**I know most of you reading this might not care how this relates to the timeline of Star Trek but I figured I'd try to clear it up in case anyone is curious as to how all this ties into the Trek universe. First off, I have to say I do NOT own Star Trek, any names or resemblance of names or descriptons of characters is purly fictional, etc. you all get the point. Anyway, this takes place after the events of Star Trek: Nemesis and after the events of the four comic series Star Trek: Countdown, which led up to the events of the Star Trek (2009) movie.
Character wise-The re-introduction of many Star Trek: TNG characters goes off the assumption that Starfleet is nearing a time of crisis and is dire need of officers which is why we see the return of Wesley Crusher, William Riker, Worf, Geordi LaForge, and the return of the android B-4 as Data (even though he was captain of the Enterprise-E during "Countdown", the idea is that he surrendered his command of the Enterprise to become part of the crew to help the ship run more efficiently). However, with the use of the character Jim Bullock, this turns into an alternate universe story although it does follow the events of the accepted Star Trek timeline. Anyway, now that my pointless rambling is done let's get to the story. Enjoy!**
CHAPTER 1
The city was barren; stores were empty; cars left abandoned on the street; there was no sign of any life here at all. The only sound was that of the footsteps of Captain Jim Bullock. on the concrete sidewalk. The sun was just starting to set, casting shadows of the buildings on the ground before him. Jim slowly walked forward, ready for anything. The eerie silence made him feel uneasy. Not more then 5 hours ago there were thousands of people here, all on their way to different locations, all with different thoughts running through their minds. Every last one of them not knowing the impending doom coming to face them. And here he is, walking the very streets that were evacuated just a short time ago, looking for the thing that drove these people away. Looking for what could possibly be the driving force behind the extinction of human life and the extinction of all life in the universe. And it decided to start here, on Earth, exact location: New York City.
Continuing on Jim sees no evidence of Their presence here, or of anything for that matter. Looking around he begins to conclude that They were here, but one of two things happened: either They came across the same thing he's seeing now, or They caused the disappearance of almost 9 million people. Given the current situation there's nothing more I can do. And then he sees one thing that changes the view on everything. One thing that confirms Jim's fear but also gives him the drive to continue on the search. Jim walks over to the object and crouches down to examine it further. Just by looking at it he knows They were here, and They know humanity is hidden here which leads to the only conclusion that more of Them are coming. Jim taps his chest communicator, "Bullock to Enterprise", he says after the chime of the communicator confirms a communications connection.
"Enterprise here, go ahead captain", replies the first officer, Commander William Riker, who re-entered Starfleet when the need arose for additional officers.
"It appears our fears have been confirmed, Commander. They were and possibly are still here. We have to be ready for additional reinforcements. Beam me back up and go to immediate Red Alert."
"Aye sir, Riker out. Mr. Worf, you heard him."
"Yes sir" replied the Klingon tactical officer, "energizing and going to Red Alert".
The view of the bridge of the Enterprise was a much more welcome sight to Jim compared to that of the empty streets of 21st century New York. "Report Mr. Worf".
"Phasers and torpedoes are armed, shields are still inoperative. Impulse engines are operating at full capacity however warp drive remains inactive. Sensors are back to full power as well."
"Understood. Engineering," the chief engineer Lieutenant Commander Geordi LaForge replies through the ships internal communication system. "Yes captain."
"Make shields your first priority, we'll need to defend ourselves more then be ready to run, besides, we know we can't escape Their ships."
"Aye sir, we'll get to work right away."
"Thank you Geordi, Bullock out. Mr. Crusher, maintain orbit. Mr. Data, keep scanning the area, I rather not be caught off guard." The android nodded at the order, "Aye sir".
Jim turns back to Riker who's sitting at the first officer station behind Jim, "Number One, notify the crew to be read for a full status update from me in exactly one hour. And tell them to be on full alert of anything out of the ordinary and to log it immediately. I'll be in my ready room."
Jim walked off to the left side of the bridge to the captain's ready room, trying to think of how he would stop Them from taking control of Earth and alter the timeline even further then it already has. Jim can't begin to imagine the repercussions being caused by the Enterprise's presence here. And the presence of Them. He walks over to the main window and gazes out at the familiar sight of Earth below him. Only, he can't help but feel like he's not home at all. Hearing about the immanent attack on his Earth, the 24th century Earth, left Jim concerned for the people he knew on the planet but also happy with the fact that he could return home after being away for almost three years on patrol and defense missions. The peace talks with the Romulans have all but stopped due to the destruction of the planet Romulus and the disappearance of Ambassador Spock. Ambassador Picard can't hold the talks together and now the Klingons see the weakness in the Romulan defenses and are itching to fight.
A galactic war is the last thing the Federation needs right now, Jim thinks to himself, the Federation has enough problems with the political turmoil sweeping across Starfleet Command. If only the citizens of the Federation knew what was going on behind the scenes. The door to the ready room slid open and shut. "The crew is awaiting your orders now, captain", says Commander Riker. Jim looks up, baffled that an hour passed that quickly. "Thank you, Will. I'll be out in a moment," replied Jim. However Riker didn't move. "Something else I can help you with, commander?"
"Permission to speak freely sir?" asks Riker.
"Granted"
"Sir, I don't think we can possibly stand to fight what's waiting for us. The Enterprise is crippled, we should try to go back to our own timeline and fix what we can there. Staying here won't help at all; you saw what Earth looked like. I understand we came here to prevent alterations to the timeline but I think it's too late for that."
Jim looked at Riker and sighed in almost-resignation.
"Will, I want to agree with you, but I can't. We have a job to do to Starfleet and to our families back home. Wouldn't you be devastated if we went back but Deanna and your son were gone? Wiped from existence because we couldn't fulfill that duty? I know I'm using an unfair advantage with you but I need you on my side Will, now more then ever. Not as a first officer but as a friend. Starfleet doesn't exist out here so we need to stick together; me, you, even Ensign Roake. We need to stick together to survive. Now, lets get the crew in the loop of things shall we?"
Jim walked over to Riker, patted him on the shoulder, and walked out of the ready room, followed by Riker. Both went to their respective seats on the bridge and waited a moment. Then Jim rose and nodded to Worf who opened the ship-wide communications network. Jim sighed and began to speak.
"Attention, this is Captain Bullock to all crew. As you all are aware, after our most recent battle we have found ourselves launched back into the 21st century with no apparent way to return home. Some of you may be familiar with the incident that occurred with the USS Voyager being taken into the Delta Quadrant with no way home, we find ourselves in a similar situation which calls for us, all of us to be more unified with each other then ever before. However, for the time being I need each and every one of you working you're hardest on repairs to shields and eventually warp drive. It is imperative we all work together, and closer then ever to get the job done efficiently, for we find ourselves up against our greatest adversary. Ladies and gentlemen of the starship Enterprise, lets get to work."
Jim nodded again at Worf to close the communication channel. He then turned to face the viewscreen. "Lieutenant Crusher, set course for Saturn. Maximum impulse. Hopefully we can use the rings to hide our presence here." The Enterprise turned and left Earth behind yet again, this time under a completely different set of circumstances.