Timeline

Note: I wrote this a long time ago and I realize the list of reasons why this story wouldn't work is probably longer than the story itself. However, it's still fun to read, as it shows what was in my head when I was twelve. Also, it is in the form of a script, which makes it impossible to add every little movement of Data's head in. I guess my point is that as you read it, feel free to add details of your own.

Scene opens on busy city sidewalk just after sundown on a winters night. A young woman (Alex) struggling with several grocery bags passes a confused looking Data standing in the middle of the sidewalk looking around.

Alex: Lieutenant commander Data!

Data: (turns around) how do you know my name?

Alex: (sets down bags) every Trekkie does. You just came from some sort of convention, right? Your costume is spectacular.

Data: Trekkie? This term in unfamiliar to me.

Alex: Your not a fan, are you?

Data: Fan of what? Where are we?

Alex: (picks up grocery bags and pulls Data into an alley) Commander, it's 20**. And you're not real in this world.

*The Next Generation theme plays*

Scene opens with human form of Q sitting in an office in front of a black computer screen.

Q: (amused) Alternate timelines are so much fun. You can show them a few hundred years of another timeline and they think it's fake. Which to them I suppose it is. (Pause) I do hope that Data is enjoying his little trip. I would have brought captain Picard, but Data will be a better source of entertainment. The android who wants to be human. What heartwarming story.

(Back in the ally with Data and Alex)

Data: 2015? Are you suggesting that I have time traveled?

Alex: something like that. Come with me, we got to get out of here. (Alex and Data grab grocery bags and run. They run a block down the sidewalk and then turn into an apartment building. They barely make it through the closing elevator doors. There is already an old lady (Mrs. Larson) in the elevator.)

Alex: (panting) Hello Mrs. Larson.

Mrs. Larson: what's the rush Alexa? And who's the boy?

Alex: (presses elevator button for the fourth floor) No hurry. Just didn't feel like waiting for the next elevator, that's all. Oh, and this is my um...

Mrs. Larson: Boyfriend?

Alex: Yeah, this is my boyfriend Da… umm... Derek.

Mrs. Larson: nice to meet you Derek.

Data: Nice to meet you too.

Mrs. Larson: (Elevator dings and Mrs. Larson gets off) Alexa, tell your boyfriend it's okay to wear two pieces of clothing.

Alex: Alright Mrs. Larson. (Elevator doors close) Whew.

Data: What is this machine that we are in?

Alex: it's an elevator commander. It works similarly to a turbo lift, but it's much less sophisticated. (Elevator doors open and Alex runs out, Data follows. When she reaches apartment 412, Alex pulls out a key and quickly unlocks door. Data and her slip into the room. Alex locks door and hangs up coat, hat, and scarf on hooks.)

Data: How—

Alex: (cutting Data off) I'll explain everything. Promise. I just... It's a lot to take in... For both of us. (Takes groceries from Data and begins to put them away.) I believe that there are multiple timelines, different possibilities of what could or has happened. There is no real one, because they all exist together at the same time.

Data: So you are saying I have traveled to your timeline from mine?

Alex: Yes commander.

Data: You can call me Data.

Alex: Right. Anyways, someone brought you here, or perhaps you went through some sort of wormhole thing in space.

Data: Interesting, but it does not explain how you know about me.

Alex: I don't know if I should tell you. When you get back to your timeline– if you get back to your timeline, it could affect you if told someone. Or it could affect the decisions you make, even if you don't realize it. I'm sure you'll understand. It's similar to the prime directive.

Data: I could delete all records of this incident as soon as it is over.

Alex: Of course, you're an android. Alright then. Your from Star Trek.

Data: Star Trek?

Alex: It's a television show. There are several different ones from different times on Enterprise and even other ships in your timeline. (Pause) Oh, that's a television. (Points to T.V.)

Data: You can see everything I do?

Alex: Not exactly. We'll watch an episode later and you'll see what I mean. I wonder… how far are you through your adventures?

Data: To answer that I would need a reference point.

Alex: Have you met Q at Farpoint yet?

Data: No.

Alex: Then when we watch Star Trek later everything you see will be your future. Anymore questions?

Data: Many.

Alex: I feel like I'm teaching a bunch of 5-year-olds. No offense to you, but it's not every day that your favorite television character who isn't supposed to exist, at least in your timeline, appears in front of you. It's not every day that you go to an alternate timeline too. You must be... Well, be glad you don't have emotions. I know you want them, but right now I'm buried in an emotional landslide. I don't know whether to be happy, or angry, or exited, or worried... (Pause) Sorry I'm jabbering a lot. (Blushes and Pulls out leftover pizza from the fridge and puts it in the microwave.)

Data: What is that?

Alex: (points to microwave) The microwave?

Data: yes. What is its purpose?

Alex: It's used to heat up food.

Data: By sending out micro waves that excite water molecules. Clever.

Alex: (takes pizza out of microwave and puts it on a plate) Want to watch some Star Trek now? Find out what's in your future?

Data: I would find it most interesting.

Alex: (Turns on tv and puts on the first episode of Star Trek: the next generation.)

*screen blacks out and then comes back*

Alex: (Yawns) Alright. Four episodes is enough for me. You can keep watching if you like.

Data: I think I'll look through your database.

Alex: You mean the internet?

Data: Yes.

Alex: Go ahead. I'm going to go to bed.

*screen blacks out until the next morning*