Star Trek
The Next Generation
"Mystery Being"
Chapter 1
The Enterprise-E came out of warp speed, settling down to full impulse. The command crew was sitting in the bridge, ready for battle. They were at the Romulan Neutral Zone to investigate the destruction of three starbases. Red lights flashed in Captain Picard's eyes. He looked at Data and said, "Any disturbances or ships in the area?"
"No sir," replied Data. "In fact, there's almost nothing in this area."
"Are there any traces of weapons' fire?" asked Commander Riker.
Data tapped his touch-screen console a few times and then said, "Yes, but not of Starfleet or Romulan grade. Not of any known species."
"We'd better contact Starfleet," said Captain Picard, "to warn them of this new threat." The com officer tapped his screen.
"Unable to establish communications," said a female, computerized voice. Then, there was a flash of light on the viewscreen and a ship appeared. It wasn't like any other ship they'd encountered before. It appeared to be made up of large crystals, sticking out like swords.
Static sounded over the speakers, and then an indescribable voice said, "Crew of NCC-1701-Alpha, surrender your crew and you will die quickly. If you don't comply, you will die slowly."
Captain Picard gulped before saying, "We will never surrender!"
"That's fine," came the voice. "More fun for us." One of the crystals lit up, and then a phaser beam shot out of it and hit the side of the saucer section.