Danny Amor's Online Library/Danny Amor's Online Library - Volume 1.iso/html/startrek/old-incomplete/timesofchaos.p1-2

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From: [e-mail] (Mark Kinney, Attorney at Chaos)
Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative
Subject: REPOST: TNG: Times of Chaos [1]
Message-ID: <[e-mail]>
Date: 4 Dec 92 12:17:32 CST
Organization: Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY
Lines: 159

Now that I have time to work on this some more...

STAR TREK::Times of Chaos [Part 1]
        by Mark Kinney

    As the maelstrom swirled before him to the tune of the inhuman
flutists, he sensed the pain of their brethren at Fomalhaut.  In his
experience with the strange creatures he encountered, he hadn't expected
this kind of interference from them.  He had led them to the brink once,
and then left them, sure that they would destroy themselves.
    But they didn't.
    These creatures had the means to destroy themselves, and yet found
a way not to, unlike those creatures from Charon.  Unlike the humanoids
encountered far from these and ages before, which he had given the
technology to enhance themselves, did not surrender themselves and become a
greater threat to all that lives.  They didn't even destroy those of thiers
that he placed in that other star system, much as those pointy-eared things
haven't tried to annihiliate each other.
    The impulse he felt from his bretheren only confirmed what he
already knew.  It was time.

    "Captain's Log, Stardate 47511.2.  After extensive repairs at
Starbase 2, the Enterprise is en route to Rigel III in response to an Orion
plea for assistance in a matter of civil disorder.  Although Federation
policy is generally to remain uninvolved, mediation has been requested by
both sides in this case.  Ambassador T'drell will be the mediator."
    Jean-Luc Picard leaned back in his chair.  The course was set, and
the trip should by all rights be uneventful.  It would be a great change
from their last assignment, he thought.
    Counselor Deanna Troi's recovery was almost complete.  Her nightmares
had decreased in frequency, and she once again felt capable.  She looked over
to Commander William Riker, who she knew had been concerned for her this
whole time.  She could tell by the look he gave her even then, without
having to read his emotion.
    For everyone else, the past few weeks were tremendous stress
relief, except perhaps for Data.  He spent his time planning an expedition
to Pluto, to be carried out the next time he had leave.  When asked why he
planned such a trip, he would say, "to find fungi." Invariably, this would
lead the questioner to dismiss it as a quirk in the android's brain.  Data,
however, had continued considering several files hidden in the back
processors of the Starfleet Headquartes computer.  He could not feel
emotion himself, but he knew that the usual emotional reaction to some of
what he read would probably be extreme anxiety.
    At the moment, Data could be found in Ten-Forward.  He had
accompanied the Ambassador's party to this point, and decided to stay.  He
had a feeling he should talk to someone who might understand his concern.
    And she was there, the purple robes and wide-top hat distinctive
among the regulars in the ship's lounge.  Guinan notices Data's approach,
and met him at the bar.
    "So, Data," she immediately said, "I understand you're planning a
trip to Pluto."
    "Yes," Data answered, wondering if he should go ahead and say why.
    "Or perhaps I should say 'Yuggoth'?"
    Data, although incapable of feeling actual surprise, often
expressed it externally at times that something unexpected happened.  This
was one of those times.
    "Yes..." he said.
    "You've been studying those files you downloaded, even now that
that crisis is over with?"
    "It may not in fact be over," Data said as Guinan began to smile.
"Our previous encounter would suggest the actual existance, at least in
some form, of other creatures in their ilk.  An exploration of Pluto would
be an ideal way to find out."
    Guinan's smile dissolved into a deadly serious look.  "A very
dangerous time is approaching, Data.  Don't forget any of what you have
found out.  You may find yourself needing it sooner than you think."
    Guinan turned and walked away.

    The planet loomed below the Enterprise as T'drell looked down upon
it, now more of a smoking cinder than a planet.
    "We are too late," was her only comment to the bridge crew.  She
turned and began to walk toward the turbolift, and then stopped and looked
around as if something was trying to pass her.  Couselor Troi felt
something as well, although she had no real idea of what it was.
    Data checked the sensors from his station, and his hypothesis was
confirmed.  "Captain," he announced, "there are lifesigns below."
    "Is the environment safe?" Captain Picard asked.
    "There are higher than normal levels of background radiation.  A
short trip under radiation protocol should be safe, though."
    "Commander Riker, prepare an away team."
    Riker silently indicated that Data and Worf should join him, and
called for a representative from the sociology division as they three
officers headed toward the turbolift.

    The shimmering blue light appeared within the ruins of what was
once a trade center, sending the survivors who had been scavenging in the
ruins running for cover.
    The Klingon, the android, and the two Humans began to look around.
ONe of the blue-skinned survivors stepped forward.
    "You're from the Federation?" he asked feebly.
    "Yes," Commander Riker answered.  "What happened here?"
    "It was Nilatep!" the Orion answered.  "He seemed to us to be a
worker of miracles, but only what you see followed him!"
    "Nilatep?" Ensign Leonhardt asked, trying to place the reference.
    "He caused this?" Riker spat.
    "Where he goes," the Orion said, "chaos and destruc-"  His sentence
was cut short by some kind of spasm.  He collapsed before the away team,
screaming for mercy to something they could not see.

    Back on the ship, the officers immediately convened in a
conference.
    "The Orion referred to a 'Nilatep' as a catalyst for the events on
the planet," Riker said as the Captain, a troubled look on his face, took
in what the away team had discovered.
    "Does he have a ship?"  Picard asked.
    "We checked some of the registries we found.  It wouldn't seem he
did.  Why?"
    "While your away team was on the planet, we've received news from
Starfleet that seven Federation worlds, including Andor, Tellar, and, if I
understand correctly, Vulcan, have degenerated into similar disorder,"
Picard said.  "If they all have a common cause, we may have a serious
problem on our hands."
    "Actually, sir," Data broke in, "it may be even more serious than
that."
    "What do you know, Commander?"
    "You will recall our recent encounter at Fomalhaut, and my persual
of several datafiles downloaded from Starfleet Headquarters.  I have found
several prophecies listed in said files of a creature of some sort that
would eventually destroy the Earth in such a manner."
    "Do you have anything to back that up?"
    "There is a similarity in the names.  This 'Nilatep,' if properly
expanded, could also refer to the creature from Earth mythology named
'Nyarlathotep.'"
    Captain Picard turned and stared out the window for a moment.  He
then turned back to his officers.  "I'll take this all under advisement.
That's all."
    Picard returned to his ready room, to find an old friend waiting
there for him, and not entirely unexpectedly.
    "Hello, Guinan," Picard said.  He moved around to his chair.
    Guinan stepped up to his desk.  "Do you know what is going on yet?"
she asked.
    "I've just gotten out of a conference where we discussed
possibilities."
    "And how do you fell about Commander Data's assessment?"
    "It seems like something of a stretch for him, actually."
    "So you dismiss the possibility out of hand."
    "Is there a reason I shouldn't?"
    "You have every reason not to.  Does any other possibility make any
more sense?"
    Picard settled back into his chair and sighed.  "No."
    The intercom signal interrupted their conversation.  "Captain,"
Worf's voice announced, "there is a subspace message from Starfleet Command
coming in on a secure channel."
    "I'll take it in here," Picard said, and then looked to Guinan.
    Guinan removed a small box from a pocket in her robe, and placed it
on Picard's desk.  "Take this.  You'll need it.  When you need it, open it
and think 'Nodens.'"  She turned and left.  Picard activated his monitor
after the door closed behind her.
    "All Federation ships, this is Starfleet Command.  All ships are on
alert.  Repeat, all ships are now to consider themselves on alert.  This
afternoon, riots broke out in various locations on Earth and several other
Federation worlds.  The Feredation Coucil has therefore proclaimed a state
of emergency...."
--
Mark Kinney [KINNEMA@WKUVX1.(BITNET)(WKU.EDU)] | Give me Slack OR KILL ME!
PhoneNet: [phone]   (Bowling Green, KY) | K A /\ /\ I E T I
Quote of the week: "Pub... ah, yes.  A meeting place where people attempt to
    achieve advanced states of mental incompetence though the repeated
    consumption of fermented vegetable drinks." -- Kryten, "Red Dwarf"

Path: moe.ksu.ksu.edu!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!darwin.sura.net!ukma!netnews.louisville.edu!wkuvx1!kinnema
From: [e-mail] (Mark Kinney, Attorney at Chaos)
Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative
Subject: TNG: Times of Chaos [2]
Message-ID: <[e-mail]>
Date: 4 Dec 92 13:19:41 CST
Organization: Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY
Lines: 142

STAR TREK::Times of Chaos [Part 2]
        By Mark Kinney

    "Captain's Log, supplemental.  We are entering Earth's home system
in response to events my second officer feel may be related to the recent
catastrophe in Orion space."
    Captain Picard leaned back, thinking about what to add to his log
entry, when Worf's voice came over the intercom.
    "Captain, there is a ship approaching."
    "I'm on my way."
    Picard rose from his desk and advanced to the door connecting his
ready room and the bridge.  He strode to his chair, asking for a status
report.
    "It's the Pulsar, sir, a Stellar class scout.  It's shield are up
and weapons are armed," Worf reported.
    "Hail them," Picard ordered.
    Worf sent the standard hailing message.  "No response, Captain."
    Suddenly, an arc of phaser fire from the Pulsar raked accross the
lower part of the saucer section.
    "Shields up!  Red alert!"  Picard commanded.  The warning klaxons
blared, as Picard asked for a status report.
    "All weapons armed and ready.  Damage control reports minor damage
and few casualties."
    "Worf, fire phasers to keep thier shields down.  Number one,
assemble a boarding party."

    "Captain's log, supplemental.  We have transferred the twenty man
crew of the USS Pulsar to our brig after an attack on the Enterprise.
Doctor Crusher informs me that they are clinically insane.  No cause can be
established."

    At least Earth hadn't blown itself apart yet.
    The crew of the Enterprise was able to hear the news of the general
rioting over the news nets as they came closer to their destination.  Data
watched especially closely, hoping to gain some insight into what they were
about to face.
    Then he saw the news report about the man, currently crossing
Brazil, performing wonders amazing even to a technologically advances
society.
    "Computer, compile all known information on the subject of this
news lead."
    "Information compiled."
    "Correlate his path with the spread of the rioting."
    "There is a direct correlation."
    After a few minutes, Picard and Riker were looking at the display
with Data.
    "So this is the source of our problems?"  Riker asked.
    "It is very likely, Commander Riker," Data reponded.  "The
correlation between his tour path and the spread of violence would indicate
such a conclusion was not innapropriate."
    "This is a live feed?"  Picard asked.
    "Yes."
    "Data, I want you to join me in the transporter room in fifteen
minutes.  Worf," Picard called across the bridge.  "Gather a security team.
We're going down there."
    "Captain, you're not going down there," Riker said, but was waved
down.
    "I rather think I would like to have a talk with whoever this is,"
Picard said.

    Although the man's acts were marvelous, the crowd still recognized
a transporter beam.  They ignored it until the Starfleet officers, seven in
all, interrupted the act, at which point they began to mutter darkly.
    "Sir," Picard said. "We'd like to ask you some questions."
    The plain, tan-skinned man looked down at Picard.  "Jean-Luc
Picard, I presume?"
    "You know who I am?"
    "I know anything I need to.  And I know that time is up for all of
this!"
    Worf started pulling Picard towards the back of the security group
as the change began.  The mysterious man began to grow, his features
turning into a grotesque charicature of a man.  The thing charged at the
group, swiping at the group with what was now a large claw.  The crowd
bolted, however, and everyone got separated by the mob rushing to escpae
this horror.  Picard was knocked toward the thing, which picked him up by
his shirt, ripping it as Picard fought out of it's grip.
    Worf tapped his communicator and ordered O'Brien to beam up what
people he could lock on to.  Worf was the third one back.
    "Where's the captain?" He demanded to know as soon as he stepped
off the transporter pad.
    "Don't have his signal just yet."
    After the last security person was beamed aboard, injured by
stampeding people.
    "I think I have the Captain," O'Brien announced.
    They watched the transporter pad, but the man-sized blue
sillhouette they expected was instead a small patch on the floor, which
resolved into a patch of red with a communicator badge.
    "Can you get him from sensors?" Worf bellowed.
    "Yes, I... what the hell?" O'Brien said.
    "What is it?"
    "He's just vanished, sir."
    "WHAT?"  Worf shoved O'Brien out of the way and checked the sensors
himself.  Sure enough, Picard had disappeared.

    Picard was knocked back by the thing again.  As he moved to get up,
the box Guinan gave him fell from his pocket.
    What the hell, he thought.
    He opened the box to reveal a jewel of some sort inside.  The thing
was approaching him.
    What was that word, he thought.  Nobel, no zen, nodens...
    And then the jewel glowed.  The thing was reaching down for him,
when something swept Picard into the air.
    Picard stretched his neck around to look at what was carrying him.
They were two winged man-like shapes, horribly black, and lacking facial
features completely.  He was so struck by these things that he almost
didn't notice they had flown out of the atmosphere.  Somehow, Picard was
still breathing.
    He saw the most indescribable sites as the trip blurred; a vast
city, columns running into infinity;  basalt towers of a like he had never
seen; and then, the chaotic idiot itself, swirling about to the tunes of
pipes he somehow heard through the vaccuum; and then he blacked out.

    Picard awoke face down on a metal floor.  The winged things were
gone.
    He arose from the floor to see he was in a small corridor running
to a series of crossways.  It seemed familiar to him, somehow, but his mind
was seemingly unable to make a connection.
    "Oh well," he said to himself as he began to make his way through
the corridor.

    "He what?" Riker said in amazement.
    "He's disappeared," Worf answered.
    "Commander," Data announced from his station. "Something is coming
at us from the surface.  It appears to be a creature of some sort."
    "On screen," Riker commanded.
    The thing almost filled the screen; it was only vaguely what one
would call humanoid, with three legs, two arms ending in gigantic claws,
and a large red tentacle where its face should have been.  It had no
apparent way to fly, but was doing so nonetheless.
    "It's headed directly for us, sir," Worf said.
    "Shields up." Riker said, his look of amazement mirrored by almost
the entire bridge crew.


-------
Part three forthcoming.
--
Mark Kinney [KINNEMA@WKUVX1.(BITNET)(WKU.EDU)] | Give me Slack OR KILL ME!
PhoneNet: [phone]   (Bowling Green, KY) | K A /\ /\ I E T I
Quote of the week: "Pub... ah, yes.  A meeting place where people attempt to
    achieve advanced states of mental incompetence though the repeated
    consumption of fermented vegetable drinks." -- Kryten, "Red Dwarf"