Exploration
U.S.S. Enterprise
"Military Log. Combat date June 22, 2260. We have been in this universe for over a month, and what we have learned so far has been disturbing. We have completed surveys of multiple star systems in what would have been Federation space. Unfortunately, none of the systems contained planets that supported life. What has disturbed me greatly is that these systems once had planets supporting life. The worlds were either utterly destroyed by potent weapons or subjected to biological weaponry. We recovered a few artifacts from Mintaka III that suggested that the planet here and the one in our home universe shared many similarities.
Given the overwhelming evidence that a powerful race is actively destroying planets, I have ordered all ships to maintain Yellow alert. We haven't detected any ships during our journey. However, we don't yet know the technical capabilities of the races here, so we must be prepared for any contingency.
I have ordered the fleet to set a course for Betazed. Given that we have several crew members from that planet, this decision may cause them difficulties. I acknowledge that this is a risk. However, it's one I feel is necessary. We need more information. Based on intercepted communications, we already know that Earth and humans exist in this universe. There is some comfort in knowing that we are not alone. I believe that I need to provide that same comfort to our non-human crew members, if possible.
Our probes haven't detected any activity around Betazed. We are unsure if the planet is populated and if so, by whom. We will be there in a few hours. If there is anything I've learned on this expedition, it is to expect the unexpected.
End log."
U.S.S. Phoenix
Ben Maxwell had developed a bit of a ritual since arriving in the new universe. He had been making more of an effort to spend time with the crew. Maxwell believed that his crew needed to see him strong and confident, or morale could suffer. Once Maxwell returned to his quarters, he became a very different person. Maxwell would lie on his bed and listen to country/western classics. Johnny Cash had become his favorite since he lost his family.
He had just started the video of his son's 3rd birthday when he heard the door chime.
"Enter."
Commander Libbon Gam, his Betazoid XO, walked in through the door. "Sorry to disturb you, Captain. Here are the reports that you requested."
"It's no problem. Say, Commander, have you ever had Jim Beam?"
"Is that a drink of some sort?" Gam asked with a puzzled look on his face.
Maxwell chuckled, then a thought occurred to him. His depression was only becoming worse by spending time alone in his quarters. If Maxwell didn't do something soon, it would overwhelm him and adversely affect their combat readiness. He needed to mix things up a little.
"How about I formally introduce you to Mr. Beam in the same place I met him for the first time."
"Ok. Why not? What's the worst that could happen," Gam said with a smile.
Maxwell got up, grabbed his bottle of Jim Beam from his collection, and headed to the holodeck with Gam.
-Holodeck 4-
"Commander, I'm going to take you to one of my favorite places on Earth. It's where I met my wife. Computer, begin, Maxwell Program 1."
"Program complete. Enter when ready."
They walked into a faithful recreation of John T. Floore's Country Store in San Antonio, Texas. When Maxwell was last on Earth, he had taken a vid recorder and a tricorder with him. He wanted to capture the place's sound, look, and smell with exact detail. This simulation was as close to the real thing as possible. It almost felt like home. Almost.
A waiter then walked over to them. "Ben! It's so nice to see you! Who's your friend?"
Maxwell looked over at Gam. "This is Libbon. He's never met Jim Beam. Can you believe it! I could think of only one place in the universe that could do the introduction justice."
The waiter smiled. "That's mighty kind of you, Ben. I have your usual spot right over here. This way."
The two men walked over to the table and sat down. The waiter then brought over two glasses filled with Jim Beam.
"Libbon, I'm going to let you try the fake stuff first, then give you a taste of the real thing. Consider this an 'educational experience,' Maxwell said with a smile.
Gam smiled as well. He took his first drink. It was clear that he and Mr. Beam wouldn't ever become friends. "Captain, I can honestly say I have never had anything quite like that."
"Did you like it?"
"It must be an acquired taste," Gam said, with puckered lips.
"That it is, that it is," Maxwell agreed.
Their table position gave them a great view of the main bar and the edge of the dance floor. Gam took advantage of this to absorb the atmosphere. The music, the clothing, and the smell of his tamales appealed to Gam. He understood why the captain liked to come here.
"Captain, what are they doing over there?"
"That, my friend, is called line dancing. I met my wife right there on that dance floor. She was next to me in the line, and we just hit it off." For once, Maxwell didn't become depressed when mentioning his wife. He was enjoying his time here at his favorite bar with a wingman. It had been years since Maxwell did this, bringing back good memories. Plus, he enjoyed getting to know Gam.
"Come on. Let's get online," Maxwell said.
Gam was skeptical. "I'm not sure. I don't even know what to do!"
"Just follow my lead, and you'll be fine," Maxwell said, his Texas accent more prominent now that he was 'home.'
The two spent the next two hours enjoying the sights and sounds of the bar. Line dancing was a hit, and they both enjoyed themselves. They eventually went to the bar, where Gam found more agreeable drinks to enjoy while Maxwell drank Beam.
"Libbon, thank you for coming here with me tonight. I didn't realize how much I needed this."
"I'm glad that you invited me. This entire experience was new to me. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would like to do this more often. Your passion for this place made the experience much more enjoyable."
Maxwell nodded. "Sounds like a plan."
U.S.S. Enterprise
-Several Hours Later-
Lt. Commander Troi had arrived on the bridge a few minutes ago. She maintained a calm demeanor on the outside but was a bundle of nerves on the inside. She hoped they would find her people, or at least not another destroyed planet. She wasn't sure how she would react to seeing Betazed destroyed.
Admiral Picard walked onto the bridge just as they neared the planet. "Report, Mr. Data."
"Admiral, I am detecting the wreckage of multiple vessels around the planet and the system. All are of an unknown configuration and composition. "
"Are you detecting any derelicts?" Picard asked.
"No, Sir. They were quite thorough in their battle. We are not even able to determine the number of destroyed ships. However, the mass of the debris field would suggest several dozen, at least."
"Acknowledged." Picard then opened a channel to all ships. "All ships. Launch runabouts. Standard patrol pattern. Picard out."
The ship passed through the debris field without difficulty. Once through, they could see the planet on the main viewer. Troi was speechless when she saw the planet. She felt a tear run down her left cheek.
"Mr. Data, what can you tell us about the planet?"
"Sir, the planet has been subjected to orbital bombardment. Several areas are uninhabitable. The atmosphere does have elevated particle matter, but it is not harmful. I am detecting 12,632 Betazoid life signs living in a dome in the planet's northern hemisphere. I am detecting various lifeforms outside the dome, though none are Betazoid."
"Looks like survivors from the war," Riker said from behind the Tactical rail.
Picard sat quietly for a moment and stared at the screen. "I'm not sure, Commander. Certainly, they survived the war, but I believe someone saved them based on the debris around the planet. Anyone capable of fielding a space fleet would have been able to repair the damage to their planet."
"But why save this planet when so many others were destroyed?" Riker asked.
Picard responded. "That, Commander, is a mystery. Commander Troi, do you have any thoughts?"
Troi stood quietly to the side while Data provided the information. She showed no outward emotional reaction, though internally, she was heartbroken to see her home in such a state. No, she corrected herself; this wasn't her home. However, this might be the closest she will ever come if they can't find a way to return. Besides, that didn't even matter right now. Her people were down there and had been subjected to a brutal attack. Maybe they could do something.
"Admiral, we are too far away for me to sense anything. We would need to enter orbit for me to get a sense of how everyone is feeling down there."
"Acknowledged. Mr. Data, open a channel to the other ships."
"Channel opened, sir."
Picard stood up and walked closer to the viewscreen. "Captains, we are going to enter orbit to allow Commander Troi to get close enough to sense the population's mood and perform detailed scans of the planet. I want both ships to perform standard patrol patterns around the system. I don't want to be caught unaware."
"Admiral, are you planning to transport to the surface?" Garrett asked.
"Not at this time, Captain. However, I will be scheduling a meeting to discuss matters once we have collected more information," Picard replied.
"I understand. I'm very curious to see what you find."
"Indeed. I believe we all are. I will contact you soon. Picard out."
Vorlon Scout Ship
The entire Vorlon empire was enraged when it became known that the Shadows had attacked this planet. The Vorlons hadn't even bothered to give it a name as they considered it to be insignificant. Except, that wasn't true at all. The Vorlons had discovered this planet centuries ago with a population possessing natural telepathic capabilities. They had tried and failed multiple times to introduce telepathy into the younger races to counter their arch enemy, the Shadows. Once the Vorlons found this planet, they could identify and extract the gene sequences that enabled telepathy. The Vorlons proceeded to seed telepathy into the gene pool of the younger races, which would give them the advantage against their arch enemy in the great debate: the Shadows.
Unfortunately, the Shadows discovered the Vorlon secret and attacked the planet. The attack almost destroyed the planet before Vorlon forces arrived and destroyed the Shadow attack fleet. Unfortunately, the damage done was grave. The Vorlons hastily erected a dome over one of the remaining cities, as they wanted to save as many of their 'weapons' as possible. Millions of people were lost, but they were able to save enough to support the Great Experiment.
The Vorlons decided to leave a scout to monitor the planet since the attack. The ship was positioned in hyperspace to avoid detection by the younger races and the Shadows. It was an insanely dull existence for the pilot of the scout ship. The only companionship the pilot had was provided by the ship itself. Though not quite sentient, the ship possessed enough self-awareness to serve as a somewhat competent partner.
No ship had entered the system in millennia until a few minutes ago. Three unknown ships had been detected entering the system. The Vorlon scout called for reinforcements, just in case these intruders were here to attack the planet. The scout ship remained in hyperspace but closed to better look at the vessels. The vessels began to launch shuttles, which the Vorlon thought were a prelude to invasion. However, the shuttles moved away from the planet. The pilot was confused by this action, as did the life signs he detected from the ships. The crew compositions primarily consisted of humans and several unknown and extinct races. Where had they come from, he thought. He also detected members from the planet on the ships. How was that possible?
The Vorlon decided against challenging the ships until his backup arrived. He would be forced to intervene and destroy the trespassers if they attempted to land on the planet.
U.S.S. Enterprise
"Mr. Crusher, standard orbit. Mr. Data broadcast bridge and video to the other ships."
"Aye, Sir. Entering standard orbit," Crusher said. He then looked over at Data, who nodded. "Broadcasting audio and video now, Admiral."
Picard returned to his seat. He looked over at Troi with a sympathetic look. "Are you alright, Commander? If this is too much for you to handle, you may return to your duties, and we can carry out our analysis in your absence."
Troi shook her head. "No, Sir. I'm fine. It's a bit of a shock seeing Betazed like this. I'll be OK. This investigation is too important to walk away from."
"Very well. Are you able to sense anything?
"Yes, Sir. Nothing seems unusual. The stress levels and general mood are what I would normally expect from a community not under threat," Troi said with a confused look.
"Data, can we get video from the surface?" asked Riker.
"Yes, Sir. Stand by."
A couple of moments later, video from the surface appeared on the main viewer. This initial view was a simple top-down perspective. Another minute passed, then the video feed's perspective changed, allowing for a limited view of building facades. Troi watched silently, amazed by what she saw. No one said anything as a show of respect to her. After a few minutes, she had seen enough to share her thoughts.
"I don't believe it," Troi said softly. "This looks like Geiken, the town my family used to vacation in every year, the ancestral home of the Troi family. Commander Data, would you mind showing a picture of the Central Square of Geiken, please?"
Seconds later, the picture appeared on the main viewer beside the live video from the surface.
Data confirmed what everyone thought. "Commander, Admiral, the buildings from the photograph and the surface are identical."
"I know they are," Troi said. "I've walked past those buildings hundreds of times. I would recognize them anywhere."
"Astounding," Picard added. This video was the first tangible link to the home that they had found in this universe. They knew Earth existed, but they had no idea what to expect once they reached the planet: if they were allowed to reach it.
"What do we do now, Admiral?" Riker asked.
Troi quickly answered. "Admiral, I would like to lead an away team to the surface to collect more information on what happened here and to see if they know anything about who saved them."
"Permission denied, at least right now. This Betazed is a pre-warp society. Therefore, the Prime Directive applies," Picard said. However, before Troi could offer a rebuttal, he added. "That said, I want Mr. Data to access any planetary communications networks to see what can be learned. I would like you," Picard said as he looked at Troi, "to lead the team to monitor these networks and present your findings as soon as you have collected sufficient information. Feel free to include anyone on your team as you deem necessary, even from the other ships, pending approval from their respective captains. Is that clear?"
"Yes, Sir." She tried to keep the disappointment from her voice, but she understood the admiral's position. At least she was being allowed to learn more about this Betazed. She hoped it was close to the home she remembered, and if they were forced to stay in this universe, she might one day call this place home. Time would tell.
"Admiral, I want to start immediately, if that's OK?" Troi asked.
"Make it so."
- Three Days Later -
Lt. Commander Troi, Commander Gam, and an additional 35 Betazoid crew members from all three ships worked in the Enterprise's intelligence department, processing all communications traffic from the surface. The offices were usually staffed by a crew of 20. However, no one minded the close quarters, given the importance of the project. Everyone was feeling a little homesick, which gave all Betazoids hope that this could become home if they could not return. They had learned much over the last few days, though several mysteries remained.
"Libbon," Troi addressed Commander Gam, which caused him to look up, "would you take a look at this? She showed him a genetic map that they had accessed from the Betazed House of Records that contained the apparent lineage of everyone on the planet. He reviewed the map for a couple of minutes and paused when he saw several familiar names. "Deanna, this is amazing! I recognize several names here. Your family, in particular, is quite prominent."
"I know," Troi acknowledged with a smile. "It looks like my great grandparents were just married. I mean, people with my great grandparents' names were just married." She had difficulty controlling her excitement when she discovered Trois also on this Betazed. Others had also found similar family links, much to their surprise.
"That's not all," Gam continued. "I recognize several historical events from this Betazed that match our own, until the attack about 1000 years ago. Everything changed after that."
"That's what concerns me, Libbon. They were attacked, and some were allowed to live. It appears that someone called Vorlons saved them from the attacks. Is Betazed now a client of theirs? A member of their government? What happens if those attackers return?"
"I honestly don't know. Betazed doesn't have space travel, so the Prime Directive applies." Troi gave him a 'yeah, right look. "Look, I know what you are thinking," they exchanged knowing smiles, "because I'm thinking the same thing. I'm not about to let that prevent us from uniting with our people here. But we need to be careful in our approach. We'll build a solid reunification plan that can withstand the toughest scrutiny. I want to answer any question posed to us because you know there will be some very tough questions."
Troi nodded. "You're right. We have to get this right. I have a feeling that we won't be returning home. I would rather live here than on some colony if given a choice, no offense."
"Same," Gam agreed. "Come, let's meet with the others to finalize our report and begin developing our plan."
Vorlon Heavy Cruiser
The Vorlon heavy cruiser had arrived several hours earlier but remained in hyperspace. It monitored Starfleet's activity around the system, with particular attention paid to the planet.
"We don't detect any Shadow technology on those ships. Have those ships launched any shuttles to the planet?" the cruiser commander asked the scout.
"No, nor have they made any attempts to attack the planet or claim this system as theirs," the scout responded.
"They shouldn't be here. These humans should join the other humans in the fight."
"We agree."
U.S.S. Enterprise
Picard walked onto the bridge from his Ready Room. Troi had just informed him that her report was complete and ready for his review. The last few days had been very routine, almost dull. Picard couldn't remember the last time they had gone so long without a combat engagement. He was still getting used to becoming an explorer, though the soldier in him ensured he would maintain vigilance.
"Status report, Mr. Data."
"All systems are normal. Nothing significant to report from the other ships. No ships have been detected on short- or long-range sensors."
"Very well. Commander Riker, have the depart….." Picard was interrupted by an alarm.
"Admiral. An unidentified ship just appeared on sensors. 150,000 KM from our position," the Tactical officer reported.
Before Picard could ask how this happened, "Admiral, we are being hailed," Data said.
Picard stood. "Commander Riker instruct Destiny and Phoenix to hold their positions. Mr. Data, on screen."
The Vorlon commander appeared, wearing its customary encounter suit when interacting with the younger races.
"I am Rear Admiral Jean…"
"Leave!"
Everyone on the bridge was surprised by the forceful, threatening tone spoken by the unknown alien.
Picard tried again. "I'm sorry if we have trespassed in your space. We are exploring…."
"This planet isn't for the younger races. Leave now!"
Picard quickly assessed his options. Although he had three ships to their one, he couldn't be sure there weren't more ships in the system they hadn't detected. He couldn't risk a combat engagement against an unknown entity, at least not right now.
"Very well. We will leave. Picard out."
"Mr. Crusher, break orbit and come to course 214 mark 112, one-half impulse. Mr. Data, recall all runabouts. Commander Riker, instruct the Destiny and Phoenix to meet us at those coordinates."
"Yes, Sir."
