Chapter 1

Alternative Universe-2285

Federation Research Station Regula 1

As the sound of phaser fire echoed through the main lab, Dr. David Marcus pulled his knees in tighter to his chest, ducking his head beneath the test station.

"They're going to kill every single one of us, if we don't get out of here," he whispered to the man crouched in a similar position on the other side of the room.

The man nodded, and craned his long neck to get a visual, aware that the intruders were coming. His skin buzzed with adrenaline. "We've got to protect the Genesis Project, David. Carol has already beamed down to Regula. It's time to go."

"I-I can't leave Jedda," David protested.

"Jedda is already dead...I saw him die with my own eyes."

"Starfleet! I knew they would try and take over Genesis. I can't let them do it. It's all we have."

"That's right."

David seemed to hesitate once more, before the look of understanding in his eyes took over. His resolve was so solid by this point that he didn't even blink when the next volley of phaser fire set off the desperate screams of his comrades. "There's a transporter in the next room over. Let's go."

Oakland California 2368

The tall scruffy looking man had to duck to enter the shop, and when he did, his eyes lit up when he saw the sole occupant. His information had been correct after all. He cleared his throat to gain the man's attention, which worked. He was on a roll.

The short stocky man in a grubby green jumpsuit turned at the sound of a throat clearing, which was natural of course. He blinked his bright green eyes at the thin man who had just entered his shop. The new optical implants were of little use at a distance of more than a few meters. They were most effective up close. Of course the only reason he had been fitted with the opticals was to fix broken machines, so his vision was specialized for that purpose. These limitations did not prevent him from designing and building his own machines, but he had to keep those hidden down on the lower level. If his supervisor became aware he was working on his own projects he would lose his license-or worse.

The visitor didn't look the least bit familiar to him, but he put on his most respectful face, regular customer or no. "Hi! What can I do for you?"

The tall man broke into a knowing smile. "Geordi LaForge...of course you don't remember me. But believe me, we've met!"

Geordi wiped his palms on on his already grease stained coveralls. "Okay..."

The man's grin remained fixed on his face almost artificially as he stuck out his hand. "I'm Berlinghoff Rasmussen; inventor...time traveler...explorer, et cetera."

Geordi shook Rasmussen's hand slowly. "Never heard of you," he said. "But you say we've met?"

"Yes. Under much better circumstances...at least for you," he said looking around the drab and cluttered repair shop.

Geordi scratched the top of his head. "What can I do for you?" he repeated. It was what he usually asked, because usually the people he met wanted him to do something for them. He had a feeling, this Rasmussen fellow wouldn't be too different.

Rasmussen hooked his thumb back out the way he'd come in. "It's my...vehicle. It's parked outside, and I really need to get it fixed."

Geordi walked past Rasmussen out of the doorway, led by his curiosity. A small, white, tear drop shaped vehicle sat parked in the street. LaForge approached the gleaming craft cautiously, but with a growing excitement. He leaned down to inspect-not quite ready to touch the smooth surface. "Is that a-a space craft?"

Rasmussen shrugged. "Hmm...kinda. More like a time-traveling pod. But in a pinch it can travel through normal space-time as well."

Geordi was at a loss for words.

Rasmussen seemed to realize this for the first time. "You do think you can repair this for me, don't you? The propulsion's all off, and knowing your expertise, well..."

Geordi studied the man carefully for the first time. He wasn't an Augment, that much was for sure. He could be a Deficient, like Geordi, but something about him was not of this planet. Irritation began to creep in, and he could dimly see the sun beginning to set on the horizon. "Look Mr. Berling...Mr. Rasmussen, I have to get back to work. I'm sorry but I'm not authorized to work on vehicles like this."

Rasmussen suddenly grabbed him by the shoulders and shook him. "You have to!"

Geordi was unmoved by the man's agitation, and merely looked up at him placidly. "Look, if you want me to do anything, you're going to have to clear it with Command."

"Oh, right...Starfleet Command."

Geordi's forehead wrinkled. "What's Starfleet?"

Rasmussen suddenly grew very pale. "It's worse than I thought," he said as though reasoning with himself. "But...but you have to take me to see Captain Picard. I need his help!"

LaForge walked back into his shop, and turned around. "Never heard of him," he said, before sliding the door shut.