COVENANT

Xxx

Milky Way Galaxy
Alpha Quadrant
Earth
USS Enterprise
Bridge

Admiral's Log 2222.8:

It's been more than half a year after our first contact with the new galaxy, the one that many are now calling the Skyriver Galaxy. Since our acquiring of our own hyperdrive, the Enterprise and by extension the rest of the Federation has managed to charge more plants and star systems within months than we have in the past century. Our new crewmember and advisor, R2-D2 has advised to avoid certain sectors and systems to ensure we do not encounter civilizations not only as hostile to us as the Klingons but are more advanced to the point it would be dangerous to make first contact at this time. Still, our exploration has grown and we have made first contact with many worlds who have expressed an interest in the United Federation of Planets.

Now we have come at a crossroads. Hyperspace travel must be precise and well mapped, avoiding cosmic bodies such as singularities and wormholes as the mass gravity would render the hyperdrive inoperable and powerless. We have to had to spend many months properly mapping the surrounding systems to make such an effort but we have finally done it.

We have a mapped a safe route into the Gamma Quadrant.

The farthest quadrant from the Federation on the other side of the galaxy. We have managed to map out only one percent of the galaxy from our side of the galaxy, reaching out to the Alpha and Beta Quadrants and have managed to accomplish what many believed would happen long after our lifetime. Mr. R2 has been helpful but has warned to us to be cautious. It is likely he knows of any dangers but says nothing to avoid discouraging us.

I suppose this must be how Jonathan Archer felt during the days of United Earth during its early relationship with the Vulcans. R2 had warned us that he was willing to help us but must be careful not to give away too much knowledge at once. While some would find this annoying and arrogant on the droid's part, it is the very same law we live by: the Prime Directive. We wait until a civilization achieves warp drive, or in this case faster than light travel before we start making first contact.

R2 is following its own Prime Directive and we must work to respect that as best as we can. Having seen what V'Ger was capable of, I'm in no rush to see what either knowledge Mr. R2 is keeping hidden.

End Log

With his log ended, Admiral Kirk took one last look around the bridge, satisfied to see everyone at their posts and R2 was next to Spock at the science station that had been moved to the right side of the bridge. There was not much function in moving the station but more of nostalgia, since that section of the bridge had been Spock's station during his time as Science Officer on the original Enterprise configuration. Spock had expressed he had felt no such feelings about where the science station should be but Kirk had felt better knowing his best friend was by his side as the embark on this new mission that would likely change space exploration forever.

"Status." Kirk inquired.

"Navigation and Helm ready, Captain." Sulu reported.

"Starfleet Command has given us the clear, sir." Uhura reported.

Kirk tapped the intercom on his chair. "Scotty?"

"Aye sir."

"We ready down there?"

"Ready and waiting, sir."

"Coordinates locked in, Captain." Sulu reported. "Ready to initiate hyperspace jump to the Gamma Quadrant."

This was it.

By reaching the Gamma Quadrant, the Enterprise would accomplish what many thought would never happen in their lifetime.

Reaching the Gamma Quadrant.

"Then let's get underway." Kirk said, finding himself becoming excited. "Mr. Sulu, prepare to make the jump into hyperspace."

"Aye sir. Hyperdrive system online."

Kirk leaned forward, staring at the screen. "Initiate hyperspace jump."

The instant he gave the order the hyperdrive was online and the Enterprise entered the familiar multi-colored tunnel they had all seen when they had first tested the hyperdrive in their universe. Spock had a theory that subspace in their universe was much different from the other one and he had been studying in diligently with each jump.

"Hyperspace jump initiated." Sulu reported. "On course for the Gamma Quadrant."

"Very well." Kirk turned to Spock. "And you are monitoring the hyperspace tunnel. Mr. Spock?"

"Affirmative, Admiral."

"We're coming upon our coordinates, Admiral." Sulu stated. "Cutting in the impulse engines."

The main screen showed the Enterprise leaving hyperspace, now moving at impulse speed.

"What is our destination?" Kirk asked, a small smile forming on his face.

"Sir, we are about seventy five thousand light years from our previous destination…" Defalco said from the navigator station. "…In the Gamma Quadrant."

"We did it." Chekov said with a big smile.

Kirk was smiling himself now as he looked around the bridge, seeing everyone now excited that their attempt to reach the Gamma Quadrant had worked.

Even Spock, though stoic, seemed pleased in his own manner.

"Everyone, a whole new level of exploration has opened for us." Kirk stated as he stood up. "You've all had your reasons for being here and I am honored to be standing with you all on this momentous occasion."

Everyone was now looking at Kirk as he spoke.

"Now, I believe there's no time like the present to start seeing what's out here. Mr. Sulu, ahead warp point five. Mr. Spock, full scanners and let me know the instant you detect any forms of civilization out there."

"Aye sir." Sulu made the adjustments and slowly the Enterprise surged forward.

Kirk could only watch as his vessel was ready to dive head first into the unknown.

Xxx

Skyriver Galaxy
Serenno System
Serenno
Dooku Estate

"I was surprised to hear you wish to speak with me, Count Dooku. I would have thought you'd be too busy for old acquaintances."

"Nonsense. I always make it a point to make sure anyone who visits me is someone of great importance."

The man known as Dooku was leading his old friend, Harko Vane through the gardens of his estate. It was afternoon by now and the sun was starting to go down while the two spoke and entered the rather large mansion.

They both entered the mansion, walking into a dining room with several beings already seated and waiting for them.

Wat Tambor, Foreman of the Techno Union.

Nute Gunray, Viceroy of the Trade Federation.

And Poggle the Lesser, Archduke of Geonosis.

"Gentlemen, I am sure you know of Harko Vane, from the House of Vane, Viscount of Valahari." Dooku introduced as he sat down. "I thank you all for attending. I am sure as you know, in the last year there has been a great change in the galaxy. The arrival of a new galaxy, with them new friends…and new enemies."

Harko raised an eyebrow. "You refer to the United Federation?"

"They have shown a unique strength, considering how one ship single handedly defeated three Trade Federation battleships." Dooku stated.

Gunray stiffened, not happy at the reminder of his humiliation.

"In fact, they have shown to advance a great deal. Even being to teleport from their ship to the surface of the planets they orbit." Dooku continued. "That is why I wish to speak with you all. This polity represents both a threat…and a chance to evolve. In the brief time I have read up on them, I have learned their transports can be blocked by shielding. Their shields can block both projectiles and energy weapons at the same time, all pointing to a sign of an advanced society and that could be a potential rival."

"And what do you ask of us, Dooku?" Harko asked.

"That we begin delving into the strength and resources the same way they have. Pool them together to create something glorious. You may not know it, Harko but a new power is rising. One that will not be poisoned by the corruption of the Republic Senate." Dooku explained. "I offer you the chance to be part of that as the people of your planet are among the best starship engineers in the galaxy. The Techno Union works to create new and improved technology and the Trade Federation has a vested interest in improving its own fleet."

Wat Tambo adjusted the gas mix in his suit. "We are working on creating a new type of shield generator for blocking both projectile and energy weapons but the current calculations state we will not have a working prototype for nearly a year."

Harko looked at Dooku. "You want us to supply you with resources and personnel to create a new fleet to challenge this Federation."

"Think of the challenge it would present to you, old friend. This is the chance of a life time to be part of a great change that will go down in history. The only question is what role do you wish to play?"