DISCLAIMER: Star Trek belongs to Paramount and no copyright infringement is intended. This story, however, belongs to me. It is not for profit and is for entertainment purposes only. Please do not publish this story or post this story on a website without asking my permission.
I welcome any comments, criticisms, or whatever.
Sandra Gray
The Muse
Sandra Gray
copyright 1981 Sandra Dennis Gray
"Captain's log, star date 6905.3. We are making our final star charts for this section of the galaxy. Our estimated time for completing our mission-" The Captain looked at Spock, temporarily switching the log recorder off.
"Three point four five hours, Captain," replied the first officer. Kirk added the notation to his log and then leaned back into his chair with a long sigh, saying,
"And then shore leave."
Spock stood up from his position of bending over his scanner. "Am I to infer from your remark, Captain, that you are finding this mission to be something of a-bore?"
Kirk glanced at the officer with raised eyebrows. Then he smiled and looked back to the main viewscreen. "Well, Mr. Spock, photographing and mapping stars and their uninhabited planetary systems is not something I find exciting."
"I agree," muttered Chekhov. Spock picked up on his remark.
"Ensign Chekhov, are you setting up the next photographic sequence for tie-in to my station?"
Ensign Chekhov gulped and said, "Yes, sir! I mean, not yet sir! That is, I was just preparing to do so, sir."
"Well, when you have done so, Mr. Chekhov, please be so good as to inform me." The ensign mumbled another yes sir and Spock turned again to the Captain. "I do not understand why you find this mission boring, Captain. While it is true that the planetary systems we have encountered thus far have been devoid of life, they are in the early stages of development and the data we have collected will be of much use to scientists-"
"Yes, yes, I know," said Kirk. "Please spare me the lecture. But a scout vessel could gather the same data."
Spock frowned. "That is, of course, true, but it would take them longer and-"
"Captain," interrupted Sulu. "I'm picking up something on my scanner-moving."
"Spock," started Kirk. Spock switched over to his scanner. Kirk waited while the science officer studied the data.
"It appears to be a large mass of energy." He stood straight. "It's like nothing I've ever encountered before."
"What do you mean? What kind of energy is it?"
"That is what is puzzling me, Captain. It is composed of bits of all the known forces of energy."
Kirk turned his chair around. "This needs investigating. Mr. Sulu, plot an intercept course. Warp six."
"Aye, aye, Captain." He began to press buttons. Some minutes later, Sulu said, "The energy mass should be entering our range of vision now."
A shape began to form on the viewscreen. Or rather, a shapeless. Kirk saw a nondescript cloud of smoke. He felt a chill, for it reminded him of another creature he'd encountered. "Spock, is that-"
"No, it is not like the creature we destroyed on Tycho IV.* This may not be an intelligent, living being at all. The gaseous outer later was not apparent at our first long range sighting, but readings indicate it is merely an energy mass bearing no resemblance to the vampiric creature you remember."
A couple flashes of light appeared near the cloud surface. "What's that?" asked Kirk.
"Fascinating," said Spock. "Opposing energy forces colliding and annihilating each other."
The object grew larger on the viewscreen. It had not altered its course in the slightest or noticed the Enterprise's approach. Kirk ordered a speed cut until they were within meters of the object and matching its sublight speed.
"Mr. Spock, gather what data you can on the object," ordered Kirk. The Vulcan returned to his station. There was silence as his monitors registered speed, mass and content. When Spock finally rose, he said,
"I've gathered what data I could with sensors, Captain. But there appears to be a central core of energy that defies analysis by sensor probe. I recommend a magnetic portable probe be launched."
Kirk looked at the shifting, sparkling cloud mass on the screen. "Very well, Mr. Spock. Launch your probe."
"Mr. Chekhov, your assistance please," said Spock. He and Chekhov activated and launched the probe.
Kirk watched as the probe approached and entered the outer cloud layer. A few seconds passed and there was suddenly a brilliant flash. The ship shook and everyone on the bridge was thrown to the floor. The action stopped just as suddenly as it started and as Kirk took his seat again, he noticed the cloud was moving rapidly away. "Mr. Sulu, match course and speed of the object," he ordered. A quick glance around showed him that the rest of the bridge crew was uninjured. He looked at Spock, who was just picking himself up off the floor. "Spock, what happened?"
"Apparently the magnetic probe upset something in the core of the creature."
"Creature?"
"Perhaps that is the wrong word. But apparently I have made an error in judgment. The 'cloud' is alive."
"Alive!"
"Yes. Its action could be roughly compared to-vomiting. Our probe upset its stomach."
Kirk looked at the object on the viewscreen. "Is it intelligent?"
"I do not think so. At least not in the sense you mean. The reaction now is one of a frightened animal."
"Did you get any data at all with the probe?"
"No, Captain. But sensors indicate a shift in energy readings. We may have inadvertently injured the creature."
"Severely?"
"Unknown, Captain."
"Keep monitoring the readings." Kirk turned his chair around and looked at his helmsman. "Mr. Sulu, follow at a discreet distance. You never know what a wounded animal might do."
###
"Captain's log, star date 6905.7. We have been following the cloud creature for two hours. Mr. Spock reports no change in the energy readings. We are now beyond the boundaries set for our star charting mission and are deep in a star 'desert.' Matching course and speed of warp four with the creature."
"Captain," said Mr. Sulu. Kirk switched off the log. "Star system ahead."
The one small sun and its family of seven planets was like an oasis in the black void. Kirk hardly had time to take in the view before Sulu added, "Captain, the creature is changing course." There was a moment of silence and he added, "It's veering for the fourth planet."
"Follow it, Mr. Sulu," ordered Kirk. He looked at Spock. "Home, Mr. Spock?"
"Perhaps, Captain. Or perhaps a place to rest and heal."
The Enterprise kept her distance from the cloud but watched as it slowed and entered the atmosphere of the planet, finally disappearing into a mountain range. Spock, bent over his scanner, rattled off his analysis of the planet. "Atmosphere, earth type. Flora and fauna in abundance." He paused, made some adjustments to his panel, and then rose and looked at the Captain. "Artificial structures, Captain."
"Intelligent inhabitants," mused Kirk. "Where's the creature?"
"Entrenched in a mountain near a village."
"Could that be dangerous?"
"Possibly. I can not be sure."
Kirk rose from his seat. "Spock, we're beaming down. Lt. Uhura, have Dr. McCoy meet us in the transporter room, then get down there yourself with a tricorder and translator."
"Yes, sir."
Soon the four people were assembled in the transporter room, Dr. McCoy with his medkit and Uhura with her equipment. "What's up?" asked McCoy.
"We may have a patient for you, doctor," said Kirk.
"An energy cloud creature to be exact," added Spock.
"What? Listen here, I'm a doctor, not a rainmaker."
Kirk smiled and stepped onto the transporter. The others followed suit, Spock saying, "Rainmaking is not what we had in mind, Doctor." Before McCoy could reply, Kirk said,
"Everybody ready?" Everyone was. He looked at Scotty and said, "Energize."
When they rematerialized, Kirk saw they were on a rocky hillside. A cave mouth was above them. Spock's tricorder hummed and he said, "On target, Captain. The creature is in the cave." Kirk pulled out his phaser.
"Phasers on stun." He looked at the Vulcan and McCoy. "A precaution, gentlemen." They started up the hill, Spock's and Uhura's tricorders registering all data possible. As they neared the cave mouth, Kirk could see lights playing on the red walls within. He ordered a halt.
"Dr. McCoy," he said. McCoy switched on his medscan.
"What am I looking for in readings anyway?" he asked. Spock came close to study the readout.
"Hmmm, interesting," said the Vulcan. "The energy readings have improved slightly. Perhaps I was right, and this is a place for rest and healing."
"I certainly hope so," said McCoy dryly. Spock raised an eyebrow.
"Captain," said Uhura, "there are people coming up the hillside." Kirk looked to where she pointed. A group of men and women were approaching up the lavender rocky slope. Kirk looked around.
"Quick, behind these rocks," he said and they took shelter behind some large boulders. He took out his communicator. "I think it's time we made ourselves scarce. Kirk to Enterprise." There was no reply. He fiddled with a knob and repeated, "Kirk to Enterprise. Scotty, are you there?" He looked at Spock.
Spock consulted his tricorder. "It's the creature, Captain. It's putting out a magnetic force that is jamming our communications."
Suddenly they heard a scream and they looked up to see a woman and several men staring at them. The woman was the one who had screamed and now was gestulating wildly and talking in a tongue unfamiliar to the Enterprise crew. Kirk felt at a loss until Spock whispered, "Phasers, Captain. We could stun them, then move out of range of the magnetic force."
Kirk shook his head. "No, they've already seen us." More people gathered around to stare at them wide-eyed. "Let's try communicating. But if they get hostile, we all follow Spock's suggestion." He glanced around at the others. "Uhura, the translator." She got it out. "Now everyone rise-slowly."
The people looked fairly humanoid. They were dressed in robes of many colors and designs. The women wore jewels on their heads. As the four Enterprise crewmen rose, they backed away and looked ready to bolt at the first opportunity. Kirk put away his phaser and held out his hands. "We come in peace," he said.
The people looked at each other in awe. Then one tall, big built man with black wavy hair stepped forward and said, "You speak Canish, but also a foreign tongue. How can this be?"
Kirk stepped forward with Uhura and indicated the device she held. "This device enables you to understand my tongue and me to understand yours."
"Who are you?"
"I am called Kirk. And these are my friends Spock, McCoy and Uhura. Who are you?"
"My name is Janus. I am High Cateer of Canisia, from the city of Matingus. What brings you to our sacred mountain and whence come you?
"Sacred mountain."
"The home of The Muse. Who abides in the cave."
"Fascinating," said Spock. Kirk told Uhura to cut the translator. "These people worship the creature in the cave. This place is its home-perhaps its place of origin." Janus was speaking loudly in Canish and Kirk told Uhura to cut the translator back on.
"Speak ye! Use your mechanic!" said Janus. "Whence come you?"
"We come from far away," said Kirk.
Janus closed his eyes briefly, then looked at them in surprise. "From the night lights! The ship that sails the skies! We have dreamed of such things." Kirk and Spock exchanged glances. Spock put a finger to his head to indicate a possible telepathic ability. Kirk frowned. If that was so, Janus might also read that they had injured his "god." Janus looked at him for a moment, then said, "You injured The Muse but it is forgiven. You are welcome here." He extended a swarthy hand. "Come. The Muse will survive. Rest with us in Matingus."
Kirk hesitated, then said, "Thank you, Janus." Then they joined the Canisians and began their long trek down the mountainside.
Matingus was located in a blue-green valley, a circular city of spires and turrets quarried from the lavender and red rocks of the region. Irrigated fields of fruits and vegetables surrounded the city, the water-filled trenches fed by a large blue lake. The Enterprise crew met many curious glances by the inhabitants of Matingus as they entered through the high scrolled gates of the city and quite a crowd gathered behind them as they proceeded through the streets to the High Cateer's palace-the largest building, of such lovely artistry that even Spock was moved.
"My home is yours," said Janus. "Enter." He bowed them inside, then shut the door on the crowd outside, only allowing the woman who had first screamed on seeing them to enter. "Oh, apologies. My wife and Cateer, Tamara."
"We are honored," said Kirk, bowing. Janus and Tamara led them to a large parlor-like room.
"Please, be seated. I will ring for refreshments," said Janus. He and his wife left the room.
Once alone, the Enterprise crew could finally exchange comments. "Fascinating," said Spock. "The artistry of these people is unsurpassed."
"Yes, it is lovely," said Kirk, admiring a sculpture of green glass with light patterns running through it.
"But such a strange religion," added Spock. "Worshipping a gaseous energy creature."
"Yes," said Kirk. "But maybe we've missed something somewhere. See if you can gather more data on this-religion-when Janus returns." Janus entered at that moment, accompanied by his wife and two servants with trays of refreshment. Everyone was given a glass of blue liquid and a small cake, both of which turned out to be delicious delicacies. The huge pillows that covered the floor were downy soft.
"More Zatar?" asked Janus.
"Yes, thank you," said Kirk. His glass was refilled. "It's very good."
"I am glad. You are our first visitors from the night lights. We knew such things existed but-"
"You have studied the skies then."
"No. We only use such science that is useful to us. The Muse gives us many ideas, but we only use that which we need to sustain our life here."
"You speak as if The Muse is intelligent," said Spock. "I found no such indication."
"Devices. Mechanics. They are limited. The Muse is our Source-of Inspiration and Creativity. All creatives come from The Muse."
"Then your art, your city, your irrigated fields, all came from The Muse?" asked Kirk.
"No, no. The Muse did not do the creating of such minor things. The minds of our people and their talents with The Muse accomplished that."
"Fascinating," said Spock. "But I am not sure I understand."
"How can I explain? The Muse is our Source of Inspiration and Creativity."
"How long has The Muse been here?"
"Forever. It travels the night skies but always comes here to rest. Your mechanic disturbed it so it had to return to heal."
"Then it was born here."
"Born? It exists. It has existed always. It can not die. You need not have worried." Janus rose. "Come. Let me show you my garden." The Enterprise crew followed the couple outside. They listened politely as they were given a grand tour of the gardens and the house. Then Janus left them in a sleeping chamber so they could rest before dinner.
"This place is something else," said McCoy.
"It certainly is," said Kirk. "But I think we'd better contact the ship." He opened his communicator. "Kirk to Enterprise."
"Scott here, Captain. Where are you?"
"In the city of Matingus."
"Sir?"
"Never mind, Scotty. It's a long story. We're the guests of the High Cateer here so we won't be beaming up for a while. So take care of the ship and I'll check in in six hours."
"Aye, Captain. You can depend on me." Kirk shut the communicator and looked at Spock, who was frowning.
"Something wrong, Spock?"
"I am still mystified by The Muse. Janus regards it as a tool but also as a kind of god. But all my sensors showed was mindless energy."
"Maybe it has an intelligence that can't be measured with sensors," said McCoy. "After all, this is its home. It returns here."
"The homing instinct is apparent in many animals, doctor. That does not constitute the intelligence Janus seems to credit it with."
"No, I think you've got it wrong, Mr. Spock," said Uhura. "Janus called it a Source-of Inspiration and Creative instincts. It may be the energies of the creature act as a stimulus on the brains of the people here."
"There is one way to find out," said Spock. "I can attempt to meld with the creature."
"I don't know, Spock," said Kirk. "We don't want to anger these people."
"They need not know. I can slip away easily after dark." Spock's eyes almost pleaded.
"All right," said Kirk. "But take your phaser and communicator when you go-and be careful."
A servant appeared to take the crew to dinner. It was delightful but Janus was still fuzzy about The Muse. "It is the Source of all things," he said. "It is Universal, to be used by All. We know all things through it. We could travel the night skies too, but we do not desire it."
"You don't want to explore other worlds?" asked Kirk.
"Why? We have all we desire here." He gestured outward with both hands.
Kirk smiled. "Yes, it seems you do."
They returned to the parlor after dinner and Uhura noticed an instrument on the wall. "Oh, what is this?" she asked.
"It is a Kaffitte," said Tamara, taking it from the wall. "A musical instrument of my design." She held the cross shaped stringed instrument out to Uhura.
"How is it played?"
"You find your tune," answered Tamara with a smile. She gave the instrument to Uhura and said, "Go ahead. Play something."
"But I don't know how."
"You are musical, no?"
"I sing some, but-"
"Then entertain us." She left Uhura standing and lowered her graceful form to the pillow beside her husband. They both looked at Uhura expectantly. Uhura looked a little puzzled, then sat down, cradling the Kaffitte in her lap. Then she began to strum it. The sound it produced was almost flutelike. Uhura smiled and began to pick out a tune. Then she started to sing something none of the three Enterprise crewmen had heard before. When she had done, she looked at the instrument with a frown.
"Excellent!" said Janus, clapping. "You have much talent. A song of your home?"
"No. That is, I don't know. It just came to me. I've never heard it before."
Spock's eyebrows raised. "Really?" he said.
"It is The Muse then," said Tamara. "It is for All."
Kirk decided it was time to retire. "Janus, we grow tired. We would like to go to bed."
"Of course, Kirk. Peaceful rest." He and his wife rose.
"Peaceful rest," said Kirk. Then he, Spock, McCoy and Uhura went to their room.
"Was that really a spur of the moment thing?" asked McCoy when they finally were in their room.
"Yes," said Uhura. "It was like-like I'd had the song buried in my heart all the time-just waiting to be sung."
"Fascinating," said Spock. "It would appear The Muse is for all with talent." He walked to the window. "All is dark, Captain. I must go now."
"Spock, are you sure?"
"I will be careful-and silent."
"Very well," said the Captain and Spock slipped out the window into the night. Kirk, McCoy and Uhura continued to discuss recent events after he had gone.
Some time later there was a knock on their door and Janus entered. "You must stop him!" he said. "He will not succeed. The Muse makes itself known only when it chooses. He cannot meld with it."
"Why not?" asked Kirk.
"I can not explain. But there would be danger to your friend. The Muse will not give up its secrets."
"Jim," said McCoy, "maybe you should call Spock back."
Kirk took out his communicator. "Spock. Spock, this is the Captain. Do you read me?" There was no answer. "Must be the magnetic force."
Suddenly there was a rumble from the mountain and they all rushed to the window. The cloud rose up, lights flashing, then shot upward into the sky and disappeared from sight. Janus leading the way, they made their way to the mountain cave. In the Canisian's light, Spock lay face down before the mouth of the cavern. "Spock!" said Kirk and he and McCoy rushed over to him. Janus and Uhura followed.
McCoy turned Spock over and began running a scan on him. They breathed easier when Spock moved and then blinked in the light Janus held. "Spock, are you all right?" asked Kirk.
"Yes, Captain, I think so." He sat up.
"What happened?"
"I attempted to mind meld with the creature but it stunned me with a bolt of energy."
"It was a wrong," said Janus. "I know you did not understand, but it was a wrong. We can no more be friends."
Kirk stood up. "Why? I don't understand."
"You have violated the sacred mountain. The Muse flees. It will not return until it has safe haven." He paused. "I am sorry. Much could be learned. But you must go. And not come back. But if you should return, you will not find us again. We will be screened."
"Janus," said Kirk. "We apologize. We meant no offense to you or to The Muse."
"I know. But The Muse is right. Other outsiders might interfere, as you did. I wish it could be otherwise, but you must go now. I wish you safe journey."
"Janus-" started Kirk but before he could finish, the man vanished! The four crewpeople were left to stand alone on the lavender rocks turned silver by a rising moon. McCoy started to help Spock to his feet and Kirk gave him a hand.
"Captain," said Uhura. "The lights of the city." Kirk looked to where she pointed. In the shadow of another mountain, the lights of Matingus shed their light no more. The city seemed to have disappeared altogether!
Kirk frowned. "They're screened. Lost to us-forever." He looked at his shipmates. "Guess we'd better beam up."
###
Kirk switched off the log on the Canisians and The Muse. "I guess we'll never know what The Muse really was," he said. Spock, standing beside him, nodded.
Uhura stood up and came down to the Captain's chair. She hesitated, then said, "I don't know about that, Captain. It's only my opinion, but I think I know what The Muse is." Kirk and Spock looked expectantly at her. "When I sang that song and played that instrument, it was like I was drawing on talent given me."
"We all know you are talented, Miss Uhura," said Spock. "It is natural for you to draw upon that talent."
"No, you don't understand. The talent I have is what The Muse gave me." The whole bridge crew looked at her, uncomprehending. "Don't you see? The Muse is universal, the source, the inspiration, existing always, the creativity-the creator." She paused. "God."
Kirk opened his mouth but paused before saying, "Could it be?"
"It must be. That's why Spock couldn't mind meld with it. Who mind melds with God?"
"If we could prove that-" started Kirk. "It is an interesting speculation, Lieutenant. And who knows? It's out there somewhere. We may run across it again. And the next time, maybe with more understanding." He smiled at Uhura and then turned to the crew. "All right, back to your posts. We still haven't finished our star charting." There were assorted groans. "Mr. Sulu, ahead warp factor one."
The End
*Tycho IV is a reference to the second season episode "Obsession."