Disclaimer: I do not own Star Trek, or any of its reincarnations. They are
owned by Paramount and Gene Roddenberry (many he rest in peace). I also do
not own the concept of Dinotopia. That is owned by James Gurney (may he be
blessed by his vision). However, Aaron is my character. Please ask if you
want to use him. Clare Raymond belongs to Paramount and appeared in the
Star Trek TNG episode: The Neutral Zone.
To Go Where No One Has Gone Before: Dinotopia
Episode 1: Exploring the Unexplained
Aaron looked around at the faculty of the university that he taught at. They had gathered to hear his latest meeting to acquire resources to further his research. His profession was past cultures and societies. He was considered one of the most brilliant cultural archeologists currently living. However, with is great intelligence came eccentricity. His greatest was the stories and legends of the past. He was a fan and enthusiast of the unexplained or paranormal. In fact, this meeting was based on one of these old legends. In his research, he had come across a strange paranormal incident in "Neo-European" culture of North America called the "Bermuda Triangle."
He was a man of normal height, wiry build and had straight, dull, brown hair that he kept cut close to his scalp. However, the thing most people would remember about him after meeting him was his eyes. His deep hazel eyes seemed to stare into you. It was as if he knew your most secretive secrets, those thought you had that you buried deep inside. Most people felt intimidated by him just because of this fact. As a result he was somewhat of a loner.
After seeing that everyone was seated, he stood up and moved to the front of room.
"Hello, members of the board. I am here today to discuss a recent finding of mine that I believe deserves further study. It is called the "Bermuda Triangle." My research into this phenomenon has raised many more questions. But, first, I would like to begin with my history in uncovering this unusual phenomenon. I was conducting research into Neo-European culture of the 20th century, when I heard that there were three people from that era who had been discovered alive, in cryogenic suspended animation by the Starfleet flagship Enterprise D. While interviewing a Ms. Clare Raymond, she asked me if they had solved the Triangle. I had never heard of this before, so I questioned her about it."
"From her testimony and my further research, I have discovered the following "truths":
1. It is an area roughly triangular is shape that has its corners defined by Miami, Florida of what was then called the United States; Nassau, capital of the country called the Bahamas; and the island of Puerto Rico.
2. While traveling within this area, there are reports of magnetic anomalies, compasses suddenly swinging wildly about.
3. Occasionally, ships and latter, planes would enter the area and would never be seen again.
4. Sometimes the ships would later be found, but their crew had mysteriously vanished.
5. There have been reports of strange lights in the sky in this area. "Now I have also found that most of the stories were later disputed, but there did exist a few that are still on the books as unexplained. Now this is what I propose. I would like to obtain a magnetic spectrometer and other equipment to measure the electro-magnetic spectrum as well as background magnetic radiation. I would also like to get the loan of sophisticated imaging technology. I would submit to this committee the following:
1. Procurement of a hovercraft capable of conveying large equipment.
2. Loan of sophisticated technology to be installed onto the hovercraft.
3. An experienced crew willing to work for an undisclosed length of time."
"Thank you for your time."
Aaron stepped down and took his seat. The chairperson of the board stood up. She walked up to the podium and started speaking.
"Thank you Aaron. We will get back to you on our decision. Now is there any more business? No, then we shall begin deliberations on the topic on the floor. Does anyone have any questions for our resident expert? No. Thank you Aaron, that will be all."
Aaron gets up from his seat and quietly leaves the room. As he is walking down the corridors, he is lost in thought about what exactly he would find. Geomagnetic tripole. They were extremely rare. Most of the times they appeared on planets, and when they appeared, they placed extreme pressures on the tectonic plates of a planet. There were also a number of known phenomena that were preceded by strange magnetic anomalies. Well, whatever it was, it would be nice to get out into the field. It had been a long time since he had been out in nature.
He was a naturalist. His passion was nature. He was very good at what he did, but all he ever wanted to do was be one with nature. Oh well, not everyone was what they wanted to be.
He reached his door and it opened for him. He went inside and sat down. Looking around his office, he smiled. He tried to bring nature to his office. There were many plants growing throughout the office, as well as an original watering system. It made use of a ceramic waterfall, which cascaded down over the various pots, making sure all the plants had enough water. The result of the watering system made the office very humid. However, the climate controls in his office kept it from getting too unbearable. He also had a large window behind his desk that was always open to let in the sunlight for the plants. Aaron always felt better when he was in his office, his little retreat from modern life.
Aaron sat down behind his desk and picked up a PADD (this is what those data storage and display systems seen in Star Trek are spelled) that had the essays from some of his more dedicated students. He sat down and began to read when his computer terminal chirped. Aaron put the essay down and got up from his chair. He went over to his terminal and activated the view screen. What appeared was the image of the chairperson. As he began to take in the breath to great her, she started talking.
"Professor Aaron. As much as I admire your advancement in the field of cultural archeology, I am afraid."
"Great," thought Aaron, "they didn't even have the decency to talk to me in person."
". that we must approve your request."
"Did I hear her right?"
"Please submit to the admin office your invoice for your expedition. Until then, we wish you good luck."
"Well, I always say, "If you are going to do something, never do it half-hazard." That's why I just happen to have my invoice already filled out and ready to transmit. Now we push a few buttons," Aaron pushes various buttons, bringing up a list and then highlights one of the selections, then punches a few more buttons, "and there it is and there it goes."
Aaron then walked back to his desk. "Now the fun begins."
Over at Starfleet Command, two admirals are seen talking to each other, one is a Vulcan and the other has blue skin with a definite ridge that runs down the center of his face.
"Did you read this invoice sent to us from the Federation Council's Science Committee about the use of high powered magnetic field scanner for the use of testing the theory of a reoccurring magnetic anomaly on Earth that we haven't detected it in all this time?" Said the Vulcan.
The other admiral turned to the Vulcan and replied, "Oh well, what else are we to do with the equipment. Besides, they say Cochran was an eccentric fool. If nothing else, it might lead to something. However, I would advice us to send a science officer who might keep a look on the equipment and provide assistance to the professor. I would suggest" taps on a PADD, "this one. He has proven himself to be a very good, well rounded officer. He should be able to help in any realistic scenario. He should also be able to put together a good team to help him out"
"I agree. We will send him out to be a technical advisor. Besides, he is currently between assignments with his ship in the salvage yard. I trust his judgment."
The second admiral then typed some things in his PADD and then turned to his partner, "Well, what's next on our agenda?"
Aaron stared out at the wide expanse of pure blue ocean. "It is amazing that we were so foolish as to dump all of those environmental toxins into the ocean and nearly destroyed the entire ecosystem for our own greed and laziness."
"Professor?"
"Mmmmm?"
"Professor?"
".."
"Professor!?"
"What! What! Oh sorry." Aaron turns around and finds himself face to face with a man, well what looked like a copy of a human. Its. his skin color was too pale, too shiny, his breathing was too regular, his eyes a yellow iris and there was no emotion or vitality in them. They were a window to a soulless shell. However, he wore the greenish-tan uniform of a Starfleet officer who had devoted his career to engineering, security, or logistics. He puts his hand out and the creature takes it and they start shaking hands.
"Ahh, Lieutenant Commander Data. Sorry about that. I was. what's that phrase?... Ah yes, spacing out."
"Spacing out???" Data starts turning his head from side to side while accessing his internal memory banks for the meaning of phrase.
"Sorry again. It means focusing on one thing so completely that you lose all sense of what is going on around you."
"Thank you."
"Well Lieutenant Commander, I was allowed to view your official file. I must say you have an outstanding record. A couple of reprimands, lots of commendations. A well rounded record. I like to know the people I plan on working with."
"I also believe that to be a wise policy."
"Well, glad we could see eye to eye. Now, have you looked over my proposal?"
"Yes, I did. I find the idea extremely puzzling, but I am also very curious. Do you think we will find anything?"
"I do not know. I hope so though. But either way, I hope we have fun." Then Aaron smiled at his new partner.
Data shyly smiled back. "I hope we do. Now, would you like to meet the members of the team that I assembled to assist you in your research."
Aaron waved his arm in front of him, signaling Data to lead on.
As Aaron looked over the ship, he sighed heavily, drawing in as much "free" air as he could. No papers to read, no responsibilities, he was free. He then looked down at his ship. It was a white, 40 meter long schooner with 3 masts and a 4 century old motor that ran on inefficient and toxic hydrocarbons. It was allowed by the Environmental Protection Board of Planet Earth. Aaron was allowed to take it because one of Aaron's theories called for the use of the specific magnetic signature that only this type of engine could produce. The masts were there for alternative propulsion. All the equipment brought aboard has stressed the ship so that it could not hold a modern efficient engine. It was also necessary to carry their own food and not bring a replicator because the replicator might interfere with the experiment. As he watched, he noticed that all the equipment had been stowed away and the sailors were making ready to cast off. He walked up the gangplank and came aboard. He waved at the captain as he made the final rounds before cast off. Aaron then went below decks to his cabin.
Aaron came above deck and looked out over the open expanse of ocean. They had been out at sea for about a week and nothing extraordinary had happened. However, there had been a few blips in the readings from the scanners that couldn't be explained. It kept the spirit of the crew hopeful. Aaron looked up at the masts of the ship. The sails were down and were completely filled with the breeze, which pushed the ship forward. Aaron still felt that his theory was correct. However, he was realistic that there had been no unexplained phenomena that could be associated with the Bermuda Triangle in over 400 years; it was very possible that the phenomena had simply dissipated away. As Aaron stared out over the water, he suddenly noticed a rather unusual cloud formation. For one thing, the clouds forming were coming directly off of the water. He could tell this because the clouds were too close to be appearing from the curvature of the Earth. Another thing was that the clouds had a greenish glow to them. As he turned to point this anomaly out to a passing sailor, he saw that the team assembled by Data was starting to gather around the readout terminal for the scanners. Aaron wondered if it had anything to do with the weird cloud formation he saw so he ran over.
"I do not believe it. These readings just started spiking. There are practically off the chart."
"Are we recording the readings?" asked Data, as he stepped into the circle of scientists and engineers.
"Yes sir."
"Show me the readings." ordered Data.
The engineer stepped aside while Data stepped up to the console. He started tapping on the command board and the displays started alternating shapes, from charts to graphs, to tables, and back again. Aaron ran up at this point. He said, "Has anyone noticed the rather unusual weather we are having outside?"
Data turned and looked at him as well as the rest of the team, "What weather?"
"I just saw some green clouds forming over on our starboard side."
"Our weather monitor is showing clear skies."
"I'm telling you, there is something very weird going out there."
"Let me see." sighed Data.
Data stepped back from the console and left the room with Aaron. As they stepped outside, they saw that the sailors had taken notice of the clouds and they were starting to reel in the sails and secure them so they could last out the storm. Of on the starboard side of the ship, the green cloud formation had grown exponentially in size and was rushing towards the ship. The captain's voice could be heard over the ship communication system.
"All hands, this is the captain. We are running into a fierce storm. Batten down the hatches, secure the main sails, place on your floatation devices, and go to emergency stations. I have activated the distress beacon. Our communications with land are out due to some sort of interference. Above all remain calm. That is all."
Data turned to Aaron.
"I have to return to the scanners. We might never get another chance to see these readings. I would advise you to seek shelter."
"I agree."
Aaron and Data split ways. Aaron heads down to his room, while Data returns to the room with the scanner to obtain all the information he could in case he did not have another chance. However, he made a detour to a storage shed and obtained a floatation device. As he arrived in the room, he saw that the team was frantic.
"What's happening?"
"We do not know sir. These readings are like nothing we have ever seen before. We have been saving all of this information, but I don't know what it means."
"Go put on your floatation devices. I will watch the machine."
"Yes sir."
The men started filing out of the room. Data started reviewing all the information that had already been collected and also the new information that was constantly being collected. Data was starting to get worried. His thoughts whirled around what the information meant. That the weird cloud formation was linked to the weird magnetic anomaly was almost a fact. But what did it mean? Data did not have the answers. But he knew that it was not good. He continued to process the data. As he was doing this, he felt the ship lurch violently to the side. The ship rightened itself and then lurched to the side once again. Data chose to ignore this. However, the rocking increased in intensity and frequency. Data started to realize that something was seriously wrong.
"We have to abandon ship!"
Aaron ran down to his room, opened his door, and ran inside. He immediately put on his floatation device, and then ran to get his PADD with his thoughts, ideas, and theories. He put it into one of his watertight pockets and then sealed. Finally he grabbed his second PADD containing all the information he had that he thought was relevant in case he was stuck somewhere where he couldn't get help or return to the rest of the civilized world. As he sat down on his bunk, he glanced at his door. He noticed that their seemed to be a slow seepage of liquid moving thru the carpet. Curious, Aaron walked over to the door and opened it. A wave of cold water splashed around his ankles and lower legs. Realizing that something was seriously wrong with the ship for it to be taking on all this water, he ran out of his room. As he wandered the corridors, he noticed that the level of the water kept on rising. Thinking that the ship was in danger, he ran towards the scanner room in hopes of grabbing as much data as he could before the ship went down. He ran past a sailor who grabbed him.
"We have to get off this ship, her hull has been breached and she is taking on too much water. Grab anything you can that you believe can save your life, but get to the lifeboats ASAP."
Aaron nodded and started running in the direction of the scanner. He ignored almost everything going on around him. He was focused only on getting to the scanner and saving the data. But one thing did catch his eye. He saw a package of food that the cook used in the galley. Not wanting to waste an opportunity, he picked it up as he ran by it and placed it in a watertight pouch. He realized that he was starting to weigh down himself and he had to ration anything else he thought about grabbing. He passed up various items like clothes, bits of debris that was starting to accumulate in the increasingly flooded hallway. He did, however, grab any morsel of packaged food that he came across as well as a triquarter that he found in a storage closet left open.
He finally made it to the scanner room and saw Data standing in front of the display panel. Realizing that the water had not yet made it into the room, Data must not know that the ship was sinking.
"We have to abandon ship!" he said.
Data turned around and saw the waterlogged pants on Aaron, the floatation device on him appeared to contain various items and that he had acquired a triquarter.
"I see. Let me get a hard copy of the data that has already been collected."
Data picked up a PADD and quickly downloaded the information. He then secured it in one of his watertight pockets.
"Let's go."
Data and Aaron ran towards the lifeboats. As they ran, Data was able to acquire his own triquarter. As they made it to the launching post, they saw that all but one of the lifeboats had already been launched. As they looked out over the ocean, they couldn't see anything except dark, churning water that reflected the green light of the raging storm. As they started the launching process to release the lifeboat from the doomed ship, a huge wave washed over the ship and it dragged both of them off the ship and into the churning waters.
Note from the author: I hope you like this installment of my story. I pledge to you readers, that I will never give this story up until it is completed. However, I am a student caught in the beginnings of finals and also a worker, so I believe that I will only be able to update this story once a month. I would also like to have someone volunteer to be my beta reader and editor. If you want to do this, please send me an e-mail.
To Go Where No One Has Gone Before: Dinotopia
Episode 1: Exploring the Unexplained
Aaron looked around at the faculty of the university that he taught at. They had gathered to hear his latest meeting to acquire resources to further his research. His profession was past cultures and societies. He was considered one of the most brilliant cultural archeologists currently living. However, with is great intelligence came eccentricity. His greatest was the stories and legends of the past. He was a fan and enthusiast of the unexplained or paranormal. In fact, this meeting was based on one of these old legends. In his research, he had come across a strange paranormal incident in "Neo-European" culture of North America called the "Bermuda Triangle."
He was a man of normal height, wiry build and had straight, dull, brown hair that he kept cut close to his scalp. However, the thing most people would remember about him after meeting him was his eyes. His deep hazel eyes seemed to stare into you. It was as if he knew your most secretive secrets, those thought you had that you buried deep inside. Most people felt intimidated by him just because of this fact. As a result he was somewhat of a loner.
After seeing that everyone was seated, he stood up and moved to the front of room.
"Hello, members of the board. I am here today to discuss a recent finding of mine that I believe deserves further study. It is called the "Bermuda Triangle." My research into this phenomenon has raised many more questions. But, first, I would like to begin with my history in uncovering this unusual phenomenon. I was conducting research into Neo-European culture of the 20th century, when I heard that there were three people from that era who had been discovered alive, in cryogenic suspended animation by the Starfleet flagship Enterprise D. While interviewing a Ms. Clare Raymond, she asked me if they had solved the Triangle. I had never heard of this before, so I questioned her about it."
"From her testimony and my further research, I have discovered the following "truths":
1. It is an area roughly triangular is shape that has its corners defined by Miami, Florida of what was then called the United States; Nassau, capital of the country called the Bahamas; and the island of Puerto Rico.
2. While traveling within this area, there are reports of magnetic anomalies, compasses suddenly swinging wildly about.
3. Occasionally, ships and latter, planes would enter the area and would never be seen again.
4. Sometimes the ships would later be found, but their crew had mysteriously vanished.
5. There have been reports of strange lights in the sky in this area. "Now I have also found that most of the stories were later disputed, but there did exist a few that are still on the books as unexplained. Now this is what I propose. I would like to obtain a magnetic spectrometer and other equipment to measure the electro-magnetic spectrum as well as background magnetic radiation. I would also like to get the loan of sophisticated imaging technology. I would submit to this committee the following:
1. Procurement of a hovercraft capable of conveying large equipment.
2. Loan of sophisticated technology to be installed onto the hovercraft.
3. An experienced crew willing to work for an undisclosed length of time."
"Thank you for your time."
Aaron stepped down and took his seat. The chairperson of the board stood up. She walked up to the podium and started speaking.
"Thank you Aaron. We will get back to you on our decision. Now is there any more business? No, then we shall begin deliberations on the topic on the floor. Does anyone have any questions for our resident expert? No. Thank you Aaron, that will be all."
Aaron gets up from his seat and quietly leaves the room. As he is walking down the corridors, he is lost in thought about what exactly he would find. Geomagnetic tripole. They were extremely rare. Most of the times they appeared on planets, and when they appeared, they placed extreme pressures on the tectonic plates of a planet. There were also a number of known phenomena that were preceded by strange magnetic anomalies. Well, whatever it was, it would be nice to get out into the field. It had been a long time since he had been out in nature.
He was a naturalist. His passion was nature. He was very good at what he did, but all he ever wanted to do was be one with nature. Oh well, not everyone was what they wanted to be.
He reached his door and it opened for him. He went inside and sat down. Looking around his office, he smiled. He tried to bring nature to his office. There were many plants growing throughout the office, as well as an original watering system. It made use of a ceramic waterfall, which cascaded down over the various pots, making sure all the plants had enough water. The result of the watering system made the office very humid. However, the climate controls in his office kept it from getting too unbearable. He also had a large window behind his desk that was always open to let in the sunlight for the plants. Aaron always felt better when he was in his office, his little retreat from modern life.
Aaron sat down behind his desk and picked up a PADD (this is what those data storage and display systems seen in Star Trek are spelled) that had the essays from some of his more dedicated students. He sat down and began to read when his computer terminal chirped. Aaron put the essay down and got up from his chair. He went over to his terminal and activated the view screen. What appeared was the image of the chairperson. As he began to take in the breath to great her, she started talking.
"Professor Aaron. As much as I admire your advancement in the field of cultural archeology, I am afraid."
"Great," thought Aaron, "they didn't even have the decency to talk to me in person."
". that we must approve your request."
"Did I hear her right?"
"Please submit to the admin office your invoice for your expedition. Until then, we wish you good luck."
"Well, I always say, "If you are going to do something, never do it half-hazard." That's why I just happen to have my invoice already filled out and ready to transmit. Now we push a few buttons," Aaron pushes various buttons, bringing up a list and then highlights one of the selections, then punches a few more buttons, "and there it is and there it goes."
Aaron then walked back to his desk. "Now the fun begins."
Over at Starfleet Command, two admirals are seen talking to each other, one is a Vulcan and the other has blue skin with a definite ridge that runs down the center of his face.
"Did you read this invoice sent to us from the Federation Council's Science Committee about the use of high powered magnetic field scanner for the use of testing the theory of a reoccurring magnetic anomaly on Earth that we haven't detected it in all this time?" Said the Vulcan.
The other admiral turned to the Vulcan and replied, "Oh well, what else are we to do with the equipment. Besides, they say Cochran was an eccentric fool. If nothing else, it might lead to something. However, I would advice us to send a science officer who might keep a look on the equipment and provide assistance to the professor. I would suggest" taps on a PADD, "this one. He has proven himself to be a very good, well rounded officer. He should be able to help in any realistic scenario. He should also be able to put together a good team to help him out"
"I agree. We will send him out to be a technical advisor. Besides, he is currently between assignments with his ship in the salvage yard. I trust his judgment."
The second admiral then typed some things in his PADD and then turned to his partner, "Well, what's next on our agenda?"
Aaron stared out at the wide expanse of pure blue ocean. "It is amazing that we were so foolish as to dump all of those environmental toxins into the ocean and nearly destroyed the entire ecosystem for our own greed and laziness."
"Professor?"
"Mmmmm?"
"Professor?"
".."
"Professor!?"
"What! What! Oh sorry." Aaron turns around and finds himself face to face with a man, well what looked like a copy of a human. Its. his skin color was too pale, too shiny, his breathing was too regular, his eyes a yellow iris and there was no emotion or vitality in them. They were a window to a soulless shell. However, he wore the greenish-tan uniform of a Starfleet officer who had devoted his career to engineering, security, or logistics. He puts his hand out and the creature takes it and they start shaking hands.
"Ahh, Lieutenant Commander Data. Sorry about that. I was. what's that phrase?... Ah yes, spacing out."
"Spacing out???" Data starts turning his head from side to side while accessing his internal memory banks for the meaning of phrase.
"Sorry again. It means focusing on one thing so completely that you lose all sense of what is going on around you."
"Thank you."
"Well Lieutenant Commander, I was allowed to view your official file. I must say you have an outstanding record. A couple of reprimands, lots of commendations. A well rounded record. I like to know the people I plan on working with."
"I also believe that to be a wise policy."
"Well, glad we could see eye to eye. Now, have you looked over my proposal?"
"Yes, I did. I find the idea extremely puzzling, but I am also very curious. Do you think we will find anything?"
"I do not know. I hope so though. But either way, I hope we have fun." Then Aaron smiled at his new partner.
Data shyly smiled back. "I hope we do. Now, would you like to meet the members of the team that I assembled to assist you in your research."
Aaron waved his arm in front of him, signaling Data to lead on.
As Aaron looked over the ship, he sighed heavily, drawing in as much "free" air as he could. No papers to read, no responsibilities, he was free. He then looked down at his ship. It was a white, 40 meter long schooner with 3 masts and a 4 century old motor that ran on inefficient and toxic hydrocarbons. It was allowed by the Environmental Protection Board of Planet Earth. Aaron was allowed to take it because one of Aaron's theories called for the use of the specific magnetic signature that only this type of engine could produce. The masts were there for alternative propulsion. All the equipment brought aboard has stressed the ship so that it could not hold a modern efficient engine. It was also necessary to carry their own food and not bring a replicator because the replicator might interfere with the experiment. As he watched, he noticed that all the equipment had been stowed away and the sailors were making ready to cast off. He walked up the gangplank and came aboard. He waved at the captain as he made the final rounds before cast off. Aaron then went below decks to his cabin.
Aaron came above deck and looked out over the open expanse of ocean. They had been out at sea for about a week and nothing extraordinary had happened. However, there had been a few blips in the readings from the scanners that couldn't be explained. It kept the spirit of the crew hopeful. Aaron looked up at the masts of the ship. The sails were down and were completely filled with the breeze, which pushed the ship forward. Aaron still felt that his theory was correct. However, he was realistic that there had been no unexplained phenomena that could be associated with the Bermuda Triangle in over 400 years; it was very possible that the phenomena had simply dissipated away. As Aaron stared out over the water, he suddenly noticed a rather unusual cloud formation. For one thing, the clouds forming were coming directly off of the water. He could tell this because the clouds were too close to be appearing from the curvature of the Earth. Another thing was that the clouds had a greenish glow to them. As he turned to point this anomaly out to a passing sailor, he saw that the team assembled by Data was starting to gather around the readout terminal for the scanners. Aaron wondered if it had anything to do with the weird cloud formation he saw so he ran over.
"I do not believe it. These readings just started spiking. There are practically off the chart."
"Are we recording the readings?" asked Data, as he stepped into the circle of scientists and engineers.
"Yes sir."
"Show me the readings." ordered Data.
The engineer stepped aside while Data stepped up to the console. He started tapping on the command board and the displays started alternating shapes, from charts to graphs, to tables, and back again. Aaron ran up at this point. He said, "Has anyone noticed the rather unusual weather we are having outside?"
Data turned and looked at him as well as the rest of the team, "What weather?"
"I just saw some green clouds forming over on our starboard side."
"Our weather monitor is showing clear skies."
"I'm telling you, there is something very weird going out there."
"Let me see." sighed Data.
Data stepped back from the console and left the room with Aaron. As they stepped outside, they saw that the sailors had taken notice of the clouds and they were starting to reel in the sails and secure them so they could last out the storm. Of on the starboard side of the ship, the green cloud formation had grown exponentially in size and was rushing towards the ship. The captain's voice could be heard over the ship communication system.
"All hands, this is the captain. We are running into a fierce storm. Batten down the hatches, secure the main sails, place on your floatation devices, and go to emergency stations. I have activated the distress beacon. Our communications with land are out due to some sort of interference. Above all remain calm. That is all."
Data turned to Aaron.
"I have to return to the scanners. We might never get another chance to see these readings. I would advise you to seek shelter."
"I agree."
Aaron and Data split ways. Aaron heads down to his room, while Data returns to the room with the scanner to obtain all the information he could in case he did not have another chance. However, he made a detour to a storage shed and obtained a floatation device. As he arrived in the room, he saw that the team was frantic.
"What's happening?"
"We do not know sir. These readings are like nothing we have ever seen before. We have been saving all of this information, but I don't know what it means."
"Go put on your floatation devices. I will watch the machine."
"Yes sir."
The men started filing out of the room. Data started reviewing all the information that had already been collected and also the new information that was constantly being collected. Data was starting to get worried. His thoughts whirled around what the information meant. That the weird cloud formation was linked to the weird magnetic anomaly was almost a fact. But what did it mean? Data did not have the answers. But he knew that it was not good. He continued to process the data. As he was doing this, he felt the ship lurch violently to the side. The ship rightened itself and then lurched to the side once again. Data chose to ignore this. However, the rocking increased in intensity and frequency. Data started to realize that something was seriously wrong.
"We have to abandon ship!"
Aaron ran down to his room, opened his door, and ran inside. He immediately put on his floatation device, and then ran to get his PADD with his thoughts, ideas, and theories. He put it into one of his watertight pockets and then sealed. Finally he grabbed his second PADD containing all the information he had that he thought was relevant in case he was stuck somewhere where he couldn't get help or return to the rest of the civilized world. As he sat down on his bunk, he glanced at his door. He noticed that their seemed to be a slow seepage of liquid moving thru the carpet. Curious, Aaron walked over to the door and opened it. A wave of cold water splashed around his ankles and lower legs. Realizing that something was seriously wrong with the ship for it to be taking on all this water, he ran out of his room. As he wandered the corridors, he noticed that the level of the water kept on rising. Thinking that the ship was in danger, he ran towards the scanner room in hopes of grabbing as much data as he could before the ship went down. He ran past a sailor who grabbed him.
"We have to get off this ship, her hull has been breached and she is taking on too much water. Grab anything you can that you believe can save your life, but get to the lifeboats ASAP."
Aaron nodded and started running in the direction of the scanner. He ignored almost everything going on around him. He was focused only on getting to the scanner and saving the data. But one thing did catch his eye. He saw a package of food that the cook used in the galley. Not wanting to waste an opportunity, he picked it up as he ran by it and placed it in a watertight pouch. He realized that he was starting to weigh down himself and he had to ration anything else he thought about grabbing. He passed up various items like clothes, bits of debris that was starting to accumulate in the increasingly flooded hallway. He did, however, grab any morsel of packaged food that he came across as well as a triquarter that he found in a storage closet left open.
He finally made it to the scanner room and saw Data standing in front of the display panel. Realizing that the water had not yet made it into the room, Data must not know that the ship was sinking.
"We have to abandon ship!" he said.
Data turned around and saw the waterlogged pants on Aaron, the floatation device on him appeared to contain various items and that he had acquired a triquarter.
"I see. Let me get a hard copy of the data that has already been collected."
Data picked up a PADD and quickly downloaded the information. He then secured it in one of his watertight pockets.
"Let's go."
Data and Aaron ran towards the lifeboats. As they ran, Data was able to acquire his own triquarter. As they made it to the launching post, they saw that all but one of the lifeboats had already been launched. As they looked out over the ocean, they couldn't see anything except dark, churning water that reflected the green light of the raging storm. As they started the launching process to release the lifeboat from the doomed ship, a huge wave washed over the ship and it dragged both of them off the ship and into the churning waters.
Note from the author: I hope you like this installment of my story. I pledge to you readers, that I will never give this story up until it is completed. However, I am a student caught in the beginnings of finals and also a worker, so I believe that I will only be able to update this story once a month. I would also like to have someone volunteer to be my beta reader and editor. If you want to do this, please send me an e-mail.