The Federation Visitors sat at the table in the conference room. Captain Mercer, Commander Grayson, Bortus, Commander Keyali and Isaac sat across from them. Mercer had decided that Gordon Malloy was better left out for now given his attempts to "help" Captain Picard. On the screen were two gray-haired gentlemen. They were admirals Halsey and Perry.
"Well, Captain Picard, I suppose that we should welcome you to our universe." Began Admiral Halsey.
"Any idea how this happened?" asked Admiral Perry. "The multiverse has long been theorized but this is the first known event where there was actually a cross over like this."
"Actually Admiral, there are several knows occurrences in our history. The first over a hundred years ago. Recently, there was an incursion from another universe in an assault on one of our deep space outposts. There was actually a recent event where there was an accidental rupture and multiple universes collided causing many ships to enter another universe, including ours. What I don't understand is that typically the make up of the alternate universe has been largely the same in terms of ships, people, societies, etc. In this case that appears not to be the case," said Picard.
"So this alternate universes can be dangerous?" asked Bortus.
"Well, commander, I am not in your service, but I am sure you all have learned that many things in space can be dangerous," answered Captain Picard.
"Captain, I believe I have a reason for the more extreme differences that we have seen than other encounters have is that we have been dislocated by a much greater energy source than we have been aware of in the past. In previously documented incidences, the event was usually the result of a transporter exchange whether intentional or not. In the case of Mr. Worf, it was the warp engines of his shuttle craft that triggered the intersection of universes. In general, it can be theorized that more similar universes have an affinity with one another. A transporter or warp drive has minimal power compared to a star and the collapse of a Dyson's sphere; therefore, we have been sent further away from our universe than we have seen before," reported Data. "I would also note that the fact that the Union does not have a matter transporter capability or use Warp Drive may explain why this phenomenon is unknown to them."
"Do we have any idea of how far removed you are from your home?" asked admiral Perry.
"Data and I have been comparing known facts of both universes to try and determine just that," answered Isaac. "The results are very complex but we will attempt to express it such as way that you can understand." Captain Mercer could have sworn he saw Data wince. "Data and I have run a complete stellar cartographical comparison between the known universes. The Federation has a significantly smaller sphere of control and records than the Union does, but we can find no significant physical differences between the two. The few minor differences we have found appear to be a result of intelligent intervention such as mining operations or war."
"Okay, so what is causing the differences between the two universes?" asked Captain Picard.
"We examined Earth history and have a significant deviation point in that planet's development," began Data. Captain Mercer noted how easily he and Isaac handed off to one another. Birds of a feather, he thought. "In the 1990's on Earth, the Eugenics war began. This caused massive casualties on Earth and put back development several decades. In this universe, that never happened. Progress continued which is why the Union appears much larger than the Federation and some of their technology exceeds ours."
"You're saying that progress at Earth is more advanced here, but you possess technology such as matter transportation," interjected Admiral Halsey. "How do you explain that?"
"On our Earth, the Vulcans made first contact with Earth and introduced warp drive and the theory of matter transportation," answered the pale-skinned android. "That never occurred here. Additionally, the Vulcans helped the advance of warp drive across the sector. While we have seen some studies on the theory of warp drive can be found in the mid-21st century in Union records, the quantum drive ended up being the de facto theory. On our Earth, we had a working Faster than Light technology so the drive towards a Quantum drive never got traction."
"So why did the 'Eugenics' war happen out your Earth and not ours?" asked Commander Grayson.
Picard leaned forward a bit and looked at his crew members and then the Orville crew. Worf knew the Captain was struggling with a decision. Picard finally took a breath. "There is some new information that may explain it. I will tell my crew that this information has not been widely released and they should treat this as confidential until told otherwise. Admiral Halsey and Perry and Captain Mercer, I would ask that you treat this as privileged as well but it may be pertinent. It is widely believed that Vulcans came to Earth on April 5th, 2063. We have recently learned that on October 15th, 1997 in a place called Carbon Creek, Pennsylvania the remains of an alien species were found. This discovery allowed some nefarious researchers to greatly accelerate their genetics research."
"And Vulcans don't exist here so that would not have happened," gasped Dr. Crusher. "What do the Vulcans say about this?"
"We are still in discussion with them. These would be very old records and even for the Vulcans, it can be a daunting task," answered the captain.
"Captain, they were spying on Earth!" complained Worf. "And they sparked a war that killed millions."
"The details are sparse, Mr. Worf. We are working with them now. Your orders are to not repeat this until the Federation is ready to do so," admonished Picard. His officers all nodded their assent.
"So, this 'divergence' began in the 1950s in what I assume is a small town in Pennsylvania?" asked Admiral Perry.
"No that can't be right," said Dr. Finn. "Our visitors have no knowledge of most of the humanoid species in the Union. I have never seen a species such as Worf here, who I believe they call a Klingon."
Data looked at Dr. Finn. "You are quite right doctor. I believe the changed began long before that. In our universe we have recently learned that about 2 billion years ago, there was single humanoid species. We do not have specifics on where they lived or anything about their culture. They found that they were alone in the galaxy and decided to seed several worlds with their DNA in the hopes that worlds would develop into form similar to their own. I suspect the same happened here."
"Wait a minute, Data," interrupted Dr. Finn. "There are many evolutionary drivers which could have caused the same thing."
"You are right, Doctor," said Isaac. He was not used to being the one listening to technical or theoretical discussions. "However, a probability analysis shows that humanoid life is disproportionally high."
"It is possible that in this universe, these original humanoids' plans were interrupted or changed for some reason. Earth went as it did in our universe but many other worlds did not. Isaac and I have some examples to share with you," Data looked around to see if there were any questions.
Isaac reached down and brought up the first display. Two pictures were brought up of a desert planet. Both pictures looked virtually identical and showed signs of advanced development, but one was obviously more industrially focused. "This is Mochlan," began Isaac. "In the Federation's universe this planet is called 'Vulcan'. From Data's description, the Vulcans are also very hearty and have somewhat non-typical mating habits; however, their social and cultural development is vastly different. They have a commitment to peace and logic. On Mochlan, as you know, are our primary weapons providers and have a much more aggressive stance on their internal society."
The brought up another picture. This time it was a planet with extreme cloud cover. One appeared to be completely covered in clouds while the other did show some signs of possible opening. Data began, "This planet in our universe is called 'Ferenginar'. It is home to a species we call the Ferengi. The Federation has had an uneasy relationship with them over the years. They have an absolute commitment to commerce to the point of often engaging in unethical and dishonest trade arrangements. They have a respectful military presence and we have skirmished with them on multiple occasions. We are currently in a state of peace with them although minor infractions continue. In this universe, this is the Krill home world. As I understand it, they are an aggressive theocracy based on a deity called 'Avis'. The believe themselves to be entitled to anything that they can conquer. They also have a commitment to commerce but that is secondary to their religious beliefs. One major difference is that the persistent cloud cover in Krill is ubiquitous whereas on Ferenginar sunlight will occasionally come through. We are not sure what caused this."
"This is fascinating," said Captain Mercer. "It would also explain why the Krill developed no tolerance for direct sunlight while I assume the Ferengi can."
"One more for considerations," said Isaac. A new side-by-side picture of a large planet appeared. Talla Keyali immediately recognized it as her homeword. . "In our universe this is Xelaya, a very high gravity planet. The Xelayans have developed into a pacifistic society. Once of their homeworld, they possess great strength compared to most other humanoids, but their general physiology is considered mammalian. In the other Universe, this is the Gorn homeworld. They are a somewhat adversarial society with whom the Federation has an uneasy relationship. The Gorn are most closely aligned with reptiles on Earth and, while possessing the strength of the Xelayans, are much more cumbersome and slow."
"You know, there is a reptilian species on Xelaya that match that description. They are not intelligent at while but can stand on their hind legs. Some of our kids adopt them as pets." Offered Talla.
"So it would seem that whatever these 2 billion old aliens attempted did not take in the same here as there," said Dr. Crusher.
"Data, Isaac this is all very interesting but what does this mean?" asked Captain Mercer.
"Captain, I agree with your assessment," opined Captain Picard. "My priority is to get my ship home. I would love for our sociologist and yours to compare notes, but we don't belong here."
"Captain, I agree," said Admiral Halsey. "Isaac and Data, do either of you have a theory on how to return the Enterprise?"
Isaac and Data looked at each other. Data deferred to Isaac. "Unfortunately, no. The series of events that brought them here we do not have immediate ability to duplicate."
"Alright, Captain Mercer," began Admiral Halsey. "I am ordering you to stay in the area with the Enterprise and see how you can assist. I am dispatching the science vessel Einstein to see if they can assist as well."
"Thank you Admiral," said Picard with actual authtecity.
"Captain," began Captain Perry with a bit of hesitancy. "We would be very interested in your matter transportation technology. Your Warp drive is also of some interest as an alternative Faster than Light technology."
Captain Picard looked at his crew. "Admiral, I am sure you can understand that we have specific restrictions on sharing our technology. While our prime directive of not interfering with less advanced societies does not apply here, I am concerned about introducing a technology that is completely unknown. Perhaps once we have a better understanding of each other."
"I understand Captain," said Admiral Hasley over what appeared to be an imminent objection by Perry. "Captain Mercer, please be vigilant for the Kaylon. We have no recent reports on their operating in your area but they are definitely probing our defenses for areas of advantage ever since we allied with the Krill."
Right at the moment, the comm system chirped. "Captain, we have detected a Kaylon ship!"
"Battle Stations!" Called out Mercer.
"Looks like your concerns are warranted Admiral. If you will excuse me." Captain Mercer killed the communication.
"Picard to Enterprise," said Picard tapping his CommBadge. We have a report of a Kaylon Vessel approaching. Go to Red alert. Do not engage unless necessary."
Worf and Bortus both gave him a glaring stare. "This is not our war Mr. Worf and Mr. Bortus."
Captain Mercer turned quickly. "He's right Bortus. Captain, would like to join us on the bridge?"
"I would be honored captain," Picard answered. He ran after the Union captain.
