Summary: The USS Enterprise, commanded by Captain Christopher Pike, encounters a strange phenomenon that hurls them into an alternate dimension. . .the Buffyverse. Mayhem follows.
Disclaimer: All of these characters remain the property of their owners/creators. . .I'm just borrowing them for a spell. . .
Rating: PG-13, for violence.
Time Frame: Just before "Prophecy Girl" in the Buffyverse. . .six months after the Talos IV incident (portrayed in "The Cage" (original Star Trek pilot) and the flashback scenes in "The Menagerie.") in the Star Trek universe.
Archiving: Be my guest, but e-mail me (eilandesq@aol.com) to let me know. . .I like to know where stuff I write ends up and I might want to see what else you've got.
Note: For the reader who is not a deep fan of the Star Trek series, Captain Christopher Pike was the captain of the starship Enterprise immediately before Captain James T. Kirk. He and his crew were seen in the original pilot for the Star Trek series, "The Cage" which never aired (until it started appearing in the syndication packages during the 90's) and in the Star Trek two part episode "The Menagerie" (which used footage from "The Cage" as flashback material), as well as several published Star Trek novels. The major officers and crew members are as follows: Captain Christopher Pike (played by Jeffrey Hunter in the series); the First Officer, known only as Number One (played by Majel Barrett, who later played Nurse Christine Chapel and married Gene Roddenberry); Second Officer Spock (yes, that Spock, played by the legendary Leonard Nimoy); Jose Tyler, the helmsman; Yeoman Colt (the captain's yeoman, paving the way for Janice Rand); Phil Boyce, ship's doctor.
BEAMING DOWN. . .TO A HELLMOUTH?
"Hyperdrive offline! We're being drawn into it, Captain!"
Tyler's voice betrayed the fear he was feeling, even as his hands continued playing over the helm controls in a desperate attempt to avoid the phenomenon that filled the screen ahead. Pike glared at the thing on the screen, then snapped, "Full impulse! We'll try to slingshot away from it. . .use its own force to throw us free." He turned to the young Vulcan at the science station and snapped, "Science Officer, report!"
Spock looked back at his concerned captain and replied, "Captain, the force drawing us in is not registering on our sensors. However, its effects strongly resemble the disruptive effects of a large collapsar. . .we will not be able to use our hyperdrive in this area. I estimate that the slingshot maneuver that you are contemplating will have only a 27.15 percent chance of success, with the alternative being that we will be drawn into the phenomenon. Outcome: unknowable."
Pike nodded, then looked at the navigation station where Number One was sitting. A quick nod from her confirmed that she agreed with Spock's assessment. He gritted his teeth, and commented, "Nothing better to try. . .hang on, everyone!"
The sound of the straining impulse engines grew louder and louder as Tyler began to set up the breakaway maneuver. After a moment, he threw a switch, and half of the crewmen on the bridge were thrown from their seats as the ship lurched violently. Pike looked hopefully at the screen, but he was disappointed: the ship had not changed course enough to avoid the phenomenon that was now swallowing them up. . .
. . .and then they were through. Pike was gratified to see that space here at least looked normal. . .but where had they ended up? If that thing was some kind of wormhole, they could be absolutely anywhere. The stars were rapidly whipping by, implying that the phenomenon was throwing them away with considerable force. Pike turned to Tyler and ordered, "Stop us in space, Mr. Tyler. I want to get a good look at where we are."
Tyler quickly complied, and the ship came to a stop in space. Spock quickly located the phenomenon approximately 200 million kilometers from their current location, and began analyzing it for signs of how it would behave in the future. Pike turned to Number One and asked, "Any idea where we are?"
The first officer expertly manipulated her navigation controls for a few moments, then her face displayed a truly rare emotion for Number One: shock. Without waiting for further orders, she called up on the viewscreen what one of the exterior sensors was showing as being but a few million kilometers away: a gaudily ringed gas giant. Pike stared for a moment, then whispered, "Saturn? What are the odds of that happening?" He grinned and commented, "Well, I guess we were just lucky this time. Starfleet Command will want to hear about this. . ."
Spock interrupted, concern visible through Vulcan control: "Captain, the situation is not as fortunate as you believe. I am unable to locate any of the Starfleet installations that are known to be on Titan or elsewhere in the Saturn planetary system. . .for that matter, I see no sign of Federation activity in the entire star system."
Pike turned to the communications officer and asked quietly, "Any signs of subspace activity, Lieutenant." The officer at the station shook his head and replied, "Negative, Captain. Dead air."
Pike grimaced and commented, "It can't just be easy for once, can it?. . .Helm, set course for Earth. I want to see what is going on there."
Two hours later, they arrived, and Spock's report was no more reassuring. "Captain, I am not sensing any of the expected Starfleet installations here, either. However, I am finding a large number of satellites committed for communications, weather observation, and military applications. The level of technology involved is equivalent to what Earth had in the early 1980's. "
Pike frowned and asked, "So what you're saying is that we've gone back in time, Mr. Spock?" Spock frowned, then checked his readouts before replying, "Negative, Captain. The sensors are reporting anomalous readings that suggest that the laws of physics are subtly different here, thought similar enough to let most of our systems operate normally. We seem to be in another universe, Captain."
Pike took a deep breath: there was a sentence you didn't hear every day. He looked intently at Spock and asked slowly, "Are we going to be able to get out of here?" Spock looked at the readings that the sensors had taken from the phenomenon, and almost smiled before his Vulcan control set in. He replied, "Affirmative, Captain. Readings indicate that the phenomenon will reverse polarity in approximately thirty six hours, fifteen minutes, and forty two seconds, whereupon if we are in the proximity of it, it will draw us through. Unless the dimensional connection is to yet another dimension, it should take us back to our universe."
Pike nodded in acknowledgment, then asked, "Do we have any idea yet what is causing that phenomenon?" Spock looked into his scanner again, then nodded and replied, "Affirmative, Captain. The phenomenon is being generated by a dimensional rift on the surface of this version of Earth. . .in the general area of what would be Santa Barbara, California on our version of Earth."
Pike frowned and commented, "I suppose we could just leave and mark the phenomenon with warning buoys . . .let Starfleet decide on any further action. But I'm reluctant to leave this place without finding out the nature of what is causing this problem. . .if it causes one of these things, it could cause others." He looked at Spock again and asked, "Mr. Spock, what can you tell me about this Earth?"
Spock looked over at the communications officer and nodded: the lieutenant pressed a few buttons and transferred data to Spock's station: Spock looked into his viewer and pressed a few buttons himself before straightening and listening as the voice of the library computer began reporting: "Analysis of carrier wave transmissions indicates that the calendar date is May 15, 1997, 0100 hours GMT. Scans indicate that space travel has lagged behind what is known to have been developed on Earth by this time, by approximately 25 years. However, development of computers has been accelerated here, with computers of all types having reached a level of development equal to that attained in the year 2025 on our Earth. Other technological development is approximately equivalent to that of our Earth of the same date. Socio-political factors are somewhat different. . .no signs of the aftereffects of the Eugenics wars. . .the United States of America remains the predominant superpower. No other significant differences."
Pike nodded at the information and commented, "Thank you, gentlemen." He hit the intercom button on his chair and spoke firmly, "Quartermaster? I want you to provide clothing suitable to late twentieth century Earth for a landing party of eight, specific personnel to be indicated by the message you will receive in the next five minutes. Pike out." He looked up to find his first officer looking at him quizzically. "Do you have a comment, Number One?"
The dark-haired woman frowned and replied, "It's just that we're in another universe here, Captain. We may find that things are rather different down there than anything we've encountered before. Should we risk it, given that we have an obligation to report the danger posed by the phenomenon to Starfleet?"
As usual, Pike's first officer was flawless in her logic. . .but Pike had other ideas on this occasion. "I agree with you the risk is substantial, but we need to know what is causing this phenomenon. . .and we have a considerable technological edge on the inhabitants. . .it should be relatively safe." As he said this, he remembered his recent confrontation with a barbarian with an axe, and reflected that things were rarely as safe as they seemed. He shook off the uneasy feeling, and stated, "Landing party will consist of myself, Number One, Mr. Spock, Lieutenant Tyler, Yeoman Colt, Dr. Boyce, and Security Officers Brennan and Davidson." He got up and looked at the members of the party present: "We'll meet in the transporter room in thirty minutes. . .we'll beam to the general area of the rift and see what we can find out about it." He turned to the lieutenant at the engineering station and commented, "You're the ranking officer on duty. Feel up to taking command while we're away, Lieutenant?"
Lieutenant Montgomery Scott looked at Pike and nodded, elaborating, "Aye, Captain. I'll keep her safe for you." Pike nodded and replied, "Good. We should be gone only a few hours, but if we are delayed or lose contact, you will proceed to the phenomenon and report to Starfleet. If we're lucky, a rescue party can come for us later. . .but informing Starfleet takes absolute priority. Are we clear?" Lieutenant Scott nodded, and Pike commented again, "Good. All right, everyone. . .let's see what's so special about this place."
*****
The transporter whined loudly in the quiet of the night, clearly announcing the arrival of the eight Starfleet officers dressed in contemporary looking clothing. Upon materialization, they were all taken aback to find themselves in a graveyard. Tyler was the first to comment: "Ugh. Not the nicest place we've ever arrived at."
Pike grinned briefly, then sobered up, "Yes, but there's no time to worry about it. . .we've got to find that rift." He turned to Spock, who was fiddling with his tricorder: "Have you gotten a fix on it, Mr. Spock?"
Spock fiddled a moment longer, then replied, "Negative, Captain. However, I do have a general direction." He pointed to his left, and the eight of them began walking in the indicated direction. After a few minutes, they saw six human-looking figures approaching them. Pike turned back to the others and reminded, "Remember, we're just looking for a place to stay the night. . .don't engage them in any other conversation." All nodded as the six people walked up: four men and two women, dressed in contemporary clothing. Pike nodded at the tallest man and asked, "Excuse me. . .we're from out of town and need accommodations. . .could you direct us to a place to stay for the night?"
The man smirked at Pike and replied, "Funny you should ask. . .my friends and I were just talking about looking around for something to eat. . .and guess what?" His features turned bestial, with fangs prominent and gleaming, as did those of his five companions, as he concluded his sentence:
"You're it."
. . .to be continued
As always, comments are welcomed and desired
Disclaimer: All of these characters remain the property of their owners/creators. . .I'm just borrowing them for a spell. . .
Rating: PG-13, for violence.
Time Frame: Just before "Prophecy Girl" in the Buffyverse. . .six months after the Talos IV incident (portrayed in "The Cage" (original Star Trek pilot) and the flashback scenes in "The Menagerie.") in the Star Trek universe.
Archiving: Be my guest, but e-mail me (eilandesq@aol.com) to let me know. . .I like to know where stuff I write ends up and I might want to see what else you've got.
Note: For the reader who is not a deep fan of the Star Trek series, Captain Christopher Pike was the captain of the starship Enterprise immediately before Captain James T. Kirk. He and his crew were seen in the original pilot for the Star Trek series, "The Cage" which never aired (until it started appearing in the syndication packages during the 90's) and in the Star Trek two part episode "The Menagerie" (which used footage from "The Cage" as flashback material), as well as several published Star Trek novels. The major officers and crew members are as follows: Captain Christopher Pike (played by Jeffrey Hunter in the series); the First Officer, known only as Number One (played by Majel Barrett, who later played Nurse Christine Chapel and married Gene Roddenberry); Second Officer Spock (yes, that Spock, played by the legendary Leonard Nimoy); Jose Tyler, the helmsman; Yeoman Colt (the captain's yeoman, paving the way for Janice Rand); Phil Boyce, ship's doctor.
BEAMING DOWN. . .TO A HELLMOUTH?
"Hyperdrive offline! We're being drawn into it, Captain!"
Tyler's voice betrayed the fear he was feeling, even as his hands continued playing over the helm controls in a desperate attempt to avoid the phenomenon that filled the screen ahead. Pike glared at the thing on the screen, then snapped, "Full impulse! We'll try to slingshot away from it. . .use its own force to throw us free." He turned to the young Vulcan at the science station and snapped, "Science Officer, report!"
Spock looked back at his concerned captain and replied, "Captain, the force drawing us in is not registering on our sensors. However, its effects strongly resemble the disruptive effects of a large collapsar. . .we will not be able to use our hyperdrive in this area. I estimate that the slingshot maneuver that you are contemplating will have only a 27.15 percent chance of success, with the alternative being that we will be drawn into the phenomenon. Outcome: unknowable."
Pike nodded, then looked at the navigation station where Number One was sitting. A quick nod from her confirmed that she agreed with Spock's assessment. He gritted his teeth, and commented, "Nothing better to try. . .hang on, everyone!"
The sound of the straining impulse engines grew louder and louder as Tyler began to set up the breakaway maneuver. After a moment, he threw a switch, and half of the crewmen on the bridge were thrown from their seats as the ship lurched violently. Pike looked hopefully at the screen, but he was disappointed: the ship had not changed course enough to avoid the phenomenon that was now swallowing them up. . .
. . .and then they were through. Pike was gratified to see that space here at least looked normal. . .but where had they ended up? If that thing was some kind of wormhole, they could be absolutely anywhere. The stars were rapidly whipping by, implying that the phenomenon was throwing them away with considerable force. Pike turned to Tyler and ordered, "Stop us in space, Mr. Tyler. I want to get a good look at where we are."
Tyler quickly complied, and the ship came to a stop in space. Spock quickly located the phenomenon approximately 200 million kilometers from their current location, and began analyzing it for signs of how it would behave in the future. Pike turned to Number One and asked, "Any idea where we are?"
The first officer expertly manipulated her navigation controls for a few moments, then her face displayed a truly rare emotion for Number One: shock. Without waiting for further orders, she called up on the viewscreen what one of the exterior sensors was showing as being but a few million kilometers away: a gaudily ringed gas giant. Pike stared for a moment, then whispered, "Saturn? What are the odds of that happening?" He grinned and commented, "Well, I guess we were just lucky this time. Starfleet Command will want to hear about this. . ."
Spock interrupted, concern visible through Vulcan control: "Captain, the situation is not as fortunate as you believe. I am unable to locate any of the Starfleet installations that are known to be on Titan or elsewhere in the Saturn planetary system. . .for that matter, I see no sign of Federation activity in the entire star system."
Pike turned to the communications officer and asked quietly, "Any signs of subspace activity, Lieutenant." The officer at the station shook his head and replied, "Negative, Captain. Dead air."
Pike grimaced and commented, "It can't just be easy for once, can it?. . .Helm, set course for Earth. I want to see what is going on there."
Two hours later, they arrived, and Spock's report was no more reassuring. "Captain, I am not sensing any of the expected Starfleet installations here, either. However, I am finding a large number of satellites committed for communications, weather observation, and military applications. The level of technology involved is equivalent to what Earth had in the early 1980's. "
Pike frowned and asked, "So what you're saying is that we've gone back in time, Mr. Spock?" Spock frowned, then checked his readouts before replying, "Negative, Captain. The sensors are reporting anomalous readings that suggest that the laws of physics are subtly different here, thought similar enough to let most of our systems operate normally. We seem to be in another universe, Captain."
Pike took a deep breath: there was a sentence you didn't hear every day. He looked intently at Spock and asked slowly, "Are we going to be able to get out of here?" Spock looked at the readings that the sensors had taken from the phenomenon, and almost smiled before his Vulcan control set in. He replied, "Affirmative, Captain. Readings indicate that the phenomenon will reverse polarity in approximately thirty six hours, fifteen minutes, and forty two seconds, whereupon if we are in the proximity of it, it will draw us through. Unless the dimensional connection is to yet another dimension, it should take us back to our universe."
Pike nodded in acknowledgment, then asked, "Do we have any idea yet what is causing that phenomenon?" Spock looked into his scanner again, then nodded and replied, "Affirmative, Captain. The phenomenon is being generated by a dimensional rift on the surface of this version of Earth. . .in the general area of what would be Santa Barbara, California on our version of Earth."
Pike frowned and commented, "I suppose we could just leave and mark the phenomenon with warning buoys . . .let Starfleet decide on any further action. But I'm reluctant to leave this place without finding out the nature of what is causing this problem. . .if it causes one of these things, it could cause others." He looked at Spock again and asked, "Mr. Spock, what can you tell me about this Earth?"
Spock looked over at the communications officer and nodded: the lieutenant pressed a few buttons and transferred data to Spock's station: Spock looked into his viewer and pressed a few buttons himself before straightening and listening as the voice of the library computer began reporting: "Analysis of carrier wave transmissions indicates that the calendar date is May 15, 1997, 0100 hours GMT. Scans indicate that space travel has lagged behind what is known to have been developed on Earth by this time, by approximately 25 years. However, development of computers has been accelerated here, with computers of all types having reached a level of development equal to that attained in the year 2025 on our Earth. Other technological development is approximately equivalent to that of our Earth of the same date. Socio-political factors are somewhat different. . .no signs of the aftereffects of the Eugenics wars. . .the United States of America remains the predominant superpower. No other significant differences."
Pike nodded at the information and commented, "Thank you, gentlemen." He hit the intercom button on his chair and spoke firmly, "Quartermaster? I want you to provide clothing suitable to late twentieth century Earth for a landing party of eight, specific personnel to be indicated by the message you will receive in the next five minutes. Pike out." He looked up to find his first officer looking at him quizzically. "Do you have a comment, Number One?"
The dark-haired woman frowned and replied, "It's just that we're in another universe here, Captain. We may find that things are rather different down there than anything we've encountered before. Should we risk it, given that we have an obligation to report the danger posed by the phenomenon to Starfleet?"
As usual, Pike's first officer was flawless in her logic. . .but Pike had other ideas on this occasion. "I agree with you the risk is substantial, but we need to know what is causing this phenomenon. . .and we have a considerable technological edge on the inhabitants. . .it should be relatively safe." As he said this, he remembered his recent confrontation with a barbarian with an axe, and reflected that things were rarely as safe as they seemed. He shook off the uneasy feeling, and stated, "Landing party will consist of myself, Number One, Mr. Spock, Lieutenant Tyler, Yeoman Colt, Dr. Boyce, and Security Officers Brennan and Davidson." He got up and looked at the members of the party present: "We'll meet in the transporter room in thirty minutes. . .we'll beam to the general area of the rift and see what we can find out about it." He turned to the lieutenant at the engineering station and commented, "You're the ranking officer on duty. Feel up to taking command while we're away, Lieutenant?"
Lieutenant Montgomery Scott looked at Pike and nodded, elaborating, "Aye, Captain. I'll keep her safe for you." Pike nodded and replied, "Good. We should be gone only a few hours, but if we are delayed or lose contact, you will proceed to the phenomenon and report to Starfleet. If we're lucky, a rescue party can come for us later. . .but informing Starfleet takes absolute priority. Are we clear?" Lieutenant Scott nodded, and Pike commented again, "Good. All right, everyone. . .let's see what's so special about this place."
*****
The transporter whined loudly in the quiet of the night, clearly announcing the arrival of the eight Starfleet officers dressed in contemporary looking clothing. Upon materialization, they were all taken aback to find themselves in a graveyard. Tyler was the first to comment: "Ugh. Not the nicest place we've ever arrived at."
Pike grinned briefly, then sobered up, "Yes, but there's no time to worry about it. . .we've got to find that rift." He turned to Spock, who was fiddling with his tricorder: "Have you gotten a fix on it, Mr. Spock?"
Spock fiddled a moment longer, then replied, "Negative, Captain. However, I do have a general direction." He pointed to his left, and the eight of them began walking in the indicated direction. After a few minutes, they saw six human-looking figures approaching them. Pike turned back to the others and reminded, "Remember, we're just looking for a place to stay the night. . .don't engage them in any other conversation." All nodded as the six people walked up: four men and two women, dressed in contemporary clothing. Pike nodded at the tallest man and asked, "Excuse me. . .we're from out of town and need accommodations. . .could you direct us to a place to stay for the night?"
The man smirked at Pike and replied, "Funny you should ask. . .my friends and I were just talking about looking around for something to eat. . .and guess what?" His features turned bestial, with fangs prominent and gleaming, as did those of his five companions, as he concluded his sentence:
"You're it."
. . .to be continued
As always, comments are welcomed and desired