Consequences

by DoctorH

This is a follow-up to "Failure Analysis," but it's not a sequel (and it is much shorter). A Physics professor arrives on DS9 and proposes to conduct experiments on the wormhole. The equation that forms the basis for the experiments is so complicated that almost no one can understand the equation... or its consequences. Sisko must decide whether to allow the experiments to proceed.

1. The arrival of USS Prevost

Consequences

Introduction: This story is a follow-up to the story by the same author, "Failure Analysis"; but it is not necessary to read the earlier (longer) tale to appreciate the current (much shorter) one.

The current tale includes, it must be admitted, a sizable dose of math and science, some of it legitimate and some of it plain old mumbo-jumbo. It is left to the reader to sort out which is which.

The events occur in the early days of Deep Space Nine, operating as a relatively new Federation starbase. It may be noted that some of the events in this story foreshadow some later stories in the TV series, such as "Doctor Bashir, I Presume."

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Chapter 1: The arrival of USS Prevost and its strange cargo.

"USS Prevost has docked at upper pylon two," announced Lieutenant Jadzia Dax, seated at her station in Ops. "Ensign Carlin is standing by to escort the new personnel to orientation."

Major Kira Nerys nodded. "Notify Commander Sisko of Prevost's arrival."

Dax touched an indicator on her panel. "I just did. He's got some time. Orientation starts at eleven hundred. That ought to give the new people plenty of time to disembark and get comfortable before Commander Sisko gives them his 'Welcome to DS9' speech. Captain Zachary advises that she will greet Commander Sisko at orientation."

"Fine. Does the Prevost need any maintenance or supplies?"

"Prevost says no." Dax frowned as she checked her panel. "There is a special request regarding cargo, however. Six containers have been marked as exempted from cargo transporters."

"Assign a detail to get those containers off Prevost and towed to storage."

Dax touched her panel. "Detail assigned. Prevost advises that liberal shore leave will begin at eleven hundred."

Kira acknowledged the information with a wave of her hand, then walked over to Dax and looked over her shoulder. "Those six containers: what's in them?"

Dax touched her panel again, and the answer appeared. "Scientific research instruments, Starfleet approved. Certified as containing no hazardous materials or apparatus. No information beyond that."

"Scientific research? Six containers for scientific research? That indicates a rather significant research project, doesn't it? I haven't heard about any major scientific research projects to be conducted at DS9, have you?"

"I haven't. And it's likely Commander Sisko hasn't, either."

"Well, let's get those containers into storage. And, hazardous or not, put a hold on them until we know what sort of scientific research is involved."