Discovery
U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D
The Enterprise-C, Enterprise-D, and the Phoenix increased speed to one-half impulse and set a course directly for the rift. Each ship would enter one at a time since it was unknown whether the rift would accommodate multiple vessels simultaneously. Picard decided that his ship would go first as it was the strongest, followed by the Phoenix. The Enterprise-C would be last since that ship was still operating with a limited crew and reduced combat effectiveness.
Picard's attention was wholly focused on the main viewer. His decision had been made, and he'd learned, long ago, never to question a decision once he had made it. A commander with doubt in his mind usually paid for it with his crew or ship. The main viewer displayed a dark, black and blue curtain with no discernible shapes or forms. As the Enterprise-D entered the rift, no one said a word, with the ship itself providing the only source of sound.
Picard began to experience 'the feeling,' that moment just before a major battle. The seconds seemed to tick by as if they were minutes long. The upcoming fight would be the most important of his career. Everyone on the bridge was anxious but ready at their respective stations. Once his small fleet of ships exited the anomaly, the Romulans would be in for a rude surprise.
Minutes later, the screen cleared, and they could see open space again. Picard immediately began to issue a series of orders.
"Mr. Crusher, take us 500,000 km away from the rift. Commander Data instruct Enterprise-C to move to our port side, 175,000 km away, Phoenix, the same distance starboard. Mr. Riker, where are my targets?"
Commander Riker quickly replied. "Admiral, I'm not reading any targets in range. Tachyon scans are also returning negative. Data confirm that we are in the Narendra system."
Data reviewed every short and long-range sensor result with unmatched speed and precision. "Confirmed. We are in the Narendra system as expected. However, scanners are not detecting any debris or ships of any kind." Data paused for a few moments to recheck the sensors. "I am also not detecting any structures on or around Narendra III."
Picard was devastated by the news. He said, in a low voice, "We are too late."
Data quickly corrected Picard. "No, Sir. Unless everything was vaporized, there is no evidence of any artificial constructs on the surface or in orbit of Narendra III. We will need to enter orbit to conduct more thorough scans."
"How is that possible?" Picard asked as he stood up from his seat. "Is it possible that we arrived too soon? Perhaps before the beginning of the attack?"
"I will use local stellar objects to confirm the current date. Stand by. Admiral, I have confirmed the year to be 2260, based on the Earth calendar. May 15. However, I am detecting several conflicting anomalous readings that require additional analysis in Stellar Cartography."
"What sort of anomalous readings, Commander?"
"For instance, Narendra I seems to be missing, and Narendra II has a gaseous atmosphere dominated by Methane instead of a barren surface with no atmosphere."
"Merde," Picard said in a hushed tone as he slowly took his seat. "Mr. Data, hail both ships and put them on the main viewer."
"Channel open, Sir."
The faces of Captains Garrett and Maxwell of the Enterprise-C and Phoenix were displayed on the main viewer. Both looked uneasy due to the unexpected situation they found themselves in.
"Captains, I have some disturbing news. As I am sure you are aware, there are no Romulans here. Based on our analysis, instead of traveling 23 years into the past, we have traveled 106," Picard said, his face unreadable.
The look of shock on both Captain's faces was evident. Garrett offered her thoughts first. "We knew something wasn't right when we failed to detect the two ships we disabled during the battle. We hadn't had time to complete our analysis before your hail."
Picard continued. "Not only are we at the wrong time, but most likely also in the wrong universe. As I'm sure your scans also confirm, this Narendra system is quite different from the one we are familiar with."
Maxwell was next to speak. "Well, this puts us in a challenging position. Does the Prime Directive apply in this case? Should we contact Starfleet and report our situation?"
Captain Garrett was almost beside herself. These people made a tremendous sacrifice to help her defeat the Romulans, only to wind up in another universe. She could not help but feel partially responsible for their current situation. She then added, "This may not even be our Starfleet. We may even be in a mirror universe to our own. I'm sure you both are familiar with Captain Kirk's experiences there."
"Indeed," Picard acknowledged. "I believe we need to collect more information and formulate a strategy before proceeding."
"I agree. What do you have in mind, Sir?" asked a very interested Maxwell.
Picard continued. "The Enterprise-C should continue with repairs. We will assign engineering teams from Enterprise-D and Phoenix to assist. Commander Data needs time to complete his analysis of where we are. We will convene on my ship shortly to discuss our next steps. Picard out."
Picard noticed that the mood had changed on the bridge. No longer ready for battle, everyone had become somewhat anxious regarding their current situation and what their immediate future entailed. "Mr. Data, launch Class IV probes into the neighboring star systems and proceed to Stellar Cartography. Commander Riker, have Comms and Cryptography analyze any traffic that we can use that may indicate where we are. Under no circumstances will we initiate any communications with external parties without my direct orders. Is that clear?"
Riker responded immediately. "Yes, Sir."
"Commander LaForge, I would like you to coordinate the repair, and minor refit, of the Enterprise-C. I want you to upgrade any systems that can be done quickly. I want that ship ready for whatever we might encounter here."
"Aye, Sir," replied LaForge.
U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-C
The mood on the Enterprise-C was unusual. The last two days had been almost unbelievable. The crew had endured enough stress to age anyone 20 years. They had survived certain death only to wind up in a universe where the Federation was in a losing war with the Klingons. Now, here they were in an unknown universe. If they were to survive, they would need to rely on their training and the crews of the other ships.
Garrett was grateful to Admiral Picard for transferring Lt. Yar to her ship. She needed an experienced hand at tactical, and Yar, by all accounts, would serve that role very well. Her presence on the bridge had been a calming force, which was something that Garrett, and her remaining crew, desperately needed.
Garrett took a look around the bridge before she requested an update from Lt. Castillo. "Mr. Castillo, what are our staffing levels in the Astro Sciences department?"
"Unknown, Ma'am," came his reply. "Staffing that department was not a priority before we entered the rift. I will find out right away."
"Thank you. If anyone is available, I want you to assign someone with the task of finding out more about where and when we are. We may be better equipped to find out more than those warships out there. After that, I would like you to oversee the repairs to the ship. Commander Reyes didn't make it, and I haven't had the chance to assign a new chief engineer. I will ask Admiral Picard to assign someone from his ship unless we have a suitable replacement on staff."
"Honestly, Ma'am, I wouldn't know. I was just the helmsman until two days ago."
Garrett smiled broadly at Castillo's response. "For the moment, I am making you my acting first officer. I don't expect perfection. I just want your best effort."
Castillo was quite unsure of this new role he had been assigned. He had been a full lieutenant barely a year. Now, he was being asked to fill in as acting first officer! He was determined to perform the job to the best of his ability. However, he felt it was too much too soon and would be pretty happy when a permanent first officer was assigned.
Castillo stands tall and replies, "Yes, ma'am. You will have it, always."
U.S.S. Phoenix
"Status report, Mr. Tiaod." Ben Maxwell ran a tight ship and expected professionalism at all times. However, the situation they found themselves in was unprecedented. Therefore, he made it a point to maintain standard operational readiness to keep the crew focused.
"Sir," came the response from the Trill Tactical officer Lt. Tiaod. "Upon our exit from the rift, I immediately began tachyon scans to locate cloaked ships. While I didn't detect any ships, I did detect faint, residual tachyon particles."
The results immediately piqued Maxwell's interest. "Tachyon particles? Does that mean that the rift is still present?"
"No, Sir. We are no longer detecting tachyon particles or anomalies within this system. I will provide the data to the science department for further analysis."
"Understood. Is anything unusual on subspace? I would be interested to know whether our appearance triggered a response from the locals."
"No, Sir. There is a complete lack of subspace traffic. We should be picking up random traffic and residual emissions. However, we've detected nothing so far."
"Commander Synn, I want you to continue to monitor long-range scanners. Tactical, I want you to let me know if you detect anything, no matter how insignificant it might seem. I'll be in my Ready Room."
-A few hours later-
Maxwell spent the last hour walking around the ship, meeting informally with several department heads. He wanted to ensure that he maintained a strong leadership presence for the crew, regardless of their current situation.
Tiaod hadn't left her post. She'd worked closely with the science departments to process the sensor data. Unfortunately, they had confirmed what she already knew. There was nothing on subspace. Long-range scans had revealed no ships. However, she had detected a much more significant amount of tachyon particles than were exposed during her initial scans.
"Commander, a moment, please?
Synn walked over to Tactical. "What is it, Lt?"
Tiaod showed the results to Synn. His expression was unreadable, but he knew the significance of this data. He pressed his communicator," Captain Maxwell, please report to the bridge."
"Maxwell here. I'm on the way."
A few minutes later, Maxwell walked onto the bridge and over to the Tactical station. Synn looked at Tiaod and nodded, giving her permission to present the report.
"Captain. We have completed our initial report on the tachyon particles,"
"Go ahead."
"Sir, the tachyon particles are artificial. Based on our analysis, the particles appear to be used as a carrier for communications traffic. We detected several languages embedded in the particles. Unfortunately, we could not identify any languages due to an insufficient sample size. However, we decided to take a chance and scan for any communications traffic emanating from what would be Federation space, including tachyon-based emissions. We received a positive result. The traffic is tachyon-based and includes an identifiable language: English."
"I see. Please continue with your report," said Maxwell, who was now even more curious than before.
U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D
Rear Admiral Picard had retired to his ready room to plot their next move. However, he soon realized he didn't have enough information to build an effective plan. He accessed the logs from Captain Kirk's mission to the mirror universe, where he hoped to learn something useful.
Picard looked up from his PADD and pressed his communicator.
"Picard to Riker."
"Riker here. Go ahead, Admiral."
"Commander, I want a staff meeting with all department heads."
"Yes, Sir. Consider it done."
-Several Minutes later-
As ordered by Picard, Riker had assembled all department heads, plus two new faces: Lt. Commander Davis from Astro Sciences and the always flamboyantly dressed Guinan.
Picard entered the conference room and began the meeting. "Mr. Data, report."
"Sir, we have scanned every star system in range. While each system is present at the expected coordinates, accounting for the time difference, there are unexpected variances, such as a missing moon in one system and several new ones in other systems. We are too far away to scan any Federation system to determine whether the pattern holds. Also, we have retrieved one of our probes sent to Narendra 3 to collect soil samples. We tested the quantum signature of the soil against that of ours. The signatures did not match, nor did the Narendra 3 sample match any signature on record."
Riker was the first to react. "So, Data, you are saying that we aren't in the mirror universe or any other universe we have previously discovered."
"Yes, Sir, that is correct."
Picard then looked to Guinan. "Guinan, what are your thoughts? Are there any insights that you can offer?"
Guinan, the well-respected sage and listener, took a moment before offering one of her patented responses. "The only observation I can offer is that things 'feel' different. From the moment we arrived here, I knew we were in the wrong place. That said, I feel we'll be needed here."
"Guinan," Dr. Crusher inquired, "is there anything else you can offer? That statement is kind of vague."
"That's all I have. I wish I could share more, but here isn't anything else to share."
"Thank you, Guinan," said Picard. "Is there anything else to report? Commander Riker?"
"Sir, we have detected nothing on subspace. There isn't even static on any known channels."
Everyone in the room had confused faces before Data spoke up. "Confirmed, Admiral. We have detected no subspace activity anywhere within sensor range. This is quite unusual as, within our universe, there is always evidence of subspace use present. Here, there is none. Based on this fact, I would theorize that the races in this universe do not utilize subspace for communications nor travel."
Lt. Commander LaForge, the Enterprise's chief engineer, then asked Data. "So how would they even be able to travel between star systems? Also, what about communications? Using radio would be far too slow."
"You are correct. We do not know what method of FTL travel is used here. However, we do believe that they employ tachyon communications systems. We detected faint, residual tachyon emissions during our initial tachyon sweeps of the system."
Picard paused for a moment before continuing. "Then, this is very much a mystery. We will plan our next steps in coordination with the other ships. Commander Riker, contact the other ships and have their command staffs beam over for a conference." Picard paused for a moment before he continued. "I know that we are in a difficult position at the moment. I ask each of you to continue to show strength and professionalism as we work to return home. You are the best crew in the fleet, and each person on this ship has my complete confidence. We will get through this challenge as we have all the others. Dismissed."
-Two hours later-
The senior officers from each ship, plus a science department representative, were present in the very crowded conference room. This meeting would be the most important of their lives, and everyone knew it. The outcome of this meeting would determine the future of their very existence.
Picard opened the meeting by stating the obvious. "Ladies and gentlemen, I cannot stress enough the importance of this meeting. Undoubtedly you have been performing your own analysis of where we are. Therefore, we will begin this meeting by sharing what each ship has learned so far. Mr. Data, proceed with your report."
For the next 90 minutes, each ship's crew provided their respective reports, with the Phoenix presenting last.
Lt. Tiaod reported his findings, where he confirmed the detection of a tachyon signal with the English language contained within.
Picard, surprised, immediately asked. "Did you say English? Where was the source of this transmission?"
Tiaod answered, "We aren't certain. The signal we received was degraded. However, what we did receive came from the Orion system, Sir."
"That would suggest that there are humans in this universe with a similar lineage to our own," observed Data.
"I agree," Garrett interjected. "My background is in anthropology, and the chances of another species evolving to develop a language similar to our own is virtually impossible. I believe that this warrants further study."
"Agreed," Picard said before he continued. "Have any of you detected any remaining evidence of the rift? If not, do you have any theories on how to recreate it?"
Everyone around the room looked around to see whether anyone could offer any viable information. Data had already spoken with the other ships' science officers and answered, "No, Sir. There is no evidence of the rift; not even residual chromoton emissions remain. Unfortunately, we have no idea how to recreate it at this time. Sensor logs captured during our transit are inconclusive. No known science is capable of creating an artificial wormhole through time and space."
Picard wasn't surprised by the answer. "Very well. "However, before we proceed further, I would like a report on our tactical readiness. Commander Riker."
"Both the Enterprise-D and Phoenix are fully combat-ready. The respective crews are nervous and a little uncertain, but otherwise, fine. The Enterprise-C is another matter, unfortunately. Commander LaForge?"
"Admiral, to repair all of the battle damage and perform what I consider basic upgrades, we are looking at one week of around-the-clock work. The repairs would only include upgrading weapons, shields, and several computing nodes. Without a drydock, we can't upgrade the main computer or the warp core. Without a warp core upgrade, we can't install all of the latest defensive systems. There simply isn't enough power. She will be stronger than before but weaker than she could be."
"Thank you, Mr. LaForge. Unfortunate but understandable. Very well. We will remain in this system for another week. Hopefully, this will give us time to complete the minor refit of Enterprise-C while also collecting intelligence from the probes. Once the refit is complete, I want you to begin working on developing a cloaking device. If we are here for a prolonged period, that could be a very effective tool. Unless there is anything else, dismissed. Captains, would you remain for a few minutes?"
The conference room became empty again, except for the three command officers. Picard continued. "Needless to say, we are in uncharted territory here. That said, we should maintain and enforce the standards that make us Starfleet officers. I would like to first begin with the chain of command."
"The regulations are clear on that, Admiral," offered Maxwell. "You hold the rank of Rear Admiral and are therefore senior to me and Rachel. We'll continue to follow your orders."
"I would like to make a suggestion, though. I'm sure that it has been many years since either of you have had a first contact situation; I think that I would be best qualified to handle any first contact situation at this time," offered a helpful Garrett.
Picard paused for a moment before he continued. "I am forced to agree with you, Rachel. Ben?"
Maxwell nodded his head in agreement.
Picard then continued. "The Enterprise-C is down in personnel. I would like to transfer experienced crews from both Enterprise-D and Phoenix. We'll backfill the old crew with qualified members from the troops stationed on both ships. I would also like to station a marine detachment on Enterprise-C to improve its combat readiness. Finally, Rachel , I recommend Commander Benjamin Sisko for the post since you are missing a first officer. You will find that he is very qualified, and I've been very impressed with his performance to date."
Garrett responded, "I agree with your suggestions, Sir. I will review Sisko's service record and interview him. Be aware, though, that I have no intention of turning my ship into a warship, no offense."
Maxwell, never afraid to offer his opinion, said, "Rachel, you may not like it, but you may not have a choice. We don't know what we are dealing with here. We have no support. If we cannot return, we must depend on ourselves to survive and hopefully thrive in an unknown universe. The Federation is no longer our reality, but an idea to aspire to."
Picard quickly agreed. "We must be able to defend ourselves. Any losses we incur are too many. We don't have the luxury of a starbase to help mend our wounds."
Garrett understood, but she was uncomfortable with the direction of the conversation. "What of the Prime Directive? Do we intend to follow it to the letter, or will we ignore the inconvenient parts?"
Picard responded immediately. "We do have enough people to start a colony, if necessary. However, without any intelligence on the political landscape of this universe, establishing one is a bit premature. We need to collect information first while continuing to monitor this system for the potential return of the rift. "
Picard continued. "The truth is, the moment we entered that rift, our destinies changed forever. We knew entering the rift was not without risk. I suggest that we consider realistic options when they present themselves. I intend to honor the Prime Directive, but not to the detriment of our crews."
"The Admiral is right." Our primary responsibility is to ensure the well-being of our crews. If we can make a difference for the better of all, then so be it. I want my life to count for something, and so does my crew," said a confident Maxwell.
"My crew and I aren't even supposed to be alive," said Garrett, who had a '1,000-mile' stare in her eyes. "Regardless of what happens, this will be a new opportunity to create a new destiny for ourselves. However, I don't want to lose ourselves in our search for our new destiny. We are still Starfleet officers and representatives of the United Federation of Planets."
Garrett paused for a moment before she continued. "To better reflect our new situation, I intend to change the name of my ship to the U.S.S. Destiny. Not only does it seem appropriate, but that will also eliminate any unnecessary questions in the future."
"Understood. I intend to deliver a fleet-wide message within the hour. I would also like each of you to carry a separate message to your crews. I want to ensure we address any morale issues with the utmost urgency. Dismissed." As Picard sat alone in the conference room, he felt a level of excitement that he hadn't experienced in years. While he was still a soldier, he would now also be an explorer, an opportunity denied to him by the war with the Klingons. They were about to embark on a new chapter, and he couldn't wait to start.
U.S.S. Destiny (formerly Enterprise-C) - Ready Room
Commander Benjamin Sisko found himself standing outside the captain's ready room on the ship from the past. He's still somewhat disoriented by the event now referred to as 'The Transition.' He'd gone from leading a regiment of ground-pounders to now potentially becoming the first officer of a starship. Since he'd joined Starfleet, command of a starship had always been his dream. However, like so many others, he felt that that dream would never come to pass. Yet, here he was, potentially, one step closer to realizing it. 'Well, what are you waiting for? Ring the damn bell!' he thought to himself.
Captain Garrett was in her ready room, awaiting the arrival of her potential first officer. She was hesitant to have someone from one of the future ships on her command staff. However, she understood that her alternatives were limited. Lt. Castillo was a fine officer but was nowhere near ready to become the first officer, especially given their current situation. No, she needed someone with experience in that role and someone she could count on in a pressure situation. Before she could contemplate further, the chime to her ready room door sounded.
"Come in," said Garrett.
In walked the imposing figure of Commander Benjamin Sisko. The man was a soldier dressed in a Starfleet uniform, Garrett observed.
"Reporting as ordered, Ma'am," Sisko said.
"Please be seated, Commander," Garrett replied to Sisko.
Sisko took his seat. He began to study the captain, trying to get a read on her. This interview was his first opportunity to speak to anyone from this ship, and he was not quite sure how different they might be.
Garrett noticed that Sisko was tense and guarded. He appeared to be a soldier in an unfamiliar situation that he was unsure how to handle. It was apparent to her that the years of war had worn the man down. Garrett had observed this in virtually everyone that she met from the future. Some managed to hide the strain better than others, but she noticed. The other thing that Garrett noticed was that these people hadn't given up despite the setbacks and losses. She could still see a spark of life ,even in the man standing before her. This man had an inner strength that was almost overwhelming. She could see why Picard had recommended him. Ordinarily, she would choose someone a little more 'balanced' as her first officer. However, this wasn't one of those times, and Garrett didn't have that luxury. She needed someone strong at her right hand, and Sisko was someone she could count on in difficult situations, she believed.
"Commander, do you know why you are here?"
"I understand that you are looking for a new first officer, and I'm being considered for the post."
"I've reviewed your service record, and it's very impressive. Admiral Picard highly recommended you, and he's obviously not someone who's easily impressed."
Sisko maintained a stone face as Garrett continued.
"I will be blunt, Commander. I have reservations about assigning someone who has been at war for as long as you have as my first officer. Unlike the other ships, the primary missions of this ship are diplomacy and exploration. If we have to fight, then we have failed our primary missions. Are you able to serve on a ship given those directives?"
"Ma'am, I have spent my entire career at war. I studied exploration and diplomacy at the academy but have never used those skills. I wanted to provide a life for my wife and son free from fear of the Klingons. To achieve that goal, I have dedicated myself to being the best soldier I could be because the alternative was a fate worse than death." After a brief pause, Sisko continued. "I would be lying if I told you that I wasn't tired of war: tired of fighting. Honestly, I would welcome the opportunity to prove that I can be as good a diplomat as a soldier. But know this. I will do whatever it takes to defend this ship, crew, and fleet from any hostile threat."
Garrett was taken aback by the intensity of this man. She had never met anyone that was even remotely close to Sisko. His command presence was unmistakable. His confidence and commitment to duty were apparent. She couldn't imagine the horrors this man must have witnessed. However, this was a new reality, and she had a decision to make. 'Would I trust this man with my life and my crew? Do I trust him to make the right decisions in times of crisis?' she asked herself.
"Commander, I fear I will have to call on your skills as a soldier far more often than I would like in the days ahead. I'm pleased to hear you are willing to expand to fulfill a new role."
Sisko decided to take a chance and open himself just a little. Weakness was something that he had learned never to show. However, now, he decided to take a leap of faith.
"Captain, I just want to know what it feels like to be human again. It's been so long. Too long."
"Commander, what's your passion?" Garrett asked Sisko.
"I don't understand, Ma'am," Sisko answered, confused by the question.
"What's your passion? Your first love?"
"Now I understand. Cooking was always my first love. I spent more hours than I can count in my father's restaurant growing up. I always thought that I would take over from him one day. It would appear that fate had other plans."
"That's so true. My first love was music. I learned to play the violin when I was five. I still play now when I want to relax and let my mind go. My current love and why I joined Starfleet was anthropology and sociology. I'm fascinated by societies and civilizations and how they work. I enjoy observing interpersonal interactions and interacting with unfamiliar societies. I was able to experience a little of that on Earth, but it's not the same as visiting other worlds."
"No, it's not. Now, here we are."
Garrett saw the gesture from Sisko for what it was. He was making himself vulnerable to her, ever so slightly. With this, she made her decision.
"Commander. If you want the job, it's yours."
Sisko stood and smiled ever so slightly.
"Ma'am, I accept. When can I start?"
"Immediately. I will inform Admiral Picard. Please settle your affairs on the Enterprise and report for duty as soon as possible."
"Yes, Ma'am. And thank you."
"Commander, this is a new journey for us all. I hope that you find what you are looking for. I will do everything in my power to help you regain your humanity," Garrett said before she extended her hand in friendship.
"Captain, this is the best thing I have heard in a long time."
"I'm glad to hear that. I look forward to our journey together. Dismissed."
Sisko turned and walked out of the room, thinking about what had just happened. That was a far different experience than he had ever experienced with a commanding officer. Sisko allowed himself to become vulnerable before a woman he didn't even know! As he walked to the transporter room, Sisko quickly acknowledged that this was the opportunity he had been waiting years for and planned to take full advantage of.
"Why is everyone from the future so intense?" thought Garrett. Of course, she knew why: the war with the Klingons. Garrett struggled to imagine the man Sisko would have become without spending his entire adult life in a losing war. What kind of person would she have become? In him, Garrett saw strengths that she did not possess that would keep them alive, if necessary. She would thank Admiral Picard later for the recommendation. In her eyes, Sisko was the perfect choice.
