James Timothy Kirk is not what anyone would call a people watcher. But the man in the Shipview Cafe was worth watching. It was also what that man was watching that caught Kirk's eye in the first place. The Shipview faced the spacedock, and the featured player in Starfleet's corner of the massive El Nanth spacedock today was the USS Kongo NCC 10455. The man looked to be early middle age, about 55 or so. High forehead, sandy brown hair, grey at the temples. He had sky blue eyes that seem to hold some secret joke. He looked at Kirk's ship with the fascination of a grandparent on a new grandchild. He was also a civilian, unusual in this corner of the spacedock. Kirk picked up his coffee and wandered over.
"Morning, do you like her?"
"Oh yes," the man's gaze took in Kirk's every detail with a single glance. "I used to serve in Starfleet, I commanded a 'Kongo' once, but not that ship. Oh, Jerold Ryan LaSaille, how do you do."
"The same, Captain James Timothy Kirk. I command this 'Kongo'."
"I think you have done well by her. The refit suits her to a 't'."
"So, what was your Kongo's number Captain?"
"Please, just call me Jerry. I am long passed formal titles. My Kongo, well, that was long ago. However, business was kind to me, by the time Starfleet was ready to scrap her I had money to spare. I bought her hull, at scrap prices. I restored her to the way she was when I commanded her. I served with the Kongo 12 years as commanding officer. I guess she will always be my first love. She is at fleet dock AA 137. Tell the deck watch I sent you, they'll let you poke around. Well young man, it has been pleasant, but I must be on my way. Beautiful ship you have there, take good care of her. He was gone quickly, and hadn't answered Kirk in the least. Kirk was both put off, and curious.
As the engineers would be poking around in Kongo's guts at least another day, and the morning's paperwork was signed, he decided to have a look. Dock AA 137 was way in the back of the fleet facilities. Captain's pips had gotten him an inspection cab, and a docking clearance for the ship. It took a long 15 minutes to reach the far flung arm of the dock. Except for maintainance lights, the hulks at their moorings where unlit and quiet. He managed to make out a Constellation class ship, a few older Frigates, and a Unity class cruiser, then the lights came up ahead. Kirk just stared, the eggshell white of the hull dazzled him. A nacelle design a hundred years old at the least. It was a Constitution class ship as cherry as the day she was launched. The Hull said it all. USS Kongo NCC 1710.
He boarded like a school kid with an extra day off and spent the entire afternoon wandering the old ship. She was perfect in every detail. From the 23rd century instruments in the Sickbay to the commissioning plate on the bridge. Either the old man was the greatest liar in the sector, or a lot older than he looked.
Kirk sat at the old science station. It took a moment to figure out the controls and pull up the records he wanted. If the designs to these things hadn't been standardized centuries ago, he would have been lost. There, he had it, the captain's list. Capt. Rodrego Esperato Diaz, Capt. Jerold Ryan LaSaille... The rest didn't matter. He looked up the man's service record. Retired as an Admiral in 2285. Well, he was, as he thought, one hell of a liar, or he wanted to know what doctor he went to.
Captain's Log stardate 47123.45. We have passed all engineering tests with flying colors. Both Starfleet and the Ane designers are in accord that the refit is working within nominal perimeters. We are currently bound for Deep Space 7 We are responding to what was described as a 'low priority' planetary distress call. I am anxious to see what kind of planetary distress the Commander calls 'low priority'. We are proceeding at warp 8."
Commander Listermen kept a cluttered but organized office. Nick-nacks of every description covered numerous shelves. Most seem to be in the archeological or naturalist fields of collecting. Commander Listerman seem to be part of the collection. She was a late middle-aged woman of medium height with a fussy disposition.
Kirk was impatient. "Commander, where is the distress call coming from? The sooner we know, the sooner we can act."
"Captain Kirk, please, their is no reason to get in a lather. No emergency at all."
"Forgive me, but when someone says 'planetary distress call' I tend to think in terms of hurry. Now, were is the call coming from, and what are the circumstances?"
"Well Captain, the call has been arriving for the last 70 years. We have only had the privilege of receiving it since the station was built 20 years ago. However, a few communication ships placed in the appropriate spots have picked up the missed messages. Recent events have caused us to consider that distress was in order."
"I am not getting this at all. A 70 year old distress message that isn't a distress message until recently? Please, try words of one syllable."
Commander Listerman looked confused, then the light dawned. "Ah, I think I understand. Captain Kirk, we have been receiving sub-light analog video and audio signals. Not subspace messages. We got our computers around the signals and have been reading them. Quality varies greatly.
"OK, sub-light signals, what is the distress element?" Kirk was fed to the eyebrows with the dithering. He had never blown up with any other officer, and he didn't want to start here.
"Perhaps I should start at the beginning?"
"Yes. Please, do." Kirk flopped into a chair.
"Ahem." Listerman began to pace before her desk, the perfect professor in the perfect lecture mode. "You are of course aware that every deep space station keeps a constant monitor on all known frequencies both real space and subspace. Shortly after our array went into service the computer noted these signals. We have been receiving flat screen, analog, video/audio, and audio only signals from a system 183.2 light years distant, although that fact was only recently revealed. Our computer quickly analyzed the signals, and we have 'enjoyed', news and entertainment form this system since. The signals have varied in strength and clarity.
Ten years ago, the tone of the programing changed. What I like to call "vodtreker' themes became the standard fair. Tales of the brave forced from their homes by nameless and unstoppable forces. Then two years ago the entertainment programing stopped. The signal got a lot stronger, and clearer. Instead of dramas, we where presented with panoramic views of the planet. Analog telemetry spewed forth by the bucket full. Then, a week ago we got two correlating facts that brought the whole thing together. Screen on."
The large view screen at the end of the office lit up. A flat image, shot with static showed a city of striking and unusual architecture, the city caught fire at once, and the image went blank.
"That is a good enough example. I could show you things catching fire all day. The other factor is the light from the NGC 370,465 nova reached the station at the same time we got these images. All broadcasting abruptly ceased."
Kirk was sobered by the brief show. He sat a long moment, and grieved for a people he would never know. When he at last found his voice, it quavered a bit at first. "Planetary distress, but we are 183.2 years to late."
"We have known about the NGC 370,465 nova for a long time. We however never associated the broadcasts as being from that system. We now know without a doubt where they came from."
"What do you want from the Kongo?"
"Can you go there, see what there is to see? See if any evidence of the people that lived there remains? They have become, in a fashion, our friends. The computer deparment spent far too much time translating their shows, and re-imaging the broken up video so we can run them here. I'm sorry if you came running thinking lives were in danger Captain, but, these people were important to us. We hoped, that they had advanced since they made their dramas, that, they would come here, and we would be the ones to welcome them into the galactic society." She stopped, sniffed loudly, and walked to the replicator. "Handkerchief, linen, large." The requested item appeared. She blew her nose, and wiped her eyes. "Silly of me, I know. I assure you however you will find my sediments broadly felt throughout the station."
"I am assigned to exploration and enforcement duty in this sector, and I have no specific orders from Starfleet. I'll consult with my science department, and get back to you."
"Thank you Captain, is there anything we can help with?"
"Yes, I'd like to see some of those videos."
The sky was dark with smoke and ash. All the world had become an inferno of red fire and black smoke. In the distance the volcano raged still, the angry gods would not be appeased this time. Slisflix gazed once more on the island village of his youth. Tears rolled down his cheeks as he saw the lava reach the outskirts. He turned to the boat, and called for the crew to cast off, they where the last to leave. There was no place to stay, and no turning back. His boat joined the others far out in the lagoon, they rowed into the wide ocean unknown. The soothsayers had promised them new lands beyond the setting sun. He faced bravely forward and joined the farewell chant in time with the flashing paddles. They would seek the future, and let the past go.
The screen dimmed, and the lights in the Kirk's dayroom came up. The senior staff was gathered in an informal briefing. Snacks littered the tables.
Kirk spoke first. "I'm impressed. Opinions?"
Regiban the ships Ane sciences officer chimed in. **A most unusual species. They resemble the reconstructions of the Earth creature Dyninocus, extinct for 65 million years.**
Bob Hanson, the Chief medical office jumped on that. "Tim asks for a drama critic and you analyze the species. Yes, I found them interesting as a people. However, their ability at drama was quite moving. Culture is more important than shape."
Regiban replied. **Must you always find exception to my observations Doctor?**
Hanson grinned. "It's an old Starfleet tradition; Doctor harasses Science officer."
Kirk broke into the debate. "Gentleman, all observations are valued. Anyone else?"
Tathilan said. **Drama? It was well produced, and well written. I find it hard to judge the acting due to the fact I don't have a standard of behavior to base it on.**
Spacik put in his two credits. "A parable I think, not a documentary. The tech level displayed is not consistent with the tech level required to produce it."
Deateli, the ships Delta Counsellor picked up the thread, "It was clearly meant to stir emotion. If the translation is accurate, I would say to sway public opinion as well. I would class it as propaganda disguised as entertainment."
Kirk took the floor back. "Tathilan, have you reviewed the rest of the 'Vodtrecker' works?"
**Yes.**
"Can you give me a synopsis?"
**The 'Vodtrecker' style is consistent formula drama; One person, or a small group of the society sense an outside threat of natural origin. Society in general rejects the threat. At this point the style splits into two types, the first I'll call "The Chosen People" The threat becomes obvious, and the people rush to save themselves only to be told it is of little matter and the threat will pass. The original discoverers work to save themselves and anyone that will come. Most in ignorance or trust of old habit do not. The few escape and the many perish.
The second style I'll call 'The Exodus'. It proceeds as per the first style, except the threat is accepted. Disorder reigns until the original discoverers of the threat rise to meet the challenge, and all are saved by dint of total effort. The future is uncertain, but hopeful.**
"Could they have known they where to die?"
Regiban broke back in. **It is conceivable Tim. Other than radio and television, we have little idea as to their level of technology.**
Gwenith Ap Owen the XO spoke for the first time. "Could the Vodtrecker dramas be a means to prepare people for the idea they have to leave?"
Deateil replied. "I would say yes. Given what we have seen, and the synopsis of the rest, it is consistent with the idea that they wanted to make the idea of leaving a comfortable one. If we are interpreting this in the proper manner, I would say we have a good chance of communicating with any survivors."
Spacik said. "That is if we find any survivors. I will also point out that even if survivors exist, we will not easily find them. The globe of space around any star is huge, within that globe, anywhere, could be our survivors."
Kirk finished. "Point taken. OK, we'll check this thing out. Spacik, Regiban, investigate any stars within 100 light years of NGC 370,465 that could hold a class M planet. Not necessarily those that do mind you, but could, based on late 20th to early 21st century Earth technology. I think that is a comfortable margin for their technical level. Let's do it. We leave at 0800 hours.
Captian's Log 47127.14 We are underway for NGC 370,465. Moral is high, and hopes a bit too high for finding survivors from the civilization destroyed by the Nova. While I certianly do hope to find some manner of survivors, I don't hold much hope for it. Fate is seldom that kind.
The Kongo was 4 days out and fast approaching their target. Regiban was fiddling with the Science station. The quickly flashing screens caught Kirk's eye. He went over to the station and sat in the chair the Ane wasn't using.
"Find something?"
**I'm not yet sure Captain. A large mass indicated at extreme range. It looks too vauge to be a planet, and too big to be a loose comet.**
"Any velocity?"
**It's moving, it could be an astronomical object. I would have to get within short range to make accurate readings.**
"OK, mark it, we'll check it out in the way back."
Commnader Spacik reported. "Captain, we have passed the system borders."
"Very well, give me one half impulse. Commence search."
The Kongo drifted into the NGC 370,465 system. A bloated red giant filled the screen as they searched for planets. The reports came in. A rock or two was being turned up here and there. Two former gas giants, striped of their outer atmosphere. Two more rocky planets in closer orbit, and one rocky planet playing Icarus with the very sun itself.
Spacik reported to Kirk. "Diameter of 12000 km, gravity .933 G, no atmosphere."
Regiban broke in. **Captain, I am getting readings of refined metals.**
"Mr. Spacik, can we safely orbit?"
"Questionable Captain. Solar radiation levels are higher than recommended. I would not advise longer than a 24 hour orbit, and at that with full shielding."
"Mr. Regiban, use the probes."
**Very well Captain, four probes armed. Probes away.**
A low tension spread through the bridge as everyone waited for the reports from the probes. Kirk ordered the video output placed on the main view screen. The probes streaked across the barren surface of a fire scarred world. Regiban chanted out the probe data as any pertinent information came in. No one left the bridge. For three and a half hours the scenery hardly changed. Half the planet looked cooked, mountains slaged, glassy plains. The other half only looked charred. Suddenly a half-rounded object came into the view of probe two. Regiban confirmed it.
**I have an artifact Captain.**
"Full screen, lets hear it."
The Probe circled the object as Regiban spoke. **A ceramic compound with excellent installation properties. Their appears to be a structure of some kind inside the dome. Heavy machinery is indicated, viable life conditions are not.**
Kirk stood. "Get all the readings you can. Everyone else take a break. Staff meeting in two hours.
Two hours later the briefing room was full. Every officer that could get an excuse to attend was present.
Kirk started things off. "We have a confirmed artifact on the first planet. Mr. Regiban, please continue."
The view screen lit up with the scans from the probe.
**The Artifact is a silicon ceramic that it is capable of resisting heat of a nova for a matter of several days if necessary. It was obviously designed to protect what the dome contains. The dome itself is remarkably transparent to electromagnetic energy in the radio range. The primary contents are a large array of structural girders and parabolic dishes. Underground facilities exist, but background radiation is sufficient to prevent a good reading. All I can say with accuracy is that it is a fairly large complex.**
Mrlitath the Cait tactical officer spoke up. "Is an away team indicated?"
Kirk replied. "You sound eager to check this out?"
"Yes sir. It smells of good hunting."
"Mr. Spacik, is this advisable?"
The Vulcan replied. "It can be done Captain, I would not advise it. The ship must maintain shielding or it will itself be exposed to the radiation of the star. Travel would have to be in shuttlecraft. These are not the best shielded ships we have. Once underground, the away team would be in relative safety. Radiation is 80% in the alpha and beta bands with 9% gamma radiation, the remaining %1 is divided between various types of more exotic particles. Most is stopped by any good physical barrier. A suit on the surface is not a good physical barrier."
"Is there a way down?"
Regiban took the question. **I was unable to determine that Captain. However, further investigation is not possible without an on sight team.**
Kirk thought about it for a moment. "Mr. Mrlitath, are you willing to lead this away team, in light of the dangers?"
"Yes Captain."
"Very well, you will use our one runabout. Two crew for the runabout, four maximum for the surface team, one medical on the runabout. The last is not optional. Volunteer only, and with a full understanding of the risks. Dr. Hanson, what would be the maximum safe exposure time?"
"On the surface? 15 minutes, 20 on the outside."
"Very well, if you cannot find an entrance to the sub-structure in 7 minutes, abandon the search, and return to the runabout. You have your orders everyone, lets do it."
Finding volunteers was not hard, Mrlitath filled the team in no time. They were shortly thereafter circling the dome. He sat right-hand for Lt. Solin, who was pilot for the team.
"Do you see a way into the dome?"
"No sir, solid all the way round. Probe scans didn't show a way in either."
Lt. Thass siting third seat looked over their shoulders. "Can we cut it?"
"Technically, yes" Mrlitath thumbed the comm.
"Akagia to Kongo. Permission to cut our way in Captain?"
The reply came back. "Permission granted."
Mrlitath aimed the runabouts light phasers, and fired on the base of the dome. A little clean up work and he had a hole big enough for the runabout. Solin eased the small ship into the opening. The outside lights played off the girders throwing ghostly shadows around the inside of the dome.
Mrlitath turned to Thass. "How is the radiation level?"
"Well within accepted limits inside the runabout. As expected outside."
Mrlitath turned to he team. "We suit up, two and two, search the base of the girder structure. Mr. Solin, give us the count by the minute. Nothing in 7 minutes, we quit and head for the Akagia."
Lt. Cmd. Mrlitath, Lt. Thass, Ensigns Roberts, and Mordane suited up and cycled through the lock.
Mrlitath issued the orders. "Roberts with me, Thass you and Mordone take that side. Lets move."
The four jogged to the base of the huge structure, their lights playing around the ground, and up the girders.
Lt. Solin spoke into the comm, "one minute."
Egn. Mordane looked about. "What are well looking for exactly?"
Thass replied. "I'm not entirely sure, stairs, a door, ramps. We'll know it when we see it.
"Two minutes."
Lt. Cmd. Mrlitath queried the other team. "Anything yet?"
Thass replied, "Nothing yet."
"There has to be something." broke in Egn. Roberts.
"Perhaps" replied Mrlitath, "but will we find it."
"Three minutes."
"Hey!" Mordone sounded excited. "I found a ramp down."
Mrlitath quickly called the other team. "Thass, Mordone, flash your suit lights, we're on our way."
"Four minutes"
Mrlitath called to Akagia. "We are on a ramp down, radiation levels are dropping sharply."
Solin called the Kongo. "Captain, the team is in."
Continued in Part Two
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Return to -- Epiphany Trek: The Stories The Above is a work of fiction. All characters are fictional, any resemblance to persons living or dead is coincidental.
Copyright © Garry Stahl: December 1997. All rights reserved, re-print only with permission. |
