Star Trek: Reign Of Terror

Chapter XX: This Side Of Paradise

Planet Yosset, Emperor's Palace, Stardate Unknown

If carrying too many pounds qualified someone to be Emperor of his home world, then Keochi Fazz was destined to remain in his current position for the remainder of his days. The planet's supreme ruler was a compulsive eater - so compulsive in fact that he rarely spent a waking moment without at least several trays of snack foods setting in front of him. Unlike his predecessor, Fazz didn't simply have a palace chef working for him...that wasn't nearly good enough. Instead he had hired a dozen chefs - one for each three hour segment of the day. And while on duty, the on-duty head chef also had access to a full, constantly rotating round-the-clock staff of one hundred. Each chef was responsible for keeping the palace kitchen appliances constantly boiling, steaming, baking, and overall just plain old cooking. Foreign dignitaries regularly visiting the Emperor were inevitably offered a complete meal. If their schedule was pressing and their need to move along urgent, then they received a polite request to at least share a healthy snack with Fazz. He considered anything less to be an insult of the highest order.

Shortly after assuming the role of Emperor, Keochi Fazz's weight had ballooned upward from 85 kilos to 115. That had been twenty-four seasons previously, and he currently tipped the scales at an astonishing 181 kilos. Since his people rarely grew above four and a half feet in height, his obese stature was truly impressive to behold. And if there had ever been an all time record for talking with one's mouth full, then Fazz had probably shattered it long ago and established a brand new one. It was rumored that many of the visitors - those who regularly completed a lengthy pilgrimage to the palace - did so simply to get a close-up look at their Emperor. He ruled with an iron fist, but that never stopped them from coming to see him. Then they would return to their homelands and make all kinds of jokes about his weight in private. Sooner or later, everyone was guilty of ridiculing him... for an oppressed people, it was their only outlet, their only way to release the anger bred by constant tyranny.

Fazz had traditionally been an unpopular ruler. He had assumed power very suddenly and under mysterious circumstances, during a revolutionary uprising made possible only because of his secret, unexpected discovery of a hidden subspace network. Created by a race known as the Preservers, Fazz had managed to decode the glyphs found on ancient ruins discovered in one of their jungles, and then used his knowledge to access the network and deploy its capabilities. Shortly thereafter, he utilized its powers against his own people and completely destroyed the leaders of the planet's previous administration. After that it was a simple matter to appoint himself as the planet's new, unchallenged Emperor. At first, many tried to stop him. But anyone chose to do so always seemed to disappear under mysterious circumstances soon after stepping forward to confront him. With the military stage of his coup completed, Fazz spent the next two dozen years eating, slurping, and chomping down everything he could lay his thick fingers on. He also marveled daily at the almost infinite capabilities of the subspace technology lurking within the Preservers' hidden realm. New discoveries as the years passed were numerous, and his ability to control them perfected.

Currently he was busy checking over the latest status reports from the many gold mines situated just outside of the capitol city. "The workers are falling behind on their quotas again," Fazz pointed out to Vsinje Trai, his top advisor. "During my last speech, I told them I wanted to be rich... not spending extra time reading yet another set of reports on slowed progress." He clucked his tongue disapprovingly. "Delays have never impressed me... never, never, never..."

Vsinje Trai shifted his eyes uneasily up toward the flabby features of Keochi Fazz, watching the massive, rotund leader of his world continue snacking as he casually complained about slow progress from his severely overburdened work force. Trai had hated Fazz utterly for as long as he could remember, but the Emperor's defenses were nearly impregnable. If anyone approached him with a weapon, somehow Fazz knew. If anyone was thinking about violence, somehow he knew. And those who hated him - which pretty much amounted to everybody - were also somehow known to Fazz. Unfortunately, the Emperor simply didn't care. Whatever technology source he had used to take control of the planet was still his, and it seemed to include an ability to somehow read the thoughts right out of other peoples' minds. Thus the subjects of the Yosset home world had discovered over the years that the negative emotions surging through them were noticed but completely ignored so long as they made no effort to depose their imperious leader.

It didn't bother him in the least that they hated him, as long as they obeyed his every whim.

"The workers have removed much gold and silver from the mines already, Emperor," Trai reminded his superior using his softest, most respectful tone of voice. "In order to obtain more, they need to dig deeper into the mountain sides. The conditions continue to grow more and more hazardous - perhaps if you could use your technology to replicate more..."

"First - I want them to work for me and only for me. Second - I'll show them hazardous," chuckled Fazz while slurping noisily from a sugary drink made from dark red berries. The stout, dark-haired Emperor reached across his throne and tapped a series of command codes into an access panel located on its right arm. The codes were an activation sequence, switching on an electronic earpiece that he wore to interface his brain with the computer. "How about a mild planet quake... should we give them a good shaking?" he asked, wiping beads of sweat from his brow as he flashed an oily smile.

"Emperor, don't," Trai implored him. "Most of those men and women have little kids to take care of..."

Fazz continued typing on his control console. "That's why we're just going to give them a little planet quake," he snapped sarcastically. "I only need enough shaking to put a little fear into them." Once his request for access to the subspace network was granted, the Emperor pulled up a menu and searched for industrial-sized tractor beam resources. Without warning, a loud series of electronic beeps sounded from the terminal and a red warning indicator flashed on the console's screen.

"What is that?" asked Trai curiously, pointing toward a strange symbol that had appeared directly in the center of Fazz's screen. "I've never seen you access that function before."

"I do not know," growled Fazz irritably, setting down a half eaten sandwich so that he could work more quickly with both hands. "My access is being denied for some reason; I will have to try again." He continued working for another few minutes, but the odd symbol remained firmly centered on his screen. "It looks like a simple, curved gold triangle with a black star in the center," the Emperor mused thoughtfully. "Except that it is asymmetrical, and the bottom line arcs upward." His gaze shifted toward Trai. "Please leave me for a time Vsinje. You may return in an hour... once I have resolved this minor setback."

Trai bowed deeply. "Your wish is my command Lord." Then, as always, the slim, blonde-haired youth retreated swiftly away from the despicable man who had terrorized his people for decades as quickly as his feet would politely carry him.

Keochi Fazz repeated his attempts to access the Preserver subspace network to no avail. No matter how many times he re-entered his personal access code, the subspace network continued to lock him out. Within minutes of Trai's departure the Emperor was swearing, and a half hour later he was white with fear at the prospect of losing so completely the technological resources that had allowed him to single-handedly conquer and oppress his people. "Why won't you work, blasted machine?" he demanded angrily, shouting so loudly and wildly that spittle flew from his greasy lips.

As though reading his mind, a text message suddenly appeared on the console's small screen: Under new network regulations as defined by the Starfleet Protocol, your historical uses of this network have been evaluated and deemed to be extremely immoral. Your account has therefore been suspended and your privileges revoked.

"What is this?" demanded Fazz furiously. His eyes flashed around the huge, garishly decorated palace chamber, searching for any sign of others. Fortunately his standing orders did not allow large groups of people anywhere near him, and certainly no one who carried weaponry of any kind. When he had finished verifying that he was indeed still alone, he responded to the message with his own text: I have made use of tractor beams before. Why would this usage suddenly be unlawful?

A response was not long in coming. Internal security within subspace has traditionally been adequate. Everything outside of it has been ignored. However, after a great deal of analysis, the Starfleet Protocol was recently placed into operation in order to penalize those who regularly misuse our resources. Criminal behavior will no longer be tolerated. Your attempt to direct manipulative tractor beams toward the mountainsides near your city will endanger many lives .

Who are YOU to decide what behavior is criminal and what is not? Fazz typed, realizing as he did so that he was arguing with a completely unknown entity hidden somewhere on the other end of the electronic depths within his computer terminal. In addition to mining minerals, my workers have also generated great quantities of energy that is freely donated to your network in exchange for the services I request. Restore my access, or that energy flow STOPS.

The Emperor waited with his anger continuing to escalate as the seconds passed. The response was much slower in coming this time, and during his wait Fazz was interrupted suddenly by the arrival of an on-duty chef's assistant. The slim, white coated cook held a freshly prepared tray of steaming meats and vegetables in his hands, and entered the chamber while on his way to deliver the fresh platter of food.

"Get out of here!" Fazz shouted fiercely at the astonished newcomer. It was not immediately clear whether the man's surprise was a reaction to the Emperor's outburst or his extremely rare refusal of proffered food.

Abruptly the computer screen blanked and new text began to appear. The Starfleet Protocol operates directly under the control of a newly recruited, sophisticated artificial intelligence serving as an objective third party. Approved entities living outside of the network may continue to request access to resources and - under our new guidelines - the Starfleet Protocol will decide whether or not permission to use them will be granted. As stated earlier, a thorough review of your past activity has revealed that your use of this network has resulted in repeated, negative consequences to many living beings and also to the overall environment on your home world. That is why your account has been suspended.

Suspended? Give me MY access back! Fazz typed furiously. Immediately! Or the energy flow stops! I am not joking... I will cut you off as completely as you have cut ME off!!

The Emperor watched his hastily typed statements blink several times and promptly vanish, followed by a swift response. There is no need for you to continue providing energy to this network. We suggest that you terminate your power flow to our battery collectors as soon as possible. We have many end users who operate within the laws of our protocol both inside and outside of subspace. After a reasonable period of suspension, you may reapply for a new account. Be warned, however, that from this point on only resource access requests aimed toward accomplishing positive things will be authorized.

Disgusted by the response, Fazz took a moment to think matters through. After a time, he decided to try approaching his problem for a completely different perspective. Taking a deep breath and then exhaling slowly, he began typing once again. I do not regularly utilize this network, he pointed out. Only occasionally do I need your services, and admittedly my actions are certainly not morally perfect. However, are there not more dangerous people on other worlds who are abusing your resources far more than I? Why don't you focus on them instead of my meager requests? Couldn't you save more lives and protect more planets?

He waited with baited breath until a response came. We have addressed those other abuses, the text response scrolling across his screen stated bluntly. We have eliminated all of them. Everywhere.

The Emperor's gasp of despair echoed throughout the mostly vacant chamber. He furiously began typing again, trying any avenue of debate that he could think of to try and obtain the restoration of the Preserver network's services. Fazz was still busily working when Vsinje Trai returned. "Majesty?" his top advisor asked hesitantly. "It has been an hour... you did ask me to return?"

Keochi Fazz spun around wildly with a look of true fear in his eyes. "Ready my personal shuttle," he stated commandingly. "Have it prepped for launch immediately."

Then the Emperor of Yosset simply sat there in an emotional state of shock, wondering if he would be able to escape from his people before they discovered that he was suddenly, inexplicably powerless.

U.S.S. Relativity, Alpha Quadrant, in the 29th Century

Thomas Joseph Ducane was busy watching the timeline status monitors on the starboard bridge consoles when he turned slightly to his right and almost ran into Captain Data. "Oh..." he said with a small sigh of relief at the sight of his commander. "It's you." He cocked his head to one side and grinned wryly at the android. "Didn't Lt. Ingram ask you to stop sneaking up on us while using that blasted network?"

Data chuckled in response, causing Ducane to raise an eyebrow of surprise. Then the Captain's expression grew somewhat distant, and he slowly turned his head so that he could survey the Relativity's bridge and all of its on-duty crewmen and women. "I am afraid that, this time, my connection to the Preserver's subspace realm has become a bit more... permanent. I am its newest resident, in fact."

The Commander was quiet for a moment, and then extended a hand to touch the android's shoulder. "You feel real," he commented idly, "but so does an isomorphic projection."

"Yes." Data nodded. "Suffice it to say that the matter of the Overseer was not a problem that could simply be resolved overnight, or one easily managed by politicians. In return for the cooperation of the Preservers and those in charge of managing the subspace operating system, I was required to commit myself to an ongoing, long-term participation in my own solution to the crisis."

Ducane shook his head with disbelief. "Is it temporally related, or do we get to know about any of this?"

"All relevant data has already been uploaded into my Captain's log," replied Data. He held out both hands and waved casually. "I'm afraid that - once again - you Thomas Joseph Ducane are the acting Captain of the Relativity."

There was a much more prolonged silence this time as the Commander slowly digested the news. "Do you ever get to return to us?" he asked. "Long-term doesn't mean forever, does it?" he asked finally.

Data smiled reassuringly. "Consider this a simple transfer," he suggested. "I can generate a projection similar to this one at any time and move amongst Starfleet personnel just like any other person. Additionally, should a prolonged presence outside of subspace be required, I have the ability to replicate an exact duplicate of the body I sacrificed to merge with the network."

A new voice sounded from behind him... Lt. Ingram's. "A prolonged presence may indeed be needed," she cautioned him. Walking up the small stairway at the center of the bridge, she moved to join them. "Weren't you going to say goodbye to the rest of us, sir?" she asked, casting a wary glance his way.

"That is one of the reasons I am here," admitted Data with a nod. He mentally reviewed her first statement, clearly intrigued by her words. "Why do you think I will need to spend additional time outside of subspace?"

The slim, attractive blonde-haired Lieutenant chuckled with more than a little amusement. "I noticed your latest log entries arrive," she told him. "And not only do I have a curious nature, but I'm a bit of a speed reader." She shook her head and placed her hands firmly on her hips. "Do you have any idea how angry the council members at Starfleet Intelligence are going to be?" she asked. "Captain, you made all kinds of permanent decisions - including that of your own fate - without even so much as a subspace hello. They're going to be furious with you for not consulting with them before acting on this matter! The senior members of the Temporal Integrity Commission..."

"What did he do?" asked the Commander, paling slightly as his imagination ran wild.

"Essentially, he blew up the Yellowjacket while it was inside the Overseer, thereby attaching its quantum singularity directly to that creature's hide." Ingram handed a fully loaded data padd to Ducane. "I'm assuming that somehow the rest of our good Captain ended up inside the subspace network."

"Yes, and now I can continually negotiate with the Overseer and utilize the singularity as a negotiating tool to keep him from intruding on populated space," Data added. "If he disobeys, I can reduce his body mass at a faster and faster graviton flow rate until he gives in and complies."

"Some negotiating tool," Ingram said critically. "It's more like a weapon. You take air out of any part of a balloon, and the balloon as a whole is bound to shrink." She watched Ducane's reaction as he read the summary of the major developments from Data's report on the padd's small screen. "When Starfleet finds out what you did without consulting them first, they're going to freak," she predicted.

"Which is... why... you didn't consult with anybody," guessed Ducane. "You protected us..."

"Indeed," the android responded. "I protected you quite thoroughly in fact. There is nothing that Starfleet Intelligence can legally do to any of you, since none of you were aware of what I was planning. The hologram of Kathryn Janeway, along with an entity dwelling within subspace, proved to be sufficient advisors. They assisted me with an abbreviated strategy session. Together we came up with and executed a successful solution to the Overseer crisis before the timeline became irreparably disrupted. If we had not, Starfleet Intelligence would not now exist in any substantive form capable of challenging me."

"Nevertheless..." growled the Commander somewhat irritably. "When angered and unable to court marshal an actual offender, Starfleet has been known to grab anyone within arm's reach."

Ingram nodded. "Especially subordinates."

"True," admitted Data. "However, once I am finished visiting here I have plans to return to Earth and testify before the Temporal Integrity Commission," he informed them, smirking somewhat slyly while winking at them. "While there I intend to put in a good word for all of you."

"It might be better if you didn't do that," chuckled Ducane, "but you're still the Captain until they assign us a new one." He exhaled slowly, taking stock of the situation. "We're not totally innocent ourselves, you know. We ended up having to fire through our cloak to protect Deep Space Nine from the Overseer and his minions. According to a number of active treaties, we're not exactly supposed to be doing that." He smiled with renewed vigor. "However, nothing attracts approval from Admirals more than success. And if your actions in this matter prove to be as efficient as your past decisions, don't be surprised if Starfleet wants you back out of subspace and right back here... on the bridge of this particular ship."

"My intentions are for you to take over permanent command of the Relativity, effective immediately," Data told the astonished Commander. "I sincerely believe that this crew will rally around you in a positive manner and that you are the best choice to lead them. I have entered exactly those sentiments in my final log." He paused for a moment. "You will find all command functions transferred to you Thomas. You are now the acting Captain unless my recommendation is rejected and someone else is assigned to replace you."

Ducane felt a rush of enthusiasm and gratitude. "Thank you sir," he replied, bowing respectfully. "No one could ask for a better teacher than you have been."

The android turned toward the razor sharp, intelligent blonde female standing next to the Commander. "Lt. Ingram, I have also requested that you be promoted immediately to the rank of Lieutenant-Commander and designated the acting First Officer of this vessel," he stated crisply to Jessica. "We suddenly have a vacancy to fill. After serving for a reasonable duration at your new rank, I am quite certain that you will eventually capture a command of your own."

Jess Ingram's cheeks flushed bright red with pride. "Thank you sir," she responded softly.

Curiosity got the better of Ducane. "What exactly are your new duties?" he asked.

Data's expression remained blank. "I am in charge of making certain that the Overseer behaves himself," he replied. "It is a unique and challenging opportunity - one that will test my positronic brain to its limits. The creature's reach is virtually infinite, and its brain multi-segmented to allow for the vast distances. Essentially, it has many hands and those located farther away aren't always aware of what the hand nearest to us is up to. I have a lot of work to do in order to restore order to the many galaxies - indeed universes - in which its intrusion has been pervasive and long-term. In my spare time..."

"...your spare time...?" Ingram commented with obvious disbelief.

The Captain paused to let her react before continuing. "In my spare time," he continued, "I am in charge of enforcing the network's Starfleet Protocol. It is a new layer of security that governs the use of Preserver resources outside of subspace, something that has never been done previously. There were many who felt that any judgment of how resources were used by network members would be too subjective and constitute interference with other cultures. However, my extensive interaction with emotional humanoids, combined with my unique positronic brain and artificial intelligence, were apparently very attractive to the network's moderators. They asked me to serve in this capacity as an objective third party. My assistance in improving the security within their operating system was one of their few requirements in exchange for cooperation in resolving the matter of the Overseer."

"At least a part of you likes this new assignment," speculated Ducane. "Or am I reading you wrong?"

"No, I am busy multi-tasking," Data replied, causing Ingram to snort with barely restrained laughter. He turned toward her thoughtfully. "I am not kidding. While we hold this conversation, 99.9997 percent of my positronic activity is busy elsewhere, coordinating activity throughout the Preserver's realm." His gaze shifted back to Ducane. "And yes, Commander, part of me is looking forward to this wonderful, new opportunity. I will be able to stop by and visit with you on a regular basis. I can also more easily interact with my colleague Frank Roberts in the distant future. Starfleet bigwigs will be angry for awhile, they will even hold meetings and talk very loudly, but eventually things will return to normal."

The Commander laughed heartily. "Even here in the 29th century, things have rarely been normal," he pointed out with a continuing chuckle. "Back in those first few days, when Adam and Eve were living in the Garden of Eden... that was when things were normal. Things were perfect, in fact. But those first two humans gave into temptation and messed up everything by choosing to eat the fruit from the forbidden Tree of Knowledge. God ended up kicking humanity out of that garden for their disobedience, and the rest of us have had to content ourselves with living on this side of Paradise ever since. Nothing will ever be easy, but I firmly believe that the challenges and obstacles we must confront in our daily lives inevitably make us a stronger and better people. If we learn from our mistakes, then there is no need to repeat them."

The android nodded approvingly. "Well said," he decided, raising an index finger for emphasis. "And it is funny you should mention the Garden of Eden..." He trailed off, deciding at the very last instant not to mention his unexpected encounter with the enigmatic David to them. But he was sincerely tempted to.

Ingram clapped Commander Ducane on the back. "I can tell you're not looking forward to dealing with Starfleet directly again," she said with a knowing smile.

"No," Ducane admitted, "I am not. Politicians evaluate these matters from behind the safety of our borders. When I think back to our two most recent crises - how easily disaster could have erupted if we had not chosen to act..." He shook his head with frustration as he watched Data. "Regulations are fine under normal conditions, but I am glad we still retain the authority to act on the fly if we need to. You're going to have the toughest job explaining this," he predicted. "Many of them just don't understand that some fights can't be won with the simple use of force or on a predictable timetable. Sometimes only persistence and a fierce determination to prevail are the only options left to us... and even then victory is never guaranteed."

Stepping forward, Data offered a hand to Ducane and shook it firmly. He repeated the action with Lt. Ingram a few seconds later. "Good luck to all of you," the android told them. "I will be dropping by from time to time to check on things here. We improved our situation considerably after the crisis with the Sentinel by establishing a permanent presence within the Preserver government in the distant future. Through me, you now have a direct link to additional help whenever you need it. I have left specific instructions in my logs as to how to contact me whenever you need to send a message. Take care of yourselves, and continue to protect Starfleet's timeline."

Ducane smiled confidently. "We will."

He and Jessica Ingram watched Data's image gradually turn transparent and slowly fade away. Seconds later, their former Captain was gone.

"I really wish he could have stuck around," Ducane sighed. "He was a great Captain."

"The universe is constantly changing," countered Ingram. "That's why we have to remain watchful."

The Commander laughed at her expression. "With you on the job, I'm not one bit worried," he told her.

Together, the two of them returned to duty and continued reviewing Data's newly uploaded logs.

With his full attention focused back on the subspace realm, a portion of Data's thoughts lingered for a moment on the matter of his sudden, unexpected departure from command of the Relativity. His android emotions had been perfectly preserved within the Preserver network's newest, positronic technology created specifically to house his consciousness. His best description of what he was 'feeling' at the moment would be best represented by the word 'bittersweet'. Once again he was leaving behind friends and colleagues who truly meant a lot to him, and sadly this was a common practice that Data-Class androids - along with their almost unlimited lifespan - had gradually grown used to.

Hello, a familiar voice stated, keeping its presence tentative until the android mind accepted Decker's offer to communicate. How are things progressing for you here Data?

Data thought about the question for several milliseconds before responding. Everything is fine Will Decker, he answered truthfully. I have been made to feel most welcome here.

The presence of his counterpart was much more palpable now, Data noticed. Their minds were linked together even more closely via the network technology now than at any other time. V'Ger has additional processing resources available if you need them, Decker informed him. They are fully compatible with your design and capable of running your software.

For now that will be unnecessary, the android responded. I have run into only mild resistance implementing full control over the usage of our facilities. There is an oppressive Emperor on a small planet who is but one of the many furious at our new rules. He resisted me for a time, but eventually had no choice but to accept the truth.

There was a prolonged pause as Decker evaluated the words of his friend. You feel sorry for this Keochi Fazz, he guessed suddenly. After all that man has done to his people, you actually feel at least some compassion for what is about to happen to him.

Data chuckled mildly in response. Dr. Noonien Soong programmed the original Data to study humanity and to strive constantly to emulate the best aspects of its people. So yes, I do feel some compassion for Emperor Fazz. But the specifics of his fate are not up to me to decide... I have no right to be his judge in this matter. That is why I chose to simply deny him further use of our resources. The decisions he makes from here on in will determine his fate, as will the wrath of his people. So far his choices have been extremely poor ones.

Decker was not so quick to agree. Fazz has caused many deaths. There are many here who feel that anyone denying both life and liberty to so many does not himself deserve compassion.

Diversity of our occupants here is what makes this place so special, Data pointed out. My own history is a lengthy one, which is why the Preservers have deemed my judgment to be acceptable for approving or denying access to our resources. I expect that my decisions will grow even more accurate over time as I continue to grow more familiar with the various races dwelling within this universe. Some of them will be honest with me, while others will be much more manipulative.

What else are you so interested in? asked Decker curiously, analyzing his counterpart's electronic brain activity. A small portion of your resources are tagged as private research. V'Ger has a curious nature, and would like to know what you are hiding from us.

Again Data's electronic emotions prodded a computerized laugh out of him. I am taking David up on his suggestion, and studying the DNA of giraffes and zebras, he replied. Truly the genetic pattern that allows a spark of life to create these beautiful animals is remarkable to behold, regardless of how the actual method of its design was achieved.

I concur, agreed the Decker entity. V'Ger has encountered many astonishing life forms.

Now then, Data declared unexpectedly. Why don't we set aside the small talk? Then you can tell me the real reason for your visit here?

Very well then, his counterpart responded enthusiastically. Many of us spend a great deal of our time exploring. Therefore, there are many who would like to duplicate your recent, far-reaching journeys outward. We would also like to begin working with the Overseer's gateway resources which you so brilliantly decided to bring along into subspace with you. When will the enhanced versions be ready for use?

Soon, Data promised. I have already discarded the constricting limitations of the hexagonal framework and adapted the Overseer's technology for subspace. After a few more enhancements, we will be able to expand or collapse each doorway to accommodate any sized vessel or entity. Additional power will of course be required for larger portals, but here there will always be an abundance of available energy. Preserver exploration teams - along with their largest vessels - will now be able to move virtually anywhere.

That is good to hear, acknowledged Decker. The Preservers have always worked on a limited basis toward coordinating with their counterparts in alternate realities. Thanks to you that task will be much easier from this point forward.

Data's positronic thoughts grew somewhat more philosophical. I keep thinking about the vision that the future copy of Jean-Luc Picard once told me about, he informed Decker reflectively. During the early days of their captivity, both he and Kirk managed at least one attack on the Sentinel. Naturally the Sentinel had expected the assault and permitted it so that Picard could temporarily put on his network interface headset. After doing so, Jean-Luc attempted to access information that would allow them to escape. The network misinterpreted his untrained thoughts and provided him with what has apparently turned out to be a vision of Starfleet history... specifically this alternate timeline.

Decker considered the prospect. What makes you say that? he wondered.

The information that Picard saw in his mind ended with a vision of countless gateways, Data continued. Each of them led to a different, alternate universe. Since that technology has only recently become part of this network, I suspected for a time that this network's operating system might in fact be prescient. However, that notion has proven to be false. I now believe that Picard was shown exactly what he asked for... the response he received included a description of a diverging timeline. He was shown exactly how history should take place if the Sentinel were in fact defeated. And, not surprisingly, we have arrived at that particular moment in time where Jean-Luc's vision concluded. At first this seemed impossible to believe, but I checked and there are many resources here in subspace capable of tracking timeline activity. In fact, much of the technology matches the equipment aboard the Relativity.

Interesting, replied a clearly fascinated Decker. The Preservers have always been able to cross between realms, but never before have they possessed this kind of direct access. Thanks to you, the Overseer's technology will now be used for peaceful exploration and to provide detailed assistance to needy cultures in other realities.

Return again soon, suggested Data firmly. It will not take long to complete the remaining work.

You know how to get in touch with me, chuckled Decker with amusement. I will say this once again Data... WELCOME to our fold here within the depths of subspace. Gradually the alien presence that was known as the Decker/V'Ger hybrid drifted slowly away.

Star cluster 112, Preserver Council of the Elders, 5.2 million years in the future

Sitting alone next to a very large conference table, Erika Hernandez sipped at the hot mug of coffee that she had recently replicated while browsing through the information displayed on an electronic work pad. Most of the technology used by the small, laptop-like display screen was actually located elsewhere. Erika's data reader was essentially a highly tuned transceiver running with her newcomer's authorization code. Using the setup, a simple electronic handshaking process permitted her instant access to any information in the Preserver archives at or below her authorization level. Currently she and the other surviving members of the Columbia crash were in the process of completing orientation classes to prepare them for their new duties in the future. It was material very similar to training information that Frank Roberts and the duplicates of Jean-Luc Picard and James Kirk had been required to review after their own arrival.

After yet another extended period of study, Erika tried to blink away growing eye strain. Her fingers touched the top of the display screen and folded it down onto the lower part of the reader, shutting it off. Continuing to sip at the coffee while holding the mug in her left hand, she tried to rub some of the fatigue out of her eyes with her right. Across from her, the doors to one of the room's many entrances hissed softly open. Jean-Luc Picard and James Kirk entered, and she glanced up and smiled at the two men who had been working so steadily to assist her and her crewmates in preparing for a new life with the Preservers. It had taken awhile for all of them to accept the fact that - in their timeline - history already considered Columbia's crew to be lost, presumed dead. It was an astonishingly unusual paradox that one could only expect from space travel; yet frustrating for her and her crew to say the least.

"Good morning," Kirk said agreeably, sniffing the familiar aroma in the air. "I smell coffee."

Erika gestured toward the far end of the table. "I replicated an entire pot," she told him wryly. "I must say, the future offers even more marvelous devices than the century I left behind."

"Coffee Jean-Luc?" Kirk asked, holding up the pot.

Picard harrumphed in response and walked over to the replicator. "Tea, Earl Grey... hot!" he said almost defiantly, casting a mild, rebellious look Kirk's way.

Erika chuckled with amusement. "What has he got against coffee?"

"I dunno," mused Kirk thoughtfully, shrugging his shoulders. "He's supposedly a century ahead of me, but you'd never know it based on his beverage choices." He leaned over the table, closer to her, and whispered, "He prefers wine over beer, too."

"Certainly not!" gasped Hernandez with feigned horror.

Standing next to the replicator, Picard initially chose to ignore them, but he bristled noticeably. After a few seconds, he sipped from his newly generated cup of steaming tea and changed his mind. "If you two want to salve your own egos by mocking me," he said suddenly, "then by all means continue with your irrelevant, juvenile banter." He waved a casual hand in their direction. "I will simply take the high road, and content myself with a superior sense of taste and decorum that was quite obviously missing during Starfleet's early days."

Hernandez chuckled with delight and turned thoughtfully toward Kirk. "Does he talk like that all the time?" she asked inquisitively.

Kirk's expression soured noticeably and he nodded. "Frequently." He pulled out an empty chair and sat down at the table directly across from Erika. "But we came here to find out how you and your crew are doing. So tell us... how are things proceeding?" he asked with interest.

"All of us are getting along very well," the former NX-02 Captain replied confidently. "The Preservers are used to bringing a variety of different species into their inner circle, so they're experts at writing training material. Everything was very easy to follow," she noted, tapping the top of her electronic reader for emphasis. "And when I did have questions, all I had to do was strike up a conversation with one of those artificially programmed, computer personalities of theirs."

Again Kirk leaned closer. "The sentient computers are extremely intelligent, and even they don't talk like him," he grinned, pointing at Picard.

Jean-Luc shook his head disagreeably. "Oh would you please knock it off already?" he requested sourly, glaring at his friend and colleague with mock disapproval. Setting his teacup back on the saucer he held, he took a deep breath and sighed. "Captain Hernandez, if you and your crew continue to progress so quickly, you'll be receiving actual assignments in no time," he predicted. "That only bodes well for both of us. James Kirk and I have been severely overworked here for quite some time now."

The door across from them opened and the two holograms of Kathryn Janeway and Benjamin Sisko entered. The pair paused only briefly while scrutinizing the other three, then pulled out chairs and seated themselves next to Kirk. "Were you two supposed to be a part of this meeting?" wondered Kirk idly. "I didn't see your names on the agenda..."

Sisko chuckled briefly. "The last item on the agenda is listed as 'other topics for discussion'." He leaned back in his seat and smiled confidently. "You may consider us to be one of those other topics."

"We've finished our own summary report to the Council of Elders," Janeway added quickly. "They didn't want to hear about any new business, so we decided to submit our ideas here."

Again the nearest doorway snapped open and Commander Frank Roberts entered. If the Data-Class android was at all surprised by the larger than normal group gathered, his expression concealed it. He paused just inside the doorway, picking up on the discussion already in progress.

"New business," stated an intrigued Kirk. "You're holograms. What can possibly be new with you?"

"Congratulations. That is our new business," replied Sisko, deciding immediately to get straight to the point. "We want to be human again."

Picard seated himself next to Hernandez. As he heard the comment he raised an eyebrow of surprise. "Really?" he responded with interest. "You would return to a biological body with all of its limitations and physical flaws? Is there something wrong with being completely photonic?"

"Holographic technology definitely has its advantages," Sisko admitted. "However, the everyday things that you humans have no choice but to accept and deal with have now become lost to us. We don't eat, sleep or require showers... among other things."

"Isn't that an advantage?" asked Erika curiously.

Janeway shook her head slowly in reply. "You have no idea just how long an entire night is until you've stayed awake the whole time." She sat there, thinking about the matter further before continuing. "We've talked about this with the Archer hologram and there is a distinct problem with what is happening to us. Our computer generated bodies are modeled very closely after the originals... they're used to doing the things that everyday humans do. Since we left behind our biological properties, our personalities have begun to diverge noticeably from the original people whom we were patterned after." She shrugged her shoulders. "It won't take long before I reach a point where I'm not Kathryn Janeway any longer."

Kirk frowned. "Jean-Luc and I are already human, and even our personalities have diverged from the original electronic recording that the Sentinel used as a template to copy us. We've been here in the distant future for many months now, living lives that are very different from those two original men. What we experience in life directly affects our judgment, so the two of us are changing too. If we were placed back in our old roles in our old timeframes, I doubt that we would make the same decisions as our counterparts there. We're changing just like you are."

"But not as swiftly as we are. Take a look at this," Sisko told him, sliding a small, portable data reader across the table. "Our personalities are diverging into something completely different, at a rate exponentially faster than your own. All of the analysis done to this point indicates that this is solely because we now lack the essence of being biological."

Examining the data listed on the reader, James Kirk nodded in agreement. "There is a definite acceleration in the divergence of your personalities from the original." He turned in his seat and handed the reading device to Picard. "You have a good case to make if you can attract the Council's attention."

Jean-Luc reviewed the new information carefully. "Initially, in the aftermath of the Sentinel incident, there was a plan in place to duplicate you too," he informed them. "However, the Council Elders were understandably concerned about creating additional copies of humanoids that - from their perspective - already have lives of their own in the distant past. To force them to stay and live here and deny them the life that they were living... it just didn't seem morally proper. The Sentinel had no such inhibitions, but matters changed considerably after our arrival."

"The plan was to create holograms like the two of you, so that we could evaluate how well you reacted to the suddenness of your new environment." Kirk held up his hands helplessly. "Jean-Luc and I were stuck here, since the Sentinel had already copied us. Obviously, we both wanted to continue living and find a way to contribute positively." He sighed, thinking of the heavy workload that the two of them had so far managed to meet. "And boy oh boy have we been contributing..."

"If the duplication process is morally dubious, then why did Frank Roberts create Trip?" asked Sisko.

Picard exhaled slowly and set the reader aside, watching Roberts' reaction carefully. As usual, the android Commander concealed his simulated feelings so that it was impossible to tell what he was thinking. "That was a decision on the Commander's part, and it was the event that triggered the subsequent misgivings of everyone else." He glanced hesitantly toward Erika. "Captain Hernandez..."

"Erika," she corrected him. "If you people aren't using rank anymore, Jean-Luc, then I'm not either."

"Erika," continued Picard. "I'm not sure whether you're aware of this or not yet, but at some point shortly after the disappearance of Columbia your good friend Commander Tucker sacrifices himself in order to save the lives of his crew mates aboard Enterprise. When a small group of us ended up here in the future, Roberts gave in to the simulated emotions of his programming and replicated Trip so that he could have another chance at peace and long life here in the future."

Hernandez sat silently for a moment. "I always knew that Starfleet wouldn't be able to reach out and touch other worlds without consequences," she declared somewhat moodily. "Do we eventually win any of these battles that have cost us so many friends and colleagues?"

"Oh absolutely," Picard told her. "The toughest part of being a Captain is losing people under our command or innocents who get caught in the crossfire of our conflicts. But we have always persevered and - in the end - prospered because of it."

"Like Jean-Luc Picard and Jonathan Archer, I was also Captain of an Enterprise," Kirk noted. "My predecessor was a man named Pike, and he used to remind his Doctor about the unpredictability of life all the time. He was famous for pointing out that 'we either live life - bruises, skinned knees and all. Or else we turn our back on it and start dying'."

"It's a good quote," acknowledged Erika. She poured herself a fresh cup of hot coffee.

"If I remember correctly, the Council has at least once discussed the possibility of creating holograms out of my entire crew," interjected Janeway. "In fact, they were going to duplicate everyone recruited from the past that assisted in the battle against the Sentinel. So I am therefore understandably curious... was that project ever completed?"

Picard shook his head negatively. "Everyone in our group has agreed that it was important to first evaluate how well the holograms already in existence behaved." He drummed the fingertips of one hand on the tabletop. "When this newest crisis developed, the Tom Paris hologram was created so that Captain Janeway could show up on Deep Space Nine with a potential undercover operative who was completely aware of the delicacy of the situation. We transmitted the matrices for both holograms back through time specifically so that the two of them would be available to assist Captain Data. He knew that he was going to have to interact directly with people from his past in order to discover the source of the temporal incursions there."

"I think that we can safely conclude the holographic program has been a success," Janeway decided, holding up her hands for emphasis. "I made the trip there and back again with zero appreciable defects."

Behind her, Frank Roberts folded his arms together. He continued to listen patiently to their conversation as they debated the merits of holography versus biology.

"We want to be humans just like you," insisted Sisko emphatically, using his deepest, most serious tone of voice. "All of us who are photonic have discussed the matter, and we all have agreed that converting us at this point would be a bit of a risk. However, before we become someone entirely different from who we were, from who we remember being, we want to become human again. We know we will have to live here and work with you either way, so we hope that you will agree with us on this matter."

"Then I will definitely add this subject to our list of priorities for the next Council meeting," declared Picard firmly. "But I would remind you that the Commander is the leader of our group and has the final say." He glanced up briefly and met Roberts' gaze once again. "You heard all of this, I take it?"

"I heard enough," nodded the Commander. He held a much larger, more detailed electronic reader and began setting it up on the table. "I have no objections to converting you back to humans if that is what you wish. Since you are considered to be sentient and thereby able to make your own decisions, I am also reasonably certain that the Council will approve such a motion." He glanced over toward Janeway and Sisko, flashing them the same curious, smirk that Captain Data was famous for. "Therefore, the only real question remaining is... would you like the conversion to take place before or after?"

Janeway hesitated, but only briefly. "Okay, I'll play ball," she decided. "Before or after what?"

The android known as Frank Roberts finished setting up the reader and raised its larger, wider display screen. His fingers danced across its control pad as he began calling up statistical information and graphical images. "The Council of Elders has formally asked for assistance on a new mission that they plan on assigning to our group," he informed them. His expression grew serious once again as he turned to face Erika Hernandez. "It appears as though your first assignment will be to assist us in your own timeline," he stated informatively. "We need to return to Starfleet's 22nd century immediately regarding a very urgent matter."

"What urgent matter?" protested a visibly fatigued Picard. "We've already got a lot of irons in the fire right here, Commander," he reminded Roberts. "I am definitely not a photonic hologram, so my energy level is finite. I require frequent, scheduled rest periods in order to maintain peak efficiency."

"All other projects that we are working on have been reassigned to others," announced Roberts. "Our new problem is an emergency situation that surfaced unexpectedly and requires immediate attention."

"Why is my century involved?" wondered Hernandez curiously.

"We were informed that the crisis with the Overseer has been resolved," Kirk added.

"For all intents and purposes, it has been resolved," insisted Roberts. "We have received plenty of new telemetry confirming that. This new problem directly involves Dr. Tolian Soran, our resident, reformed evil doer. He and a very sophisticated electronics support vessel vanished from their posting on one of our Guild planets and reappeared in the distant past... specifically in Starfleet's 22nd century. The crew assigned to that vessel all appear to be loyal to Soran, since none of them chose to remain behind. Our logs clearly show that each of them was given the option to leave."

"What would he possibly want all the way back there?" asked Sisko.

"I do not know," stated Roberts truthfully. "Apparently Soran's job performance and overall approval ratings have been dropping recently. He has had ongoing mental issues for many years, even in his old life. They were driven primarily by his compulsive nature and uncontrolled anxiety. For too long those deficiencies went undiagnosed."

"Those problems were supposed to be under control and treatable," Picard observed. "I personally sat alongside Soran during counseling sessions with your Doctors, since I'm the closest thing he has to a friend. I may not be a physician, but I can tell you that Soran was showing tremendous improvement."

Roberts shrugged indifferently. "I am certain that he was Jean-Luc. But that was before he stopped taking his medication. Apparently he was concealing the daily doses in his quarters for weeks, while telling his current Doctor that he was taking them regularly and everything was okay."

Kirk looked clearly annoyed. "Why would he do that?"

"Medication often has side effects, even using advanced Preserver science," speculated Roberts. "According to his history file, Dr. Soran has never really fit in with anyone since the destruction of his home world. Additionally, he has at times expressed concern to his Doctor about unpleasant side effects. He felt that at least some of the medication was making him worse... making him more and more mentally ill. I would imagine he stopped taking it to see whether or not his theory was true."

"I used to have a red-haired Doctor around who would strongly object to the idea of Soran making his own medical decisions," sighed Picard. "What is he doing in our 22nd century?"

"Unknown at present." Roberts swiveled his display so that they could all see the image of two timelines. There was a green, central line flowing across the screen from left to right along with a second. The new timeline, highlighted in bright red, was steadily beginning to diverge from the original. "I just received this information from acting Captain Ducane on board the Relativity. They're going to continue monitoring the situation and provide us with additional updates as more changes ripple forward to the 29th century. He's also trying to get in touch with Captain Data, but that's proving to be more difficult than usual."

"Why?" inquired Janeway.

"Part of Data's solution to the Overseer matter was to transfer his consciousness into the Preserver network," Roberts informed them. For just a moment he paused to take a bit of electronic pleasure at the startled looks on the faces of so many Starfleet Captains.

After a short, stunned silence Picard's curiosity got the better of him. "Ducane also knows about the existence of the network. Can't he get a message to Data?" The balding ex-starship Captain leaned back comfortably in his chair and sighed with frustration. "I don't know yet if we'll need his input, but I would definitely think there are distinct advantages to hearing his point of view. If Captain Data is in that subspace network, he no doubt has direct access to considerable resources."

Roberts nodded in agreement. "Ducane is trying to reach him at Starfleet. Data had checked in with him earlier and promised to testify before the members of the Temporal Integrity Committee. So I expect that we'll eventually locate him," he predicted, turning in his seat to focus his attention next on Erika. "I don't think it's any accident that he chose your century, Captain Hernandez. I thoroughly reviewed Soran's recent access to our archives. Apparently, he's been reviewing all the data he could find regarding the original NX- missions ever since you arrived. Something about your timeline has apparently triggered a strong desire in him to travel there."

"Who is Soran?" Erika asked bluntly.

"Soran is a scientist from my century... someone who can be a very, very dangerous man under the right circumstances," replied Picard tersely. "We can only hope that he's not up to his old games. If he is, the situation there will deteriorate rapidly. He knows as much about this Preserver future as we do."

"We will know more soon," Roberts promised. "Captain Ducane plans to check in with us again, regardless of whether or not we hear from Data."

"Before," Sisko said suddenly, turning to look at the android thoughtfully.

"Agreed," said Janeway almost immediately. "We will serve you better as humans."

Roberts paused briefly and the room grew silent. "Very well," he decided. "I'll upload a copy of our new mission objectives, along with the data we've received, directly to your personal readers. Prepare yourselves, because many of us will be moving into the distant past. Soran came from here - from our present - so it's up to us to make certain that Captain Ducane receives all needed assistance."

Preserver Subspace, Location Unknown, Time Unknown

Data's curiosity was not yet sated. He continued dedicating a minute fraction of his overall processing capability to the study of giraffe and zebra DNA. The intricate, complex designs of the genetic material continued to captivate his attention. He found himself extremely intrigued at how simple much of the structure actually was. And yet, the spark of life in one set of genetic material would take the shape of a giraffe with its own unique set of brown spots while another would produce a black striped zebra. Fascinating, Data decided as he continued his research. Truly fascinating. Traditionally Data-Class androids had always had hobbies, and this was possibly the beginning of a brand new one... a growing love of animals.

Settling more comfortably into his new role within subspace, Data eagerly studied the information more closely. Unexpectedly, an electronic red flag alerted him suddenly to an urgent, incoming message from Commander Ducane.

We need your input immediately on a new, very important matter... it began.

THE END ???

Coming in the Fall of 2009

Star Trek: Infinite Diversity

(A brand new "Star Trek: Enterprise" Adventure!!!)

Author's Notes: A sincere THANK YOU for reading everyone! This may have not ended as most would have expected, but WHERE would the fun be in that? Have a GREAT summer and I'll be back in the fall!