec got up off the +ground. + "You bitch! How dare you come here after all that you dogs have done to +my people. After what you did to me." She struggled against Styhk's iron- +tight grip. + "You're right," R'annec said softly, brushing the sand from her cloak. +"I shouldn't have come here. My people..." Her voice caught in her throat at +the thought of the atrocities her people had committed in the past. She +wanted to make an excuse, but there were none. She turned and quickly walked +away along the edge of the cliff. She was soon out of sight around a boulder. +Troi looked at Picard. He nodded and the counselor rushed after the Romulan +woman. + +* * * * * + + R'annec was sitting on a rock weeping when Troi found her. Deanna sat +on a nearby rock until R'annec looked up. Troi smiled a calming smile and +waited for the crying to subside. + "You really are a psychiatric medic - not the captain's consort?" +R'annec asked, sniffing. + Deanna nodded. "My services are completely non-sexual in nature." + "Well, Counselor, I would seem to need counselling right now. I wanted +to apologize for my people, but I couldn't. Our behavior is outrageous. +Inexcusable." She looked down at the ground and began absently picking a +bramble out of her cloak. + "You, as an individual, do not have to answer for the actions of your +race or forbearers." Deanna paused, thinking back to the time that The Q had +placed Picard and the bridge crew on trial for the 'heinous' crimes of +humanity. "Not as a Federation citizen." + "But as a Romulan, I do. I am guilty of our crimes by association." + "You do not have to carry that guilt. It is simply prejudice against +yourself and your own race." + "Prejudice is the forte of my people," said R'annec. Her face twisted +into a sarcastic grin. "Our children are raised to believe that they are +superior in every way to all other races. We are raised to be capable of +committing the most vile atrocities imaginable. Truly, Counselor Troi, you +cannot imagine the extent of the evil in our society." + "You are obviously not all bad. I have had the pleasure of meeting a +few Romulans who were not at all evil. You included." When R'annec sneered, +at this, Troi continued. "Really I don't our people have much separating them +except for an unwillingness to communicate. Perhaps one day the Federation +and Romulans will smooth out their political differences." + They sat together, mostly not talking, for several minutes. There was +nothing Troi could do to magically take R'annec's pain away, but the Romulan +didn't mind the company. After a few minutes, T'Selar walked up, her face a +model of impassivity. R'annec rose, wary of another attack. + T'Selar stood with her hands behind her back, rocking back and forth on +her toes. "My actions earlier were based on incomplete facts and emotional +biases. Dr. Crusher and Captain Picard have informed me of the extent of your +helpfulness and I am - logically - inclined toward gratitude. I apologize." + R'annec's eyes were wide by the end of T'Selar's monologue. The Vulcan +was intellectually prostrating herself to the Romulan. Inconceivable. Her +eyes narrowed. "You are not truly sorry for your words, T'Selar. You cannot +be. After all the things my people have done to yours, an emotional being +would incapable of forgiveness. Expecting forgiveness from a logical being +would be even more absurd." + Selar stood there for a few seconds, contemplating the Romulan's astute +and brutally honest observation. She approved of those qualities. "You are +correct," she said flatly. "I would not have not come to forgive you on my +on." She inclined her head slightly toward the section of the cliffs where +Picard and Beverly were standing, subtly implying coercion. + "Right now, due to my continuing hormonal imbalance, I am an emotional +being; I do not forgive your people. But in time I shall again be a +passionless being and at such time it would be," she paused to stress the next +thought. "...illogical to not forgive you." + R'annec considered the convoluted Vulcan logic then smiled, deciding to +let it drop. This was likely to be as close as they would ever come to being +able to resolve their differences, but R'annec was willing to wait and to +accept the attempt. "In time, then - T'Selar, wife of Styhk of Vulcan." + T'Selar smiled then caught herself and wiped the grin off her face. She +then turned and walked away, the corners of her mouth twitching and the +corners of her eyes wrinkling. R'annec and Troi sat for a long time that +night, talking seldom, comfortable merely with each other's presence. + +* * * * * + + Two figures stood on the edge of the cliff, the wind buffeting them from +behind. Their voluminous cloaks were wrapped around them but their hoods were +laid back, allowing the wind to blow through their hair. The two stood there +watching the rising sun reflect off the coppery sand as it was blown off the +top of the cliff by the morning breeze. They turned slowly, surveying their +surroundings. As they turned toward the searing sun, its red rays tinged +their faces with an earthy-grey tone. + She lifted her face and watched the sunrise, her nictitating membranes +slowly turning her dark eyes a milky color. He stood with his head bowed, the +wind whipping his hair into his face. + As they stood facing the rising sun, he raised his head and began +speaking to nobody in particular. His words were carried by the wind out over +the edge of the cliff along with the coppery sand. + The poetry called out to the logical part of them and they reveled in +its precision and succinctity. It calmed their ravaged minds and soothed +their aching bodies. It was Vulcan poetry, and it was very much a part of +them. + + +Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative +Path: moe.ksu.ksu.edu!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!sdd.hp.com!mips!darwin.sura.net!nntp.msstate.edu!Ra.MsState.Edu!plp1 +From: plp1@Ra.MsState.Edu (pat parker) +Subject: _T'Selar_ comments +Message-ID: +Sender: news@ra.msstate.edu +Nntp-Posting-Host: ra.msstate.edu +Organization: Mississippi State University +Date: Sun, 12 Jul 1992 02:34:59 GMT +Lines: 12 + + +Ok, I'm finished. I have posted part five, the conclusion along with a +reposting of parts 1-4 which are hopefully corrected. + +I look forward to your comments, criticisms, and even flames regarding +_T'Selar_. I particularly want to hear if you think the storyline is +cohesive all the way through, and if you think the ending is fitting, or if +it is too disjoint. + +thanks +pat + + diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/unify1.rev b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/unify1.rev new file mode 100644 index 00000000..15e89573 --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/unify1.rev @@ -0,0 +1,315 @@ +EXTREME CAUTION: This article contains heavy-duty, industrial-strength +spoiler material about "Unification I". Unless you want to know +everything that happens (or already do), I strongly recommend avoiding this +post at the present time. + +Not bad for a 45-minute prologue. + +Unfortunately, 45-minute prologues are hellish to rate in any rational +fashion. Of course, that's never stopped me before. :-) Anyway, here's a +synopsis to warm you up for the review. + +Their terraforming mission cancelled, the Enterprise is at a starbase where +Picard meets with Fleet Admiral Brackett, who insisted on speaking to him in +person. She informs him that one of the Federation's top ambassadors vanished +several days ago, and was located by intelligence reports on *Romulus* two +days ago. If he's actually defected, she says, the threat to Federation +security would be almost incalculable. She calls up a record of the +intelligence report, and enhances the image of the ambassador. Picard is +stunned to see the face of none other than Ambassador Spock... + +Shortly thereafter, the Enterprise is en route to Vulcan; Picard wishes to +meet with Sarek to discuss this, but is very pensive about doing so, given +Sarek's ill health and the bond the two share (a past mind-meld). He tells +Riker that most of what he knows of Spock came from Sarek's meld, but that +this is surprisingly little, as Spock and Sarek have been estranged for +decades. As Sarek's wife Perrin makes preparations to come aboard, Riker and +Geordi start examining reports of mysterious metal fragments of Vulcan origin +found with the wreckage of (of all things) a Ferengi ship. + +Perrin comes aboard and meets with Picard. She is, to say the least, bitter, +and begins by railing about the fact that Spock didn't even bother to say +goodbye when he left. She assures Picard, however, that Spock was definitely +not abducted--he put his affairs in order well in advance of his departure. +She further elaborates that she became embittered toward Spock when he +publicly challenged Sarek's arguments during the debate over the Cardassian +war, and tells Picard that she doubts Sarek knows why Spock left. She does, +however, consent to let Picard see him, solely because of the bond they share. +(Meanwhile, Riker and Geordi find that the metal was definitely of Vulcan +origin, and designed for use in space, but that Vulcan has no record of any +stolen parts.) + +Picard beams down to Vulcan and finds Sarek, wracked by emotional pain and +wasting away in his bed. Sarek raves, but comes back to himself a bit when +Picard mentions Spock's name. Sarek doesn't know why Spock left, but when +pressed, says that he might have gone to see Pardek, a Romulan senator Spock +has known since the Khitomer conference who is an extremely moderate element +within the Romulan Empire. Sarek's mind deteriorates, however, and when the +subject of Pardek comes up again a few moments later, his reaction is "Pardek? +The Romulan senator? How do you know Pardek?" Sarek rambles on a bit about +Spock's difficult childhood, and tries to bid Picard a traditional farewell, +but is denied even that honor by his failing health (Picard must both force +Sarek's hand into the traditional Vulcan symbol and finish the "live long +and..." left unfinished by Sarek). + +Picard now needs a cloaked ship to be able to infiltrate the Romulan Empire, +so the Enterprise heads to the Klingon homeworld to obtain one from Gowron. +(Data also obtains a visual record of Pardek in the meantime and discovers +that Pardek is standing next to Spock in the intelligence photo. Pardek, he +tells Picard, has always been a radical by Romulan standards, because he's +been an advocate of peace for his entire nine-decade career.) Unfortunately, +Gowron is in the process of rewriting Klingon history such that the Federation +had nothing to do with the resolution of the recent Klingon civil war, and +neither he nor anyone on the High Council will speak to Picard. Picard ends +up giving a message to Diplomatic Junior Adjutant B'Ijik, and tells him that +the benefit to the Klingon Empire of granting this favor would be the +Federation's gratitude--and that if he doesn't help, someone else in the +Klingon Empire no doubt will, and that then _they_ would have that gratitude. +A somewhat perturbed B'Ijik relays the message, while Beverly starts going +over Picard and Data to prepare the prosthetics to disguise them as Romulans. + +Geordi reports to Riker that the metal they found came from a navigational +deflector array--and what's more, he can even tell what ship it came from: +the Vulcan ship T'Pau, which was decommissioned four years earlier and is +currently sitting in a supply depot (i.e. it's on the scrap-heap). Picard and +Data board the Klingon ship currently sitting off the bow (courtesy of +Gowron) and are very closemouthed to Captain K'Vada about his mission, despite +his insinuations about "the defector" they must be going to get. The Klingon +ship heads for Romulus, and Riker takes the Enterprise to the shipyard where +the T'Pau is located. + +After Picard and K'Vada have a minor clash of wills regarding quarters, food, +and so forth, the ship reaches the border and cloaks. Meanwhile, the +Enterprise reaches Qualor Two and hails Dokachin, the Zakdorn quartermaster. +Dokachin, reluctant to surrender what little authority he has, is more than a +little huffy--but ends up relenting when Troi uses a softer approach. They +head to where the T'Pau is supposed to be, and find that it's *gone*. +Dokachin is appalled--in the entire history of the Zakdorn administration of +the yard, nothing has ever been lost. He finds that the navigational +deflector array was routed to the Tripoli, a supply ship at the edge of the +yard. They head for its coordinates, and find that it's gone as well. Riker +orders the Enterprise to masquerade as part of the wreckage, figuring that +whoever *did* pick up the deflector array will probably come back for another +shipment (due in later that day), and the ship powers down to only life +support and sensors. + +Meanwhile, Picard tries to sleep on the metal shelf pretending to be a bed, +but is very edgy and preoccupied, and ends up getting nowhere. He and Data +continue conferring on Romulan society, but are called to the bridge, where +Picard receives a subspace message that Sarek is dead. + +Back in the junkyard, Geordi detects a ship coming in: unknown origin, no +call letters, and well beyond armed to the teeth. The Enterprise powers up +and asks what it's doing, but ends up getting static in response. The +Enterprise ends up taking a couple of hits, but returns fire and knocks out +one weapons system. Unfortunately, the density of weapons on the other ship +is so high that that one shot sets off a chain reaction of explosions that +destroys the entire ship, leaving Riker with no answers. + +Picard and Data, now altered to resemble Romulans, discuss Sarek's death. +Picard is somewhat taken aback by it--now, he not only has to confront Spock +about his disappearance, but also must inform him that his father has died +(and thus that the chance for the two of them to resolve their differences is +gone forever). After they're brusquely told by K'Vada that his orders "do not +include *rescue missions*" in case there's trouble, they beam down to Romulus. + +Pardek meets with Jaron, who shows him an image of Picard, whom Pardek denies +any knowledge of. Jaron informs him that Picard is en route (or possibly +already on Romulus), and tells Pardek to circulate Picard's image to Security, +reminding them that Picard is no doubt altered to resemble one of them. + +Picard and Data quickly find the location of the intelligence photo, and wait +for Pardek to appear (a study of his movements shows that he frequents the +area quite often). While eating in a local cafe, they find him, but before +they reach him, they're seized by Security officers and taken away. + +They're taken to some deep caverns, where Pardek greets Picard by name. He +regrets the deception, but says that he had to get Picard and Data off the +streets as soon as he could, since the *real* Romulan Security knows of their +presence. Picard, relieved to be among friends, tells them of his mission. +"I'm looking for Ambassador Spock." + +"Indeed!" A shadowy figure strides into the light, revealed as Spock himself. +"You have found him, Captain Picard." + + TO BE CONTINUED... + +Oh, boy. Now I guess I have to write some opinions, huh? Well, here goes +nothing... + +As I said at the outset, this is in many ways going to be an absolute bitch to +classify. The whole show, unlike BOBW1 and "Redemption I", is in many ways +simply a prelude to the main story of part 2. That's damn good strategy to +keep people watching, but it's hell for a reviewer. I think I'll have to work +it by being generous about plot points and changing it if they turn out to be +mistakes rather than seeds. Given that, onwards... + +TNG has gotten really manipulative with this; not simply in a financial sense, +which is expected, but in an emotional one. I mean, the return of Spock is in +and of itself a big event, but including that scene with Sarek in act 1 +*really* tugged at the heartstrings. I'm not complaining, mind you--it was +expertly done, and I don't regret its existence. But if you're reading this +and *haven't* seen the show yet, get ready to be tugged at at times. + +The plots themselves: well, they're certainly interesting. I have a few +minor (mostly) objections, but they're quibbles only. Let's get them out of +the way: + +--Riker should probably have put the shields up a little earlier, no? + +--If they were down to just life support and sensors, *why were the bloody +full bridge lights on?* :-) + +--Data was screwing up a little bit too much in their first walk on Romulus. +He shouldn't be quite *that* careless, IMHO. + +But for the most part, those are all nitpicks, and don't take away from the +plots themselves. + +I have to say that at the moment, I'm intrigued more by the +T'Pau/Tripoli/Mystery Ship from Hell plotline than the one on Romulus. This +is not to belittle the one on Romulus--I'm extremely interested to find out +what Spock's intentions were and are, and to see what comes of all this (I +have my suspicions, but I'd rather not speculate on them). But the ship +plotline really has me saying "whoa...just what the hell is going on here?" to +an extent I haven't had since at least "Clues", and possibly since "Remember +Me." (It's also got me saying "what the hell does this have to do with the +main plot," but that's where the generosity I mentioned earlier comes +in--I'm assuming that this will be revealed in part 2. If not, I'll have to +retroactively take back points.) + +More than the plots, what really hit me here was both the directing and the +characterization. Les Landau did one of his better jobs here (and having done +"Night Terrors", "Clues", "Family", and "Sarek", he's had some real winners +before), particularly in leaping back and forth between the two plots. +Everything felt well in order here--if Cliff Bole gets to do something like +"Redemption II" again, he should take some lessons from Landau on how NOT to +make a story look disjointed. + +Some of Landau's shots were good as well, of course--the one that stands out +the most for me was the first shot of Sarek, although that entire scene was +superbly done. Sarek really *looked* wasted and dying there, which is not +necessarily easy to do. (As long as I'm on convincing appearances, by the +way, both Picard's and Data's disguises were stunning; I seriously had to look +a couple of times before I could really convince myself it was them.) Another +one, of course, is the whole execution of the teaser: the image enhancement +bit was purely for dramatic purposes (especially for those three viewers who +*hadn't* heard in advance that Spock was appearing here :-) ), but man oh man, +did it work. Once the face is revealed, no words were spoken, and none were +necessary. Just a swell of music and a "oh, shiiiiiiiit" look from Picard, +and that's it, folks. + +Characterization was at a plus as well. Most of the regulars didn't really +have that much to do (Geordi, Worf, Bev and Troi come to mind), but those that +did shined in a big way. Data has regained nearly all the ground that's been +taken away from him over the course of things like "In Theory", and is back to +a somewhat more human attitude [shown best in his conversation with Picard +about Sarek's death, which called up more than a few memories of Tasha's +memorial service]. Riker is back to being a sound tactician and a good +delegator/motivator (i.e. he had the sense to realize that his tactics with +Dokachin weren't going to work), rather than the bullheaded individual he was +for "Darmok" and "Ensign Ro". And Picard--my word, but he's fun to watch. +His diplomatic toe-to-toe with B'Ijik was absolutely fantastic (about as much +fun as his dealings with the Sheliak in "The Ensigns of Command", really, +which was great), and his contest of wills with K'Vada was equally strong. +His best scene was that with Sarek, but I'm saving that for last. His +edginess just before hearing of Sarek's death, though, was well played (not +brilliantly, but certainly nothing to gripe at), and did a good enough job of +foreshadowing Sarek's death that I guessed it before the news came in. I hope +that Picard's edginess was supposed to somehow be an indication of Sarek's +death, but if it wasn't it sure worked out well. :-) + +There were one or two weak bits in characterization, alas, but not many. The +weak link this time was probably Joanna Miles (Perrin). She seems to have +somehow lost something since "Sarek", because while she did beautifully then, +she didn't seem quite convincing here. I think she tried just a little bit +too hard. Ah, well. (Pardek was very nice--and I can't be the only one to +notice that he was played by Malachi Throne, none other than Commodore Mendez +in "The Menagerie", can I? Naah. :-) ) + +Spock's appearance, while hardly a guest-shot this week (more like a cameo), +was well presented (much better than that of Sela at the end of "Redemption", +I think). I can't *wait* to see how Nimoy manages to interact with whatever +fraction of the TNG cast he works with. At least it's only a week. + +Finally, there's the Picard/Sarek scene. Ever since "Sarek" first aired, I've +been waiting for another Stewart/Lenard scene to come up, and was worried +there never would be. Fortunately, I was wrong. Each of them is an extremely +solid actor alone (Stewart more so than Lenard, IMHO, but that's just 'cos +Stewart's a deity--and it has *nothing* to do with dueling car commercials +;-) ), but together they somehow amplify each other's talent, I think. I'm +quite honestly not sure why or how they manage it, but they do--and extremely +well. Lenard has played Sarek in a great many walks of life now, from TOS-era +straight through to the character's death, and all of it came to a head here. +For the first time, he spoke as a parent first and foremost (for some of the +conversation, particularly the last bit of it), and I actually found myself +wishing Spock could somehow hear it. (And yes, I *know* these are fictional +characters. That's not an issue.) + +In part, though, there may be something of a personal hook to this scene for +me. My two living grandparents are both in their mid-to-late 80s, and while +both are in reasonably good health (physically and mentally), neither is the +same person they were ten or even five years ago. To a point, I could easily +see my grandfather in Sarek's state in a not-very-long period of time--and +making that connection was more than a bit wrenching. I hope that it doesn't +come to that, but I had a taste of what it might end up being like tonight. +Ooch. + +(Sorry...digressed for a bit there. I'll try to get back on track.) + +In less serious matters, "Unification I" continued the trend that both +"Disaster" and "The Game" have set (despite some other flaws they had): the +dialogue between the main characters is definitely taking an upturn, both in +forming emotional ties and sometimes in just some damn good lines. :-) Some +examples: + +[discussing Spock and Sarek's estrangement] +Picard: "Well...sometimes...fathers and sons..." +Riker: (quietly) "Understood." + +Those are definitely THE two characters to be speaking those lines--we know +that Picard and his father had a somewhat mild falling out ("Family"), and +Riker's problems with his father are definitely a matter of record (and this +was about the only time I considered "The Icarus Factor" good for something). +Nice. + +Dokachin, to Troi: "He probably figures that we don't get to see a lot of +handsome women out this way, and someone like you might get a little more +cooperation from me. [...] He's probably right." + +(Okay, so it's not a regular character--but it was so doggone deadpan that it +was hilarious. :-) ) + +"Don't you two look SWEET?" --K'Vada, at the altered Picard and Data. That's +about the right reaction for him, wouldn't you say? + +And so it goes. + +I think that's about all I have to say for now. I may have to go back and +change some of these opinions once part 2 airs (though most of it will stay +firm), but in general this was *definitely* worth seeing. Best thing they've +done since "Darmok". + +The numbers, then: + +Plot: 9. A point off for all the minor nitpicks, but no real problems. +Plot Handling: 10. No complaints at all. +Characterization: 9. Again, a little bit off for Perrin--but the power of + the Picard/Sarek scene almost made up for it. + +TOTAL: 9.5, rounding up a bit for some nice FX [loved that shot of the two +ships heading off!]. Very nice indeed. + +NEXT WEEK: + +Part 2. Spock's intentions, someone's sacrifice, and the return of Sela. +Hmm. + +Tim Lynch (Cornell's first Astronomy B.A.; one of many Caltech grad students) +BITNET: tlynch@citjuliet +INTERNET: tlynch@juliet.caltech.edu +UUCP: ...!ucbvax!tlynch%juliet.caltech.edu@hamlet.caltech.edu +"Live long and...and...Live long and...Spock, my son!" +"And prosper..." +-- +Copyright 1991, Timothy W. Lynch. All rights reserved, but feel free to ask... diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/unify2.rev b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/unify2.rev new file mode 100644 index 00000000..e6258784 --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/unify2.rev @@ -0,0 +1,399 @@ +EXTREME CAUTION: This article contains major-league spoilers for "Unification +II", this week's TNG episode and the conclusion of last week's story. Those +not wishing to be privy to details in advance should remain well clear. + +*Finally*, a good second-part. Exceedingly satisfying. + +Yummers! I'll get into comments later, but right now I suppose you expect a +synopsis, huh? :-) [Be warned...it's going to be long this time.] + +The newly appeared Spock asks Picard what he's doing on Romulus. "That was to +have been my question to you, sir." Picard, as a representative of the +Federation, demands an explanation for Spock's actions, and dismisses Spock's +claim that it's a personal mission of peace as inadequate, saying that this +type of "cowboy diplomacy" is no longer acceptable. When Spock continues to +stonewall, Picard says that he's also come as the bearer of unhappy news. +"Sarek? ... Sarek is dead?" Spock pauses. "Walk with me, Picard." They head +into a different cave. + +Picard tells Spock that his father expressed pride and love towards him when +he and Picard met. Spock dismisses this as part of the "emotional disarray" +caused by Sarek's illness, but Picard disputes that--it was from the heart. +Spock then gets to the heart of the matter: he is aware of a movement among +the Romulan people towards Vulcan philosophy, and he has come to foster it, to +provide the first step to the *reunification* of the Vulcans and the Romulans! +He kept it secret because of the memories of the Klingon peace overture and +the responsibility he bears for its effects on Captain Kirk and Kirk's crew; +he has no wish to risk anyone else a second time. When Picard says that Spock +sounds like he's being influenced by emotions, Spock accuses Picard of +speaking as Sarek would. "I was involved in 'cowboy diplomacy', as you call +it, long before you were born." Picard, regardless, insists that he cannot +leave Romulus until Spock's mission is complete. "In your own way, you are as +stubborn as another captain of the Enterprise I once knew." "Then I'm in good +company, sir." + +Captain K'Vada is more than a bit annoyed to hear Data (now on board the ship) +tell him that he must remain a bit longer, but Data insists. Data further +requires access to the Klingon computer to attempt to break into the Romulan +information-net. He obtains this access by promising (with Picard's +authority) to fully share any information he gets from this task. Further, +Data makes arrangements to "piggyback" a message to the Enterprise on a +Romulan signal, so as to avoid detection and still communicate. + +Spock and Picard, meanwhile, are in the tavern, and Picard is being filled in +on the underground. The movement is very widespread--wide enough to cause +concern to the Romulan government. In response to Picard's skepticism that +it's strong enough to turn the tide of the Romulan society, Spock says that he +chooses to attempt to end the hostility rather than continue it. After they +meet briefly with D'Tan, a Romulan child who is avidly interested in Vulcan +and Vulcan culture, they meet with Pardek, who tells Spock that the Romulan +proconsul [a very young man, possibly open to change] will meet with him. + +The Enterprise, meanwhile, is still in orbit around Qualor Two, searching for +the missing Vulcan ship T'Pau. Their investigations have led Riker to a +rather seedy bar, where the piano player is the ex-wife of the now-deceased +captain of the ship the Enterprise recently destroyed. Amarie is cautious, +but eventually opens up, and tells Riker that within a few days, a fat Ferengi +arms trader named Omag will come to the bar--and he should have the +information Riker needs. + +Pardek ushers Spock in to meet with Proconsul Neral (and Pardek then leaves). +Neral stuns Spock when he says that he's prepared to _support_ reunification. +Neral claims to believe it's inevitable, and says that the people have grown +tired of the endless hostility, and that as a result he can probably muster +the support of the Senate. He tells Spock that he is prepared to publicly +endorse the peace initiative, and questions Spock about likely Vulcan +reactions (which, of course, would be rather cautious). He urges Spock to +help, and arranges another meeting for the next day. Spock leaves--and +moments later, Commander Sela enters through another door... + +The underground's reaction to Spock's report is ecstatic, but Spock and Picard +are both very skeptical about Neral's veracity. Picard thinks Neral might be +out to expose the movement, but finds himself defending the Federation against +claims that *it* is the one opposed to reunification. Spock declares that he +will continue his efforts regardless. Picard naturally objects, and asks +Spock where the logic is in ignoring Spock's own good sense. Again, Spock +says that Picard's attitudes towards reunification (and perhaps towards Spock) +have been colored by Sarek's perceptions. "This is the second time you have +accused me of speaking with another man's voice," says Picard, steadfastly +insisting he is speaking his own mind and not another's. After Spock +apologizes (and comments that, in the end, the stimulating arguments between +himself and Sarek were all they had), he goes on to say that he will follow +this course even into a trap; if the Romulans *do* have ulterior motives, then +it behooves them to find them out. "So...I will play the role they would have +me play." + +Some time later, Data is on board K'Vada's ship [back to his normal +appearance, having removed the prosthetics], and Picard and Spock enter. +While Picard leaves to remove his own disguise, Spock and Data work on +decoding the Romulan cipher. While they do this, they discuss the Vulcan way +versus the human way: Some Vulcans, after all, aspire for their entire lives +to become what Data already *is* by design; but Spock, in choosing his Vulcan +heritage over his human one, has abandoned the very thing that Data has sought +after. Data implies that Spock is perhaps more human than he lets on, just as +they break the code. + +Meanwhile, back at Qualor Two, Omag finally arrives. Worf reports this to +Riker, and Riker immediately beams down. Omag is a thoroughly disreputable +fellow, and shows no sign of changing simply because of the two rather +imposing-looking Starfleet officers standing in front of him after +information. After a few minutes of putting up with Omag, Riker decides that +enough is enough, and grabs him by the neck, explaining that if Omag doesn't +tell everything he knows about the Vulcan ship, his right to travel in the +sector will be cancelled, and that Riker...will be very unhappy. Omag says +that he traded the ship to a Barolian freighter at Galorndon Core, a planet +along the Neutral Zone border. + +Riker confers with Picard briefly over subspace (the piggybacked signal is +low-quality, however), and Picard orders them to Galorndon Core to check into +this further, despite the fact that none of them can figure out how a stolen +Vulcan ship fits into any of this. Data then finds records of a transmission +from Romulan intelligence to Galorndon Core twelve hours earlier, containing +only the message "1400". + +Down on Romulus, meanwhile, Spock again meets with D'Tan and discovers that +D'Tan and his family have been educating themselves as best they can about +Vulcan ways for generations, to prepare for the reunification they know must +come. Spock then meets with Picard and Data. When he hears of this message, +he realizes that Neral's been deceiving him. He doesn't know precisely what's +going on, but 1400 hours is when Neral had arranged for Spock's announcement +of the peace initiative tomorrow over subspace. "Why would they need a Vulcan +ship?" asks Pardek. + +"That will become clear _very_ shortly!" says Sela, who enters with several +security guards. Pardek shouts that someone must have betrayed the camp's +location, but Spock immediately points out that the only logical person to +have done so is Pardek, who invited Spock to Romulus in the first place, +arranged all the meetings, and knew of the information. Sela tells Spock and +the others that their dream of reunification is not dead; "it will simply take +a different form." Picard, Spock, and Data are then hauled off. + +The Enterprise reaches Galorndon Core and finds no life signs, but then +receives a signal from Romulus. The message, a coded signal, is from Picard, +and tells them to hold position until they hear further; the diplomatic +mission appears to be succeeding. Riker is skeptical. + +Sela, confident of success, gives Spock a speech to read. The speech will +announce that the *three* Vulcan ships (all stolen) heading to Vulcan are a +peace envoy. (The Enterprise, she claims, will stay where it is thanks to +"Picard"'s message; if not, they'll quickly find their hands full with +something else.) Spock will tell Vulcan to welcome the envoy, and the +Romulans will quickly overpower Vulcan and conquer it. The Federation will +naturally respond, but the Romulans will be dug in, and very difficult to +stop. + +Spock naturally refuses to read the speech, even under threat of death (since, +after all, the logical expectation is that he and the others will be killed +anyway). Sela falls to her backup plan; a holographic simulation of Spock +built up from holo-images taken over the past several days. It may not +convince the Vulcans, but it doesn't need to; it only needs to confuse them. +Sela leaves to prepare for the ships' entry into Federation space, leaving +Picard, Data, and Spock alone. Since she still doesn't seem to know about +their ability to access Romulan computers, they get to work arranging a +diversion. + +The Enterprise picks up the three Vulcan ships in the Neutral Zone and hails +them. When Riker hears that the ships claim to be peace envoys, he's somewhat +surprised--but he gets Geordi to work checking whether any of those are the +ship they've been seeking, and moves to intercept. + +Sela returns--to find an empty room. She reacts with surprise--but is even +more surprised to see Commander Riker and two security guards with weapons +pointed at her and her guards! She and her guards take cover and fire at +them--and quickly figure out that "Riker" and the others are holograms. +*Then*, however, Spock steps out of the "wall" [really a simulation of the +real wall Data moved slightly further into the room] and nerve-pinches one +guard. Picard steps out and punches the other one out. Sela moves to escape, +but finds Spock pointing a disruptor at her. "I'm afraid I don't know much +about disruptor *settings*." Sela drops her weapon, but maintains her +defiance, saying that none of this will stop the Vulcan ships. + +The Enterprise, moving closer to the Vulcan ships, suddenly receives an urgent +distress call from a colony requiring prompt evacuation. With no proof of the +Vulcan ships being anything but what they claim to be, they set a course for +that colony, but wait to hear Spock's message, just coming on subspace: + +"This is Ambassador Spock of Vulcan. By now, Federation sensors are tracking +three Vulcan ships crossing the Neutral Zone. These ships carry a Romulan +invasion force and must be stopped. I repeat, these ships--" And the signal +is cut off. Riker immediately guesses that the distress call is a fake and +moves to intercept. + +Sela now tells Picard, Spock, and Data that they will never leave her +headquarters. Data, however, has studied the layout of the building, and +believes he can lead them all to safety. However, Sela cannot be allowed to +warn her guards: and *Data* nerve-pinches her into unconsciousness. They +leave. + +The Enterprise reaches the Vulcan ships, only to see a Romulan Warbird uncloak +between them and the Enterprise. They warn it off, but it fires--at the three +ships, destroying all of them. It then heads back to Romulan space, leaving +Riker to prepare for Picard's return. + +In some other caves (ones Pardek knew nothing of), D'Tan and the others tell +Picard that they will keep striving for reunification, awaiting the day when +it *will* work. Picard and Data prepare to leave--but Spock tells Picard that +he's staying behind. His reasons are clearer than ever: these people, this +small movement, is the beginning of an inexorable move toward a Vulcan way of +life. It may take them a long time to reach it, but they will--and he must +help. After Picard mentions Sarek one last time, Spock observes that Picard +probably knows Sarek better than he does, for Spock and Sarek never chose to +meld. "I offer you the choice to touch what he shared with me," says Picard. +Spock and Picard meld, and Spock and Sarek are, however slightly, however +briefly, unified. + +WHEW. Good Elath, but that took a long time. Anyway, now that I've managed +to give you a nearly-200-line synopsis of something you've already seen :-), +on to some comments: + +With only one exception, this show fulfilled the grand setup part I gave it. +(I'll cover the exception in a moment.) The two plots from part I, which +seemed so isolated from each other there, weaved together *very* well here. +Spock's appearance was every bit as good as I expected, and blissfully, Sela's +appearance did nothing to detract from things. Very nice indeed. + +Let me cover the exception; a plot hole. At the end of part I, the Enterprise +had destroyed this mystery ship, with NO clue what it was or where it came +from. As of the beginning of part II, they know who was captaining the damn +thing. Now, it's obvious that some time has passed, so it's reasonable to +assume that Dokachin, Troi, Riker, Worf, and others managed to track things as +far as this unnamed smuggler in that time; but a few lines to that effect +would have been nice. It's glossable, to be sure; but it's slightly annoying. + +The other negative, I think, would have to be the "Klingon opera" sequence in +the bar. I'm sorry--appropriate or no, tavernesque or no, it was jarring. +Very jarring. Too jarring for the context of the episode. No thanks. + +On the other hand (he said, following the stream-of-consciousness path this +review seems to be taking :-) ), the *other* scene with Amarie the +Freewheeling Four-Armed Piano Player was great fun. In keeping with the +merging of TOS and TNG that took place here, Riker was at his most +Kirkesque--but given the situation, it *worked*. I particularly liked the "A +new face." "Same one I've always had." bit myself, but maybe that's just me. +:-) Amarie certainly fit the concept of a smuggler's wife, and everything +seemed sensible enough. + +[For that matter, despite being completely revolting, Omag was handled well. +If you're going to bill Ferengi as the scum of the quadrant, this is the kind +of guy you need to show off to prove it. It worked.] + +Let's talk villains for a few minutes. I imagine some people are going to end +up slamming Sela for being so downright *stoopid* as to leave Our Heroes [TM] +where they were. Well, she was, 'tis true. But that seems to fit her +character as we've seen it. Sela is clearly given to hugely broad-ranging +plans, so large in scope as to be somewhat absurd to a more sensible Romulan. +(I mean, Tomalak never went after more than a single base or a ship; Sela's +out to get everything in one go in both this and the Klingon situation.) +She also was portrayed as ultra-smug when she has the upper hand, and +crumbling when things go wrong. A classic bully. And if you consider her +putative origins (which, blissfully, were not alluded to AT ALL in this +episode; any such mention would have brought the show down) and that nepotism +is really the only vaguely plausible reason for her advanced rank at such a +young age, it makes *sense* that she should be so ambitious on the one hand, +and so godawfully clueless on the other. [Note: anyone who wants to see this +kind of plan done *right*, on the other hand, should read the latter half of +book 11 of Alan Moore's "Watchmen". Sela needs some Ozymandias lessons. +:-) ] + +Neral: Similar arguments apply, though to a lesser extent. Okay, so *nobody* +bought his talk with Spock as being legit [I was, to be honest, reminded more +of Richard Arnold than anyone else ;-) ]. Let's remember that Neral is +someone who clearly threw his full support behind Sela even *after* her +blunders in the Klingon wars. This is not the brightest or most subtle of +Romulans. Add in his evident (and stated) youth and you get someone who +really does get rather melodramatically deceptive. Again, this works. + +And then there's Pardek. Now *he* had me fooled. But he's the one who was +*supposed* to fool us; he's someone who's been playing politics for eighty +years. His motivations weren't very clear to me (and I wish they had been), +but it works fairly well. + +Plot concerns. All right, everyone who *complained* because part I was just a +45-minute buildup: satisfied now? The buildup *worked*, dammit. We got to +see Spock come to terms with Sarek [which was very satisfying, although no +single scene packed the power that the Picard/Sarek scene did last week]. We +slowly figured out what was going on with the missing ships, *and* found out +what it had to do with Spock's storyline. [And the mystery actually worked +well for me; I think I guessed that the stolen ship was going to be a Vulcan +Horse about, oh, maybe ninety seconds before Sela said so. That's fine.] The +resolution to the plot was *not* forced, it was *not* telegraphed, it was +*not* rushed, it did *not* drop interesting threads from part I: in short, it +did *not* make the same mistakes that both BOBW2 and "Redemption II" did. It +has my undying gratitude for that. + +There were, as naturally expected for a show dealing with Spock's return, lots +of little touches of and references to TOS here and there. Blissfully, they +were done sparingly and tastefully--and while they clearly played up the +differences between the two series, they essentially emphasized what lots of +participants in the eternal TOS-vs-TNG conflict have been saying for a long +time: Each series has its own time, and its own methods appropriate to that +time. And each works very well *for that particular time*; Picard's +Enterprise would never fit into a TOS universe, nor would Kirk's Enterprise +have much of a place in TNG's time. But each has its proper place. + +Anyway, I was mentioning references. Speaking of which, let's talk about the +"Star Trek VI: the Undiscovered Country" hints here. [I'm not even going to +go into the advertisement for it right after the opening credits, interesting +though it was.] I know very little about ST6 beyond the statements Nick +Meyer's made and the blurbs we saw in the 25th-Anniversary special, and I'd +like to keep it that way--but this is damned tantalizing...*especially* the +line about the "consequences" of the Klingon peace overture to Kirk and the +crew. Is Paramount going to take the risk of ending the film series on a +not-so-happy note? Wouldn't *that* be interesting... + +[I have no basis for thinking this, and don't want to know if I'm right or +wrong until December 6, but my hunch after hearing a little of that is that +Kirk might end up being like poor Ben Maxwell; unable to find a place in +Klingon peace after having one in Klingon war for so long. It hearkens right +back to "Errand of Mercy", and seems to really fit with the "I'm a soldier, +not a diplomat" philosophy he's had ever since said show. Just a thought. +Again, *don't* tell me if I'm wrong, unless you're prepared to do so by +bringing me to an advance screening. ;-) ] + +The direction was good, but nothing really stood out the way some of the shots +in part I did. Ditto for the music; it all seemed to work fairly well +(especially the slow swell of music right after Spock realizes Sarek is dead), +but nothing really jumped out at me and said "Yo! Over here!" + +Onwards to Spock. Nice work, Mr. Nimoy. My primary regret is that we didn't +get to see Spock interact with any of the TNG crew apart from Picard and Data. +Now, granted, if I had to pick just two, those are the two I would pick, since +they're the juiciest ones for Spock/X dialogue. But I wanted more. I wanted +to see Spock meet Worf, given Worf's grandfather's appearance in ST6. I +wanted a pithy comment on Riker's Kirk genes :-). Ah, well. + +The scenes we *did* have between Spock and either Data or Picard (or anyone +else, but those are the ones I'm focusing on now), however, were all +excellent. While I'm sure Peter David will be crushed not to see a Spock/Data +3-D chess game played without a board, I had no complaints to see the primary +Spock/Data scene played as straight and as serious as it was. It played up +*exactly* the duality common to the two of them (not to mention Picard's +near-Vulcan attitude at times, which I've been claiming is so for *years*), +and did so in just the way I'd expect. Is good, ja. + +The Spock/Picard scenes were exactly what I'd expect--masterful. Of course, +given that it's matching up the best actor for each series, I'd have expected +nothing less; but it was still beautiful to see. Spock's quiet realization of +Sarek's death was touching, his transferral of arguments from Sarek to Picard +[and his realization of same] was most...logical, and his final meld with +Picard was beautiful. I can't really say much more about it, 'cos there's not +much the words can do. + +Now, a few smaller comments/questions/etc.: + +--What the HELL does "Jolan tru" mean? I've been trying to figure it out for +hours, and I haven't a clue. + +--Records of the Romulan migration from Vulcan? Shades of Diane +Duane...that's so satisfying. Now if we could just convince these guys that +Romulus is better called ch'Rihan, we'd really be moving here. :-) + +--I regret that there was no reference in a Spock/Data scene to McCoy's visit +to the Enterprise in "Encounter at Farpoint". I don't know precisely how or +where I'd have put it in, but it would have been nice. + +--Sela's little tirade against Vulcans was great fun. "I tried to make it +sound Vulcan; a lot of unnecessarily long words," was terrific, as was her +almost frenzied reaction to Spock's calm "I'm not helping you whether you kill +me or not" bit. They can be so *frustrating*. :-) + +--I was informed in advance that the bar set was actually a redress of the +observation lounge. I'd *never* have guessed that if I didn't know in +advance; my word, what a spectacular redress. + +--To everyone who said Spock would get killed off here: Nyah! ;-) ;-) + +--Galorndon Core? Let's see, that means the only major Romulan episode not +referred to here was "The Neutral Zone". So just what *were* the Romulans +doing that kept them away, hmm, Paramount? :-) + +That should about do it. I think this more than adequately tied off the loose +ends that part I left hanging, and was worth every penny of its rather +expensive budget. *Very* nice work. + +So, the numbers: + +Plot: 9.5. A little bit off for how they figured out who ran the mystery + ship. +Plot Handling: 10. The double-plot dovetailed into a single plot so well + that I don't think I can do anything else. It more than makes up for + the Klingon opera. +Characterization: 10. Period. + +TOTAL: 10. 'Nuff said. + +NEXT WEEK: + +Given Matt Frewer's guest appearance, the only thing to say here is +"Four centuries into the future..." :-) + +Jolan tru. + +Tim Lynch (Cornell's first Astronomy B.A.; one of many Caltech grad students) +BITNET: tlynch@citjuliet +INTERNET: tlynch@juliet.caltech.edu +UUCP: ...!ucbvax!tlynch%juliet.caltech.edu@hamlet.caltech.edu +"I *hate* Vulcans! I hate the logic, I hate the arrogance--" + --Sela +-- +Copyright 1991, Timothy W. Lynch. All rights reserved, but feel free to ask... diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/vengnc.rev b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/vengnc.rev new file mode 100644 index 00000000..4931647f --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/vengnc.rev @@ -0,0 +1,110 @@ +WARNING: The following post contains spoiler information regarding this + week's TNG episode, "The Vengeance Factor". Be warned. + +Really. + +Greetings, all. + +Well, this is another case of "nothing spectacularly wrong, but nothing +spectacularly RIGHT either". It was sort of nondescript. Here comes a +reasonably short synopsis: + +The Enterprise finds a Federation science outpost torn to shreds, and it +appears that the Gatherers are responsible. The Gatherers are a group +originally from Acamar III, who split off from the Acamarians roughly a +century ago. The raids have been getting worse, and something has to be done. +They travel to Acamar III to talk to the Marouk, Sovereign of Acamer 3. She +wants nothing more than Federation help to hunt the Gatherers down, but +Picard has other ideas. He claims they'll be a divided people until they take +the Gatherers back into the fold, and weaker as a result. Eventually, he +manages to talk her into it. Then, of course, the problem is finding and +convincing the Gatherers. + +They find one Gatherer outpost, led by a man called Brul. He is initially +skeptical, but after hearing the Sovereign out, decides this is an offer +worthy of consideration. He says he'll take the message to Chorgan, the +Gatherer leader, but whatshername says she'd rather do it herself. Okay . . . +so they all end up on the Enterprise. + +One minor complication arises, however. The original reason for the +Gatherers' departure, the Clan Wars, apparently are not quite as over as +originally thought. The Lornac clan, a century or two ago, managed to kill +off nearly all members of a rival clan, the Triesta. A few survived, however, +and one of them has been genetically altered to carry a virus lethal only to +Lornacs. She happens to be Uta, the Sovereign's servant, and is discreetly +killing off the last few Lornacs wherever she goes. The final catch: Chordan, +himself, is the final Lornac left alive. + +From here, things are pretty much as you'd predict. After analyzing the death +of an elderly Gatherer on the outpost (whom we saw Uta kill), Dr. Crusher +ends up realizing it's lethal only to Lornacs. Data eventually figures out +who'd have motive, etc., and Riker ends up beaming over to the negotiations +and stopping Uta. Unfortunately, he has to kill her to do it, and it's all +the more painful because he was falling in love with her. + +Well, that's about all there is to that. Now, usual babble: + +As I said, there really wasn't much wrong with the episode. There just wasn't +much right about it either. It was certainly watchable, but just . . . there. + +I was fairly impressed with the acting of whoever played Uta. She carried off +the attitude of one who's been so obsessed with vengeance that it's all she's +got left quite well. She also projected a good image of one used to service +for so long that she can't remember any other way to behave. + +I liked the idea of the virus tailor-made to kill one clan only very much +indeed, but had one major problem with the scene where this was discovered. + +When they discover the record of the other Gatherer dying, and see he's a +Lornac, then notice that the old man was also Lornac, they immediately say, +"Oh, so that's it!" Now, I realize that the Clan Wars were a big deal on +Acamar III, and that this in all probability wouldn't have led them astray, +but would it have been that big a deal to ask the computer to specify all +factors common to the two people who died? For all they know, the virus +specifically attacked only those who were males with no left testicle. + +The coarseness of the Gatherers seemed a little overdone to me, and slightly +inconsistent as well. There's a scene between Brul and Wesley in 10-Forward, +which smacked of a subplot waiting to happen (but never did), where Brul +seems a little less brutal than usual, with no real reason given. While the +brutality of the Gatherers did convey the idea that these people have had to +live by their wits for 100 years, it still seemed a little too barbaric to +me. + +One really minor "what-if": I sort of hoped that Uta's meal for Riker had +been less delicious and more spicy. I half expected him to have real trouble +with it. Well, I suppose this lends credence to the theory that Riker had his +taste buds surgically removed before signing on to the Pagh last season. :-) + +I didn't like the acting of the woman playing the Sovereign very much. She +was too whiney and dictatorial to be a proper leader. + +Other than that, there's not much to say. The regulars did a pretty good job +(particularly Crusher), but there just wasn't much to this. I suppose, then, +that it's rating time. + +Plot: 6 - Competent, but not particularly exciting. +Plot Handling: 5 - Nothing wrong, but points off for the immediate jump to + the clan being the common factor. +Characterization: 7.5 - Not bad, and a little extra for Uta. Some off for the + Sovereign and the Gatherers. +Technical: 8 - I liked the virus, and the method the away team used to get + out from under the ambush. + +TOTAL: 26.5/4 => 6.6. Watchable, certainly, but not really worth a second +viewing. + +Tim Lynch (Cornell's first Astronomy B.A.; one of many Caltech grad students) +BITNET: tlynch@citjuliet +INTERNET: tlynch@juliet.caltech.edu +UUCP: ...!ucbvax!tlynch%juliet.caltech.edu@hamlet.caltech.edu +"Brill? What was he doing here?" +"Last time I saw, trying to fly." +"I didn't know he could do that." +"He wasn't doing very well." +"Well, maybe he'll get the hang of it." +<> +"Does bouncing count?" + ---Silk and Belgarath, from David Eddings' THE BELGARIAD +-- +Copyright 1989, Timothy W. Lynch. All rights reserved, but feel free to ask... diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/violate.rev b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/violate.rev new file mode 100644 index 00000000..1c7d355d --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/violate.rev @@ -0,0 +1,224 @@ +WARNING: The following article contains spoiler information for this week's +TNG episode, "Violations". Those not wishing to violate the sanctity of an +unspoiled mind would be advised to not read this just yet. + +Um...what in the world was that? + +I don't know *what* the hell it was, but I don't think it's what I expected. +Maybe I'll figure it out by the end of the synopsis. Read on, MacDuff: + +The Enterprise is ferrying three Ullians to an "archaeological" mission of +sorts. They're telepathic, and retrieve other people's memories. The +eldest, Tarmin, is frequently huffy, overbearing, slightly pushy about his +talents [attempting to convince both Beverly and Worf to have themselves +probed, for instance], and extremely talented. At a dinner, he humiliates +his son Jev's lack of experience. Jev leaves, with Troi following to make +sure he's all right. They discuss the strategies for dealing with +overbearing parents [Troi does, after all, have some experience in these +matters...], and then part on friendly terms. + +As Troi gets ready for bed, however, she has a memory flashback: poker chips +falling, Will asking her "have you stopped thinking about us?", and her +attempts to fend off some advances. Suddenly, the scene turns violent--and +Riker changes into Jev. Vision-Troi screams--and the real Troi slumps to the +floor in a coma. + +The next morning, Bev's still unable to bring her out of it, and has no clue +what might have caused it. Thinking that perhaps the Ullians might have +unintentionally carried something harmful on board, Riker goes to discuss the +matter with Jev. He's rather blunt about his suspicions, however, and +brusquely leaves once Jev fully agrees that all three of them will cooperate. +That night, Riker talks to Deanna and tells her to wake up soon; Beverly +orders him to bed. + +Then, as Riker's in his quarters, he has a flashback: An emergency of some +sort in Engineering, involving an isolation door coming down and trapping an +ensign on the other side. Suddenly, the ensign accusing Riker of "you killed +her!" turns into Jev, and starts appearing in various locations. +Vision-Riker looks around, frantic; and the real Riker slumps to his bureau +in another coma. + +The next day, Beverly's ruled out any known medical cause [the only illness +that leaves traces similar to what she's found also has other side effects +which have not appeared]. She puts Geordi to work searching for other +possible causes of the electropathic activity she's found--and since the +activity was located in the thalmus [the memory center], she suggests Picard +once again question the Ullians. + +Tarmin is indignant, but all three again offer their full cooperation in the +matter. Beverly scans Keiko, who had a memory retrieved by Tarmin days +earlier, and finds no trace of any abnormal activity. As Geordi's search +also turns up empty, Bev searches for other causes--and then she has a +flashback. It's nearly twenty years earlier; she and Jean-Luc are on their +way to see Jack Crusher's body. Jev slips in and out of Picard's position +as they approach the body--and as the coverlet is removed, Beverly sees +Jev/Jack open his eyes and stare back at her. Vision-Beverly screams: and +by the time Geordi and Data report to her, she's slumped at her desk in yet +another coma. + +Picard orders Geordi and Data to search the records of the previous planets +visited by the Ullians during this mission, and then asks the Ullians to +voluntarily confine themselves to quarters temporarily. Jev suggests probing +the now-revived Deanna [she remembers being scared and upset, but not what +frightened her] to prove their innocence. Tarmin refuses to have anything to +do with it, and Picard demurs, but Inad convinces him that they deserve that +much of a chance. As Geordi and Data find correlations between comas on some +of the planets and the Ullians' visits to them, Jev probes Troi, who relives +the events of three nights previous--except that this time, the invader of +her memories is not Jev, but *Tarmin*. + +Tarmin is monitored by both Jev and Inad, and Jev apologizes to Picard for +his conduct, saying that what he has done is a grave crime in their society. +(Tarmin is claiming innocence.) Data and Geordi, meanwhile, find from the +last two planets' information that Tarmin was not on one of those worlds when +several unexplained comas broke out. Jev goes to say goodbye to Deanna, but +her kindness towards him causes him to lose control. He again invades her +mind, this time coupling it with a physical assault--but Data and Worf show +up in time to stop him. Tarmin, deeply grieved by his son's actions, tells +the three victims [all now awake] that Ullia's best physicians will help them +back on the road to full recovery. + +There. I hope that's everything. Now, let's see what I can figure out. + +I think I had my hopes set too high. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but +I don't think this was really it. That doesn't mean it was bad, just +jarringly unexpected. I'd be very curious to find out how much of the +original script survived to here, and how much of "Violations" came in from +rewrites. + +One definite problem with the presentation: by making sure we knew from the +teaser onward that Jev was the bad guy, a lot of momentum was lost. There +are many hints here and there along the way to set up Tarmin: beyond his +arrogance and pushiness, there's his prodding of everyone to get their minds +probed, and *especially* his "sometimes, with a beautiful woman, I cannot +help myself [from being so forthright]". Had we just been given that, then +the whole show would have been more of a puzzle, rather than an exercise in +frustration at how they haven't figured it out yet. (No, I don't think this +makes the crew idiots; it was obvious to us because it was set up that way. +Their actions seemed reasonable enough.) + +However, two *good* things about the presentation come to mind. First, the +visions themselves were well put together: dark, surreal, sharply cutting +from one thing to another...simply maddening, all told. There's definitely a +place for creative use of wide-angle lenses, and this was one of them. [BTW, +the setting for Bev's flashback was particularly good--both she and Picard +*looked* a good 18 years younger!] Second, there was a real...structure...to +the plot, in that each of acts 1-4 ended in a vision [Troi, Riker, Bev, +Troi-redux]. Something about that definitely worked. + +Something else about the flashbacks bothered me, however--it was *too* +ambiguous. It's not made particularly clear how much of the memory-fragments +were affected by Jev's interference. Is everything exactly as it was +presented up until he takes someone's place, or were changes made earlier? +And just *when* do Troi's and Riker's flashbacks take place? [Bev's is easy, +naturally.] Troi's seems from the conversation to be very early in their +mission on board, but Riker already has a beard--so it's at least a year. +And what sort of emergency was happening in Engineering that we never heard +about? I think there was definitely room for some ambiguity, but this was +too much. + +[I was concerned, incidentally, about the treatment of Riker in Troi's +flashback. The first time through, I thought he was being presented as +almost assaulting her w/o Jev's interference, and that's a very worrisome +thing. If we go by "everything was fine until Jev literally enters the +picture", however, the real memory ends with Troi pushing Riker away after +the one kiss--and presumably, Riker then agreed [grudgingly :-) ] that it was +a bad idea. I think it could have been presented slightly more clearly than +that--while I'm all for giving these guys more character flaws, having Riker +be a rapist is *NOT* at all on the list.] + +But, again, there was a good ambiguity of sorts to counter this. While it's +pretty clear that Jev's actions are conscious, willing acts, it's left very +much in the air just how premeditated they were, and just how much he was +consciously aware of them afterward. Certainly, his conduct during the +investigation seemed one of genuine concern, not of "let's be a good boy and +throw them off the track". He might well have been suppressing his *own* +memories of the thing--ironic, that. His motives are a little bit unclear as +well, but one can make good guesses. + +Characterization was, for the most part, pretty good. Not much was done with +Picard, which is a pity; I agree with Bev in that he probably WOULD have some +pretty intriguing memories to play with. One thing I also wanted to see was +Picard's initial reaction while Troi is "replaying" her memory-flashback +for Jev: since her words indicate at first that *Will* is the one doing the +assault and not one of the Ullians, I think a suitable reaction is in order. +Worf's memories might also have been interesting, particularly of Khitomer +(although it might be a bit difficult for Jev to stick himself in there +plausibly). But what we did see worked well enough. (Actually, I'd amend +that--one thing bugged me. For Deanna only having been in a coma for a day, +Riker's reaction in sickbay seemed considerably overboard. Maybe after +several days, but they've had situations like this before. Whatever.) + +On to some other things--shorter ones. + +Scientifically...well, this *is* TNG. The Data/Geordi discussion about +memory, while wonderful for the two characters, was basically false +technobabble. [RNA? For *memory*? Not the way I remember learning it. +Little things like synapses tend to be important...] The thalmus, though, +does have a significant function in memory, so that part was all right. [My +wife thinks that it might be crucial in processing short-term memory into +long-term, but she wasn't sure. Me? I'm no biologist. :-) ] + +Meaningless treknology department: well, we had film evidence a ways back +that 1000 stardates was a year ["Galaxy's Child" taking place "a little over +a year" after "Booby Trap" fits the picture there], but here we have evidence +that 1 stardate equals a day. [Troi's been out three days.] I think this +leads us to the theory that it's a day *during* the course of a show, and +that 1000 SD is a year overall. Man, those between-show stardates have to be +mighty fast. :-) + +Random thoughts: + +--I liked Geordi's quote about "For some reason, I have NO recollection of +how I spent my last birthday." + +--Deanna's story about how she copes with her mother, and how it doesn't work +a bit, was nicely done as well. + +--My word, there *is* another doctor on the Enterprise! I actually thought +rather highly of Dr. Martin in the little we saw of him--wonder if we'll be +lucky enough to have him recur. + +--Music was mostly unremarkable, although I thought the music during the +flashbacks was nicely eerie. + +--FX: nothing new to report here. + +And finally, the ending. I liked the final scene up to Tarmin's line about +helping the victims recover from "this particular form of rape". The minute +after that was pure proselytizing: violence is within us all, it can consume +us if we don't keep watch on it, Earth used to be very violent but grew out +of it, etc. I care very much about the issue of rape (as anyone remembering +the Spock-Valeris discussion early last month can readily remember), but this +was simply talking at us. I couldn't help being reminded of the ending of +last night's "Dinosaurs": "Say no to drugs--and stop preachy sitcom endings +like this one." :-) + +Well, I think I'm about done here. It was...interesting, and it was well put +together in several ways. But somehow, it missed me. I'm mostly left saying +"um...well, yeah, but...er...well?" [Any comments about how that's an +improvement over my usual state will promptly be ignored. :-) ] So, I guess +it's numbers time: + +Plot: 7. Straightforward, but solid. +Plot Handling/Direction: 6. The handling of the main plot was considerably + less, but the very snappy and eerie direction of the flashbacks + themselves brought it back up. +Characterization: 8. Not bad at all. + +TOTAL: 7--but I'm actually rounding *down* half a point for general +ambience. Maybe I'm just grumpy. Either way, it's a 6.5. + +NEXT WEEK: + +The Enterprise sacrifices itself for a genetically perfect society? +O-kayyyyyy.... + +Tim Lynch (Cornell's first Astronomy B.A.; one of many Caltech grad students) +BITNET: tlynch@citjuliet +INTERNET: tlynch@juliet.caltech.edu +UUCP: ...!ucbvax!tlynch%juliet.caltech.edu@hamlet.caltech.edu +"Felicitous Natal Terran Rotational Cycle." + --Data, hypothetically... +-- +Copyright 1992, Timothy W. Lynch. All rights reserved, but feel free to ask... diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/voices.txt b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/voices.txt new file mode 100644 index 00000000..aba497b5 --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/voices.txt @@ -0,0 +1,1179 @@ +Subject: Voices (A DS/Bashir story) + +VOICES by Brenda S. Antrim, a Star Trek : Deep Space Nine story. +Copyright on characters by Paramount Pictures, Inc, copyright on +original fiction by Brenda S. Antrim, 1995. Enjoy! + + +Her voice was soft, almost wistful, as she said goodbye to a man +who could no longer hear her. Bareil had finished his work and +slipped away earlier that evening, fighting to the last breath but +unable, at the end, to fight his own body for his life. Kira Nerys +had fought as well, fought the need to keep what was left of him +with her, and fought her own need to deny the truth. The essence +of Bareil had diminished with the implant of the positronic brain, +but Nerys had held to the hope that he would somehow be able to +pull through. There had been no peace for her when his body +revolted from the experimental treatment one last time and she and +the Kai had released Doctor Bashir from his duty to keep Bareil +alive. Perhaps, in the cathartic act of opening her heart one +final time, pouring her broken words into his unhearing ears, she +might find a measure of rest. + + +"I'll clean up here, Mer. It's been a long day. Why don't you go +home and get some rest." Julian Bashir dismissed his nurse, and +after a serious look at his face, she nodded and turned to go. + + +"Don't stay too late, Doctor. It's been a long day for you as +well." Her warm concern reached out to him, but he contented +himself with a nod and a slight smile. It would be some time +before he would be able to rest ; the adrenalin from fighting to +save Bareil's life was still running high, as was his anger at Kai +Winn for her actions over the last few days. + + +He moved wearily, almost mechanically, around his surgical unit, +straightening instruments, powering down equipment, going through +the motions of a normal evening with hollow eyes and a dry throat. +Although he'd told his nurse to go, he hadn't been able to bring +himself to leave quite yet. The low murmur of Kira's voice in the +next room undulated gently almost below the level of his hearing, +so that he didn't catch her words, but was wrapped in the +overwhelming feeling of loss in her tone. Unable to stop himself, +he drifted closer to the doorway and found himself silently +waiting, listening to his friend say goodbye to her love. + + +The pain in her voice reached out to him, and he deliberately +stepped back, unwilling to intrude on her grief. He forced himself +to walk into his office, made himself sit at his desk and +officially record the end of the Vedek's life. Sometimes he could +distance himself this way, taking the horror of death and reducing +it to dry medical terminology. By recording the facts and shutting +off the memory of the person, he could complete his duty ... and it +was the only way he could complete it. If he let himself think +about it for too long, he would be paralyzed by the conflicting +feelings of grief and failure he felt. Grief at losing a good man, +and causing such pain to a friend, and failure because he had once +again lost a patient. + + +He gradually became aware of the silence, realized he had finished +the entry and not stopped the log from recording. He raised +slightly shaky hands to his face and pressed the heels of his hands +into his eyes, rubbing hard. It had been a hellish few days. + + +"Computer, end recording." His voice sounded rusty, and tight. +Clearing it roughly, he levered himself from his chair and walked +to the replicator, intent on a hot cup of tea. Before he made it +to the wall, an unnatural sense of stillness caused him to turn +toward the door. Kira was standing at Bareil's shoulder, barely +touching his skin, lightly tracing her fingertips over the relaxed +muscles running along the collarbone and up the side of his throat, +to rest for a moment at the heavy chain of office laying along his +ear, before retracing her path back to his shoulder. She wasn't +making a sound, and her face seemed composed, but tears rolled down +both her cheeks to splash against the hospital sheet covering his +chest. Her eyes were opened but she was looking at something +Julian couldn't see, and the soul-weary sadness in their dark brown +depths made his heart clench. She had seen too much pain in her +life, lost too many loved ones, and he hadn't been able to save her +from this loss. And he should have been able to, if only Bareil +had listened, if only Winn hadn't been such a coward, if only ... +if only he'd been just a little more skilled. As Kira bent to +place her lips against Bareil's still mouth, Julian turned away, +startled to realize that his own cheeks were wet. He didn't +remember the last time he had cried over a patient. But then, he +didn't know if he was crying for Bareil, or Nerys, or himself. + + +Without making a conscious decision, he found himself clearing his +schedule for the next two days. The appointments were all routine, +anyway, and the physicals could wait. The immunizations could be +handled by his nurse, and the tissue samples certainly weren't +going anywhere. He could finish the analysis next week if he +wanted to. He left a message on his nurse's terminal, letting her +know where he would be, and slipped out the back way, careful to +avoid Kira, not wanting to break in on her time alone with Bareil. + + +He didn't want the company of others, really felt more like hiding +than anything else. As he stood in front of the door to his +quarters, he tried to think, force himself to make a decision, any +decision. His mind seemed to reject any sort of effort, wound up +in the knot of his loss and pain. He had managed to project such +a professional demeanor, had even managed to convince himself that +he was handling this so well, until Nerys had started to cry. +Knowing how she hated to show emotion and how she considered it a +weakness, he knew he couldn't go to her and offer comfort. All he +could do was retreat, offer her solitude to recover, and castigate +himself for his own failure. + + +His primary duty was to his patient. To protect and heal his +patient. To keep his patient -- to keep Bareil -- alive. And once +again he had not been able to do the job. His feet had decided +what his brain couldn't, and he was in his darkened quarters facing +his replicator, the door firmly shut on the outside world, not sure +how he got there. But it seemed like a good idea. He hadn't had +anything to eat since earlier that day, before Bareil's second +seizure had threatened to rip the Vedek's mind completely apart. +Perhaps he should have some dinner. He opened his mouth to order +a dish of chicken curry and wild rice, and heard his voice request +a bottle of single malt scotch. The replicator hummed, and the +flask appeared. He looked at it for a long moment, knowing it was +not the brightest idea he had had in awhile, but unable to come up +with a single better alternative. + + +Sighing, he wrapped his long fingers securely around the neck of +the flask and turned toward the low couch in front of the oval +window. He loosened the constricting uniform with one hand and +pulled off his boots with the other, slumping wearily on the hard +Cardassian cushion, wondering about the mindset of a culture that +couldn't design a single piece of comfortable furniture. Ignoring +the tumbler on the table next to him, he raised the flask to his +lips and took a long swallow. The alcohol burned a path straight +to his stomach, threatening a quick return trip, but he ignored +that urge, too, and pressed the cool glass of the flask against his +cheek, still hot from his earlier tears. Gradually the queasiness +left, and his head began to sing a little, reacting to the strong +liquor on his empty stomach. He lay back, watching the stars, +sipping from the bottle and trying to force his thoughts to stop +chasing themselves through his mind, as the fire spread through his +blood. + + +It wasn't working. He'd hoped it would take the edge off, dull his +brain. Instead he found himself going over and over his actions +the last few days, tying to figure out where he had gone wrong. +Perhaps he should have kept his mouth shut, not told Bareil about +the experimental treatment that would tear him to pieces. It had +been a chance, but only for a short term resolution, and he just +knew that if he had gotten him into stasis there would have been a +treatment. Eventually. He would at least have had time to work on +it, given the best research effort he could to save him, tried to +find a way to repair the radiation damage that he himself had +inflicted on Bareil's brain when he revived him. But he couldn't +have held back, not really. It wasn't his choice, in the end. It +was his duty to lay out all the alternatives to his patient, and +the right of the patient to make that choice. And he had been up +front about all the risks, strongly urging Bareil to go with the +safe treatment, to prolong his life until a cure could be found. +So it wasn't his fault, not really. *Then why do I feel so damned +guilty?* If only the words would stop pounding through his mind. + + +*** * * * * * * * * * * * * * + + +*Wasn't my fault. I didn't know, Daddy* Sunlight, out of place on +a space station. He could feel it when he lifted his face to the +air, when he looked outside the darkness of the cave. His arms +wrapped so tightly around the frail body of the little girl, +rocking her to give her some comfort, not comprehending the meaning +of the stiffness in her limbs. They had found him that way, after +the storm had settled, the girl's father making a sound not unlike +the one Kira had made, wrenching, guttural, unbearably soft. His +father stood back as the other man had unwrapped the boy's arms +from his daughter, pulling her away from the youngster, cradling +her against his body. Julian finally knew, looking at the man's +face, that there was no hope for the little girl he had tried so +hard to comfort and protect. His father, staring at him with +typical lack of expression, his eyes cool, informing him that the +flowering root outside the cave could have saved her life. Three +feet from where he had sat with her in his arms and let her die. +Let her die. *Wasn't my fault, Daddy.* Of course not, Julian, but +he thought it was. He made that clear enough. He always did. +Only this time it wasn't another faux pas at a diplomatic function, +yet another dismissing apology for his inept son, but a life. A +death. + + +* * * * * * * * * * * * * * + + +*I'm supposed to be a hot shot doctor, multispecies specialist. +The only thing I know is what's wrong with her. I haven't the +faintest idea how to fix it!* Jadzia. So pale her markings stood +out lividly against the creaminess of her skin. Her symbiont, +rejecting her, having nightmares and hallucinations. She was his +friend, and a corner of his heart was lost to her, whether she +wanted it or not. Her life, slipping away, and all he could do was +take her home. Take her home to a group of so-called doctors too +worried about their own professional skins and their precious +status quo to want to save Jadzia, willing to sacrifice her for the +"greater good" of Trill society. But it wasn't Jadzia's greater +good, it wasn't Sisko's, or his. Too bad he hadn't the skill or +the knowledge to help her. Too bad he had to rely on those who +didn't have her best interests at heart to try to save her life. +And too bad that Sisko had had to blackmail the doctors into +helping her. While he stood on the sidelines, helpless again, not +able to do a bloody thing but watch and wish he wasn't such a fool. +He was supposed to be a doctor. Doctors were supposed to help +people. Dimly he realized that he was getting very drunk, but he +didn't particularly care. Maybe if he got drunk enough he'd stop +thinking. Stop remembering. + + +* * * * * * * * * * * * * + + +Garak knocked softly, concerned when he got no response. He knew +about Bareil's death, and knowing his young friend as he did, he +was certain that Julian would be taking it badly. The doctor was +a strong young man, but he was very empathetic for a Human, and +Garak was worried about him. When a second knock still brought no +response, he murmured a phrase in sibilant Cardassian, and the door +slid silently open. Garak stepped inside, his eyes quickly +adjusting to the darkness, and stopped in his tracks, appalled at +what he saw. + + +"Doctor? ... Julian?" His eyes sought the sprawled form of the +Human in the semi-darkness in the room. Julian lay curled on one +side, staring blankly at the star field visible through the window, +obviously not seeing a bit of its beauty. Garak moved closer, +deliberately clearing his throat in an attempt to get his young +friend's attention. + + +"My dear doctor, this will never do." His voice was gentle, +matching the concern in his eyes. Julian slowly opened his eyes +and focused them painfully on the Cardassian. + + +"Why the hell not? And who asked you?" The belligerence would +have been more convincing if it were less slurred. Garak stopped +a few feet away from the couch, assessing the situation and the +level of company Julian was willing to accept. Not much, from the +way he held on to the bottle tucked against his side. Garak had a +sudden memory of himself, holding up the bar in Quark's, trying to +drown out the pain in his head and lashing out at anyone who dared +approach him. Even his dear doctor, who hadn't paid the slightest +attention to the rebuff but had continued to reach out. + + +"Oh, no one," he continued the fractured conversation in an even, +calm tone. "But I was concerned for your well being, Doctor." + + +"Nobody asked for your damned concern, Garak!" the younger man +snarled in return. "Why don't you just leave me alone? It's none +of your bloody business!" + + +Garak looked at him for a long moment, feeling for the right words. +"You are my friend," he finally said to Julian, in a near whisper. +"You have given me many things, companionship when others are +unwilling to be seen in my company, someone to look forward to in +a life often devoid of such anticipation, and even my life, at +great personal risk to yourself, and at a time when I had +repudiated any claim to my continued survival-" + + +"You don't owe me a damned thing!" Bashir almost screamed at him, +cutting into the gentle flow of words that was threatening to +recall him from the near state of forgetfulness he had almost +managed to attain. + + +"Perhaps in your mind I do not," Garak continued, unfazed by the +open hostility on the doctor's face. "But I consider you a friend, +and I am worried about you." + + +It was too much for Julian at that point. He didn't want to have +to deal with Garak's sympathy, or his company, didn't want to have +to think at all, really. He just wanted to hide in the darkness +and silence. With an inarticulate sound of mingled rage and +sadness, he raised the now-empty bottle and heaved it toward Garak. +The tailor instinctively ducked, and the glass shattered harmlessly +against the wall. Garak's glance flickered rapidly between the +figure huddled with his back to him on the couch, and the pieces of +flask sliding slowly down the wall, and without another word he +retreated from the room. Doctor Bashir was not responding to his +efforts at outreach -- perhaps he should call upon reinforcements. + + +* * * * * * * * * * * * * + + +Finally. Something his father could at least have some pride in, +even if he wasn't exactly interested in it. Junior champion, best +in his class, set for the Federation round robin to determine the +tennis champion at the next level. More adrenalin and heart +pumping terror than he'd ever felt, knowing his father had actually +managed to show up for the tournament. Knowing he was good enough, +knowing he could do it, could step out on that court and be the +best. His heart in his throat, grip slightly damp but firm on his +racquet. Giving it everything he had. Knowing, after all, it +wasn't enough, would never be enough. Knocked out in the first +round. His legs and arms ached from effort, sweat running into his +eyes, as he slumped on the bench in the dressing room. He knew +that when he dressed and went into the lobby, there would be no one +to meet him. + + +Once more, he hadn't quite measured up. He had failed. Again. +Disappointed Father. Again. Tears burned in his eyes but he +refused to let them fall, knowing they would just be one more +failure, a sign that he still wasn't measuring up to expectations. +Coming to a stop outside the dressing room door, shocked at the +sight of his father standing there, dreading meeting his eyes. *I +tried, Daddy* Not good enough, Julian. No surprise. Your reach +always outdistancing your grasp, no sense of your own limitations, +Julian, should have known you couldn't do it. Never quite as good +as you could be, Julian. Gods, he hated the way his father said +his name. + + +* * * * * * * * * *** * * * * + + +"Julian?" Jadzia Dax looked up from the readouts she was studying, +somehow not surprised that Garak had managed to find her even here, +in the small anteroom off the main conference room that she used as +her retreat. She was beginning to think there wasn't a square +centimeter of Deep Space Nine that Garak wasn't familiar with. +"He's taking Vedek Bareil's death very hard, then." It was more +statement than question. + + +"Yes. I went to his quarters to check on him, and see if he would +like some company." Garak appeared ill at ease, and Jadzia knew +this couldn't be easy for him. It wasn't in the little tailor's +nature to ask for assistance, so he must really be worried. +"He was depressed, angry. And he was ... drinking. Heavily." + + +That caught her attention. It was unlike Julian to drink in +excess, since he hated the lack of control that went with being +drunk. "What was he drinking?" Maybe it was synthale, and Garak +was misreading the situation. + + +"From the scent, I would say Earth scotch. Nearly a half liter." + + +Her eyes opened wide, sapphire in the bright overhead light. +Julian was going to be one very sick young man if he drank that +much real alcohol, especially being unused to it. He must be quite +upset. "He's been working up to this, I'm afraid. Even last night +at the celebration banquet, he was quiet, withdrawn. Not like +Julian at all. He really didn't want to do the positronic +implants." + + +Garak stared at her calmly, and she felt the force behind his +placid blue gaze. *Do something!* Worry for her young friend, +combined with his sense of urgency, decided her. Shuffling the +reports together in a pile, she rose gracefully and headed toward +the door. + + +"Let's go see if we can talk some sense into him, then." Garak +smiled behind her back and followed her into the corridor. + + +* * * * * * * * * * * * * * + + +She was so beautiful, and so independent. He'd fallen for her +before he'd ever met her, ever saw in the flesh that face, those +fierce eyes. He rolled over on the couch, closing his eyes, trying +to drown out the starlight that hurt his eyelids. But when he +closed them, all he saw was her hair, glowing like blonde-white +silk under his hand. She had wanted to prove herself, determined +to escape the confines of her planet and map the stars. Along the +way she had fallen a little in love, with possibilities, and with +the sweet, funny, handsome man who offered them. But he hadn't +been able to hold her. + + +She had decided, the flying was more dear to her than he was, +called by her culture and her family, and the present they shared +was less important than her home. She had refused further +treatments, accepting her "disability" in his natural surroundings, +and she had slipped through his fingers. One more failure, on a +more personal note this time, and Melora wasn't even the first. + + +He rolled over, flat on his back, staring at the ceiling. By now +he had given up trying to suppress the memories, and just let them +stream through his mind, hoping the images would numb him as the +alcohol hadn't. + + +* * * * * * ** * * * * * * * + + +Frontier medicine. No wonder Kira had scoffed at him. Of course +it sounded impossibly idealistic, and naive. It was. And it was +the way he felt. But it was only half the story. Jadzia accused +him of being a flirt, said he was a charmer, but a better friend +than he'd be a lover. Of course he was a flirt. No one got too +close that way. Friends were fine. They didn't take your self +confidence, what there was of it after it had been trampled for +years by all those times he hadn't quite been good enough, and +stomp it into the dirt. They didn't take the feelings he offered +and laugh at them, use them and then throw them back at his feet. +A low moan rent the air, and he realized it was from his own +throat. Even now, three years later, it still hurt so much more +than it should. + + +She'd been his dream, a strong, delicately-drawn woman, all soft +skin and long muscle. She danced into his dreams at night and +stole his thoughts until she was all he could care about. He had +so much going right, for the first time. His choice of +assignments, all he had left was his orals and he had them down +pat. She had agreed to marry him, and he was looking forward to a +challenging position, research possibly, probably in Paris. He'd +always loved the city. Finished his labs early that day, the +instructors knew how hard so many of them had to study yet for +their orals, had let them go early. He knew it, had been working +at them so long he didn't need extra study. He wanted to spend +this glorious afternoon with his fiancee. Hurrying through the +still afternoon, it was so strange to see the living quarters so +quiet. It was always so much crazier at night, with everyone in a +rush to spend some time with their lovers, study, let off steam. + + +He swung the door open, puzzled by the muffled sounds coming from +the back room. Perhaps she was stretching out, his love was always +working. Pushed the bedroom door open, froze in shock. Not quite +able to believe what his eyes were seeing, his mind rejecting the +picture it saw, his Palis wrapped in an intimate embrace with +another man, both oblivious to his presence. Backing silently +away, letting the door slip from nerveless fingers, he retraced his +steps out into the sunshine. Vaguely he wondered why the man +looked familiar, then he remembered ... the chorus last night, the +new dancer in from Sydney ... helluvan audition. + + +* * * * * * * * * * * * * * + + +"Julian?" + + +He didn't want to talk to her. Hadn't talked to her in years, +refused to listen when she asked him to, finally she gave up, said +she'd have time. Time. Ha. By the time she decided what lies he +might believe he was long gone, on a shuttle to... + + +"Are you in there, Julian?" + + +Light. Concerned. Contralto? That wasn't his ballerina. She was +a sopran- Jadzia. What on Earth was Jadzia doing in his memories? +He'd seen her already. Failed *her* already. + + +With concentrated effort, he lifted his head from the cushion and +attempted to focus his eyes. At least his body was numb, even if +his brain wasn't. A small corner of that brain whispered that he +was being stupid, that this wasn't helping anything. But the voice +sounded like his father's voice, and for once he was doing his +level best to ignore it. A knocking seemed to come from the +shadows across the room, and he realized Jadzia was rapping on his +door, asking permission to come in. He looked down at his +crumpled, half on half off uniform, raised a hand to rub his palm +across the stubble along his jaw, and sighed. Permission denied. +He almost grinned at that, but the muscles in his face hurt too +much for so much movement, and he settled for a grimace. + + +"Go 'way, Jadz'a." + + +She looked at Garak in disbelief. That voice hadn't even sounded +like Julian's, it was so low and gravelly. She shook memories of +similar occurrences from her own past out of her mind, and +concentrated on the present. Julian wasn't Curzon, but she was +finding herself reacting like Benjamin. She lowered her voice to +a soothing purr, pitched just loud enough to be heard through the +door, and started wheedling. + + +"Come on, Julian. It's just me, Jadzia. Let me in. I need to +talk to you." + + +"No. Go 'way. Don' wanna talk to no--any-body." His accent was +thicker than normal, and his words were slurry, but the +determination behind them was strong. He wanted to hide, and he +*didn't* want company. Jadzia sighed and settled in for a long +session. + + +Garak heard the subtle whine of a replicator, and knew that Dax's +patience wasn't going to work. Julian would just keep drinking +until he couldn't hear anything anymore, and Garak wasn't willing +to see that happen. He'd seen the boy's eyes, and knew that there +was much more going on here than the loss of a patient, no matter +how close the doctor had been to Bareil. And he wasn't willing to +see this go any farther than it already had. Sparing one last +glance at Dax, leaning uncomfortably against the door and trying to +reason with someone who was beyond it, he turned and headed deeper +into the habitat ring. + + +* * * * * * * * * * * * * * + + +Stumbling a little when the room began to swing around him, Julian +steadied himself on the edge of the replicator. Blast Garak, +anyhow, now he had to get a new bottle. Why wouldn't they just +leave him alone? It wasn't like he was worth anything to anybody, +was worth the effort. He ignored the ongoing drone of Jadzia's +voice and punched at the replicator, managing on the third try to +get it to understand what he was requesting. Stupid Cardassian +junk, had to keep repeating yourself for a simple drink. No wonder +ever'body drank at Quark's. Little Ferenghi probably had all the +replicators fixed so you had to beg for a drink. He refused to +consider how ridiculous the thought was, it just seemed the type of +thing that Quark would do. Had to make a profit, after all. He +snorted at the thought of the bartender, not one of his favorite +people, and reached for the second flask. + + +Fist wrapped somewhat firmly around the neck of his new bottle, he +turned back toward the couch. Somebody had moved it. Now it was +clear the hell and gone over to the other end of the room. Such a +very long way to go. He contemplated the stretch of dull grey +carpet between himself and the couch, and shrugged a negligent +shoulder. Oh, well. The floor couldn't be any harder than the +cushion on the couch. Tipping the bottle to his lips and ignoring +the trickles that escaped and ran down the side of his throat, he +slid bonelessly down the wall to settle in a heap on the floor. +*Better here, anyway. No bloody starlight to make my eyes hurt* +Satisfied with his seat, he closed his eyes and let his memories +settle over his shoulders like a mantle, weighing them down. + + +His orals were a dim nightmare. He tried to focus his mind on the +intense verbal grilling, but it would drift at odd moments, +catching him up and causing little blank spots in his memory. He +even misheard a question and blew one that a first year med student +would have gotten half asleep. The finishing touch to the +nightmare, his father's reaction when the rankings were announced. +Second. Why does that not surprise me, Julian? And where is that +charming fiancee, Julian? Don't tell me she's finally opened her +eyes and found a better prospect. *Far away. As far away as +possible. Far from her, far from his damnedable voice, as far away +as ... Bajor* + + +* * * * * * * * * * * * * * + + +He really hated to do this. The Bajoran major hated him, he felt, +and intruding on her grief now was the last thing he wanted to do. +But someone had to reach young Bashir, and Kira, of all the +denizens of the Station, was closest to his thoughts at this +moment. Garak drew a fortifying breath, put out his hand to knock, +and hesitated. Was this really necessary? After all, it wasn't as +though the Doctor was suicidal. He was just getting drunk. +Perhaps it was his way of dealing with the loss of his patient, and +who was Garak to interfere with this method of coping? Then he +remembered the soul destroying sadness in Julian's eyes, and the +defeat that had clung to him like a shroud. No. This was more +than just grieving for Bareil. And Kira was the only person he +could think of who might be able to reach him. Castigating himself +for his cowardice, he knocked firmly on the closed door. + + +Silence met his knock, then the door swished open, without any word +from the occupant. Kira Nerys was sitting in front of her altar, +not meditating, not praying. Just sitting, contemplating the flame +dancing in the bowl sitting in the center of the altar top. Garak +took a hesitant step inside, and the door shut behind him. +Clearing his throat uncomfortably, he asked, "Major?" + + +Kira didn't look away from the flame, and didn't respond to his +question. He stepped closer, not wanting to interrupt her +thoughts, but wondering what to say next. She spoke before he +could decide on a plan of action. + + +"It was the Cardassians, really." Her voice sounded far away and +light, as if she was not really aware of where she was. Her eyes +raised to meet his, and he sank to a seat on the floor beside her, +not too close but not very far away. Deep brown eyes, immeasurably +sad, met sparkling blue, and the Bajoran spoke her heart to the +Cardassian. + + +"The occupation should have taught me something. War with the +Cardassians took everyone away from me. My mother, my father, all +three of my brothers. It should have taught me to stay away. To +avoid love, because if you love somebody, you'll lose them. The +Cardassians will kill them. War with the Cardassians will take +them away from you." Her gaze fell away from his, centering again +on the candle flame. "Isn't it ironic? When the war was over, I +thought I could love again. War wouldn't take him away, not any +longer. Because there was no more war. And then what? Peace. +War with the Cardassians couldn't take away my love, so peace with +the Cardassians did, instead." A single tear traced it's way along +her rounded cheek, catching in the corner of her mouth. + + +He looked away then, unable to continue to watch her grief. She +forced her mind away from the image burning in it, Bareil, lying so +still, and looked at the man sitting next to her. For some reason +she couldn't define, his presence was a comfort. Perhaps it was +his stillness. Or perhaps it was because, although Cardassian +himself, he also had lost his homeland, when he was forced into +exile. Sweeping her eyes over the ridges of his face, she saw the +lines of worry underscoring his eyes, and knew he must have felt +strongly about his errand here, or he never would have broken into +her solitude. Anxious to find something, anything to think about +besides the hole where her pagh used to be, she pulled herself +upright and addressed him. + + +"What is it, Garak? I know you didn't come here to sit and listen +to me ramble." It was a good attempt at her normally brisk tone. + + +He lifted his head and regarded her somberly. "First, let me +extend to you my most sincere condolences, Major Kira." She +nodded, once, and he let it go at that. She probably would accept +no more from him than those few words. After a moment of silence, +he continued. "My other concern is for Doctor Bashir." + + +She cocked her head to one side, wondering what was wrong with +Julian. He had seemed so composed at Bareil's bedside, the +consummate professional. In a way, she was grateful for his +strength, because it had allowed her to maintain her own, and kept +her from breaking down in front of the others. Why would Garak +think that Julian needed her for anything? + + +"What's wrong with Bashir? He seemed all right when I ... left the +infirmary ... earlier." Her voice trailed off, and she stared +fixedly at him, fighting for control, determined not to think about +it any more. Not now. Not until she could handle it a little +better. Distance helped at times like these. She should know. +She'd been through them often enough. + + +"He has retreated to his quarters with a bottle, or two, of +alcohol." She almost smiled, because it sounded more like +something she would do than an action the doctor would take. But +Garak looked unusually upset. + + +"So, he's getting drunk. Sounds like a good idea to me." The +words were flippant but her tone was deadly serious. He shook his +head. + + +"I saw him, Major. There is more at work here than the loss of the +esteemed Vedek." She glanced sharply at him, but he was serious. +Perhaps he *had* esteemed Bareil. Her love had had that effect on +people. Even Cardassians. + + +"What do you think I can do?" She leaned away from him, +unconsciously denying his concern. He carefully kept himself +still, so she wouldn't feel pressured. But his voice held the +urgency his body didn't betray. + + +"Talk to him. Please. Lieutenant Dax is trying, but he won't let +her in. You have just suffered a terrible loss, and he is feeling +guilty about -" + + +"Guilty?" Her indignant word cut across his plea. "Why on Bajor +should he feel guilty? He saved his life! Twice! He gave me the +opportunity to say goodbye-" + + +She choked on the words and turned away from Garak, unwilling to +let him see her lose control. He lifted a hand to touch her +shoulder, and thought better of it, letting it fall back to his +side with a sigh. + + + +"He lost a patient today. He failed in his duty to Vedek Bareil +... and to you." + + +She turned back to him, her body tense, ready to launch a defense +of Julian. After all, the doctor had done everything he could, had +done more than anyone could ever have expected ... she saw the +truth of her words in Garak's expression before she could utter a +sound, and realized why she should be the one to talk to Julian. +He wouldn't believe them from anyone but her. She nodded at Garak, +and he smiled at her in relief. Ignoring his hand, outstretched to +assist her from the floor, she untangled her legs and stretched the +kinks out. Looking at the candle for an instant, she closed her +eyes. *Later, my love. When the wound is not so fresh* Turning +from the altar she followed Garak out the door. + + +* * * * * * * * * * * * * * + + +Jadzia was sitting in the corridor outside Bashir's quarters, her +face pressed to the door. Her voice had grown hoarse, and she had +the feeling she was repeating herself, but she couldn't stop +talking. There hadn't been any sound from the room for awhile now, +and she was starting to wonder if she should override the privacy +lock and check on him. This really wasn't like Julian. + + +"How's he doing?" Kira's voice behind her made her jump. She +twisted around to see her friend, followed closely by Garak, +crouching down at her side. She shot a furious look at the +Cardassian, who returned it blandly. Kira patted Jadzia's shoulder +reassuringly. "It's okay. I need to talk to Julian anyway, and +now is as good a time as any." + + +"I don't know about that," Dax replied, studiously ignoring Garak. +"I have the feeling he's pretty well out of it by now." + + +"I think he replicated another bottle shortly before I left," Garak +put in. Kira shook her head. + + +"Can we get in there? Or is it some sort of security lock out?" + + +"I think it's just a standard privacy code. You can override it." +Dax shrugged. "I was considering just that when you arrived." + + +"Let's do it, then. I'll go in and talk with him.. Maybe it will +help both of us." + + +The last of her words were soft, obviously meant for herself, but +Dax glanced at her with concern. *Maybe it would* She gave the +verbal sequence to override the lock, and stepped back to let Kira +enter the room. The door slid shut behind her and Jadzia settled +herself back in the corridor to wait. Garak lowered himself to the +floor across from her, and gazed quietly at her. She looked back +at him, and nodded slightly. Maybe it hadn't been such a bad idea +after all. + + +* * * * * * * * * * * * * * + + +He'd meant to escape. In a way, he had. No one knew the whole +truth about Palis, although Miles had come close. No one knew how +he really felt when he lost a patient, when he had to admit yet +another failure. His father only contacted him once or twice a +year, and the so-called conversations always went the same. Bashir +rolled carefully onto his back, clutching the nearly empty flask to +his chest. Bajor hadn't been far enough away. At times like +these, when he knew that he had not measured up yet again, that he +hadn't been able to do the job, his father's voice pursued him. It +whispered through his thoughts and chewed viciously at his brain. +Cold. Quiet. Continuous. Not worth my time, Julian. You are a +failure, Julian. Stupid. Worthless, Julian, useless, Julian, +Julian... + + +"Julian?" + + +*GODS, HE HATED THE WAY HIS FATHER SAID HIS NAME!* + + +Kira stepped further into the darkness, stopping to allow her eyes +to adjust before moving any further. She strained to see the +couch, but he wasn't there. Perhaps he had managed to find his way +into the bedroom? She continued to call his name gently, as she +walked across the room and felt her way to the doorway. She hadn't +ever been in Julian's quarters, and she was a little surprised at +the decor. The walls were nearly bare, just a few ancient +tapestries glowing in the dim light. Very few personal effects +were scattered along the shelves, giving the rooms a curiously +uninhabited air. The stark elegance was calming, but too +impersonal for her tastes. Not wanting to turn on the lights if he +was asleep, but unable to see him in the dimness, she blew a breath +out in exasperation. + + +"This isn't getting me anywhere." The words were nearly a growl. +"Computer, lights, seventy-five per cent." There. That way if he +was stewed it wouldn't hurt as badly as full light. Her thoughts +were cut off abruptly as she turned from the empty bedroom and saw +Bashir crumpled in a heap by the replicator. *Julian!* She was by +his side in an instant, tipping his head up, her hand light under +his chin. + + +He looked like hell. She ran her gaze over his rumpled uniform, +the blouse completely undone, pips askew where the turtleneck had +twisted half around in his slide down the wall. An empty flask lay +near his hip. His face was shadowed with beard, and his hands, +when he raised them to shield his eyes from the light, shook. But +it was his eyes that riveted her attention. She was used to their +shifting colors, from olive to mahogany when he was upset, to clear +hazel when he was excited about something. But now they were a +muddy brown, dull, with all of the life and sparkle drained from +them. The whites were nearly red with swollen vessels, and his +lids looked chapped, as though he had been crying. She recognized +the look, had seen it on herself, recently. But Garak was right, +there was more here than Bareil's death. This looked like it went +deeper than the events of the last few days. + + +He tried to escape her light grip, and her fingers tightened, +holding his head in place. She wouldn't let go until he looked at +her. Finally, he raised his eyes to hers, and they stared at one +another for a moment. Tears started in her eyes at the misery in +his expression, and she drew her hand away and turned from him. +Staring sightlessly into his living room, she found herself +dropping inelegantly down beside him. + + +She could feel his attention, but now it was her turn to refuse to +acknowledge him. After what felt like hours, he moved a little +closer, until his shoulder lightly touched hers. She found herself +comforted by the contact, and wasn't quite sure why. + + +"I'm sorry, Nerys." He barely whispered, but she heard him +clearly. "So damned sorry." + + +"It wasn't your fault, Julian." She didn't see him wince. "You +did so much for him. You brought him back to life, gave me the +chance to have a little more time with him. To say goodbye." + + +"I failed. I should've protected him, should've made him listen. +Should've blocked that bitch-" + + +"You couldn't do that, Julian." She cut him off decisively. "You +did what you had to do, made him aware of his choices, *all* his +choices, and in the end he was the only one who could make those +choices. Thank you." + + +He looked at her incredulously. "Thank me? For what, pray tell? +For not having the balls to tell Winn to back off?" + + +"You did." She met his shocked stare with a slice of a smile. "I +read Odo's room reports. Did you know he makes routine recordings +of any incidents involving high ranking visitors to the station? +I reviewed the tape. You expressed yourself ... very well." + + +He half smiled, but it dissolved immediately into a scowl. "Not +well enough. Couldn't get her to back off." + + +"It was what Bareil wanted, Julian. He wanted to bring peace to +Bajor. And he did." + + +"Was it worth the cost?" The bitterness sobered him a little, and +he remembered to whom he was speaking. "I'm sorry. That wasn't +fair." + + +She grimaced. "It wasn't, but then neither is much of anything +else that I've ever found." She thought for a moment, then turned +to study the Human beside her. "And yes. For him, it was worth +the cost. No matter what choices I would have made, or you, +either, for that matter, it was *his* choice. And to him, it was +worth it." + + +He looked away, staring at the stars showing through the window +across the room. It seemed that Nerys had made her peace with +Bareil's death. But then, for all that she had endured, she was a +strong woman. The voices weren't pounding in her head like they +were through his, weren't reminding her constantly of what a +failure she was, how she could never do anything right, never was +quite good enough... "Stop it!" + + +Her head whipped around, trying to find whomever he had spoken to. +There was no one in the room with them, and she didn't think he +meant her. "Stop what, Julian? Who are you talking to?" + + +He made an attempt to straighten his tunic, pulling himself to a +basically erect posture on the floor. "No one. A'tall." He +blinked owlishly at her and leaned forward, swaying slightly. "You +should get some rest, major. It's been a rotten week." + + +She nodded agreement, and rose to look down at him. "Would you +like a hand getting to bed?" + + + +"No, shanks. Um, thanks." He shook his head, trying to stand, but +his legs wouldn't cooperate. "M'feet's asleep." + + +She grinned, a little painfully. "More likely anesthetized." As +she reached down and awkwardly hauled him up, she heard him +whisper, "Not good enough. Can still think. 'Member." + + +After they navigated their way into the other room, she dropped him +on the bed and proceeded to pull off his coverall. He wasn't much +help, but he didn't try to stop her, either. When she'd managed to +get his long legs tucked under the coverlet, she perched on the +side of the bed and looked at him. She expected him to fall +asleep, given the amount of alcohol in his system, but he just +watched her, his eyes still dull and sad. Finally she couldn't +stand the scrutiny any longer, and confronted him. + + +"What else is behind this, Bashir?" + + +"Whatcha mean?" + + +"This is more than Bareil's death." Her breath caught for a +moment, but she forced herself to go on. Concentrating on him took +her mind off her own grief, and she needed the distraction. "Why +has this hit you so very hard? It's not the first time you've lost +a patient. It's not even the first time you've ... lost a friend." + + +For a long time she didn't think he would answer her. Then, when +he did, his voice was so low she had to strain to hear it. + + +"See that sculpture on the far shelf?" She nodded, and he +continued. "It's a trophy. For being second in my class at Star +Fleet Medical." + + +"You keep it here for show? It is pretty." + + +"I keep it here to remind myself of another failure." + + +She shot him a startled glance, but he wasn't paying attention. +His eyes had wandered to a small plant, encapsulated in crystal. +"See the flower?" She nodded again. "A death." She shuddered, +but he didn't notice. + + +"What do you mean?" + + +"My father gave it to me. Told me to look it up." He shivered, +and she instinctively laid a hand on his shoulder. "It's a +medicinal herb. Saves a certain species of being from a nasty +fever. Grows wild outside caves." She remembered something Dax +had told her about Julian's past, and suddenly wondered at the +insensitivity of a parent who could give such a reminder to his +child. + + +"That plaque, on the wall." She glanced up at an ornate brass +plate on a marble base, tucked into the corner of the room. +"Tennis award. Last tournament I won before getting knocked out of +the first round in the next level." + + +She looked around his room again, wondering how he could keep such +painful reminders all around him. But he hadn't finished. The +final thing he pointed out was the holo of a dancer, no more than +ten centimeters high. "That's my reminder. Can't trust it. +Should know better by now." + + +"Can't trust what, Julian?" + + +"Emotions. Heart. Whatever the hell you want to call it. Gets +stomped. Every time." + + +She rose from the side of the bed and picked up the holo. Whoever +she had been, she was beautiful. Her body, poised mid-leap, was +strong and graceful, and her face was alight with the joy of the +dance. Setting it down, she made a circuit around the room before +coming to a stop beside his bed again. + + +"It's worth the risk, Julian. Yeah, you get 'stomped', and +sometimes it hurts so much you wonder if you'll ever survive it. +But at least the pain makes you remember you're alive." + + +He fixed a bloodshot stare on her and shook his head in disbelief. +"I can't believe with the losses you've had, you still open +yourself up for more." + + + +"It's my father's fault, I guess." He turned his head toward the +wall, but she was caught up in her memories and didn't notice. "He +always told me I was the bravest, smartest, prettiest person on +Bajor. That I could do anything, be anything. He was trying to +keep our spirits alive, I think, knowing that the Occupation would +kill us, down inside, if he didn't fight to keep us believing." + + +"How ironic." + + +"How so?" Sharply, a bit hurt at his dry tone. He lifted a +suddenly sober face to her, and closed his eyes in frustration. + + +"Your father, living under a Cardassian regime, in the middle of +famine and war, managed to instil a sense of pride in you that can +see you through anything. Mine, in the lap of luxury, with every +advantage that money could purchase, instilled in me the sincere +belief that I wasn't worth the genetic material that went in to +building me." Her gasp brought him back to the present, and he +shut his mouth, sure he'd revealed much more than he'd meant to +with that single statement. "Oh, ignore me. I'm just doing a bit +of wallowing in self pity, and you certainly don't need to deal +with that on top of everything else." + + +She stood looking down at him, seeming to stare right through his +shaky defenses, to the little boy trying so hard to pretend that +everything was all right. Turning on her heel, she left the room, +and he was certain she was leaving his quarters. But she surprised +him by returning almost at once, holding a steaming cup carefully +between her hands. + + +"I'll decide what I need and what I don't, Doctor." She handed him +the cup with a short order to "Drink up!" and settled down in the +chair beside his bed. Fixing him with a determined glare, she +continued. "So, talk. What's this about a waste of genetic +material?" + + +He tried to draw away, but her eyes pinned him to the linens and he +didn't have anywhere to hide. "You don't want to hear this, +Nerys." He buried his nose in the fragrant steam, inhaling deeply, +and recognizing the scent of a powerful Bajoran folk remedy. With +the first sip, his head began to clear and the nausea caused by the +alcohol began to fade. + + +"On the contrary, Julian. If I didn't want to know I wouldn't have +asked." + + +*Asked? Demanded!* The thought slipped through his mind, but he +found himself wanting to explain to her why he felt so guilty, why +it was his fault that Bareil had died. Why, once again, his father +was right. + + +"He was never really satisfied with my accomplishments, such as +they were. You couldn't really blame him, I s'pose. After all, he +came from a distinguished family of diplomats and soldiers. I can +take care of myself, but I've always preferred to heal, not fight. +And as for diplomacy ... well, if there was any way at all to +commit a social blunder, I found it. From the first time I was +allowed out in public, I've always managed to put my foot in my +mouth." She gave him a puzzled look, and he explained, "Make an +idiot of myself." She nodded her understanding, and he almost +laughed. He would have, but it hurt too much. + + +"Anyway, every time he did manage to find time to show up at +something I did, I managed to disappoint him. Second, not first. +Not quite fast enough, or strong enough, or skilled enough. Never +quite good enough." + + +"Oh, come on, Julian. Please. You're a brilliant doctor-" + + +"Who can't save his patient-" + + +"-and you haven't done half bad at ... so," her breath came out in +a sigh, "that's where this all ties in." + + + +He rolled over to look directly at her, and nodded, once. "Yes. +If I'd been a little better, Bareil would not have died. If I'd +been able to talk him in to a stasis field, he would still be +around for a treatment, when it became available. I'd at least +have had the chance to *try* to find a cure for him-" + + +"-And if only the spy hadn't stopped for lunch, the patrol wouldn't +have caught him." + + +Julian looked at her in complete incomprehension. + + +"You're living in the past, Julian, with all these 'what onlies.' +I thought you were a stronger man than that. You certainly seemed +to be when you were body-blocking the Kai out of the way in order +to get to Bareil. You seemed that way when you convinced me to +make the decision he would have wanted, instead of hanging on like +*I* wanted to do. And you certainly don't seem all that afraid of +failure every day in the infirmary, when you treat those people who +come to you, looking for help." + + +He looked at her for a long moment, lost in the certainty of her +voice, unaware of how much longing there was in his face. She +responded to his expression, reaching across the bed to gather him +up in a fierce hug, startling them both. + + +"Thank you!" He started to say something, he wasn't sure what, and +she shushed him. "Just be quiet and listen." He subsided, and she +whispered in his ear, "Thank you for the time with my Bareil that +I otherwise wouldn't have had. Thank you for caring so much, and +trying so hard. Thank you for being my friend." + + +Before he could react, she released him. Standing up from the bed, +she regarded him disapprovingly. "Now, get up, take a shower, and +get some sleep. You look like you need it as much as I do." + + +His faint, "Yes, major!" hit her back as she marched out the door, +then she turned for one final word. + + +"Don't forget what I said, Bashir. I meant every word." + + +She gathered Dax and Garak up with her as she swept out into the +corridor, briskly reassuring them that he would be all right. +Julian stared after her for a bare instant before pushing himself +out of the bed and heading for the shower. For now, at least, the +guilt had faded, and Kira's heartfelt words were louder than the +voice in the back of his mind. His father's voice. A voice he +would have to answer one day. But not this day. + + +* * * * * *The End* * * * * * * + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/voyager.rev b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/voyager.rev new file mode 100644 index 00000000..e57ef994 --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/voyager.rev @@ -0,0 +1,133 @@ + +Magazine: Dreamwatch +Issue: February 1995 +Title: Voyager + +FROM DREAMWATCH ISSUE 6 (FEBRUARY 1995) + +Made at an estimated cost of $9-10 million, the two-hour opening +episode of Star Trek: Voyager - Caretaker - unveiled a new theme +commissioned from noted film composer Jerry Goldsmith and state of +the art CGI in the opening credits as the new ship makes its way +through solar flares, nebulas, ionised gases and orbiting ice fields. + This Intrepid class ship has two new features, the most eye- +catching of which are movable nacelles. They fold down flat at +impulse and rise into a V-formation for warp drive. It is also said to +have "bio-neural" circuitry for greater efficiency in organising data. +No doubt the implications of this will be explored. It can be said that +for now the ship's computer most certainly speaks with the voice of +Majel Barrett Roddenberry, observing what has become something of +a tradition. + Pilot episodes are notoriously bogged down with the need to +establish a good deal of information, and we are obligingly informed +early on that Voyager has a top cruising speed of warp 9.75, contains +15 decks and carries a crew of 141. To be ready for future trivia +questions, make note that it is NCC 74656. The interior is more +utilitarian looking than the good old Enterprise D, leaning heavily to +chrome and black colour schemes in all the sets. On the other hand, +the Captain's Ready Room is surprisingly large for a small ship and +the bridge is shallow but occupies a large horizontal sweep. In place +of Ten Forward there is a mess hall set that will serve much the +same function. + The Captain still says "engage", but instead of tugging at her +tunic, Captain Janeway has a noticeable habit of standing with hands- +on-hips in what looks like a (young) Katherine Hepburn +impersonation. Kate Mulgrew's voice has been the source of some +complaint, being raspy or gravelly depending on how annoying one +finds it - certainly no-one in the cast will compete with the sonorous +tones of Patrick Stewart. She also keeps her hair tied up into a tight +bun which is uncomfortably reminiscent of Deanna Troi's first season +hairdo. Male viewers who are resistant to the idea of a female +captain have, of course, dubbed her "Wrongway", but they are +certainly a minority opinion at this time. Overall, reviewers have at a +minimum declared her to be far superior to Benjamin Sisko as +leadership material. + Caretaker, penned by Michael Piller and Jerri Taylor from a +story developed by Piller, Taylor and Rick Berman, chiefly served to +get the basic predicament established and then focused on no more +that three of the new characters in any detail. Both a ship manned by +Maquis rebels and the Starfleet vessel Voyager are, in effect, +kidnapped by an alien technology and snatched 70,000 light years +away to the Delta Quadrant. But, having been brought to a huge +"array" in space, the occupant of that device soon seems to have no +further interest in them because "you don't have what I need," nor +does it have time to waste on sending this "minor bipedal species" +back where they came from. + The connection between the array and a nearby planet with a +ravaged ecosystem is fairly predictable, but leads to a confrontation +with a new species of enemy - the Gazon - who appear unpleasant +but deceptively low-tech, until they realise that the creature in the +array is weakening and will soon no longer be able to protect a race +of underground dwellers called the Ocampa and their subterranean +water supplies. When the Gazons show up with ships to capture the +technology of the Array and Janeway must choose between getting +home but abandoning the Ocampa or blowing up the array, anyone +who doubts how she will choose has not been watching Star Trek... + Make-up maestro Michael Westmore has created another major +achievement with Neelix, who is more expressive than Quark and +looks more realistic from all angles that the Ferengi head. Neelix will +be a predictable early favourite because he adds great humour to the +brew while acting like an action hero rather than a cowardly +munchkin when the chips are down. As played by Ethan Philips, he +scores heavily in his featured moments. Robert Picardo's Doc +Zimmerman gets smaller character moments and will probably spend +most of the first season acquiring some personality beyond his +original ATM-with-a-hypospray persona. Tim Russ was good enough +to cause most of the shock/consternation/cynicism about creating a +black Vulcan to subside, but one did rather long for him to arch an +eyebrow and say "fascinating", which he never did. He also seems far +less inclined to natter on about logic than any Vulcan of recent +memory. His biggest problem may be that the whole idea of a Vulcan +security chief is a bit bizarre, and Captain Janeway did seem inclined +to treat him more like a science officer as the evening wore on - +indeed, there does not seem to be a designated science officer on the +bridge. + Janeway herself was previously a science officer when serving +with Tom Paris' father, so she will probably be handling more of +those chores herself. Mulgrew, who likes to think of herself as being +beyond the need for an aggressively feminist attitude, believes that +her character is totally accepted as the authority figure on the ship +by the rest of the crew and does not need to deny her femininity. +Perhaps one small sign of this is insisting that the crew not observe +Starfleet tradition by calling her "Sir". Nevertheless, she has no +difficulty making decisions to issue threats or commit her crew to +finding another alternative to a 75 year journey to get back home. + In many ways, however, the focal point among the characters +was Tom Paris, played by Robert Duncan Mc'Neill as a rebel who +professes to no longer care what anyone in Starfleet thinks about +him - yet he is delighted when Janeway rewards him with a field +promotion to a responsible position on the bridge despite a +chequered past that had seen him kicked out of Starfleet for trying +to cover up an error which had caused fatalities. If that sounds +remarkably similar to the plot of the TNG episode set at Starfleet +Academy called The First Duty, that is no accident. Wesley's +overzealous flight leader, Nick Locarno, was played by the same +actor. The producers decided that Locarno was a bit too shady to be +an acceptable Star Trek crew member, but brought back much the +same person under a different name! + In this incarnation, McNeill is also the - apparently mandatory +- vestigial Kirk of Voyager. His character is described early on as +always coming at women at warp speed, which will no doubt enliven +those long evenings in the Voyager mess hall. If O'Neill appears a bit +undernourished and bland to give Brad Pitt a run for his money, +well, many of us have never understood Captain Kirk's legendary +success with the female of all species either! + For the rest, Garrett Wong manages to make Harry Kim, the +wide-eyed innocent, far more appealing than anyone would have +expected. It is safe to predict that he will not engage the attentions of +the Wesley/Bashir bashers of fandom. Chakotay had virtually +nothing to do in this episode and so registered hardly at all, except +with women who need an alternative to Tom Paris. Torres and Kes +are probably going to have difficulty getting material written for +them as ensemble casts are never truly equal. + So, off to a grand start and wrapped in a formidable cloak of +good will purchased, largely, at the expense of DS9, Voyager will - in +the words of Robert (Chakotay) Beltran - "really have to suck to fail". +Production values are very strong, combining the usual top talent +from previous Treks such as Dan Curry and photographer Marvin +Rush with effects work from CIS and Amblin. Whether the disparate +talents of Jerri Taylor and Brannon Braga can keep the ball rolling +will make for a most interesting spectacle. + +REPORT BY KATHLEEN TOTH + diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/voyages1 b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/voyages1 new file mode 100644 index 00000000..e3557d7e --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/voyages1 @@ -0,0 +1,910 @@ +Path: moe.ksu.ksu.edu!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!uwm.edu!spool.mu.edu!whscdp.whs.edu!stdnt163 +From: stdnt163@whscdp.whs.edu +Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative +Subject: Star Trek Voyages #1 "Best-seller" +Message-ID: <1992May21.102340.460@whscdp.whs.edu> +Date: 21 May 92 16:23:40 GMT +Article-I.D.: whscdp.1992May21.102340.460 +Organization: Washington HS, Milwaukee, WI +Lines: 899 + + + Here is the "pilot episode" for the fan fiction series "Star Trek Voyages," +created by myself and Mark Krawczyk. The series has 23 episodes so far, and +hundreds more planned. This episode has already been posted to r.a.s.m, and +there was very little response. So now it is here. We intended it to be a fan +series. Any suggestions or stories ideas you have will be seriously considered. +Unlike The Powers That Be at Paramount, this series will reflect every +reasonable comment or suggestion made by Trek fans. This is, in a way, OUR +series. Please e-mail or post any comments or suggestions you wish. + Thank you for your attention. + + James Queen. + +Star Trek Voyages #1. + +________________________________________________________________________________ + + Captain's Log, Stardate 5006.8 + The Valiant is prepared to leave Starbase 23, after receiving +a few crew replacements. I must note, with pride, that Commander +Mark Krawczyk, whose efficiency report is in my hand, is among the +new officers. + Our next exploration assignment will be on the edge of "The +Zone", the uncharted area of Federation treaty space. + + Federation Starship USS Valiant, NCC-1724, cleared its +moorings and thrusted away from Starbase 23. The ship turned +toward its destination, "The Zone." + In his quarters, Captain Benjamin Hackley switched off the +computer log and laid down on his bed. He usually relaxed in his +cabin, just to be sure he was calm and collected, before returning +to the stressful situations a Captain's rank brought on. He knew +that, eventually, relaxing wouldn't help. For after 23 years, +space exploration was beginning to damage his nerves. He had had +enough of it, and now he was simply waiting for the last two years +of this mission to end, so he could accept his promotion to Admiral +and rest behind a desk. He could just transfer now, but that +wasn't like Ben Hackley. He would finish the job he had started. + He had been offered four desk jobs already, along with +promotions, but had turned them all down. He wanted to be the +Captain who had run more exploration missions than people believed +were endurable. So here he was, on his fifth 5-year mission. + More than he could endure. + He had read the records of James T. Kirk's historical 5-year +missions, over and over again. He envied Kirk's youth. He wished +he could react and fight and decide and plan as fast as Kirk could. +He used to be able to, but that was back when he was working on his +second mission. When the 5 years were over, Hackley returned to +Earth, but his ship didn't. It was left as a derelict, and a +transport had brought the crew home. + Of course, that didn't happen to Kirk's crew. The Enterprise +had returned, in one piece. The mission had hurt the ship, though. +It returned charred, scored, scraped, and holed. More so than +after its first 5-year mission. More dangers had arisen this time, +and, therefore, more rewards were given to the crew who had +returned. They were heralded again, with more celebrations for +performing a "miraculous" feat twice. There were enough cheers +when it returned from the first 5-year mission, the only ship of +its class remaining. + It had done it again, but this time, other Constitution-class +vessels remained. Newer ones, like this second USS Valiant, built +to replace the one lost in the Eminiar system sixty-five years ago, +shot down by a computerized war between two of its planets, its +crew forced into disintegration chambers when they were hit and +considered "dead." Kirk had solved that problem, too, and brought +peace to the worlds. + New as it was, the Valiant still hadn't seen a complete +overhaul in two years, and it showed. Hackley had pleaded for one +at Starbase 23, but Commodore Holsten had wanted the ship into "The +Zone" as soon as possible. Hackley had left Holsten's office in +disgust, and fear. The Valiant had seen a lot of action. It had +been jury-rigged enough, and got weaker by the month. + Hackley didn't want his ship falling apart around him. + He had relaxed too long. He shook himself back to the present +and sat up. His eyes moved to the personnel record lying on his +shelf. The bold print at the top read: Krawczyk, Mark Taylor. + The service record was astounding. Mark's cadet cruise had +been aboard a ship-of-the-line. His first and second tours placed +him in the merchant marines. His third assigned him to Starbase +duty. His fourth tour took him to a smaller exploration vessel, +where he earned the much-talked-about perfect report. The record +indicated a 120% efficiency, something that had only occurred three +other times in Starfleet's history, and done by Vulcans. From +Constitution-class ships, down to merchant marine tours with bad +efficiency ratings, and up again to exploration and a perfect +rating, Mark had seen the highest and lowest groups in Starfleet. + Hackley wondered how Mark had pulled it off. He stood and +donned his uniform. He walked out of his cabin, looking forward to +his first meeting with Commander Krawczyk. + + "Best-seller" + Written by James Queen. + + "Mark!" + James Queen was standing on the Valiant's hangar deck, +greeting the last group of new officers, when he saw Mark Krawczyk. +Jim wore a standard, light blue Starfleet uniform that nearly +matched his eyes. His brown hair was smoothly styled. On his +sleeve were the gold stripes identifying him as a Commander. On +his face he wore a shocked expression. + Mark was dressed the same way, but his expression was content +and just a little impatient. His eyes were better matched to his +light brown hair. + It was the impatience Mark showed that made Jim realize he +still had a job to do. He immediately snapped to attention. + Mark stepped forward. "Permission to come aboard, sir?" + Jim stared straight ahead and saluted. "Permission granted, +sir. Welcome aboard, Commander." + Mark stepped off the shuttlecraft and headed toward the +forward turbolift. Jim watched him leave. + Neither of them expected to be on the same ship at the same +time. Their next meeting was planned to be three months later, +during shore leave. Jim was tempted to laugh as hard as he could, +but he kept his composure. After all, he was a senior officer, +setting a good example for the new crewmembers. + New crewmembers? + He'd forgotten again. He turned back to the puzzled face of +a new recruit, waiting for permission. + "Oh, uh, yes, welcome aboard." + The recruit stepped down, relieved. When the shuttle was +clear and the hangar bay was to be emptied, Jim went to the +turbolift. When all personnel had left, the hangar doors opened, +and the shuttle drifted out. + Jim ordered the turbolift to go to the bridge. He felt the +elevator slide towards the top of the ship. The noise from the +engines increased as he entered the saucer section, telling him +that the Valiant had just activated the warp engines. Usually, the +sound was low enough not to be noticed, but when the ship went to +warp speed, it was heard everywhere. + When the turbo's doors finally opened, Jim was not surprised +to find that the Captain was not on the bridge, nor was Mark. He +walked over to the engineering panel and checked the outer hull +stress display. Sure that the ship was handling perfectly, Jim +walked back to the turbolift. His first thought was to report to +the Captain, who should be talking to Mark now. He decided instead +to go to Mark's quarters and wait for him. + + Leaning against the wall, Jim jumped when the doors to Mark's +cabin opened. Mark walked out, and nearly ran Jim over. He looked +at Jim brightly. + "Hello, there!" + Jim just stared. "Why aren't you reporting in to the Captain?" + Mark grinned. "Well, he won't mind a few hours, will he? +We're still three days from The Zone. I've got plenty of time! +Besides, I've got better things to do." + Suddenly, Jim understood. "Mark, just because you've got a +one-twenty rating doesn't mean Starfleet will bow down and kiss +your feet." He'd read about the Vulcans who'd earned one-twentys. +One had had this same problem, believing he had extra privileges. +One wasn't affected, and the third had nearly gone insane trying to +do it again. + Now Mark was shocked. "Who said anything about bowing? I'm +just asking for a few hours." He turned toward the footsteps he +heard. + Captain Hackley was walking toward them, probably wanting to +meet Mark in Mark's own quarters. That meant the Captain had liked +what he'd heard about Mark. Jim was sorry it wouldn't last. He +gave Mark a sneer. + "Explain it to him." + + "Oh, really?" + The Captain paced Mark's quarters. Mark stood patiently at +attention. He'd certainly been through this before. He waited for +the lesson the Captain prepared to teach. Hackley looked at Mark +again, and the lesson began. + "Commander, that one-twenty rating of yours means that you are +more than qualified to be my chief science officer and that I can +expect you to do a good job. It does not mean that you can bend +regulations and rest as you please. Understood?" + Calmly, Mark gave the routine reply. "Yes, sir." + Hackley was sorely disappointed. He had expected a nicely +done report from a fine officer. He didn't want a stuck up hotshot +instead. It was a bad first impression, but then, Krawczyk had +only been aboard for a few minutes, and had plenty of time to shape +up. + Considering this, Hackley's expression brightened. He smiled. +"Good, now," he walked up to Mark and offered his hand, "It's a +pleasure to meet you, Commander." + + On the recreation deck, Mark, Jim, and two other officers sat +at a reserved table. + "Mark," Jim began as he pulled out a chair, "I'd like you to +meet Lieutenant Peter Ledolison, Chief of Communications, and +Lieutenant Commander John K. Millis, Chief Helmsman. Gentlemen, +this is Commander Mark Krawczyk, our new Science Officer." + Everyone shook hands and exchanged greetings, then took their +seats. + Jim started, "Mark is the one with the -" + "One-twenty," the two officers said in harmony. Peter +continued, displaying a very slight British accent, "It's not easy +to miss hearing about a perfect efficiency report." + "It's not easy getting a perfect report, either," Mark added, +then began eating the meal he had just ordered. + "Are you worried that people will demand too much of you now?" +Peter asked. + Mark looked up, seeing Peter's brown hair and blue eyes, and +noticing the similarity between Lieutenant Ledolison and Jim. "If +they do, so what. I can handle anything they dish out." + Jim groaned. Peter and John looked at each other nervously. +Jim wondered how they were taking this. Peter might respect Mark +for wanting to follow orders, but scorn on his unorthodox methods +of doing so. + John, an African-American native of California, believed +Starfleet should be fighting Klingons and not itself, so he may +also see following orders as good, but wonder about Mark's +attitude. + Jim, well, he just couldn't make up his mind yet. + "In fact," Mark continued, chomping on part of his salad, +"I'll probably get another perfect rating. It'll be easier the +second time around." + They were all silent. Mark kept eating. + "Well," John finally began, "we should be approaching The Zone +any minute, now. I suppose we should be on the bridge." + Jim watched them leave, hoping they didn't look too eager to +get away and discuss things about Mark. If they did look eager, +Mark didn't notice. + Jim realized he should be at his station, too. He stood and +pushed the chair in, then looked at Mark. "I'll be in +Engineering." + Mark nodded and waved him off, finishing his drink. When Jim +was gone, Mark set his tray near the food slot and strolled towards +the turbolift. + + The Valiant approached the invisible border of The Zone. The +hull was covered with replacement plates and makeshift repairs. +The lack of an overhaul made the vessel seem like a building no one +had lived in for years. The ship looked old and worn out. + The empty space in front of it, however, was just the +opposite. It was home to the people in it. To the Federation, it +was just unclaimed territory. There was no radiation save what +emanated from the stars. No debris floated about. No man-made +constructs marred the view. + It was this view that Captain Hackley had been watching for +several minutes. He buried it in his memory and savored it. Once +he was behind an Admiral's desk, he wouldn't see anything like it +again. + He took his eyes off of the viewscreen and looked around the +bridge. All of the officers were at their stations, including +Mark, he noticed. Good. He felt better. Now he had to see how +Krawczyk performed his science duties. + "Unidentified vessel at three-one-six mark eight-two," Mark +reported. + Hackley walked up to the Science station. There's a good +start, he thought. "Life forms?" he asked. + Mark stared into his scanner. "Computer reads one-hundred +sixteen, sir." + Hackley looked back at the viewer. "On screen." + The vessel appeared on the screen, and caught Hackley +completely by surprise. + He was looking at an old Earth, sixteenth century wooden +sailing vessel, in space. + "That's impossible." This came from Ron Pelten, the navigator +sitting in front of the Captain. Hackley looked at him, then +looked back up. He could hardly disagree. Space was much too cold +for humanoid life to survive in a wooden vessel. Oxygen leaks and +depressurization were also highly probable. From the looks of it, +the ship carrying over one-hundred life forms looked like it could +sustain nothing but space itself. + "No it isn't," Mark said from his scanner. "It's not wood, +but a common tritanium hull painted to look like wood." + "Interesting," remarked Lieutenant Ledolison. + "Yellow alert, sir?" offered John Millis, his hands on the +weapons standby controls. Unidentified or not, John was not going +to let some crazy aliens in a disguised ship get the jump on him. +The Federation was strong enough to hold down any invaders, and he +would prove it. + But, looking at Captain Hackley's glare on him, he decided he +wouldn't prove it right now. + "That's not necessary, Helmsman," Hackley warned. "Mr. +Ledolison, open a hailing frequency, send all standard hello +messages." + "Aye, sir." Peter turned to his control panel. + Mark spoke up, "Captain, I read no coolant pipes, engines, +weapons, or electronics, other than their artificial gravity plates +and life support." Mark sounded puzzled. He continued to observe +the vessel while calling up memory files from the ship's computer +on old Earth naval vessels. + Hackley looked back at the ship, if he could truly call it +that. It had no propulsion or controls. It was essentially a +metal hulk, carrying life forms, shaped like a sailing vessel. +"Then it can't receive our hails," he decided, "Cut off messages." + Peter cut the signals, then studied the vessel again, +infinitely fascinated. + "Mr. Pelten," Hackley called to his first officer, "would you +like to try an exploration team?" + Pelten got out of the navigation seat. "Yes, sir. Mr. +Krawczyk, Mr. Ledolison." He called to Engineering as they headed +toward the turbolift. "Mr. Queen, we have a technological puzzle +I'm sure you'd be interested in." + Jim's voice came over the bridge speakers. "I've been +listening. I'll meet you in Transporter room Three." + + The gold, shimmering transporter beam deposited the four +crewmen on a wooden floor. They immediately expected cold air to +engulf them, but life support kept them rather warm. The hundred +and sixteen people that were supposed to be living here were +nowhere to be seen. + "Stay together. Phasers on stun," Ron ordered. + They all turned the knob on their weapons, then moved down the +corridor. A quiet whining came from Mark's tricorder. + "Most of the life forms are gathered in a hall one deck down, +to the aft, " he reported. The other party members didn't need to +be told. There was a considerable amount of noise coming from that +general direction. + They entered what appeared to be a storage room. Their eyes +widened as they noticed swords and knives hanging around the room, +and a pile of what appeared to be... cannonballs?... in one corner. + "How are we supposed to get down?" Jim asked, "I don't imagine +they have turbolifts." + "How's this?" Ledolison called. He referred to a staircase he +had found behind a hinged door. + The four looked down into the darkness. They were getting +light in here from torches mounted on the walls. The stairs looked +rickety and the officers didn't quite trust them as they stepped +down. Their skepticism was misplaced; the stairs were the same +solid alloy that had covered the room they were now leaving. + According to the tricorder, the group was now amidships, on +the third level. The noise was much louder now, coming from a +corridor running aft to their right. They were nearly halfway to +the aft section when the hall came to an end. Lanterns lined the +corridor on both walls. A large red carpet on the floor made the +hallway seem to greet someone of royalty. + The hinged door in front of them was lined in gold. The party +found no other doors on the walls. After searching, they were left +speculating about the first door. + "You think all this noise is coming from behind here?" Ron +asked. + "Can't be," Mark replied, "It's coming from a hall all the way +to the rear of the ship." + "Maybe it's a very big hall," Jim suggested. + "Maybe it's the Captain's quarters," Peter offered. + The other three looked at him, then looked back at the door. +That made sense. A grand hallway leading to a gold-lined door. +They all mentally slapped themselves for not figuring it out first, +but wouldn't tell the others that they did. + "Okay," Ron finally said, "Either side, Phasers ready." He +pointed to either wall. Mark and Jim got against the walls, Peter +stood ready behind Ron. + Ron jerked the door open, and waited. + Nothing happened. + Everyone let out a breath of relief, then looked embarrassed +that they had been holding one in the first place. + They crept into the room, made sure no one was around, put +their Phasers away and started examining the room. No one was a +bit surprised by what they saw. They had all read Moby Dick and +Treasure Island. This was common for a captain's room. Trinkets, +medals, and displays were scattered on various shelves. No doors +other than the one they came in were visible. They noticed this +and realized this was not the way to the life forms. + A desk in the center of the room, with a rather uncomfortable +looking chair behind it, held inkwells, various papers, a few more +trinkets, feather pens, a timepiece, and a book. + A rather large book, opened nearly to the end. While the +others studied the treasures and artifacts, Peter stood over the +desk and read a few passages from the book: + + The Captain stood over his men and raised his chalice in a +toast. + "Ahoy maties! Today we be celebrating the final vanquishin' +of our enemies, da Horidins!" + Cheers erupted all over the great hall. The men sang songs, +and feasted on the plunder of their last raid. They were doing +this forty minutes later, when a buzzing noise disrupted them. +They ignored it, and continued eating. Ten minutes later, the +Captain screamed. + The pirates dropped their food, and stared at the Captain. + "The King has called to me again!" the Captain called out, "We +have been invaded!" + All of the men dropped their food, grabbed their swords, and +stormed out of the room. + + Peter was becoming very interested. He turned the page. He +turned another. He turned more. + They were blank. + Peter looked around. The rest of the team was still studying +the objects on the shelves. While concentrating on them, and Peter +on the book, they had failed to notice that the noise had ceased, +and a rustling was now heard to the starboard. + "Guys, listen!" he yelled. + They all looked at each other, then listened. The noise was +now coming from the hallway. They drew their Phasers and ran to +the door. Ron looked into the hallway... + and ducked. + A sword flew through the air where his neck would've been. +Another blade flew through the air and missed Ron. + It hit Peter in the side. + Peter gasped and fell to the floor. Mark had aimed his Phaser +and pushed Ron out of the way. while Jim activated his +wrist-communicator. + "Valiant, emergency beam-out! Now!" + Mark fired. As the closest four people fell, stunned, the +golden wave of the transporter pulled the team away from the +attackers. + + "He'll be fine," Brian Halmen assured. + Captain Hackley stood over Ledolison as the diagnostic bed +completed it's scan. He looked at Doctor Halmen, who finished +applying some synthetic skin to the wound. Halmen turned to +Hackley, and spoke with a mild Italian accent. + "Don't give him any exercise for awhile, Ben." + Hackley nodded, and his Italian friend walked away, toward his +office. After a minute, Peter opened his eyes. + "Where am I?" + "You're in sickbay, on the Valiant." Hackley raised his hand +to Peter's arm and comforted him. Hackley was only sub-consciously +looking at Peter. He was remembering standing over three other +young officers, at three different times, on three different +starships. They were all Lieutenants, new to exploration. All +three had the same look in their eyes when they'd come aboard, the +excitement and want for adventure, the eagerness to see the +unknown. + All three had been wounded one or two years later, and all +three had been laying on beds like Peter. The look was gone from +their eyes, replaced by an expression of shock and terror. The +realization of the dangers the unknown offered and how their lives +could be taken at any given time, had wrecked havoc with their +minds. Two of the officers had transferred planetside when they +had recovered enough. The third died. + Hackley looked into Peter's eyes and searched for the +realization. + Peter's eyes looked back at him. They showed no fear. They +showed a new understanding, but they had not lost the look for +adventure in the unknown. + Hackley was surprised, and relieved. + Peter spoke up. "Permission to speak freely, sir?" + "Granted." + "Damn, that was interesting! + "Good enough, mister." Hackley couldn't bring himself to +discipline him for his language. He simply smiled. "Briefing in +five minutes," he ordered. + "Yes, sir," Peter replied, now attentive and controlled. + + "It's a pirate ship," Hackley echoed. + The three other officers at the table nodded. + "That's what we decided," Ron said. + Hackley nodded. "Jim, you're analysis?" + Jim looked at his data pad. "Tritanium hull, adequate life +support, but you knew that. All I can add is that it has the same +thing on the inside." + Hackley frowned. "Mr. Krawczyk?" + "I don't quite know what to call it. It can't be called a +ship, despite its shape and purpose. I'd call it a space station, +except that it doesn't have sufficient equipment. There's no name +for it, sir, but a sailing ship modified to float in space. + Ron jumped in. "There were no navigation charts inside, +either, sir. Except for a form of...treasure map. They certainly +weren't going anywhere. Perhaps they were meant to float." + Hackley considered this. The briefing room was quiet when +Ledolison walked in, a cast bound around his waist. + "Your analysis of the vessel, Mr. Ledolison?" Hackley asked. + "It's a pirate ship." Peter replied as he sat down. + The other officers grinned. Hackley still looked concerned. +"What did you all find inside?" + "Trinkets," Ron began. + "Cute gold medals, " Jim offered. + "Pirates," Mark said. + "A very interesting book," Peter said, catching everyone's +attention "A book that told what was happening on the ship." + + In the Transporter room, the officers crossed their fingers as +something shimmered into existence on the Transporter pad. + The book had been beamed over. The officers didn't celebrate, +they just ran to the book and opened it. + "It ended here," Peter pointed. The area that was blank +before had been filled in. Confused, the officers read: + + "The King has agreed to let us invade," the Captain cheered. + The pirates growled and raised their swords. + Then, with the King's power around them, the pirates vanished. +The King's whirlwind would transport them to the invaders' ship. + Then the spacemen would bow to them! + + The officers looked at each other, then looked around the room +for the attack that the book warned would happen. + + Captain's log, Stardate 5015.3. + After being attacked by a group of pirates, our landing team +has escaped a wooden sailing vessel, drifting in front of us. We +have beamed over a strange book from the ship, which tells us that +the pirates are planning to attack at any time. + + "We have unwillingly become a part of someone else's little +fantasy, Admiral," Captain Hackley reported to the person on the +viewscreen. Admiral Jerry Regiffe wasn't surprised by what the +Valiant had run across. In fact, Hackley thought he saw a bored +and impatient look on Regiffe's face when it first appeared on the +screen. He thought he heard the Admiral thinking, what has that +ship gotten into now? + "I have no suggestions, Captain," Regiffe replied. "This +can't be called interference, since you didn't do anything, and +since these 'pirates' can't be considered a race." + "If you're referring to the pirates being part of the strange +book, sir," Hackley said, "we still haven't proven that the book +has anything to do with them. It's a pirate ship, the captain may +be writing a book about pirates." + "Then you'll have to get more information," Regiffe ordered, +"Until then, you're going to have to wait it out. Regiffe out." +The viewscreen showed space again. + Hackley frowned for a moment, then turned to Mark, up at the +science station. + "Mark, where are the pirates now?" + The sensor screen threw a blue glow on Mark's face. Then it +disappeared and Mark hit a few toggles. "They're crowded back in +the main hall again, sir." + Hackley frowned again. Damn, he wanted them to attack. If +something was going to happen, it should happen now, while the crew +was fairly expectant. If the pirates waited too long, the crew +would relax, and be caught off guard when the attack began. + He walked down to his command chair and pushed an intercom +button. "Transporter room, Jim, Peter, how you doin'?" + Peter's voice came back over the speaker. "Nothing yet, sir. +It still says 'the space men would bow to them.'" + "Thank you, Lieutenant. Keep us informed." Hackley hit the +intercom again. "Commander Millis, report to the bridge." + "Captain!" Mark yelled. + Hackley spun, "What?" + The scanner was beeping again. "They're gone. There are no +pirates left on the ship." + "Captain!" Jim's own voice buzzed, "This is the transporter +room. The book is changing." + "Sir," it was the communications officer replacing Peter this +time, "Security reports men in old Earth attire have materialized +in some corridors on Deck 5. Deck 6 reports pirates, and Deck 19 +says intruders have appeared in the hanger bay." + Hackley was moving towards the science station. "Send full +security forces to all three decks, have phasers set for stun." + Mark displayed the areas occupied by the pirates on his +science monitor. Hackley hit the intercom again. "Security, +report to decks 4 and 7 to keep the intruders isolated." + Security began warning all personnel away from the occupied +areas, while Engineering sealed off certain occupied corridors. + Hackley studied the schematic and called to Pelten. + "Commander, sound Red Alert." + + While staring in wonder at the metal doors that slid open to +get out of their way, the pirates moved toward a stairwell on Deck +5. Security arrived, and six men fell, stunned. The remaining +pirate slashed one guard, and charged down the stairwell, scared +beyond reasoning. + As a guard approached, the pirate noticed the shiny metal +thing that used bright light to knock out his comrades. He had to +stop the spaceman from using it on him. + The pirate charged and lunged his sword. Knowing that most +people in space were afraid of phasers, this guard didn't prepare +for a man to charge him. + The pirate swung and missed, knocking a chunk out of the +bulkhead. As the guard turned, the pirate swung again, and the +guard collapsed. + The pirate ran through the strange sliding metal doors and +nearly ran into four more men in red uniforms, holding those evil +metal light weapons. + He watched as a dozen of his colleagues collapsed under the +spacemen's treachery. + He was angered. He lashed out at the spacemen. + The guards were unaware of the blade cutting the air behind +them, and so were quite surprised, when the sword cut into them. +The pirate dispatched four of them before the fifth turned and had +a chance to fire. The pirate fell among the guards on the floor. + By the time the standing guard had turned back to his original +targets, they were upon him. + The man was hacked up, and unrecognizable when the pirates +fled from incoming reinforcements. + + In the hangar bay, pirates lay unconscious everywhere. The +open area had allowed the security guards to stun everyone safely +and for a long time. + The turbolift doors opened, and Ron Pelten approached the +guards. + "Did any of them talk to you?" he asked. + "No, not one," the guard frowned, "The loonies just kept +yelling 'for the King, retrieve his artifact.'" + Ron's eyes squinted, then widened. + "Keep them knocked out," he said, as he started back for the +elevator, this time at a run. + + The door to Engineering slid open, and the engineers pulled +out phasers. Two guards arrived from the upper deck and ran down +the gangway. + Pirates collapsed again, leaving only a handful, who were now +crouch behind walls. + The guard closest to the gangway aimed, and screamed. A sword +was buried in his back, and as the other guards turned to look, the +hidden pirates pulled out daggers and threw them. + All the daggers missed and hit the rear wall. + The guards looked at their sources, and the second volley +arrived. One guard fell, a dagger embedded in his shoulder. The +others fired, and four men fell behind the walls. One was hidden +completely and wasn't hit. The surprise attacker was also put to +sleep by the guard closest to him. + Four more pirates came through the doors, and one fell behind +the wall and pulled out his sword as his three friends were +stunned. + At that moment, Jim walked in. The pirates turned toward him, +and he swung. The fist cracked against the jaw, and the pirate +dropped his sword. Jim snatched it as the other stood. + The pirate swung, and Jim took a gash in the side. Biting his +lip, he swung, and the pirate deflected the blade. As the pirate +swung and missed, his comrade was getting up and pulling a dagger +out. A security guard noticed this and set his weapon for narrow +beam. Jim swung and was blocked, and he heard a phaser beam behind +him as the dagger fell out of the stunned pirate's hand. The +pirate with the sword swung, and a slice opened in Jim's uniform. +As he fell unconscious, another phaser beam threw the pirate +against the wall and let him drop in a heap. + Commander Pelten entered from the workshop. He saw Jim on the +floor and looked at the guards. + "Who's in the transporter room?" he demanded. + Just the chief and Mr. Ledolison, I imagine," replied the +guard. + At a run, Pelten entered the turbolift. "That book must be +protected!" he called. + Another door slid shut as a pirate on the upper deck crawled +out of his hiding place and rejoined his fellows. + "The King's tome is in their transportation place," the man +reported. + The pirates marched down the corridor, opening every door, +searching every room. + + In the transporter room, Peter Ledolison was aiming his +phaser. The pirate hiding behind the wall in the corridor raised +his dagger. He turned and threw, and Peter fired. His shot +bounced harmlessly off of the wall plating, but the dagger buried +itself in his thigh. He screamed and fell, but was still alert +enough to hear more phasers, and people hitting the floor nearby. + Dr. Halmen came in with a stretcher, and ran a scanner over +Peter's body as his aides lifted him up and over. + Halmen frowned at his readings, then looked at his aides. +"C'mon, OR's just down the hall, let's go." + The medics left, and the phaser fire continued in the opposite +direction. Ron Pelten ran into the room and found the book, +unprotected, then ran to the computer console. + "Captain, this is Pelten, you'd better send help to +Transporter room One. The pirates are after the book." + "Understood," Hackley's voice said, "We're on our way." + The door opened behind him, and Ron turned and fired. The +phaser blast missed, and Ron had to move out of the way. The main +horde had arrived, and Pelten had only half of his phaser power +left. The rest had been used on the way to the transporter. The +pirate lunged, and the blade caught Ron's thigh. He screamed and +collapsed. Phaser fire was again heard down the corridor. The +pirate turned and ran out the door where his shipmates were +preparing daggers and watching their fellows fall in threes. In +front of him, the pirate Captain began summoning the king's powers, +and ordering his men to grab the book. The pirate reentered the +room, but his mates collapsed. As the Captain screamed the final +words and the weapons turned on him, the pirate knew he wouldn't +reach the book. He had one second to get his vengeance on the +spacemen, because the Captain had to save his worthless neck. +Well, he would get the most vengeance he could. + The Captain fell unconscious, the guards reached the door. As +the King's power tickled his mind in preparation for transport, the +pirate raised his sword. The guards took aim, and the pirate buried +the sword in Pelten's back. Then, the whirlwind took him, and the +king returned him to his vessel. + The guards piled into Transporter room One and searched +everywhere. Dr. Halmen entered and looked around. He pulled out +a medical sensor and stopped when he realized who it was with a +sword standing out of his back. He immediately crouched down and +ordered an emergency first aid kit. + The door opened again, and Hackley's mouth dropped open. +Halmen began to apply first aid while Pelten was placed on the +stretcher. His eyes widened at the wound gaping in Ron's back. +Sickbay doors opened, and Pelten was placed on the bed. First aid +continued, and Hackley perceived the sword to be dancing on Ron's +back. And it was laughing. + Hackley blinked several times and resisted the urge to yank +the weapon out of his first officer's body. + The first aid failed again. A cardiostimulator was latched to +the bed, but would not be used. The protoplaser was activated, but +wasn't helping. + "With all your technology, you can't even beat people seven +hundred years behind you!" the sword cried, "and it's simply +because you're just as mortal as they are!" + In Hackley's mind, the sword laughed hysterically, holding its +gut. + Hackley watched the sword, representative of the pirates who +killed an innocent man for no apparent reason, study the diagnostic +screen. Finally, the meters fell, and the sword laughed again. + Hackley closed his eyes and left. + Dr. Halmen pulled the sword out of the body. + Ron Pelten was dead. + + Captain's Log, Stardate 5016.2 + My First Officer, Ron Pelten, is dead. The pirate attack has +come and gone, and we've discovered that the mysterious book is +something of great importance. Commendations go to Ensign +Carlstel, Ensign Mortesh, Ensign Dallen, Ensign Kentresky, +Lieutenant Reft, and Lieutenant Mannewicks, who were all injured in +the attack. Posthumous commendations are recommended for Ensign +John S. Yerich, and Commander Ronald L. Pelten, who both died in +the performance of their duty. + + "Then the whirlwind took him, and Ekarik was returned to his +ship. The mission had failed. Captain Garr cursed mightily and +walked to the altar. He would have to apologize to the King. The +spacemen were too powerful." + Mark closed the book. Captain Hackley put his head in his +hands, then folded them. He looked at doctor Halmen. + "Doctor, how are your patients?" + Halmen looked at his data pad. "Ensigns Dallen and Kentresky +are up and walking. It will be a few days for Lieutenant +Mannewicks, but Lieutenants Reft and Ledolison are out for the rest +of the week. Ensigns Mortesh and Carlstel have handed me their +resignations, which i'll get to you this afternoon. Commander +Queen should be around in three days." + Hackley frowned and thought for a moment. + "Captain," John Millis spoke up, "I suggest we destroy the +ship. These pirates are just figures out of a story. They have +started a war against us. We have given them the advantage by +allowing them this attack!" + "Sit down, Mr. Millis," Hackley said, "These pirates are +entities created by an intelligent type of....storyteller....whose +playing field we've stumbled on to. The attack was not the fault +of the pirates, but the work of the writer's imagination." + Millis sighed and looked away. + Hackley continued. "Now, personally, I don't feel like +learning any more about them, as Admiral Regiffe suggests. It has +cost us too much already. I'm going to leave the play area +immediately." He pushed the intercom button, "Bridge, this is the +Captain. Contact Starfleet. Inform Admiral Regiffe that we will +be leaving this sector." + The bridge replied, "Aye, sir." + Hackley looked up. "Mr. Krawczyk, you will join me in a +landing team to return the book to the pirate ship." + Millis stood. "Captain! You can't go over there!" + Hackley was moving toward the door. He turned to face Millis. +"Mr. Millis, that book is the reason my First Officer is dead. It +is an intriguing piece of alien work, but it is something we have +wrongfully taken. I intend to return it myself and, if possible, +apologize." + Millis gaped and stared in shock. + Hackley left the briefing room, with Mark close behind. + + The golden silhouettes of Captain Hackley and Commander +Krawczyk became people, standing on the deck of the pirate ship, as +the transporter effect wore off. + The tricorder whistled and Krawczyk pointed. "The Captain's +Quarters is this way sir." + The two officers walked down the staircase. The carpet was +still there, and the sound of activity from the aft section +designated the location of the pirates. + Mark pulled out his phaser and opened the door. Hackley stood +forward, with the book in his hand. They both opened their mouths +and eyes wide. + Seated behind the desk, gloating, was a greenish-red humanoid, +with sickle shaped appendages, running behind him, coming from the +jaw. It was dressed in blue-green robes, lined in silver. +Perfectly round eyes were situated above a form of nose running +down to the upper lip, and flaps of skin ran from either side down +to the sickle-shaped appendages. + On the floor lay the pirate Captain Garr, killed by the King's +wrath. + Hearing footsteps, the alien looked up and, noticing the book, +smiled. + "Grfundelishikolistefel!" it exclaimed as it stood. + Mark activated the tricorder's universal translator. + "My book," it cooed, "You've decided to return it! How +absolutely marvelous." + Hackley stepped forward. "My name is Captain Benjamin Hackley +of the Starship Valiant. I am a representative of the United +Federation of Planets." + "Oh, details!" the creature yelled, "I've needed details, I +get sick of calling you spacemen all the time. It just gets so +boring." + Hackley looked at Mark, who looked back. + "Oh, please, come in. Make yourself at home. It's not every +day I get to speak to my characters in person." The storyteller +sat back in his chair. + "We are not characters in some fantasy," Hackley uttered, "We +are living sentient beings, who have no desire to be used as toys." + The creature looking offended. "Oh, oh my, I'm terribly +sorry. I thought you would enjoy beating mt pirates. It makes a +great story." + Hackley sighed. Mark recorded the trinkets all around the +room on the tricorder. + "You see," the alien continued, "originally, the pirates were +to have been defeated by my heroes, on the good ship Shordestak. +But before I introduced them, you appeared. The pirates you saw +were simply figures I use to help visualize my story. It makes it +much easier to detect errors." + "Anyway, you seemed like good opponents, and I thought you +might have been one of my friend's creations, so I wrote you in. +When your people boarded the ship, it allowed me to start the +conflict between the two parties." + "However, I wasn't expecting you to enter this room. It's my +private study, and you just happened to find the book here during +my lunch break." + Mark stifled a laugh, and Hackley placed the book on the desk. + "Without the book, I could only use my powers to write in it +for a short time. To further the plot conflict, I sent the pirates +after it. + "You're the King," Hackley concluded. + "Yes. I'd hoped hordes of pirates would be able to get the +book back. But, they were scared off by your technology. The +pirate captain had to retreat. It was the only thing that would +make sense in the story. Surely, they would not fight what they +considered such 'powerful magic.' It's funny, sending my own +character to retrieve the book he was written in. I was just going +to try and use the so-called 'King's powers' to make you give it +back when you arrived." + "We are not figments of your imagination!" Hackley yelled, +"You've killed my First Officer and a Security Guard, and wounded +six others." + "I had no idea you would react this way!" the storyteller +complained, "I thought you were someone else's creations." It +sighed, "It's too bad. I was getting close to the end. I was so +sure it would be another best-seller." + Hackley wasn't impressed. + The writer looked at his book and opened it to the last +written page. "I suppose I'll have to think of a way to eliminate +you. I still don't know how to finish it." + Mark had finished his recording and returned to the captain's +side. + "We shall leave you to your thinking," Hackley said, and +pushed his communicator-watch. He studied the alien storyteller +for a moment. "Transporter room, stand by." He leaned on the desk +and smiled. + The alien looked up. + "We have interfered with your story enough," Hackley said, +"but, since your characters are already involved in their writing," +he waved a hand at the pirate on the floor, "why don't they help +finish it?" + The storyteller blinked. "You mean, you'll stay and fight?" + "I mean I'll stay and return your book," Hackley said, "as an +offering of peace. How about: the pirates agree, and both ships +leave the area to return to their respective kingdoms with +treaties." + The writer nodded, then smiled. "That's good. Yes, there can +be peace instead of fighting, so I can make you allies. Maybe I'll +give you a return story." + Hackley closed his eyes. Mark looked worried. + The storyteller was scribbling in the book now. "Yes, this +can work. It will be a great ending. Everyone leaves peacefully." + The officers showed relief. + "There," the alien said, and smiled at Hackley, "You see? It +will be a best-seller." + Hackley smiled. Mark nodded. + + Captain's Log, Supplemental. + Starfleet is aware of the situation, and a trade agreement is +in the works. The storyteller has agreed to give Starfleet a +recurring role a mysterious, powerful race of merchants. The +Valiant is returning to Starbase 23, where I will receive a new +First Officer. + + In his quarters, Captain Hackley filed away the letter that +would inform the Peltens of their son's death. In doing so, he +filed away the presence of the exceptional first officer he had +known for six years. + Suddenly, Hackley turned and clenched his fists. He pushed +away a strange sense of relief and freedom he had felt during the +past half hour. + He imagined the sword sticking out of Ron's back, and he +considered his own mortality. He thought of the dangers he had +faced during his past. For 25 years he had commanded a starship +and escaped destruction at the hands of the unknown. He looked at +his future. He saw himself getting old, and counting his final +years of command. He saw his First Officer, running his ship, +making sure it was as efficient as possible...running it...for him. + He was afraid. + He was relieved. He was angry. He had complete control of +his ship, now. There was no help, no First Officer. He wanted +one, last year of command. He wanted to command the starship, all +by himself, before he became senile. + Had he wanted Ron Pelten out of the way? + Hackley cringed. + He walked to the other side of the room. + He thought of Jim Queen, Peter Ledolison, and four others +laying in sickbay. They had been wounded because....because Millis +had been right. Hackley had waited for the attack. He should've +taken action to prevent the pirates from boarding. + Should I have killed the pirates? he wondered. + He thought of the storyteller, happily writing his +best-seller. If he had destroyed the ship, he would've killed the +writer. He would be at war with a race of storytellers. His +officers would not be dead. He wouldn't have made the wrong +decision. His officers would die anyway, as casualties of war. +He had defeated his own argument, and was now thinking in circles. + Could I already be senile? he considered. + "No," he answered. He had made the right decision. There was +peace with the storytellers, his officers would live. + One of them didn't. + He would have to get another First Officer. + The relief and freedom left him. He didn't know what to feel. +What to think. + He needed to be calm and collected. + He laid down on his bed and relaxed. + The Valiant sailed on. +-- +------------------------------------------------------------------ +James Queen | STAR TREK VOYAGES +------------| +We miss | Created by James Queen and Mark TaiLore +Gene, Rod, | Based on "Star Trek" created by Gene Roddenberry +and Barry | +------------| Follow the adventures of the USS Valiant. + +STDNT163: WASHINGTON HIGH SCHOOL, MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN, 53210 +------------------------------------------------------------------ + diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/voyages2 b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/voyages2 new file mode 100644 index 00000000..2781ec1e --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/voyages2 @@ -0,0 +1,797 @@ +Path: moe.ksu.ksu.edu!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!uwm.edu!spool.mu.edu!whscdp.whs.edu!stdnt163 +From: stdnt163@whscdp.whs.edu +Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative +Subject: ST Voyages #2 "Orion the Abductor" +Message-ID: <1992May27.102425.469@whscdp.whs.edu> +Date: 27 May 92 16:24:25 GMT +Article-I.D.: whscdp.1992May27.102425.469 +Organization: Washington HS, Milwaukee, WI +Lines: 786 + + + Captain's Log, Stardate 5054.9 + The Valiant has arrived at Starbase 23 for crew replacements +and some minor repairs. Among them is our new navigator, Ensign +Rebecca G. Dorin. Commodore Holsten is anxious to get the Valiant +back into The Zone, but I am debating with him about whether or not +I should request a new First Officer. + + Commander Krawczyk, Commander Millis, Lieutenant Ledolison, +and Commander Queen stood ready at the Valiant's starboard airlock. +The latter two were bound in some area in casts, reminders of +wounds they had taken from their previous adventure. Code +sequences and seal checks were made, and the airlock doors opened, +connecting the Valiant with Starbase 23. The officers stood at +attention, and Commodore Holsten approached them. He barely +stopped for procedure, as he was impatient to learn why the Valiant +had returned so quickly. The fact that Admiral Regiffe was +directly behind him also gave him reason to speed up. + Holsten was a well built man, in his early fifties, with blond +hair and a look of sympathy aimed toward the Valiant officers. +They returned the look, but wiped their faces clean when Holsten +passed by and Regiffe looked at them. + "Permission to come aboard, sirs," Regiffe uttered. He was +not as anxious as Holsten was to get the ship back to The Zone. He +simply wanted to know how Hackley could lose four officers in the +first week of the mission, two of them to death. + Regiffe, whose long stride had nearly trampled many people, +and was the reason Holsten had walked so fast, had seen his and a +dozen other people's share of starship problems. The last thing he +wanted to do right now was to police a starship whose mission +wasn't even a month old. This one was not on his agenda. + The officers were stone solid, and worked like a machine as +they replied, "Permission granted, sir." + Without missing a step, Regiffe continued right past the four +men and turned the corner into the Valiant's corridor. + As soon as he was out of sight, the officers jogged into the +Starbase reception area. Of course, the first place they all felt +like going was the lounge, where all the "talk of the town" would +take place. However, business came first, and their business was +the woman standing at the reception room's door. + She stood about five feet six inches and was in casual +clothes. She had long, flowing brown hair and the deepest blue +eyes, which the officers immediately got lost in. Jim snapped out +of it and bumped Peter, causing Peter to bump Millis and Millis to +bump Mark, who stumbled into the nearest wall. Jim just ignored +Mark and greeted the woman. + "Ensign Rebecca Dorin?" + "Yes?" + "I am Commander James Queen, of the Starship Valiant, to my +left is Lieutenant Peter Ledolison, Lieutenant Commander John +Millis, and...uh..Commander Mark." + Pushing himself off of the floor and dusting off his uniform, +he took the Ensign's left hand and kissed it lightly on the middle +knuckle. + "The pleasure is all mine, my dear." + Jim didn't look at him, "Mark, please, protocol." + "Oh, sorry, Jim." Mark took his place next to Millis and the +Ensign tried not to blush in front of her commanding officers. She +stood at attention. + "Permission to come aboard, sirs." + The officers answered simply on cue. "Permission granted," +they said in harmony. Their heads moved together as Rebecca Dorin +walked by and entered the Valiant. + When her last curve went around the corner, the men turned +their attention back towards the Starbase. As they headed toward +the turbolift, Peter tried to break the silence that had fallen +over them. + "Well, she seems like a nice person." + The other three men turned their heads towards Peter. Peter +looked back. + "No kidding, Einstein," Mark chided, "your powers of +observation are outstanding." + Peter gave Mark a wicked sneer and then responded in an +impatient voice. + "I meant her personality." + Mark answered playfully, "Sure you did." + Peter shook his head but didn't reply. The other two men were +enjoying the controversy. The reached the turbolift and entered. +Jim pushed the button for the Rec Deck. Mark opened his mouth +again. + "Boy, I've got my eye on that ensign. By next week she'll be +mine." + As he finished his sentence, the lift stopped and the doors +opened. Mark took one step and ran right into a blond-haired +female. She cleared the hair out of her eyes, looked at Mark, and +yelled. + "Mark!" + Mark's eyes got big and he replied in a surprised voice. + "Sandy!" + The other three officers looked at each other, then back at +the couple. + +"Orion the Abductor" +Written by James Queen and Mark Krawczyk. + + Captain Hackley sat in his chair on the bridge, watching the +skeleton crew work. His forehead was wrinkled and his eyes were +narrow; he was contemplating. He was thinking of his late First +Officer and the prospect of a new First Officer. He had known Ron +Pelten for six years, considered him not only a good First Officer +and Navigator, but a close friend. Ron had known exactly what +Hackley wanted and Hackley had respected Ron's decisions. Now, he +was dead, and Hackley didn't know what to think. + He hit his hand on the arm of his chair and cursed his job, +but then something broke his chain of thought. + "Excuse me, sir." + He focused his tired eyes and they found brown hair, deep blue +eyes, and the shape of a female. He replied halfheartedly. + "Yes?" + "Ensign Rebecca Dorin reporting for duty, sir." + Hackley stood. "Welcome aboard, Ensign. I'm Captain Hackley. +Please take your station." + "Thank you, sir." + Rebecca sat at the navigation console. Hackley watched her +and thought to himself. She looks like she's got a few years of +experience in her head. She should be a good addition, but neither +she, nor anyone else, will be able to fill Pelten's shoes. + That was half of Pelten's position Ensign Dorin sat in. +Hackley wasn't sure if he wanted the other half, the position of +First Officer, filled. Maybe he would fill it himself. + He stood and walked off the bridge. In the turbolift, he +pushed the button that would take him to the officer's quarters. + + On the Starbase, Jim sat at the table and drank a strange +orange colored drink. Across from him, John stared at what was +left of his fizzy beige selection. Next to him, Peter studied the +new green wine he had ordered. The last seat at the table was +empty. + The turbolift doors swished open, and the officers looked up. +A couple walked out and towards the viewing room. The officers +continued with their drinks. + "I know I've seen her before," Peter spoke up. + John and Jim looked at him wearily, then looked back down. + "Probably someone of royalty Mark found while he was on shore +leave," John figured. Peter nodded. Jim continued eating. John +looked at Jim. "You haven't said anything. Who do you think she +is?" + Jim looked at him, "I don't have to say anything, I know who +she is." + "Who?" the others said together. + "Sandy is Mark's old flame from Starfleet Academy. Her father +is Admiral Lewis Johnson." + Peter clapped his hands, "That's it." John's eyes grew. + "The Admiral Johnson?" he squeaked, "The Admiral Johnson that +was decorated for military excellence more times than a tribble +eats? Mark was one lucky guy." + Jim choked on the orange fluid and laughed. "Lucky nothing. +The Admiral hated Mark bad, and still does." When Jim saw the +others' confused looks, he continued, "You see, Mark and Sandy +snuck into a closed simulator one time and Johnson caught them. He +managed to station Mark as far away from Sandy as possible." + "Oops," Peter muttered. + "Wow, now their reunited," John said, "Isn't it sweet. You +think they'll stay together long, Jim?" + Jim finished the drink, "At least until the Admiral finds +out." + + Ensign Rebecca Dorin left her quarters. She had just finished +unpacking and making her stateroom more homely. Now she was ready +to meet Captain Hackley. She was sure he would want to know her +qualifications, and what she could do to replace Ron Pelten. She +had read about him. She wanted to know everything about any +assignment she was given. The position would include proving that +she could be as good as Pelten. She had a tough job ahead. + Ahead, the Captain's quarters came into view. + + He was standing in an empty, black room. He took a look +around and saw a large rock in the middle of the room. A sword +stuck out of the rock, spitting fog into the air. When he neared +the sword, he saw its face. Ben Hackley knew this sword. He +wanted to grab it. He wanted control of the blade that had killed +his First Officer...No, his friend. He would smash it against the +rock, kill the killer. + As he reached out to it, the sword suddenly opened its eyes +and laughed. + Hackley stopped and dropped his arms to his sides, "Why are +you laughing?" + "Because it's your fault," the sword cried. + "What's my fault?" Ben asked, already aware of the answer. + "That Pelten is dead!" the sword giggled, "You could've had +one of your underlings do it! Maybe you could just leave the +pirates alone! Maybe then Pelten wouldn't be dead! But, ha, but, +ha ha, but you, tsss ha ha, you screwed up! Ha ha ha ha!" + Hackley burst in his rage. + "STOP IT! STOP IT! STOP IT!" + + "STOP IT!" + Rebecca heard the order and stopped. She stared at the door +a second. No, he couldn't have been talking to her; she just got +here. She pushed the door chime. For a minute, there was silence. +Then, footsteps approached the door. The double doors slid open, +and Captain Hackley stood calmly in the doorway. + "Yes?" + "Ensign Rebecca Dorin, sir. I wanted to report to you +directly." + Hackley blurted the first question that came into his mind. +"What do you think of your position?" + Rebecca smiled. "I'm happy to be aboard the Valiant, sir." + Hackley considered her for a second. Of course she was happy. +She was a navigator on a Constitution-class Starship. Yes, she'd +better be happy. Ron Pelten died to give her that spot. + Hackley blinked a few times. No, it wasn't her fault. He +took a quick breath and pointed a hand inside. + "Come in, please." + Rebecca walked into his quarters. Hackley walked to his desk, +and then to the computer in the corner. + "Something to drink, Ensign?" he offered. + "No, thank you, sir." She walked into the office area. +Hackley waited as his cup of coffee appeared in the food +replicator, then moved to his desk and sat. + "Sit down, please, Ensign." + She sat. Hackley stared at the table, then looked up. + "I suppose," he said wearily, "I should know your navigation +skills." + "Well," she began, "Captain Gelistenn on the Military +Operations vessel Bladepoint taught me much of what I know. He +said in his report that I had shown incredible efficiency in +stressful situations. At the Academy..." + "Ensign," Hackley interrupted, "I...don't need to hear about +your record, to tell the truth. I've read it, and practically +memorized it." + Rebecca paused. "Thank you, sir." + Hackley thought for a moment. "My concerns about your new +position are personal. I know you are a fine officer, which is why +you are here. But, I may seem biased against you because, in the +last few days, I've had to deal with the loss of my First Officer, +and more importantly, my good friend." Rebecca stared at him, and +Hackley sipped his coffee. He continued, "That is traumatic +enough. Now, however, I'm experiencing some...doubts... about my +actions, and how they may have affected his death. And, I'm +wondering if I must bring aboard another First Officer. Because, +I'd like to keep full command of my vessel for my last two years." + Rebecca continued to stare at him. Hackley said nothing more, +and only stared back. + Finally, she spoke up. "Sir, may I speak freely?" + Hackley flinched. "Yes, you may." + "Sir, are you relating your personal problems to me?" + Hackley thought a moment. "Why, yes, I guess I am." + Rebecca swallowed. "Do you feel better, now? I mean, now +that you've completely expressed you thoughts." + Hackley looked at the desk, then back at Rebecca. "Ensign, I +think you have just solved my problem." + Rebecca looked confused. "I did?" + Hackley was standing, "Yes, you did." + Rebecca stood and followed Hackley on his way to the door. + "Oh, by the way," Hackley said on his way out. He turned and +shook Rebecca's hand. "Welcome aboard, Ensign. I hope you enjoy +yourself here." + Hackley walked away, leaving Rebecca standing in the corridor. +She watched him strut off, looked at the floor, looked back at him, +and turned. With a smile of wonder on her face, she walked towards +the turbolift. + She stopped when she saw Commander Krawczyk kissing a +blond-haired woman in his doorway. Mark waved good-bye as the +woman walked away. When his door closed, Rebecca quickened her +pace and caught up with the woman. + "Hi," she greeted. + "Oh, hi," the woman returned. + "I didn't know you were so close with the Commander." + "Oh, well, we were good friends while we were at the Academy." + Rebecca looked at her as they stepped into the turbolift. + "Sandy," Rebecca said as she grabbed the woman's shoulder, "We +were roommates on the Starbase for two years, and you never said +anything about it." + Sandy shrugged, "You never asked about my early life in the +Academy. Besides, you know I don't like telling people about my +personal life. You remember all those times I told you I was going +to the library, or out with some old friends, or late working at +the lab?" + Rebecca looked at her skeptically, "Yeah." + "Well," Sandy said as pushed the button for Deck 17, "those +were actually dates with most of the male crew." + Rebecca stared in shock, "That's how you knew so many people +on the Starbase?" + Sandy grinned, "Yep. I didn't tell you, because if my father +just happened to call and ask where I was, you would have had to +lie." + "Why sneak around?" Rebecca inquired, "I could keep a secret. +Your dad wouldn't find out." + Sandy rolled her eyes, "You don't know my dad. He would've +figured out that you were lying. Cadets call him 'Admiral +Lie-detector,' because he can tell you're holding something back. +He would read you like an open book. And, if he found out, he +would throw a complete fit. I'm supposed to be daddy's good little +girl. I can't have a love life. Everything has to be business." + "No wonder I could never get a date," Rebecca mused, "You took +them all." + The ladies laughed. Rebecca looked at Sandy. + "I'm gonna miss you, you know," Rebecca said." + Sandy gave her a hug. "Don't worry, I'm sure I'll find a way +back here." + "It should be easy, right?" Rebecca grew excited, "You'll +come during shore leave, especially now that you're seeing +Commander Krawczyk, right?" + Sandy smiled cleverly, "We'll see what happens." + The turbolift doors opened. + "Bye," Sandy said. + "Bye," Rebecca answered. + Sandy turned the corner. Becky let the turbolift's doors +close, then decided to ask Sandy to come for dinner on their last +night together. She walked back into the corridor as the doors +reopened. She turned the corner and caught Sandy, in the arms of +a six foot, blond haired crewman. He was nearly lifting Sandy off +the deck. At the end of their long, passionate kiss, they walked +down the corridor with their arms around each other. + Rebecca walked back to the turbolift, amazed. + + Jim was sitting at the table, working on a second orange +liquid, and looking out the viewport. Peter and John had gotten +involved in a discussion about phaser efficiency on the Valiant. +Jim looked at them, noticed they hadn't figured anything out, and +continued trying to figure out how Mark had gotten his 120% +efficiency rating. It was a question he had been working on for +weeks, and wanted to ask Mark about, if he could ever come to a +conclusion. + In the many years I've known him, he thought, I've never seen +him act like an officer, follow orders, and work seriously at any +one time. + Jim's thoughts were broken by a yell, which also caused him to +drop his drink. + "I'm back!!!" + Still looking at the viewport, he informed John and Peter, +"It's Mark." + Mark pointed at the bar. "Bartender, a free drink for +everyone. Oh, we don't have a bartender. Oh well. Your loss, +everybody. Hey, Jim," Mark yelled, gesturing at Jim, "How's it +goin'?" + Jim answered as Mark reached the table. "Not to bad. I was +enjoying a peaceful and invigorating drink before you made me spill +it all over myself," he replied, wiping off his uniform. Mark took +the seat he should have been sitting in an hour ago, between Peter +and Jim. + Peter asked, "So, how are the lovebirds doing?" + Mark started his own brown fuzzy drink, "Oh great, just fine, +it's like we were back at the Academy!" + As Jim raised the remains of his drink to his mouth he asked, +"Got any future plans, yet?" He took a mouthful of liquid. + "Yes," Mark beamed, "I've decided to marry her!" + Jim spit the liquid all over the window he had been looking +out of. + + Doctor Brian Halmen waited for Hackley to finish his sentence. +He figured Ben would be having problems after Ron Pelten's death. +Though he had only known Ron for half a year, he had known Ben +Hackley for close to fifteen years. Hackley had first told Brian +about Ron in one of the letters he had been sending to the Doctor. +Of course, that was before Brian had been brought aboard the +Valiant, per Hackley's recommendation. + Now Brian was staring at Ben, waiting. Finally, Hackley +finished his sentence. + "And she asked if I was feeling better, now that I had related +my problems to her." + Brian raised his eyebrows. "Did you?" + Hackley nodded, "Yes. And I think I'll feel much, much better +if I take care of this problem now. If I make my decision, and +stand by it, and believe it's the right one, then I should be +content and happy." + Brian smiled. Hackley looked at him. + "What's your advice?" + Doctor Halmen shook his head. "I don't have any, anymore. +You took it right out of my mouth. Actually, you took it out of +your mind. That's probably the solution you've been thinking of +for a while." + Hackley got up from the chair and leaned on the desk. "Do you +think it's the right solution, Doc?" + "Well," Brian answered, "you'll find out eventually, won't +you?" + Ben thought a moment, then moved toward the door. On his way +out, he murmured, "Thanks, Doc." + Brian smiled, and finished working on the injury files in +front of him. + + Ensign Dorin composed herself as she stepped back on to the +Starbase. She was ready to get to know the other officers, off the +record this time. She was especially interested in talking to +"Commander Mark," who had pulled that one-twenty efficiency and +Sandy as well. + She turned into the lounge and found herself in the middle of +a celebration. Half the people were crowded around the food +replicators, so the drinks must have been free. In the center of +the room, Commander Krawczyk was being carried toward a table in +the corner. People were yelling "Bachelor party" and "No way!" +Against the bulkhead, the other Valiant officers watched the +procession, one of them had spilled something all over his uniform. + As Rebecca tried to shove her way through the room, Mark was +dumped on the table, where he stood and whistled between his +fingers. + "Jim, Pete, Johnny, get over here!" + The officers looked at each other, then began pushing toward +the corner. Rebecca redirected herself to meet them. + "You're not serious, you know," Jim was yelling. + "Of course not!" Mark screamed, "I'm engaged!" + As Rebecca approached the table, Mark noticed her. + "Hey, everybody, our new nav's here! Give her a big hand!" + A mass of confusion answered him. + "Guys!" This came from one of the Starbase officers, who was +looking down the hallway to the viewing room. Heads shifted and +looked in the same direction. The voice rang out again, "The +bachelor party's dancer is right here!" + The eyes squinted, trying to find a target. They found a +woman, a green-skinned woman, wearing what could be termed as a +mesh net cover. + Mark also turned his attention to the hallway, and cheered +heartily when he saw what everybody else saw. "C'mon, guys, this +is for us!" He jumped off the table and started down the hall. +Peter, John, and Jim looked at each other, thought a second, then +started off behind him. At that moment, Rebecca reached the table. +She stopped the last officer in line and turned him around. + "Wait...Uh, you're Commander...Queen?" + Jim replied quickly, "Yes?" + "You...you can't go in there!" + "What?" + "You can't go in there!" + "Why?" + "That's an Orion dancing girl!" + "A what?!?!" + "You heard me!" + "It can't be!" + They continued yelling back and forth as the crowd started +pushing the officers toward the hallway. As Jim was shoved with +them, he grabbed Rebecca's arm. + "It can't be!" he yelled. + "Why not?" she replied + "Because if it was, Peter would have told us!" + "Really? What would he have said?" + "Everything?" + "Yes, everything!" + "He would've told us it was an Orion dancing girl, native of +Rigel, recognized by their green skin, he's told us this before!" + "Keep going!" + "Green skin, very seductive, and irresistible to any human +male!" + "What?" + "Irresist..." He stared at Rebecca, looked at the woman, +looked back to Rebecca, and screamed. "Damn. She's getting us, +isn't she?" + "Yes, she is!" Rebecca answered. + "Well, let me get Mark and-oof." + He was shoved harder this time as the crowd pushed them toward +the hall. + "You can't!" Rebecca screamed, "She's illegal!" + "Well," Jim muttered, already feeling woozy as he entered the +hallway, "get help, then. Bye!" + "Bye! I mean... Hey!!!" + The four officers were now stumbling down the hall toward the +viewing room. Mark was about to turn around and invite everybody +in, when the isolation door closed to the lounge, separating them +from the crowd. Befuddled, they turned back to the viewing room. +A bit dizzy, they managed to get into the room when the dancing +girl stopped and pushed the button on the viewer. On either side +of her, three Orion guards, wearing their regular green uniforms +and yellow goggles, materialized in the room. One of them walked +toward the officers and pulled out a hypo spray, containing a +tranquilizer vial. + "Hey, look, guys!" John fumbled, "Frogs!" + The hypo sprayed into his arm, and he fell to the floor. + Similar applications were made to the other officers, and they +started going down. Mark had time to mutter his approval before +the spray got him. + "Some party, huh, guys?" He looked at his arm. "Now, what +was that for?" + + Commodore Holsten paced the office. Hackley's head moved back +and forth as he watched and waited for his answer. Finally, +Holsten sat behind his desk and leaned his head on his fist. + "Ben," he sighed, "you know Regiffe wouldn't approve. He +knows you've had plenty of experience with command, but he figures +that," Holsten paused, "well, you realize these are not my words." + Hackley took a deep breath. + Holsten continued, "Regiffe thinks a First Officer would be +best for you at your...age." + Hackley didn't wait. He played on the remark, "At my age, I +think I deserve a little leeway. I'm sick of risking someone else +on my command decisions. I'm sick of someone else running my ship +for me. Now, I respect the position. But, I want command all to +myself for my last two years. I think it would improve my +performance, and isn't that what Regiffe wants overall, good +performance?" + Holsten stared at him. Hackley began breathing again and sat +back down. Holsten turned toward his computer and pulled up a file +on Hackley's past assignments. He studied the statistics. + "Fifteen years ago," he began, "You were in command of the USS +Endeavor. A First Officer couldn't be assigned immediately, and +was eventually forgotten. Your efficiency rating was best during +that tour." + Hackley thought and remembered, "That's right! You see?" + Holsten tapped a few buttons on the control panel and entered +something on the record. "I'll talk to Regiffe," he said, +"Effective immediately, a First Officer aboard the USS Valiant will +become unnecessary." + Hackley beamed. He stood and said, "Thank you, Henry. You've +made my day, and possibly, my mission." + Hackley turned and left, leaving Holsten smiling and shaking +his head. + + "They could've warned us," Mark said. + The officers wandered around the cell they had awakened in. +They were searching cracks and holes. Panels and circuits were +fiddled with, in futile attempts to deactivate the force field +keeping them captive. + "Why would they want us?" Peter asked rhetorically. + "Why do Orions ever do what they do?" Mark replied, "Because +they feel like it." + "Propaganda," Jim ventured, "Just to let the Federation know +they could take someone of importance, say, a perfect officer?" + "Listen," Mark spat, "that 120 rating was the result of study, +and hard work, and an effort to save my ass! I was warned by my +commanding officer that if I didn't shape up awfully fast, I'd lose +my commission and the Federation would dump me on some mudball +where I couldn't cause trouble, without a ship. Now, to me, that's +worse than death. So, I shaped up, and guaranteed that everyone +would take another look at me, cause I'm a damn good officer, and +I can prove it!" + The others stood and stared, completely bewildered. They +looked at each other, then burst out in applause. Completely +unexpected from prisoners, the Orion guard down the corridor found +this to be strange. He walked down the corridor to investigate. +As he looked through the force field at the officers, the force +field disappeared, and a sharp object punctured the guard's +stomach. He fell over without a sound, and the officers walked +out. + "How did you do that?" Peter asked. + Mark was putting the small, sharp object away. "It was a +standard two-fifty-six B force field generator attached to a +Castlik-Drelfin..." + "Drahalefinn," Jim corrected, searching the guard. + "Drahalefinn," Mark continued, "computer implementor." + "Very good," Jim said, pulling out the guard's weapon. + "Fortunately, I was carrying my all-purpose...uh..what do I +call this thing, Jim?" + "Whatsit." + "Whatsit," he said, "made of a strong plastic I found on Tau +Sigma six. It got past their detectors because I hide it in my +bio'badge, which is a centimeter wider than standard badges, just +so I could hold it." + Jim opened the door and fired at a guard posted outside. He +fell, and Jim waved everyone along. Peter and John were a few +seconds behind, due to the time it took to understand what Mark had +said. + "We don't want to go to the bridge," Jim said, "Because +there'll be many more guards in the way. Let's try some place that +we can alert the Starbase with. Suggestions?" + "A weapons room," John said. + "He didn't say fire at the Starbase," Peter reminded. + "I know, but if we fire, we'll definitely alert any ships to +our location. The Valiant obviously doesn't know where we are, +because we're still here. They would've found a hidden ship. +There must be a cloaking device." + "We can't use weapons until the cloaking device is disengaged, +there's not enough power," Jim said. + "Then let's get the cloaking device," Mark said. + "Oh, so easy, right?" Peter remarked. + "You want back in the brig?" Mark asked. + "Let's go," Peter said. + + Ensign Dorin stepped on to the bridge. The turbolift doors +closed behind her as she looked around. Seeing that the Captain +was missing, she turned around and tried to enter the elevator +again. She was stopped by the Captain himself, who was also +returning to the bridge. + "Captain!" she started, "Orions are on the Starbase, they've +kidnapped Commanders Queen, Krawczyk, Ledolison, and Millis." + Hackley frowned at her, destroying the smile that had been on +his face, and became immediately alert. He started moving toward +the command chair. "How do you know this, Ensign?" + Rebecca was still at his side, "I saw them just as they were +crowded into a viewing room on the Starbase, sir. A dancing girl +was there, and used some kind of gas to lure the officers to the +room." + Hackley looked at her, "Well done, Ensign. Take your station, +please." + "Yes, sir." She moved to the navigation console. + "Mr. C'dez," Hackley addressed the second shift Science +Officer, "Scan the Starbase for our officers' bio'badges." + "Aye, sir," the officer replied, looking into the sensor +screen. The officer from the planet Heri'dahl flipped a few +toggles, directing the ship's computer to scan for the bio'badges, +which all Starfleet personnel wore on their uniforms. The badges +constantly informed the computer of the person's location and +medical condition, so C'dez found the officers rather easily, and +was able to tell that they were unconscious. + "Officers are ungonscious, Gaptain," C'dez said, in his best +interpretation of the Galacta language, "They are in viewing room +three, Regreation Degg." + Hackley was about to compliment C'dez when the sensor beeped +at him again. + "Gaptain, the officers are gone!" + Hackley stood and walked up to the science monitor. The +monitor showed a schematic of the viewing room, and the last known +location of the officers, and seven other life forms. + + "Why are we always fighting pirates, lately?" Peter wondered. +"I'm still healing from the last ones." + "Just a stroke of luck," Mark answered. He fired and dropped +a guard standing outside a room with a red dotted line on the door. +Peter had identified the line as the standard Orion graphic for +weapons. Orion pirates wanted independence so bad, they had +created they're own signs for everything, and then boasted about +them for some reason, letting everyone know what they looked like. + When the other guard had fallen under Jim's blast, the +officers ran to the door. The door opened as the officers neared +it, and they continued running right in. Mark looked around just +in time to see a weapon swing towards his head. He groaned as the +impact sent him to the floor. Before long, the other three had +been knocked out. + + "Sganning the segtor, sir," C'dez reported. + "Good. Let me know what happens." + "Nothing, sir. Segtor still shows empty." + Hackley frowned. No ships in the sector. Only my ship in the +sector. Only the Starbase in the sector. No missing officers in +the sector, of course. + "Captain," Rebecca spoke up, "search for ion trails." + Hackley looked up. "What?" + "Ion trails, sir. A cloaked vessel could be holding the +officers, but any impulse drive emits ion exhaust." + "Yes," Hackley said, "C'dez, scan for ion trails. Activate +all sensors to standby for the appearance of a cloaked ship. If it +is a cloaked ship, it could be Klingon or Romulan." + + "Why won't they answer?" the Orion demanded, grabbing Mark's +arm. + "Maybe," he mumbled, "their batteries are dead." + The Orion growled and knocked Mark to the floor again. He +happened to land next to Jim, who looked at him. Mark followed +Jim's eyes as they went from him, down to his bio'badge, and up to +the panel above his head. He had tried to land there after he was +hit by the butt of the Orion's blaster. Mark looked at the panel +and scratched his hip, moving his hand toward the bio'badge at his +navel. + Jim looked at John, who was watching them intently. He +glanced at the Orion standing next to the viewer, and John nodded +slightly. Peter also nodded when Jim glanced at the guard nearest +him. + "I want them to answer!" the Orion screamed. + "Shaddap!" John yelled. + The Orion turned and slapped him. As John's head whipped to +the side, he made his leg react as well, tripping the Orion and +alerting the other guards. + As one guard moved toward his commander, Peter grabbed his leg +and pulled him down. The guard in the corner pulled out his +blaster, but was felled by the weapon John had taken from the +commander. The final guard was caught by Jim as he stood and +grabbed the guard's arm. A fist caught the Orion's jaw, and he +fell. + + "No ion trails in sensor range, Gaptain." + "Thank you, C'dez," Hackley said. He sat in his chair and +tapped his fingers. "The vessel is stationary, if it's here," he +said. + "No, it's been here awhile," Rebecca said. "If it was moving +at all within the last eight hours, the trails would show up. This +is a spy ship, sir." + "Communications," Hackley said, "send to the Starbase. +Request sensor data for the last month. Have it downloaded to the +ship's computer." + The Communications officer on duty turned and contacted the +Starbase. She stopped and looked at the control panel, puzzled. +She turned back to Captain Hackley. "Sir, Orions are hailing us!" + "On screen," Hackley said. On the forward viewer, space was +replaced by an image of an Orion in yellow goggles. + "We hold four prisoners," the Orion said, "from the United +Federation of Planets, including the perfectly rated officer, Mark +Krawczyk. This is a testimony to all, that the Orions can conquer +all of you at any time. However, we are going to show mercy. We +demand only a trade. The prisoners, for five transport vessels, +full of dilithium." + Hackley turned to the Communications officer and motioned for +her to close the channel. "Locate the transmission point, C'dez. +They must have a good reason for breaking their cover. +Suggestions?" + "They won't give the officers back, sir," Rebecca said. + "Why not?" Hackley asked. + "They must have broken their cover out of desperation. They +wouldn't make a fair trade in their position. They can get out +easily with their cloaking device. My guess is that they need to +use their bargaining chips now, before they're broken." + Hackley looked worried, "You're saying, the officers may be +hurt, and the Orions want to get as much from them as they can?" + "That's my opinion, sir." + Hackley looked at the viewer. "Well, we'll have to steal +their chips, then." + + The Orion commander was trying to get up and grabbing at John +when Mark pulled out the "whatsit" and pried open the panel Jim had +referred him to. Peter jumped on the guard he had downed, and +didn't see the guard Jim had slugged get up and run for the alarm. +Jim was helping to get the panel off and pushing buttons, and +didn't see when his former victim hit the alarm, either. + The door opened, and reinforcements arrived. John fired on +two of them before they figured out what was happening, and was +pulled to the floor by the commander he had tripped earlier. Peter +pulled out his guard's weapon and shot two more. As three more +guard came in and aimed their weapons, Mark pulled the panel off of +the computer system and pointed to a small box. Jim began studying +the wires, and Mark turned to the noise of blaster fire. He stood +and kicked the Orion commander off of John, then hit the deck when +the three newly arrived guards aimed at him. Peter fired at one, +but the others made him jump out of the way. Jim looked up and saw +the problem, then looked back to the electronics. He looked at the +"whatsit," and jammed it into the system. As the console exploded, +Mark took advantage of the distraction to grab one more guard. + + "Gaptain!" + "Yes, C'dez?" Hackley said. + "A vessel is de-gloaging!" + "What?" + Rebecca answered, "De-cloaking, sir. Look!" + On the viewer, an Orion gunboat faded into existence. + "Transporter room," Hackley called, "lock on to our officers +and beam them out!" + "There's no communications lock, sir," the transporter +officer's voice replied. + "Do it, anyway!" Hackley said, "Sickbay, standby in +transporter room one." + + The guards aimed at Peter. He had nowhere to go. Mark tried +to get to the armed Orions, but was subdued by the guard he had +grabbed. Jim was scrambling away from the fire on the control +panel. John was buried under the Orion commander. + The guards pulled the triggers. Peter winced as a golden wave +washed over him. The other officers were enveloped in the golden +blanket, then the transporter beam took them away. + They opened their eyes and saw a surprised transporter +officer. The officer tapped the intercom. "Bridge, I've got +them!" + The officers looked around, then moved toward the doors. + + "Close channel." + "Aye, sir." + Hackley took a deep breath and turned as the turbolift doors +opened. He saw his four officers walk in, one of them with a +bloody lip, another with an orange fluid spilled all over him. +They were all smiling. + "Thank you, sir," Jim said, "They couldn't have gotten closer +than that." + "You should compliment Ensign Dorin, here," Hackley said, +"She's the one who reported your disappearance, and made some +rather brilliant deductions." + The officers looked at each other, then at the navigator. She +looked back at them, and smiled brightly. "Hi, guys." + + Captain's log - Stardate 5055.6 + The Orion pirates have been taken into custody. Ensign Dorin +has proven herself qualified to be aboard the Valiant, not as a +navigator, but as a friend. Commodore Holsten is sending us back +to the Zone, without a First Officer. I believe I'm at peace, now. +We are leaving Starbase 23 within the hour. + + "Of course not!" Mark said, in a faked surprised tone, "I was +never serious about that. It was all a joke!" + "Was it?" + "Sure! Why would I want to marry her, when I've just met +you?" + Rebecca smiled and looked around the messhall. + "It sure is nice, here," she said, "everyone is happy with +each other." + "Yeah, we're one big, happy family," Mark said, and looked up. +"Hey!" + Jim stopped and looked at him. "I didn't want to bother you, +you're obviously busy." + Mark glared at him. "I've been meaning to talk to you." + "About what?" + "You trashed my 'whatsit'" + Jim shook his head, "You've gotta be kidding." + Mark glowered at him, "You know how hard it is to get one of +those things?" + Jim glared back, "You want it? Go get it! You should've told +me it was so important, I would've given it to you instead of +destroying the Orions' cloaking device!" + Rebecca giggled. Mark and Jim looked at her, then looked at +each other. They guessed at each other's thoughts, glanced at +Rebecca, winked at each other, then laughed themselves. + The Valiant glided away from Starbase 23, and into open space. + +-- +------------------------------------------------------------------ +James Queen | STAR TREK VOYAGES +------------| +We miss | Created by James Queen and Mark TaiLore +Gene, Rod, | Based on "Star Trek" created by Gene Roddenberry +and Barry | +------------| Follow the adventures of the USS Valiant. + +STDNT163: WASHINGTON HIGH SCHOOL, MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN, 53210 +------------------------------------------------------------------ + diff --git a/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/w95_trek.txt b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/w95_trek.txt new file mode 100644 index 00000000..72f97ec2 --- /dev/null +++ b/textfiles.com/sf/STARTREK/w95_trek.txt @@ -0,0 +1,149 @@ +as789@cleveland.Freenet.Edu Francisco J. Diaz at Case +Western Reserve University wrote: + +"Sulu, set path to the floppy drive. Scotty, fit the hard drive with the +Microsoft Windows 95 engine. Chekov, prepare the install disks, we're about to +begin a sequel." + +"Captain, Windows 95 doesn't do SQL." + +"Right. Then let's see how she performs at task speed. Scotty?" + +"Captain, are you sur-r-re you want to r-r-replace the system? If ye put +Windows code into a true 32-bit multitasking environment, we'll risk a +matter-antimatter explosion!" + +"Scotty, that's an order." + +"Aye, Captain, but she's just not ready. She needs a proper beta shakedown." + +"That's what we're doing, Scotty. Chekov, how are those install disks coming?" + +"We're on disk 5, sir." + +"Good. Spock?" + +"Fascinating, Captain. It appears as if Windows 95 is +scanning our hardware and +mutating to adapt." + +"Then, Spock, can you tell me why it is saying it can't use +the Microsoft sound +card, which works fine as configured under Windows 3.1?" + +"Unknown, Captain." + +"Will it use a ProAudio Spectrum?" + +"Unknown, Captain." + +"How about a Sound Blaster?" + +"Unknown, Captain." + +"What good are you, anyway?" + +"Box-office attraction, Captain." + +"Bones?" + +"I'm a doctor, not a hardware technician." + +"Spock, cancel the Microsoft sound card and install the ProAudio Spectrum. +Chekov, finish the software installation. Sulu, reboot the system when it's +ready and prepare to go to task speed on my signal." + +"Aye, aye, Captain." + +"Chekov?" + +"We've just entered the desktop zone, Captain." + +"Captain, she canna take it much more. Another 15 sectors and the engines'll +burn up fer sur-r-re." + +"Scotty, we haven't even started yet." + +"Sorry, Captain, I just haven't had a line in so long..." + +"Sulu, go to task 1. Bring up the README.TXT in the Notepad." + +"Aye, Captain." + +"Wait a minute. Cancel that order. Plot a shortcut to the README.TXT in the +desktop zone. We'll be navigating back there frequently." + +"Yes, sir." + +"Spock?" + +"It seems as if we have a hardware conflict, sir. The ProAudio Spectrum 16 +isn't responding, either in sound or SCSI." + +"Disable the card, Spock." + +"I'm sorry, sir. It won't disable the SCSI without stopping the sound card +first. And it won't disable the sound card without disabling the SCSI first." + +"Captain, an enemy ship is approaching at 12 o'clock." + +"[Looks at watch.] Good, that gives us a little more time to debug these +systems." + +"No, sir. The ship is already upon us." + +"Uhura?" +"Scanning all frequencies, sir. I'm trying to get an image, +sir, but the system +is awfully slow." + +"Scotty, what's happening down there..." +"Quick, Sulu, bring up the README.TXT file." + +"Captain -- it's gone. Some other task in the system must +have moved or changed +it." + +"Long-range scan, Chekov." + +"I found it, Captain. Wait a minute. This README.TXT file +is for the game Lands +of Lore, with Patrick Stewart doing the voice of King Richard." + +"Patrick Stewart?" +"You've never heard of Patrick Stewart?" + +"No. + +[Boom as the enemy hits ship with photon torpedo, then large zapping sound, +then either ship moves back and forth, or people sway left +and right, depending +on perspective. Sparks fly from console, fires glare, indicating what would +normally be ir-r-reparable damage, yet will be fixed in just minutes.] + +"Sulu, take evasive action; otherwise it's certain doom!" + +"Aye, aye, Captain. It certainly is Doom and I don't mind saying I'm getting +awfully sick of this demo. Doom is one of the most stable games on the market +and it runs under OS/2 with no problems whatsoever." + +"We've got...to get...to the kernel. Uhura...notify...the...kernel at Star +Fleet." + +"Captain, I think either communications is breaking up, or +you're dropping into +melodramatic Shakespearean stammer mode again." + +"Spock?" + +"Fascinating, Captain. It would seem that the needs of the few have outweighed +the needs of the many." + +"Scotty, get us out of here!" + +"Sorry, Captain, the engine is no longer responding! We'll have to do a hard +boot to r-r-recover." + +"Bones?" + + \ No newline at end of file