USS Enterprise
Turbo-Lift
En-Route to Shuttlebay
If not for the fact he was on the Enterprise Kirk would have been surprised by the sudden events. The two ships had just docked with the shuttle departing after its passenger disembarked, who happened to be Spock of all people. The Vulcan who had been the science officer aboard the Enterprise long before Kirk had taken command had been happily welcomed back.
However Spock had acted very unusual, even for a Vulcan.
He had immediately gone to speak with Scotty upon his brief reunion with the bridge crew, leaving Kirk and Decker to deal with the matter of the strange ship now residing in the shuttlebay. Spock's return had been a boost in morale for the crew of the Enterprise and for good reason. Captain Kirk had commanded the Enterprise through some of the wildest of missions ever undertaken, able to take charge no matter the circumstance but it was Spock's intellect and ability to see every angle of every situation they had encountered that allowed the crew to survive through every mission. With Spock now with them, the crew believed they now had a chance to not only succeed but also the chance to survive.
Now to see to the matter of their guests.
The turbo-lift doors opened up, allowing the captain and executive officer to step onto the deck and take an up-close look of the mysterious ship they had brought aboard. Kirk admitted to himself the ship was sleek and quite beautiful. He imagined Scotty would want to take a look and see what he would find.
A ramp had lowered itself down from the ship's underbelly and out stepped a man dressed in a long brown robe with a grey shirt with brown pants and boots. The man sported a short beard with long brown colored hair. He presented himself as calm and serene much like Spock with a hint of wariness. He was followed by a younger man, sporting short dark hair with a braid that fell to shoulders, a dark skinned man who wore what appeared to be a military uniform, a woman dressed in civilian clothes and finally a lizard like creature obviously of a species Kirk had never seen before.
Kirk decided to take the initiative and stepped forward. "I am Admiral James T. Kirk, commanding the Federation starship Enterprise. This is my executive officer, Commander William Decker."
"Federation?" The dark skinned man said, seemingly reaching for his weapon.
The security officers reached for their phasers but Kirk stopped them with a mere gesture. "Yes, the United Federation of Planets. You are currently in our space and aboard the Federation flagship."
The man offered a bow which the younger man immediately followed. "I am Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn of the Jedi Order. I speak on behalf of Queen Amidala of the Naboo. With me is my Padawan apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi, Captain Panaka of Naboo security, Padme handmaiden of the Queen and Jar-Jar Binks."
Qui-Gon observed the captain before him. Captain Kirk appeared around the same age himself, wearing a uniform that Qui-Gon was not familiar with. He wore a two piece tunic with dark gray pants and a white and dark gray flared shirt with a high collar. Qui-Gon also noticed the epaulets and sleeve stripes, and a gold pin worn on the chest. The younger man behind Kirk wore a similar tunic with grey pants and grey shirt.
Qui-Gon recognized Kirk as a figure of authority and yet was still younger than most commanding officers Qui-Gon had met. He had brown hair and hazel eyes that showed deep authority, bravery mixed with kindness.
"It seems we have much to speak about, Master Qui-Gon." Kirk started, using Qui-Gon's title as a sign of respect. "I must admit, I did not expect to find a ship like yours stranded in Federation space and I do not know of any planet Naboo."
"It's a complicated situation, Captain." Qui-Gon said smoothly. "As far as we can tell we are far from where we previously had been and are hoping to return as quickly as possible. Our hyperdrive has been badly damaged and must be repaired and refueled as quickly as possible."
Kirk shared a hidden glance with Decker. "I'm afraid that might be very difficult. Unless hyperdrive is your culture's warp drive."
"Warp drive?" The man known as Obi-Wan butted in.
Qui-Gon glanced at Obi-Wan and then back at Kirk. "I am afraid we might be thinking two entirely different references, Captain."
"I have that feeling as well and given the time it might take to properly help you I'm afraid that might not be possible either." Kirk stated, wishing he didn't have to disappoint these strangers. "The Enterprise is currently on a mission of great importance to the safety and security of the Federation. We did not expect to encounter anyone needing help along the way."
"We have to get back to where we were. The future of our people depends on it." Panaka cut in harshly.
Qui-Gon raised a calming hand. "Captain Panaka speaks the truth, Captain Kirk. Like you we are on a mission with lives of an entire planet hanging in the balance."
Kirk could see Qui-Gon was not lying and knew all too well the situation they were facing. "I am afraid we are both in the same boat then. As we speak there is an anomalous entity, presumed to be a starship surrounded by an energy field of some kind, on route to my own home world and the capital of the Federation. It's already destroyed a number of warships as well as a Federation outpost, and as things stand the Enterprise is the only ship that is in any position to intercept it."
"We can't rightly ask you to abandon your mission if that is the case." Padme said. "But if you can provide us any means of at least restoring mobility to our vessel it would be greatly appreciated."
"I'll see what my chief engineer can do." Kirk said, confident that if anyone might be able to comprehend what this hyperdrive was it would be Montgomery Scott. "In the meantime the hospitality of this vessel is extended to all of you."
"Our thanks, Captain." Qui-Gon nodded, knowing that this was more than he could have hoped for if the situation truly was so dire.
Kirk nodded, gesturing to the turbo lift. "My chief engineer is currently in engineering at the moment. In the meantime if you will follow me to the briefing room we can further discuss your situation."
"Please, lead the way captain." Qui-Gon accepted.
Briefing Room
The visitors had taken the chance to glance at the interior of the Enterprise, noting the light colors and crew members that had walked past them on the way to the briefing room. Once they had arrived they were all properly seated with two security officers at the door,
"Now then, why don't we start with how you ended up here?" Kirk asked once they were seated. "You mentioned your planet is in peril."
"The planet Naboo." Qui-Gon clarified. "My apprentice and I were dispatched by our Supreme Chancellor to mediate a trade dispute in the outer rim that had resulted in the blockade of the planet by the Trade Federation. However it quickly escalated into a full scale invasion of the planet and we barely escaped with the Queen. We hoped to take her to Coruscant, capital of the Galactic Republic and plead our case to the Galactic Senate to stop the Federation. I can only surmise when we escaped the blockade our hyperdrive was damaged and thus we ended up here."
Both Kirk and Decker had listened carefully to Qui-Gon's tale.
"As far we can tell, the leaders of the Trade Federation attempted to force the Queen to sign a treaty that would legitimize their occupation of the planet but my feelings tell me there is a great deal more to this. An invasion is a drastic move, especially over something as trivial as a trade dispute and the Federation risks their trade franchise being revoked." The Jedi Master continued.
"Is there anything of value the planet has to offer?" Kirk questioned. "Resources? Strategic postion?"
"Our planet only has a small plasma reserve, Captain. As far we know the Trade Federation picked us because we are a non-violent people." Padme answered. "We must find a way back to stop them."
"That's another problem. Until now I've never heard of a Galactic Republic or a Trade Federation and there is no mention of them or your planet in our history files." Kirk stated.
"Which possibly confirms my theory that we are in another galaxy." Qui-Gon folded his arms. "The surrounding stars do not exist in our star maps and we have checked our position. If we were in our galaxy we would have been a parsec away from Naboo."
"From another galaxy?" Decker spoke up.
"Captain, is it possible for us to see a map of your galaxy?" Qui-Gon asked with the intent to clear up any remaining skepticism.
Kirk nodded and gestured to the wall screen that showed an image of the galaxy. "This is the Milky Way Galaxy." He stood up and walked over to it. "Divided into four quadrants: Alpha, Beta, Delta and Gamma." Kirk pointed to the quadrant labeled Beta. "We are currently in the Beta Quadrant, moving at warp point eight to meet the Intruder at least a full day's journey away from planet Earth in the Sol System. Can you recognize any of the star patterns?"
"No, we cannot." Qui-Gon answered, standing up to walk over to the screen. "I have spent much time traveling our galaxy and I would have recognized any star patterns if your map matched ours. Thus, the only explanation is that we are from another galaxy."
"Perhaps from a galaxy close by. The Andromeda or the Triangulum Galaxies." Decker suggested.
"Of even further." Qui-Gon admitted. "There is no telling just how far we have come."
"How is that possible? I know hyperdrive can take us across an entire galaxy but to other galaxies? I didn't think it was possible." Padme spoke up.
"I sense there was more to it than a damaged hyperdrive." Qui-Gon turned away from the map. "We can only hope there is a solution to our dilemma and we find it quick."
"We'll look for a solution but I must remind you all that it will not be our current priority." Kirk said, deactivating the wall screen. "We hope to intercept the Intruder at the earliest possible time that is likely twenty hours if at maximum speed. That is likely how much time we will have to help you in any way possible."
"That is a very short time to repair a hyperdrive, even if we were in our own galaxy." Obi-Wan spoke up.
"That's all the help I can give until after our mission, if we survive." Kirk said, grudgingly admitting he was not offering much help.
"Can you not drop us off and come back for us? We can't just take the Queen on a dangerous mission." Panaka argued, against the idea of taking endangering the Queen.
"I don't have the luxury stopping and taking you somewhere to get repairs. Any place that can offer help is more than a day away and I will not risk the Earth's safety under any circumstance." Kirk said tightly.
"And we cannot simply leave and hope another ship will reach us before our ship's power dies." Qui-Gon stated. "Despite the danger, this ship is perhaps the safest place for the Queen at the moment. In the meantime, Captain perhaps you can tell us about this Federation of yours."
"The United Federation of Planets." Kirk started as they sat down again. "It is a galactic union, formed over a hundred years ago, starting with the Vulcan, the Andorians, the Tellerites and the Human race in the wake of a war against an enemy empire that attempted to conquer us. We came together for mutual defense and improvement of knowledge. Since then it is has expanded to have nearly over a hundred races becoming part of it, over a hundred colony worlds and we continue to explore our galaxy."
Qui-Gon and the others listened to Kirk as he explained the Federation, at least his galaxy's federation.
"It sounds much like the Republic." Padme noted. "Perhaps there can be a chance your Federation can meet with our Republic."
"Perhaps we will." Kirk conceded. "All I can say for now is that we hope this mission can be solved as peacefully as possible and that whatever life form that might exist inside the cloud that can be reasoned with."
"Then for now, our hope is the same as yours, Captain Kirk." Qui-Qon bowed. "We must inform the Queen of this."
"Commander Decker will escort you back to the shuttle bay." Kirk said, watching as Decker stood up and followed Qui-Gon out of the briefing room with the others.
Shuttlebay
Naboo Royal Ship
Queen's Quarters
"They will not help us."
"That is not true. They said they are on a mission of their own, a vital mission that takes priority over helping us." Qui-Qon replied to Panaka's statement quickly. "This ship, the Enterprise to intercept an unknown object approaching their home planet. I sense they are telling the truth and there is a great amount of fear towards this unknown entity."
"What are our options?" Queen Amidala asked.
"Our best course of action will be to accept what help they can give and possibly aid them if necessary." Qui-Gon answered honestly. "They should be sending someone to inspect our ship and see what they can do."
"I do not like the idea of granting them access to our ship." Panaka stated.
"We do not have much choice, Captain." Padme pointed out.
"Obi-Wan will show them the hyperdrive and ensure they see nothing else of the ship. In the meantime, we are allowed the chance to see their ship, albeit under supervision. A chance to learn more about them will determine our chances of returning to our galaxy." Qui-Gon continued.
Amidala shared a look with Padme who made a very small nod. "Then I hope our trust is not misplaced."
Enterprise
Bridge
"I have run a detailed scan of their ship and I have determined that they are not even from our universe."
Kirk frowned at Decker's report. "How can you be sure?"
"I took a detailed scan of everything, even their quantum signature." Decker said, bringing up the scanning results on the main screen. "Everything native to our universe shares the same quantum signature."
"And theirs is different." Kirk noted.
Decker nodded. "Meaning they are not from our universe."
"Any theories on how they came here?" Kirk asked, remembering the few times Starfleet had encountered alternate universes and Kirk himself remembered a particular encounter with what was called the Mirror Universe.
"Given that they appeared not too far behind us it's possible they somehow were brought here by the wormhole created during the earlier attempt to use the warp drive." Decker said.
"They came here because of us?" Kirk whispered. "Because of me?"
"It is only a theory but it's the only theory I have at the moment. It's possible the wormhole led to their universe and they were caught in it and dragged here before we broke free and returned to sub-light speed." Decker continued.
That explanation only made Kirk feel worse.
In his rush to retake command of the Enterprise and to intercept the Intruder he had pulled these people away from their home reality and was now forced to take them with him on a mission against an entity that could easily destroy them. Perhaps Decker had been right when he said Kirk's lack of experience with the redesigned Enterprise and his two years at Starfleet Academy may have seriously jeopardize the mission and safety of everyone onboard.
"Any theories on how to return them?" Kirk asked.
"It's possible they can be returned the way they came if we can recreate the incident that brought them here. However we have no way of knowing if the wormhole will lead them back to their reality or somewhere else." Decker answered. "I'll have to do more research and perhaps consult Mister Spock."
Kirk nodded. "See to it, Mr. Decker."
Captain's Log. Stardate 7413.4. Thanks to Mr. Spock's timely arrival - and assistance...
Scott was making an intermix chamber reading with a hand-held timer-temperature device which emitted signals while Spock made adjustments in the circuitry of a panel complex.
"... we have the engines rebalanced into full warp capacity. Repair time less than three hours..."
Sulu was at the helm, accelerating; feeling a touch of tenseness shared by the crew as they moved toward the speed which earlier threw them into the 'wormhole' effect.
"... which means we will now be able to intercept Intruder while still more than a day from Earth."
"Warp point eight... point nine..."
The view screen showed the quantum leap into warp drive. The stars ahead shift, streak and congeal into warp effect mass.
"Warp one, sir."
The others waited and then showed relief when they saw no wormhole was forming.
"Warp two, sir... warp three..." Sulu continued to seven. "Engineering to Bridge... New intermix balance holding steady. She's not even straining!"
"However there still the matter of the visitors from another universe, brought here by my impatience. We are bringing them with us to make contact with a possibly hostile entity and even if we survive it is unknown if there is a way to return them to their proper universe."
Naboo Royal Ship
Engine Room
"These are all that remains of the hyperdrive."
"Do you have schematics?"
Obi-Wan gestured to R2. "Our droid carries all the schematics."
"How quaint."
To Scotty R2 looked like a larger version DOT-7 robot model used for aiding in various tasks on the ship, including maintenance, removal of dangerous objects that made their way onto the ship or minor tasks that freed up the crew to handle other important tasks. The chief engineer made a note to ask about the droid's schematics later.
Scotty ran a tricorder over the damaged hyperdrive. "We need a complete list of the parts you need and we'll see what we can make from the electronic shop. It's different but it all operates on the same matter of principal for us. Give us a few hours and we'll have all the parts you need to get this ship up and running again."
Obi-Wan had quietly observed Scotty as he worked on the hyperdrive, noting the speed of how he was able to make minor repairs.
"Our boys outside will tend to the outer damage." Scotty stood up. "The fuel on the other hand, that's a different story. We don't use hypermatter and I've never seen this fuel formula. I don't recommend trying to replicate it."
Enterprise
Officer's Lounge
The lounge was empty but for Kirk and McCoy who were obviously awaiting Spock, who entered and presented himself cold and aloof as before but he was not alone. To the surprise of Kirk and McCoy, Spock was accompanied by Qui-Gon.
"Science Officer Spock, reporting as ordered, Captain." Spock replied before gesturing to Qui-Gon. "Master Qui-Gon was most insistent on speaking with me and with your permission I would like him to be present."
Kirk nodded, seeing no reason to say no. "Please sit down."
Spock remained standing while Qui-Gon sat down on a nearby chair, content to merely observe for the moment.
"Spock, you haven't changed a bit." McCoy decided to be the one to start the conversation. "You're as warm and sociable as ever."
Spock raised an eyebrow, which he usually did when he was intrigued. "Nor have you, Doctor, as your continued predication for irrelevancy demonstrates."
"Gentlemen." Kirk gestured before he and McCoy sat down but Spock remained standing. "At last report you were on Vulcan, apparently to stay."
"Yes, you were undergoing the Kolinahr discipline." McCoy continued, mispronouncing the name.
"Sit down." Kirk quietly requested but Spock remained still.
"If you are referring to the Kolinhar, Doctor, you are correct." Spock replied.
"Well, however it's pronounced Mr. Spock, it's the Vulcan ritual that's supposed to purge all remaining emotions." McCoy commented.
"The Kolinhar is also a discipline you broke to join us." Kirk commented before asking one final time. "Will you please sit down?"
Spock was still for a second before finally sitting down, bringing his hands together as the others watched him. "On Vulcan I began sensing a consciousness from a source more powerful than I have ever encountered. Thought patterns of exactingly perfect order. I believe they emanate from the Intruder. I believe it may hold my answers."
"Captain," Qui-Gon spoke up, earning their attention. "I do not presume to understand your conversation but in my brief time here I believe I sensed a disturbance that is connected to what Mr. Spock describes. For you to understand I must explain a bit of myself."
Kirk nodded. "Very well."
"I am known in my galaxy as Jedi, a peacekeeper for the Galactic Republic. For thousands of years the Jedi have been peacekeepers for the Republic as negotiators and occasionally law enforcement. As Jedi we are able to commune with the Force, an energy that surrounds all living things, surrounds us, penetrates us and binds our galaxy together." To demonstrate Qui-Gon lifted his hand and the Starfleeters watched as a nearby table was lifted off the ground.
"Fascinating." Spock remarked. "Such abilities would suggest your galaxy has entered a stage of evolution that we have yet to reach."
"Possibly but the Force is not limited to one dimension." Qui-Qui remarked as the table floated back down to the ground. "In fact through the Force I sense that you, Mr. Spock have at least been touched by it, given your ability to sense this Intruder from light years away."
"Perhaps but hardly such a impossible feat for my kind. As Vulcans we learned long ago to suppress our emotions in favor of logic in a time when Vulcan was at war with itself. Our greatest philosopher, Surak presented my people with a new path through logic and through logic we have learned to reach out with our minds to better understand our place in the universe." Spock replied.
"You speak very well, Mr. Spock. I see you in a wisdom I have only seen in members of the Jedi Council." Qui-Gon offered a small smile. "That is why I wished to speak with you. If your theories regarding this entity are true I believe it may also offer the answer of how to return to our universe."
"Well, isn't it lucky for the both of you that we just happened to be heading your way?" McCoy asked amusedly.
"Bones! We need him." Kirk scolded before looking back at Spock. "I need him."
"Then my presence is to our mutual advantage?" Spock surmised.
"Captain, with your permission I would like to be with you in making contact with this entity." Qui-Qon spoke. "As a Jedi I am bound to offer my aid to anyone who are in need or will accept."
Kirk stared at both Spock and Qui-Gon for a moment. "Any thought patterns you might sense, whether they affect you personally or not, I expect immediately reported."
"Of course, Captain." Spock complied while Qui-Gon bowed in gratitude. "Is there anything else?"
"…No."
Qui-Gon watched as Spock calmly deported without another word. "He is a most unique individual and not like many others I have encountered even among fellow Jedi. I have never sensed a mind as calm and orderly as his and yet I sense there is more to him."
"Spock is perhaps more unique than anyone on the ship." McCoy said with a smile, stopping when he saw Kirk head for the door. "Jim?"
Kirk stopped, watching as McCoy and Qui-Gon stood up and approached him. "If this super-intelligence is as important to him as he says it is, how do we know…"
"That he wouldn't put his own interest ahead of the ship's?" Kirk finished the question. "I could never believe that."
From what Qui-Gon could see Kirk, Spock and McCoy shared a unique bond unlike any he had seen before. Spock was a calm and orderly presence while McCoy seemed to show an urge to provoke an emotional response from the Vulcan and in the middle was Captain Kirk.
A man who has shown a deep wisdom and compassion for his ship and crew.
He seemed completely dependent on the two of them, as if believing them to be his source of strength in what might lie ahead.
Truly unique.
"Bridge to officer's lounge. Captain Kirk, revised estimate on cloud visual contact, three point seven minutes."
Kirk immediately headed for the door.
Naboo Royal Ship
Queen's Quarters
"As soon as they make contact with this entity Obi-Wan and I intend to be on the bridge to assess the situation." Qui-Gon finished his report to the Queen. "We are not entirely sure what to expect but I believe our presence will be needed."
"Then I would like one of my handmaidens to join you. Padme." The Queen requested and a maiden stepped forward. "Join the Jedi on the bridge."
"Your highness, it will be dangerous." Qui-Gon pointed out. "She would be safer here."
"Given the danger we might face it would be no different if she stayed here on the ship." The Queen replied. "We need to know about the ship we are on and its crew."
Qui-Gon briefly looked at the maiden named Padme. "This is not a good idea. She will stay close with us at all times and we must not disrupt the crew."
Padme nodded. "Of course."
"And perhaps we should bring Jar-Jar along." Obi-Wan suggested.
"Why is that?" His master wondered.
"He is less likely to get into trouble near you." Obi-Wan replied with a small smile.
Qui-Gon sighed. "Very well, but no more. I am not sure what to expect but I sense a great disturbance around this entity. I do not believe any Jedi has encountered anything like it before."
"I feel it also, Master." Obi-Wan nodded.
"Let us hope that this can be solved peacefully."