The first two chapters were originally part of the Group-written Next Generation Story. The third chapter was formerly part of the Group-written Classic Trek Story. Chapter Four comes from the Group-written Voyager Story.
Chapter One - The Learning Curve
Chapter Two - The Learning Curve, Continued
Chapter Three - Past Honor Bound
Chapter Four - End of an Era
(The title "The Learning Curve" was suggested by "Einstein.")
Captain's log: Star Date 47603. The Enterprise is in orbit around Roschyl, the largest moon of Theseus 4. Commander Riker is leading a small away team to the moon's surface to discuss with their Prime Minister the recent dissapearance of two Roschylan ships in the Theseus asteroid belt. Meanwhile, I look forward to carrying on a conversation with Nitsnye, a Pakled diplomat of sorts who has requested passage on the Enterprise to another world we are scheduled to reach within the week.
"My people are in bondage, Captain." Nitsnye's penetrating sincerity caught the Captain off guard. "We are not in physical chains, but without the mental capacities of other species, we are in bondage nonetheless. When one of my people is sick, trapped, or emotionally unstable, we do not have the ability to help ourselves. The intelligence-enhancing procedure that the Aurens will provide can change that, and with the assistance of your Doctor Crusher, we can assure that the the procedure will be perfected enough for use on my people."
Picard shook his head. Somehow, when he was younger, he always thought that decisions would be easier when sitting behind the Captain's desk. "I feel for your plight, but what you ask violates the Prime Directive. If your people and the Aurens agree on this practice, I cannot interfere, but I also cannot order a Starfleet officer such as Doctor Crusher to take part."
"Starfleet won't allow it? Not even if we request their assistence? As a representative of my people, I guarantee that we would welcome this form of interference. . . ."
"But can you really represent your people? I've encountered Pakleds before. A crew of them tried to abduct our Chief Engineer once, yet none of them could speak a complete sentence without difficulty. But, even without this enhancement procedure, you can speak eloquently and understand abstract concepts. For a Pakled, you're an Einstein."
200 million kilometers away, lacking alternatives, a Roschylan freighter had to enter the asteroid belt. There was no suitable alternate route. The ship's pilot trembled. "Something's going to go wrong," he said.
--Argus Skyhawk
The people on the Roschylan fraighter had greatly been reduced from ten to three, although it would become two soon. They were freightened and the fact that one of them has become sick does not help them. They look out their tiny view screen and wonder what has them trapped. "What is it that prevents us from moving, Gwion?" says a small atractive Roschylan, maybe around the age of 27 in human years. she is answered by, "Ceri, if I knew the answer to that question, I wouldn't be here. I would be back home being worshipped as a wise man. But I know that if we are to live, we need to get free and to accomplise that we're going to need help." Gwion is also very young and has long wanted to take Ceri in his arms and get joined in "matrimony".
"Well, Captain, we're not getting anywhere here. I keep asking questions and they don't have answers. The Prime Minister just keeps saying that we have to find them." Captain Picard sits down in his chair in his ready room. "Number one, I seem to have a perplexing problem. How do you tell a pakled diplomat that starfleet does not allow us to offer assistance to them? He also wants to use Beverly." "Captain, I have to go. The Prime Minister has, surprisingly, found someone we can get answers from." Picard starts to fiddle with a puzzle he has left on his desk. His door chirps. "Come in." The door opens and closes with a hiss. Dr. Crusher stands there."Jean-Luc, please tellthat Pakled diplomat to leave me alone. He just came up to sickbay and saidhe needed help. I asked him what he needed help with and he replied that I needed to go with him to help him with medical treatments for his species."
"I told him that he would have to ask starfleet and he kept repeating his
statement. I was lucky to even get here." Picard sighs. "I'll see what I
can do."
--Ceri herself
"Sir here are the weapons reports," reported ensign Hendlet handing the data padd over to his section head. Worf quickly scanned the padd. It was as he had suspected. Over the last three weeks the phaser prefire chamber had been constantly overheating, Geordi had work teams going around the clock to try and keep the problem in check but every time they fixed the problem, it would start to overheat again. The Enterprise would have to leave it's current assignment and put in to drydock to repair the damage that had occoured to the ships internal systems due to the continued malfunction of the part.
All of the evidence he had gathered at the Captain's request pointed to one
thing, they had a sabateur onboard, someone who was able to evade all of
their scrutiny.
--Daryus Aden
Picard told the Pakled ambassador that he would reconsider, but would have to think it over and contact Starfleet Command. He had a bad feeling he knew their answer already.
A large alien craft decloaked directly ahead of the Enterprise. The Red Alert on the Enterprise was immediately activated. "Sir, sensors indicate that the ship is 50 times the size of the Enterprise. Their weapon systems are locking on. They are firing," said Data.
"Worf, return fire, all weapons. Data, get us out of here," Picard said. "Brace for impact!" he yelled into the comm system. With one shot, the shields of the Enterpise fell.
"Shields are gone, Captain!" Worf replied. "Someone's being beamed off the
ship....it's Troi....Riker... and Doctor Crusher!"
--Lee Jamilkowski
The huge alien ship recloaked. The crew on the bridge began to stand up, one by one, and look at each other. "What happened?" they asked each other with their looks. "What's going to happen?"
Suddenly, the Pakled captain reappeared on the viewscreen. "Captain Picard," he said, "as you can see, we don't take this matter lightly."
"What have you done with my crew memebers? Return them now, or I will consider it an act of war against the Federation!"
"War?" asked Nitsnye. "Captain, I don't think you want to fight a war with the Pakleds. Not while we have the Aurens on our side." Starfleet didn't know much about the Aurens, but no one had guessed that they had ships of such magnitude. Picard thought quickly.
"Alright, Nitsnye. You win. What do you want?"
"Captain, I have what I want. The Aurens are here. Your doctor is here. Soon my people will no longer have to resort ot common thievery to obtain knowledge. We will be allowed finally to think for ourselves, to make things go... I mean, build our own ships, and... explore the galaxy without... without, uh... help form others! We..."
Picard looked at Nitsnye. He seemed puzzled, grasping for the words to express his ideas, and angry at himself for showing he couldn't find them. "Are you alright, Nitsnye? Is there some sort of... problem?"
"No!" He almost yelled it. "I-I'm fine. Just... just a slight illness. Nothing of concern."
"Well. I'm glad you're okay. Now, can we get back to the matter at hand? Why do you need any of my officers besides Doctor Crusher?" Picard wasn't sure what the Pakleds were capable of, and he didn't want to risk Riker and Troi's safety any longer than necesary.
"Incentive, Captain. I wouldn't want you running off to the Federation for help. You might be willing to leave one officer behind, but three? Including the ship's executive officer? I doubt it."
"What are you going to do to them?"
"Oh, they will be treated well. I only want to keep them here; I have no intention of harming them. Once Doctor Crusher helps the Aurens perfect their procedure, you will all be free to go.
"Now, enough of this! I must supervise the doctor's assistance of the Aurens. I will signal you when it is done." The screen went back to a view of the Pakled ship and the massive, invisible Auren ship beside it.
Data turned to Picard. "You have a plan, sir, do you not?"
"Of course I do, Mr. Data. I'm just not sure if it will work."
--Tim Nix (aka TSN)
"Stardate 47603.1. The Enterprise has returned to Starbase 69 at the edge of the system. We are havign all defenses upgraded should we be forced into a confrontation with the Aurens. I have contacted Gowron of the Klingon High Council for help, but reinforcements are 5 days away. The second nearest outpost is starbase Deep Space Nine in the Bajoran system, but they are busy in delicate negotiations with certain member races of the Dominion of the Gamma Quadrant. The runabout Rio Grande with 5 Starfleet Security, 5 Bajoran Security officers and Lt. George Primmin are en route with us. I am still going over my plan.... the risks appear too great to justify using it....I am not sure whether I should even bringit up to the crew. We are still recovering from the loss of Ensign Sito Jaxa that occured a few weeks ago."
Worf calls from tactical, "A transwarp gateway has formed by the others ships. A Borg Scout Vessl has emerged."
"Borg?" Picard replies.
"Yes, sir. They are broadcasting a greeting message---from their leader, Hugh. It says a Borg probe under their control broadcasted the recent events, and they are here to help."
In Picard's mind, he thought that this new variable in the equation might help get his plan rolling after all.
"By all means, Worf.... invite our new allies aboard. Have them brought to the conference lounge."
"Is that wise, sir?" Worf responded.
"Hugh saved us earlier this year...we need to rely upon him if he wishes to
assist us."
--Lee Jamilkowski
"Understood," replied Worf. He hated having so many different species on board at one time, and this impromptu alliance with the Borg was not reassuring. "Sir, might I suggest we increase security for the safety of the delegates as well as the Enterprise crew."
Picard could see that the inclusion of the Borg troubled his chief of security. "Very well, Mr. Worf, but make the preparations quickly. Time is our enemy now." Turning to leave he ordered, "Mr Data, you have the conn."
"Sir," Worf's voice had a hint of irratation in it. "When will you inform us of your plan?"
"All in due time Lieutenant." And then the doors to Picard's ready room closed.
"... I don't care if you are the Medical expert on board. Our kidnapping is a futile act of terrorist agression, and Captain Picard will NOT heed your demands."
"But we have no demands," said the Pakled called Calgash. "You are a doctor. You have sworn to help all those in need of aid."
"But I am also a Starfleet officer and am sworn to obey my Captain and Starfleet Command. I can't just
disregard those ..." Beverly's voice trailed off as the door opened and a massive alien entered the medical
facility. The Auren being was well over 2 meters tall and draped in orange and brown robes. The clothing
completely covered the alien and added to it's mystery. Crusher looked up into what she assumed was
the being's face, but the hood was without holes or openings and it's voice seemed to come from
somewhere in the torso.
--Einstein (aka Dave Hayward)
The Auren approached the cells. It called them telepathically. "Take off your uniforms...," it thought to them.
"Pardon me?" Riker asked.
"Take off your uniforms now, William and Deanna."
"Why?"
"I don't have time for this, William."
A blue energy field came from the mouth of the Auren, which was revealed when
the robes opened a hole in the torso. It passed through the field and left a
hole. It knocked Riker and Troi out.
--Lee Jamilkowski
Upon seeing this, Dr. Crusher raced toward them, but another blue energy bolt knocked her back.
"Let them be," said the Auren. "What happens to them is of no consequence to your duties. I've summoned Nitsnye to escourt you to your new permanent quarters."
"If you hurt them I swear I'll..."
"No you won't."
A cold sensation entered Beverly's mind and then washed through her body, leaving her fearfully trembling. Without words, the Auren had made her know that if she did not cooperate, she would die. For awhile, she had strength to do nothing but stand and stare at the robed demon.
"I'm sorry, doctor." A voice behind Beverly startled her, and she turned to see that Nitsnye had entered quietly. "Please come with me," he said, appearing ashamed of the words.
She followed him out the door and into the hallway. As soon as they had walked out of the Auren's earshot, she dug her nails into Nitsnye's shoulder and growled into his ear, "You lying weasel. You came to Picard and me spouting off noble speeches about how you just wanted to do what was best for your fellow poor, innocent Pakleds and how those nice Auren friends of yours just wanted to help out. Now we're seeing your real tactics, aren't we? I don't know what you're getting out of this, but that thing in the robes back there has something planned for my crewmates that doesn't involve making your people smarter, does it?"
"Please, Doctor, I'm honestly not getting anything for this. I thought they just wanted to help us. It wasn't until just now that started to suspect anything different."
"You're not too quick, are you?"
"Remember, I am a Pakled. I deeply apologize for..." Nitsnye gasped and fell against the wall. Crusher reached to steady him, but he brushed her away, stood back up, and continued down the hall in silence. He stopped at the door of a small room furnished with only a cot. Pointing, he indicated to Crusher that she was to stay there.
She stepped slowly in and sat on the cot. A force field went up across the door, incarcerating her. She waited in solitude for hours, and contemplated the Auren's ominous statement that these quarters were to be permanent.
Much later, Nitsnye escorted two more inmates to Crusher's room: a young Roschylan woman and a Pakled of regular Pakled intelligence. The Roschylan, calling herself Ceri, explained that her ship had become trapped in space and her crew had mysteriously died off until only she and her lover Gwion were left. Then, without her understanding why, she had been beamed onto the Auren ship. The Pakled mostly was quiet but would occasionally say, "I'm sad," or "Where are my friends?"
--Argus Skyhawk
Riker and Troi came to and found themselves in Starfleet uniforms that looked different.
The Auren was still standing there.
"How long have we been unconcious?" Troi asked.
"Two days," the Auren replied.
"What is with this getup?" Riker asked, pointing to the uniforms.
"Here is a story... You, Deanna, Beverly, and the rest of the Enterprise crew are Auren/Packled sympathizers by the Earth year 2373. Your replacements only a month ago stopped the Borg from assimilating Earth... but never mind that. We have called your future selves here to replace you. They will inflitrate the Enterprise, give us all possible Starfleet command codes, and get us command of the Starfleet. We will eventually take over the Federation and bring fairness and equality, which you all falsly promise now, to every planet. And we will not be defeated. You're crew will be unaware of the change.... which makes you dispensable."
Before Riker and Deanna could say a word, they found themselves transported by the telekinetic powers of the Auren out into space, where they suffocated and died.
The future Riker and Troi, dressed in 2370 Starfleet uniforms, found themselves
on the bridge of the U.S.S. Enterprise-D.
--Lee Jamilkowski
Riker looked carefully around the dimly lit room as a bald-headed man raced towards him.He tried to get up, but the man pushed him down. "Please, Commander, lie down. I will inform you of everything that has been going on since you were left for dead in what used to be the Cardassian DMZ."
"Yes," Riker said, "I remember. I was aboard the Auren ship, I was beamed into space, and then I woke up here."
"Very briefly, Commander, you are the first one to recover from Q's 'treatment'."
"Q"
"Yes, Commander. Q apparently revived you from death and then plopped you right here.In the abscence of Dr. Crusher I have been caring for you and Counselor Troi. Dr. Crusher is apparently still with the Auren. Captain Picard has taken the liberty of killing your imposters."
Picard sat down in the command chair as the Enterprise-E was rocked by the Auren disruptor blast.
"Captain," Data said calmly, "Shields are holding."
"Return fire. Aft torpedoes, full spread."
The mix of twenty-six photon and quantum torpedoes sped aft towards the Auren ship. The quantum torpedoes impacted first, taking out the weakened shields of the Auren ship. The photon torpedoes were next, all targeted at the main warp drive.The ship exploded in a gigantic fireball, hurling shrapnel which bounced off of the Enterprise's shields.
"Target destroyed, Captain."
"Probably from fighting with the Borg," Picard muttered.
The Borg, with the entire Alpha and Beta Quadrants under Auren rule, had deemed these two Quadrants ripe for the plucking. First, the remnants of the Romulan Empire, then the Klingons, followed by the Cardassians. The tattered remains of the Federation had united against the Auren, and were heading towards the fringes of the galaxy, hoping to find a more powerful race to ally themselves with.
"Stand down Red Alert."
Captain's Log, Stardate 56051.8
I cannot bare to live with this hell anymore.We recieved news from
U.S.S. Voyager yesterday that Earth had recently been assimlated.The
rebellion has been going on for five years now, and we have made no
gains, no advances, and have lost far more than we could ever realize. Q
hinted to me that things were not all that they seem. I hope that he is
right.
--juul@earthlink.net
"Founder, what is your wish?" asked the Vorta.
"We will wait and observe" replied the founder.
Things were going well. They had secured several Borg weapons systems, the scientists had reported that they would crack the systems within days. The infiltrators within the collective had gained masses of information. Soon with the Dominion's new knowledge of the Universe, and their new fleets of vessels they would come pouring through the wormhole and crush all of them. Order would be brought to the universe. Once they were finished with this galaxy, they would eliminate others.
--Daryus Aden
The Enterprise-E dropped out of warp as it approached what was once the space station Deep Space Nine. All that remained now was splintered duranium, shattered tritanium, and a soup of blood, floating in space. Worf had been killed trying to defend the station from the Auren back when they were supreme. But that was then.
"Mr. Data, any sign of Borg activity?"
"No, Captain."
"Just to be safe, shields up."
There was a flash of light on the viewscreen, and a purplish mouth opened up with light pouring out of the center. Small black dots steamed out of the center of the wormhole.
"Captain, large numbers of ships appear to coming out of the wormhole. Species is unknown."
"Speculate, Data," Picard snapped.
"Indications of Borg technology, Captain."
Another flash of light appeared. This one was so bright that it temporarily blinded the bridge crew. Picard shielded his eyes as the light died down.
"Q! What the hell do you want?"
"Jean-Luc, you do know how to greet me, don't you." Q's face turned somber. "This is the beginning, Captain, perhaps you know how to use them, perhaps you don't. No matter what happens, though I'll always be here."
Q flashed away, and Picard knew what he meant.
"Use the ships? But how? Number One, any suggestions?"
"I honestly don't know, but perhaps we should talk to them."
"Good idea. Data, open a channel to the unknown ship."
The channel was opened, and Picard saw the smooth face of a Founder. "Greetings, This is Jean-Luc Picard of the starship Enterprise."
"Greetings, Captain. I am a Founder of the Dominion. Your ship's warp drive has been used excessively in the last few months. May we be of assistance?"
"As a matter of fact you can..." With those words, Picard opened the
door for a powerful alliance against the Borg.
--juul@earthlink.net
The picture above was obtained with permission from The USS Enterprise BBS Internet Site.
