THE LOST YEARS
by Soledad
PRELUDE: CROSSROADS
Disclaimer: see Introduction.
Rating: G
Author's notes:
Just one thing: should you be a devoted fan of Captain Kirk, this story isn't the right one for you. Heck, the whole series isn't the right lecture for you.
Also, forgive me the lack of special speech patterns for Scotty and Chekov – English is a challenge in itself, and I'd rather not mess around with it.
CHAPTER 2: THE FUGITIVESDiscovering a rift in the time-space continuum is exciting. Watching the same rift for the length of three standard months is a lot less exciting. But such less-than-pleasant duties belong to the lives of starship captains just as much as the excitement of new discoveries. Which doesn't mean, of course, that they do it with the same enthusiasm. The only reason why Captain Kirk hadn't got any screaming fits so far was that his Science Officer (who happened to be his Vulcan First Officer as well) told him that the rift was slowly closing and calculated the probability of a spontaneous disappearance for 37,3.6. standard days later... emphasising, of course, that this was a very rough estimate only.
Twenty-two days before this calculated deadline Captain Kirk had nearly fallen asleep in the middle of Alpha-shift when the automated claxons of Yellow Alert began to howl.
''Yellow alert! Yellow alert!'', the mechanical voice of the main computer said calmly. ''Unidentified vessel on approach route.''
Mr. Spock switched off his scientific console without further orders (he was working on a personal project during this eventless observation mission) and peered into the hooded slit of his scanner.
''Long-range sensors detecting an object in the exact centre of the rift, Captain'', he reported in that emotionless voice only an utterly surprised Vulcan is capable of. ''It is a... starship of unknown configuration, sir.
''Full magnification, Mr. Spock!''
''Aye, Captain.''
Spock modified something on his instruments, and the whole Alpha-shift watched as under some sort of spell as a huge grey spaceship, not unlike some prehistoric reptile, slowly crawled out of the time-space-rift.
''Old and rather battered, sir,'' Scotty commented from behind his engineering station. ''Clear signs of over-using all around. Besides, I'd bet that these people don't even possess a Warp-drive.''
''But they do have rather efficient laser cannons, Meester Scott'', Chekov injected. ''They might be inferior to our phasers or photon torpedoes, but they could have an impressive penetrating force nevertheless. And the whole thing is damn big, Keptin. I'd say we're dealing with a destroyer here, maybe with a mother ship for several squadrons of one-man fighters. There have to be thousands of people on board, sir!
''Indeed, Lieutenant'' Spock agreed, unmistakably curious now. ''Still, it should be clear for us all than neither the Federation, nor the Rihannsu, not even thee Klingons have ever built a ship like that.''
''Starfleet-database doesn't contain the design either'', Scott added, knowing more about the ships described in Federation databases than the other 429 members of the standard crew put together.
''Conclusion?'' Kirk asked.
Spock decided against a shrug in the last moment.
''Logically, Captain, these people are either coming from another part of our galaxy or from another galaxy entirely... or else from a totally different universe. Under the given circumstances, the latter seems to me the most likely solution.''
''You are speculating based on probabilities, Mr. Spock?'' teased Dr. McCoy, who, like others, tried to escape the boredom of this mission on the bridge. ''Why, that is certainly a firs!''
Spock ignored the remark, which angered the doctor more than any biting reply. His words were aimed at Kirk alone when he answered.
''Captain, this is a probability of roughly 89,6.2 per cent. Since I have no exact data at the moment, I'm incapable of offering you a conclusion of a hundred per cent probability.''
There was quiet laughter all over the bridge; the officers shook their heads patiently. Spock's speech patterns were worth of an exhausting semantical analysis, even for those who had served with him since the times of Captain Pike.
''Captain!'', Lieutenant Uhura, who never stopped watching the big screen, cried out in excitement. ''Look! There are other ships coming out of the rift!''
Alpha shift turned to the big screen like one man (plus a Vulcan). Indeed, Lieutenant Uhura was right: there were other ships crawling through the rift in time-space, maybe two hundred all together(1). They were vastly different in shape: some of them looked like a stubby-nosed stuffed animal, others like big, flat pearls in a string, others elegantly-swept like rare seashells. There were a few that had large, transparent domes above their mid-section, as if they were flying greenhouses. But every one was of unknown design, every one was very big – and slow and clumsy. Around them, like swift butterfly-swarms, small one-man-fighters were circling.
''Red alert!'' Kirk ordered. ''Full power to the deflector shields, Lieutenant Chekov.''
''Aye, sir!''
''Captain'', Lieutenant Uhura said quietly, ''These people can't do us any harm! Their level of technology is clearly lower than ours... and it seems that they are fleeing from a merciless and superior enemy.''
Spock turned with his chair and aimed an inquiring eyebrow towards the beautiful, compassionate dark face of their communications officer. ''May I ask what has led you to this conclusion, Lieutenant?'', he asked.
Uhura shrugged. ''Call it intuition or a hunch… as you wish. But even without a thorough scan we can see that only the first ship is equipped with proper defensive weapons. All the others must be transport units, living quarters or agroships. The unusual size makes me think that they might even be generation-ships. I am sure that what we are seeing here is the rest of a once thriving civilization.''
''Your analysis doesn't lack a certain logic'', Spock admitted; then he turned back to Kirk. ''Do you want to initiate Firs Contact, Captain?''
''That's why we are out here, isn't it? To seek out new worlds and new civilizations…'' Kirk replied. ''Lieutenant Uhura, link the universal translator to your com-console and send standard greetings on all frequencies.''
''Standard greetings on all frequencies, aye, sir.''
Uhura worked feverishly on her console. After a few moments she stiffened in her seat and raised a slender, dark hand to her ear-receiver in utter disbelief. ''Incoming message, sir. It's... it's unbelievable! Speech patterns are rather… strange, for sure, bout the roots lay doubtlessly in one of the ancient Earth languages.''
''Whaaat? Which one?''
''Sanskrit, sir.''
Naturally, it was Spock who overcame his bewilderment first. ''Are you absolutely sure, Lieutenant?''
Uhura shrugged apologetically. ''Absolutely, sir.''
''Does it mean that you speak that language, too?'', Dr. McCoy asked in amazement.
''I can understand it... more or less'', Uhura said. ''It's a language of incredible complexity. The classic variation has not been spoken on Earth for centuries, but it is still taught to human communications experts, because it makes the study of extraterrestrial idioms a lot easier.''
''In that case put our visitors on the big screen, Lieutenant'', Kirk ordered.
Uhura switched from her console to the big screen, which now was showing a white-haired, old man, whose deeply furrowed face showed a great deal of inner strength nevertheless. The universal translator slightly modified his elderly, but not the least weak voice as it turned the sentences that sounded like some obscure dialect of Sanskrit to Uhura's ears, into Federation Standard.
''To the unknown vessel in front of us: this is Commander Adama speaking from the Battlestar Galactica. We come in peace. Please identify yourselves and tell us in which galactic quadrant we are currently being.''
Kirk exchanged bewildered looks with his officers. Spock, as usual, gave no outer sign of being surprised (if he was surprised at all), but the others stared at the screen literally with their mouths open.
''They're human!'' McCoy voiced the recognition of all the others.
''Considering the circumstances analysed by Lieutenant Uhura, this shouldn't be such big a surprise'', Spock commented with dry irony.
Dr. McCoy was just beginning to warm up for a lengthy speech about the cold-heartedness of Vulcans in general and Spock in particular, but Kirk stopped him by rising from his command chair and stepping into the focus of the imaging system.
''This is Captain James T. Kirk, commanding officer of the Federation starship USS Enterprise'', he introduced himself. ''You have just passed a rift in the time-space-continuum and are well within the borders of the United Federation of Planets''.
The strikingly marked features of the old man mirrored insecurity. ''What Federation? I regret to admit, but I hear this name for the first time in my life. But you look like a human... you even speak our language!''
''This is not surprising, considering the possibility that you are coming from another galactic quadrant or maybe even from another time-space continuum'', Spock interjected. ''What you are hearing is our automatic translator system, by the way. The Captain is a human, indeed, nevertheless, our communications officer is the only one who is still able at least to understand your language.''
''Still?'' Commander Adama repeated in surprise.
Uhura rose from behind her console and stepped up to Kirk. ''Sanskrit isn't being spoken on Earth any more, Commander'', she answered with mild compassion. ''It has become the treasure of a few wise or well-taught ones. Only a few decades ago has it been included in the training of communications experts.
''On Earth, you say?'' the voice of the old man was shaking wit suppressed emotions. ''Have you, indeed, say Earth, Siress? Are you from Earth?''
''Yes, Commander'', Kirk assured him. ''We might be a combined unit, but most of us, indeed, are from Earth... or from one of Earth's colonies. Does it mean that you have heard from our planet?''
''This is a rather illogical question, Captain'', Spock commented. ''Were Earth an unknown planet for them, they could hardly be speaking Sanskrit. In fact, we have to consider having discovered a long-lost human civilization.''
''Correction accepted and filed, Mr Spock. As always, you are absolutely right.''
''Now, you are exaggerating, Jim!'' Dr McCoy remarked disapprovingly.
There came soft laughter through the telecom, proving that the short exchange had been heard and understood on board of the other vessel. In the meantime the old commander seemed to have collected himself a little.
''Yes, Captain'', he said, breathing heavily, ''we happen to know Earth very well. From old legends only, of course, but the fact that you know our language so well proves that you have told us the truth.''
Kirk shrugged in surprise. ''Have you expected lies from me?''
''That wouldn't be the first time'', Adama answered steadfastly. ''We have learnt to be mistrusting and very careful. Blind trust had lead to the total destruction of our twelve Colonies; I won't repeat the same mistake with the remains of our peoples.''
The bridge officers of the Enterprise exchanged shocked looks.
''Twelve whole colonies?'' Sulu whispered; as a child he experienced things on Ganjitsu that still gave him nightmares(2), but a destruction of such extent... ''How could it have come to such catastrophe?''
''That is a long story, full of sorrow'', Adama replied. ''I would be willing to tell you everything that happened to our peoples, as soon as we have contacted your government. We have been fleeing from our enemies for a long time, and before all else, we need to inform your defence forces, so that you, too, won't be attacked unexpectedly.''
''I can alert Starfleet Command via subspace communication; that way you can meet some of the admirals within twelve standard days'', Kirk offered. ''How long, do you think, would it take for your enemy to localize you and to catch up with you?''
Adama turned away a little, obviously wanting to consult one of his officers. ''What do you think, Tigh?''
''According to computer estimate about seventeen Earth days'', a deep voice answered somewhere outside the focus of the camera.
''It will be a narrow time slot, sir'', Lieutenant Commander Giotto, the Chief of Security commented. ''They might reach the rift before it could close completely. I propose to ask for reinforcements.''.
'Well, should their enemies be on the same technology level, they won't be a match for our phaser cannons and photon torpedoes, Keptin'', Chekov stated self-consciously.
''You must take their possible numbers into consideration, Mr. Chekov'', the ever-calm, discretely greying Giotto warned him. ''Their lasers might be primitive, but their cumulative effect could be a danger, even for our shields.''
''Better be careful'', Kirk nodded. ''Lieutenant Uhura, check please which Federation vessels are patrolling the nearest sectors right now!''
''There is no need for that, sir. Only two standard days ago have the last official reports came in. According to those, we can count on Commodore Katha'sat on the Kennedy. And with the new Intrepid, under Captain Suvuk's command(3).''
''That won't be much of a help'', Chekov said sourly. ''The Intrepid has never fired her phaser cannons so far. We all know how Vulcans think about warfare.''
Dr. McCoy shot a pointedly evil look at the First Officer, but Spock, as expected, let himself not be provoked.
''You have a false image about Vulcan pacifism, Ensign Chekov'', he said with utter tolerance. ''We despise violence, indeed... but we are very much able to fight when we have no other choice. Therefore, I'd suggest that Lieutenant Uhura establish subspace-contact with both heavy cruisers and gives both Commodore Katha'sat and Captain Suvuk a full report about our situation.''
''Fully agreed, Mr. Spock'', Kirk nodded. ''Would you, by accident, have any information whether one of the destroyers patrols nearby or not? It's said Vulcans would know everything.''
''That'd be slightly exaggerated, Captain. However, we possess a very good memory and we remember everything.''
''Oh. Well, thank you for the news. Tell me then, if you don't mind, do you know anything about our destroyers?''
''Well, sir, I don't receive any copies of the secret orders of Starfleet Operations, of course, but it has come to my ears...''
''Small wonder, by such long ears!'' Dr. McCoy murmured smugly.
''... to my ears'', Spock continued as if he hadn't heard him, ''that the Divine Wind has been ordered to Starbase 18 twenty standard days ago.''
''I see'', Kirk murmured. ''And would you happen to know – strictly by accident, of course – what the destroyer has to do at Starbase 18?''
''Not really, Captain. All I know is that Starbase 18 is be prepared for rather – complicated negotiations with the Tholians.''
''I understand'', Kirk grinned, and indeed, he began to see the pattern. ''And are these negotiations, purely by accident, being led by Ambassador Sarek?''
''That'', Spock replied, his face an unreadable mask, ''is a logical conclusion, Captain.''
''Why, I'm honoured, Mr. Spock. Would it be also logical to assume that Ambassador Sarek is currently the only member of the Federation Council in this sector and therefore should be informed first?''
''Well, sir, I'd not say that Starbase 18 is in our sector, but otherwise your logic is flawless.''
''That was a compliment, Jim!'' Dr. McCoy warned his commanding officer with a grave face.
''I know that, Bones.''
''Obviously, the doctor is still not familiar with the Vulcan way of thinking'', Spock remarked pointedly. ''My words were the result of a purely scientific analysis. Vulcans make no compliments.''
''I know that, too, Mr. Spock. Would you two, please, cease your banter before you manage to confuse our guests? We have more important things to do here than to listen to your antics.''
''I quite agree, Captain'', Spock answered calmly.
''Of course, Jim'', the doctor said ruefully.
''Do these two always fight like that?'' Adama was flabbergasted. Such a behaviour would never have been tolerated on a colonial Battlestar.
''Most of the time'', Kirk answered in his usual, relaxed manner, ''but that's not important. The best is if you simply ignore them – that's what we do, usually. They are very competent, actually, they just don't get along very well with each other. Well, Commander, since we luckily have the chance to get here Ambassador Sarek within four standard days. Our odds are better than I have thought.''
''It would be helpful for me to know who exactly Ambassador Sarek is'', Adama replied in a measured tone.
''Of course, you're absolutely right'', Kirk nodded. ''Ambassador Sarek is not only Vulcan's representative on Earth, he also has a seat in the Federation Council and has therefore sufficient authority to negotiate about the matters of asylum and immigration. In the name of the Council, naturally.''
''And would this Ambassador Sarek be ready to delay his duties at Starbase 18 for our sake?'' Adama asked doubtfully.
''As far as I'm informed, the negotiations with the Tholians are still in a phase of preparation'', Kirk shrugged. ''Besides, I'm sure that Mr. Spock would put in a word for you.''
''Would he? And how should that help us?''
''Well, he has these things in his blood'', Kirk laughed. ''Because, you know, Ambassador Sarek is his father.''
''I see'', Adama said after a short pause, and for the first time, a smile appeared on his deeply furrowed face. ''We would be very grateful for such support, of course.''
''The support is mutual, I think'', Kirk replied. ''We need information about the enemy that chases you, in order to get prepared. And we need it as soon as possible. There is not much time left.''
''I quite agree'', Adama nodded. ''Still, we can use the remaining time for ourselves before we give over things to the diplomats. I would like to invite you over aboard the Galactica, Captain... like one starship commander the other. Would you be willing to pay us a visit, so that we could discuss things undisturbed? I could send you my shuttle.''
Kirk exchanged a meaningful look with his officers. If the newcomers had no knowledge of teleportation, they would not possess energy shields that could jam transporter beams, either. With other words: the visit aboard the other vessel would be no danger for them at all.
''That is very kind of you, but not necessary'', he answered friendly. ''We have particle-transporters on our ship with which we can teleport people or objects through radiation. Would you allow me to take my chief medical officer and my communications expert with me?''
''Of course, Captain. What would be the time of your arrival?''
''Just a moment'' Kirk turned to his chief engineer. How long will you need, Scotty?''
''Approximately six standard minutes, Captain. Transporter chief Kyle has to double-check the settings. We wouldn't let you materialize in a solid steel bulkhead, sir.''
''Materialize...'', that deep voice from before murmured, still outside of the focus of the camera. ''It has to be an interesting technology, Adama. And far superior to ours.''
''We would love to offer you the experience, if you want'', Kirk promised. ''If you'd excuse us... we have to get down to the transporter room. Enterprise out.''
Uhura broke contact and called to the bridge per intercom Lieutenant Palmer from Beta-shift to take over the com-consol. Then she hung the narrow strap of the modified communications tricorder over her shoulder, put the hand-held communicator on her tool belt and hurried down to the transporter room to beam over to the other starship in the company of Kirk, Lieutenant Commander Giotto and Dr. McCoy.
Rarely was she given the chance to take part in such ''outdoor'' missions: only when her special expertise was needed. Her work usually bound her to the com-console, and she learnt about the new discoveries from the reports of the away teams. There were times when she seriously doubted whether it was worth putting on a uniform, although she loved her work, of course, and wouldn't give up the chance to make contact with such amazingly alien sentient beings of whom most people on Earth haven't even heard yet.
This time, however, she had earned the right to take part in the mission. She alone could directly, without the translator, understand the newcomers. She knew Spock would call her reaction illogical; still, she couldn't help but being a little proud of that.
''Transporter is ready, sir!'' Lieutenant Kyle reported, sweating with concentration. ''We've locked on to the bridge of the Galactica: you may beam over now.''
''Energizing!'' Kirk ordered, and the golden transporter beam swallowed the three of them.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
End notes:
(1) Yeah, well, I increased a little the number of the fugitives, in order to make them able to populate new planets in the future. Do forgive me, canon purists!
(2) Sulu's family background only appears in Vonda N. McIntyre's novels. According to those, his father was a poet and his mother a botanist. They lived on different colony words, though Sulu often visited his grandfather on Earth.
(3) These starships and their commanders appear in the novels of Diane Duane.