Star Trek: Omega Force
Episode #721-A
(Pilot Episode)
"Destiny at Magor"
By William Raymer
Based on Star Trek Created by Gene Roddenberry
On Stardate 5462.1, a research station in the Lantaru Sector disappeared from the face of the galaxy.
The cause of this mystery was the destabilization of a molecule synthesized by a brilliant scientist named Ketteract.
He theorized that this molecule, code-named "Omega," could provide an inexhaustible source of energy. He went on to say that a small chain of these "Omega" molecules could sustain an entire civilization.
However, after only a fraction of a second, Ketteract, his research station and 126 of the Federation's top scientists were lost when the only "Omega" molecule destabilized.
In investigating the accident, Starfleet Captain James T. Kirk discovered a potentially dangerous side effect to "Omega" detonation: the destruction of subspace over 100 light-years.
That meant that warp speed travel, the life-blood of galactic existence, was impossible in the sphere of an "Omega" detonation.
Captain Kirk recommended that Starfleet develop a standard operating procedure for cases in which "Omega" plays a part. It would become known as the "Omega Directive."
Only Captains and flag-rank officers were briefed on the "Omega" threat.
Upon the detection of an "Omega" detonation, all systems on a starship would shut down until an applicable officer entered their command codes.
Then, only that particular officer could access an encrypted database on the protocols for dealing with "Omega."
One of the key factors in dealing with "Omega" is that all other priorities, rules and regulations-even General Order #1, the "Prime Directive"-are overruled.
In the case of "Omega" detection, Starfleet would send in an elite team of specialists to deal with "Omega."
However, as time went on and other threats like "Omega" presented themselves, the responsibilities of this team increased in kind.
They now handle the tasks too big for starships.
They now brave the worst the galaxy can offer.
They don't run…they don't hide.
They are…the Omega Force.
Our story begins aboard the newly-commissioned USS Titan NCC-80102. Six months have passed since the Romulan Praetor Shinzon's failed attempt to destroy the Federation and an additional month since Ensign Irina Nielsen was assigned to the Titan, following her previous posting on the USS Voyager NCC-74656.
The Titan's captain, William T. Riker, is about to inform Ens. Nielsen of an opportunity that will change her life forever…
Irina Nielsen stood at the door at the door to the Captain's Ready Room. She wondered why Captain Riker wanted to see her.
Finally, she could no longer stand the anticipation. She pushed the door chime control. "Come," Captain Riker said.
The doors slid open, allowing Irina entry into Captain Riker's inner sanctum. She could see a trombone propped up in a corner, next to a model of a Galaxy-class starship. She had seen Riker play the instrument several times, and also joining Riker's own wife, Deanna, in provoking Riker into attempting to perform a composition entitled Nightbird, which Riker messed up on at a certain point every time.
Finally, Irina took pity on Riker and helped coach him so that the next time Deanna requested Nightbird, Riker nailed it straight through.
Riker was reading something on his desktop monitor. So, Irina decided to clear her throat and announce herself. "Ensign Irina Nielsen, reporting as requested, sir," she said.
Riker gestured to a seat across the desk he sat at. "Please have a seat, Ensign," he said as he stood up and walked over to his replicator. "May I get you something to drink?"
"I'll have Nielsen Herbal Tea Blend #73," Irina said. "You should try some."
Riker smiled. "I will. Computer, two glasses of Nielsen Herbal Tea Blend #73," he said. Two steaming cups of tea appeared on the replicator pad Handing one to Irina, Riker took a sip from the glass he kept.
"Not bad, Ensign," Riker said. "Now, to the reason I called you." Riker stood up and moved over to the view port.
"How long have you served on the Titan, Ensign?" Riker asked. "One month, sir," Irina said. "Although I have been in Starfleet for a year and a half, including my time on Voyager."
"Well, I've recently been notified of an opening on a special operations team based on Starbase 115 in the Balboa sector. Admiral Todman, the commander of Starbase 115, asked me to recommend a candidate. I chose you," Riker said. "However, Admiral Todman will only take Lieutenants and above."
Riker sat back behind his desk and opened his fist. In the palm of his hand was a blackened rank pip. "Irina Nielsen, I hereby promote you to the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade with all the rights and privileges thereto," Riker said as he put the rank pip on Irina's collar. "Congratulations, Lieutenant."
"Thank you, Captain," Irina said. "I accept." "I had a feeling you'd accept," Riker said. "The shuttlecraft Armstrong will take you to Starbase 115 tomorrow at 1300 hours."
"Permission to go pack my gear?" Irina said. "Granted," Riker said. Irina nodded, then took her teacup and left Riker's Ready Room.
The next day, Irina stood with her bag slung over her shoulder as the shuttlecraft Armstrong was being loaded for the trip to Starbase 115.
The shuttlebay doors opened, revealing Riker, a parcel nestled in the crook of his arm. "I'm glad I am not too late," he said, handing the parcel to Irina.
"Captain, what is this?" Irina said. "Something to remember the Titan by," Riker said. "Please do not open it until you are en route to Starbase 115."
Irina nodded, then took a deep breath. "Permission to disembark, Captain?" she asked. "Permission granted," Riker said. Irina got on the Armstrong, the exit hatch closing behind her.
"Shuttlecraft Armstrong to Shuttlebay Control," the pilot said. "Requesting clearance to depart for Starbase 115." "Permission granted, Armstrong. Safe journey," the bay controller said.
After the Armstrong entered warp, Irina opened the parcel Riker gave her. Inside was a trombone and a PADD with a piece of sheet music on it.
On the PADD's screen was a note from Riker. It read: "Thanks for your help regarding the Nightbird problem. Here's a little something to remember me by."
Irina smiled when she saw the title of the composition—Nightbird. "How long to Starbase 115, Ensign?" Irina asked. "5 hours, 17 minutes at present speed, sir," the pilot said. Irina sat back on the passenger bench and read a PADD she packed in her carry-on bag.
Nearly six hours later, the Armstrong had landed on Starbase 115. Admiral William Todman smiled as the Armstrong landed. Moving to stand next to Todman was his exec, Captain Oliver Bunnell.
"That our new grunt?" Bunnell asked. "Yes, she is," Todman said as Irina walked up to them, a PADD in her hands. "Lieutenant Junior Grade Irina Nielsen, requesting permission to come aboard," she said. "This notes that I've been transferred to your command as of 1500 hours on Stardate 57443."
Todman took the PADD, read it for a moment, then handed it to Bunnell. "Permission granted, Lieutenant," Todman said. "I am Admiral William Todman, and this is my exec, Captain Oliver Bunnell. He'll see to your gear, while I'll introduce you to the other members of your team."
On a Holodeck, Commander Adrian Dorsey was checking the results of a drill. "Guys, we need to improve our reaction time. You know what 'Omega' can do, folks," he said.
The Holodeck doors opened, revealing Admiral Todman and a young, blond-haired Lieutenant. "Admiral on deck!" Adrian said. "Who is this, Admiral?"
"Commander Dorsey, this is Lieutenant Junior Grade Irina Nielsen, the newest member of your team," Todman said. "Irina, this is Commander Adrian Dorsey, the commander of Omega Force."
"Omega Force?" Irina said. "You ever hear of the Lantaru Sector?" Adrian said.
"Yeah," Irina said. "Impossible to travel at warp speed through the sector and 100 light-years surrounding. But I was always told that it was a natural phenomenon."
"No, it wasn't," Todman said. "Now, only flag officers, captains and the members of Omega Force have been told the truth-the truth you are about to hear."
"On Stardate 5462.1, the Ketteract Research Station was destroyed by a molecule code-named 'Omega.' Captain James T. Kirk, who investigated the incident, set up a protocol for dealing with Omega, which included the creation of a highly-trained team of specialists which you are now a member of," Adrian said. "Welcome to Omega Force, Irina."
Little did Irina know that she was about to be thrown right into the fire.
END OF ACT 1