DISCLAIMER: The following is fan fiction utilizing events and characters from FIVE "Star Trek" television series and all related movies. It is fan fiction only… there is NO intent here to collect income or infringe on the trademarks, copyrights, or patented work of others. Please DO NOT use this material for anything other than pure reading enjoyment. If you have been missing at least occasional new "Star Trek" episodes in your life, this is the place to come.

Star Trek: Infinite Diversity

I have not kept up with the "Star Trek" novels the past few years. Since many of the book plots have at times varied from what we see on screen anyway, this storyline is based primarily upon the episodes that we have viewed at home on TV and the movies we've watched while munching popcorn in the theatres.

If you haven't read my other stories yet, I strongly urge you to do so BEFORE reading this one. Although I have tried to write stand-alone episodes, there are some common characters involved in each that relate to the sequence in which they were written. One thing inevitably leads to another, and the major characters do evolve and develop over time. Thus the correct reading order is: Absolution, Eternal Soul, Dark Archon, Reign Of Terror & only then should you read "Infinite Diversity". The most recent three are a trilogy of sorts, springing off from a hopefully surprising development during the conclusion of "Eternal Soul".

Each time I do a "Trek" story I have done my best to add something unique and different to the mix and yet stay true to the original heart and soul that has defined "Star Trek". As part of my ongoing effort to tip my cap to my favorite Science Fiction series of all time, each chapter in this story is named after one of the episodes from "Deep Space Nine". During "Reign of Terror", my last story, I used episode names from the original "Star Trek". Since the writers of "Deep Space Nine" also put a lot of thought and creative imagination into many of their own titles, I have decided to once again "borrow" something from the real shows for my own chapters. After all, in my earlier stories I had to think up quite a few original names of my own, and it's a lot tougher process than it may at first appear to be! Thus each episode title chosen in this tale is meant to pay tribute to the show, but will also reflect the events of each chapter in this particular storyline. It's a fun challenge that worked out well last time out.

Past Prologue

Preserver star cluster 112, Council of the Elders, 5.2 million years in the future

Commander Frank Roberts, the very human looking Data-Class android from Starfleet's past, arrived precisely on time at the massive auditorium serving as the meeting place for the Preserver's Council of Elders. Although he was exactly the same height and weight as the original Data, his hair color was a lighter shade of brown and his facial features completely different. Many of his colleagues in the distant past preferred to retain the original appearance of their common ancestor, but some of them purposefully varied their appearance, personality, and even on occasion gender. Roberts himself had a distinct maverick streak… a trait easily confirmed by his past decisions and more prominently by his unexpected decision to remain in the future with the Preservers. He was now the official, recognized leader of the Federation delegation – appointed to replace the infamous Sentinel. Somewhat ironically the positronically powered android was also the chief negotiator representing humanity along with all other species native to the Milky Way galaxy.

The Preservers continued to be a very ancient, long lived culture comprised of thousands of different species. Their history spanned countless millennia and – in rare cases – even crossed into alternate realities. Recently and unexpectedly, Starfleet officials living in the distant past discovered that they now possessed a voice in everything this species said and did. The Preservers had once roamed the Milky Way, after all, terra forming and oftentimes even creating entire, habitable planets out of otherwise dead worlds. At times they had even stabilized dying stars or corrected the orbit of planets that were not quite situated properly in order to cultivate new life.

Everywhere they traveled the Preservers had seeded living plants, animals and humanoids on countless worlds. Repeatedly and efficiently, their culture worked tirelessly, striving to leave behind conditions that would encourage biology to flourish. In many ways they had proven to be the antithesis of Starfleet, since those who ruled the Council of Elders were driven by a strong desire to deliberately interfere in the affairs of others. They were also willing to live with the consequences of those actions, and had even been adversely impacted by them on occasion. The Sentinel's outrageous plans for the Milky Way had prompted Data, Captain of the U.S.S. Relativity, to intervene in his affairs. His counterattack had left the Preserver computer systems crashed and their technology useless, leading to the hasty departure of the Sentinel and installation of Frank Roberts in his place.

But their sole purpose in living was to share the experience… they wanted new cultures to thrive.

Roberts often attended Council meetings, but even so he permitted himself a quick glance around at the familiar surroundings while entering near the speaking platform. It was immediately obvious that – on a busy day – the spacious chamber could no doubt comfortably seat thousands of people. Judging solely by the walkways strategically positioned at various points between the endless rows of chairs, larger meetings were quite common. Each aisle led directly toward the central stage where a large, beautifully polished wooden podium allowed Council Elders to regularly speak to the various alien species representing the many cultures comprising their massive government. The entire lecture hall was an enclosed room, with beautifully cast gold-trimmed, ivory-colored metallic support pillars spiraling up toward the ceiling to support the massive roof above them. On this particular occasion the usual throngs of people were missing. Only the Magistrate and Chaplain – the pair of leaders in charge of the overall Council – awaited him.

Roberts was dressed similarly to the other two. Each of them wore the soft, silver-toned jackets and charcoal black slacks customarily preferred by active Council members. But whereas the Chaplain had noticeably graying hair, the Magistrate's remained dark black despite his age. Although he chose to keep his hair dyed in order to present the vigorous appearance of youth, the supreme leader of the Council had observed his dark locks thinning considerably as he aged. The extreme maturity of both men was readily apparent simply by observing the deeply lined wrinkles and soft brown spots on their faces and hands. Roberts moved to a position in front of the podium and proceeded toward the edge of the stage. He came to a stop in front of them with his head bowed respectfully, a formality commonly offered to the senior Elders by anyone seeking an audience.

"I have news," announced the android after a prolonged pause. His eyes flickered upward to meet the stern gaze from the other two. The expression on his face was noticeably calm and betrayed nothing.

The Magistrate nodded in response and held up a cautious hand. "Hold for a moment if you would, Commander," he responded in a deep voice that boomed across the stage and its surrounding silence. "I have just received a message from Briea. Your friend Captain Data is in the process of accessing our subspace network's communication resources so that he can establish a direct link with this Council. I am told that his arrival here is imminent, and that he wishes to speak with us."

A small android smile appeared, lighting up Roberts' normally expressionless features. "From what I have heard, Data is no longer a Captain," he commented with obvious intrigue. "A great deal has changed from his perspective."

Less than a minute later the Magistrate's prediction came to pass. A transparent outline of a humanoid figure appeared several meters to the right of Frank Roberts. Gradually over the space of another few seconds the rest of the details filled in, and a familiar, recognizable isomorphic projection of the android that Data had once been finished materializing. "Greetings," the former Relativity Captain announced with his usual aplomb. "I have received Commander Ducane's distress call from the past and understand that we are facing yet another unexpected… situation."

"Indeed we are," replied the Magistrate tersely. "And once again we have the Sentinel to thank as the spark for this latest fire. His duplicate of Dr. Tolian Soran has seized a sophisticated Preserver electronics vessel and used it to travel into Starfleet's past." The obviously troubled leader of the Council shook his head with obvious frustration before finally taking a deep breath and regaining full control of his composure. He placed his hands on either side of the podium and clutched its surface tightly. "Even though he was subsequently banished from this Council and all of its Guild memberships, the aftereffects of the Sentinel's dubious plan for your home galaxy continue to haunt us."

The Chaplain stepped forward, his own demeanor serious. Nevertheless, his expression was noticeably less grim than that of his colleague. "Dr. Soran took a RI-CAD headset with him – a Remote Interface, Command Access Device. It permits him to interface his thought process directly with all of our computerized subspace resources, and is very similar in design and capability to the one regularly used by the Sentinel prior to his dismissal."

"I am interfacing with Briea in order to request the identification protocols for the headset Soran took," Data noted quickly, pausing briefly to process the new information. "I am utilizing the new data to search for any recent activity initiated from Soran's RI-CAD." He paused politely while processing the information, allowing them to digest his words before continuing. "Interesting," Data continued after a moment. "Wherever he is, Soran has not yet attempted to access the network. If he had tried, I would know about such a request and be able to instantly pinpoint a specific location in time and space."

The Chaplain stepped forward to examine Data more closely, studying the detailed projection process that allowed him to create an almost identical, physical duplicate of his android body. "You are no longer a life form in the traditional sense," the Preserver spiritual leader speculated, using his alien intuitive abilities. "However, I sense that your mind is still very active and fully sentient."

"All of my hardware and software is now a part of the Preserver subspace network," agreed Data, casting his head to one side as he spoke the words. His expression appeared to be one of extreme curiosity. "Since electronic communications within the realm are exchanged at a speed many times faster than that of light, the usual lengthy pauses required from me while interacting with humanoids during a normal conversation now feel somewhat odd to me. I never expected that I would forget what life outside the network was like so quickly." He shrugged off the unexpected discomfort almost immediately. "Your message indicated that you believe Soran is in the Alpha Quadrant of Starfleet's home galaxy… most probably its 22nd century. Have you been able to determine why he chose that particular point in time?"

Roberts nodded in response. "Jean-Luc Picard knew Soran better than any of us, and he is virtually certain he knows what the Doctor plans to do." He paused for a moment, silently reviewing memories of a recent discussion he had held with the Sentinel's duplicates of Picard and James Kirk. "The vessel Soran stole is used primarily for replicating large stores of space-based equipment… everything from precision electronics to simple hull plating. Even if he chooses to avoid our subspace network, the RI-CAD headset permits him to interact directly with his ship's computer via a neural interface. That does not bode well for us if we hope to retain Starfleet history in its present form."

The Magistrate's expression grew troubled. "I agree. With that headset Soran has at his disposal all of the abilities that the Sentinel possessed. He can cause a great deal of trouble from that point in Starfleet's history – possibly forever altering your future."

"With respect Magistrate," interjected Data, "now that I have Soran's access code, I can use the newly established security protocols to block a majority of his access rights. Any use he wishes to make of Preserver resources must first be approved directly by me. I possess majority control over the new software enhancements that were only recently implemented to eliminate the corruption and abuse of our technological capabilities outside of subspace. Trust me, even though Soran may have in his possession a RI-CAD, he does not have the ability to control anything other than the resources of the vessel that he took with him."

"That is good to know Data… though his vessel still grants him access to significant resources," the Magistrate replied, stepping away from behind the large podium at the center of the stage. Moving swiftly toward the short, central stairway leading down into the auditorium, the tall, broad-shouldered leader of the Council of the Elders sighed with relief. He came to a stop next to the first row of seating, and – picking out one chair from the surrounding dozens – slowly sat down to relax for a brief moment. Then he glanced up with renewed determination. "We must stop whatever Tolian Soran is planning," declared the Magistrate heatedly. "That ship and crew he took with him was purposefully designed to be a sophisticated, technological manufacturing facility. Using its Omega-charged engine systems, he can literally create whatever tools he wishes to use."

"I am curious… how do we know that the Doctor's intentions are evil?" asked Data inquisitively.

"Well, for one thing Soran has chosen to act in secret – without first seeking the approval of this Council," the Chaplain countered, still lingering near the podium. "Everything he did leading up to his disappearance was deliberately and methodically concealed from us. Those are not the actions of an honorable man. I believe a great deal of mischief is in the works."

"For awhile, Soran was fitting in with our team quite nicely," pointed out Roberts. "The Doctor prefers to work alone, so he was usually on assignment and stationed elsewhere. However, Jean-Luc Picard regularly kept in touch with him to maintain the tentative friendship that they developed following the incident with the Sentinel."

The Magistrate frowned noticeably. "Your preliminary report, Commander, also indicates that Soran abruptly quit seeing his Doctor and even stopped taking critical medications…"

"Yes," acknowledged Roberts. "Initially, Soran's personality fit in well with the Preserver culture. Accustomed to working with Starfleet, he found your laws and policy much less restrictive than the counterparts in our society. In particular he hated our Prime Directive…"

"He likes to meddle in the affairs of others," the Chaplain interjected.

"I do not believe that Soran considers the things that he does to be meddling," stated Roberts informatively. "Picard knows him very well. The Doctor has an extremely narcissistic, obsessive-compulsive personality. He puts his own needs above those of everyone around him, and when he perceives that he has been wronged he works very quickly to resolve the inequity. His decades-long pursuit of the Nexus probe was a direct result of crucial life events spiraling out of his control. Tormented by a reality he could not change, Soran relentlessly sought sanctuary in the only place he had ever found peace… the Nexus."

"Yes," mused the Magistrate thoughtfully. "I have read about the Doctor's obsession with our probe's pleasurable effects. He almost killed millions in his efforts to return to its clutches. That type of behavior from a man who was so angry over the cold-blooded murder of his own people does clearly violate Starfleet's Prime Directive of non-interference. In your society, what he did could also be interpreted as an act of war by the people he tried to kill."

"Traditionally Starfleet waits until societies become technologically advanced before opening up diplomatic relations with them," continued Roberts informatively. "Our first contact teams are a historically proven methodology that has worked well for us, usually minimizing culture shock. Additionally, it helps speed along the integration of new races into the Federation."

"However, if a society acquires or develops advanced technology for the sole purpose of creating weapons of mass destruction, the Prime Directive as it is normally interpreted ceases to apply," added Data. "In those cases, Starfleet will deliberately intervene in the affairs of others. In order to prevent rogue dictators from initiating devastating global wars, there is usually no alternative. Although Starfleet's charter differs profoundly from most Preserver doctrine, we do share that much. Those whose ambitions or recklessness threaten the instability of other star systems must be managed."

"Do not expect Soran to act rationally," cautioned the Chaplain warily. "He certainly knows we shall pursue him. I would imagine that he will already have developed a detailed tactical plan of his own before making the trip back into the distant past."

"Is your pursuit team ready?" the Magistrate asked, directly addressing Frank Roberts.

"Affirmative," the android replied. "Jean-Luc Picard and James Kirk have assembled everyone remaining on our team, including the newly oriented members from Erika Hernandez's NX-02 crew. I have already dispatched a message to Commander Ducane in Starfleet's 29th century, notifying him that our arrival aboard the Relativity is imminent. We will all transport back in time, board his starship and then proceed farther back into the past to stop Soran."

"Act quickly," suggested the isomorphic projection of Data. "The longer you delay, the more likely it is that Soran will deliberately set temporal traps for you. That is what I would do, were I in his position. The time you waste in cleaning them up will distract you from his primary target."

"Temporal traps?" The Chaplain looked sincerely puzzled.

Data nodded in response. "If he chooses to, Soran is fully capable of interfering with key incidents in our history… especially the crux events that define the backbone of our overall timeline. For example, he could create temporal paradoxes that are so complex it would require multiple stops by the Relativity in the same time and place to correct them. That would force you to interact with other versions of yourselves and potentially cause you to corrupt the timeline further… perhaps even beyond repair."

Roberts glanced rather sharply at his Data-Class counterpart. "That is a very diabolical idea Data. I consider it extremely fortunate for us that Soran does not have you aboard his ship to advise him further on this matter," he decided firmly.

"He does not need me. Soran is very intelligent and experienced in the sciences," replied Data smoothly.

"I'll mention that to Ducane," nodded Roberts.

"When you see him, please remind Commander Ducane that he possesses the design schematics for the neural interface I used while Captain of the Relativity. He can replicate a duplicate version that you can use to access subspace and coordinate your efforts with me. That is our edge – since Soran is acting based soley on his own dark initiative, the new Starfleet Protocol will likely allow me to use the subspace network's resources to assist us in the resolution of this matter."

Chuckling lightly, the Chaplain shook his head. "Your own software could lock you out too?" he asked.

Data nodded firmly. "If I should choose to abuse the resources of the network, I certainly hope so."

The Magistrate was silent for a moment, thoughtfully evaluating their discussion before finally nodding with approval. "I think Data is correct," he declared with grim determination. "We must act quickly."

"Is there anything else you can do to assist us?" Roberts asked of Data. "After all, the resources at your disposal are virtually unlimited. If you can come up with a simpler way out of this…"

"I will continue scanning the archives for historical and legal precedents," promised the former starship Captain. "If I am able to utilize the resources within subspace to take action without violating protocol, you can count on my assistance. I already have several ideas to research in greater detail."

"I thought you might," stated Roberts crisply, not at all surprised.

"This mission will be an extremely complicated one," predicted the Chaplain. "In Starfleet space and history, your laws will apply. Our own more relaxed policies used to interact with alien species can be considered as options, but ultimately the project team must decide how best to handle the situation." He focused his attention squarely on Frank Roberts. "And you are the mission leader, Commander."

"We'll be fine," promised the android. "And we will succeed."

Alpha Quadrant, January 27, 2154, Delphic Expanse

Although the immediate vicinity surrounding the huge, metallic sphere floating in space appeared normal, the local environment was in reality under severe assault. Controlled via its internal programming by a sophisticated artificial intelligence, the metallic moon-sized device persistently and relentlessly emitted massive waves of gravimetric turbulence. According to Degra, one of the Xindi humanoids native to the area and fully acclimated to the erratic conditions within the Delphic Expanse, this particular sphere was only one of 78. All of the spheres – each of which was located at a strategically predefined location – were in constant communication with each other using a sophisticated subspace grid. Wherever the lines of gravimetric energy crossed, time and space itself rippled with significant distortion and in many cases the normal laws of physics simply ceased to apply.

The navigational hazard these distortions presented to all space vessels traveling through the Expanse was enormous, to say the least.

Since each device also generated a protective barrier to shroud the surrounding vicinity in complete invisibility, the two starships holding in close orbit above this particular sphere currently had no way to detect any of the surrounding spatial anomalies. Until they passed back through the outer perimeter of the cloaking field and returned to the normal space beyond, their sensor systems were limited to scanning objects located solely within the outer boundary of the cloaking field. Nevertheless, both ships should have instantly detected the small, wedge-shaped shuttle that suddenly appeared, seemingly from nowhere, but it too possessed its own sophisticated stealth system. Its pilot used several slight bursts from the maneuvering thrusters to stabilize the small vessel's course, holding it nearly motionless approximately one thousand meters from the sphere's outer hull.

Dr. Tolian Soran wiped perspiration away from the white, spiked hair on the upper edge of his balding forehead as he carefully watched the sphere and pair of other ships that were now fully visible on the shuttle's viewscreen. "Excellent work Ishiik," commented the Doctor idly while studying the newly updated chronometer on the helm console. "You have placed us exactly where I wanted to be. Right now Captain Jonathan Archer is busy showing both Degra and Jannar his evidence of Guardian deception aboard the NX-01." The edge of his lip curled upward. "It was here that Xindi and humans first began working together instead of killing each other."

The humanoid seated in the pilot's chair glanced up at Soran, but there was no discernible expression on his face. Ishiik was a member of the Krell – a very rare Preserver species of alien – and someone whose body naturally absorbed electromagnetic radiation, including a majority of the visible spectrum. To Soran and other humanoids he looked like a dark, empty silhouetted outline of a heavyset male. Other than that, very little detail regarding his physical appearance was evident. Since the alien also emitted no body heat, he was virtually undetectable by infrared sensors in darkness. This very unique nature of his species was one of the reasons Soran had chosen a Krell crew to assist him in his journey back through time… they were a race with natural, biological cloaking properties.

"Are you certain it is okay to board Degra's vessel at this time?" inquired Ishiik curiously. "After all, your plan will be for naught if someone catches you there and we accidentally introduce unwanted changes into this timeframe."

"I will be fine," Soran grinned reassuringly with determined confidence, pointing toward the viewscreen image for emphasis. On the display, a rising plume of blue energy blazed brilliantly from a rupture atop the NX-01's saucer section. "Archer's Enterprise has been heavily damaged by a recent Xindi attack. In a few minutes a weakened plasma conduit is going to fully breach, and when it does the attention of both crews will be focused solely on the resolution of that problem."

Ishiik's nod was barely discernible. "I remember the incident."

The Doctor's eyes dropped toward the sensor console and he studied the newest incoming telemetry eagerly. "I only need a few seconds to establish a link between this vessel's computer and the counterpart on Degra's bridge. Once that is done, we will be able to use the temporary connection to download a copy of the entire Xindi database. Upon completion, we will possess all of the design specifications for the Xindi superweapon – one of the greatest destructive forces ever created."

"Degra's data will likely be encrypted," pointed out Ishiik.

"I really don't care," Soran responded, shrugging his shoulders indifferently. "We have a sophisticated electronics vessel to return to, one that is controlled by a fully sentient, artificial computer mind. Additionally, we can travel anywhere in time and space. Once we have the plans for the Xindi device, we also have all the time we need to decrypt the data. When we're ready, the next step will be to utilize our ship's resources and replicate a duplicate weapon of our own… a version whose power core we can enhance with Omega molecules so that it becomes virtually invulnerable to any form of counterattack."

Ishiik nodded. "I have been chosen to speak for my entire crew. We have committed ourselves to your mission and eagerly await your next command, sir," he said while nodding respectfully. His bow toward the Doctor was a deep one, causing his head to temporarily vanish against the deep black, void-like background of his body.

"Excellent," acknowledged Soran gratefully, flashing a truly menacing smile. "Once we're ready, our next task is obvious. We actively locate as many Borg as possible so that we can begin annihilating them." An evil, prolonged grin crawled across his face. "And, rest assured, I don't plan to stop until we have annihilated all of them… their entire, perfection seeking Collective."

Author's Notes: I'm baaaaackkkkkkkk!!!!!! (And raring to go actually!) More to come, although I can't promise super rapid updates... My schedule is busy, writing admittedly a part-time hobby, and this particular storyline is expanding with each new day. However, speaking from experience I believe THAT is when this gets the most fun!