RobertScorpio
Pariah
I will try to post all of the parts in this post you are reading now, space permiting. So far parts 1-3 are posted below...
STAR TREK;
ALL OF GOD'S CREATURES
Written by Robert Scorpio
This story takes place somewhere in the third year of TOS. The story deals with a new life form that may pose a serious threat for the planet it is heading for. But what if the citizens of the endangered planet are willing to let that destrucion happen?
PART ONE
And there, it was…
The crew of the USS Enterprise stared at the images being relayed to them by the four probes they had launched ten minutes earlier. The object was incredibly large, but looked even larger this close up.
Capt James T Kirk looked back to the science station, hoping that his Vuclan science officer, Spock, had answers. Apparently he did.
“What can you tell me?” Capt Kirk asked.
“It definitely is some form of biological life Captain. It is nearly 12 miles in length, and is slowing its rate of speed. The deceleration is very minute, but definite. It will collide with Linova Prime in approximately seven standard days.”
Doctor McCoy, who stood next to the Captain’s chair, chimed in.
“So what do we do now Jim?” McCoy asked. “Do we let it hit the planet?”
Spock stepped down to the Captain’s chair. “Doctor, we have no choice.” Spock stated flatly. “The Linovans are aware of the situation and have decided to let the collision occur.”
Jim Kirk’s expression betrayed that of one with no choice. “Spock’s is right Bones. We were only asked to come and conduct scientific studies, but in no way are we to interfere with the collision.”
Spock picked up where Kirk left off. “At the rate the object is slowing, the collision will be in the most isolated area of the planet’s largest ocean.”
Uhura, from her communications post, interjected “Mr. Spock, do you think ‘it’ is aiming at that point on Linova Prime to avoid loss of life on the planet?”
“What about that Spock?” Kirk added.
Spock arched an eyebrow. “It is a distinct possibility, but there is no way to know.”
McCoy shook his head. “So let me get this straight.” He looked up at the main view screen, and at the image of the object. “This large 12 mile long tree in space is going to hit their planet and the Linovans are just going to let it happen?”
Spock answered before Kirk could. “The Linovans have a very progressive belief that all life forms are equal Doctor. From the smallest insect to the largest mammal; I find this view quite refreshing.”
“I bet you do. All of God's creatures ehh Spock?.” McCoy replied with an air of sarcasm.
“In fact,” Kirk added as he stood up from his command chair, “the laws on their planet contain stiff penalties for the intentional death of plant life. Pick a four leaf clover to find out if someone loves you could land you in prison.”
McCoy joined Kirk as he walked toward the turbo-lift. Kirk looked up at the view screen then back to Spock.
“Go ahead and continue your scans Mr. Spock, you’ve got the con. Doctor, how about giving me that quarterly physical you’ve been hounding me for the last three weeks.”
McCoy and Kirk stepped into the turbolift, and headed off to Sickbay
Spock and the science labs would have plenty of time to conduct their scans and make their final assessments. The Linovans gave Starfleet a set amount of time to conduct the science studies, after which the Enterprise would have to move off and record the collision from a safe distance. Some of the crew were on Linova Prime enjoying shore leave, but they would be ordered up to the Enterprise two full days before the event.
All there was left to do was to wait.
END OF PART ONE
PART TWO
Hours later;
The Linovan Senate listened to the pleas of the planet’s defense minister. The Senate was comprised of nine senators, each elected by democratic rule. There was no President, just the Senate. It decided on policy on a planetary level.
Captain Kirk, Mr. Spock and Doctor McCoy had come to the gathering and sat in the large gallery. The gallery held nearly four hundred civilians from all parts of the planet. They all listened to the defense minister’s pleas.
“We still do not know what harm will come to our planet when this object hits the northern ocean. All we have is the data provided by the Federation. None of it can be taken as certain.” Divan said plainly.
“It does not matter Minister Divan.” The current Senate Majority leader replied. “Our laws stretch back nearly three hundred solar cycles. Once that object enters this planet’s atmosphere it will be protected by our most sacred law.”
The crowd in the gallery cheered.
“And if millions of our fellow citizens die?" Divan interjected as the crowd cheered. Suddenly the crowd booed.
“All precautions are being taken Minister.” Another Senator said with full confidence and supported cheering from the crowd.
“And so no one will die?” Divan asked the Senator.
There was no reply from the Senate. The gallery was silent.
______________________
Spock piloted the shuttle as Kirk and McCoy sat behind him in the compartment. The collision was only a day and a half away. They could even see the approaching large ‘tree in space’ as the shuttle raced toward the orbiting Starship Enterprise.
“The Minister made some good points.” McCoy said quietly.
“He did.” Kirk agreed.
“And yet the Senate, and the citizens who were present, still chose to let the event happen naturally.” Spock spoke from his control
“And you think it was the right way to go?” McCoy said with sarcasm.
“It doesn’t matter what we believe Doctor.” Spock said. “They have chosen this course and the matter is not ours’ to interpret.”
Kirk stared at the object in space. For lack of a better description it did indeed resemble a large tree in space.
Spock’s calculations showed that as the ‘tree’ came into the atmosphere; most of the outer skin would be burned off. Then the large root system that was folded over the rest of the object would unfurl and the roots would dive into the ocean bottom and take hold.
The collision would cause massive Tsunami. Linova Prime had taken great precaution and had evacuated the population that was threatened. The root system would dive nearly one mile into the planetary crust. Studies showed the likelihood of a small planetary shift. Weather patterns would be affected for nearly ten earth years due mantle displacement into the surrounding atmosphere. The planet would face no long term effects due to the speed of the collison, which would be nearly 700 kilometers per hour.
Now all there was to do was…wait…and watch.
END OF PART TWO
START OF PART THREE
Several hours had passed and the time for the collision was practically at hand.
Captain Kirk stood inside the turbolift as it darted towards the bridge. He had just made a brief walk through the ship. He had spoken briefly with Mr. Scott, making sure that all the systems were ready.
He had even stopped by at Sickbay. McCoy assured him that the medical staff was ready for any possible problems that may arrive.
Then he had found himself on the observation deck. From there he could see the instrument of possible destruction as it came closer and closer toward Linova Prime. Should they have violated the wishes of this planet’s population to save them from themselves? Kirk had done it before, violated a planet’s wishes. Should this have been one of those times?
After a brief respite, Captain Kirk entered the bridge, sat in his chair, and took the free time to gage his crew. The bridge crew had gathered for the coming event. Sulu and Chekov were busy with their routine checks. Spock was conversing with Uhura over at her station.
The view-screen was centered on the ‘Tree’. The collision with the planet was with in one hour from happening. Even if the planet government wanted them to, the Enterprise would not longer be able to change the path of the ‘tree’. The collision was now a forgone conclusion.
It was at that moment that the deflector shield light on the helm consol began to flash.
Sulu looked back to Kirk.
“Captain the deflector shields have snapped on.” The helmsmen said quickly.
“Spock?” Kirk called out, almost instinctively, as he turned his chair to face Uhura’s station.
“Analyzing now Captain,” Spock said as he traversed the upper-deck to his science station.
Spock gazed down into his viewer. “The object has omitted a low energy pulse, a wave. It is traveling away from the object, and the planet, and will pass the Enterprise in ten seconds.”
Kirk didn’t like the sound of that at all. “Will the screens hold?”
Spock looked up and over to Kirk.. “The pulse is very faint, but it is gaining speed. It is composed of a substance which is interacting with subspace. Captain, there is no record of its composition in the computer library.”
Kirk was growing impatient. “What does that mean for us Spock?” Kirk asked.
“We will find out…” Spock stopped as the ship was shaken by the passing wave. “Now.”
Through-out the ship, the crew was mildly shaken by the passing of the wave. In sickbay Doctor McCoy, who was conversing with Nurse Chapel, shook his head.
“Why do I always have to be right?” McCoy said in a low voice.
Nurse Chapel was about to reply when she realized that his statement did not imply a need for a response.
Meanwhile, on the bridge, Uhura spoke from her post. “No damages reported Captain.”
Spock returned to his readings. “The pulse is traveling back upon the course the object came from.”
“Do you think it was some kind of…signal?” Kirk pondered.
“Insufficient data Captain, but that would seem to be a logical assumption. It is not expanding in size at all. The wave’s size is roughly the width of the object.” Spock replied.
Chekov spoke from his post. “Sort of like a ripple in a pond, I suppose?.”
Kirk shook his head. “No… I don’t think so Mr. Chekov. Ripples get larger as they expand.”
Uhura cut in. “Captain, Minister Divan is hailing the ship.”
Kirk turned toward the view-screen. “Put him on the screen Lieutenant.” Kirk replied.
Divan ’s upper-torso soon filled the screen. The Senators could be seen in the back ground as well.
“Captain Kirk, three of our outlining space labs have monitored a pulse-wave emanating from the object.” Divan stated with a sense of urgency.
Kirk nodded in agreement. “We have monitored it as well Minister. We have reason to believe it may have been some kind of signal.”
“What kind of signal?” Divan asked quickly.
Kirk stood up from his chair. The legendary Starship Captain already knew where this conversation was headed. “We don’t know.”
Divan didn’t like that answer at all, but jumped to the obvious conclusion. “It was a homing signal.”
Divan turned back to the Senate. “One of those things I could almost accept. But now, for all we know, that thing may be calling out for more of its kind to follow it here.”
Kirk had to remind Divan the simple truth. “Minister Divan. There is no way to stop this thing from colliding with your planet. We could try destroying it but our weapons would only break it into smaller, but still very large parts, and the trajectory of where those parts would land would be impossible to determine. I’m sorry, but it’s past the point of no return.”
Divan, and the Senators, could see Kirk standing on his bridge via their large view-screen.
Divan gave Kirk and understanding smile. “We understand Captain Kirk. Perhaps, if others do come, the Federation can take actions to prevent them from making it to Linova”
The senate majority leader spoke before Kirk could. “The Federation will do no such thing.”
Divan turned to the senator. “What?”
The senator was resolute. “One or one-hundred of these life forms doesn’t change the ruling of this senate. No action will be taken against it, or others that may follow. The law is clear on this matter.”
Divan’s rising anger was noticeable. “Don’t you understand what may happen? What if a hundred of those things respond and come to Linova Prime? They would destroy this planet, and kill us all in the process.”
The senator was steadfast. “Perhaps you are right Minister Divan. But who and what we are as a people, our values, can not be set aside for some out dated notion of survival. If our society faces oblivion, then we must face it un-wavering in our belief that all life is connected. Perhaps your education as a child was not sufficient enough to prepare you for this simple truth.”
Divan shook his head in disbelief. “You will sacrifice every man, woman and child to sustain this belief?”
“The Senate has already ruled on this matter.” Another Senator said.
With nothing more to be said, the communication with the Linovan Defense Minister ended.
Kirk walked over to Spock’s station.
“Where is that wave now?” Kirk asked.
Spock made some calculations. As he did, he spoke to Kirk. “We don’t have all the facts Jim. It would be illogical for this object to be the cause of this planet’s destruction.”
Kirk nodded in agreement. “I agree Spock. Why do you think it is here? What has brought it to this planet?”
Spock arched an eyebrow. “The wave is now traveling at warp 8, however it seems to be slowing its rate of acceleration. It is still traveling back upon the object’s path.” Spock said first. Then he continued. “As for why it has come here?” Spock pondered. He looked at it on the view-screen. So did Kirk. Kirk looked back to Spock for an answer.
“Survival has brought it here Captain.” Spock concluded.
“Suvival.” Kirk repeated.
“I have scanned the near by solar systems. This is the only solar system in this sector that has, with-in it, an M class planet with large amounts of water.”
Kirk had come to that same conclusion as well. “And so this ‘Tree’ travels through space, and when its water reserves run low, it finds the nearest planet with large amounts of water to replenish its supply. Then, some how, it pulls up its roots and heads back into space.”
Spock nodded. “That is a logical conclusion, based on what little facts we have.”
Kirk smiled. “And no doubt your conclusion as well.”
Spock arched an eyebrow. “Please Captain.”
Kirk sat back in his chair and ordered Sulu to back the Enterprise off from its current position. The ship was nearly three hundred thousand miles behind the ‘Tree’. Several probes had been launched to study the Tree’s decent through the various layers of the planet atmosphere. The view-screen still was centered on the ‘Tree’, but four smaller sections of the screen showed various data flows from the probes.
The turbolift doors opened and Doctor McCoy stepped onto the bridge. He walked down and stood beside Kirk’s chair.
“Well Jim,” McCoy said, “it’s showtime.”
“And ‘vee have front row seats.” Chekov added from his post.
Sulu chimed in as well. “I’m not sure this is the kind of show I want to see.”
Kirk pressed a switch on the arm of his chair.
“Scott here’a.” A familiar voice responded.
“Scotty,” Kirk said, “just incase something happens, make sure Sulu can get us out of here at a moment’s notice.”
Scotty replied in his usual cheerful manner. “Aye, Captain. Just give the word. Scott out.”
At that moment the front section of the Tree began to glow. It was now starting to enter Linova’s atmosphere.
Spock looked into the viewer at his science station. He thought for a moment then walked quickly to Kirk’s chair.
Kirk could tell that his Vulcan friend was worried. Though, of course, Vulcan’s don’t worry. But Kirk knew Spock better than that.
“What is it Spock?” Kirk asked.
“The pulse-wave has changed direction. It is heading back toward Linova Prime at Warp 5.”
Kirk looked worried. He looked to Sulu.
“Mr. Sulu, bring us hard to port! I don’t want to be anywhere in the path of that wave.” Kirk ordered.
Kirk turned back to Spock.
“Spock; how long until the wave will get here?” Kirk asked.
Spock didn’t miss a beat. “The wave will return in approximately eighty-seven point three seconds.”
Kirk snapped his fingers. The captain didn’t like the invariables that were now in control of what was to happen. “Then it wasn’t a signal after all.”
Spock could sense Kirk’s frustration. “We still don’t have all the facts Captain.”
“I know Mr. Spock.” Kirk responded. “And now, for all we know, we might witness one of the greatest natural disasters of all time. Six billion helpless souls down there could possibly die, and there is nothing we can do to stop it.”
McCoy knew that Kirk felt helpless, and perhaps guilty in some small way. “Jim, don’t go beating your self up over this. These people knew the risks.” McCoy switched his gaze over to Spock. “Didn’t they Spock?”
Spock was silent.
Kirk had a thought though. He whirled back around to face his first officer as well. “Where is the wave headed?”
The Vulcan stared back down into his viewer for confirmation. “It is heading straight for object. The exact course the ‘Tree’ has been on since the USS Kennedy first came upon it three Earth standard months ago.”
Kirk’s sudden speculation appeared to have validity.
Spock knew when his Captain had a theory. “Captain, do you have a theory?”
Captain Kirk did indeed. “You said it yourself Spock. The ‘Tree’ has never changed course from the moment Starfleet began tracking it at warp speeds three months ago. It has been traveling pretty much on a straight line.”
“And?” McCoy asked impatiently.
The Captain looked up at the glowing ‘Tree’ as it began to glow even brighter.
“What if it can’t change its course? What if the planet is simply in the way?”
Spock nodded, almost surprised at his Captain’s deduction. “The wave will strike the object in ten seconds.”
The Enterprise was at a safe distance should the planet begin to be broken up. The bridge crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise all watched helplessly as the wave slammed into the glowing image on the screen.
“Oh my…” It was all that James Kirk could muster to say.
END OF PART TRHEE
STAR TREK;
ALL OF GOD'S CREATURES
Written by Robert Scorpio
This story takes place somewhere in the third year of TOS. The story deals with a new life form that may pose a serious threat for the planet it is heading for. But what if the citizens of the endangered planet are willing to let that destrucion happen?
PART ONE
And there, it was…
The crew of the USS Enterprise stared at the images being relayed to them by the four probes they had launched ten minutes earlier. The object was incredibly large, but looked even larger this close up.
Capt James T Kirk looked back to the science station, hoping that his Vuclan science officer, Spock, had answers. Apparently he did.
“What can you tell me?” Capt Kirk asked.
“It definitely is some form of biological life Captain. It is nearly 12 miles in length, and is slowing its rate of speed. The deceleration is very minute, but definite. It will collide with Linova Prime in approximately seven standard days.”
Doctor McCoy, who stood next to the Captain’s chair, chimed in.
“So what do we do now Jim?” McCoy asked. “Do we let it hit the planet?”
Spock stepped down to the Captain’s chair. “Doctor, we have no choice.” Spock stated flatly. “The Linovans are aware of the situation and have decided to let the collision occur.”
Jim Kirk’s expression betrayed that of one with no choice. “Spock’s is right Bones. We were only asked to come and conduct scientific studies, but in no way are we to interfere with the collision.”
Spock picked up where Kirk left off. “At the rate the object is slowing, the collision will be in the most isolated area of the planet’s largest ocean.”
Uhura, from her communications post, interjected “Mr. Spock, do you think ‘it’ is aiming at that point on Linova Prime to avoid loss of life on the planet?”
“What about that Spock?” Kirk added.
Spock arched an eyebrow. “It is a distinct possibility, but there is no way to know.”
McCoy shook his head. “So let me get this straight.” He looked up at the main view screen, and at the image of the object. “This large 12 mile long tree in space is going to hit their planet and the Linovans are just going to let it happen?”
Spock answered before Kirk could. “The Linovans have a very progressive belief that all life forms are equal Doctor. From the smallest insect to the largest mammal; I find this view quite refreshing.”
“I bet you do. All of God's creatures ehh Spock?.” McCoy replied with an air of sarcasm.
“In fact,” Kirk added as he stood up from his command chair, “the laws on their planet contain stiff penalties for the intentional death of plant life. Pick a four leaf clover to find out if someone loves you could land you in prison.”
McCoy joined Kirk as he walked toward the turbo-lift. Kirk looked up at the view screen then back to Spock.
“Go ahead and continue your scans Mr. Spock, you’ve got the con. Doctor, how about giving me that quarterly physical you’ve been hounding me for the last three weeks.”
McCoy and Kirk stepped into the turbolift, and headed off to Sickbay
Spock and the science labs would have plenty of time to conduct their scans and make their final assessments. The Linovans gave Starfleet a set amount of time to conduct the science studies, after which the Enterprise would have to move off and record the collision from a safe distance. Some of the crew were on Linova Prime enjoying shore leave, but they would be ordered up to the Enterprise two full days before the event.
All there was left to do was to wait.
END OF PART ONE
PART TWO
Hours later;
The Linovan Senate listened to the pleas of the planet’s defense minister. The Senate was comprised of nine senators, each elected by democratic rule. There was no President, just the Senate. It decided on policy on a planetary level.
Captain Kirk, Mr. Spock and Doctor McCoy had come to the gathering and sat in the large gallery. The gallery held nearly four hundred civilians from all parts of the planet. They all listened to the defense minister’s pleas.
“We still do not know what harm will come to our planet when this object hits the northern ocean. All we have is the data provided by the Federation. None of it can be taken as certain.” Divan said plainly.
“It does not matter Minister Divan.” The current Senate Majority leader replied. “Our laws stretch back nearly three hundred solar cycles. Once that object enters this planet’s atmosphere it will be protected by our most sacred law.”
The crowd in the gallery cheered.
“And if millions of our fellow citizens die?" Divan interjected as the crowd cheered. Suddenly the crowd booed.
“All precautions are being taken Minister.” Another Senator said with full confidence and supported cheering from the crowd.
“And so no one will die?” Divan asked the Senator.
There was no reply from the Senate. The gallery was silent.
______________________
Spock piloted the shuttle as Kirk and McCoy sat behind him in the compartment. The collision was only a day and a half away. They could even see the approaching large ‘tree in space’ as the shuttle raced toward the orbiting Starship Enterprise.
“The Minister made some good points.” McCoy said quietly.
“He did.” Kirk agreed.
“And yet the Senate, and the citizens who were present, still chose to let the event happen naturally.” Spock spoke from his control
“And you think it was the right way to go?” McCoy said with sarcasm.
“It doesn’t matter what we believe Doctor.” Spock said. “They have chosen this course and the matter is not ours’ to interpret.”
Kirk stared at the object in space. For lack of a better description it did indeed resemble a large tree in space.
Spock’s calculations showed that as the ‘tree’ came into the atmosphere; most of the outer skin would be burned off. Then the large root system that was folded over the rest of the object would unfurl and the roots would dive into the ocean bottom and take hold.
The collision would cause massive Tsunami. Linova Prime had taken great precaution and had evacuated the population that was threatened. The root system would dive nearly one mile into the planetary crust. Studies showed the likelihood of a small planetary shift. Weather patterns would be affected for nearly ten earth years due mantle displacement into the surrounding atmosphere. The planet would face no long term effects due to the speed of the collison, which would be nearly 700 kilometers per hour.
Now all there was to do was…wait…and watch.
END OF PART TWO
START OF PART THREE
Several hours had passed and the time for the collision was practically at hand.
Captain Kirk stood inside the turbolift as it darted towards the bridge. He had just made a brief walk through the ship. He had spoken briefly with Mr. Scott, making sure that all the systems were ready.
He had even stopped by at Sickbay. McCoy assured him that the medical staff was ready for any possible problems that may arrive.
Then he had found himself on the observation deck. From there he could see the instrument of possible destruction as it came closer and closer toward Linova Prime. Should they have violated the wishes of this planet’s population to save them from themselves? Kirk had done it before, violated a planet’s wishes. Should this have been one of those times?
After a brief respite, Captain Kirk entered the bridge, sat in his chair, and took the free time to gage his crew. The bridge crew had gathered for the coming event. Sulu and Chekov were busy with their routine checks. Spock was conversing with Uhura over at her station.
The view-screen was centered on the ‘Tree’. The collision with the planet was with in one hour from happening. Even if the planet government wanted them to, the Enterprise would not longer be able to change the path of the ‘tree’. The collision was now a forgone conclusion.
It was at that moment that the deflector shield light on the helm consol began to flash.
Sulu looked back to Kirk.
“Captain the deflector shields have snapped on.” The helmsmen said quickly.
“Spock?” Kirk called out, almost instinctively, as he turned his chair to face Uhura’s station.
“Analyzing now Captain,” Spock said as he traversed the upper-deck to his science station.
Spock gazed down into his viewer. “The object has omitted a low energy pulse, a wave. It is traveling away from the object, and the planet, and will pass the Enterprise in ten seconds.”
Kirk didn’t like the sound of that at all. “Will the screens hold?”
Spock looked up and over to Kirk.. “The pulse is very faint, but it is gaining speed. It is composed of a substance which is interacting with subspace. Captain, there is no record of its composition in the computer library.”
Kirk was growing impatient. “What does that mean for us Spock?” Kirk asked.
“We will find out…” Spock stopped as the ship was shaken by the passing wave. “Now.”
Through-out the ship, the crew was mildly shaken by the passing of the wave. In sickbay Doctor McCoy, who was conversing with Nurse Chapel, shook his head.
“Why do I always have to be right?” McCoy said in a low voice.
Nurse Chapel was about to reply when she realized that his statement did not imply a need for a response.
Meanwhile, on the bridge, Uhura spoke from her post. “No damages reported Captain.”
Spock returned to his readings. “The pulse is traveling back upon the course the object came from.”
“Do you think it was some kind of…signal?” Kirk pondered.
“Insufficient data Captain, but that would seem to be a logical assumption. It is not expanding in size at all. The wave’s size is roughly the width of the object.” Spock replied.
Chekov spoke from his post. “Sort of like a ripple in a pond, I suppose?.”
Kirk shook his head. “No… I don’t think so Mr. Chekov. Ripples get larger as they expand.”
Uhura cut in. “Captain, Minister Divan is hailing the ship.”
Kirk turned toward the view-screen. “Put him on the screen Lieutenant.” Kirk replied.
Divan ’s upper-torso soon filled the screen. The Senators could be seen in the back ground as well.
“Captain Kirk, three of our outlining space labs have monitored a pulse-wave emanating from the object.” Divan stated with a sense of urgency.
Kirk nodded in agreement. “We have monitored it as well Minister. We have reason to believe it may have been some kind of signal.”
“What kind of signal?” Divan asked quickly.
Kirk stood up from his chair. The legendary Starship Captain already knew where this conversation was headed. “We don’t know.”
Divan didn’t like that answer at all, but jumped to the obvious conclusion. “It was a homing signal.”
Divan turned back to the Senate. “One of those things I could almost accept. But now, for all we know, that thing may be calling out for more of its kind to follow it here.”
Kirk had to remind Divan the simple truth. “Minister Divan. There is no way to stop this thing from colliding with your planet. We could try destroying it but our weapons would only break it into smaller, but still very large parts, and the trajectory of where those parts would land would be impossible to determine. I’m sorry, but it’s past the point of no return.”
Divan, and the Senators, could see Kirk standing on his bridge via their large view-screen.
Divan gave Kirk and understanding smile. “We understand Captain Kirk. Perhaps, if others do come, the Federation can take actions to prevent them from making it to Linova”
The senate majority leader spoke before Kirk could. “The Federation will do no such thing.”
Divan turned to the senator. “What?”
The senator was resolute. “One or one-hundred of these life forms doesn’t change the ruling of this senate. No action will be taken against it, or others that may follow. The law is clear on this matter.”
Divan’s rising anger was noticeable. “Don’t you understand what may happen? What if a hundred of those things respond and come to Linova Prime? They would destroy this planet, and kill us all in the process.”
The senator was steadfast. “Perhaps you are right Minister Divan. But who and what we are as a people, our values, can not be set aside for some out dated notion of survival. If our society faces oblivion, then we must face it un-wavering in our belief that all life is connected. Perhaps your education as a child was not sufficient enough to prepare you for this simple truth.”
Divan shook his head in disbelief. “You will sacrifice every man, woman and child to sustain this belief?”
“The Senate has already ruled on this matter.” Another Senator said.
With nothing more to be said, the communication with the Linovan Defense Minister ended.
Kirk walked over to Spock’s station.
“Where is that wave now?” Kirk asked.
Spock made some calculations. As he did, he spoke to Kirk. “We don’t have all the facts Jim. It would be illogical for this object to be the cause of this planet’s destruction.”
Kirk nodded in agreement. “I agree Spock. Why do you think it is here? What has brought it to this planet?”
Spock arched an eyebrow. “The wave is now traveling at warp 8, however it seems to be slowing its rate of acceleration. It is still traveling back upon the object’s path.” Spock said first. Then he continued. “As for why it has come here?” Spock pondered. He looked at it on the view-screen. So did Kirk. Kirk looked back to Spock for an answer.
“Survival has brought it here Captain.” Spock concluded.
“Suvival.” Kirk repeated.
“I have scanned the near by solar systems. This is the only solar system in this sector that has, with-in it, an M class planet with large amounts of water.”
Kirk had come to that same conclusion as well. “And so this ‘Tree’ travels through space, and when its water reserves run low, it finds the nearest planet with large amounts of water to replenish its supply. Then, some how, it pulls up its roots and heads back into space.”
Spock nodded. “That is a logical conclusion, based on what little facts we have.”
Kirk smiled. “And no doubt your conclusion as well.”
Spock arched an eyebrow. “Please Captain.”
Kirk sat back in his chair and ordered Sulu to back the Enterprise off from its current position. The ship was nearly three hundred thousand miles behind the ‘Tree’. Several probes had been launched to study the Tree’s decent through the various layers of the planet atmosphere. The view-screen still was centered on the ‘Tree’, but four smaller sections of the screen showed various data flows from the probes.
The turbolift doors opened and Doctor McCoy stepped onto the bridge. He walked down and stood beside Kirk’s chair.
“Well Jim,” McCoy said, “it’s showtime.”
“And ‘vee have front row seats.” Chekov added from his post.
Sulu chimed in as well. “I’m not sure this is the kind of show I want to see.”
Kirk pressed a switch on the arm of his chair.
“Scott here’a.” A familiar voice responded.
“Scotty,” Kirk said, “just incase something happens, make sure Sulu can get us out of here at a moment’s notice.”
Scotty replied in his usual cheerful manner. “Aye, Captain. Just give the word. Scott out.”
At that moment the front section of the Tree began to glow. It was now starting to enter Linova’s atmosphere.
Spock looked into the viewer at his science station. He thought for a moment then walked quickly to Kirk’s chair.
Kirk could tell that his Vulcan friend was worried. Though, of course, Vulcan’s don’t worry. But Kirk knew Spock better than that.
“What is it Spock?” Kirk asked.
“The pulse-wave has changed direction. It is heading back toward Linova Prime at Warp 5.”
Kirk looked worried. He looked to Sulu.
“Mr. Sulu, bring us hard to port! I don’t want to be anywhere in the path of that wave.” Kirk ordered.
Kirk turned back to Spock.
“Spock; how long until the wave will get here?” Kirk asked.
Spock didn’t miss a beat. “The wave will return in approximately eighty-seven point three seconds.”
Kirk snapped his fingers. The captain didn’t like the invariables that were now in control of what was to happen. “Then it wasn’t a signal after all.”
Spock could sense Kirk’s frustration. “We still don’t have all the facts Captain.”
“I know Mr. Spock.” Kirk responded. “And now, for all we know, we might witness one of the greatest natural disasters of all time. Six billion helpless souls down there could possibly die, and there is nothing we can do to stop it.”
McCoy knew that Kirk felt helpless, and perhaps guilty in some small way. “Jim, don’t go beating your self up over this. These people knew the risks.” McCoy switched his gaze over to Spock. “Didn’t they Spock?”
Spock was silent.
Kirk had a thought though. He whirled back around to face his first officer as well. “Where is the wave headed?”
The Vulcan stared back down into his viewer for confirmation. “It is heading straight for object. The exact course the ‘Tree’ has been on since the USS Kennedy first came upon it three Earth standard months ago.”
Kirk’s sudden speculation appeared to have validity.
Spock knew when his Captain had a theory. “Captain, do you have a theory?”
Captain Kirk did indeed. “You said it yourself Spock. The ‘Tree’ has never changed course from the moment Starfleet began tracking it at warp speeds three months ago. It has been traveling pretty much on a straight line.”
“And?” McCoy asked impatiently.
The Captain looked up at the glowing ‘Tree’ as it began to glow even brighter.
“What if it can’t change its course? What if the planet is simply in the way?”
Spock nodded, almost surprised at his Captain’s deduction. “The wave will strike the object in ten seconds.”
The Enterprise was at a safe distance should the planet begin to be broken up. The bridge crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise all watched helplessly as the wave slammed into the glowing image on the screen.
“Oh my…” It was all that James Kirk could muster to say.
END OF PART TRHEE
Will there be more to this story, or is that it?
Good crew interaction during the event, you've obviously got a good feel for these characters.
