ST:TNG - "A Star Alone"

[BolianAuthor]

STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION

"A Star Alone"

Developed & Written By:

BolianAdmiral

Based Upon "Star Trek: The Next Generation", Created By:

Gene Roddenberry
​

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

"A STAR ALONE"




THE BETA QUADRANT

The vast starry expanse of deep space seemed utterly endless, the billions upon billions of stars in the sky shining for all the inhabited worlds of the galaxy to see and admire.

Suddenly, from seemingly out of nowhere, a small object emerged, from the blackness of space, as if it were emerging from a pocket, in the very fabric of space, and began to sail onward, through the starry deep.

It was a small satellite... obviously manufactured by some alien race. It bore a striking resemblance to the ancient Earth space probes, such as Viking, Mariner, or Voyager and Pioneer. Certainly by 24th century standards, it was extremely crude, almost primitive. It was remarkably simple... a few boxes, that presumably contained the on-board computer equipment, long arms with sensor equipment mounted on the ends, and a large sensor dish.

The object continued sailing through space, until a vast shadow crept over it, as it passed underneath the hull of a mammoth starship, that was slowly drifting by... the Galaxy-Class U.S.S. Enterprise, NCC-1701-D.

U.S.S. ENTERPRISE-D

MAIN BRIDGE

The view of the new alien arrival filled the large viewscreen, as Captain Jean-Luc Picard got up from his Captain's chair, tugging on the bottom of his uniform top, to straighten it, as he walked towards the front of the Bridge, to better regard the object.

"Can you identify it, Mister Data?" he asked, looking to the android's console, as Data worked.

Data cocked his head slightly to the side, wearing a look of puzzlement, as he replied.

"No, Captain... the satellite is of unknown origin. I am also at a loss as to how it got this far into deep space, as there are no inhabited systems or planets in this region, Sir." he added.

With that proclamation, Commander Riker also emerged from his seat, and walked over to Picard and Data.

"Well... you did say that it appeared to emerge from out of nowhere, correct, Data?" Riker asked.

Data puckered his lips slightly, and raised both eyebrows, as he answered Riker's point, nodding.

"That is correct, Sir... however, our sensors do not detect any unusual phenomenon in this area, of either a quantum, chronometric, or gravitic nature." Data replied.

Riker looked to Picard, who was studying the object on the viewscreen, as Data casually kept working his console.

"Mister Data," Picard began, "Do you see any risk, in bringing that object aboard for study?" he asked.

"The risk is nonexistant, Sir. There are no weapons of any kind on the object, and the transporter biofilter will eliminate any bacteria or microbes present." Data reported, as Picard nodded.

"Very well, Mister Data." Picard said, looking to Riker, as both men made their way back to their seats, and Picard tapped his communicator. "Picard to O'Brien." he called.

"O'Brien here." came the Chief's comm voice.

"Chief, I want to transport that old satellite aboard... transport to the Main Shuttlebay." Picard ordered.

"Acknowledged, Captain." O'Brien replied.



In space, the old satellite drifted along, as a shimmering curtain of silver light washed over it, vanishing it from sight.



U.S.S. ENTERPRISE-D

MAIN SHUTTLEBAY

The transporter beam became visible in the center of the massive and palatial Main Shuttlebay, as gradually, the old satellite materialized on the deck. Seconds later, a pair of Shuttle Ops Technicians in mustard-yellow uniforms walked over to the object, regarding it, as one of them tapped their communicator.

"Main Shuttlebay to Bridge." the young man called.

MAIN BRIDGE

"Picard here." Jean-Luc replied.

"Captain, the object is securely aboard, and waiting for you, Sir." the young man's comm voice announced.

"Thank you, Picard out." the Captain replied, as he looked to Data. "Mister Data... report to the Main Shuttlebay... take Geordi with you. See if you can determine where that object came from, and if possible... who made it." he instructed, as Data nodded, and got up from his seat, making his way to the aft turbolift, as his relief assumed his post.

TO BE CONTINUED...

 

[BolianAuthor]

CONTINUED...

U.S.S. ENTERPRISE-D

The might flagship of the Federation drifted along, silently cutting through the dark void of space.

"Captain's Log, Jean-Luc Picard, U.S.S. Enterprise. The Enterprise has encountered what appears to be an ancient stellar probe, in many ways, quite similar to those launched from 20th century Earth. However, its point of origin remains a mystery, as there are no nearby systems or planets capable of harboring life. I have assigned Mister La Forge and Commander Data to the task of studying the object."

MAIN SHUTTLEBAY

The heavy large doors to the Main Shuttlebay slid open, allowing Captain Picard to enter the massive hangar deck. He worked his way past the many parked shuttles and shuttlepods, eventually arriving where Data and Geordi were, going over the probe with tricorders and diagnostic tools.

"Gentlemen." Picard began, looking to the probe, as Geordi looked to Picard. "Any progress?" he asked.

"Well... it's definately an ancient probe of some sort. In fact, we even found a gold plaque on it, displaying the solar system of origin." Geordi reported, as now Data also got up, looking to Picard.

"I take it, by your look, that there is a problem, however." Picard stated.

"Aye, Sir." Geordi replied, with a sigh of frustration, indicating for Data to take over.

"Captain," he began, "There are no solar systems matching the one on the probe's plaque, within the distance this probe has traveled, according to our metallurgical dating methods. In other words, Captain... this probe is too new, to have come from the nearest habitable planet in this region... Cormaline II." Data added.

"Too new?" Picard asked, looking to Geordi.

"Aye, Captain. According to our readings, this probe is no more than thirty years old." Geordi announced, as Picard absorbed the information.

"Hypothesis?" Picard asked, looking to Data.

"Sir, it is impossible for this probe to have originated from Cormaline II. In addition, the solar system depicted on the probe's plaque, indicates that it is from a third planet, orbiting a single G-Type star, much like Earth's Sun. There can be only one conclusion. It came from a solar system very close, however, it is a solar system we cannot yet see." Data reported, calmly.

"Cannot yet see?" Picard repeated, confused, looking to Geordi.

"Captain," Geordi began. "Data believes that the solar system this thing came from, is obscured, within a large region of dark matter. That could explain why the probe seemed to appear out of nowhere." he stated.

"Like a ship emerging from a ghost fog." Picard nodded, understanding. "Very well... Mister Data, take your findings to stellar cartography... see if you can use the data you've gathered, to backtrack the probe's age, and trajectory, and extrapolate the location of its home planet." he instructed, as Data nodded, while Picard offered a small smile, as he turned to walk out of the Main Shuttlebay.

U.S.S. ENTERPRISE-D

The great starship held position in space.

"Captain's Log; Supplemental. Commander Data has completed his analysis of the probe's origin, and believes he has located the position of the probe's solar system, inside the dark matter region. However, he has informed me of a somewhat troubling discovery, that complicates our investigation."

STELLAR CARTOGRAPHY

The massive wall display showed a 3D rotating image of a solar system, as various LCARS callouts appeared, at various points. The sky of the map was totally devoid of stars... the system's sun was the only source of celestial illumination.

Captain Picard stood behind Data, as the android officer worked his console.

"As you can see, Sir, the system very much resembles Earth's solar system... a single G-Type star, hosting six planets, the third of which is Class-M, and the same size as Earth." Data reported. "As suspected, this entire system is concealed, within a large region of dark matter." he added, as he now looked directly at Captain Picard. "Sir... I must tell you... according to the age of the star, and the size of the dark matter region... Sir, this entire solar system was formed within the dark matter. The entire civilization living on the third planet, evolved and developed, within the dark matter region." Data stated.

"Yes, Commander... but you said there was a problem?" Picard asked, not sure where Data was going with this.

"Sir," Data began, tapping some buttons on the console, as the map re-oriented, and zoomed out. The map then accellerated, to depict the future orbits of the planets in the system. The third planet orbited the star, until the map froze, holding the image still. The space around the planet was now split in half... half of the planet was inside the dark matter, but on the other half, the sky was now full of stars. "As you can see, Sir... I have compensated for two week's worth of stellar drift. In two weeks, Sir, the natural movement of the universe, will cause the orbit of the third planet to break free from the dark matter region, and enter into open space." he reported.

As Picard studied the image, the heavy weight of the realization began to dawn on him, and his look grew somber.

"My God..." Picard whispered aloud, in shock. "In that one moment... everything that world... that people, have known... will change forever, in an instant, as they look to a sky full of stars, for the very first time." he uttered.

TO BE CONTINUED...

 

[BolianAuthor]

CONTINUED...

U.S.S. ENTERPRISE-D

The mighty flagship of the Federation drifted along, silently cutting through the dark void of space.

"Captain's Log, Jean-Luc Picard, U.S.S. Enterprise. Commander Data's findings regarding the alien probe have proven very troubling for me. Before his findings, it was a given that at some point, that planet would be contacted by us, or another alien race, by accident. However, now all that has changed. In two weeks, the planet's orbit will take it out of the dark matter region, and into the whole of the open universe. I now must decide how to best prepare an entire civilization to cope with the fact that their own solar system is not the entire universe, and that they are not alone."

READY ROOM

Captain Picard sat at his desk, staring at his computer terminal, speaking to Admiral Haftel.

"So, as you see, Admiral," Picard began, "Since this entire civilization developed within the dark matter region, for their entire history, there has only been one star in the sky... one solar system. As far as they know, their own system is all that there is, to the universe. In two weeks, when they look up into the night sky, and begin to see stars fill the sky, for the very first time... the reactions could range from fascination, to mass fear and panic. And this also presents the unusual need for us to initiate a pre-warp first contact." he stated.

"Are you sure that's really necessary?" Admiral Haftel asked, curious.

"Well, Sir... I am concerned, that once this world becomes visible, and known to the rest of the galaxy, that it will be vulnerable to potential less peaceful encounters, with some of the nearby cultures. Their system lies very close to the edge of both the Romulan and Klingon Empires, as well as Gorn space. As they have no warp drive, no advanced weapons technology, they would be vulnerable to attack." Picard stated. "I think it would be wise, to conduct an early first contact, and gently prepare them, for what awaits them." he added.

Admiral Haftel pondered Picard's words, lost in thought for a long moment, until he looked back up at Picard, on the screen, and replied.

"Very well, Captain... I'm giving you two days to deliver me your best option, for a first contact scenario. If it's sound, I'll approve it." Haftel began. "I'm taking the U.S.S. Bolarus, and will rendezvous with you at that time. I'll have representatives from the Klingon, Romulan, and Gorn governments on board. Haftel out." the Admiral concluded, closing the channel, as the screen displayed the seal of the UFP, before cutting to black, leaving only the reflection of Captain Picard's concerned face on the screen.

TO BE CONTINUED...

 

[Nerys Ghemor]

Interesting...some would argue that this is a violation of the Prime Directive--that if it's the natural course of events for them to panic or be destroyed, then so be it. I obviously don't agree with those ethics, but I'm surprised the high and mighty Picard didn't take that tack...

(Good thing he didn't, of course!)

 

[BolianAuthor]

^

Very true... but this is a unique circumstance, because at some point, the world would be discovered, and given the culture and technology of the people on the planet, Picard wants to prevent the chance that these people will fall victim to plunder. He wants the society to have time to absorb the scope of what they will learn... that there is a whole universe outside of what they've always known.

I got the idea for this story, after recalling how in the days of old, astronomers who thought that the Earth revolved around the Sun were called heretics by the church, and shunned. I wanted to do a 24th century take on that concept. And listening to "Trains and Winter Rains", by Enya, helped put me in the right mood, hence the title, "A Star Alone".

 

[Alpha Romeo]

^

Very true... but this is a unique circumstance, because at some point, the world would be discovered, and given the culture and technology of the people on the planet, Picard wants to prevent the chance that these people will fall victim to plunder. He wants the society to have time to absorb the scope of what they will learn... that there is a whole universe outside of what they've always known.

I got the idea for this story, after recalling how in the days of old, astronomers who thought that the Earth revolved around the Sun were called heretics by the church, and shunned. I wanted to do a 24th century take on that concept. And listening to "Trains and Winter Rains", by Enya, helped put me in the right mood, hence the title, "A Star Alone".

Great story! More coming I hope?

 

[BolianAuthor]

^

Thanks, man... I'm glad you like the story so far. There will be an update this evening. I really do want feedback on this story, because I worked very hard to make it as original and interesting as possible, so I want to know if that comes through.

 

[Mistral]

I like the concepts and such but (devil's advocate steps up) if these people think their's is the only sun and only system-Why launch a space probe?

 

[BolianAuthor]

Well, because there are still other planets in their own system... now that that old probe completed its mission of studying some of the outer planets, much like Voyager and Pioneer did for us, it has traveled beyond the confines of that system, and was detected by the Enterprise-D.

 

[Mistral]

Well, because there are still other planets in their own system... now that that old probe completed its mission of studying some of the outer planets, much like Voyager and Pioneer did for us, it has traveled beyond the confines of that system, and was detected by the Enterprise-D.

Perhaps a point worth clarifying.

 

[BolianAuthor]

^

True... I will work that into the story.

However, one thing I'd like to point out... VOY got the depiction of life within dark matter totally wrong... just because a species lives in dark matter, does not mean that they are like the species from "Void"... life on such a planet would be just like life on Earth... the sunlight would still give you a bright day, and beautiful blue sky, and you'd still see the moon, or any planets in the system, if they are visible... ONLY a lack of stars in the sky, at night, would make such a world different.

 

[Uncle Sol]

The aliens in the Void were not living in a dark matter environment.

 

[BolianAuthor]

CONTINUED...

The bright sunlight filled the clear blue sky over the large university campus, while birds flew about in the air.

A man walked towards a large building, carrying a leather briefcase, pushing his glasses back upon his face, as he walked.

He finally arrived at his destination, and opened the large glass doors to the building, which was labeled "PLANETARY SCIENCES".

Inside the building, the man walked into a small auditorium, taking position behind a podium, and placing his case upon it, opening it, and producing some documents, as he prepared to address the small group of alumni who were assembled there, to hear him.

"Good day, all." he began. "As you know, last year, the Vegros One probe, having completed its survey of our outer planets, Dephos and Jorital, passed beyond the outer worlds, into the depths unknown. So far, we have not had any contact with the probe, nor has it sent us any new data. The Space Administration is adamant that no other probes be launched, citing that any pursuit of new worlds beyond Jorital is a useless venture. I do not agree. I think there IS more to our universe, than what we know... perhaps even yet another solar syatem." he stated, to the amusement of many present, who chuckled aloud at the comment.

Finally, one man raised his hand, and spoke out.

"Professor... this infatuation you have, on finding worlds beyond our own... really... surely you cannot be serious. If there were other solar systems, would we not see them? The fact is, there ARE no other worlds or solar systems out there. All you need do, is look up at the night sky. That is not my opinion, Sir, that is pure fact. No amount of wishful speculation will change this. I would suggest you direct your efforts to other problems facing us, such as calming the near-constant volcanic activity on the Dentharan Plateau... things that will improve the quality of life for people here and now." the man said.

This did not sit well with the professor, and he sighed, taking his glasses off, and rubbing his eyes, as he began to reply.

"You know... centuries ago, there were those amongst us, who believed that our world revolved around our Sun. For their beliefs, they were persecuted, cast aside, and called heretics, by our religions. Finally, when it was proven, by actual evidence, that such was indeed the case, the world community had no choice, but to accept the new findings as fact. This is no different. You may all be right, and there is indeed nothing beyond Jorital. But to deny me the mere opportunity to make sure, and find out... that is wrong. It smacks of fear, pure and simple." he stated.

"So what is it you want, then?" another man asked.

"The resources and funds needed, to build and deploy a new probe... this one, with even greater operational range." the Professor offered. "Give me the chance to prove myself. If I am wrong, I will be the first to admit it." he added, looking to the crowd for their reactions.

TO BE CONTINUED...

 

[Mistral]

Ok, cool, that felt believable...

 

[BolianAuthor]

CONTINUED...

U.S.S. ENTERPRISE-D

The massive Federation flagship slowly emerged into the darkness of the dark matter region, at a slow impulse sail. The otherwise total darkness of the region was broken, by the lights of the Enterprise's windows and warp engines, as well as the single G-Type star, which played host to the alien solar system.

"Captain's Log, Supplemental. Counselor Troi, and Commander Data have presented me with what I believe is our most viable plan, for initiating a pre-warp first contact with the alien civilization residing in the dark matter region, and Doctor Crusher is preparing to brief me on the plan. In the meantime, we have entered the dark matter pocket, and are holding position on the outer boundary of the region, pending the arrival of Admiral Haftel, on the Bolarus."

SICKBAY

The twin doors to the large medical ward slid open, allowing Captain Picard to enter the room, where he was met by Counselor Troi, Doctor Crusher, and Commander Data, as they all stood beside a central biobed.

"Jean-Luc... glad you could make it." Crusher greeted.

"Of course, Doctor. report." Picard inquired.

"Captain," Data began, "I believe our best chance for first contact lies in a two-step plan. Step one, would consist of a short-term aerial recon scan, via a high-altitude flyover, with one of our shuttlecrafts. We would use the shuttle's on-borad sensors to take detailed visual scans and biological scans of the native inhabitants, and then return to the ship." the android explained.

"Why a shuttlecraft?" Picard asked.

"Sir... we cannot get close enough to the planet to use the transporters... this society has the ability to launch space probes, and thus, we must assume they have telescopes, which could and would, detect an orbiting object as large as the Enterprise." Data said.

"I see..." Picard lamented, sighing with a deep breath, as he nodded for Data to continue.

"Sir," Data went on, "Once we return to the ship, Doctor Crusher would assist Counselor Troi and I, with the next phase of the plan." he added.

"Which is?" Picard asked, looking to Crusher.

"Cosmetic surgery." Beverly began, smiling, as she looked to the Captain. "Remember the mission to Mintaka III? Well, I plan to use the same surgical technique, to alter the appearance of Data and Troi, to enable them to blend in with the local population, undetected as outsiders. Just like on Mintaka III, I can also implant subcutaneous communicators on their person, so we can be in constant contact." she explained.

"Captain," Troi interjected, as Picard now looked to her. "We'll need to spend considerable time on the surface, to get to know these people... and to interact with them. I believe that Commander Data can extrapolate a translation matrix for their language within an overnight period, which would enable us to then talk to these people, and begin to softly prepare them for what they are about to witness... we can prepare them for the Admiral's arrival. If they hear accounts of otherworlders from one of their own, it may not be as shocking, as if someone were to just beam down, without warning." she offered.

"Hmmm..." Picard uttered, lamenting the Federation's record of botched pre-warp first contact attempts, as he looked to his crew. "Very well, then... proceed with the plan, as scheduled. I'll inform Admiral Haftel. I just hope all goes well with this... we can't afford for this first contact to turn into another Mintaka III, or Malcor III... there's too much at stake for these people... for their civilization." he stated.

TO BE CONTINUED...

 

[Mistral]

pre-warp first contact? A sticky proposition at best...

 

[adm_gold]

Looking forward to where this story goes.

 

[BolianAuthor]

So am I. An update will be posted tomorrow night. Glad you're enjoying it so far.

 

[BolianAuthor]

CONTINUED...

U.S.S. ENTERPRISE-D

The mighty Federation flagship sailed along at a mere drift, now joined by the Excelsior-Class U.S.S. Bolarus.

"Captain's Log, Supplemental. Commander Data and Counselor Troi have left the Enterprise, and are en route to the planet, to begin observation of the native people, to determine the best approach to a first-contact scenario. In the meantime, Admiral Haftel has arrived, on the Bolarus."

READY ROOM

Captain Picard filled the Admiral's cup with tea, before sitting back in his seat, listening to what Haftel had to say.

"I have to admit, Jean-Luc... as much as I love to preach the Prime Directive, I have to go with you on this one... this is a world that is by far, totally unprepared for the reality that awaits them... that they sit smack-dab in the middle of a vast interstellar community. We have to contact them, before by some unfortunate incident, they face a hostile encounter, by the Klingons, or the Ferengi." the Admiral began.

"You think it'll happen sooner, rather than later?" Picard asked.

"I think there's a good chance of it, yes." Haftel said, placing his cup on the table. "Consider that this world will soon emerge into normal space... say a Ferengi ship passes through the area, and detects deposits of Trillium-323, or Dilithium, or Tornium... they wouldn't think twice, before sending teams down to the surface, to see if they can harvest the stuff, which would result in an eventual Ferengi armada over the world. The Ferengi would not need to bother trying to buy these people off... with their low level of technology, the Ferengi could easily overwhelm them. Same for the Klingons... or even the Romulans." he added.

"Devastating." Picard uttered, wearing a somber look.

"I've spoken to Chancellor Gowron, and he assures me that no Klingon activity will take place in the region. I sent a message to Praetor Nurat's office, but have not yeat heard back. It would be nice if we could establish some sort of assurance, that the Romulans would not conduct any activity in the region, as well." Haftel replied.

"That leaves the Gorn and the Breen." picard stated.

"Both of which are on my ship." Haftel said, nodding. "I have the Gorn and Breen Ambassadors, waiting to be briefed by your team, once they return." he said, as Picard got up from his seat, and walked to the long window, straightening his shirt, as he looked out into the starless void. "We have to get this one right, Jean-Luc... Mintaka III, Malcor III... these pre-warp first contacts have a habit of turning sour. We'd like to have one good contact on the record." he added.



SHUTTLEPOD McAULIFFE

The small craft lowered itself through the dark grey clouds of the planet's atmosphere, as rain poured down over the landscape, and multiple lightning bolts shot down to various points on the surface.

Inside the shuttle, the craft was shaking slightly, as Data tried to weather the turbulence of the storm.

"Do we really need to fly through this stuff?" Troi asked.

"I am afraid so, Counselor." Data began. "We have to land close enough to the city to allow us to travel there by foot, in no more than a half day's walk, yet we also have to be far enough away, that the shuttle will not be detected. If we fly out of this storm, ground-based observers may spot the shuttlepod." he stated, calmly.

Suddenly, a pair of powerful lightning bolts struck the aft section of the shuttlepod, and the impulse engines began to vent fuel gasses.

In the cockpit, alarms went off, as Data worked the controls, with blinding speed.

"However..." he began. "It appears that you will get your wish, Counselor... we have lost primary engines, and are venting plasma. we are going down... we no longer have the luxury of a controlled soft-landing on one of the mountains." he added.

"You mean we're going down?" Troi asked, her eyes wide.

"That is correct." Data replied.

In the sky, the shuttle shot out from the roiling stormclouds, and into the clear blue of the area outside of the thunderstorm.

The shuttlepod went streaking through the sky, getting lower and lower in altitude, a vast contrail of gas trailing it, as it now shot over a vast city, separated by two large rivers, and joined by a network of numerous large suspension bridges and highway overpasses.

From the cockpit, the view of the city's streets grew closer and closer, until Troi and Data could clearly make out vehicle traffic, and the sight of people looking up at them, and running, in fear, as the shuttle's crash grew imminent.

"I suggest you brace for impact." Data remarked.

CITY STREET

As the people looked up, pointing and running, the shuttlepod came into contact with the street, and began to score a deep gash in the asphalt, as it finally came to a slow stop, after having left a mile-long gash in the street in its wake.

TO BE CONTINUED...

 

[Mistral]

"these pre-warp First Contacts have a habit of going sour." Yeah, that's about the size of it...