Previously on Star Trek: Eagle Star

“Try for any Allied ship, Dana, not just Starfleet,” Kevin said. “Aye, Sir.” Bruce and Kevin took their chairs and Kevin asked, “You think we should just go back there, despite the ion storm?” “It’s a class-four storm. Even if it’s dissipated by now, the residuals are going to scramble our sensors like crazy and trying to use the transporter would be a nightmare,” Bruce replied, “We’re not going to be able to do this on our own.” “What happens if DS-15 can’t get anyone to us in time?” Bruce didn’t want to think about it. Right now, he had four officers trapped on a planet and fate was increasingly against them. Ensign Masters said, rather suddenly, “Captain! There’s a Klingon battle cruiser and a Romulan warbird headed this way.” “One of each, Ensign?” “Yes, Sir. A Vor’cha-Class attack cruiser and a Valdore-Class warbird.” “Dana, hail the lead ship.” “They’re already hailing us, Captain.” “On screen.” And for the second time in two years of Gamma Quadrant exploration, Bruce’s breath was taken away by the sight on the viewscreen.

And Now, the continuation…

“What the hell?” Bruce asked, in his astonishment at the image on his viewscreen. “Come now, Captain. Na’ila did inform you that her superiors were coming to retrieve her,” his counterpart replied. “Yes, she did, but—” “You weren’t expecting something like this, were you?” the other captain smirked. Bruce replied, “No. I hadn’t.” “Of course you didn’t. How could you?” Bruce, disliking being treated like the village idiot by this counterpart, said strongly, “Clearly you know about recent events here. Fine. I have four officers being held hostage. We need some assistance; assistance you might be able to provide.” “I’m listening.” Bruce explained the situation, trying to leave the possibility of there being Spires on the planet out of it. When he finished, a long pause ensued. Then his counterpart spoke, “How would this... alliance... benefit us?” “An exchange of information would be the best compensation we might offer you for your assistance. I suspect you’re aware of regulations limiting how much I am authorized to share.” “We'll discuss it later, Captain. I daresay you’re in a hurry to rescue your officers.” “I am.” “We will assist you.” Bruce couldn’t help but be taken aback by this rather sudden assistance. He more expected his counterpart to argue more on the point of compensation, yet he hadn’t. He said, “Shall we meet, then, to discuss strategy?” “Privately, Captain.” “In one hour, Captain.”

The viewscreen blinked back to the image of the Klingon cruiser before them. Bruce resumed his seat. Kevin said, “That’s got to be the weirdest conversation you’ve ever had.” “Perhaps, Number One, but I have a feeling that everything is going to be weird from here on out.” “You think this is going to be worth the risks we’ll be taking?” “We’re Starfleet officers, Kevin, risk is our business. Weird is part of the job.”

In the outer reaches of the final frontier, new

enemies lurk in wait. In the great unknown, darkness rises. Yet, one crew will stand against the dark and explore the unknown, mounting up

with wings as eagles to the stars.

Episode #206 “Alternatives”

Written by Michael A. Slagenweit-Coffman

Commandant Erik Diabolus, dressed in a black tunic accented in red with gold trim, the

steel plate of his mask polished, and his jet-black cloak flowing down his back like a king’s train—looking much like a confident and regal military commander—stated: “Time and again, the Federation has encroached into Avkar space, violating Avkar sovereignty, disrupting trade relations, and stealing artifacts which rightfully belong to us. The time has come when we will no longer tolerate the Federation's interference in within our borders.” At this juncture, a clutch of beefy Avkar grunts dragged in four people; three dressed in Starfleet desert gear, the other in civilian gear. Two of them could have been anyone in the Federation's service, but the other two you couldn't mistake anywhere in the quadrant: Xanthus and Sandarklan. Diabolus continued, “I regret taking this measure, the League of the New Order condones the taking of hostages—we are not uncivilized people—however, this is necessary to ensure the Federation listens to reason and negotiates in good faith. Be assured that these prisoners are in good health and are being treated well.” The prisoners were then removed from the view of the recorder, and Diabolus concluded his speech: “The Federation will withdraw from all Avkar territories, return any and all artifacts taken from planets in our space, and agree to recognize the Avkar Solidarity in formal relationship separate from the Dominion.” The screen popped to an image of a symbol Bruce assumed was the emblem of either the Avkar or the League of the New Order, then Admiral Bolter’s image appeared. “That recording was received by our communications section an hour ago,” Bolter said, “Likely it was sent to the Dominion as well, but the Founders haven't communicated with me or the Federation Council.” Bruce replied, “And likely they won’t, Admiral. Mr. Sandarklan had a very low rank for the Jem'Hadar and he’s helped us several times in the last two years; they probably view him as expendable. Don’t let the Council give in to Commandant Diabolus, Sir. He’s nothing more than a schoolyard bully, trying to intimidate us. I'm working on a plan to get my people back with minimal damage and risk. It would help to have reinforcements.” “I’ll do what I can, Bruce, but no promises.” “That’s all I ask, Admiral.” Bolter terminated the comm. line and Bruce took a few seconds to lean back in his chair and think about the lie he'd just told the admiral. He really didn’t have much of a plan going. He knew, basically, what he needed to do; carrying it out was another matter.

Bruce was still mulling it over, staring into a corner of his ready room, when someone beamed into the space which he stared into. His concentration broken, he looked up into the other man's face and recognized his counterpart. “It’s been an hour, Captain,” he said. “Indeed,” Bruce replied. “Have you determined a strategy for rescuing your people from these... what did Na’ila call them? Avkar?” “Yes, the Avkar. Frankly, Captain, a direct attack was the first thing that came to mind, but given the nature of the vessel that they're being held on, a direct attack wouldn't get them out.” “You’re considering a more stealthy approach to the situation?” the other captain took a seat in one of Bruce's visitor's chairs without being invited to. “I suppose I am. Though, what makes you say so?” Bruce asked. “Because it’s what I would do. You and I think quite a bit alike. More alike than, I’m certain, you would care to admit.” Touché, Bruce thought, He's got some teeth. He said, “I’m in need of your ship's cloaking device. It will be necessary for us to maintain an element of surprise.” “Interesting. I think I might persuade my allies to take part. I’m certain that my crew will join in.” “I didn’t expect such an enthusiastic response to this request.” “One of many that we've already established, Captain.” “All right,” Bruce said, pissed off, “So, you’ve pointed out my faults, so let’s talk a moment or two about yours, shall we? You send others to do your dirty work for you.” “Guilty as charged,” the other man replied, unapologetic. “Are we going to get along?” “I think so, Captain. We may disagree on some principles, but as I said before, you and I think alike.”

Compassion stormed through the Executor’s corridors looking for Imahrik. After last evening, she’d been furiously angry, and not at Diabolus. Imahrik had stolen something from her. She was determined to ensure that Diabolus remained hers. She found the young grunt on guard duty outside the wardroom, alone thankfully. Eyes like fire, she hissed at him, “Do not think for a second, Imahrik, that you have any part of the Commandant.” “It seems that each of us have a part of each other, after last night,” Imahrik replied. She slapped his face. Hard. For a moment, the same fire that flared in Compassion’s eyes, flared in Imahrik’s. He might have killed her then and there, but he had learned that much resolve. Compassion grated, “You will never share in the power Commandant Diabolus has! I will ensure it! Do not forget that!” “You are a woman. You are the Commandant’s property. Do not forget that.”

At that moment, Erik Diabolus strode around a corner of the corridor. He saw his stunning mistress and the handsome grunt who'd also caught his eye. He said, "Excellent. I am glad the two of you are together. I have assignments for you both." Compassion’s head dipped, she dare not wanting to make eye contact, when another male was present; such was the life of an Avkar female. Imahrik snapped to attention. Diabolus said, “Compassion, I want you to fetch the science officer from our prisoners. They have information I need. I will persuade them to see reason to cooperate. Imahrik, you are to go to Dr. Kezarak’s laboratory. Find out why he is so interested in the Federation wolf-man.”

“Do you think they're going to kill us?” Cammy asked.

“Doubtful,” Sandarklan replied, “It is more reasonable to assume that Commandant Diabolus will keep us alive because we are more valuable to him alive than dead. He can bargain with us.” “Will he negotiate?” Tariq asked.

“The Avkar normally would negotiate. However, it is doubtful that they will with Commandant Diabolus leading them. It is more reasonable to assume that he will get what he wants from us and from the Federation Alliance, then kill us.” “Gee thanks, Sandarklan,” Xanthus said, sarcastically. “There are always possibilities,” Sandarklan replied. Compassion entered the brig, then, coming in front of the cramped holding cell, standing before the collection of Starfleet crew. She asked, “Which of you is a science officer?” Xanthus stepped forward, “Why do you want a science officer?” “Do not test my patience, mutate. Commandant Diabolus wants your science officer’s presence. It is not my place to know why Commandant Diabolus wishes this.” Cammy rose and stepped forward toward Compassion; Xanthus tried to stop her for a moment, but a dirty look from Compassion and an ‘I’ll be okay’ glance from Cammy, he stepped back. Sandarklan and Tariq moved to back Xanthus, should the Avkar decide to wipe them out once Cammy was out of the holding cell. After Compassion had departed, Tariq asked Xanthus, “Do you think they’re going to interrogate her?” “Yes,” Xanthus replied, simply. “Can she make it through?” “I hope so."

While Captain Space hadn’t confined Na’ila to her quarters, he had relieved her of duty.

When she left Sickbay, Dr. Crowson admitted that he wasn't anxious to be the Eagle Star’s CMO. She didn’t blame him, considering the uniqueness of this crew. Though, she'd known that her time here was coming to a swift close, she did feel some regret. The Eagle Star was as much a home to her in the last two years, as any place else had been. She entered her quarters and found it darker than when she’d left it that morning. She felt the presence of another in the room. She asked, “Who’s there?” “Me,” came the response. Na’ila knew the voice instantly. “You’re early,” she replied, “I wasn’t expecting you.” “The time is now. I refuse to wait longer.”

“I haven’t been able to determine what the devices are, nor what gives them their power." “I don't care, Na’ila. They have a power which we can tap. I want to make use of it. In

the end, I will get what I want.”

Cammy sat nervously in a hard-backed chair, twisting and untwisting her hands. Before her on a metal table, sat several artifacts, including a couple Spires and some of the books from the library, but most she hadn't seen before. She tried to quell her anxiety by imagining she was home in Perth, overlooking the Indian Ocean. The calming image was shattered when she felt a cold hand touch her shoulder and a colder voice say, “Aren't they pretty?” “I refuse to cooperate,” Cammy said, promptly. “Nor do I expect you to," Diabolus replied, “But you’re a sensible young woman. Of course you refuse my requests for information. Surely you see how foolish it is to refuse food and drink?” “What do you want?”

“Your captain and I are after the same thing. We’re seeking knowledge of our pasts. A goal we could achieve together, if we working with each other rather than against each other.” Diabolus said. He gestured at the artifacts about the table, “Look, my dear, the secrets of the universe, right at our fingertips. All we need to do is open the lock on the door.” “If you’re wanting me to unlock the encryption on our tricorders, you’re quite mistaken,” Cammy replied. “I understand, it’s a very difficult position to be in. Still, consider this: regardless of your refusals to help me, I wouldn't go much longer refusing food or water. The League of the New Order are not heartless people; we would hate to present your bodies to Captain Space, having died for nothing.” Cammy looked over the artifacts again. She did want to study them further, find out what those symbols they found in the library meant. Yet, then she would be forced to give that insight

to the Avkar. She’d be betraying Captain Space. No, if Xanthus was right about anything, it was holding fast to not allowing Commandant Diabolus to have the secrets of the Spires.

Cammy returned to the holding cell. Xanthus and Tariq waited for her, clearly keeping their relief at seeing her still alive at bay. Xanthus asked, “They didn’t hurt you, did they?” “No. But Commandant Diabolus tried to persuade me to help him.” “I hope you refused,” Tariq said. Cammy replied, “Of course. I’m not about to do anything to help the Avkar. It wasn’t easy, because I really do want to study those artifacts.” Xanthus said, “I know it’s tough, Cammy, but we can’t let our desires give in to something which would allow Commandant Diabolus to have an advantage over Captain Space.” “I know, Xanthus, it’s just difficult. Commandant Diabolus also tried to persuade me that refusing food was foolish.” It was at that moment, Xanthus’ stomach rumbled; his concentration keeping his mind off food broken. He said, “I suppose it’s not fair to make you all starve because it’s the only resistance I’ve ever known to work.” Cammy placed a hand on Xanthus’ shoulder, “We’ll be strong, Xanthus. Captain Space will be coming for us soon. We can't lose hope.”

Personal Journal – Stardate 60849.7 Captains are frequently harped at by Starfleet Command to be trusting of those we encounter, because you never know when you're going to make a new friend. At the same time, they also caution you to stay on top of things. Well, right now I'm sailing into the unknown. I don't know if I can trust this other captain, but considering how... similar we are, it might just give us the advantage we need in rescuing the Away Team from Diabolus.

“Captain, the Klingon ship is hailing us,” Dana said. “On screen, Dana,” Bruce replied. The other captain’s image appeared and he said, “We’re ready to get underway. Are you prepared?” “As we can be, Captain. We’re holding position outside the system as you suggested. We’ve also made the modifications to our shield frequencies to prevent detection.” “Good. I will signal when I have fulfilled my end of the bargain.” The screen blanked off to the image of the two ships cloaking. Dana said, “I’ve lost them.” Kevin turned to Bruce and asked, “Prepared for what, Sir?” “A rescue operation, Commander, that’s about as far as I know.”

“Then I better get some combat drills going.” Bruce sat back in his chair. He hated the idea of flying this blindly, but it couldn't be helped. He needed this help and wasn't about to turn it down. He’d deal with his counterpart later. Right now, he had crewmembers to save.

Erik Diabolus waited in his quarters; Compassion massaging his shoulders as he waited for Imahrik to return from Dr. Kezarak’s laboratory, bringing his report on the good doctor’s schemes. She asked, “Master, what could the doctor have that you would want?” “This is a matter of security, my dear. Dr. Kezarak has been up to something, which may prove dangerous to me, if I don’t find out what it is. I will not be usurped. I will not tolerate having my authority questioned.”

You mean your power, Compassion thought, which I mean to share in. They discussed it for a few minutes more, yet still coming to the same conclusion. Diabolus would not allow his power to be undermined by subordinates. Kezarak must be made to see that. Regardless if genetic scientists were given more respect in Avkar society, the Commandant was above them all.

The door signal rang and Diabolus said, “Enter.” Expecting Imahrik, he became dumbfounded when Bruce Space entered the room. He hissed at his enemy: “How did you get in here?”

“First, don’t bother calling for guards. If you make a move to try and kill me, I will release a control valve, releasing dycelkon gas throughout this ship. It would kill everyone within minutes.” “You’re bluffing.” "Perhaps. But are you willing to take that risk? Wouldn’t it be more profitable to work with me rather than wasting the lives of your men?” “It wouldn’t matter too much either way. What do you want?” Diabolus retorted. “Simple. Release the Starfleet officers you captured. They don’t have the information you want. You already have the knowledge to accomplish your aims that the artifacts have provided. You’ve just wanted to lure the Federation in and deal it a major blow.” "Why should I even consider this? After all, I now have you. Again.” “Do you?” Sergeant Rizak’s voice broke the debate: “Command Deck to Commandant Diabolus. A Federation starship is approaching our position. They’re hailing us.” “Put it through.” “Commandant Erik Diabolus, this is Captain Space of the Eagle Star. You have five minutes to release my officers, or we will fire on your ship.” Diabolus’ red eye turned a baleful look on his enemy before him. He said, “You fool. You don't know what you've done here—” “Release the prisoners,” the other man interrupted.

Diabolus made no motion, until Sergeant Rizak said over the comm.: “Commandant! A Klingon cruiser and a Romulan warbird have just decloaked. They’re surrounding us!” “Time’s a wasting, Commandant.” “Very well. You win. Take them and go. As you say, I have what I need.” “Their equipment?” “Compassion, fetch it.” She did so, bringing the Away Team's equipment and handing it over to the other captain. Diabolus said, with an icy smile, “Anything else?” “No. We’ll be going.” The other captain strode back into the corridor and departed for the holding cells. When he had left, Diabolus shouted, “Rizak! When the prisoners are off, bring up the last of that library. Then, set course for Avkar Prime at maximum warp.”

Xanthus and the others couldn't hide their shock when their deliverer arrived at their cell

with their equipment in hand. The captain gave no word of explanation, other than to say, “Let’s go.” The Away Team stepped out of the holding cell and quickly moved to the corridor. The Avkar grunts standing guard at their cell, glowered at the five of them as they exited the room. As soon as they were out the other captain, touched a control pad strapped to his wrist. He said, “Transport now.”

The group was suddenly enveloped by a transporter beam. Once aboard the Eagle Star, Bruce's counterpart said, "We're aboard, Captain. You’d better set course out of this system.” To Xanthus and the others he added, “You’re safe. I’d suggest getting cleaned up.”

Both Cammy and Tariq hurried through a shower and changing into fresh uniforms in order to report their discoveries on the planet to Captain Space. Neither wanted to wait too long as Commandant Diabolus was very likely planning to use the information he’d obtained from the library against the Federation. They burst onto the bridge from the turbolift to find Commander Doran in charge on the bridge. “Is the Captain available, Commander?” Cammy asked. “He’s in the ready room with Sandarklan. You’d better get in there. Where’s Xanthus?” “Coming, I hope.” Tariq went in first with Cammy right behind. Bruce sat behind his desk, with Sandarklan standing beside. Bruce said, “Come in Cammy, Lieutenant Al-Rashid. We’ve got to talk.”

Cammy said, “There was a library down on that planet, Captain.” “I know. Mr. Sandarklan reported about it. How much data were you able to scan?” “Quite a bit.” Tariq said, “The slow part was translating the symbols. They’re not just simple pictograms, Captain. It is the strangest combination of symbols, ideograms, and hieroglyphs I’ve ever seen.” “Were the Avkar able to crack into your tricorders?” “As far as I was able to tell, Captain, no. However, that doesn’t mean that they didn’t try or lie about it.” “We need that data, ASAP.” “We’ll get to it, Captain,” Tariq said. Bruce replied, “Good, Lieutenant.” He rose from the desk with a small box in hand. He added, “I’ve got something for you, Cammy. I actually meant to give it to you before you went down to the surface, but circumstances didn’t give me that chance.” He handed the case to her and she opened it. Inside was a shiny black pip. Cammy looked up at Bruce, a questioning look in her eyes. Bruce took the box back, removed the pip from it, and pinned it on her collar, “Congratulations, Lieutenant.” “I don’t know what to say, Sir,” Cammy said. “Just accept it, Cammy. You—” “Bridge to Captain Space,” Kevin’s comm. voice interrupted. Bruce tapped his combadge, “Go ahead.” “You better get up here, Sir. We’ve got more trouble.” All four took their positions, but focused their attentions on the viewscreen. The image before them was of a Klingon cruiser and a Romulan warbird blocking their path. Bruce asked, “Report?” “Just decloaked. And this time they’re not as friendly. Their weapons are trained for us.” “Red Alert. Dana, open hailing frequencies.” “I’ve been trying. Nothing,” she worked the console again, then said, “Wait a minute, they’re responding.” “On screen.” Bruce had turned to his wife and now turned back to the viewscreen. A sudden cloud of static started filling the image, the ships outside going in and out of focus. Seconds later, control panels and consoles began to blink uncontrollably. “What the hell?” Kevin demanded. “There’s something cascading through the computer system!” Dana replied, “All systems are being affected!” “Engines are going down,” Sandarklan said. “Shields are weakening!” Dana broke in. “I’m detecting transports throughout the ship!” Cammy added. A moment later, a crew of five armed men beamed aboard the bridge. Bruce was about to give an order for the crew to defend themselves, but a couple phaser shots was all it took to put that idea to rest.

Xanthus had just stepped out of his quarters, intent on heading to the bridge, when he heard loud grunting and sharp commands. His instincts perked, he approached a bend in the corridor near where the sounds came from. A cluster of crewmen were being herded toward the turbolift at gunpoint. He didn't recognize the men holding the weapons, but realized the ship had been boarded, without intruder alert. He didn't recognize the men holding the weapons, but realized the ship had been boarded, without intruder alert. They weren't Avkar; they were human beings. What the hell? Xanthus knew he had to get to the bottom of this: the break out of the brig on the Executor by this person who looked like Captain Space, now a take-over the Eagle Star. Rather than taking on the intruders, Xanthus doubled-back to his quarters. Inside, he secured the door and removed his combadge. He wasn't about to let them pinpoint him using that. Passing by his desk, he pulled out his sidearm and a tricorder. He went back out into the corridor, and ran to the nearest service juncture, slipping into the Jeffries tube.

“I want to speak to your leader,” Bruce said, flatly. “Easily arranged, Captain,” a voice replied, and Bruce nearly recoiled when he saw who it belonged to. The alternative captain, he’d been dealing with—an alternative version of himself from a parallel dimension; that was it. He strode out of the turbolift in the leather jacket and jeans that that he’d been wearing all along. What distinguished the alternate from Bruce Space was his hair was a mess and a patch of hair on his chin. Bruce stared a moment longer, then asked the question which had been burning in his mind for sometime: “Who are you?” The alternate smiled, “I’m you. Bruce Jeremy Space. Or as I allow my trusted to call me, BJ.” “What did you do to my ship?” “I didn’t do anything.” The turbolift doors opened again, and Na’ila walked through, “I did, Captain.” Though attempting to show no visible sign of anger, Bruce clenched his teeth. All this trust placed in people and here he was standing at gunpoint on his bridge. Fighting back would do no good, at least not yet, but at the same time, BJ really didn’t know what the Spires did. Or did he? “Now then,” BJ said, “As the gang’s all here, let’s get going. There’s work to be done and an Alliance to stop.” He added to his subordinates, “Take them to a cargo bay, the whole crew. Put the captain in the ready room. Make sure that they can’t escape.”

Xanthus hated crawling through the Jeffries’ tubes. He didn’t have claustrophobia, but

the tubes made him sweat. His fur amplified the smell, he believed. Now he hoped that the odor wouldn’t give him away.

It was up to him to retake the ship from these invaders and make sure that the crew could defend themselves. Based on what he’d caught in the corridor before he began sneaking around in the bowels of the ship, these thugs wouldn’t hesitate to kill his shipmates if he did something stupid. So, it was time to work on stealth. Time to rely on what Commander Doran had taught him.

He reached a juncture and hung a left, heading toward a weapon’s locker.

Bruce stood in his ready room, growling to himself for letting this happen. He tried to

always be in control; never getting played for a fool. He'd prided himself on not getting run over by circumstances. Now, the circumstances had steamrolled him. He thought he could trust his counterpart. A clear mistake: one which the rest of the crew was paying for. BJ entered the ready room, he said, "We're underway." “Where are we going?” Bruce demanded. “Don't be so impatient, Captain. Let me explain—” “Where?” “You’re not in much of a position to make demands, Captain, considering that your ship is under my control,” BJ huffed a moment, then said, “So rude, but we're headed home—earth.” “Why?” “Don’t be in such a rush, Captain. You’ll find out soon enough. Before we arrive, though, I’d like to talk with you a moment.” “Considering what you’ve just done, I’ve got very little to say to you.” “Considering I saved your crewmembers, I’d think you'd be a bit more grateful. I didn’t want to use this means to gain what I need, but desperate times require desperate measures, Captain.” “But you did. So get to the point. I'm losing my patience.” “Na'ila told me about these spires. The power they generate. I believe this power can be tapped.” “So what do you need the Eagle Star for?” “Easy. The data you’ve collected and you have one of these objects. I know you, Bruce. You're a lot like your friend Diabolus; you hold your secrets closely, and you don’t share

something one you have it. I’m a lot like you. I knew that you wouldn’t share this information willingly.” “So, you’re just going to take it. That’s where you and I are different. I won’t take for complete selfish gain—which you’re doing. If I’m right about which universe I think you come from, then you’re not out for merely ‘improving conditions.’”

For a moment, fire sprang up in BJ's eyes. This man was completely ignorant of what was occurring in his universe; Terrans suffering under the brutal hand of the Alliance, brutality which demanded justice; or perhaps retribution. “You’re right, Bruce. I am fighting for a much higher cause than you can imagine. What I have done is justified.” BJ moved to the ready room door and called the guards in. He said, “Take the captain to the cargo bay with the rest of the crew. Enjoy your passage home, Captain. It will be your last voyage you'll take.”

Bruce found his senior officers in a corner of the cargo bay when he was thrown into the room, and immediately noticed that a distinct officer was missing. So as not to allow the guards to overhear, he whispered to Kevin, “Where’s Xanthus?” “No one’s seen him. Somehow the missed him on the roundup.” “Then there’s some hope here.” AJ asked, “What do we do, Cap’n?” “Watch and wait, Chief. That’s about all we can do right now.” “Surely, there’s something we can do, Sir?” Bruce was about to reply when he saw Kevin abruptly flinch. His First Officer was looking down at something which had hit the sole of his boot: a type-1 phaser. Kevin’s instincts went right into play. He scooped up the device, quickly checked that the safety lock was on and shoved the phaser into his boot. Dana was staring at him in amazement. A small smile creased Bruce’s face. Kevin said, quietly, “Time to fake an injury.” Dana replied, “I’m hoping the fairy godmother will make another little visit before we get to our destination.” Dana’s wish came true a few moments later with a second hand phaser, which Bruce passed to Ensign Masters to hide, and a couple of combadges. Bruce and Dana hid those. If BJ figured out that they were missing, it might come to something bad, but at leas they had a defense. Now if the opportunity came to use it…

Na’ila, ten minutes later, came on the bridge and said, “The modifications are complete.” “Excellent,” BJ replied, “Helmsman, increase speed to warp nine. Na’ila, prepare to engage the timeshot.” “Timeshot ready.” Blue chronometric particles began to pour out of the Eagle Star’s deflector dish, as the ship’s speed increased. “We’re at maximum speed, Cap’n.” “Execute timeshot!” The temporal vortex combined with the high speed of the vessel, shot the Eagle Star through what might be called a “time tunnel.” The speed had created a slingshot effect, but one controlled by the originator, rather than relying on luck or happenstance, which is what normally occurred when dealing with timewarp. When the speed reduced, BJ asked, “Where are we?”

Na’ila replied, “We did it. We’ve made it.” As he took the captain's chair, BJ allowed a smile of triumph to crease his face. He said, “Begin transports to the surface.”

Bruce, Kevin, and Dana were a part of the last group of people transported down to the surface, along with BJ and a couple of guards. Bruce felt the bite of chilled air immediately. He glanced around and felt a wave of relief in seeing that his crew had not strayed from the transport site. No one had combadges. His crew was smart; they had no idea what they were about to face and no sense in getting off on the wrong foot by wandering about.

BJ said, in a languid voice, “We both enjoy history, Captain. When would you say we are?” Bruce glanced about and said, “Given the glacier coverage, I would estimate that we are about 14,000 years in to Earth’s past. Commonly known as the Ice Age.” “Pretty good. You’re at about 12,500 B.C., which should be sufficient to prevent you from coming after me. And likely you won’t be able to interfere too much with history.”

"You realize that we don't completely know what the Spires do? You could try and tap their powers and come up with nothing. Are you really willing to take that risk?" "What is victory without some risks?" Bruce couldn’t believe what he was hearing. This guy knew jack about the Spires. The research that he and Cammy had done was inconclusive and they certainly hadn’t found any evidence that the spires could be used as weapons. Bruce played his last card, “BJ, listen to me. You don’t know how to control the Spire. You don’t know what it will do and it may end up doing nothing like you’re expecting.” The alternate took in his counterpart, seemingly allowing the words Bruce spoke to sink in, but then the wintery smile reappeared, “Nice try, Bruce.” BJ took a step back from Bruce, tapped the combadge he’d taken off Bruce, and said, “Bring us up.” Bruce looked up into the sky a moment, then said, “Let’s go, people. We need to find some shelter quick. Sandarklan, AJ, you and Ensign Masters go ahead and scout a bit.” “Aye, Sir,” Sandarklan replied. “Kevin, Dana, I’m going to be counting on you two to keep the morale up. Xanthus is still aboard the Eagle Star, so that means there’s a hope for rescue.” “Captain, I hate to bring this up. If this is Earth, in the Ice Age, what are we going to about our non-human crewmembers?” Kevin asked. “We’ll have to burn that bridge later, Kevin. The key thing is keeping the crew together until we find shelter. After that the priority will be water, food, and tools.” Kevin stooped down and pulled the hand phaser from his boot. He said, “We’ve got this.” Dana said, “A hand phaser isn’t going to get us—” “Captain!” Sandarklan called, from a nearby rise. Bruce, Kevin, Dana came up to where the scouting crew had stationed. They’d sunk down and when Bruce followed suit, he realized what Sandarklan and the others had saw: a small group of young men. Bruce waved at Kevin to hold the crew back. He’d hoped that the scouting party hadn’t yet seen them. He should have figured that there might be some contact between his crew and developing humans. “We’ve got a bigger problem, don’t we?” AJ asked. “Yes we do, Chief. Yes we do.”

BJ took the captain’s chair on the bridge, still reveling in his triumph. Na’ila was sitting in the first officer’s chair, but as soon as BJ took his place, she moved to sit in his lap. While he had been on the surface, she had taken the time to change out of the Starfleet uniform she had been wearing for so long and into something much more appropriate to her position as the captain’s woman. He kissed her deeply, and said, “Am I wrong?” “No, we now have the ultimate power. No one will be able to stand against your might. The Alliance will be destroyed and you will take your rightful place as Emperor.” “Emperor Bruce Jeremy Space? It has a certain appeal doesn’t it?” “I’ve always wanted to be the consort of an emperor.” “Very well then, my dear. Lay in the reverse timeshot, then prepare for the return to our universe. It is time that the Alliance knows the might of the Terran Warship I.S.S. Eagle Star.”

To Be Continued…

Star Trek: Eagle Star

Episode #206 “Alternatives”

Written By

Michael A. Slagenweit-Coffman

Based on “Star Trek” Created By Gene Roddenberry

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