Author's Note:
Please Read before moving on to the fiction. Thank You!
Well, it had been quite some time since I had written any fiction of any type. After my husband passed away in October of 2021, I had pretty much resigned myself to the fact that any of my previous hobbies or passions, such as writing, were long gone.
Imagine my surprise when one day, out of nowhere, a new fiction idea literally slammed into me. For those that know, the majority of my fanfictions would just jump out of nowhere, screaming to be given life and pleading to be written. This idea was no different. And, just like those past works, it came the same way. I can't really explain it, other than that for me, it is very visual – I see the scenes, I hear the dialogue being spoken and I know it has to be written in a certain way to convey all of that to the reader.
Apologies to my former SMK readers, I find it hard to even watch episodes from that show now. Emotionally, there are some paths that I'm not ready to go down, yet.
That being said, Space: 1999 is a path I've been down since I was a kid. My very first fanfictions were for the crew Alpha, after being encouraged by some fellow Alphan authors to give it a try. I loved it. Same thing happened for SMK and I loved it. Maybe some day I'll return to that fandom as well.
I'm not afraid to admit that I've been a sucker for Year 2 since the first time I saw a Year 2 episode as a kid and that sure hasn't changed over the years. But, if you're expecting to see a Cliff's Note version of each episode, I'm sorry to say this ain't it.
While each episode offers inspiration and some plot points – and maybe a little dialogue - I wanted to write what we, the viewer, didn't see. The in-between episode stuff, the off-camera scenes that never even made it to script but probably should have and the behind closed doors stuff is where I felt like adventuring with this one.
Looking at the characters, they may have been among Earth's finest and best suited to staff Moonbase Alpha but they're all functioning, emotionally F-d up people. We've got a cast of widows, widowers, stranded youth, family members forever ripped apart – in short, we have a group of people who may just be one step away from a padded cell at any given time.
And that, to me, is the best part. Let's dive into their minds, pull out their backstories and get to know them in a much different way than what was televised. I didn't get the nickname Twisted Sister for nothing, and TS is having a blast and admittedly, this may be a weird form of grief therapy, but hey, a grieving widow uses whatever tools are at her disposal to get through the long and lonely nights.
That includes a lot of familiar sci-fi episodes including "The Beta Cloud" Episode.
If you know, you know.
Doctor Russell's opening log dates are all thrown out the nearest airlock, except for the opening date at the beginning of 'The Metamorph' which is 342 days since leaving Earth orbit. After that, I'm tossing those dates. Yes, dedicated and even casual fans of the show know that it has more continuity and plot holes than a pasta strainer. I can't fix that but I'm going to try my best to weave a nice little, entertaining fiction to be read from what the episodes presented us with.
For episode order, I'm taking inspiration from Tim Heald's 'The Making of Space: 1999" book, which covers the earliest parts of making Space: 1999, Year 2. So, we'll be moving from events after 'The Metamorph' right into everyone's favorite rock carrying episode which includes lots of glister, intelligent dying rocks, killing Tony and everybody's favorite Irish Texan cowboy, Dave Reilly. Oh, the fun we're going to have with that one. Oh, the rocks understood him, but his wives never did.
I've also banished myself from reading any published or fan fiction for the show because I want what I write to be as uncontaminated as possible. Character names and profiles, Moonbase Alpha techs and specs, still photos and episode research only.
Bad enough that a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away I belonged to an online group that spent each week dissecting, commenting and pointing out great stuff and flaws for every episode. And then two conventions – where I was very lucky to have met the majority of the cast and lovely people who gave us what we can still see today.
Who knows what may still linger in my subconscious?
While I am now blessed to own the entire series on DVD as well as having both Year 1 and Year 2 soundtracks (with lots of unaired goodies, opening and ending themes and extended versions of music) you may not, but if you're interested in any episode, there are now multiple places to find the episodes on good old YouTube as well as other free streaming services (at the time of writing this), which is where I caught back up with the show after hubby passed until I purchased my DVD collection.
So, let's get those Warp Drive Engines fired up, brew the coffee, and do some crazy, timey-wimey stuff within the Alphan universe and get to the fiction. Resistance is futile and NO, the Borg did not say it first. Tip of that hat to our girl Maya, she beat the Trek universe on that one. And yeah, you could say, that particular Space: 1999 episode also revolved around a disgusting form of assimilation.
On to the Coffee, BLACK, NOW! ENGAGE!
Reviews, comments and constructive tips welcome! Just please be kind.
ENJOY!
CHAPTER ONE
The young Psychon woman's sobs had lessened, her cries now just quiet whimpers of grief and shock echoing softly throughout the quiet cabin of Eagle Four.
Commander John Koenig felt a pang of helplessness as he watched her, knowing there was little he could do to ease her distress. He gently patted her shoulder, offering what little comfort he could, but it was evident that Maya needed more than he could provide.
John's eyes locked onto Helena's, for just a moment as the two of them exchanged an understanding glance.
Helena, with her nurturing presence and medical expertise, was obviously the better choice for this situation. She had a way of calming troubled souls, and John trusted her implicitly. He gave Maya one last reassuring smile, confident that she was in the best possible care, before rising.
As he made his way back up to the cockpit of Eagle Four, he cast a final glance over his shoulder. The sight of Helena kneeling beside the trembling, young Psychon; her voice a soothing compassionate murmur, brought him a small measure of relief.
Once in the front, in a low voice, he instructed Eagle pilot Bill Fraser to join the two women back in the passenger section. After giving Koenig an affirmative nod, Fraser did as he was ordered. After the young man had left and the hatch door had slid shut behind him with a soft hiss, John settled into the now vacant seat.
For a moment, he allowed himself to gather his thoughts. The weight of command was, as always, heavy upon his shoulders. He knew that Maya was in capable hands and, despite the odds being stacked against them, Alpha had once again navigated through another perilous scare. It was now time to refocus on what lay ahead for them upon their return to Moonbase Alpha.
As his fingers punched the button to initiate contact with Alpha, he could feel Alan Carter's questioning gaze on him. For now, he ignored it, intently focusing on the task at hand. Carter would understand soon enough.
The face of Moonbase Alpha's Security Chief soon filled the small viewing monitor in front of him.
"Tony, I need you for a secure Four Five," John said, his serious tone easily coming across the communication channel.
To the younger man's credit, his face revealed little surprise at the request even though he wasn't accustomed to calls requiring secure and extremely private communication. Koenig knew that there had been a lot recently that the younger man hadn't been accustomed to and he admired Verdeschi's ability to switch gears rapidly and stay intently focused. If he hadn't demonstrated these and other qualities, John would never have promoted him to the position.
With a nod, Tony replied calmly, "Yeah, sure John, just give me a few moments."
John nodded in understanding; Tony would pick up the conversation from a private place, most likely his quarters.
"Eagle Four out," Koenig confirmed, ending the transmission.
Alan cleared his throat, breaking the brief silence.
"Ah, John, when Tony comes back," Carter turned his head towards the hatch door, indicating his readiness to vacate the front willingly.
"You want me to leave too?"
John turned to look at the Australian, appreciating his readiness to give them privacy.
"No, Alan," Koenig answered with a small, appreciative smile. "I may need your calmer mind."
Alan nodded; a silent acknowledgment of the trust John placed in him.
The weight of the upcoming conversation hung heavy in the air, but the Alphans had already faced many challenges together and this was just one more that they would face, together.
Tony Verdeschi rose from his seat and headed out of Command Center, walking briskly towards his quarters once he was in the corridor and away from the curious eyes of Command Center staff. His mind was already wondering what else the Commander needed to discuss in private.
First, a Directive Four, and now this—whatever this was.
As he walked, Tony mentally ticked off a list of potential issues. They already knew that Fraser and Alan were fine and even though they hadn't seen her on screen, he highly doubted that anything was wrong with Dr. Russell. Something of that magnitude, even John Koenig would not have been able to hide.
So, the only unaccounted would be Torens and Picard.
Verdeschi sighed as he entered his quarters. In little less than two months, they had been forced to complete an almost total relocation of both personnel and equipment from the upper levels to the underground facilities of Alpha. The hazards of space, the alien life they were encountering, and the earlier space warps had all taken a significant toll on Alpha's structural durability as well as on personnel.
Tony had a sick feeling in his gut regarding both Torens and Picard. They were both good men, and like him, Picard hadn't been stationed in Command Center for very long. The two of them had been forming a bond as the new guys on the block.
Quickly, he grabbed a small cup of coffee before sitting down at his desk, already knowing that he wouldn't have time to finish drinking it. Best not to keep the Commander waiting, so he rapidly punched in the code that would allow restricted communication between just him and the Commander onboard the Eagle.
Waiting for the secure connection to establish, Tony braced himself for whatever news John Koenig had to deliver. The uneasy gnawing at his stomach grew stronger, but he pushed it aside, focusing on the screen in front of him. With life on Alpha, there were relentless challenges, but Tony knew they had to remain steadfast and always ready for anything.
Soon enough, John's face appeared on the screen.
"How's Alpha?"
Tony shrugged. "We made it through, again." Tony paused just momentarily. "Somehow, John, I don't think that's all you wanted to discuss, is it?"
With Eagle Four being as close to arriving back on Alpha as it was, Tony felt that there was no point in beating around the bush.
"No, Tony, it's not."
Koenig wasted no time as he began to outline his requested plan of action.
"We're going to set Eagle Four down on the pad closest to Medical. I want that area free of all personnel when we touch down. Have Dr. Mathias available to meet us once we're in Medical."
Tony gave a questioning look.
"Yeah, sure John, but why?"
For just a moment, Koenig hesitated.
"Tony, we're bringing a Psychon home with us."
Incredulously, Tony exclaimed loudly, "You're what!"
"We all owe her our lives, Tony. All of us."
"A she?"
John nodded affirmatively, then continued with the explanation.
"Mentor's daughter, Maya."
"His daughter! John, for bloody…what the…" Tony Verdeschi was having trouble articulating a complete sentence or forming a question as both disgust and anger began to rise within him.
"Hey Tony, breathe buddy," Alan interrupted quickly and sharply.
"John, hold on just a minute," Tony exclaimed.
"That lunatic nearly destroys us all and you're bringing his daughter back with you? John, the security risk—"
John cut him off.
"You have my orders, Tony. Koenig out."
The connection ended abruptly, and Tony leaned back in his chair, shaking his head in disbelief.
He took a quick sip of his coffee, trying to process this unexpected new development.
In the past several months, he'd done his best to understand John Koenig, and most of the time, he felt as though he were doing an adequate job. Stepping into this position hadn't been easy, given the circumstances, but the Commander had not given him a reason to question an order or doubt his sanity—until now, with this encounter involving planet Psychon.
There wasn't time to dwell on it, as the chief had given orders that needed to be carried out, quickly. Tony called security to manage emptying the launch pad area as well as the corridor areas, per John's instructions.
Before leaving his quarters to head to Medical, Tony stole just a few moments to splash some cold water on his face and hazard a glance in the mirror. He had already known that he would look exhausted, and his reflection confirmed that.
Hopefully, the mixture of coffee and cold water would help keep him functioning for just a little bit longer because instinctively, he knew that there would be no rest for the weary anytime soon.
He took a final look around his quarters, a place that he seemed not to spend much time in anymore and shrugged. Taking a deep breath, he straightened his uniform the best that he could and steeled himself for the next task at hand.
He stepped out of his quarters, his mind already racing with scenarios, preparations and possible actions. The security of Moonbase Alpha was always top priority and he had a sense that careful actions and handling would soon be required from many, including himself.
Walking quickly towards Medical Center, he simply could not shake off his feeling of unease. Pushing it aside, he focused on the immediate responsibilities. There would be time soon enough to question and to understand John Koenig's plan.
Right now, duty called.
Eagle Four had landed safely on the launch pad and Carter completed a quick post-flight before both he and the Commander got up and made their way back to the Eagle's passenger section.
It was obvious to everyone that Fraser was anxiously waiting to get back to his new wife. Helena was gathering a few supplies to put back in her carry bag so that they could be returned to Medical Center; including the valuable chunks of titanium she had managed to retrieve for the Alphan life support systems.
But, unlike the Alphans, who were more than ready to leave the confines of Eagle Four, Maya looked like she wanted to curl up and vanish into a ball of nothingness.
Her blue eyes were now red and irritated. She had a downcast expression on her face and her posture was slumped, conveying her deep sense of despair. Her cheeks were tearstained, and the remnants of her beautiful eye makeup had smudged all around her blue eyes. Her entire world, everything that she had ever known was gone. Obliterated in an instant. Her loss was incomprehensible.
Koenig knew that this was not something she would recover from quickly, if ever completely. The journey ahead for the young Psychon woman would be a long one, fraught with emotional turbulence. The Alphans could offer support, welcome her, befriend her and help her find a way to piece together the remaining shattered fragments of her life but her path to healing would ultimately be one that she would have to walk by herself, step by painful step.
Knowing it was time, Koenig somberly broke the silence.
"Let's get going. I could use some coffee."
He made sure to speak in a relaxed manner, but the weight of the situation was unmistakable.
"Now you're talking," Alan said with a grin.
Koenig approached Helena, who handed him her bag to hold before turning her attention to Maya.
Helena knelt down in front of the young woman and placed a tender hand under Maya's chin.
Lifting the girl's face with delicate care, she spoke softly to the younger woman.
"Maya, we're here," Helena said in a soothing, quiet tone.
A look of pure terror crossed the younger woman's face, but bravely she began to rise from her seat to stand. As she did so, her expression changed, a grimace of pain replaced her look of initial fear. Though the Psychon tried her best to conceal it, she could not hide her obvious discomfort.
Helena quickly switched to physician mode; her voice filled with concern.
"Maya, what's wrong?"
"My ankle," Maya's voice trembled as she fought to keep fresh tears from rolling down her already tear-stained face.
Carter quickly jumped in.
"Come on, kiddo, free ride," he said as he quickly scooped her up into his arms.
"No, I can walk," Maya weakly protested.
Carter's voice was both sympathetic and reassuring as he looked at her.
He shook his head, giving a firm no to Maya. "Let Dr. Russell take a look at it in Medical Center. She's the expert on all kinds of ouchies. Trust me, I know from experience."
And with that, Carter strode towards the exit of the Eagle, carrying the Psychon as though this was a daily occurrence for him.
Helena looked at John and shrugged her slim shoulders with a small smile on her weary face.
Seconds after touchdown and already the crew were beginning to display their kindness to Maya. Of course, displays of kindness would come easily to Alan. Koenig only hoped that others would follow the charismatic Australian's example.
Helena followed closely, her medical instincts on alert and ready to tend to Maya's injury as soon as they reached Medical Center.
Koenig brought up the rear of the group, moving to place a hand on Fraser's arm, holding the younger man back to speak privately as they followed the others. He then placed a reassuring hand on Fraser's shoulder, signaling that what he had to say was important yet considerate of Fraser's eagerness to reunite with his new wife.
"I know you have other plans," Koenig began with understanding in his voice. "But I need you to join us in Medical for just a few minutes. I promise, I won't make it much longer of a wait for you."
John's gaze moved ahead to Carter, who was carrying Maya and Helena, who was keeping pace with the Australian.
Bill nodded in silent understanding. "Sure thing, Commander."
Fraser even gave Koenig a genuine smile, relieved that they had even made it back home to Alpha. He knew that Annie would still be waiting for him, even if he had to spend a few more minutes in a debrief. His relief of just being home safe outweighed the brief delay.
And so, the worn and tattered crew proceeded to make their way to Medical Center. Now that they were safely home, they could begin the process of integrating the young Psychon into the crew of Moonbase Alpha. There were going to be challenges ahead, Koenig silently conceded to himself as he reflected on the need to prepare the Alphan personnel for Maya's arrival.
Their escape journey from the hellish Psychon nightmare had been fraught with fear and loss but now, as they made the all too familiar trek back to Medical Center, there was a collective sense of relief among them. Now it was time to focus on healing and repairs.