Chapter 2
In Ten Forward, Guinan's clothes are different, the place is noisy and very busy. A crewman's voice is heard: "Now hear this. Fleet formation briefing in main war room at fifteen hundred hours. Doctor Joshua Campbell, report to station ops. Ensign Toms, please forward combat information. Ensign Thomas to CIC."
GUINAN frowned. "This isn't right. It's changed."
On the Bridge, TASHA is at Obs. "It's clearing now, Captain. Definitely Federation starship. Accessing registry."
"Looks like they had a rough ride," observed Riker.
"NCC one seven oh one C. USS Enterprise," said Tasha.
"Military log, Combat date 43625.2. While investigating an unusual radiation anomaly, the Enterprise has encountered what could almost be called a ghost from its own past, the Enterprise-C, the immediate predecessor to this battleship. At the same time, we encountered a vessel with the appearance of a 20th century Earth British Police Box. The occupants are being held in custody awaiting an audience with me," Captain Picard recorded in his log.
On the Bridge, only the Captain has a centre chair. Riker has to lean on the rail.
"Sensors confirm design and specifications, Captain" said Data. "Analysis of hull and engine materials conform to engineering patterns and methods of that time period."
"But that cruiser was destroyed with all hands over twenty years ago," objected Wesley, in full Starfleet uniform.
"Presumed destroyed," corrected Data. "The Enterprise C was last seen near the Klingon outpost Narendra Three exactly twenty two years, three months and four days ago."
"And now they're here," said Riker.
"Has it been adrift for all those years, or has it has travelled through time?" Picard wondered.
"It is a possibility, Captain," replied Data. "If that hypothesis is correct, the phenomenon we just encountered would be a temporal rift in space."
"A rift?" asked Picard. "That's what our visitor called it. A Time Rift, he said."
"Possibly the formation of a Kerr loop from superstring material," said Data. "It would require high-energy interactions occurring in the vicinity for such a structure to be formed. The rift is certainly not stable, Captain. It could collapse at any time."
"Captain," said Tasha. "I'm able to scan the interior of the ship now, sir. Heavy damage to warp field nacelles and hull bearing struts. Internal space frame is... Life-signs, Captain! Readings are sporadic. It looks like they have massive casualties, but some are still alive."
"Bridge to Sickbay," called Riker. "Emergency teams, stand by transporter rooms."
"Understood," answered Doctor Crusher.
"Delay that order, Doctor," contradicted Picard.
"Respectfully, if I may suggest regardless of where they came from, they are here now and they need our help," said Riker.
"Commander, if that ship has travelled into the future, we could be dealing with variables that will alter the flow of our history," explained Picard.
"Enterprise C is sending out a distress call, sir," said Tasha. "Audio only."
"This is Captain Garrett of the Starship Enterprise, to any Federation ship. We have been attacked by Romulan warships and require immediate assistance. We've lost warp drive. Life support is failing."
"There's no record of the Romulans ever assaulting the Enterprise C," said Riker.
"Voice message has ended, Captain," said Tasha. "I'm only receiving their automated distress signal now."
"Open a hailing frequency," said Picard. "This is Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the Federation, of a Federation starship. Standby to receive emergency teams. Commander, we will handle this one step at a time. Stabilise their power systems and tend to their injured, and avoid all discussions of where and when they are."
"Aye, sir," said Riker. "Lieutenant."
"Captain, message coming in from Starfleet monitor stations," said Wesley. "Klingon battlecruisers headed towards this sector."
"Battle alert, Mister Crusher," said Picard. "Condition Yellow."
"Aye, sir," said Wesley. "All decks report Condition Yellow."
In transporter room one, The Doctor, Ace and Nita materialized on the transporter pads.
"Woah, that was weird!" exclaimed Nita.
"It was wicked!" exclaimed Ace.
"Transportation without a capsule," said the Doctor with a shudder. "Never been my favourite way to travel."
Worf was standing in front of them with his phaser pointed at them.
"I assure you, that weapon in unnecessary," said the Doctor. "We are in no way hostile."
"I will be the judge of that," replied Worf. "Please come with me."
