TESTIMONY
by CyberMum



Note: This is my Strange New Worlds reject. It's a piece that has been revised,
reworked and edited far too many times and I send it out into cyberspace hoping
that it will not come back to haunt me...again...



I stand before you waiting to be judged. Accused of crimes I have not yet
committed. In the past, which is my future, I made a choice. And now I must
choose again.
* * * * * * * *
It was to be a simple mission. One or two small experiments - a trial of our
newest equipment - a basic scouting expedition, nothing more.
As you may know, we at the Institute have been aware of the existence of several
small systems outside our own for a fairly long time. They hover at the edge of
our consciousness, unimportant and unnecessary to our studies. Every once in a
while one of the smaller of the planets we have identified as inhabited might
capture the attention of a junior scientist, but this interest is always
discouraged. After all, we are involved in important research for the good of
the Commonwealth. An insignificant, obviously underdeveloped planetoid in a
distant galaxy should in no way distract any one of us from our work.
But during a recent, and I must add, highly unusual, lull in our investigations,
one of my younger team members came to me with some interesting data. It seemed
that a satellite buoy had picked up a signal which significantly corresponded to
that of a small planet in the third binary system. A single vessel emitting the
same primitive communications marker was travelling along the outskirts of our
territories.
"Director," my young colleague was hesitant, yet his intense excitement was
evident. "I think this might be worth pursuing. Wouldn't it make sense to at
least see who they are, and what they want? Perhaps they can provide some new
data for our research. I've done some preliminary testing and their ship's
environment seems to be compatible with our life systems. Their communication
indicates an interest in obtaining knowledge outside their own sphere of
experience. However if we could send a small probe into that sector and not be
detected...." His voice trailed off for a moment, but I knew what was coming. "A
manned probe" he continued "could get there and back quite easily. And no one
outside the Department would have to know. It would be a perfect opportunity to
test the temporal extension device."
"A manned probe," I said carefully "is extremely risky. Remember what happened
the last time the Commonwealth tried to communicate with a lesser species. It
led to an inter-planetary incident that took years of diplomacy to straighten
out. I'm not sure now is the time to risk more possible confrontations or
conflicts with unknown civilizations. And I use that term loosely," I continued.
"Who knows what sort of species inhabits that craft."
The Institute is divided into several sections, each one responsible for a
particular area of study. Our division looks after matters of time. We are
charged with developing ways to manipulate time for maximum usage. We have had
significant success recently with time reversal. And some with time renewal. But
we have not yet been able to extend time. A probe manned by a member of our team
who could conduct tests and experiments in a totally new and therefore, for our
purposes, sterile environment would provide invaluable material for our
database. Field testing at its best.
I have become a bureaucrat. I have risen through the ranks of the Department at
a slow and steady pace. I have adhered to protocols, followed procedures and
have always listened to and obeyed the wishes of my superiors throughout my
career. In short, I submit, I have been an exemplary member of the programme,
whatever my office. But in my core - in my heart - I am still an explorer. I
crave the joy of discovery. The satisfaction of implementing my theories
successfully. Is that not a trait of a true scientist? To continually quest for
answers to the unanswered? To constantly seek out the new and use it to enhance
what is established? I freely admit I was intrigued. I rationalised that this
could be - would be - quite an opportunity for our Department.
I nodded at my eager associate. "Write up a proposal" I said. He shuffled
slightly and couldn't quite conceal a slight grin as he handed me his data
block. "It's all here sir. I took the liberty of preparing one. Along with an
equipment list."
* * * * * * * *
There was tacit agreement amongst the staff that this particular expedition was
not to be discussed outside the Department. There were a variety of reasons for
this; bureaucracy and red tape resulting long delays for permission and travel
grants; and of course the desire to be able verify our theories and present them
with a flourish to the Bureau, proven and ready to implemented. Departmental
rivalry, as you know, is quite prevalent these days.
I knew that I was going to go. The project after all, was mine. As director of
the Department I felt I should take full and total responsibility for the
mission. And it had been a long time since I had been in the field. Too long.
* * * * * * * *
My journey was uneventful. I passed the time fine-tuning the extension device,
conducting tests and trial runs on each and every one of its components, and
reviewing the resultant data. I was moderately successful in interpreting the
information contained in the communications signal that we had detected. It was
a small ship with a minimal crew. Although they were armed, their weapons would
pose no threat to me. I was able to determine we were correct in our assumption
they were a relatively primitive species and that their scientific knowledge was
basic. I was confident I would be able to walk among them undetected thanks to
the recent advances Department Fourteen has made in the areas of camouflage and
protective concealment.
I approached my destination cautiously and prepared myself carefully, ensuring
once again I had the extension device properties and the protocols of the
exercise straight, re-inspecting equipment, and reviewing the checklist that
that my young colleague had so eagerly provided. My first priority was to find
an entry point.
* * * * * * * *
As anticipated, I was able to conceal my craft by creating a fissure in their
shields and tethering the probe to the wake the small tear created. I was
confident I would not be discovered. But I also needed some access to the
indigenous population. I scanned and quickly determined my destination to be an
area in the-mid section of the vessel. After a quick but thorough survey I
decided to conduct my work in the middle of a sparsely populated sector which
was located conveniently close to the source of the communication signal that we
had originally detected.
I timed my arrival to occur during a change in their duty shifts. I wanted to
take no chances, and although I was cloaked, the extra activity and resultant
slight change in atmospheric conditions was just that much added insurance that
my entrance would be masked. All went as planned and I came down easily, still
perfectly camouflaged. I settled in a protected area not far from the centre of
what was obviously the ship's arboretum.
It was simple enough to secure my position. There was little activity except for
the few aliens involved in their tasks, and one or two small mammals contained
in well maintained cages. The animals exhibited only instinctive behaviour and
no intellectual curiosity. All the vegetation in the room was non-sentient.
I proceeded as planned and began with a small experiment. I had quickly
determined the ship's time cycle was on a tight rotation and that each period
was divided into partitions similar to our own - with equitable divisions
between dark and light. I had also noticed that the vegetation, although
seemingly dormant, responded almost imperceptibly to the light in the room. I
focused my attention on these plants, working on extending the duration of the
light's time above them, and immediately reversing the effect. The results were
encouraging but inconclusive. I proceeded to work with several of the animals. I
assure you I was extremely careful not to damage them in any way. In fact, in
some cases, I believe that their lives were slightly prolonged as a result of my
attempts. But again, the outcomes of the tests, although promising, were
incomplete.
I had been working for quite a while, although well within my allotted time
frame. But I began to feel the need to venture a bit farther afield. I had been
attempting to lengthen the amounts of time I was using with the device -
extending myself into the future, so to speak. The ship's conditions for this
type of trial had proven to be optimal, but I had exhausted all the plant and
animal life in the immediate vicinity. Any more experiments upon them might have
been detrimental to their well being - and I was still reluctant to experiment
with the aliens themselves. I knew that I might be endangering the project and
myself by changing venues, but I admit I was caught up in the work and the
increasingly favourable statistics that had begun to emerge.
I packed my equipment into a small portable case, double-checked that the probe
was secured and set out. I won't deny that my curiosity - and my excitement - at
this point overcame my caution. But everything was going well, I had confidence
in my camouflage, and I felt I could afford to explore a little bit.
* * * * * * * *
The vessel was well built. Space was efficiently used, and the muted colours and
soft lighting were pleasantly reminiscent of our own laboratories. The
temperature was warmer than I was used to, but the air's odour was agreeable and
surprisingly similar to what my life systems were accustomed to breathing.
The hallway outside the arboretum was deserted and offered me no subjects. I
needed living material for further study. I rounded a corner and proceeded into
a second corridor. Here I encountered the first of my hosts. Actually the first
and second. A pair of them, engaged in verbal communication passed by me almost
immediately. I stopped dead, barely daring to breathe until they were well by
me. They gave no indication that anything was amiss and I offered a silent word
of approval to the staff of Department Fourteen. Their equipment was
field-testing well.
Several more of the aliens were approaching. Emboldened by my recent successes
and now feeling even more secure in my cloaking I decided to conduct several
minor extension tests. I rationalised that since the outcome of my work with the
plants and the smaller animals had been only positive, there would be no harm in
trying a few simple experiments. And the ship's long corridors were an ideal
testing ground. Their length versus the aliens' pace would provide a perfect
indicator of how the small increases that I made to their time units impacted
upon their cycles, as well as their physiology. I state now, unequivocally, that
I knew that this would contravene all protocols and is, of course, a punishable
offence, but at the time I felt the possible end results justified my actions. I
ducked into a conveniently located alcove and quickly set up my equipment.
I conducted several simple tests. I was able to extend and reverse the time
units quite successfully, for longer and longer periods with no discernible
effect on my subjects.
* * * * * * * *
I continued on my way, pleased with my accomplishments, and secure in the
knowledge that I was undetectable. What I did not realize was that although my
body was well hidden, I was leaving a trail - a footprint - in my wake. Although
my hosts' environment was indeed similar to ours, there were enough differences
that my body's natural secretions had become over active in order to compensate
for deficiencies in the atmosphere.
In retrospect, it's almost understandable that I didn't notice them. I was so
caught up in my work, and so pleased with my achievements I admit I was
careless. I had just successfully completed the longest extension yet. And that
was part of the problem. Two members of the ship's crew were suddenly almost
upon me. They had probably been some distance behind me, and had been caught up
in the experiment. The extension had moved them forward without my knowing, and
there they were. There was no chance to do the reversal. I heard them before I
saw them, but I was still confident in my camouflage. I turned to face them and
froze. My track was evident and they couldn't fail to observe it.
They showed a great degree of composure as they faced what must have been for
them, an uncertain situation. The larger of the two, the male, was prodding at
my footprints with what I took to be a weapon. It was a bit longer than his arm,
cylindrical, with a rounded handle, a narrow centre and wide meshed head. I
learned later it was a piece of sports equipment. His actions were not
aggressive, but based in curiosity. Unfortunately he missed his target and
inadvertently struck me. And even more unfortunately, I could not contain a
small cry of pain. That was my undoing.
He prodded again, blindly I think, but hard at me, in surprise more than
anything, and in doing so disengaged my camouflage appliance.
We have all been through the basic drills. "When confronted with an unknown
alien one must endeavour to initiate peaceful relations immediately." But in
this case I was the unknown alien. "When on extra-planetary exploratory and
scientific missions, avoid contact with native population at all costs". It was
certainly too late for that.
I was devastated. I had just contravened almost every protocol and directive
ever issued. And I had jeopardised my department and betrayed my staff, not to
mention the integrity of our work.
I moved forward on an impulse, hoping to reassure them, I think. But the
movement was enough to galvanise them into action. I had no opportunity to
establish a communication pattern with them. The female immediately signalled
for help. The second, the one with the club, lunged at me again. At that moment
the ship lurched violently.
I'm still not quite clear about the subsequent order of events. Suffice it to
say that in the ensuing moments several mistakes were made - on my part and on
theirs. I lost my balance and fell hard against the female. Unfortunately she
had drawn a weapon which even more unfortunately discharged - directly into her
companion.
She regained control almost immediately but by then it was too late. Her
crewmate was down, and fatally wounded. I heard her cry out as she flung herself
down beside him. The sounds of his body emptying of life echoed through my
being.
I only had a moment, and no choice. I turned quickly and grabbed at the
extension device. I hadn't yet reversed my last attempt - the one that had
brought on this disaster. If I could do that and extend the reversal time, I
could, I hoped, erase this whole episode. But time itself was at a premium here.
I had to move quickly in order for the device to work. I set the controls and
activated.
And therein lay my second error. Oh, the alien was restored, all right. But I
had neglected several calculations in my haste, and his companion, as well as
the security team she had summoned were witnesses to the entire procedure.
There was nothing more I could do without destroying the integrity of the time
line even more than I already had. As it was I made a bad situation worse. But
the idea of causing the destruction of one of my host creatures was repugnant to
me. I will never regret my decision to restore him.
I faced the two again, as I had earlier, just before they discovered me. However
this time I was able to establish a communication pattern with them immediately
thanks to the extra time provided by the extension. By the time the larger of
the two uncloaked me, I was able to transmit enough, I hoped, to calm him. "I am
an explorer," I explained. "I mean no harm to you or any of your kind. I come in
friendship and in peace and I will leave all things here the way I have found
them."
Once again they froze. But this time I did not move, and they too remained
still. Finally, and surprisingly, the female spoke. "Who are you? What do you
want?" Again she signalled for support: "Janeway to Tuvok. Security alert. Deck
12." They were already there. "Where do you come from? What are you? And what
are you doing on my ship?" she continued.
I was amused. Her questions and manner were calm, authoritative and direct. I
repeated my earlier statement: "I am an explorer," I began again, "I come in
peace..." She interrupted me abruptly. "You said that. But where do you come
from? And how did you bypass our systems?"
We were surrounded by their security team. They were cautious, and yet obviously
prepared to be aggressive. I extended my communications link to them as well.
"What just happened here?" she continued. "What did I just see you do?"
"I am a scientist and an explorer," I said once more. "I am here to prove some
of the theories we have developed regarding the manipulation of units of time."
"And you kill to do this?" Her manner became more hostile as she spoke.
"Exactly the opposite," I tried to reassure her. "Indeed, I have restored this
creature to life. He had fallen..."She interrupted me. "I saw what you did," she
said, "and I..."
"Captain," the leader of the security team interrupted. "Indeed the creature did
revive the Commander. However I recommend..." "Oh I agree Tuvok," she said
quickly.
"You did see that," I replied. "The machine you saw me use was the one that I
have come here to test. Fortunately for all of us it seems to be working." I
couldn't help adding.
The human, for that is the name by which her species goes, studied me intently.
I stood calmly and waited for her to finish. She nodded, finally, and said "I
don't know why, but I believe you. And I did see you reverse Chakotay's death.
At least I think I did."
"Thank you."
She held out her hand and indicated that she wished to examine the extension
device. I felt I had no choice but to comply. I removed it from its case and
passed it to her. She turned it over and over, examining it carefully.
"I too am a scientist. And the captain of this vessel. Kathryn Janeway of the
Federation Star Ship Voyager." she said. "This is an amazing piece of
equipment." "We received your signal," I explained.
"I see." she said. "We've recently re-established communications with our home
planet. We had no indication that our signal had been received by anyone or" she
added softly, "anything else."
"Will you come with me please?" It was not really a question. "You have a lot to
tell us, I'm sure. And I'd like our doctor to have a look at you. I think you
might be injured." I looked down at myself and noticed a slight tear in my
epidermal layer.
"Easily repaired" I said. "I can take care of it myself." "Nonetheless, you will
come with us" she reiterated firmly.
Of course I went with them. What else could I do? I believed, I still believe,
that my co-operation was imperative for all our sakes.
Perhaps to put me at my ease, and show her trust, the captain handed me the
extension device.
I had no desire to start an incident. Or to cause my hosts any more distress. I
wanted to learn more about them, too. I also needed the time to marshal my
thoughts. I had started to formulate a plan that I felt might work to extricate
myself from this predicament.
As we made our way through the ship, we exchanged information. Although the
human race is relatively undeveloped, and our physiologies extremely different,
our values are surprisingly similar. They too cherish their young, are concerned
about their environment, and value arts and culture as well as science and
technology. Above all else they seem to treasure the freedom of individuality.
The captain told me of their odyssey across our quadrant, and their
determination to reach their home world. She also explained that her crew was
made up of many different species and all worked well together. Indeed I had
noticed the diversity in their security unit and had made a note of it.
Something that would be of great interest to Department Eleven, I think.
I told them as little as I could about our world.
As we walked I worked surreptitiously to reprogram the extension device. The
security team, having satisfied themselves that I was indeed co-operating and
meant no harm, had dispersed upon their captain's order although the leader
followed behind us at a discreet distance. I was able to distract my hosts with
my questions and answers enough to keep them from noticing what I was doing.
We were approaching their medical facility and I knew I had to act quickly. I
activated the apparatus and turned to my companions. "I'm sorry," I said. "I
would have liked to..."
They realised what I was doing and lunged at me. We struggled. Again Voyager
bucked - I now believe the ship's sudden motion to be directly related to the
duration of the extension. In the ensuing confusion the Commander dislodged the
device from its casing. It fell to the ground just as the extension began. I
watched in horror as the Captain tried desperately to catch it as it rolled past
her and down the corridor. The Commander and I both grabbed for the machine at
the same time, and in doing so we dislodged the safety controls and
inadvertently changed its settings. The extension became a reversal and I could
do nothing to halt the process. Although by this time I had conducted numerous
trials with the device, it had not occurred to me to try a double reversal. I am
still not clear whether it was that second reversal, or the quick change to the
settings, or even extended use of the machine itself - perhaps it was a
combination of all those things - and I would like the opportunity to duplicate
the situation again if I could - but suffice it to say that the next few moments
were dramatic. All three of us were flung backward - backward down the corridor
of the ship they call Voyager, and backward in time. It was as if we were in a
tunnel or funnel and could find no purchase. It was an interminable journey that
sped by in an instant. I can only speculate what the other two were
experiencing.
* * * * * * * *
My office. Through the doorway I could see the laboratory, my scientists quietly
intent upon their work. My young colleague was handing me his proposal. I looked
up at him and nodded. And froze. Captain Janeway and Commander Chakotay stood
just behind him. "Director?" He turned gaped and turned back to me. "Director?"
He repeated. My... guests stepped forward. "I think we have a problem." The
Captain said calmly.
* * * * * * * *
We were able to return them to their ship, and to their own timeline. As I
mentioned earlier, we have had great success with time reversal. It was a
routine procedure. They will remember all the events of this disaster, but have
promised not to discuss them with any of their crewmates. I believe them. My own
situation is less clear. I beg that you excuse my colleagues from blame. They
were, after all, only following my orders. I ask that you allow the results of
my experiments to stand. The benefits of the results will, I believe, outweigh
my transgressions. The manner in which I was able to restore the human, Chakotay
proves the value of our work. The ability to extend units of time is one we have
long been seeking.
I deserve punishment. And I know that any punishment you mete out will befit my
crimes. I throw myself upon the mercy of this court. I will abide by your
decision and accept any punishment that you choose to impose.
* * * * * * * *
I stand before you waiting to be judged. Accused of crimes I have not yet
committed. In the past, which is my future, I made a choice. And now I must
choose again...