A TANGLED WEB: Part 1 Chapter 2
"What is this place," Rembrandt Brown asked, looking around the console room.
"This is the TARDIS," replied the Doctor. "The console room to be a bit more specific."
"Here it is, Doctor." Leela came in from a hallway carrying the medical supply box.
"What's a tardis?"
The Doctor grunted. "TARDIS. Pronounce it right or it may take offense."
Pulling out a few things from the medical supplies he waved them around Rembrandt's body wildly as he took readings much to Rembrandt's dismay.
"The name TARDIS is actually an acronym. It stands for 'Time And Relative Dimensions In Space'. It's really rather useful. It's the what and how to get to anywhere and when, really."
"What?" The musician slowly took a panoramic view of everything around him, but his mind just couldn't take it all in. "All this is inside an antique British police phone box?"
"No," the Doctor answered abruptly from where he had been studying a few of meters on the console.
"So, it's all just a trick or illusion?"
The Doctor looked up offended. "No, of course not. The TARDIS is actually a… I guess in layman's terms you could call it a dimensional cubby hole that can be used to store things while also providing transport through time and space."
"So, you travel around to other worlds in style and comfort in this TARDIS while my friends and I slide inside a terrifying whirlpool of energy?"
"Yes, that's about right."
The former singer let out a weary sigh. "I think you got the better deal."
The Doctor grunted in agreement as he fished around inside the medical box again.
"Must be nice traveling in this, though," Rembrandt muttered with just a hint of jealousy.
"Oh, it has its moments."
"I'll bet," muttered the injured man. "So, what can we do about my friends?"
The Doctor flipped a few switches at the console and then studied a small screen before saying anything. "K-9, do an analysis of our new friend here and see if you can get a residual energy reading from that energy vortex Rembrandt and his friends were traveling through."
Rembrandt started to jump away as a small robotic dog came wheeling toward him, but stopped when the pain from his sudden movement hit him. The little metallic canine came to a stop as well, two feet from Rembrandt and began moving his satellite dish-like ears in his direction not unlike how the Doctor had originally waved the medical scanners around him. After thirty seconds, the dog announced in an electronic synthesized voice. "Done."
"Good boy, K-9. Now coordinate your efforts with the TARDIS to see if you can find a trail of where this man's three traveling companions would be."
"Affirmative, master." The little mechanical dog turned to the console of the TARDIS and began communicating with it.
Rembrandt watched the K-9 unit with fascination noting that the ears were moving again. He was surprised to note the tail was wagging, too. "That's quite a… dog you have there."
"K-9? Yes, he is quite remarkable. Once he gets on a trail, he will follow it to the end." He looked up at Rembrandt as he finished examining the injured man's legs. "Your friends should be found shortly, then we can return you home."
"That home part sounds real nice, but I'll believe it when I see it." His voice hinted at his longing for home, but he still managed a smile.
"Been a long time since you've been home?" inquired Leela as she handed him a cup of hot tea, a custom the Doctor had taught her.
"Only thing that has kept me going is my three good friends. We started out on this sliding odyssey together. Well, they accidently dragged me along when they were first trying to get the Sliding technology to work. It's how we met actually. And we've just been going from reality to reality ever since."
"Oh my! Let me guess," the Doctor said, as he came over to join them. "Once you started traveling to parallel worlds, you couldn't find your way back to where you originally started, your world."
Rembrandt chuckled. "You got it in one, doc."
The Doctor coughed. "Well, yes. I hate it when that happens. Anyway here." He handed Rembrandt two orange pills from the medicine supply kit. "Swallow these."
"What are these for?"
"You have a fracture in your left leg. Those pills will solidify it so that it will be better than it was before in less than 24 hours."
"Well, you're the doc, doc." Saying that he put the two pills in his mouth and washed it down with some tea.
"Ah, I'm not actually that kind of doctor." The Doctor turned to put away the medical kit while muttering something about Americans.
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Gint was not happy. Everyone on the command deck was giddy from trying to imagine the possessions they would buy with the latinum they had not even come close to obtaining yet. Even Shmun seemed to be showing signs of the childish behavior much to Gint's dismay.
Finally, the mood of the ship was brought in check by one of the ensigns. "DaiMon, there's a ship on an intercept course."
The crew held their breath as they turned to their wheezing DaiMon.
"Hmmph," grunted Shmun. "Well, you all know the Number One Rule of Acquisition, right?"
This time the whole crew, except for a gloomy Gint, recited the rule. "Once you have their money, you never give it back!" With that, they prepared the ship for battle. Very few things in the universe can be as fierce as a Ferengi defending his wealth. (At least that's what they told themselves.)
Gint snorted. "But we haven't made any profit yet."
Dverl chucked at him. "Gint, you couldn't spot a profitable deal if it came up and introduced itself to you."
In spite of the activity in the command center, a few Ferengi couldn't help but openly laugh at the insult. But the DaiMon was not laughing. "Gint! Either make yourself useful or get off my ship."
Gint gritted his teeth. A painful expression for a Ferengi. Then with determination he went over to the ensign who had sighted the intruding ship. "Let's see what we are up against."
The ensign punched a few buttons, then gasped at his screen.
"Well? Out with it!"
The ensign just continued staring, and then started trembling
Gint pushed the ensign out of his chair, then looked over the visual readouts himself. Then he too gasped.
"Well?" demanded Dverl as he stood next to Shmun.
Gint turned toward the others with shock written all over his face. Then he took a breath. Then another. Finally, his eyes focused on his antagonist, Dverl. "Dverl, I -I underestimated you. I'm sorry."
Dverl was taken aback. "Gint, what's out there?" His voice was a lot quieter than he had meant it to be.
But Gint wasn't listening to him. He had lowered his eyes to young Nix who immediately felt uncomfortable under the stare. "The Sixty-Second Rule."
Gint's stare just kept boring into Nix until he couldn't stand it any longer. "The, uh, the riskier the road, the greater the, uh, profit."
"Exactly," smiled Gint. "And this," he motioned to the sensor screen in front of him, "proves that this could have been a very profitable enterprise, indeed. They must have somehow heard what we had and have come for it themselves."
Shmun coughed with a little apprehension. "Gint, put the visual on the main viewer."
"Of course," he said, his smile now resembling one of a young child.
The main viewer centered on a ship fast approaching. A cube-shaped ship.
A voice came over the intercom from the converging vessel. "We are the Borg. We will assimilate your biological and technological-" That was as far as they got into their introduction before the Borg voice was drowned out by the screams of the terrified Ferengi.
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Somewhere on a nearby asteroid overlooking the encounter between the two ships someone watched rubbing his hands together in glee. "Oh, this should prove to be very entertaining indeed." Saying that, he disappeared in a flash of light.
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"Course deviation. Quarry has altered its course," barked K-9.
"What? What's going on?" Rembrandt started to sit up in the chair in which he had almost fallen asleep. "Is he- it or whatever it is - talking about my friends?"
Leela was immediately at his side. "You must rest and heal if you are to be of any help to your friends."
Ignoring her advice, he tried to rise to his feet even though the pain was telling him not to. "I just want to find out-"
"Sit." Leela gently pushed him back down. "I am from a warrior tribe. We know the need to help our friends and family members." Her face became firm as she looked him in the eyes. "But we also understand the necessity of healing and resting so that we will be able to save our loved ones when such a time arrives."
It was at that point that Rembrandt took a good hard look at Leela. This was not some young woman trying to look hot in leather. The knife she wore at her side was not for decoration. Her legs and arms bore scarring from blades, claw and teeth marks. This was someone who lived the hard warrior side of life. "All right," he said, "I'll just listen from right here."
"Cheerio," said the Doctor as he entered the room, crossing over to the console. "What's this about a change of course? Did we change course, or did they?"
"They have, master."
"Well, where are they headed now?"
"They have turned 180 degrees and are coming right toward us," responded K-9.
"I see. Well, that should make things easier." The Doctor paced as he pondered this new turn of events. Leela and Rembrandt sat at the side as spectators awaiting an outcome. "Are they returning to Earth?"
"Insufficient data," came the quick reply.
"Why would they be returning to Earth?" the Doctor inquired of himself.
"Maybe the others took over the ship and are returning for me," exclaimed Rembrandt.
The Doctor stopped. He didn't like being shown up. Especially on his TARDIS. "Not very likely, but possible," He admitted. He began making adjustments to his console.
Leela walked over to the Doctor. "What are we doing?"
The Doctor turned and smiled. "I thought we would go put Rembrandt's theory to the test."
"How?" was all Rembrandt could think to ask.
"By landing on that ship and asking your friends if they have actually taken it over," the Time Lord bluntly replied.
K-9 once again interjected his presence. "The approaching vessel is of a different construction than the one we originally began to pursue."
"But my friends are still on it?" asked Rembrandt in desperation.
"Affirmative."
"Oh my!" said the Doctor as he examined the monitors on his console.
"What is it, Doctor?" asked Leela
The Doctor looked up with his eyes wide. "It's big!"
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The Nebula-class Federation starship U.S.S. John Wayne soared peacefully through the dark field of stars. The ship had just gone through a series of much needed refitting and updating back at the space docks orbiting Mars, while much of the crew had been able to take shore leave for a week. Now that it was complete, they were heading out on to bring supplies to a struggling colony near the Federation-Dominion border before joining in the struggle against the Dominion and Cardassians. On board, the on-duty crew was experiencing another boring time on the night shift. To pass the time, two of the crewmembers on duty would usually debate each other for the fun of it while the others either joined in or had quiet conversations of their own.
Commander Hofman sighed and tried to express himself again. "I'm not saying that it's wrong. I'm just saying something doesn't seem fair about it."
"Fair?" chuckled the lieutenant at the comm station. "There's nothing fair or unfair about it. It's all on initiative." The Andorian turned to face the commander sitting in the captain's chair. "A majority of the races that make up the Federation just don't have the desire to take part of what Starfleet is all about, unlike you Humans. Though they are quite willing to participate in its results."
"What about you?" pointed the commander. "You've joined Starfleet. From what I've heard very few Andorians are willing to do that."
Alber smiled beamingly. "There's an exception to every rule." Then the lieutenant paused as he scratched one of his antennae on his head. "Besides, as far as my actions or life pursuits are concerned, I'm a minority in what I do."
"Yes okay, let's take your race for an example then. Why don't more Andorians join Starfleet?"
Alber thought for minute then answered. "No, let's consider why Humans feel the need to join Starfleet."
Commander Hofman chuckled. "Turnabout is fair play. Very well, I think it's our need to explore and to have adventure. To seek out the unknown." He saw his blue friend smiling. "Is that what you were looking for?"
"Not exactly, but I can work with that argument." The Andorian steepled his fingers as he contemplated how to address his argument. "I think that you Humans have an over-desire to seek out new worlds, people and problems. Much more than the other races in Starfleet. That is because your race has more affinity to that field and more of your kind would naturally seek it out than those of other races. I have discovered that Earth has a much larger variety of cultures and races then other worlds. Instead of absorbing these other cultures or eliminating them like my people had done when they were more barbarous, Earth is unique in the fact that Humans have learned to accept and appreciate foreign cultures."
"Um, I hate to bring this up, but often times that wasn't true."
"Nevertheless, over time when your Human ancestors left their primitive nature behind and reached for the stars there were still hundreds of various cultures on your planet. Why to this day there are still many different varieties of Earth languages used amongst your species." Alber shook his white-haired head in amazement. "Your people's ability to live with and accept people of a different culture gives you a huge advantage over non-Humans. And thus, you have my thesis. Your people are more comfortable in Starfleet than other species."
"I'm not sure I buy into that."
"Ever the optimist," he groaned. "All right let's take a look from a different angle."
"Fine by me," he smiled and leaned back in his chair.
"You know that there is a Ferengi that has joined Starfleet."
"Don't reminded me," groaned the commander.
"Prejudice?" the Andorian smirked.
The commander scowled. He was a quarter Vulcan on his mother's side. Even though he didn't try to control his emotions, he was still proud of his heredity. "No, I just know what to expect from Ferengi."
"Ah, but I have met this Ferengi. At first, I had the same opinion as you, but as I got to know him as an individual I realized that he was different."
"What? He doesn't care about latinum," scoffed the commander.
"Please," the lieutenant tried to sound indignant. "He has not lost his love for profit. But he has chosen another path to get it. In addition, he has discovered the value of self-respect and honor. He is proud of his Starfleet uniform and the duties he has. Even more than most Starfleet personnel."
"It could all be a scam to sell us out when something really valuable crosses his way."
One of the Andorian's blue antennae raised itself higher. "Strange. A lot of people said similar things about the first Klingon to join Starfleet."
Hofman frowned. He was relatively surprised at how the young Klingon that had joined Starfleet just as he himself was graduating had done so well for himself, when many were against him even being there. It had been an enlightening time for Starfleet, and a few students had been kicked out for their racist antagonism. John had become a bit of a fan as he had kept tabs on Worf's advances since the Academy. "That's not the same thing-"
Alber's console beeped. "Always interruptions when our discussions are just getting interesting." The Andorian pushed a few buttons on his console.
"Well?" the commander inquired.
"Something's coming up in front of us fast. I'm not-"
He gasped
"By the Maker!"
"What is it?" demanded the commander.
"Borg!" cried the lieutenant.
"Red Alert!" the commander immediately hollered. "Shields now!" He bit his thumb hard, a bad habit of his. He, like many in Starfleet, had run many simulations in the holodeck relating to Borg attacks. And Commander Hofman, like everyone else, had never won any of them. "I want a visual now!"
The view screen changed to show the stars and space behind the USS John Wayne. And a swiftly closing Borg vessel.
"I want photon torpedoes ready to fire as soon as they are in range!"
"Captain Joyner to Commander Hofman. John, what's the situation?" came the captain's voice over the comm. system.
"Borg, Sir!"
Stunned silence was followed by a quiet reply. "I'll be right there."
Startled members of the bridge who had been either on break or other assignments quickly returned to their stations.
Alber called to his commander, "Sir, they are in range!"
Commander John Hofman gripped the armrest with his left hand solidly while he ran his other hand through his blond hair. "Fire!" he said tensely.
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Somewhere else a being laughed at the altercation between the U.S.S. John Wayne and the Borg vessel.
The starship shot off volley after volley of photon torpedoes and sprayed the Borg vessel with its phaser beams. Finally, as the Borg ship came close to the Starfleet vessel, it lashed out with its our weapons causing the smaller ship to veer to the side with one of its nacelles hanging off at an angle and depowered while the still powered nacelle caused the nebula class ship to begin to spiral.
Meanwhile, the Borg vessel past the Federation ship and continued on its course to Earth.
"Ah, amusing yet still unsatisfying." The mischievous being watched the crippled ship as it spiraled in space. "Well, at least it isn't over yet."
Suddenly he turned to confront something where there was nothing. "Oh, what do you want?" As he listened to the nothingness that was around him he began to protest. "But it was all in fun! None of this really matters to us!"
His arguments were ignored, and the nothingness took him away.
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With wheezing and groaning sounds of protest the TARDIS slowly came into existence in an alcove in the wall of the Borg ship. Almost immediately the door of the blue telephone box opened, and a leather-clad woman came out brandishing a knife. Almost as quickly as the woman had rushed out, the woman froze in place at the sight in front of her.
From the walkway where she stood, Leela could see level after level of floors that continued both up and down seemingly without end. Each level seemed to have what at first Leela thought were people, but after another look she noticed that most of them were not Human and all of them had various parts of their bodies replaced with metal appendages.
Leela slowly backed up toward where the TARDIS was behind her. Her eyes frantically darting left and right to the creatures that were on the same floor as her seemingly aimlessly wandering around. Behind her a voice spoke.
"Leela, how many-"
Leela whirled around at the voice behind her, lashing out with her knife at the throat of the Doctor. Doctor? She froze her hand just in time to stop from slashing his throat.
"-times do I have to tell you-" he paused and gently lowered her knife from his throat, "-do not rush into things without me." Not stopping to acknowledge what had almost happened, the Doctor sidestepped around the stunned woman to take in his new surroundings. "My, what do we have here?"
"Doctor," whispered Leela, "we must leave! Now!"
The Doctor turned to his companion and was about to say something when he noticed she was trembling with terror. "Leela? Whatever is the matter?"
Her eyes did seek his, but kept darting toward the cybernetic creatures moving about them. "Doctor, don't you know where you have taken us?" She sobbed. "This is the Netherworld! This is where those who are evil go when they die to be tormented forever for their wickedness!"
"You think this is Hell?" the Doctor sputtered. "Nonsense! Really Leela, after all this time traveling with me, I would like to think that your primitive tribal background wouldn't keep hindering your common sense."
The Doctor immediately knew he had made a mistake because not only was the fear still there, but now it was accompanied by hurt.
"But I'm sure it's a close facsimile of what Hell would be like."
Leela wasn't having any of it. She turned her back to him and went to the door of the TARDIS.
"Leela," called the Doctor apologetically. "We're really in a spot here and I need the help of my brave, warrior companion."
Leela's hand froze on the doorframe of the TARDIS. A warrior's lot was never easy. Each day you had to face your fears. And each new day would bring new fears. But to face the horrors that she believed belong only in the Netherworld?
She sighed and turned around.
Each day a warrior must face their fears. Even those that go beyond death.
"Very well, Doctor."
"That's the spirit," exclaimed the suddenly cheery Doctor. "Come, K-9! We have some hunting to do!"
As K-9 glides out of the TARDIS, the Doctor quickly locked the door. For all intents and purposes, he hoped their excursion wouldn't take too long. The sleeping pill he had given Rembrandt would only keep him asleep for up to six more hours.
K-9's ears rotated as he analyzed the 'trail' he was to follow. When his ears stopped moving, he spoke. "Quarry has separated to three different locations on this vessel."
As K-9 began listing the whereabouts of the three people they were trying to aid, the Doctor was getting a good look at the cybernetic beings walking by. "Hello," he smiled at the Borg nearest him. "I'm the Doctor and this is my traveling companion, Leela. We are looking for-" He stopped as the being finished its work at the console in front of it and wandered down to another one nine feet away and proceeded to the same thing to that console. At no time did the being acknowledge the time-lord's existence.
"Hmm. Not very cooperative." He thought a moment. "At least with me."
"Doctor?" Leela was next to the Doctor also studying the Borg now that she had gotten a grip on her initial fears.
"I think we are inside a cybernetic hive."
"Is that dangerous?" asked Leela naively
"If I'm right, we will only be in danger if we disturb something. Other than that, I think they will just ignore us."
"How do you know that?"
"I don't." He smiled at her. "One of my friends, he really liked a good puzzle or mystery; anyway, he wrote a book on bees in his retiring years. An informative but dry read. These creatures seem to be behaving so similar to the insects my friend Sherlock Holmes raised and studied that I think we can avoid any troubles."
Leela lifted her knife for a show of determination and bravery. "Don't worry, Doctor. I'll handle any of them that decide to give us trouble."
"No, Leela!" exclaimed the Doctor. "That's exactly what you should not do." He pointed to a small group of nearby Borgs walking by. "You see all those mechanical parts attached to their bodies?"
Leela shuddered and nodded.
"Well, some of those mechanical parts keep each of these drones aware of what each of the others sees and hears. They all see what everyone else sees."
"Then they ALL know we are here?"
"Yes."
Leela shock her head in trying to comprehend it. But if the Doctor says it is so than it is so. "Then why are they ignoring us?"
"Ah, good question," he beamed at her. "Now tell me without looking what is behind you."
Leela looked puzzled. "The TARDIS and K-9."
"Exactly, you know it's there, but have not paid it any attention until it was brought to your attention. Why? Because you are concentrating on other matters." He waved his arm dramatically at the inhabitants of the Borg ship. "They are also concentrating on other things. But if we brought ourselves to their direct attention, then we would have ALL of their attention. Every single one of them."
"So if I were to kill one of them-"
"We would have all the rest of them breathing down our neck at once!" Feeling that his barbarous friend would not do anything rash now, he turned to his faithful mechanical dog. "K-9, lead us to the nearest of your quarry."
"Affirmative," called K-9 as he glided down the corridor, detouring around the occasional Borg in his way, with the Doctor and Leela in pursuit.
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crackle "-arfleet, this is-" static "-peat this-" crackle "ship John Wayne. We have-" crackle.
"What is that?" asked the lieutenant. Terrance Hewitt was a thin man, dark hair and a moustache that had been greased over so that it curled up into points at both ends. It was the night shift and he personal liked it when anything out of the ordinary made this mundane time more interesting. He had held this position for three years now and still knew very little of all that was expected of him. His incompetence and his high-standing family relations were just two of the reasons most people disliked him.
The ensign focused on the console in front of her. She was a young cadet that had been studying at the Academy for two years now before she also began taking night duties interning at the Starfleet Command Center at nights. She was one of the few students allowed to take on such duties while continuing with her regular classes at the Academy. More and more cadets were taking on such duties, as Starfleet needed more officers on the front against the Cardassians and the Dominion. Her only regret was she had to do her internship under the guidance of someone like Lieutenant Hewitt. Especially after that awkward situation when he had asked her out and she had laughed in his face uncontrollably. "It's a message from the U.S.S. John Wayne. But something seems to be causing interference." She made a few adjustments to her instruments. "That might clear things up a little."
The static cleared briefly to the words of the captain of the John Wayne. "-is Captain Brock J-" crackle "-ship John Wayne. We-" static.
"Did you lose them?"
Ensign Charity King looked indignant. "No. We did not. Their signal is coming in, but it's weak and seems to have something interfering with it. Regardless, the problem is not on our end."
Lieutenant Hewitt bit his lip. The Federation was currently at war with the Dominion, so his first guess was that it was an attack. However, the John Wayne was nowhere near the war zone so that seemed less likely the more he thought about it. Then he realized that it was near the space claimed by the Ferengi Alliance. He began to wonder if this might have to do with that Ferengi ship that had left Earth orbit so quickly hours ago. As much as he hated it, he knew he would have to make some kind of decision.
"Sir," Ensign King interrupted her superior's train of thought, "the static is clearing again".
"Good. Let's listen."
Ensign King sighed to herself in frustration. She wondered to herself for the hundredth time how a dunderhead like Hewitt could ever become a lieutenant in Starfleet. All he ever seemed capable of was stating the obvious.
Slowly the static cleared up and the voice of the captain of the John Wayne could be heard. "-we seem to have been left-" crackle "warp core is stabilizing, but-" static "-hope you are receiving this-" static.
"Why doesn't he just tell us?" muttered Lieutenant Hewitt.
"He probably is. The static is interfering with that particular part of the message. And a problem with their warp core could add to the interference."
"I knew that!"
Sure you did, thought Ensign King. She worked on the console some more and set aside plans later to determine just who Lieutenant Hewitt's high-ranking family members were who had dared to put him in such a position he obviously wasn't fit for.
"-peat, we have encountered-" crackle "-Borg. They are headed toward Earth."
The two Starfleet officers were in shock. It took them a total of twenty seconds to put the whole Earth on Red Alert.
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Alarms rang.
Thin arms pushed the blankets off. "Turn that blasted thing off!" hollered the old man on the bed. As he lay there, the computer beeped. The man snapped in an ornery tone. "Now what?"
The computer then replied with a synthetic female voice. "You left a request to be informed when the Borg returned to Earth."
"They already did that once," snapped the man. When the computer didn't reply the man weakly reached for his blankets to cover himself again.
After staring out into the darkness for a moment he pushed the blankets off again.
"Dag-nabbit! I slept through the last invasion. I might as well go see what this one is all about."
Having said his piece, a determined Admiral McCoy got out of bed to see if there were any new adventures for a very tired, worn-out, old man.
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The Doctor examined the young man lying on the Borg bio-bed with great interest. From the description provided by Rembrandt Brown, the Doctor believed this man they tracked down to be Quinn Mallory.
"Are you sure he is not going to die," repeated Leela. See stood at alert carefully watching the Borg drones as they moved around waiting to see if they make a wrong move.
"Actually, I have no idea. But I do know that they are trying to repair his injuries and they have him on a type of life support I am unfamiliar with." He smiled to himself. "It's all rather fascinating, isn't it?"
"No," replied Leela.
"Harrumph." The Doctor returned his attention to the unconscious man and the remarkable equipment that was attending him.
"Doctor? Have you noticed the air?"
The Doctor's head popped up as he tried to notice whatever it was that Leela had already become aware of. Finally, after a few deep breaths he gave his conclusion. "It's hot and humid."
Leela shook her head. "The air… has no life in it."
The Doctor's eyes widened. "Sterile."
Leela cocked her head. "I do not understand."
"It means that the air has no life in it. No little microorganisms." The Doctor quickly began ruffling through his coat pockets turning up various objects. "Must have left it in my other coat," he muttered. Turning back to Leela he shrugged his shoulders apologetically. "Anyway, a warm, humid climate such as this should be teaming with wide varieties of bacteria, but somehow it is not."
"Is this important?"
The Doctor paused in retrospect. "Everything is important. But everything is not always useful for us just now." Having said that the Doctor pushed up his hat and popped a jellybaby in his mouth. "Now what would be important to us right now?" Gazing around the room his eyes fell on his robotic dog. "K-9?"
"Yes, master?"
"I'd like you to do some eavesdropping for me. See if you can listen in on the drone communication. Also, evaluate if you can influence the signal in any way to manipulate them, or to break up communication altogether."
"Affirmative," declared the metallic canine. Immediately the robotic unit's antenna ears and tail began moving as it began to study the Borg communication signals.
"Doctor, these creatures on the other tables. Their ears resemble those of the Ferengi described by Rembrandt."
"Yes, I've noticed that. Poor chaps. I dare not do anything for them just yet."
Leela was always amazed at the Doctor's compassion for these individuals, but decided not to argue about it being misapplied under these circumstances. "Each one had an arm and eye replaced just as the… drones have. And their clothing has been replaced. And tubes are coming out of them. Why?"
"Because they have been turned into drones now, too. This is obviously how these creatures procreate and continue their existence."
"Horrible." Leela stared at the seven Ferengi-Borgs lying on the tables in horror. "Doctor, would they try to do this to us as well?"
"Oh, yes, if that is what they set their minds to do."
"But why didn't they replace this man's arms and eyes?" asked Leela as she motioned toward Quinn.
"That's the very thing I've been contemplating. I suspect it is because of his head injury. If it had been an injured arm or leg, these cybernetic creatures would have just replaced it. But the head trauma suggests that the brain must be functioning properly for some reason or other before these beings with accept them." The doctor paused as he took everything in. "But perhaps its more than that. Oh my, what if what they are really after is more than just another body to use as a vessel." He looked up at Leela already using her as a sounding board for his thoughts even though he knew she most likely wouldn't understand them. "What if these creatures are capable of absorbing the mind of an individual even as they had taken over the body?"
Leela was confused. "I thought they had already taken over their minds."
The Doctor shook his head. "Yes and no. What I mean is I think they are able to learn everything that the individual knows when they turn him into one of them." The Doctor turned his attention back to Quinn. "This man is the one Rembrandt said who knew more about traveling to parallel worlds than the others and who built the device to go to other worlds. We have to get him out of here!"
"It's called 'sliding'," corrected Leela
"What?"
"Rembrandt called it 'sliding' to other worlds." Leela smiled. It was rare that she got to correct the Doctor.
"Anyway, we have to disconnect him from this and get him to the TARDIS."
"Will it kill him?" Leela asked.
"Possibly, but the alternative," he pointed toward the Ferengi-Borg lying on the tables, "seems much worse. Especially if they get this 'sliding' machine." He paused in retrospect. "Even worse would be if they absorbed my knowledge and skills into this… this collective."
"Collective?"
"Yes, I think I've got it now. These drones weren't just cybernetically enhanced. Their minds… their very being and intellect were absorbed into this massive structure. I should have seen it sooner." He waved his arm at one of the walls at random. "All this technology couldn't have some from one race. Instead, it is an amalgamation of different technologies merged to shape this." He looked intently at Leela to make sure his point was getting across to her. "And they must also merge the different minds together to understand and run it all."
"And if they get your mind, they also get the TARDIS and are able to go through all time and space." She looked away from him and down at K-9. "Do not worry. I will not let it come to that." In her left hand she showed the Janis thorn but still was unable to meet his gaze.
The Doctor was surprised. She had a better grasp of what he was explaining than he had thought. Her tribe of the Sevateem used the Janis Thorn for hunting and warfare. Once struck with the Janis thorn paralysis is instantaneous followed shortly by death. Sometimes his primitive companion could really be remarkable, yet practical. "Yes, well, I'd rather it didn't come to that."
Leela grunted, but put the poisonous thorn away for now. "If I understand you correctly, if we were to move him, the 'drones' will attack us and we will be either killed or turned into one of them. But, if we wait, the 'drones' or whatever is in charge of them will have the 'sliding' technology."
"I believe I already stated that," stated the Doctor. "First we need to-" Suddenly the ship shook knocking the Doctor and Leela to the floor.
Leela quickly regained her footing and began to help the Doctor to his feet when she was again suddenly knocked off her feet. "Doctor, what is happening?"
The Doctor ignored her and instead watched the other inhabitants of the room. A few of the drones that had fallen were slowly rising to their feet and joining the ones that had maintained their footing at their consoles.
"Doctor?"
When the ship shook again the Doctor knew what he had to do. "The ship is under attack! We must act now! K-9!"
The robotic canine rolled forward. "Yes, master?"
"Do you think you can influence these drones at all?"
"Please specify."
"Can you distract them so that they will not pay any attention to us?"
"Unnecessary. The Borg already have their attention focused on four attacking starships."
"The 'Borg'?" inquired the Doctor.
"That is what they call themselves, master," responded K-9.
"And they won't pay us any attention while they are under attack," asked Leela.
"Affirmative, mistress."
"I see." The scarfed man quickly stood up and was almost knocked over again as the Borg vessel took another hit. "Come, Leela, we must hurry! Now is the perfect time to free Mr. Mallory!"
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Commander Riker walked onto the command deck of the Enterprise. His eyes immediately went to where Deanna Troi was sitting. When he noticed her back stiffen and her shoulders squaring off, he knew she had noticed him entering the room even without seeing him. He also knew that she had not yet forgiven him.
Riker glared over to toward Data. He knew he shouldn't resent Data. Especially since Deanna would be able to sense his anger toward the android, but he just couldn't help it.
A week ago, Deanna had caught Will kissing a visiting female dignitary. Riker had claimed that the pheromones that the dignitary's race gives off had been overwhelming. Deanna was hurt and upset, but willing to accept and forgive Riker. That is until a certain curious android had opened his tricorder and declared that the pheromones in question, though able to induce desire, it was by no means at a level that it could be found overwhelming. Since then Deanna has refused to speak to him except when absolutely necessary. And even worse, Data had begun questioning him on all the emotions that Riker had been going through and was trying to gather information in order to understand emotions better. Riker sighed and went to sit at his seat next to the captain. "Anything new?"
"No. Nothing yet. We should be meeting up with the fleet at Ferantes 76 in 7 hours." Picard was a Starfleet man through and through, however, he still did not like this war with the Dominion/Cardassians. It didn't help matters that things have not been going good for the Federation lately. Currently, he was leading his ship to rendezvous with another fleet for yet another attack into the Cardassian territory. The thing he hated the most was that he was finally starting to feel his age.
"Has Geordi-" Riker was interrupted by a brilliant flash of white light in which a man in a Starfleet admiral's uniform.
"Q!" exclaimed Picard.
"Ah," smiled the man as he stretched out his arms as if to receive a hug from a beloved comrade. "Mon capitain, it has been far too long."
Picard stayed seated in his chair ignoring the man and his extravagant gestures. "It hasn't been nearly long enough," muttered the captain uncharacteristically.
"Jean-Luc, ever the comedian." He smiled as he looked around at the crew who were doing their best to ignore him. They had been informed that whenever Q happen to appear to let the captain handle the situation and to try not to draw attention to themselves. "Hmm, some new faces. I see that you've gotten rid of old crab-face." Q smiled at the Tellarite standing at the security station who had a phasar pointed at him. "Still, I think I preferred Worf to snout-nose here."
Riker quickly stood up and placed himself between the new security officer and Q. "Worf is working as a Klingon liaison for the Federation at Deep Space Nine."
"Ah, now that's convenient. I was going there next!" He stopped suddenly and turned back to the captain. "But I digress," he said as he sat down in Riker's chair. "Jean-Luc, we've been friends for a couple of years now."
Picard snorted.
"Yes," nodded Q, "it does feel kind of odd saying that, but it is true, nonetheless. And as your friend, I find myself in the unusual position where I need to ask for your help."
Picard's eyes tightened, but otherwise kept his feelings to himself. Whether it was because the most annoying creature known to exist had called him a friend, or that one of the most powerful beings known to exist just asked for his help, he wasn't sure. Perhaps it was because it was both. That and whenever Q came looking for help things became very hectic, indeed.
"Who did you irritate this time," inquired Riker. He had little love for Q and he was feeling to tense already with Deanna nearby.
"Ah, yes Will, so are you still gallivanting around sampling the females of various alien races? Or have you finally decided to settle down with Ms. Troi who has been waiting patiently all these years for you?"
Deanna gasped at the audacity of Q's statement.
"Now you listen here, mister!" bellowed Riker.
"Enough!" Picard glared down Riker then turned to Q. "What is it you want, Q. We are busy here."
"Yes, I was getting to that," said Q sheepishly. "You see, the Q Continuum has kind of put me on the spot."
"And…" pried Picard.
"Well, I was wandering around, a little bored, and I happen to come upon an interesting situation." He paused as he put on his most innocent expression. "And I encouraged it a little to make it more interesting."
Picard was annoyed and stressed. He had a lot of preparation to do with the upcoming battles with the Dominion. Q popping up on his ship and being vague about needed help did not help the situation any. "And you came here… why?"
"I had the situation entirely under control," interjected Q. "It wasn't until the Q Continuum took me away that I was unable to supersede any really dangerous situations that could come up." Q stood up and began walking around the room waving his arms as he unloaded his troubles. "But the Continuum didn't take any of that under consideration. No, they say I have to be more considerate of lesser life forms. Can you believe that?" The silent glares from the captain and the crew encourage him to continue his story. "Anyway, they sent me back to fix the situation, but they've limited the ways I'm allowed to do it. I actually have to secure lesser life forms as my agents to fix the situation. And they have to do it of their own free will: no threats, or subjecting them to my will. And on top of that they must be reasonably compensated for their efforts." He stopped his pacing, sighed, and looked at the captain. "So…, you'll help?"
"Q, I don't-"
"Captain, Emergency Message from Starfleet," called out the female Bajoran communication officer.
"Can't you see we're talking here," Q snapped.
"On screen," commanded the captain.
"Oh, it's probably just about the Borg. Jean-Luc, we really have to talk!" pleaded Q.
Picard was startled to hear Q bring up the Borg. He was about to ask Q to clarify himself when the viewscreen began showing the message from Starfleet.
"Enterprise, this is Admiral Paris. You must return immediately to Earth. The Borg have returned and are currently orbiting the sun in the same orbit as the Earth but at a distance approximately 1.5 million miles from Earth. There has been no communication from them but some of the starships that were already in orbit have gone to confront them. Return as fast as you can and meet up with the fleet we are massing around the Earth. Starfleet Command. Out."
"Data, change our course to Earth immediately."
"Aye, sir," acknowledged the android.
"Now will you help me?" asked Q again.
Picard was taken aback. Hadn't Q listened to the message from Starfleet, or was he just too caught up in his own problem. "Q, we are in the middle of a situation here," responded the captain.
"I know. It's the same situation. That should make it easier for you to help me." Q grinned, pleased that things were starting to work out for him already.
"What?!" exclaimed Picard.
"Are you saying that you are responsible for sending the Borg to Earth again?" demanded Riker.
"Simmer down, fuzz face. I had no intention of letting things get so out of hand, remember?" He sat down in Riker's chair again and sighed. "But now I'm no longer in control of the situation so things could get very bad indeed." As he slouched in Riker's chair he turned to Captain Picard. "This is why we need to help each other."
"I see."
"Then it's agreed?"
"And we will be 'reasonably compensated' you said, is that right?"
Q hesitated, "Well, yes, I can be very generous-"
"You do realize that the Federation is currently at war with the Cardassians and their allies, the Dominion?"
Q was a little setback to hear that that little skirmish had any precedence here. "Yes?"
"And if we are to fight off the Borg to the best of our ability we won't be able to defend ourselves from this other threat."
"Jean-Luc, currently I'm no longer allowed to interpose myself on other races to a great extent." He shrugged his shoulders in his embarrassment at admitting his imposed impotence. "The Q Continuum won't let me use my power to such a degree as to just end your war like that."
Picard just sat there staring at him looking determined.
Q sighed. "I suppose I could make it so that the Cardassians and Dominion are unable to enter Federation space during the duration of this situation."
"But would not the Cardassians and the Dominion be building up their fleet for a massive invasion during this time of inaction?" interjected the android from where he sat at his console.
Q scowled. "I can fix that, too. Now do you agree?"
After a look at Riker and Troi he nodded. "Yes. And you will make sure this is effective immediately?"
"But of course," he said with a snap of his fingers.
"Captain."
"What is it, Data?"
"We have been instantaneously transported into Earth orbit."
Picard glanced up to see the familiar blue planet hanging in space.
"You did say 'immediately'. But I must go now and gather more of my allies. I'll be back later to inform you of the rest of the requirements." Saying this Q disappeared in a flash as quick as he appeared.
"Did he say 'the rest of the requirements'?" Deanna asked.
"Yes, and I have to tell you," Picard responded, "I've got a bad feeling about this."
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"So do we have a deal?"
"Q, I don't like you." The man paused to let this fact sink in.
Q sat opposite the man across the table and tried not to squirm or look resentful. The others at the table seem to be holding their breaths, except for one who was smiling in amusement and another that was just barely growling in a threatening manner.
"However, as you pointed out, it would be," the man paused for effect, "beneficial."
Q smiled. "But of course, Benjamin, I-"
"Call me 'Captain'," responded the somber man.
Q frowned. "Captain, I know that we can make this work."
"Captain, I don't like this," stated Colonel Kira.
"But I said I would keep all potentially hostile and aggressive vessels out of Bajoran space during the duration of this project. What more could you ask for?" Q responded.
Even though frightened of the power this being in front of her possessed, Kira Nerys was determined to have her say. "This station's purpose is for-"
"This station's purpose is to protect and benefit the Bajoran people," interrupted Kai Winn. "If that can be better done by this being taking Deep Space Nine away from here and if it is the will of the Prophets, then so be it." She turned to Kira as if attempting to explain her words. "Sometimes sacrifices have to be made, Nerys."
Sisko grimaced. The Kai had happened to be on the space station when Q had appeared and asked for a private meeting. She had immediately insisted that she be allowed to attend. In his vain hopes to win some support from her he had consented and allowed her. Now he regretted that decision. The Kai has long been against Starfleet having anything to do with Bajor, so as far as she is concerned if Q wanted to take the station away she would let him. It would also benefit her as that she would no longer have to contend with the Human Emissary who was a Starfleet officer.
"Of course, all of those in this room would have to agree to be a part of this program and the rest of those that choose to remain on the station would also have to agree to be my pawns if deemed necessary," Q added.
"Q, -" began Sisko.
"That is unacceptable!" cried the Kai.
Sisko had been about to say something similar before Kai had interrupted him. "What about what you said about sacrifices?" he reminded her.
The Kai blushed furiously. "What I meant was my people will need my guidance. With the space station gone many will panic. I need to be there to restore confidence and to turn the people's eyes to the Prophets." She glared at Sisko as if challenging him to contradict her.
"First Minister Shakaar would always be there for the Bajoran people to turn to," answered Kira. The contention that the Kai always created between Shakaar and herself was always hard for Kira to accept. Kira was a very firm believer in her religion, so she was a reluctant supporter of the Kai, however, she had loved Shakaar, the man.
Kai Winn was startled at this upset of her plans. She wanted to be rid of Starfleet. But she had always thought she would be there to fill the void the Federation would leave behind and build a stronger Bajor. Now she had to decide if she was willing to sacrifice herself and trust the Prophets to take care of Bajor in her absence. She sighed. I guess this is a step of faith. "Very well. I agree to this."
Sisko sat with his hands steepled. He glanced to the rest of his people in the room. Dax. Odo. Kira. O'Brien. Worf. Bashir. Each nodded in agreement to the proposal.
"I will have to run this by the Bajoran government. After all, it is their space station," added Sisko.
"I'll encourage them to accept this proposal," interjected the Kai. "Now is there anything else?"
"Yes," frowned Sisko. "The majority of the population of Deep Space Nine will have to be evacuated."
"Except for those in this room," added Q, "and anyone on the station who chooses to remain of their own free will has to be allowed to stay."
"Q,-" Sisko began.
"Sorry, but my hands are tied on this." He smiled broadly at the captain. "It's a decision of the Q Continuum."
"Are you saying that I have to give everyone on this station the choice of whether or not they should evacuate Deep Space Nine?"
"Um," Q attempted to look thoughtful. "Yes."
"Well, I for one have some calls to make," commented the Kai. She rose to her feet and headed to the door.
"Wish I could just get up and leave," muttered Kira.
"Well you can't, but I can," said Q. "I'll be back in, oh, let's say half an hour. See if you can have everything ready by then, Benjamin." With that, Q vanished in a flash of white light.
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The attack that had caused the Borg vessel to shake had ended quite a while ago. Leela and the Doctor had been carrying the body of Quinn Mallory for nearly twenty minutes now trying to get him safely to the TARDIS before the Borg noticed that he was no longer there. K-9's ability to tap into the Borg network had also allowed the little mechinoid to mask their presence so far as well as well as the fact that Quinn was no longer on his bio-bed. But if the Borg were to learn of this subterfuge than all hope of escape would be lost.
"Doctor, to your right!"
A Borg came suddenly around a corner walking their way. Both the Doctor and Leela leaped out of his way and pressed themselves and Quinn's limp body to the wall so that the drone could walk by without interference.
"This is getting tiring," wheezed the Doctor. "That's the twenty-sixth drone we've had to maneuver out of the way of."
Leela just grunted. Even though she was a warrior of the Sevateem, she was still only Human. She was having a much more difficult a time than the Doctor whose alien Gallifrian metabolism made him naturally stronger and more endurable. Across one of the many walkways something caught her eye. "Doctor, what is that?"
"Eh?" He turned to where she was pointing and saw a bluish-white light emanating past walls of machinery and Borg drones. "Hmm, K-9, can your sensors tell us what that is?"
"Negative. All systems are currently being used to mask our presence from the Borg-mind."
"Oh, very well. I'll go look for myself." Turning to Leela he gave her quick instructions as well as the key to the TARDIS. "You will be alright carrying him by yourself, yes? It's only a couple hundred more yards."
Leela grunted in compliance, then put Quinn over her shoulder and hurried away at a fast walk.
"Remarkable girl. Very resourceful and determined." He turned to K-9. "They don't make many companions like that anymore."
K-9 was silent.
"Or like you," added the Doctor
"Affirmative." K-9 wagged his tail.
"Now let's go see what this light show is all about." He stopped when he noticed there was no more lights to be seen. "Of all the luck!" he complained. Then the lights began to shine again. "Ah, we are in luck. Tally-ho, K-9."
It did not take long for the Doctor and his faithful mechanical dog to find the source of the lights. When they did they found thousands of Borgs lined up on a walkway going across one of the expanses of the ship. Every couple of minutes a beautiful vortex of bluish-white energy would form next to the walkway and twenty Borg drones would walk into it and disappear.
The Doctor's mouth fell open as the full ramifications of what the Borg were doing hit him. "K-9, we're too late!"
"Inquiry?" asked K-9.
"The invasion of the multiverse has begun!"
"You're fidgeting will not help this go any faster, Q."
Q first response was to deny that he would ever do something so beneath himself as to fidget. Fortunately, he remembered who he was addressing and caught himself before any snide retort left his lips. A rare thing for Q to do. Instead he offered an apology. "I'm sorry, Kathryn. It's just this whole thing has me wound up."
"Well, I can see how countless lives hanging in the balance can do that."
"Hmm?" Q had been distracted looking out one of the bay windows of the conference room. "Oh, yes, that too." He resumed looking out the windows with sad eyes. "It just would so much easier to fix everything if they would just let me…" He shook his head in frustration.
Captain Janeway glanced at Tuvok and Chakotay. Chakotay had a smirk that he was trying to desperately to not lose control of. Tuvok, however, sat as still and ridged as if he were a stern parent listening to a wayward, immature child.
"Perhaps the restrictions on your powers was meant to encourage you to develop an appreciation for those less able than yourself," commented the Vulcan.
"And maybe your lack of a sense of humor means you should try harder to appreciate a good joke!" snapped Q.
"Q! That is uncalled for!" said Janeway.
"Look. You've heard our terms," interjected Chakotay. "We want to return to the Alpha quadrant. Earth to be specific. We won't settle for less."
Turning to Captain Janeway again and ignoring the other two, Q once more tries to appeal to her. "But think of all the places you could explore if you stayed. The cultures, the planets. Oh, Kathryn, there is so much you could learn. So many people you could help along your way."
"Q, we've been out here for years already. My main concern and duty all along has been bringing my crew home safely to the Alpha quadrant where they belong. You know that."
"But things will get so boring when you get home. You'll miss all this!"
"All good things must come to an end, Q."
"Humph! Very well."
Everyone turned as the door opened and Neelix, smiling, entered carrying five different PADDs. "Sorry to take so long. It took a while before I could scrounge up some help to get peoples' responses. Naomi was very good at tracking down some of the harder to find people. Lots of places on this wonderful ship." Placing the PADDs down in front of Q, the Talaxian stepped back his hands up and down his sides. "You'll notice on one of those that I, myself, signed up to help you in your efforts to straighten out this mess of yours."
"Oh, I'm sure that'll help," snorted Q.
"Q!"
Q sighed and turned back to Neelix. "I'm sure that you could be of some help."
Neelix's smile was very strained by now. "Yes, well, I have some Boragwer roots that should be done simmering in the kitchen about now. I should go see to them."
With Neelix gone, Janeway turned to Q. "That will not happen again! Do you understand me?"
"What did I do?" exclaimed an exasperated Q.
"You belittled his offer to help you in your time of need."
"But really, Kathryn, what can he do?"
"If that is how you feel, then why are you here? Oh, yes! You need our help. Well my crew is willing to help you. Some have even volunteered, like Neelix and myself, to risk our lives to fix this mess that you created."
"I had things under control until-"
"Don't start that again!" Janeway stopped to regain her breath and her calm. Yelling down a self-proclaimed omnipotent being can really frazzle your nerves. "You will treat my crew with the same respect you treat me. Are we clear on that?"
"Very well, Kathryn," responded Q meekly.
Janeway exhaled the breath she hadn't realized she had been holding. A quick glance at Tuvok got her a nod of approval from the Vulcan. Chakotay was beginning to chuckle out loud. "Now have we met all of the Q continuums requirements?"
After a brief look at one of the PADDs, Q nodded. "Yes. All of the command crew signed as well as a large percentage of the rest of your crew." Putting down the PADD he added, "I'll look at the rest of these later." Rising to his feet, he walked over to the window looking out into space. "It's finally time to bring everyone together."
There was a bright flash of white light and then…
Janeway looked out to what was on the other side beyond Q. "Is that... is it really..?"
"Earth!" proclaimed Q. "Now the hard part begins."
AUTHOR's NoTeS:
Yes, I named a Federation Ship after John Wayne. The thought of roaming the stars made me think of someone roaming the open prairies on horseback. And I am a bit of a fan of John Wayne.
Now the Ferengi characters are made by me. I also made up Commander John Hofman and Captain Joyner, as well as the Andorian Alber. And yes, Hofman is spelled right. It's my mother's maiden name. John Hofman is the name of my cousin and Joyner is named after Brock Joyner, a friend of ours. Both love Star Trek. Terrance Hewitt is also made-up by me. But Ensign Charity King is loosely based off someone I know. I just used the name.
In order of appearance or mentioned:
Brown, Rembrandt 'Crying Man' (Cleavant Derricks) – from the TV series Sliders (1995-2000)
Arturo, Prof. Maximilian (John Rhys-Davies) – from the TV series Sliders (1995-1997) (mentioned only)
Welles, Wade (Sabrina Lloyd) – from the TV series Sliders (1995-1997) (mentioned only)
Mallory, Quinn 'Q-Ball' (Jerry O'Connell) – from the TV series Sliders (1995-1999)
Doctor, The 4th (Tom Baker) – from the TV series Doctor Who (1974-1981)
Leela (Louise Jameson) – from the TV series Doctor Who (1977-1978)
K-9 (voiced by John Leeson) – from the TV series Doctor Who (1977-?)
Borg from the TV series Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Voyager
Q (John de Lancie) – from the TV series Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987-?), Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Star Trek: Voyager
Holmes, Sherlock – from book A Study In Scarlet, 1886, by Arthur Conan Doyle, of the Sherlock Holmes mysteries series (mentioned only)
McCoy, Adm. Leonard 'Bones' (DeForest Kelley) – from the TV series Star Trek (1966-1969)
Riker, Cdr. William (Jonathan Frakes) – from the TV series Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987-1994)
Troi, Councilor Deanna (Mirina Sirtis) – from the TV series Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987-1994)
Data, Lt. Cdr. (Brent Spiner) – from the TV series Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987-1994)
Picard, Capt. Jean-Luc (Patrick Stewart) – from the TV series Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987-1994)
La Forge,Lt. Geordi (LeVar Burton) – from the TV series Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987-1994)
Worf, Lt. Cdr. (Michael Dorn) – from the TV series Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987-1994), Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1995-1999)
Paris, Adm. Owen (Richard Herd) – from the TV series Star Trek: Voyager (1999-2001)
Sisko, Capt. Benjamin (Avery Brooks) – from the TV series Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1993-1999)
Nerys, Col. Kira (Nana Visitor) – from the TV series Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1993-1999)
Adami, Kai Winn (Louise Fletcher) – from the TV series Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1993-1999)
Edon, First Minister Shakaar (Duncan Regehr) – from the TV series Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1995-1997) (mentioned only)
Dax, Lt. Ezri (Nicole de Boer) – from the TV series Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1998-1999)
Odo, Constable (Rene Auberjonois) – from the TV series Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1993-1999)
O'Brien, Chief Miles (Colm Meaney) – from the TV series Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987-1992), from the TV series Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1993-1999)
Bashir, Dr. Julian (Siddig El Fadil) – from the TV series Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1993-1999)
Janeway, Capt. Kathryn (Kate Mulgrew) – from the TV series Star Trek: Voyager (1995-2001)
Tuvok (Tim Russ) – from the TV series Star Trek: Voyager (1995-2001)
Chakotay, Cdr. (Robert Beltran) – from the TV series Star Trek: Voyager (1995-2001)
Neelix (Ethan Phillips) – from the TV series Star Trek: Voyager (1995-2001)
Wildman, Naomi (Scarlett Pomers) – from the TV series Star Trek: Voyager (1998-2001)