2
On the other end, Mr. Sulu answered.
„We have no idea, Captain. There's nothing on the screen, the sensor readings are normal. I'd say we passed through an ion storm but …"
„But what?"
„Well, as I said, the sensors didn't pick up anything, and we're not exactly in an area of high ion activity."
„What do you mean, not exactly in the area? Clarify, Mr. Sulu!"
„Actually, the activity is extremely low. It's … well, it's non-existent."
„Well, that's impossible! We're in open space!"
„I know, Captain, but still …"
„Alright, I'm trying to get to the bridge. Kirk out."
Jim released the button, then pressed it again.
„Captain to Sick Bay. We need medics on level seven, section four, immediately. Mr. Spock and several other people are unconscious."
He kneeled beside Spock again.
„Spock!" He patted his cheek. „Spock!" Then he sighed. „I don't like leaving you here, I don't like it at all …"
Still, Kirk got up to arrive at the bridge minutes later.
„I'd like a full update on the situation."
„Situation unchanged, Captain," Mr. Sulu said.
„All frequencies clear, no sign of attempted communication.," Lieutenant Uhura added.
„That is just …," Kirk mumbled, then raised his voice, „Do we have any leads whatsoever on what could have happened?" He dropped into his chair.
„None, Captain." This time Mr. Chekov, sitting next to Mr. Sulu, answered, looking worried.
„Now would be a good time for Spock to come back to his logical self," Kirk sighed.
Just then, the doors to the bridge opened, and Mr. McCoy walked in, an alarmed air about him.
„Jim, Spock just arrived at Sick Bay. It doesn't look very good."
Kirk jumped up and reduced the space between him and McCoy.
„What do you mean? Why aren't you with him, then? Doing something?"
The Enterprise was shaken again, then rumbled as it would if it were driving over a bumpy road.
The people on the bridge tried to hold on to something. Over the noise, Kirk cried,
„Mr. Sulu! What are you doing?"
„I'm not doing anything, Captain?"
Mr. Sulu fought his way back to his chair.
„I can't control the ship!"
Suddenly, there was another wild shake that had every member of the crew not tied up in a bed in Sick Bay fall to the floor. After that, the Enterprise was absolutely still.
There was a universal groan from the people on the bridge as they got up and held their backs.
„I find this to be very disturbing," the captain growled.
„What happened now? Anyone, anything?"
„Negative, Captain," Uhura said.
Mr. Sulu shook his head.
Kirk turned in his spot, furrowing his brow. The crew was helpless.
„Jim, I have to get back to …"
„Hold on! What's that?"
The Captain's gaze had fallen on the time display. He moved towards the helm and took a closer look.
„Mr. Sulu, you said the sensors didn't show anything? Well, then what is this?"
Sulu and Chekov bent over to look at what Kirk pointed at.
„Why in the name of Mother Earth does this show 2005?"
There was silence on the bridge. Finally, Mr. Sulu said, „That would be … because we're in the year of 2005."
„When did the time change?"
„I'm afraid I don't know, Sir."
„So … we have been through a time warp."
„It appears so."
„But of what caused it we have no idea."
„No, Sir."
Kirk sighed.
„Sulu, hold the Enterprise in this exact spot. Call me immediately if anything unusual happens. If there is another disturbance, check for signs very carefully. McCoy, with me."