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Austin Grayson; NCC-1701

Coming soon...

Frank Grayson has been killed. Narrenson, with the power of The Server at his disposal, will not stop his pursuit of obtaining the power of the USS ENTERPRISE.

Meanwhile, the family and friends of Frank Grayson will have to come to terms with his death. And when Frank's wishes as to who should succeed him in such an event are made known, some will not be happy; at all. Plus;

The Romulan prisoner, T'var, will escape to Earth.

Just what was the object that encountered the USS ENTERPRISE, and then, was about to be attacked by the Romulan Bird of Prey?

And finally? Can a teenager, who is a fan more of Star Wars than of Star Trek, take over for his father, Frank Grayson, at this most crucial time???

Find out..

soon!!
 
Austin Grayson; NCC-1701--The Final Words

AUSTIN GRAYSON
NCC-1701
(no bloody A-B-C-D or E)

#01

The Final Words

Featuring
Mark Grayson
Jennifer Grayson
Austin Grayson
Hank Morton
T’var

And special guest cameo by
Tim Russert from
NBC TV; MEET THE PRESS

Special guest star
Frank Grayson



USS ENTERPRISE

T’var was a trained Romulan soldier. Being so it meant, that along with his physical training, he had been required to memorize the layout of all Federation, Klingon, Gorn, Tholian, and most other alien military class vessels.

The moment the shield generator fluctuated (the moment the beam was shot at Frank Grayson) is when T’var made his move. He was relieved the young boy, Austin, had skipped their daily games of Chess and Dungeons/Dragons. If the boy had remained T’var would have found it difficult to kill him, but would have done it with out hesitation.

It was the responsibility of every captured Centurion to escape captivity. T’var had managed that part of the equation; getting off the ship, in orbiting a suitable planet, was his next goal. The Red Alert claxon had sounded, and the ship was warned of his escape. He entered the closest Transporter Room and found it totally unguarded. The lack of any real military protocol on the ship was another clue that these humans, the ones on Enterprise, we untrained.

He hurried over to the Transporter Machine and scanned the display for the most tactical point to beam down to Earth with. Suddenly the door opened behind him. T’var had no weapon, but he had his fighting ability, T’var thought to himself.

T’var turned around, ready to attack, only to see young Austin Grayson standing there with a phaser pistol in his hand, aimed at T’var.

“How?” T’var asked.

Austin smiled. “You told me, remember? You said you would kill me, if you had to, and then find the closest Transporter and escape. It was right before Omar introduced the older man as Charilus, and then you rolled your dice and…”

T’var shook his head in disappointment. “I have failed my honor by revealing too much to you, young Grayson. You would excel as an interrogator.”

Austin’s usual demeanor was replaced by a stone cold look. “I’m not an interrogator, T’var. I was trying to be a friend. And now, I just found out, not more than two minutes ago, that my father his been killed. I’m sick of it.”

“How did this happen?” T’var asked, as his eyes continued to search for an avenue of escape.

Austin shook his head. “I don’t know, T’var.” Austin said. “But I do know that he would still be alive if all this fucking shit with this stupid-ass Enterprise had never happened!” Austin’s anger was starting to show. “You,” Austin added, “and your fucking need to escape are part of it! I hate this ship, and now, I hate you!”

Austin fired the phaser. A blue streak of energy struck T’var, stunning him. The Romulan fell to the ground, out cold. Austin went over to the Transporter consol and signaled security.

He wanted so much to just bury his head, close his eyes, and wake up. Why couldn’t this all be just a dream? With his dad now dead, Austin just wanted to go back to his old life. His life was once comprised of going to school, getting high with his friends, and trying to score with girls. Heck, he even had a threesome lined up with two hot bi-chics he met at the skate park before all this had happened. But all that was lost to him because of his dad finding the Enterprise; but not any more.

It was time to live again as a normal person. It was time to leave the Uss Enterprise.

--

TWO DAYS LATER

Mark Grayson sat in the briefing room, the same Briefing Room where Frank had been killed just two days earlier. The passengers and crew were coming together for a brief service in the shuttle-bay with in the hour. But before that was to happen, Mark decided to give the United States of America a very public warning.

Mark had just ended an exclusive interview with Tim Russert on the Sunday news show; Meet The Press. Mark had told the interviewer how Frank had been killed by some shadowy United States Government organization. He also relayed how not only the United States was actively trying to gain access to the ship, but the Chinese as well. He watched the display panel as it displayed the closing of his interview, on tape delay, as it was broadcasted for the viewing public.


(“We are only just beginning to realize the potential of this ship.” Mark said to Russert. “We are not invaders from another world, Tim, we are normal human beings. My brother didn’t deserve to die like that. So let me put this as clearly as I can to the government of the United States, or any other government that has desires for Enterprise; If any more attempts are made to seize this vessel, we will respond in kind.”

“What does that mean?” Tim Russert asked gravely.

“I think the statement speaks for its self.” Mark said.

Tim Russert nodded to Mark. “Very well mister Grayson. Thank you for appearing on our show today.” Russert turned to the camera and spoke to the audience at home as the image of Mark Grayson faded from the monitor next to Russert.

Russert spoke again,“You have just heard an exclusive interview with Mark Grayson, the new Captain of the USS Enterprise. Frank Grayson (an image of Frank was displayed on a split screen for the viewing audience) was savagely murdered two days ago by what appears to be a clandestine American organization. As reported here earlier, the United States Senate oversight committee has ordered an investigation into such an organization. My next two guests serve on that panel…”

Mark flipped a switch that turned off the display. He didn’t have time to involve himself with the political side of the situation. At that moment the door to the Briefing Room swooshed open. Jennifer, Austin and Hank Morton came into the Briefing Room.

Mark stood up and hugged Jennifer, and patted Austin on his shoulder as the same time. “You didn’t have to come here to get me for the service,” Mark said, knowing how hard it must have been for them to even be in the Briefing Room.

Jennifer stepped back. “I still can’t believe he’s gone.” She dabbed at her eyes with a while floral handkerchief. She was wearing a black dress for the service as Austin was in a suit and tie, standing at her side.

“Where’s Amber?” Mark asked, wondering where his niece was.

Hank spoke. “She’s at the service with Leonard and his family.” Hank replied. “Mark, we’re actually here in an official capacity.” Hank said.

“What do you mean?” Mark asked.

Hank held a cartridge in his hand. “Jennifer brought this disc to me earlier this morning. Apparently Frank made this recording, secretly, about a week ago, incase something had ever happened to him.”

“I found it,” Jennifer added softly, “in an envelope in the back his desk in our quarters.” She sniffled back some tears as Austin held her close.

“What’s on it?” Mark asked.

Hank took the disc and slid it into the computer that was off to the side of the Briefing Room table. Seconds later the image of Frank Grayson was displayed on the three sided panel in the center of the table.

Mark and the others all sat down around the table to view Frank’s official words.

“If you are watching this message; I am dead.” Frank said with a sarcastic grin on this face. “Sorry for smiling at that, but this is a strange way to convey my last official words. They actually did this on an episode of Star Trek, so I guess I’m just following protocol.” Frank was holding a cup of coffee. He sipped on it before continuing.

“I had planned to update this message every six months or so,” Frank continued. “So if you’re seeing this one, the first one, then I didn’t last that long as ship’s Captain. I now know how Wil Decker must have felt.” Frank chuckled a little.

“Anyway,” Frank said, “this ship was not only made to help defend Earth, or other interests, from attack. Its chief purpose is the exploration of space. I know when we watch Star Trek it is hard to separate the two, but that is what, according to Gene Roddenberry, this ship’s intention was. Most of the upper-command crew I assembled were either military, like you Hank. I also made my brother first officer. He has never served in the military, but I really made Mark XO so he could really keep an eye on you Hank.”

The others looked to Hank Morton. Hank looked guilty.

“But I want you to know right now Hank. That the more I got to know who you were, I found that you were not just some cigar chomping jar head out to score with every woman you met. So I apologize for labeling you as I did.

Mark; I hope you how much I love you. We have had our scrapes through the years, but you have been the greatest older brother a little fuck-up like me could ever have. And I also know that if my death was not a natural one, but a violent one, you would not stop until you found some kind of vengeance. It is for that reason I want you to remain First Officer. Just until things calm down.

Austin, my son; I know that your life, and your sister’s as well, has been turned upside down by all of this. Many of the other parents we knew while you were growing up, heck even my own mom and dad, thought I was too easy on you. But ever since you were a little kid I knew you were special, so I gave you the room you needed to find yourself. Perhaps making pot-laced cookies, and then letting them be consumed by local policemen, was not one of your better accomplishments,” Frank said with a laugh, “but I’m so proud of you son. And even though you are only seventeen years old? I think you have it with-in yourself to be the kind of level-headed person I hope I inspired you to be. And so, I am naming you as acting Captain of the Uss Enterprise.”

“Ummm, what?” Austin said from his place at the Briefing Table.

Frank continued. “I know that this comes as a shock to you Austin, and to you Mark, and perhaps even you Mr. Morton. But until things calm down the ship needs to be commanded by the one person among you who I believe can think with a level head; a seventeen year old young man. Would you be right thinking that I am crazy for believing that? Yes, probably so. But this is my final order. After six months time, should Austin wish to relinquish his command; or heck even now as you all sit there in stunned shock, Austin will pick his successor.

Jen; You wanted to leave this ship at the very start. You were right. If I am already dead then it is clear I was unprepared for the great responsibility that was thrust upon me, and now, thrust on to Austin. If you wish you can override my final orders. Tell Austin to name another commander, and then the two of you, and Amber, can go back to Earth. But I don’t think it will be safe for you down there on Earth; not for a while at least. So, think everything through before you decide honey.”

Frank took one last sip of his coffee. “I know these are difficult times for all of you. I know it must be a temptation; just giving the ship a way and going back to Earth. But I still believe this ship can be an instrument of change. Put your minds together and find the way to do just that. Farewell.”

And with that the display went dark.

Mark looked to Austin. “Are you ready for this Austin?” Mark asked his young nephew. “Do you have any idea what your father is asking of you?”

Hank cut in. “Son, your father had great faith in you.” Hank said, “He would not have put you in this tough position if he didn’t think you could do it.”

Austin looked to his mom, Jennifer.

The door to the Briefing Room opened and Doctor Inglehopper, in a very nice suit and tie, came in.

“I was sent to get you,” Inglehopper said. “The service is ready to start.” He could tell something serious was going on. “What’s happening?”

Before anyone else could answer, Jennifer did. “There is nothing that can’t wait until after the service.” She said to the others. She stepped from the table, and motioned Austin to do so as well.

As soon Austin stood up Jennifer took him by the arm and led him out of the room. Doctor Inglehopper followed the mother and son couple.

Mark Grayson and Hank stood up and prepared to leave. Mark spoke.

“We can’t let a seventeen year old stoner run this ship.” Frank said softly, but directly.

And with that said, Mark headed out of the room as well.

Hank Morton was alone in the Briefing Room. He thought about all that had happened from the moment he first found out about the ship being up there. He then walked over to the computer and prepared to eject the disc. But an instant before he pressed the button, the computer’s electronic voice said;

:There is an unspecified file that is encrypted on disc for Hank Morton’s eyes only. Please enter social security number and provide retina scan to open file.

Hank Morton wondered what it was. Why had Frank left him a secret last message? Hank sat behind the computer and entered his social security number. He then looked into the small viewer so the computer could scan his retina.

Seconds later Frank’s image came back onto the display panel. It was obvious that this part of the message was recorded seconds after the previous one.

“Sorry to do this to you Hank,” Frank said with a smile, “but someone must know what I am about to tell you. You will know when and what to do with this information should the time come. All of your lives will depend on it.”

Hank sat back and listened. As Frank revealed the information Hank could only sit in stunned silence. When the message was finally over Hank took the disc out of the computer. Before giving it back to Jennifer later that day, he would replace it with a second copy, which Frank revealed was hidden in an isolated area of the ship. The duplicate copy did not have the secret message for Hank.

He shook his head in disbelief. “Oh my,” was all he could say.

Hank Morton exited the Briefing Room and headed for the ceremony in the shuttle-bay. Hank was determined now more than ever to see to it that Frank’s legacy to the world was the instrument of change Frank wanted it to be.


CONTINUED

NEXT TIME
The Server; revealed!
 
Re: Austin Grayson; NCC-1701--The Final Words

I'm gonna miss him. You kept the story viable, though. Looking forward to how it shakes out.
 
Austin Grayson; NCC-1701--Zontanos, ta pros to zin

AUSTIN GRAYSON
NCC-1701
#02

“Zontanos, ta pros to zin”

Featuring
Captain Austin Grayson
T’var; the Romulan Prisoner

Reymia Diaz
Mark Grayson

With
Narrenson
And introducing
Saxon


USS ENTERPRISE
The Brig

Austin Grayson sat on the other side of the energy barrier from the prisoner; T’var. It had been nearly a week since his father’s death, and T’var’s aborted escape attempt. The Romulan Centurion and the new Captain of the Uss Enterprise, Austin, were engaged in a game of 3D-chess.

T’var broke the silence between them. “Do not be troubled young Grayson.” T’var spoke with noticeable sound of pain in his voice. It was the last remnant from having been shot with a phaser. “At least your weapon was set to stun.”

It was clear to T’var that Austin had grown up much in the past week.

“My own father died when I was about your age. You will learn to move on.” T’var continued.

“How did your father die?” Austin asked as he moved once of his pieces on the board.

T’var studied the board after Austin had made his move. “The ship he served on was ambushed by Klingons. There was no battle, just an ambush; an uneventful death you might say.”

“My father was murdered,” Austin said softly, “struck down by a bolt of energy. Had we never come aboard this ship, he’d still be alive.”

The Romulan moved one of his pieces. “Both our fathers exist in the past. Now, you can do what I did, and spend decades planning the deaths of Klingons, or humans, or whomever. Or, you can become the Captain of this vessel and explore worlds.”

Austin chuckled. “That sounds like a very peaceful path for me, not what I would expect coming from you T’var”.

“You humans are what you are.” T’var said. “Oh, my people explore to some degree, even the Klingons do. But we are always doing so in a tactical realm. Certainly, you have Starfleet doing that as well. Yet only a fool could prescribe universal conquest to your motives.”

Austin shook his head. “This is so fucking strange. Here I am, playing chess with you; a living breathing Romulan who was created from out of my father’s mind. We’re now discussing the deaths of our fathers and universal politics. And, on top of it all, I’m the Captain of a Starship. Doesn’t this whole thing just make you wonder what the hell is going on?”

The Romulan nodded in agreement. “Yes, it is not the typical situation the Empire trains us for. Accepting the fact that I come from a fictional universe, from a fictional Romulan Empire, is indeed, very daunting.” T’var said as he watched Austin move another piece. “And yet, here we both are sharing conversation and playing chess.”

Austin stared right at him. “Then why escape? Where would you go with out your fictional empire?”

“I have pondered that question for sometime now.” T’var said. “I would tell you, Austin, but you are now the Captain of this vessel. Short of escape, I must now prepare my self for the possibility of being the cause of your death. Which is, by the way, priority number three.”

“Why?” Austin repeated. “Can’t you see that you are letting your actions be dictated by fictional drives; defeating the Federation or defeating the Klingon Empire or the Cylons. The enemies you were trained to fight do not exist here.”

“Who are theses Cylons?” T’var replied.

“Oh shit,” Austin said dismissively, “wrong show.”

T’var smiled for a brief second. “I understand what you are saying, Captain Grayson.” Austin chucked at being called Captain. “I have asked my self that as well. Unfortunately for the two of us, I swore to protect the Romulan Empire with my life.”

“There is no Romulan Empire here.” Austin repeated quickly.

T’var made his final move, “There is no Romulan Empire here; yet. Checkmate.”

Austin detected the cold monotone notes of T’var’s last sentence. Sometimes being with T’var actually made Austin believe he had a new friend. But then there were times when it was made perfectly clear that they were still enemies. This was one of those times. Yet, Austin would not let it stomp out his hope.

“T’var, there can always be,” Austin said as he pushed the reset button and watched the pieces return to their opening positions, “another game.” Austin concluded as he moved his first piece.

"Perhaps." T'var said with a devious smile.

--

Reymia Diaz was in her bed, and enjoying a world of bliss. Her hands were clasped behind her head, her eyes were closed, and she enjoyed the final moments of making love with Mark Grayson. She opened her eyes and stared down the length of her body, and smiled at Mark who looked up to her from between her legs.

“Where did you learn to do that?” She asked softly.

Mark kissed her on her moist inner thigh, and then moved up to kiss her on the mouth. “When I was a freshman at USC,” he told her, “I had this English-Lit professor. I was maybe nineteen; she was in her early forties. I wasn’t the best student in the world. I was just your standard jock looking for the next girl to fuck, and get C’s in my classes.” He ran his hands through Reymia’s soft hair. “So, as you no doubt have guessed, I would come to her house when her husband was gone on business trips, and she showed me the art of making love.”

“Well, she certainly did that,” Reymia said as kissed him on the lips again. Then she looked at him in a more serious way. “What’s wrong? Are you still angry that Frank chose Austin over you?”

“What do you mean?” Mark asked innocently, in denial.

“Last night, when we made love, you were unusually aggressive, rough even.” She chucked, “Not that I don’t like that now and then, but it’s the first time I’ve seen you like that. That could be a sign that you are internalizing your anger, and releasing it during sex.”

Mark nodded. “Maybe,” he allowed him self to say. “But today, this morning, I think I’ve accepted what Frank said. He was right. Had I become Captain I would have gone after Narrenson and killed him with my own hands, If I had to.”

“So how do you feel?” Reymia asked.

“Austin is a good kid.” Mark said with a smile. “He has his father’s natural instincts and my rebel side. Not too many kids can get local cops stoned on weed and laugh about it. I think I can help him mature as time goes on; at least I hope I can.”

“Do you think he can handle the stress of commanding a ship like this?” Reymia asked.

Mark pondered that for a moment. “He has been spending time with the Romulan, playing chess and things like that. I think its his way of coping with Frank’s death. But he’s going to get it together. I think between Hank and I we can help him.”

Reymia ran her fingers down Mark’s abdomen, and down further than that. “Well let me tell you something,” she said with a sexual tone in her voice. “When I was in my sophomore year of college, I too had a problem subject; geometry. The man who taught the class approached me, pretty much like your lady professor.”

“You slut.” Mark said with a devious grin.

She smiled back at him as he became aroused at her touch. She slowly lowered her self down the length of his body. “Let’s see what kind of grade you give me.”

“Well,” Mark said, “let warn you Ms. Diaz. I have very hard standards.”

She looked up at him from between his legs. “Yes,” she said as she observed, “very hard indeed.”
--

THE SERVER ROOM

Narrenson sat in the Server room going over and over the readings that had been transmitted back from when Mike Kubicki had scanned the substance on the walls of the comet, beyond the Oort-Cloud. The readings were very remarkable. The energy that could be harnessed from Earth’s own reservoir of the substance, hidden very deep with in the planet, was incalculable. The risks that even touching the substance brought were frightening. Yet, it was a risk that humanity would have to take if it wished to move on from fossil fuels and nuclear technology.

At that moment the door to the Server room opened. Narrenson looked up from the virtual monitor. Three men, two of whom were dressed in all black with black masks covering their faces, stepped out of the elevator. There was only one reason they would be there.

The third man, unmasked, had a name. It was Saxon. He was wearing an all black suit and tie outfit, and he nodded politely at Narrenson. There was no need for words. In fact, any kind of verbal exchange at this time was strictly forbidden by The Eight. The unmasked man held out his left hand.

At that moment the two masked men turned to each other. One of them held a gold case, no larger than a writing pen. The other masked man reached round and pressed a switch on the left tip. The contraption opened to reveal a syringe. The masked man removed it and handed it to Saxon.

Saxon walked over to where Narrenson stood, and handed Narrenson the syringe. Narrenson looked down at the syringe and then back up to Saxon. Narrenson nodded politely, and then took the syringe, and injected the clear substance into his own neck.

Narrenson saw his entire life flash before his eyes, as was rumored to happen when death came. He saw images of his childhood. As death began to dominate his mind, he saw the final images. One of the images was very strange; a red tailed Hawk with piercing eyes. And then, with out warning, the Hawk’s eyes began to morph. Then, an instant later, the Hawk became the face and figure of Frank Grayson, who was smiling back at Narrenson.

Saxon slowly set the body of Narrenson down the ground. The masked men came, picked up Narrenson’s body, and took him with them. They got back on the elevator, leaving Saxon alone in the Server room.

Saxon took three hours reviewing all the knowledge contained with in the Server. The last several years, and more specifically, the last several months were interesting indeed. Saxon completed his review and came to one conclusion. Narrenson was wrong. Saxon would take the opposite approach.

The new Master, Saxon, ordered the Server to make contact with the USS ENTERPRISE again. But this time, not to attack. This time Saxon would offer to become an ally. It was the only way, especially now that an enemy vessel, a Romulan vessel, was approaching the Sol system.

CONTINUED
 
Re: Austin Grayson; NCC-1701--Zontanos, ta pros to zin

You do have a way of tidying things up, don't you? Bodies dropping everywhere without a serious fight in sight. "All the world is mad 'cept for thee and me-and sometimes I wonder about thee..."
 
Re: Austin Grayson; NCC-1701--Zontanos, ta pros to zin

You do have a way of tidying things up, don't you? Bodies dropping everywhere without a serious fight in sight. "All the world is mad 'cept for thee and me-and sometimes I wonder about thee..."

I'm actually doing that STAR TREK two-step. Saving my FX budget for the coming battle between the Enterprise and the Bird of Prey...wink wink..


Rob
Scorpio
 
Re: Austin Grayson; NCC-1701--Zontanos, ta pros to zin

An auspicious beginning--Austin has to grow up fast; A fictional character from a fictional universe has to come to terms with being real--can he grow beyond his 'programming'--his character--or not?

There's a lot going on here!
 
Austin Grayson; NCC-1701--The Baton

AUSTIN GRAYSON
NCC-1701

#03

The Baton

Featuring
Austin Grayson
Jennifer Grayson
Mark Grayson
Hank Morton
Reymia Diaz
Doctor Inglehopper
Leonard Jackson
Rayana Jackson
Kenneth Hines

Guest Starring
Saxon





USS ENTERPRISE

The starship Enterprise was in orbit of Earth. Austin Grayson was slowly accepting his role as Captain. He was still uneasy about it, but he wanted to honor his dad’s wishes as best as he could.

Even Austin’s uncle, Mark, had come around to accepting Austin as the new Captain, having at first thought it should have been him. And with nearly a month passed since that day, when they lost not only Austin’s father Frank, but also Mike Kubicki, things were starting to return back to Normal; well, normal as having a real starship Enterprise above Earth, in high orbit, could be.

Austin sat at the head of the Briefing Room table. Arrayed around the table were, on his right, the ship’s XO, Mark. To Mark’s right were Leonard Jackson, ship’s Operations specialist. To Leonard’s right sat Kenneth Hines. Kenneth had been second in line in Security, and Helm operations, at the time of Kubicki’s death. Kenneth was actually one of Leonard’s friends from the military, who had come up to the ship at the request of Leonard when the crew was been assembled months ago, and he as also African American. Austin remembered his father being uneasy with the amount of former military people aboard. But it was something he came to accept, as did Austin.

To Austin’s left were Hank Morton, third in command and head of Engineering, then to his left were ship’s counselor Reymia Diaz, Communication’s director Rayana Jackson, and science officer Mister Tashigawa. Sitting at the far end of the table was Doctor Inglehopper.

“Could you repeat what you just said, just to make sure I heard we all heard you correctly?” Doctor Inglehopper asked.

And from what Austin could tell, the others had the same question as well.

“Well,” Austin told them all, “I don’t think this ship is supposed to just sit up here and go around and around the planet. Now, according to Mister Morton,”

“Call me Hank, Son,” Morton interjected.

Austin shook his head. “I can’t sir; you’re a retired Air Force General. I know you keep asking me to call you Hank, but if my dad couldn’t bring him self to do it, then neither can I.” Austin said to him. Morton nodded in acceptance. “Anyway,” Austin continued, “according to Mister Morton, thanks to Mike Kubicki, we have enough Dilithium to power the ship for nearly four months. And thanks to the training material aboard the ship, the engineering maintenance crews are learning to do the small tasks that will help keep this ship,” Austin paused, “afloat. Meanwhile, the rest of us are just, well, doing nothing.”

Then Doctor Inglehopper spoke. “Excuse me Austin, but what else can we do? We’re not part of Starfleet, there is no Starfleet. There are no other Federation planets out there we can journey to because there are no real Federation planets. In fact, with all due respect for your father, sometimes I wonder what the whole purpose was in convincing of us to come up here.”

Austin shook his head.

“No, Mister Inglehopper,” Austin said quickly, “it was no mystery as to why you, or Mr. Tashigawa, or Ms. Diaz and everyone else came up here. It was to be apart of this ship, and all of us knew what that meant; the exploration of space. I mean, I don’t even watch the show that much, but wasn’t that in the opening of every show?” Austin asked Inglehopper, but in essence, all of them at the table. “Doesn’t it say to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations? To boldly go where no man,”

“Or woman.” Rayana added quickly.

Austin nodded, “where no one,” he corrected himself, “has gone before.”

“So are you saying you want us to leave Earth and explore the universe?” Mark asked. “I’m not even sure Frank wanted to do that. I mean, what would happen to us if the ship had some kind of problem. They had starbases on that show, scattered through out space that they could go to for repair. Not us. So, I am not really sure that Frank would have wanted to explore the universe.”

Austin nodded in agreement. “Oh, I know my father did. Maybe not the vast distances they traveled on Star Trek. But, I was up here on this ship for nearly three months with him. In fact, for the first month, it was pretty much just him, my mom and sister, and me. And he would talk about trying to find alien worlds and make peaceful contact with them. Me? I would talk about saving the world, and the Ozone layer, and he’d kind of smile and say, okay. But he wanted to leave Earth, come back now and then, but he wanted to leave and find what was out there in space.”

“But he isn’t in command any more,” Morton spoke plainly. “You are.”

Austin nodded. “I know. So, I want to do both.” Austin said. “With the technology aboard this ship, there must be something we can do about the Ozone layer, maybe even Global Warming.”

“I talked with your father as well, Austin.” Reymia said. “He was also worried about stagnating Earth’s development by interfering with the natural progression of humanity. If you help the world cut corners you might help in the short run, but in the long run, you might do our social fabric more harm.”

“But we don’t know that.” Rayana said to her. “Just think what this ship’s technology could do to help with the fight against world hunger, and poverty.” Then she looked back to Austin. “There has to be a fine balance between exploring space for new worlds, and helping our own world.”

Austin nodded in agreement. Then he looked around the table at his senior staff. “What is the status of the ship?”

Inglehopper spoke first. “Well, we now have 247 people aboard the ship thanks to the birth of Mr. and Mrs. Jennings’ child yesterday. She is one of my lead nurses, and I am proud to say they have a new healthy little boy.”

“Wow, that is so incredible.” Leonard said as the others applauded. “What did they name him?”

Inglehopper smiled. “They named him Francis.”
Austin nodded. “My dad would have been very humbled after knowing a new baby was named after him.”

“Maybe they named him after Frank Sinatra.” Morton added with a chuckle.

The others chuckled with him.

Reymia, who was the ship’s counselor, was glad to see a small crack of humor about Frank had finally shown up. It showed that the crew was moving on, but still respected what had come before.

Suddenly a call came down from the Bridge. Mark flipped a switch on the table’s consol.

“Go ahead.” Mark said.

The voice of the on duty communications person was heard on the other end. “We are getting a signal from Earth. It is coming from a man named Saxon. He wants to speak to Captain Grayson.”

“It has to be Narrenson, or someone who works for him.” Morton said.

“Good,” Austin said, “I want to see that man, or men, who killed my father.”

“Are you sure you’re ready for this?” Reymia asked.

Austin nodded. “Someone told me a while back that it was time to become the Captain of this vessel.” Austin said. “I’d rather be puffing on a joint, or playing Call of Duty, but I can’t do that anymore; at least not now. The rest of you can go ahead and be excused. I will take this message alone.”

“Sure you don’t want me or Hank to be here with you?” Mark asked.

Austin nodded. “Yeah, I’m sure I can handle this.”

Austin watched as the rest of his staff filed out of the briefing room. He engaged the screen in the middle of the table.

The image of a man came on the screen. “Thank you for speaking with me.” The stranger said.

“Are you responsible for my father’s murder?” Austin asked directly.

The man nodded. “My name is Saxon, and yes, I would be lying if I said otherwise. But please hear me out.”

Austin had an innate ability for reading people’s faces, so did his dad. “You have two minutes Mr. Saxon.”

“So I assume you are in command? What happened to your uncle? It had been assumed he would have taken over for him.” Saxon asked.

“Well,” Austin said, “I am in command. And that is all you need to know about what is going up here.”

Saxon nodded. “I see your point. And in a strange way its probably better I do speak with you. But rather than speak to you like this, through the coldness of a TV signal, I would rather have you come down here. I know you have no reason to trust me. But what I have to tell you, and show you, will not only shed light on to what my predecessor, the late Mister Narrenson was doing, but it will also answer many questions about your ship.” Saxon said.

“What do you mean?” Austin asked.

“I have sent your ship the coordinates to my position. You can have your sensors scan this building as much as you like. When you do, you will detect a strange energy reading. It is coming from a device deep beneath where I am standing. But due to security reasons I would much rather tell you the rest in person.”

Austin thought for a moment. “Let me consider your offer, Mr. Saxon.” Austin said. “I will contact you with in the hour.”

--

Moments later Austin was up on the bridge standing near the science station. Mark and Hank were with him, and they spoke as Tashigawa studied the readings coming from the building Saxon stood by. It was building in the outskirts of Pittsburg.

“You can’t possibly be considering going down there to meet that man.” Mark said to Austin. “They killed Frank and will most surely kill you.”

Morton nodded in agreement. “I agree with the XO. I have watched every episode of every Star Trek. This definitely is too much of a risk. If it were Captain Kirk he would not go down there, in a situation like this.” Morton said with the best poker face he had.

Austin shook his head. “Nice try, Mister Morton.” Austin said. “But we both know that he would have already beamed down. At least I’m letting Mister Tashigawa assess the situation first.”

Tashigawa stood up. Before he spoke Leonard Jackson spoke from the Navigation station.

“Mister Tashigawa, the solar probe is sending back the new batch of readings.” Jackson said.

“A Solar probe? What Solar Probe.” Austin asked.

Mark spoke. “Your father approved Mr. Tashigawa’s request to launch a solar probe sometime back. It was one of the other joint operations we did with NASA, along with giving the Voyager probe a tune-up.”

“Oh, cool.” Austin said. He turned to face Tashigawa. “What did you find?”

“I would say Mr. Saxon is telling the truth.” Tashigawa said with a slight Japanese accent. “The building he is standing next to is emitting a strange energy signature that the ship’s sensors can not identify. He is unarmed, and from what I can tell, there is no real threat.”

“Even still,” Mark added quickly, “you can’t go down there Austin.”

Austin put his hands on his uncle’s shoulder. “Something inside me is telling me I can trust this man. We could go down there, firing phasers, in retribution for my father’s death. Or we can find out what this man has to say, and then blow them up with Photon Torpedoes. But, for right now, I think this is something I need to do.”

“Then I demand you take a phaser at least.” Morton said.

Austin shook his head in disagreement. “No, I don’t want to risk them getting their hand on a phaser just incase it is a trap.”

--

Moments later Austin, his mother Jennifer, his uncle Mark, and Hank Morton stood in Transporter Room. Austin stepped up to the Transporter Pad.

“You better come back!” Jennifer said, with the sound of concern in her voice.

“I will mom.” Austin said sheepishly.

“Oh, and tell Mr. Saxon,” Mark said, “that if you don’t come back, or they hurt you? I will take command of this vessel, and I will use every ounce of power it has to destroy the United States of America.”

Hank Morton was about to beam Austin down when he said, “I’m with your uncle on this one.” Hank said, chomping on a cigar. “If they so much as harm one hair on your body I will personally see to it that ‘dubbaya’ is hanging by his scrotum before this day is out!”

They all laughed at that.

And in an instant, Hank Morton beamed Austin Grayson down to Earth.

--

Austin shimmered into view, right next to where Saxon was standing.

“Damn that looks so cool. Does it make you sick?” Saxon said with a smile.

“The first couple times it does.” Austin said. “But you get used to it.”

“I see.” Saxon said. “First, let’s go down..”

Austin interrupted him. “First, let me say this. I must warn you that if any thing happens to me while I am down here, my uncle will take command of the ship and declare war on the United States of America. Trust me; he means it. I won’t even tell you what might happen to the President.”

Saxon smiled. “Too bad, I’d like to hear that one.” Saxon said. “Let’s get this started. I have a feeling after you hear what I say you will agree with me.”

“Agree with you about what?” Austin asked.

“Oh, nothing special,” Saxon said, “only the beginning of a new era for our world. And, hopefully, it will be a peaceful one.”

They shook hands, and Austin followed Saxon into the nondescript brick and steel building. They would soon make their way down to the lowest level of the building, and even then, a little lower.

Saxon would take Austin into the bowels of the complex that sifted through the information, with out a single word being discussed between the workers. From there Austin would be taken into a most secret room. And then, Austin Grayson would come face to face with; The Server. And, more importantly; the creator of the USS ENTERPRISE.

(NOTE FROM ROB SCORPIO A brief word about the SERVER. The Server is a large device, kind of like what is pictured if you click on the link. It is supposed to be the size of a man. But so far I have yet to find a graphic that really fits my vision. So this one will have to do. Just imagine it is the size of a man.)

CONTINUED
 
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Re: Austin Grayson; NCC-1701--The Baton

I think Austin is too trusting. And why would Saxon admit to killing his father-it was Narrenson, wasn't it?
 
Re: Austin Grayson; NCC-1701--The Baton

I think Austin is too trusting. And why would Saxon admit to killing his father-it was Narrenson, wasn't it?

Yes..but Saxon works for the Server as well, and thus by extension, works with Narrenson (who is now dead). Saxon is going to be more open than Narrenson ever was due to the changing nature of what has happened, and what is about to happen. The next issue will explain the Server and it's connection to the Enterprise. But then..not long after that..all hell is going to break loose...this story is about to get real crazy..so hang tight!

Rob
 
Austin Grayson; NCC-1701--Visions

AUSTIN GRAYSON
NCC-1701

#04

Visions

AUSTIN GRAYSON's Crew!!

Featuring
Austin Grayson
Mister Tashigawa

And
Saxon

The elevator door opened and Saxon, with Austin Grayson right behind him, stepped off the elevator and into the Server room. A large black tower was in the center of the room. Ringing the room were several desks that were arranged facing the Server.

“What is it?” Austin asked softly as he followed Saxon around the tower.

Saxon offered a seat for Austin to sit on, and then he too sat down in a chair next to Austin.

“We don’t exactly know all the answers.” Saxon said as he looked at the tower.

“It looks like a rather large computer tower.” Austin said.

Saxon chuckled. “Yeah, I said that too when I first saw it. But what you are looking at is just the outside.”

With that, Saxon stood up and walked over to the main interface. He executed some commands on a virtual keyboard that was displayed for him to use. Suddenly the out shell of the Server opened up.

“This outer part has been constructed over the past sixty to seventy years.” Saxon said as it opened. “What I am about to tell you is so top secret not even the President knows.”

“Why?” Austin asked.

Saxon smiled. “Just think of some of the Presidents of the United States. I am not so sure we would have wanted them to have access to the Server.”

The outer shell opened all the way up to reveal a glowing circle shaped object that looked like nothing more than an oversized Frisbee. It pulsated and made a soft, deep, constant noise, almost like humming.

Saxon imputed another command. Then he sat back in his chair next to Austin.

“It is pretty cool looking.” Austin offered. “So what answers do you have then?”

“Well, its better told as a story.” Saxon said as room slowly darkened and very detailed images were projected on what was the ceiling and walls around them. It was as if Austin, in his chair, and Saxon, in his, were floating in space, heading towards Earth.

“It all began when an object fell from the stars and hit the Earth, hard.” Saxon said.

“Is this some computer animated cartoon?” Austin asked.

“Umm, no,” Saxon said, “what we are watching was recorded by the Server. These images are at least 50 thousand years old. Do you always ask questions like this at the movies?” Saxon asked with a chuckle.

“Not usually.” Austin said.


FLASH BACK BEGINS as SAXON continues the story…

(We know it was at least that long ago because of where it hit; Arizona. You can see as we slowly descend through the clouds that Arizona was much different than it is now. Instead of the barren desert, there were lakes, and many kinds of trees and animals. Camels, Saber-tooth Tigers and Wooly Mammoths called this place home. The Server has actually slowed these images down for us. Because, when it really happened, the Server was falling from the sky at about a speed of nearly 30,000 miles per hour. It slammed into the ground causing an explosion nearly that of an 8 megaton bomb.

As large as the explosion was, it had little impact on the global weather, and as far as we can tell, plant and animal life returned to normal with in a hundred or so years later. All that remained was the perfectly round object that you see before you.)

LIGHTS RETURN TO NORMAL AS FLASHBACK ENDS.

“So,” Austin said, “this thing came from aliens and landed in Arizona?” Austin asked. “It all sounds a bit crazy; if you ask me.”

Saxon nodded in agreement. “You’re telling me.” Saxon said with a smile. “But that isn’t where the story ends.”

Suddenly they hear a beeping sound.

“Shit,” Austin said, “it’s my Communicator.” He took the small hand held device out of his hand and opened it, realizing how funny it must have looked. “Go ahead, Austin here.”

Mark’s voice was on the other end. “Just checking in to make sure you’re okay.” Mark said.

“Hey, I’m not a two year old you know.” Austin said; looking embarrassed as he spoke into the device.

His mother’s voice was heard next. “You’ll always be my baby.” She said. “Now are you really okay? Do remember our code word?”

“Yes,” Austin said. “Okay mom, I’m hanging up, good bye.” Austin said as he flipped the device closed.

“My mom’s code word for me was Camelot.” Saxon said with an understanding smile.

--Suddenly the room darkened again…only the glow of the Server lit the room as images of clouds, moon, and sun movement, recorded through the ages, passed by. And, in time, the encroachment of the desert, through the thinning of the plant life, could be seen as well.--

FLASH BACK CONTINUES..(Saxon’s voice)

(So the Server stayed at the bottom of the crater, buried in the ground. From what we now believe it was meant to wait there. Who ever sent it knew that mankind had not yet made it too North America. We believe it was a gift. It was a tool to be used to help in the technological development of Earth. But it was sent to North America, with the belief that by the time man had found his way to North American he would have evolved enough to know how to properly use the Server.

Meanwhile, the latest version of man, our ancestors, was in its final phase of true evolution. The last Ice Age was just ending, but it would take another thirty thousand years or so to allow moderate temperatures to prevail enough so that early man could come across the Bering Straits.

But for whatever reason, mankind had not evolved anywhere on Earth to understand such technology. So, when it was found by one of the earliest North American nomadic tribes, it was feared by them. It was taken from the crater and passed from chief to another chief over the centuries. Eventually one of them was able to open their mind enough to communicate with the Server.

--Images of early North American Natives can be seen among the images on the wall—

The Server did what it was meant to do. It took the mental images from the minds of these early American natives, and literally brought their dreams into reality. This answers a lot of questions about that time. Scientists have never been able to answer the questions of how such large herds of Buffalo once roamed this part of the continent when it was clear the food supply would have ran over long before that time. The Native Americans, responding to the simple need for food, were augmenting their food supply with the Server. It probably wasn’t what the Server was intended to do by whomever scent it, but the Native American’s didn’t care. They used it to feed their people. All this was fine until this Native American came along

--The face of a proud American Native can be seen. It is as though he is looking into the Server room, when in reality, he was just gazing at the Server –

“Why does he look concerned?” Austin asked as the lights, again, returned to normal.

“The white man had returned.” Saxon said. “We know now that the Vikings had made it to Canada many centuries before Columbus made it here. In fact, there are those who believe the Chinese may have landed in South America before Columbus as well. But the reason this Native American Chief looks worried is because the new breed of foreigners didn’t come to coexist; they came to take.”

Austin shook his head. “Yeah yeah yeah,” Austin said, “and then we took over the land, and then we broke the treaties and then butchered the Indians, I know all of that already. It sucked, but how does that involve my father and the Enterprise?” Before Saxon could answer, Austin continued, “If you’re trying to tell me my father found this thing, and was thinking of the Enterprise, and it made it appear in space, then I have news for you; it never happened.”

Saxon smiled. “Shall I continued, or would you like some Popcorn?”

Austin shook his head. “Go ahead. I will admit that this is far better than the DLP projectors at my local theatre.”

The room darkened as Saxon prepared to finish the story.

--
Meanwhile, aboard the USS ENTERPRISE

Tashigawa had used the excuse of being tired to head down to his quarters. But, it was just an excuse.

The readings that the solar probe had sent back, which he had blocked from being sent on to NASA on Earth, were too sensitive. He would wait to report his findings to Captain Grayson upon his return from Earth. As he studied the readings again on the computer in his quarters, Tashigawa checked and rechecked the data. The answer kept coming back the same; and there was nothing they could do about it, even with the power of the USS ENTERPRISE at their disposal. Put simply? With in one month, maybe two, the Earth would be destroyed.

--

CONTINUED
 
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Re: Austin Grayson; NCC-1701--The Baton

Austin's first real act as captain and he's showing that he's got a good head on his shoulders. Better to hear Saxon out first, then, if need be, deal with him.

Posted this just as you posted your new part. Interesting information about the Server.
 
Re: Austin Grayson; NCC-1701--The Baton

Austin's first real act as captain and he's showing that he's got a good head on his shoulders. Better to hear Saxon out first, then, if need be, deal with him.

I casted John Cusack because I like that guy..he looks 'honest' so I hoping that we, the readers, could see what I meant when Austin first saw him and seemed to trust him as well
 
Re: Austin Grayson; NCC-1701--The Baton

I like this bit-Saxon might be tolerable. And as for the Sun going nova-couldn't the Server be used to abort that?
 
Austin Grayson; NCC-1701--It All Comes To This

AUSTIN GRAYSON
NCC 1701

#05

It All Comes To This

Featuring the crew of
Austin Grayson NCC 1701


Guest starring
Saxon
and
Romulan Commander N’varln


The lights of the Server room turned up as Austin’s communicator beeped again. Austin was kind of glad they were interupted, for the information he had just heard was very hard to believe.

“Shit, sorry for the interruption, again.” Austin told Saxon.

“No problem,” Saxon said. “You are the Captain of a Starship.”

Austin flipped open his Communicator. “Okay, mom, what is it now?”

“Umm, sorry sir,” Tashigawa’s voice came back with, “this is not your mother.”

“I’m sorry Mr. Tashigawa,” Austin said with a slight laugh, “what can I help you with?”

“Captain, I have some very distressing information that I think you should be aware of. However, due to the sensitive nature I believe you should hear it in person.” Tashigawa said.

Austin looked to Saxon.

“Maybe you better go,” Saxon said, “we can continue this some other time.”

Austin shook his head. “No, I don’t think so. You showed me yours, I think its time I show you mine. You should come up to the ship with me.”

“I don’t think Col. Morton or your uncle will be very happy about my being up there.” Saxon said with a look of doubt.

“As you said,” Austin reminded him, “I am the Captain.”

Saxon nodded. “Then yes, I would like to come up to the USS ENTERPRISE. Though, I was always partial towards Babylon Five.”

--

Minutes later Austin, and his guest, Saxon, materialized on the Transporter pad. Mark and Hank Morton were there, along with two security guards who trained their phasers on Saxon.

“That isn’t necessary,” Austin said, “he’s okay.”

“This guy, or Narrenson, or who ever they work with, killed your father.” Mark said. “Why bring him up here?” Mark demanded.

“Narrenson is dead.” Saxon told Mark. “He acted outside the perimeters of his position, and I am sorry we didn’t stop him in time to prevent what happened.”

“How can we trust you?” Mark asked. “I wouldn’t trust this Administration as far as I could throw them.”

“Mark,” Morton said, “we’ll keep an eye on him. But for now, lets hear what Tashigawa has to report.”

“And besides, Mark, Saxon doesn’t work for the President.” Austin said quickly. “I trust him. And, for now, I am asking you to trust him as well.”

Mark nodded. “Very well,” Mark said, “but just don’t try anything.” he warned Saxon.

“Now, what is going on up here?” Austin asked.

“After Tashigawa contacted you he let me know,” Mark said, “so I went ahead and assembled the command crew. They’re waiting in the Briefing Room.”

Austin nodded. “Then I suggest we all see what has our resident scientist so concerned.”

--
The senior crew had gathered around the main Briefing Room, and an extra chair had been added next to Austin for Saxon to sit in. Tashigawa was the only one not present. There were various small conversations going on when finally Tashigawa came into the Briefing Room.

“Sorry for the delay,” Tashigawa told them all as he took his chair at the end of the table next to Doctor Inglehopper.

“So what is this distressing information?” Mark asked.

“First,” Tashigawa said, “a brief science lesson.”

At that moment the lights dimmed slightly and the main viewing screen was engaged. Everyone adjusted their seats so they could see.

Saxon discretely pointed out the kilt that Tashigawa was wearing to Austin. Austin smiled and shook his head.

“As you all know,” Tashigawa said with his usual Japanese accent, “our world has been engaged in a quite vocal debate over the merits of Global Warming.”

Mark harrumphed. “It’s just another UN/communist scam to tax the American worker even more to support the third world.” Mark said in a matter of fact tone.

“Um,” Rayana countered, “do you listen to Rush Limbaugh for your news?”

“Shhhhhh,” Austin added, “go ahead Mister Tashigawa.”

“Yes.” Tashigawa replied, “While this debate has been going on in public, there has also been a silent debate between several Helioseismologists.”

“Who?” Leonard Jackson asked.

“They study the wave patterns of the sun.” Morton said. “I only know this because my wife’s bridge partner, Linda Gavin, was, not only very beautiful like my wife, but was also a Helioseismologist.”

“Very astute,” Tashigawa said to Morton, “Now, the debate in that scientific community has pretty much centered on the growing sunspot activity and the solar radiation cycle. The rapid rise in global temperatures, and the highly active solar interaction with the ionosphere, could not be explained so easily.”

An image of the sun appeared on the screen.

“Before his death, Captain Frank gave me permission to launch a solar probe, in conjunction with NASA, to explore these questions. Of course, the Enterprise’s probes are far more advanced, thus would shed a greater light on the subject. The readings that we were receiving would then be analyzed by our ship’s computer and then shared with NASA. All this was running smoothly until three days ago when I felt the information was becoming too sensitive. So I shut down the link with NASA, and fed them some bogus data since then.”

“What was so sensitive?” Kenneth Hines asked.

The image of the sun dimmed and a grid pattern was overlaid on the sun. Tashigawa continued.

“Nearly every thirty million years or so,” Tashigawa said, “There seems to be a pattern of mass extinction on this planet. It is there in the fossil records, and it is present even at the microscopic level. There are several competing views as to why. The first of these is theories would be our twin star.”

“We only have one star in our solar system” Reymia stated quickly.

Tashigawa answered her. “Perhaps, perhaps not. There is strong evidence to suggest that many star systems are binary. The percentage used to be estimated at 70%. More recent studies say it may be more in the area of 45%. If we have a companion star it may either be on a very large orbiting cycle, or, it is a dark star. We know there is some large object beyond our solar system that affects the outer orbits of Pluto and Neptune. It is possible that every so often this large object, perhaps our twin star, gets close enough to the Oort-Cloud..”

“Not that place again.” Leonard added.

Tashigawa pressed on. “The companion star gets close enough to the Oort-Cloud to shift some of those large unformed planetary objects we saw when we were out there into the inner part of the solar system. If a large enough one hits Earth, then you have an extinction level event.”

“What does that have to do with the sun?” Austin asked.

“Well,” Tashigawa said, “that kind of event, though significant, would not account for some of the levels of extinction we have seen on a microscopic level. There is evidence to suggest that every 300 million years there could be an event that might cause an extinction event at a 90% threshold, or even higher, on a microscopic level. That is why life may be so rare in the universe, if this happens with every other star as well.”

“And so what are you saying?” Doctor Inglehopper asked. “Are we facing such and event in the next 20 million years or so?”

Tashigawa shook his head. “No, Doctor Inglehopper, not in the next 20 million years,” he replied, “but in the next two months.”

Sudden conversation was suddenly sparked at hearing the dire prediction. Austin took control.

“People,” Austin said to them all, and the murmuring came to an end. “Let him finish.”

The image of the sun started to show small streams of light crisscrossing the sun.

“What is that?” Mark asked.

Tashigawa used a small pointer to point at the streams of light that were expanding on the grid. “There has been a theory, and the probe has proven it to be true, that the sun sheds it layer of, for lack of better word, skin. It builds up over the millions and millions of years. Then, in a massive expulsion, it sheds this skin. What you are seeing are the cracks of the skin. The computer estimates the cracks eventually will lead to a total shedding of this layer. The result will not only be a massive, and I mean massive, solar flare, practically the size of the sun, and in every direction, it will also create a massive wave of gamma and other x-ray particles, which will travel across our solar system at the speed of light.”

“Can’t people be protected by some kind of shielding?” Morton asked.

Tashigawa shook his head. “No. This wave will be so concentrated that when it passes through and pass Earth, all life, as high as 96% the readings suggest, will instantly be killed. One would have to be shielded, head to toe, by a lead containment suit five hundred miles thick.”

There was no murmuring.

“Certainly with this ship,” Leonard said softly, “there is something we can do to stop this from happening.”

Tashigawa shook his head.

Austin turned to Saxon.

“What about the Server?” Austin asked.

“What’s the Server?” Mark asked quickly.

But before Austin could answer his uncle, Saxon answered Austin. “The Server is powerful, just as much as this ship is I suppose. But not even it can stop the power of a star.”

Austin faced the others. “The Server, to make a long story short, is a device that crashed on Earth fifty thousand of years ago. It has the power to take the thoughts of a person and bring them into reality. In fact, it may have even created this ship.”

“How is that possible?” Morton asked.

Suddenly the ship was violently rocked.

“What the hell was that?” Austin asked.

The screen on the table came to life. The duty officer was on the screen.

“Sir,” he said, “we are under attack!!” The worried man said.
--

The Turbo-lift doors opened to the bridge and Austin, Hank Morton, Mark Grayson, and Leonard Jackson came onto the bridge. Seconds later a second Turbo-lift arrived and Tashigawa, Kenneth Hine, Rayana Jackson and Saxon arrived as well.

The senior bridge crew took their posts. The shields had been raised. The view screen showed a small dot in the distance.

“Can we magnify that?” Austin asked.

The screen fluttered and then a larger image was shown.

“It’s a Romulan Bird of Prey!” Leonard said from his Navigation post.

Austin pushed a button on his chair. “Security, please bring T’var up to the Bridge, and, on the double!”

“Yes sir,” a voice replied.

Mark stood next to Austin’s chair as Saxon stood on the other side. They were all looking at the Bird of Prey on the screen.

“So Frank was right after all.” Mark said. “He always thought there was a possibility the other ship in his dream became real as well.”

Suddenly Rayana spoke. “Sir, we are receiving a signal from the other ship.” She said.

“Put it on the screen.” Austin said back to her.

Suddenly the image of the Romulan ship fluttered again, to reveal the face of a Romulan sitting in his own command chair.

“Where is Captain Kirk?” N’vraln asked, direct to the point. “I want him to look into the eyes of the Romulan who destroyed him,” N’vraln said with a devious smile, “MINE!”

--

CONTINUED

Next time..quite simply?
Earth is Destroyed!
 
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Re: Austin Grayson; NCC-1701--It All Comes To This

Man, you don't think small, do you? Looking forward to part 6! Say, could you make sure Ann Coulter is part of that 96%?:p
 
Austin Grayson; NCC-1701--Balderdash and Laser Beams

AUSTIN GRAYSON
NCC-1701

#06

“Balderdash and laser beams”

Featuring the crew of
Austin Grayson; NCC-1701

Guest starring
Saxon
Rommulan Commander N’vran

and
Romulan Centurion T’var





USS ENTERPRISE and ROMULAN BIRD OF PREY, just beyond the moon’s orbit, facing each other down.

Austin studied the face of the Romulan commander. All he had to use against the trained warrior was his humanity. Austin couldn’t play poker, and was very lousy at charades. About the only game of deceit Austin was any good at was balderdash, and he doubted the Romulan would be in the mood to play word games.

“Sir, Captain Kirk isn’t aboard this ship.” Austin replied to Romulan. “And we have no intentions to return fire or to attack your ship.” Austin added.

The Romulan did not blink as he spoke. “The first shot we fired was to alert the real Captain Kirk to your bridge.” N’vraln said in a menacing deep voice, “The second shot we fire is going to destroy you. Kirk has sixty seconds of your seconds to prolong your lives.”

The screen went blank.

“He’s full of shit.” Morton said. “If they try to fire that plasma weapon of theirs we can detonate it with a photon torpedo. Plus; our shielding is far better than theirs.

“I have a weapons lock on their engines.” Kenneth Hines added from the helm position.

“He certainly knows our ship is more powerful.” Mark, standing to the side of the command chair, said to Austin.

“Probably,” Reymia Diaz said as she stood at the top of the Bridge next to the communication’s station. “But he perceives himself to be in the stronger position.”

“It’s because he doesn’t have a planet to defend.” Rayana interjected quickly.

“She has a good point.” Saxon said directly to Austin.

Suddenly the Romulan vessel fired a plasma blast. The large circle shaped mass of energy sped toward the Enterprise.

“That doesn’t look good.” Leonard said.

“Fire!” Austin said, almost in a reflexive manner.

The torpedo streaked out at the cloud closing in on the Enterprise, and just as expected, the plasma cloud exploded. The shockwave of the blast shook the Enterprise.

“Sir,” Tashigawa said urgently, as he gave into the science viewer, “the Romulan vessel has cloaked!”

“Can you locate it?” Austin asked quickly.

“There it is!” Mark said as the Romulan vessel reappeared in a slightly different position and fired another plasma blast.

“I thought those ships had to recharge to fire one of those things that quickly.” Morton said in disbelief.

“Not this one!” Mark said as the cloud grew in size as it approached.

The second blast was too close to detonate, and it slammed into the Enterprise. The lights on the Bridge dimmed for a few seconds.

“Sir, we have damage reports coming in. Two people have been killed on deck-7!” Rayana said nervously.

“Austin, the shields are down to fifteen percent! And we have lost warp drive!” Morton said from his Engineering station as the Enterprise shook violently.

Suddenly the Turbo-lift doors opened and two security officers came onto the bridge with their hands over their heads. T’var followed them, holding a phaser directly at their backs.

“Why am I not surprised?” Austin asked T’var.

“You shouldn’t be,” T’var replied, “You used Lady Mar in the same manner last week”

“We can take him!” Morton said as he reached for his own phaser.

“That will not be necessary; human,” T’var said to Morton as he tossed his hand phaser over to Austin. “I am not here to fight you.”

“Will they listen to you?” Austin asked.

“They will listen,” T’var said, “that is all I can guarantee.”

Austin pointed to Rayana. “Contact the Romulans.”

“Already done sir,” Rayana said. The main screen fluttered and then the face of the Romulan commander could be seen again.

“T’var,” N’vraln said with a devious smile, “I see you are well; report!”

T’var stepped over to where Austin was now standing, just to the side of Navigation post.

“Commander, these humans are of no threat,” T’var said. “We have entered an alternate reality. There is no Starfleet Command, no Earth defenses. In fact,” T’var continued, “we, you and I, our ship, and the Enterprise, are the manifestations of pure thought.”

N’vraln nodded. “Yes, we already know this.” N’vraln said. “We encountered an alien vessel several light years from here and tried to attack it. It was able to thwart our efforts and secured our ship in a containment field and it brought us here.” N’varln motioned to a small screen that displayed images of the USS ENTERPRISE attacking what appeared to be a mechanical robot of some kind (the Doomsday Machine). “While in route, the aliens bombarded us with images from what appeared to be, at first, 79 highly detailed recordings of Starfleet battles and tactics.”

Austin and the others watched the events of the episode Doomsday Machine as they transpired on N’vraln’s screen. Meanwhile, as they did, Saxon subtlety walked over to Morton’s engineering station. As T’var and N’vraln continued to talk, Saxon spoke in whispers with Morton.

“On the back side the moon we built a secret high powered laser to be used incase Earth was threatened by a comet or asteroid. It was to be a last ditch effort in case something like that ever happened.” Saxon said.

“We already know about your secret laser turret.” Morton said with glare in his eyes.

“I believe we can use it against that ship.” Saxon added.

Morton arched an eyebrow. “I like that idea.” Morton said with a devious smile.


Matt Decker was about to take the shuttle craft into the mouth of the Doomsday Machine when it cut to commercial. Suddenly the image of two women walking on the beach appeared. Then the words STAY FREE MAXI PADS were displayed over them as they walked.

“Oh shit,” Kenneth Hines said, “this is too good to be true.”

N’vraln continued, “As we continued to watch these episodic adventures, this one being my favorite, we became well aware that the reality we came from is the fictional creation of a human named Gene Roddenberry.” N’vraln said. “There have been five such episodic epic collections,” N’vraln said, “and I have seen them all.” He stopped for a moment, then yawned, and then continued. “But this exploit we believe is based on the true exploits of a real Captain Kirk. Thus,” N’vraln said, “since we were created to conquer, then we will entertain Mr. Roddenberry’s imagination, slay Kirk, this hero worthy of worship, and then we shall take this real world and destroy it as well! Once that is done, we will find a world of our own and begin the measure of making this universe a Romulan universe!”

“There is no real Captain Kirk; Commander!” Austin said urgently to N’vraln. “None of it is real! In reality we have only made it to the moon that orbits our world. We pose no threat to you.”

An attractive Romulan female came into view and handed N’vraln a report pad. N’vraln read it.

Meanwhile, Saxon provided a secret code to Morton. The code gave Morton complete control of the laser device on the moon.

“I’ve studied up on all this fictional tech,” Morton whispered to Saxon. “I believe I know the weakness in the Bird of Prey’s shields.” He pointed at the schematic of the Romulan vessel displayed on his screen. “And it’s right there.”

N’vraln handed the report pad back to S’yat. His face was now brandishing an even more diabolical grin.

“It would seem as if our plans to destroy your world will not require as much time as we had anticipated.” N’vraln stated softly, but with force.

At that moment the Romulan vessel fired another blast. But instead of the plasma cloud, it was much smaller, more like a torpedo. The blast flew past the Enterprise with out incident.

“Whew,” Leonard said from his post, “they missed.”

“No, they didn’t,” Mark said.

“Correct,” N’vraln said from the screen. “We never miss a target. In this case; the star that burns in this system.”

N’vraln could see the look of concern come over the faces of the Enterprise Bridge crew.

N’vraln nodded his head in acknowledgement of their fear. “I see you know about the condition of the star.”

“What have you done?” Austin demanded.

“The Romulan Star Empire had been experimenting with proto-matter for decades.” N’vraln said to Austin. “We have test detonated it on several stars in the Empire that shared this star’s position in its cycle.” He pointed to an image of the Sun that was now on his monitor. “When that torpedo containing the proto-matter reaches your star, it will speed up the process and cause it to pulse immediately. Your world will be destroyed with in fifteen of your Earth minutes.”

T’var looked to Austin. “Commander N’vraln is right. There is nothing you can do. You must flee this system and never return!”

“We just can’t leave Earth.” Mark said defiantly.

“No, that won’t be possible either,” N’vraln said, “because I intend to disable your engines..”

N’vraln was about to issue a fire order when suddenly…

“Now!” Saxon said out loud to Morton.

Morton pressed a button at the engineering post. It had slaved over the command control functions of the Laser turret on the moon. Suddenly a thin beam fired from the moon and penetrated the weak area of the Bird of Prey’s shields, just behind the starboard nacelle. The Romulan vessel was rocked by several explosions.

Morton turned to Austin, and Austin turned to Kenneth in turn.

“Fire!” Austin said to Kenneth.

Three photon-torpedoes stuck streaked through space. The Romulan vessel’s shields had been knocked out from the laser. The first torpedo struck the forward section, causing a massive explosion. The second followed, and made an even bigger explosion. The third torpedo was like the cherry atop a shake; it was the chaser! The Romulan ship was engulfed in a total explosion and was totally destroyed.

“Sorry about having to destroy your ship.” Austin said to T’var.

T’var shook his head. “His actions were quite,” T’var paused, “illogical.”

But there was no time for cheers.

“What about that torpedo they shot?” Mark asked T’var. “Can we detonate it somehow?”

“No, our torpedoes are not so equipped.” T’var said. “There is nothing you can do to stop it.”

“Why not chase after it and shoot it down?” Leonard asked.

“The second shot by the Romulans knocked out our warp engines. We could be back on line in about an hour..”

“Not enough time.” Tashigawa said from his science station. “The torpedo will arrive at the Sun with in six minutes. After which, the exploding pulse wave will expand out from the Sun at the speed of light. We have, at best, fourteen or fifteen minutes, just as the Romulan commander said.”

A feeling of doom and gloom beset the crew. Hank Morton shook his head. He saw the look of defeat on all their faces, then spoke to Tashigawa for all to hear.

“Mister Tashigawa,” Morton said, “you may have just signed our epitaph.”

CONTINUED
 
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Re: Austin Grayson; NCC-1701--Balderdash and Laser Beams

Bastar-I mean, how could you just stop it there?!? Had it been me, I'd have felt compelled to keep going with the action. Ah, well, I guess I'll just sit here and wait patiently for the next installment.(Pulls out large knife and begins honing it) After all, I'm sure you're diligently at work on the next section. (Begins sharpening teeth into points with knife) I know you wouldn't want to risk keeping your readers waiting.(Starts playing mumbletypeg on the desk next to Scorpio's keyboard-badly.):klingon:
 
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