Reality: what a concept
Neptune
The USS Reliant, and two Romulan Warbirds are in a parking orbit in the ‘southern’ region of the planet.
Gary Mitchell stood on the Transporter Deck with Lt. Ferrell. They were preparing to beam over to the Romulan Warbird. First officer Commander Geordi LaForge, who was also the ship’s chief engineer, came into the Transporter room just as Mitchell and Ferrell took their spots on the Transporter pad.
“Here to see us off?” Gary asked the blind Commander LaForge.
“Do you write your own material sir?” LaForge asked with a smile.
“God I hope not,” Lt. Ferrell added.
“Listen,” Gary said to him. “I don’t like how these Romulan ships can just pop up out of nowhere unannounced. Start working on some kind of counter-measure.”
“I will sir. And if I don’t hear from you or Lt. Ferrell in a half hour, I’m going to cause a ruckus. Trust me Captain Mitchell, there isn’t anything more intimidating than a blind man gone crazy with anger,” LaForge said.
“I’ll keep that in mind,” Gary responded with a polite smile.
And then, moments later, both Gary and Lt. Terry Ferrell shimmered away.
--
Romulan Vessel Prey’ftor
The sights and sounds of another Federation Starship were one thing, Captain Gary Mitchell thought to himself as he, and his science officer, Lt. Ferrell, walked along side Praefectus’alae Gnaeus aboard the Romulan Warbird Prey’ftor. But the sights and sounds of an alien starship were another entirely different animal. The exotic scents, and the darkened green hued lighting gave the ship a very mysterious feel to it.
“I trust this is your first visit to an alien ship?” Gneaus asked of both Mitchell and Ferrell.
“Yes it is,” Gary replied. “I must admit that my world has many question pertaining to some of your remarks to Captain Kirk during his first encounter with you and the Gorn.”
“I’m sure these questions will be answered in due time,” Gneaus said.
As they headed towards the science department aboard the Prey’ftor, Gneaus had to keep his mind focused just incase Mitchell had some sort of telepathy. What Gary Mitchell did not know was the Gneaus was well aware of some aspects of Gary’s mysterious powers, thanks to Gneaus’s ally; Khan. If Gary Mitchell had these powers manifesting inside of him, Gneaus reasoned, it was even more suspicious now since an Omega Particle was also in the same solar system. The odds were too immense to be mere coincidence. Perhaps Mitchell and the Omega Particle, which had so far proven to be difficult to remove from the depths of Neptune’s atmosphere, had more in common than just sharing the same solar system.
“I’m sure my world’s government,” Gary said, “will have some issue with an alien craft in our solar system without our knowing about it.”
Gneaus nodded in understanding as he led Gary and Lt. Ferrell into the science section of the Romulan Warbird.
“Trust me when I say,” Gneaus said, “that our being here is entirely of a scientific nature and with absolutely no strategic value.”
“Of course,” Gary replied with a smile, and not believing a word of what the Romulan said. “I just wanted to be forthright with you.”
“I appreciate the gesture,” Gneaus said. “I think, in time, our two worlds will find much common ground to perhaps, one day, forge an alliance.”
“An alliance implies there is a need for shared protection,” Lt. Ferrell said, innocently enough.
“All in good time,” Gneaus replied. The he changed the subject. “This is our main science lab. You are welcomed to observe my crew,” Gneaus said, motioning to the large science department.
“What kind of science observations are you making?” Lt. Ferrell asked as she observed the monitors. The displays were detailed with Roman numbering and letters, which Ferrell had studied up on, as did all United Space Agency, upon knowledge of the Romulan usage of them when Kirk’s first mission returned. She looked at one of the monitors and then back to Gneaus. “What is an Omega Particle?”
Gneaus was impressed with the humans. They obviously had educated themselves on the Roman aspects of their past. And since the human female felt confident to reveal this fact, it also meant the humans were becoming more assertive. They would make perfect servants in the future, Gneaus concluded.
Gneaus was about to respond when Praefectus fabrum G’atny, the Prey’ftor’s main science officer, answered the question for Gneaus.
“The Omega Particle,” she told them, “is a very rare element in the galaxy. Its properties are hard to define in that they may be affected by forces beyond our space time continuum.”
“Interesting,” Gary said. “So what will do with this particle if you find it?”
“We will remove it, “Gneaus said. “If not contained properly, the Omega Particle could become unstable and destroy this entire solar system.”
Gary and Lt. Ferrell exchanged worried glances.
--
USS Enterprise
Traveling at Warp Factor Eight, on its way to the planet Vulcan.
Captain James T. Kirk was in his quarters, sharing a meal with Spock. It was the first time that Kirk had been able to really sit down and really meet with the visitor. Spock was eating from a plate of pees, artichokes and what appeared to be Navy bean soup minus the beans.
“I’m sorry I haven’t had much time to spend with you,” Kirk said as he cut into the chicken steak on his own plate. “I’ve been pretty busy.”
“No offense taken, Captain Kirk,” the Vulcan stated.
“Do you have a designation?” Kirk asked as he took in a fork of food.
“I’m afraid that my Vulcan name could not be pronounced with the limited range of sounds your language provides,” the Vulcan said. “Now as for your question about my designation, I have resigned my self to the fact that for now, and most likely for the rest of my nature life, I will go by the designation of Spock.”
“Don’t you think your people will be able to find away to delink the two of you?” Kirk asked.
“The unique nature of the Spock consciousness may preclude that,” Spock said. “I assume by the way you are looking at me that you didn’t consider Spock a living being?”
“Not exactly,” Kirk corrected Spock. “I did know there was something special about the Spock unit. He and I, I mean you and I, oh hell whatever, we have had some quite interesting conversations over the year or so I have interacted with you. And I might add that Guinan has been aware of your uniqueness as well. Perhaps by keeping this a secret between us we have endangered your life now. For that I am deeply sorry.”
Spock looked at Kirk.
“There is no need for regrets,” Spock said as he took in two pees on his fork. “It was I who acted on impulse and forced the Mind-meld, so it is I who must bear the responsibility.”
“Mind-meld... what is that?” Kirk asked.
“My species has the innate ability to touch minds other than our own. One such method is the Mind-meld. We can literally read the memories and thoughts of those we are in contact with. However I must say we only use this ability with permission from those whom we wish to meld with.”
“When you did this mind-meld with Spock, did his knowledge and experiences get passed along as well? Do you remember the Clark/Dennison mission for example?” Kirk asked.
“Yes Captain. Those events are still part of my memory, including several memories and programs that were buffered in a previously unattainable alcove in my matrix,” Spock replied.
“Anything I should know?” Kirk asked.
“It is hard to say. I am still trying to access their meanings and purpose. The Vulcan brain is far more advanced than that of a human, but even still, the memory transfer is being absorbed as best it can. However, I can tell you, that Doctor Daystrom was working on a companion matrix called the D.A.T.A. The aspect of this that will interest you is that the Data brain matrix was later purchased by the late senator, John Gill.”
Kirk didn’t like the sound of that all, but would table it for now.
“I don’t mean to sound like an interrogator,” Kirk said.
“Do not worry Captain Kirk,” Spock said, “you are only acting in a most logical way.”
“Thanks,” Kirk said. “I am not often thought of as a logical person. Anyway; what is it like out here? My world, Earth, is just starting to explore beyond our system. And any advice, or even just basic knowledge of the various alien species we might encounter, would be most helpful.”
“I can tell you that my planet, Vulcan, is a member world of an organization, a Federation if you will, of other like minded worlds that explore the vastness of space for peaceful reasons,” Spock said. “Your world, of what I know of it, has been off limits due to the immaturity of your species. Now that you have attained the ability to explore space on a galactic level, I am quite sure your world will be approached to join. My father Sarek represents my world at the Federation assembly. Perhaps when we get to Vulcan you can meet with my father and he can see to this matter.”
“What can you tell me about the Romulans?” Kirk asked.
Although Spock was quite skilled at maintaining what Kirk would call a poker face, or lack of emotions to others, the mention of the Romulans did cause a minute change in the Vulcan’s demeanor.
“Captain Kirk,” Spock said, “until you are a member world of the Federation, I am bound by one of our most cherished edicts: The Prime Directive. It forbids us from interfering in the natural progression, and maturity, of a non-member world. However, I can state a matter of fact. The Romulans are not a member of the Federation.”
“Can I take from what you just said that by not joining this Federation of yours that the Romulans do not consider the exploration of space as a peaceful endeavor?” Kirk asked as the tone of the conversation turned serious.
“I regret to say that, at this time, I can not answer such questions. I am quite sure that my father can engage in a more official conversation once we reach Vulcan,” Spock replied.
Kirk nodded. “Well,” Kirk said, “I understand. So your father is the Ambassador from your world to this Federation? You must be proud.”
“Vulcans do not apply such layers upon our relationships,” Spock said. “It is what it is, and my father is quite accomplished at his position.”
The two continued to talk about their two very different worlds. And as Kirk listened to this Vulcan, he found himself liking the Vulcan. How much of it was the Vulcan or how much of it was S.P.O.C.K., Kirk did not know.
Kirk also realized that the Romulans, down the line, could pose a problem. Especially if Earth joined the Federation Spock spoke of. How would Earth’s so called cousins, the Romulans, take such an event?
--
NEPTUNE
Romulan Warbird Prey’ftor
Praefectus fabrum G’atny explained to Captain Mitchell and Lt. Ferrell about the coming launch of their forth probe into Neptune’s atmosphere.
“We have already launched three such probes,” she told them. “This is our forth and final chance to obtain the particle.
“If it is as unstable as you say it is,” Lt. Ferrell said, “why risk removing it? Perhaps it is here to prevent easy access to it.”
G’atny shot Ferrell a look of annoyance.
“I know as a new space faring race,” G’atny told Ferrell, “this kind of information may be intimidating. You must trust that we have much more knowledge and are using it in a way that will best serve us, and in the same process, protect your world.”
Gary recognized a dressing down when he saw one. And he was starting to find the Romulans arrogance too much to tolerate. The anger was starting to grow inside of him.
At Gneaus’s silent urging, G’atny steered Lt. Ferrell away from where Gneaus was standing with Captain Mitchell. It was time.
“Captain Mitchell,” Gneaus said, “I would like to speak with you now about certain aspects of our shared history with your world.”
“Sure,” Gary said. “I’d like that,” Gary added with a smile. Inside of him, the evil wanted to squish the Romulan's head and kill him.
Gary followed Gneaus through a passageway and then into another room. Once they were inside the other room, the lights went out and the room was totally dark. A strange electromagnetic energy pattern, like that of tiny lightning bolts, surrounded the entire room. A piercing pain suddenly erupted inside of Gary’s mind. It was a trap!
Then a small beam of light shined on Gneaus, who stood directly before Gary. It was as if they existed in another reality, just the two of them, and the two guards, in the darkness.
As Gary fell to his knees in pain, two Romulans bounded his wrists behind his back and then they forced him back up.
“What is the meaning of this?” Gary demanded. “This is an act of war!”
“First off,” Gneaus, “your world will soon be ours. Your pathetic defenses will pose absolutely no threat. What was once ours will be ours again, in time.”
“We’ll see about that,” Gary said with a sadistic smile.
“Oh,” Gneaus added, “we are very aware of your unique abilities Captain Gary Mitchell,” Gneaus said with his own sneering smile. “We know you used your mind and altered the course of that comet that crashed into your world. You should know that you’re not the first of your kind we have encountered. So trust me when I say that this kind of enclosure will contain your power.”
“How do you know of my power?” Gary demanded.
“Because I told them,” another voice said from just ahead in the shadows.
(yeah!!! you know who it is…click
HERE to read the special bonus section)