Convergence - The Preserver Saga, Part Four

[thew40]

Hey everyone, just here with part three of the saga. I would highly recommend you reads parts one, two and three first, as this is obviously a larger saga. Before we dive into Part Four, here's the second interlude.

Disclaimer: Star Trek is the property of Paramount/CBS. This story was written for non-profit and for entertainment purposes only.


Note: Just a head's up. This one is a lot shorter and jumps around a little bit. My hope is that there will eventually be a follow-up to the events I've written about here. But we'll see. On with the show . . .




INTERLUDE THREE: THE DOCTOR

Doctor Farrah waited for what seemed like an eternity for the Keeper to respond. At last, he began his narrative again.


I sought races that were endangered or were going extinct. I traced other vessels using robot ships to primitive worlds. Among the first I encountered were the Dinosaurs on your homeworld. I transplanted them to a world in what you would call the Delta Quadrant. They’ve since evolved.


I visited your world again and took members of various tribes. They had been visited by another race, who imparted a genetic connection with. I took them and placed them on the world you call Amerind. However, as time progressed the many other species of the galaxy began to accomplish significant space travel. These endangered species would not be safe on their own – so I began to either recover genetic material or grab a few on the brink of death.


Your Captain Archer even helped me once.


That is the purpose of the spiral. To maintain as many survivors of dying civilizations as possible.


“Is that why I’m here? Because humanity is dying out? Is that why you brought Miramanee?”


Yes and no. As we speak, your people are at war. The dangers of Earth’s involvement with other species could bring it to an end. But I also need you for other purposes.


“What do you mean?”


I am the last of my people . . . or so I thought. A great enemy of your people – the ones humanity is at war with now – found an Evolutionaries outpost and used it to create a weapon against all humanoids. While the bioweapon was stopped, the cure caused it to mutate, transforming it into a member of my species. I need you to help monitor its progress.


“I . . . I can do that. But what about the others? The Romulans? The Klingons? Miramanee?”


I do not know yet. But what I do know is that I can not confirm that all humanoid species sprouted from the same genetic tampering. It is becoming increasingly clear that humans in particular were not a direct result of the Evolutionaries manipulations. However, I do believe that the Dinosaurs are.


“They’re coming here, aren’t they? That’s who you were expecting.”


I do not know, but I do know that I need you to help me, Emily. Preserve the preserver.

 

[fleetcaptain]

Interesting start. Can't wait to see how this is going to finally end and if the Preservers will be perserved like they wanted to be.

 

[thew40]

STAR TREK
"CONVERGENCE"
The Preserver Saga - Part Four
​

2153: A DYING RACE


“Lay in a pursuit course. Maximum warp.”


Travis, a little confused, did as the captain ordered. The Enterprise shuddered a little bit as it jumped up to Warp Five. Archer looked to T’Pol, who was staring intently into her scope. She turned around and faced the captain.


“We should be intercepting the vessel within the next twenty minutes.”


Archer nodded and leaned back in his chair. Tucker arrived on the bridge, a little surprised to find the Enterprise jumping to maximum warp like that. “What’s going on?” he asked just about anyone.


“The vessel we encountered several weeks ago near the debris field has just been detected again. The captain has ordered a pursuit course.”


“Captain?”


Archer turned to his best friend. “Call it a hunch . . . or a gut instinct.”


Trip nodded a little. “Aye, cap.”


Within minutes, the Enterprise had arrived at the location of the vessel. It was moving at Impulse, which Enterprise quickly matched.


“Hoshi.”


“Hailing frequencies open.”


“Earth. Human. Information. Open doors.”


“DOORS CLOSED.”


Archer shook his head and wrangled his hands. “Doors open. Loque’eque. Extinct. Preservation.”


There was a pause. “DOORS OPEN.”


“Commence docking procedures. T’Pol, Malcolm, you’re with me.” Archer tapped the comm on the arm of his chair. “Doctor, meet us at the airlock.”


“Understood.”

***

Once more aboard the alien vessel, Archer, T’Pol and Reed stood in the same room as before. Archer stared the computer bank as T’Pol once again worked the interface. At the orders of the captain, she transmitted the coordinates of the Loque’eque homeworld to the ship’s computer. A star map appeared around them, picking out this world that the Enterprise had just a few days ago left.


“Something about your last word told me you might want to know about this. Preservation. This is a genetically engineered virus from an extinct species called the Loque’eque. This virus transforms any humanoid into a member of their species. It’s . . . dangerous for us to keep aboard. But if you are interested in preservation . . .”


“Captain, I’m not sure if this is the wisest of actions,” Reed advised.


Archer agreed, but part of him didn’t. He paused before continuing.


“What is your mission?”


“PRESERVATION.”


“Of life?”


“OF LIFE-FORMS.”


Archer glanced at his crewmates, then nodded slowly. “Then this belongs to you.”


The virus was transported out of his hands. The computer bank seemed to light up with activity.


“DOORS CLOSED. NO FURTHER INFORMATION NEEDED. DOORS CLOSED.”


Archer paused in his steps. “Can you offer any further information about the Xindi?”


One word: “EXTINCTION.”

***

Not much later, the Enterprise was back underway. Archer found himself tossing his ball at the bulkhead, more uncertain of himself than ever. He couldn’t understand why he felt compelled to that, but for whatever reason, it made him feel a little better. According to sensors, the ship wasn’t even carrying weapons. Shields – yes. Weapons – no. And it’s response of ‘preservation’ haunted him just as much as the transformation he had underwent on the Loque’eque homeworld.


Of course, now that it was all said and done, he was having his doubts. He slammed the ball against the wall in frustration, trying to either figure out the whys and hows of the action – or to just focus solely on the Xindi problem.


T’Pol came into his ready room after the chimes rang out.


“I thought you would want to know, the vessel entered into a high warp not long after we left,” she reported. “I can not be certain, but it may be on its way out of the Delphic Expanse.”


“Thanks.” He stood up, tossing his ball onto his chair. “You think I made the right choice?”


“I don’t know. I wonder if the transformation did have an affect on your judgment, however . . .”


Archer folded his arms. “There are a dozen ‘howevers,’ T’Pol.”


“Indeed. Though I can not help but question your logic in these actions, I do see your reasoning. It should be noted that in the face of so much death in our lives recently, your willingness to hand of the possible key to saving a civilization to a vessel whose mission is to preserve life-forms is understandable.”


Archer smirked. “Thanks.”


“You are welcome.”


Archer stepped towards the door. “Well . . . back to work, huh?”


“Indeed.”


The captain stepped onto the bridge, followed by T’Pol. He took his seat. “Travis, take her to warp four point five. We’re on the clock.”

 

[thew40]

2376: ASHES

Colonel Kira Neryes stood next to Jean-Luc Picard, the ground around them worn and beat. The demolished remains of the Dominion base had taken a years worth of exposure. Around them, the crews of the Enterprise and Defiant did their best to get into the structure underneath. There wasn’t much doing, of course, as the rubble blocked most of the entrances.


“I thank you for helping me with this mission,” Picard said to Kira.


“It’s not a problem. With Bajor moving to finally join the Federation, I thought it would be a good idea.”


“I told Captain Sisko last year that it would have been better to come here in the name of exploration instead of war. He agreed. With the captain still MIA . . .”


“He’ll be back,” she replied.


Picard nodded. “Well, I thought it would do well to fulfill his wish.”


Kira smirked a little. “Like I said - ”


“I believe you, Colonel. No worries about that.”


“If you don’t mind me asking, Captain, with all the recovery efforts going on, who was it who authorized this mission?”


“You know, I’m not sure. It was someone higher up. A senior admiral, I believe, but the orders trickled down from there.”


“I see. I suppose with the war over, Starfleet can finally turn its attention back to exploration.”


“I like to think so. Our mission has been to seek out new life . . . though far too many times, it seems to have really been to seek out new battles.”


Kira grinned sardonically and the pair met with Data and Dax.


“Have you found anything?”


“Nothing worth reporting,” Dax sighed, her dark hair showing off the white dust of the bombed out base.


“Remnants of Preserver technology but it appears most of it was raided by the Dominion when they built this structure.”


“The only entrance was destroyed in the blast,” Dax concluded. “We can’t penetrate the structure beneath us. I’m sorry, Captain.”


Picard frowned. “It may just be for the best, but I’d like to know where exactly the raided technology went to. And I’d certainly like to make sure that the nightmarish weapon that was born here will never be resurrected.”


Kira looked to Picard. “I still have a few contacts in the Cardassian government . . . or what’s left of it . . . I can try and do my best.”


“Thank you.” He looked at the debris. “I suppose this is it, then. Data, have the teams begin beaming back up the Enterprise and Defiant. Lieutenant.”


“Sir,” Dax replied, excusing herself.


“So . . . where do we go from here?” Picard asked.


“Like I said, I’ll track down some information for you.”


“Thank you, Colonel.” He took in a deep breath. “The legacy of the Preservers was the protection of life. I suppose it’s only fitting that their base here is locked away and gone after it was perverted to do the opposite of just that.”


Kira shrugged a little. “I suppose so.” She reached her hand out. “Until next time, Captain.”


“Of course, Colonel. I’m sure we’ll see each other soon enough. It can be a small galaxy.”


2377: HEADING HOME

Ignoring the Doctor’s advice, Captain Janeway did get the rest she needed. Instead, she sat in her ready room with a cup of coffee and stared out at the nebula as Voyager finally took leave of it. Their warp trail obscured from Voth sensors and with Gegen’s vessel on his way out to . . . wherever . . . Janeway was starting to feel a little at ease.


But just a little.


“You should have gone with him.”


She wasn’t surprised to hear his voice. Q was standing behind her, looking at the nebula with an expression of pure boredom.


“What are you talking about?”


“Gegen. He’s about to discover something very amazing. You helped get him there, but you should have gone with him.”


Janeway turned to Q. “We have other priorities.”


Q rolled his eyes. “Earth? You’re still going on about that place? Oh, Kathy, you continue to disappoint me. But I do blame myself . . . I had hoped to be of better service to you on this excursion with the dinos, but I had to stop junior from wiping out a solar system or three.”


“Parenthood.”


Q grinned. “Don’t mock it or I’ll drop him off on you.”


Janeway raised her hands. “Sorry.”


“Oh don’t worry about it. Besides, I’m not the one with the lizard baby.”


“Enough, Q. Get to the point.”


He grunted a little and leaned against the bulkhead. “I guess I wanted you to understand that there is something greater out here . . . that your mission needs to be more than just getting home. There is a bigger picture, always a bigger picture. The galaxy is huge. The universe is bigger. And you’re a part of it.”


Q stared at Janeway’s for a long moment, then wrangled his head and stepped back. “Oh nevermind. For an instant, it seemed like you’d get it. But not yet. Maybe someday you and your monkey-people will understand.”


“Understand what, Q? What are you trying to tell me?”


Q smirked. “It’s good to question, Kathy. Just for that, a gift.”


A brief flash appeared in her cup. She glanced between it and Q.


“That’s the best coffee ever brewed on Earth. Enjoy it. In the meantime, I’ll see you around . . .”


Q vanished in his trademark flash of light. Janeway looked back at the nebula, trying to understand what it was Q was saying. She sighed and took a long sip of her coffee, finding Q’s words to be said to be true. After finishing the cup, she felt the tension of the past few days melt away and her attention turned to the future. And, as always, finding her way home.


---------


For clarification:
The TNG/DS9 segment takes place not long after "What You Leave Behind." The VOY segment takes place immediately after "Evolution."

 

[Mistral]

Good so far. Want to see more. Very complicated story.

 

[thew40]

2381: THE MYSTERY MAN

The Cardassian freighter gave its cargo the well-paid civilian vessel, which in turn took it to Earth, where it was delivered to the estate in Mississippi. The workers in turn unloaded the cargo and began to strip the technology inside to bare. Ensign Alice Sarth’Kan arrived to witness this occurring, carrying with her her own package.


“Sir,” she greeted the man in charge, “I have the package.”


The old man reached out to her PADD and placed his thumb on it. The name ‘McCOY, LEONARD H.’ appeared on the screen. He smiled at the half-Grazerite female and stood up from behind his desk to take the package.


“If you don’t mind me asking, sir, what is it you’re working on?”


McCoy smiled. “I’m writing a book, ensign. You ever hear of the Preservers?”


“I . . . believe so, sir.”


“Well, there have been all sorts of theories that the Preservers aren’t just the Preservers. I’ve been reading reports over the years, seeing all sorts of connection. Talking to Captain Picard and readin’ up on Captain Archer and Captain Janeway. That package has a tricorder full of information the Preservers have on this little planet of ours – not to mention the secret of unlocking their technology, which I have down in my garage.” He chuckled at this.


“So what is the book going to cover, sir?”


“What the hell do you mean ‘what’s it going to cover?’ Didn’t you listen to a damn word I just said?”


“I’m sorry, sir. Allow me to explain myself. Humans . . . we already exist. Why question the creation of our race?”


“Ah, now’s that the big question, isn’t it? Did we evolve? Or was it the Preservers? And what role did they play? A small one? Big one? What about the almighty?” He laughed a little. “It’s all open for debate.”


She offered him a pleasant grin. “I’m sure it’ll be an interesting book, sir.”


“You’re damn right it will be.”


---------


Like I said, it's going to be jumping around a lot. A lot.

 

[Mistral]

The key? What key?

 

[thew40]

The key? What key?

That would be the interface given to Archer and T'Pol and then brought out of storage by Chakotay. The package contains both that and the tricorder.

It's confusing, I know.

-------

2386: DISTANT COUSINS

The Romulan Star Empire was in a state of change. A failed coupe, followed by civil war and an energy crisis had weakened it, forcing the boarders to open. For the Romulan people, this meant a state of relaxed restrictions. Literature that was once forbidden was now allowed; new political and social movements were introduced – though still limited in terms of how radical.


What it ultimately meant was safe for a retired Romulan solider by the name of Galathon to read the human book ‘PERSERVATION’ by Admiral Leonard McCoy. And it was okay for him to go to the Federation embassy and discuss the book with Ambassador Spock.


The reunification movement was becoming increasingly popular. In the light of the Dominion War, in which stories surfaced of Romulans and Vulcans working together, the younger generation was starting to accept their roots. It didn’t mean they would be taking the Kohlinar anytime soon . . . but there was a marked differences in these two generations.


Galathon was happy to be a part of it.


“The book discusses the very deep connections that exist not only between Vulcans and Romulans, but in most humanoid species.”


Spock took the book written by his old colleague and skimmed the first two pages. He noted several errors that editor more than likely passed over due to the Admiral’s considerable age and reputation – mostly run-ons and too long an explanation of certain basic concepts. But still . . .


“Fascinating,” Spock remarked, though not overly impressed. The part of him that was human felt a bit sentimental as he looked it over, especially concerning the sections he was a part of.


“It reminds me of more . . . adventurous times.”


Galathon laughed a little. “Your time on the Enterprise, then?”



“Indeed. The theories the Admiral expresses in this book are nothing new, but are certainly supported by more evidence.” He looked Galathon straight in the eyes. “This is a very important book.”


“I thought so.”


Spock leaned back in his chair. “I had a meeting with the Romulan Pro-council yesterday. With the recent popularity of the reunification movement, I have been asked to advise them on a Romulan ambassador to Vulcan.”


“Spock, that’s extraordinary!” Galathon exclaimed.


“Indeed. And that is exactly why I have chosen you.”


“I am deeply honored, sir, but do you really think I’m qualified?”


Spock raised an eyebrow. “You are the logical choice.”


“And what about you, Ambassador?”


“We have our destinies. Mine may be here . . . or it will be elsewhere.”


2259: THE ALTERNATE REALITY

Ambassador Sarek followed his distant cousin Selek to the shuttle bay, his robes sweeping around him as he walked. “Selek, wait,” he said almost commandingly. “I have made the arrangements you requested, but I do not understand why it is necessary for you to leave so promptly. What could be so important for you to need a shuttle at such a critical point?”


Selek turned to Sarek, the man who would be his father. “I have a mission I must complete,” said Selek. “I ask that you trust me, Sarek, as I take part in this journey.”


Sarek saw the sincerity Selek’s eyes – as well as something even more familiar. Sarek wanted to say more, but understood that there was nothing more than could be said. Instead, he raised his hand in the traditional greeting.


“Be well, Selek, and return quickly. Live long and prosper.”


Selek raised his own hand in salute. “Peace and long life.”


With that, Selek – Spock – entered the shuttle craft and left Earth. He quickly made his modifications, including boosting the warp power and deflector array. He then laid in a course for the Garto’Rus System, at the edge of Klingon and Romulan space. The trip was long and Spock spent most of it in deep meditation.


His thoughts were rampant. He wondered about the changes Vulcan’s destruction would have on this eerily similar reality’s future. He thought of Admiral McCoy and the last time he had seen him. His book was what inspired Spock to go on this sojourn. Spock wondered about Captain Scott, now completely retired. Would they think him lost? Dead? Alive? MIA?


He spent time considering what would happen after the loss of Romulus and the reunification movement. Galathon and many of the others involved were off-world when the supernova occurred and he had hope that it would only continue to grow without the ever-present stare of Romulus and with the weakened state of the empire.


Spock considered the Kelvin of this reality, destroyed before its time. Its destruction had had a more wide-spread affect than he would have thought. But the more effort he put into calculating that loss of a ship, the more he understood the ramifications.


After a long shuttle trip, Spock arrived at the Garto’Rus System. He plotted through the asteroid belt. The Jellyfish would have faired better, but the shuttle was sufficient. Spock came to the Preserver machinery and issued the same computer program Uhura had used in his reality to activate the wormhole.


It was just as unstable and Spock had to work to even keep the shuttle in one piece as it crossed into the Norma Arm of the galaxy and arrived at the Preserver colony.


The surface was just as barren, save for the same preserved city. Again, it was a hand on the wall that opened it. Though it was his hand this time. He was allowed in and again was faced with a robot.


“I AM THE HAND OF THE KEEPER. THE KEEPER AWAITS. FOLLOW ME, CHILD OF THE KEEPER.”


“Of course.”


In a few minutes time, Spock was lead to the one he knew he would face. The Keeper. He looked no different than in his own reality. The Keeper awoke, speaking telepathically. Spock wondered if he could sense that Spock was not only from an alternate reality, but had been here before.


“Child of Vulcan.”


“I am. And of Earth,” Spock responded. “Vulcan has been destroyed. Billions of my people have perished. Your role is to preserve life, is it not? To prevent extinction.”


“It is.”


“Then I have brought you something.” Spock reached into his satchel and recovered a stasis tube. “This is genetic material from one hundred Vulcans. I have randomized them and believe that if the Vulcan were to die out, then it would be enough for you to preserve.”


The stasis tube vanished from Spock’s hands.


“Vulcan will endure,” the Keeper stated. He was a lot more coherent than his counterpart.


“Thank you. You have read my mind?”


“Yes. I am troubled that the Kelvin was destroyed, thus altering humanity’s contact with me.”


Spock stepped forward. “We shall see. Not everything is set in stone. I must return to my people, Keeper.”


“Farewell, Spock.”


Spock bowed a little and began his journey home. To his new home.

--------

Like I mentioned before, it's confusing and complicated. There's one last segment of this story that wraps up a loose thread. I should point out, however, that there will more than likely be a follow-up to this story.

 

[fleetcaptain]

Awesome job. I have to say a great way to tie all of the series together and even bring in the new alternate universe stories.

 

[thew40]

2388 (PRIME TIMELINE): DESTINATION

Gegen was wrong about a number of things. Top on his list was the Voth’s giving up on him. They hunted him down hard and while his crew did their best to evade capture, it was almost impossible. Narrow escapes began increasingly narrower. Luckily, the further Gegen’s crew got to their destination, the less the others seemed to care.


It had taken eleven years of evading and hiding and running and searching to finally reach where Gegen was now. He was an old Voth now, moving slower and forgetting easily. But that being said, his crew were more dedicated to him than ever. And he was a grandfather, as Tova Veer had mated with Gegen’s daughter Frola. It broke Gegen’s heart that his dear grandchild would have to live its life on a small research craft on the run from their own people.


But his heart was lifted when he arrived in the solar system of the Preserver colony. Upon entering orbit, they were hailed by the surface. A human woman greeted him.


“My name is Doctor Emily Farrah,” she said with a warm grin that made Gegen’s heart skip. “Welcome.”


“I am welcomed,” Gegen returned, bowing.


“We have much to discuss,” Farrah responded.


“Indeed we do.”

***

On the surface of the colony, Gegen and Tova introduced themselves to the human. She took them into the empty city. Gegen and Tova explained quickly what they already suspected was true about the Preservers saving their ancestors.


“The history of the Preservers is long,” she explained. “Their mission is to preserve life. From what I’ve been told, they once seeded worlds across the galaxy with genetic information so that we’d all evolve to look like them.”


“But we don’t look like you. Not very much, at least,” said Tova.


Emily smiled. “I know. It apparently didn’t work out very well, though we all evolved into humanoids anyways. If there was some genetic tampering, it may have happened along the way in more subtle forms. We’re trying to figure it out, but it will be centuries until then, I’m sure.”


“What about Earth?”


“The Preservers saw that the Dinosaurs were being wiped out and took you from that world and left you on another.”


“You have proof?” asked Gegen, gasping a little.


She nodded. “Yes. An eyewitness.”


Gegen looked to Tova and smiled like he hadn’t smiled in years.


“Eyes open, Tova!”


Tova returned the smile. “Eyes open.”


Emily, confident, led them towards the Obelisk, where the last humanoid Preserver was playing a game with a young human boy about the same age named Kirok. As they all entered the Obelisk, Gegen felt like he was at long last embracing his destiny.

***

Hours later, after the Voth and humans left him alone, the Keeper turned its attention to the most recent addition to the spiral. The ship that brought it to the colony was one of his last working – but the Keeper believed that as he began to fade, the others in the spiral would begin to take up where he left off. Life . . . and the preservation of life . . .


It was like destiny.


In the meantime, the Keeper took a closer look at the life-form that materialized before him. For something so simple, it was extremely fascinating. He searched for the downloaded Enterprise database and found a name for it.


It was called a Tribble.


------------


I want to thank everyone who took the time to read this and comment on it. I know it got a little funky and confusing at times, but I really appreciate the attention the my fanfic got.


Trust me, it really meant a lot.



In fact, you guys have inspired and unknowingly encouraged me to produce some more fics, so keep your eyes peeled for more in the future -- including a follow-up to the events of this one.


Thanks again!

 

[Mistral]

It was a fascinating tale, if you'll forgive the Spockian reference. You handled the twisting angles of time travel and multi-era pacing pretty well. I've taken a stab at it before and I know it aint easy. I look forward to more Preserver stories. Thumbs up!

 

[fleetcaptain]

I have to agree with Mistral. We never got any more on the Preservers except a few Shatner novels but still I think it was nice of you to write this 4 parter including all the tv series and the new movie storyline.

I know I asked this in the first part, but are you still planning to do a Kelvin series?

 

[thew40]

It was a fascinating tale, if you'll forgive the Spockian reference. You handled the twisting angles of time travel and multi-era pacing pretty well. I've taken a stab at it before and I know it aint easy. I look forward to more Preserver stories. Thumbs up!

Thank you very much, sir!

I have to agree with Mistral. We never got any more on the Preservers except a few Shatner novels but still I think it was nice of you to write this 4 parter including all the tv series and the new movie storyline.

I know I asked this in the first part, but are you still planning to do a Kelvin series?

Thanks!

I've got a lot of different fanfic stuff brewing. I've got four or five different Trek fics in my head, so you'll have to give me some time before I choice which is next. The Kelvin series is a strong canidate.

 

[Mistral]

You should talk to the Ad Astra people and archive this over there. They can help you with a series logo to go with it. Talk to MD Garcia.