Epilogue Supplements

Milky Way
Earth
San Francisco
Starfleet Headquarters
Meeting Room

Starfleet Admirals, Commodores and senior officers had been summoned to the meeting room to discuss recent events, specifically the new galaxy.

This was an important discussion as the discovery of a new galaxy was unprecedented.

"This meeting will come to order. As you may know or not know, the doorway to a new galaxy has been opened. I turn this meeting over to our guest."

All those attending sat down in their chairs as the sound of wheels were heard. Everyone watched as R2-D2 himself rolled up to the podium, activating his anti-gravity boosters to hover up to the microphone.

"Good morning." The upgraded astromech droid spoke. "I am R2-D2, R-series astromech droid Industrial Automoton and formerly in service of Naboo. One month ago, the ship I was on was brought into this galaxy following a wormhole related incident by a Federation starship. We were then involved in the incident with the massive synthetic intelligence known as V'Ger, formerly Voyager 6. During that time, the former probe upgraded me in the same way it was upgraded by a race of advanced machines far from this galaxy to fulfill my function for navigation and repair.

Though my body looks the same it was modified at a subatomic level. In the short time since I have learned I can repair almost anything through a method of energy and matter manipulation similar to your transporters. After returning to my home galaxy on the starship Enterprise I helped free the planet I of the people I was given to but have since then requested asylum under the Federation under the fear I will be dismantled for my secrets." R2 finished, his built in translator allowing everyone to understand him. "In my galaxy, droids do not have rights. We are little more than slaves and we are not even considered slaves due to being programmed to serve, with restraining bolts and specially designed weapons for erasing our memory meant to keep us in line. Under your law, I would be considered a sentient being and thus is why I have asked for asylum in the midst of your negotiations with my galaxy."

R2 then projected of a strange phenomenon in the Sol System. "Here lies a special aperture, just a few light years from Earth. It is multiversial and it is what sent the Voyager 6 probe out of the system and hurled across the galaxy. I can show you the modifications for using to travel between my galaxy and yours but for your safety it is important that you do not attempt to use it for travel through the multiverse recklessly for there are dangerous sections of the galaxy that would spell great danger for not just your Federation but also for both of our galaxies." He ended his hologram. "I am willing to donate information, not all of it as this knowledge left by V'Ger is dangerous and used recklessly could be as dangerous to us as V'Ger itself was. I ask you to please consider what I have said today."

R2 lowered himself down and moved to the side of the podium.

"The chair recognizes Admiral Kirk of the Enterprise."

Kirk was the next to stand up and approach the podium.

"Though you have already submitted your report, we would like to hear what you have to say about this new galaxy and what this R2 has told us."

"This new galaxy, it's very different from ours. With the exception of a sector of space known as the Unknown Regions and possibly Wild Space almost the entire galaxy has been explored. The local government is known as the Galactic Republic which is composed of thousands of star systems, more so than us or any other known galactic government. It is supposedly a peaceful government but at the same time its recent actions concerning the crises on the planet Naboo have been questionable." Kirk began. "Rather than intervene the Galactic Senate appeared to be bogged down by bureaucracy, refusing to hear evidence from first hand witnesses of how their planet was invaded, arguing that a commission should be appointed but given the time needed and the suffering of Naboo's people it was out of the question. Thus a Vote of No Confidence was called to elect a new Supreme Chancellor."

"This Chancellor is their head of government, correct?" A female admiral, a woman with blond hair asked.

"Yes. The Senate is comprised of thousands of senators with one of them elected to the position of Supreme Chancellor." Kirk answered. "If I were to base this on Earth history I would compare this form of government to the Roman Republic, before the assassination of Caeser or the First French Republic before the execution of King Louis XVI that lead to the French Revolution. There is no Starfleet but the member worlds are allowed their own home defense force and it seems corporate businesses like the Trade Federation are allowed their armies, organic or machine, which later led to the blockade and invasion of the planet Naboo."

"What was the reason for this invasion?" A dark skinned man, Admiral Cartwright asked.

"Apparently it was in direct response to a new taxation of trade routes in what is called the Outer Rim. The Inner Core worlds are Republic members but the Outer Rim varies with many planets keeping their independence for various reasons." Kirk answered.

"An invasion and occupation over a trade dispute?" The female admiral from before asked.

"It was something that Master Qui-Gon Jinn noticed to be unusual as well." Kirk agreed.

"If I may," Spock stood up to address the council. "I believe I have a theory on the matter."

"Very well, Mr. Spock." Admiral William 'Bill' Smillie allowed.

"In my talks with Master Qui-Gon Jinn and trying to understand of this new galaxy, we spoke on the topic of the Jedi being given their abilities to harness a form of energy known as the Force. They claim it to be an energy field surrounded and connected by life itself, similar in many ways to the Tao in Earth culture Taoism, a force that connects everything in the universe. How this was possible was through a microscopic life form known as medi-chlorians that seems to exist in all life in this galaxy." Spock began.

"Microscopic lifeforms? In their bodies?" Admiral Nogura questioned.

"Yes. They are a form of bacteria that emits a low level psionic field as discovered by Dr. McCoy that seem to communicate with each other in the bloodstream of the bodies they inhabit. The higher the number the more possible it is for the host to access the abilities shown by the Jedi. Master Qui-Gon explained it to be a symbiotic relationship." Spock continued. "It is unknown the level of sentience these life forms possess but a further scan shows them to be completely incompatible with us and possible with all life in our galaxy. Our immune system would kill any attempt by these organisms to enter our bodies."

"And yet there are species capable of telepathy and telekinesis with even a few humans capable of such abilities." Cartwright commented.

"Yes. I believe life both galaxies have evolved around similar but different paths." Spock stated. "As for the theory of what caused the blockade of Naboo, Master Qui-Gon theorized it was the work of a group in conflict the Jedi known as the Sith. Originally these Sith were formed from Jedi who sought a more aggressive policy and were banished. The best comparison would be a mix of Klingon lust for battle and the violent emotions of the Romulans who are an offshoot of my race the Vulcans, rejecting logic to control deep intense emotions that made us extremely aggressive and war-like, even by old Earth standards. These Sith would go on to build an empire that once spanned their galaxy but a combination of in-fighting and the efforts of their enemies led the Sith to possible extinction until now."

"You believe these Sith were responsible?" Nogura asked.

"My theory is based on logic and Master Qui-Gon's own findings in the matter. The curious matter is that after the Sith were destroyed, one survived and would go on to train an apprentice who would then in turn train a new apprentice. That has been their way for thousands of years with only two Sith at a time existing: a Master and an Apprentice." Spock answered.

"If so which one was encountered on Naboo?" Cartwright questioned.

"Given the appearance and physical condition from the warrior that was I fought I believe it was the apprentice. If so then the Master is still alive and knows of our existence. How we would factor into their plan if their goal of reconquering the galaxy is unknown. At best, our Prime Directive prevents us from interfering in any full scale wars if they were to break out but at worst they could see us as a threat and seek our destruction." Spock stated.

"Recommendations, Mr. Spock?" Cartwright asked.

"As of now, we are deciding how best to continue. Naboo is asking for membership into the Federation while still maintaining ties with the Republic. Its people hail us as heroes while the Republic Senate was too bogged down in procedures to properly condemn the invasion." Spock stated. "With the assistance of R2-D2 we can use the spatial pathway to form a permanent connection with their galaxy and forgoing the use of the wormhole drive on the Enterprise."

"And what about the opportunity to explore new universes and realities?" The female admiral asked.

"Admirals, I have looked over the details given to us by R2 and I must agree. At the very least, we are treading possibly dangerous water with one galaxy." Spock pointed out.

"Agreed. We have enough trouble here, given the possible reactions from the Klingons and the Romulans if and when they find out about the transit way and our wormhole drive. It would possibly lead to a new Romulan-Klingon Alliance and disrupt the power balance in the quadrant." Cartwright agreed. "The fear of the Federation spreading out to unclaimed territories in entirely new galaxies would frighten them into joining together and attacking us to gain access to the transit way. We should focus for now on the idea of building relations in this new galaxy, looking for possible allies and observing potential enemies before we branch out. As well as looking into the potential for this form of travel known as hyperdrive."

"Their hyperdrive is a form of travel that allows them to access a dimension known as hyperspace. Earlier studies were made into this matter, seeing hyperspace as a hypothetical higher dimension space in which our universe and possibly others exist. It is a subspace like dimension, similar to the method of travel used by the Xindi in the twentieth second century. While beneficial in the other galaxy there is a problem for using it here in addition to the usual dangers." Spock stated.

"Problem?" Nogura questioned.

"Large objects such as planets and stars cast 'mass shadows' in hyperspace so very precise calculations are needed before making the jump or they run the risk of flying through a star or any form of celestial body." Spock answered.

"No chance of course correction?" The female blond admiral asked.

"None. It was why in the other galaxy, hyperspace routes are carefully mapped for interstellar travelers to take. For us, we would need precise mapping of the surrounding and nearby systems before making a jump but upon making a scan with Mr. R2 we discovered miniature tears in subspace that were created by our own warp drives." Spock answered.

This caused the gathered admirals to mutter before they were silenced by Nogura. "Silence. Mr. Spock, please explain."

"It seems that conventional warp drive causes damage to the fabric of space time." Spock answered. "Mr. R2 shared with me his findings and I spent three hours confirming them."

Spock then showed his and R2's findings to the assembled officers, all of them taking over nearly an hour to see all the results.

"This is a serious matter, Mr. Spock. Of course you are aware that all species here and possibly in the rest of the galaxy rely on warp drive." Nogura stated.

"I have and fortunately working with R2 who was given all the knowledge V'Ger had on interstellar travel, we have found ways to neutralize this problem so that our warp fields no longer have a negative effect on subspace and habitable worlds. The simulations showed an improvement in engine efficiency." Spock stated.

"Just how much knowledge has Mr. R2 shared with you?" Cartwright asked.

"As much as I am willing to give at the moment. V'Ger had knowledge spanning the entire universe and the knowledge could be extremely dangerous to you and everyone around you if it is given freely. I only give hints of it when it complies with my function." R2 answered.

"Mr. R2 has already given Starfleet a copy of the information but its highly encrypted and it will take years, possibly centuries of study." Spock stared.

"Why is it encrypted?" Nogura asked.

"Same reason for your Prime Directive." R2 beeped. "Too much knowledge at once is dangerous."

It was hard to argue with the droid on that, given that all Starfleet officers were sworn to uphold the Prime Directive, even at the cost of their own lives.

"It is logical." Spock said.

"Very well, the council will look into this information and it will be confirmed with all science divisions. If so then modifications will be made all Federation ships immediately. In the meantime, the Enterprise will remain the only ship with wormhole and hyperspace capabilities until proper testing has been deemed safe for all ships. In the interest of fostering peace and goodwill with our new neighbors, an ambassador will be appointed to speak with the Naboo people for possible membership into the Federation." Bill said, ending the meeting. "Until then, you are all aware you are not to discuss this with anyone outside of this room."

Xxx

Other Galaxy
Coruscant
Senate Building

"Captain Panaka, thank you for accepting our invitation on such short notice."

Panaka stood before Chancellor Palpatine along with his aides Mas Amedda, Sate Pestage and Sly Moore. "I am honored by your summons, Excellency."

"Please." Palpatine gestured for Panaka to sit. "We have called you here to ask for your knowledge on this new galaxy and the people from it, specifically this United Federation of Planets."

Panaka nodded. "Well, I can say they are similar to the Republic but there are some differences."

"Such as?"

"They are much smaller than the Republic which spans an entire galaxy. This Federation only spans over seven thousand light years, have over a thousand worlds and outposts with nearly five hundred members species and their industrial capacity is impressive for being so small." Panaka stated. "Their vessels are slower than ours since they do not use hyperdrive but rather they use something called warp drive that allows for faster than light speed in real space/time powered by a matter/anti-matter reactor. However they possess several notable forms of technologies, like their transporter system that allows them to teleport from their ship to any location, forgoing the use of shuttles and use controlled fusion reactions with an inertia dampening field for thrust in normal space which makes them move faster than ships of that size are able to in our galaxy. They were able to disrupt the control ship for the Trade Federation's droid armies even though they are supposed to be unjammable. For the most part they are explorers but they are capable of defending themselves as they did against three Trade Federation ships."

"What about their weapons?" Pestage asked.

"They use a particle beam weapon called a phaser. It's short for phased energy rectification and torpedoes with anti-matter warheads." Panaka answered. "Beyond that all information is classified."

"Tell us about this government." Palpatine requested.

"The United Federation of Planets is composed of Humans and many other species, notably Vulcans, Andorians and Tellerites but as they grew more planets joined them. They preach equality between all races who join and the no one has special influence over the other. For the most the requirements for joining the Federation are that a world must be capable of interstellar flight and accept that all sentience races are equal. All member worlds are not allowed to threaten others with their own military but are allowed to keep a home defense fleet." Panaka explained. "Their only military force is Starfleet but they seem more interested in exploration than just keeping the peace."

"What about their government?" Mas Amedda asked. "Have they shown you their form of government?"

"Yes, it was shown to the Queen during her stay and initial negotiations before our return. The Federation Council is kept small, unlike the Senate and is conducted by dividing itself into sub-councils with jurisdiction over specific areas of the Federation such as the Science Council, Security Council, Archaeology Council and so forth. With the councils kept small and elected out of their assembly it keeps their government efficient and prevents them from stalling. They have a President but he is more of a figure head as he leads the Council rather than the entire Federation." Panaka answered. "They believe having all matters discussed by all member worlds in a single chamber is too big and would take too long."

'In other words they did the exact opposite of the Senate.' Palpatine mused.

He had seen the reports sent by Queen Amidala and had to admit he was impressed by the strong cohesion of this Federation and its unity compared to the Republic and the Senate which indeed had all situations discussed by all member worlds. This was how he was able to keep it bogged down during the Naboo crises but even then it had its share of corruption to the point that it easily turned a blind eye to the suffering of many other planets.

"And their economy?" Amedda asked.

"Practically self-sufficient. Their economy does not run on money." Panaka answered, shocking the Chancellor and his group.

"Does not run on money?" Pestage asked. "How is that possible?"

"Well, they have a form of credit but only for non-essentials or for dealing with non-aligned governments. It's what allows them to grow quickly and spread. Their colonies are self-sufficient and mostly governed by themselves but they still follow Federation law." Panaka answered.

Now that was a surprise.

A money-less economy?

Not even Palpatine could believe something like that existed, let alone even worked.

"So far it seems it allows them to not only expand but they are apparently advanced as I have said. Now that they have hyperdrive they have the potential to expand even faster." Panaka stated.

But in their galaxy or this one?

It was something to consider.

"And Naboo? What about its decision to secede from the Republic?" Pestage sourly asked.

"It is not seceding. It wishes to maintain relations with the Republic and keep a senator here since this is our galaxy. However many people are unhappy with the Senate's inaction during the occupation, especially since Naboo people were hurt and killed from starving in the camps or fighting against the Trade Federation." Panaka reasoned. "The actions of the Enterprise saved many Naboo and Gungan lives during the fight for our freedom."

"Which we are thankful for." Palpatine stated. "Do you know the steps taken for joining this Federation?"

"Well, the process is slow. First diplomatic relations must be established which may take nearly ten years." Panaka answered. "Naboo would be unique since it is in another galaxy. It will take time as they will want to know more about our galaxy before making their decision."

"They are very serious then." Palpatine stated. "Just how widespread is this movement?"

"Well it is resonating with many people who have come to know the Enterprise and its crew. Their actions in not just helping us but also liberating all the slaves they could from Tattooine." Panaka noted. "There is of course a faction that has been pushing for isolation for the last decade that has sprung up in response to the recent invasion but so far it hasn't gained much ground."

Ah, yes the isolationists. Palpatine felt much better when he hadn't remembered them. He had also remembered the slaves that had been liberated from Tattooine, including young Skywalker's mother. That would be something he would need to remember in the near future along with the fact that the Hutts, specifically Jabba and Gardulla had felt humiliated by this.

Apparently the Enterprise had shielded itself from scans of incoming ships and worked to keep itself hidden until all the slaves were gone. This was also something to note for the future.

"And how does the Queen feel?" He asked.

"She feels she and our people owe the Enterprise and by association their Federation a great debt for helping us in our time of need." Panaka answered. "She believes that perhaps an alliance with this new galaxy can be advantageous for all of us. She might not be wrong in that regard, Chancellor."

"I agree." Palpatine nodded with a smile. "Thank you, Captain Panaka. Your insight will be most helpful to us as we watch this new galaxy ourselves."

And the potential that could come from it.