Evol-Q-tion A wacky, wacky departure from your standard, everyday STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION stories. by Dayton Ward -------------------------------------------------------------------- Why ANOTHER Crossover? I must admit, that I have enjoyed reading the various crossovers that have been uploaded to the data banks, as well as others that I have read in fanzines and elsewhere. They provide a unique departure from standard Trek stories. They blend our favorite heroes and heroines with characters and situations from other settings and genres to create some fun story telling. -------------------------------------------------------------------- 'Okay,' you say to yourself, 'why THIS crossover?' Because I have never heard of it being done before, and I thought it might be fun. I toyed around with the idea when the Apes' popularity briefly surged a couple of years ago, with the new comics. I just couldn't think of a plausible way to make the two universes come together. 'Till now. If you have never read any crossovers, I highly recommend the following, all of which are available on AOL in the Star Trek Club's data banks: LeapTrek and LeapTrek II (ST:TNG and Quantum Leap) -- by Katreana Knights. the ST:TNG/Battlestar Galactica crossovers -- by an author that I am ashamed to not be able to remember the name of. The Doctor and The Enterprise (ST:TOS and Tom Baker's Doctor Who) -- by Jean Airey. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Evol-Q-tion -------- Prologue -------- :: December 24, 1968 - Old Earth Calendar :: :: In orbit around Terra One :: Mankind's greatest achievement to date: the first manned spacecraft to orbit the moon, Apollo 8. Ten orbits around Earth's only natural satellite, before returning safely home three days later: the most fantastic manned voyage of any kind. I can't believe they ever got this far. To the naked eye, the entity that trailed the Apollo capsule appeared to be nothing more than a point of light, easily confused with any of the stars visible from Earth, or even from the capsule itself. How primitive. Absolutely vulgar. This simply would not do. Manned spaceflight had reached a new pinnacle. A new age of exploration had been born. Future flights would see the first human walk on the moon, the first spacecraft travel to Mars. Other voyages would have ships leave the confines of Earth's home solar system, travelling to distant stars. But not for far too long a time. Too long for my tastes. In order to accomplish it's goals, it would have to make "adjustments" to the tiny blue world that had sent this primitive spacecraft out so far from home. The humans would realize nothing, of course, and his dear friends would only discover what had happened long after it was too late. It's time to begin a new game. A brief flash of light marked the disappearance of the entity. And Earth's destiny.......made a sharp left at the next intersection. * * * * * :: February 3, 1972 OEC :: :: Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas, planet Terra :: "It's gone!" Michael Allen, Control Chief for the current operation, turned to the sound of the voice. It was coming from one of the junior control technicians, one whose name he couldn't remember at the moment. As he moved down the stairs to the banks of control consoles, he threw a questioning look to the tech. "What are you talking about?" The rookie checked, then double-checked his readouts before tearing the headset from his head. "The ship, it's gone. One second I'm tracking it clear as day, the next, 'Poof!' It's like it was never there." Allen picked up a headset from the console top and placed it on his head, aligning the microphone with his mouth as he keyed in the frequency for the base-to-ship radio channel. "X-ray Tango Seven, this is Houston Control." He paused for several seconds, the reply over the speakers being only dead air. He repeated the call, received the same results. "X-ray Tango Seven. Colonel Taylor, do you read me?" Again, empty static was the only answer. Allen removed his headset, turned in the direction of his office, pausing only to give one last order, "Get me the President on the red-line." * * * * * :: May 5, 1979 OEC :: :: Space Station Skylab :: :: In orbit around planet Terra :: The first fully functional space station to be launched into space by the United States of America, Earth, circled the globe in an ever-decaying orbit. Scientists on Earth had projected that the station would not last another three months before plummeting back to the world from which it had come. Skylab had been devoid of human life for nearly five years. Budget constraints had prevented the American space program from conducting further missions aboard the space station, so they had left it in orbit, empty. They had, however, left several long-term experiments active aboard. Experiments that would have sent the world's population into an uproar, had they known about them. Now that the station's orbit was decaying, all evidence of these experiments would be erased. Better to not clue the world into such things as genetic mutation, biological toxins, and things of that nature. There was no one aboard Skylab to report the sudden flash of light and appearance of a humanoid form to the controllers on Earth. No one to describe the being as appearing to be a human male, mid-thirties, with dark hair and dark eyes. No one to see the mischievous grin that broke out onto his face as he adjusted the maroon and black jacket he was wearing. The jacket had four small circular pins on the collar, and an arrowhead-shaped emblem pinned to the chest. There was also no one to see the grin grow into a broad smile as the chemicals imprisoned within their individual sealed containers were rearranged at the subatomic level, then mixed into combinations that the originating scientists would never have imagined possible. Anyone witnessing this act would also observe that the chemicals performed this feat seemingly with the wave of the man's hand. The figure looked about the interior of the space station once more, then the bright flash of light appeared again, and he was gone. Of course, there was no one aboard to see this. * * * * * :: July 11, 1979 OEC :: :: Planet Terra :: After nearly thirty-five thousand orbits of the Earth in just over six years, Skylab plunged into the atmosphere, burning up and scattering debris across vast expanses of the Indian Ocean and western Australia. All of the secret experiments that the American government had wanted destroyed were vaporized upon the stations reentry. Almost. :: October 22, 1979 OEC :: :: Long Island, New York, Planet Terra :: Ed Johanson reverently placed Alex's body into the wooden box that he had just finished constructing. The dog was wrapped in a quilt that his wife had made originally as a sofa covering, but their daughter had convinced them that Alex had been more comfortable sleeping on it instead of the bare floor of the garage. The dog had been one of the last to succumb to the plague that had swept the planet in the last three months, killing all cats, in addition to dogs. Something about their unique genetic structures had made them easy prey. Scientists conjectured that it had something to do with chemical toxins released into the atmosphere when Skylab had fallen from orbit, but the Government wasn't talking. As Ed nailed the cover onto the makeshift coffin, he began wondering how to help his five year old daughter cope with the loss. Alex had been the center of her world since Ed had brought him home two years ago. With no dogs, or cats, to substitute for him, he would have to turn to something else in order to lift his daughter's spirits. * * * * * :: November 15, 1981 OEC :: :: Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas, planet Terra :: "Houston.....re encount....g some ki.........ctrical storm. The ship's guida........ems are not respon..............enga........ rgency return proce......." Mark Bedford adjusted the gain on his receiver panel. The message had been sent over two weeks ago, and had taken that long to reach back to Earth. If the emergency return programs loaded into the ship's computer had not engaged, then it was most likely that three very good astronauts had been lost. Further, it was also highly probable that their fate would never be known. ----------- Chapter One ----------- In the 24th Century... :: Captain's Log: Stardate 46573.4. We are enroute to Earth :: :: in order to participate in ceremonial proceedings. It has :: :: been nearly four hundred years since the first human being :: :: set foot on the Earth's moon. Were it not for the actions :: :: such as those of the Apollo astronauts, there would be no :: :: Starfleet, no United Federation of Planets, and no ongoing :: :: stellar exploration such as that which I have been :: :: privileged to be a part of. :: "Riker to Picard. I think you may want to have a look at something, sir." Captain Jean-Luc Picard replied as he rose from the chair behind his desk in his ready room, "On my way, Number One." He exited the small room onto the main bridge. A quick glance to the main viewscreen revealed nothing but streaking stars, signifying warp velocity. Commander Riker was hunched over Lieutenant Commander Data, at the Science I console on the bridge's upper deck. The first officer turned to face Picard as he ascended the gentle slope to the rear of the bridge. "Report." Riker inhaled sharply as he began his report. "Data's been conducting long range sensor scans. He's been monitoring the Terran system since we came into range. But, there's something wrong." He turned to look down at the android, who was seated at the console. Data pointed to various blips on the screen. These blips signified Sol and her nine planets, along with their individual moons. "Captain, sensors reveal no artificial satellites or space stations in any assigned orbits of the planets or moons, with the exception of Earth." Picard frowned. "None? No debris or signs of destruction?" The android shook his head. "Nothing, sir. There are no signs that any man-made object has ever been in orbit around the other eight planets. In addition, the only satellites that I can locate in orbit around Earth appear to be non-functional." That wasn't right at all. "Are you saying that there are no signs of SpaceDock or the orbital dockyards, nothing?" Data nodded. "That is correct, sir." Riker straightened from his bent over stance to move to the tactical station, where Lieutenant Worf waited. "There's more, sir." He nodded to the Klingon. "Sir, I am not picking up any subspace communications whatsoever. No transponder beacons, warning buoys, distress signals. It's as if the entire solar system simply....." "Packed up and moved with no forwarding address." Riker finished for the security chief. Data rose from the chair at the science console to rejoin the group. The captain turned to face his science officer again. "Life signs?" The android nodded. "Affirmative, sir, but only on Earth. Sensors detect humans, animals, and vegetation. However, they indicate a human population far below what it should be. They appear to be scattered in small groups across the surface of the planet. There are no substantial population centers anywhere." "No cities of any kind?" The android shook his head. "No, sir. However, we are still far enough away that scans are inconclusive." Picard turned to face the Ops station. "Ensign Ro, how soon to Earth orbit?" The Bajoran navigator keyed her console momentarily. "Seventeen minutes at present speed, sir." Picard descended the ramp to his command chair. Data and Riker moved to their customary places. The whisper of an idea formed in the back of Picard's mind. "Mister Data, attempt to contact a Federation time beacon." Data turned to key the necessary commands to his console. He paused when nothing happened, attempted the commands again. Still nothing. "Sir, I am unable to locate a beacon anywhere in sensor range." Riker turned to face his captain. "I think we're in trouble." * * * * * "Standard orbit." Earth rotated slowly on the viewscreen as Enterprise nestled itself into a standard parking orbit above the planet. From here, at least, the globe looked just as it should. Data was once again back at the Science I station. Picard and Riker stood behind him as the android's fingers moved over the computer console's keyboard. Finally, after a minute, he turned to face his superiors. "Sensors confirm what we saw on the long range scans, sir. No sign of any modern technology is present anywhere on the planet. There is humanoid life, but they appear to be scattered in small groups over only about twenty-two percent of the Earth's surface. There is no sign of any man-made energy output except on a limited level at a few widely scattered areas. I would theorize that some sort of battery power is being employed, as the energy readings are on the most minimal levels." Riker began to pace the length of the upper deck, shaking his head in a mixture of confusion and frustration. "What the hell is going on? It's like the dark ages down there. Is it possible that we've gone back in time?" The android shook his head. "I am unable to be certain, sir. Sensors show large structures constructed of metal and plastic composites, indicating cities. Background radiation levels are high enough in sufficient portions of the entire planet to suggest a nuclear holocaust of some kind. But there is an anomaly. The readings suggest that the incident would have had to occur over one thousand years ago. Therefore, we must assume that we have traveled forward in time." "Another world war?" "I do not know, sir. The last war fought on Earth with nuclear weapons was World War III. But that war was a limited nuclear engagement. Sensor readings now support the hypothesis that this planet suffered a devastating global thermonuclear confrontation nearly a thousand years ago. World War III as we understand it occurred sometime during the mid-21st century. There is insufficient information to theorize further." Captain Picard was rubbing his chin. "Is it possible that we have traveled into another universe? A parallel dimension of some sort?" "Again, I do not have sufficient information at this time, sir." Riker was becoming exasperated. "This is impossible." Picard raised a hand, ending further debate. "Is it safe to beam down, Mister Data?" "Yes, Captain. Background radiation is well within tolerance levels." The captain nodded as he turned to his first officer. "Prepare your team, Commander." Riker tapped Data on the shoulder, pointed to Worf. He then glanced to the ceiling, "Riker to LaForge. Report to Transporter Room Three." The engineer's reply was immediate over the intercomm. "On my way, Commander." Data finished his studies at the science station. "I have selected the city that corresponds to the location of San Francisco as our landing site, sir. It is one of the locations that registers minimal power readings." Picard nodded. "Very good. Number One, be careful." The larger man nodded as he turned to the turbolift, closely followed by Data and Worf. * * * * * The silence was broken by the sound of the transporter effect. Four columns of energy coalesced into the shapes of the away team members. Data immediately opened his tricorder and began scanning the area. Worf and Riker eyed the windows in the decimated buildings warily, searching for signs of movement. There were none. As for the buildings themselves, they bore testament to the fact that at least this particular part of the world was the target of mass destruction. Huge craters occupied areas where entire city blocks once stood. Those buildings that were still standing looked to be on the verge of collapse. Riker could not find one single window where the glass remained. The android looked up from his readings. "Commander Riker, I detect several humans in the surrounding buildings. None appear to be armed. I have also detected what appears to be a crude form of battery power emanating from the large building at the end of this street." He pointed to a building that rose twelve stories from the rubble. Riker rubbed his jaw has he eyed their potential destination. "Can you figure out what it is that this battery is supposedly powering? A defense system of some kind?" Data shook his head as he replied, "No, sir. The reading appears to be coming from a sublevel underneath the building. That area would seem to be heavily shielded, as are numerous other areas underneath the city. That also presents another anomaly." "How so?" "The readings indicate a vast underground tunnel network, complete with multi-level rooms and passageways, totally inconsistent with anything on record for this city in Federation databanks." The first officer nodded. "Alright, let's go check it out. I'll take the point. Mister Worf, you watch our backs." The away team proceeded in a staggered column up the street. During the move, Riker couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched. Once, he turned back to make eye contact with Worf, his eyes silently stating his concerns. The security chief nodded back in agreement, mirroring the commander's feelings. Finally, they made it to the building. After moving up the marble steps, they quickly proceeded inside. Picking their way cautiously through the rubble-littered passages, they were guided by the telltale readings received by Data's tricorder. Other than the destroyed furniture and other varied refuse that lay beneath collapsed ceiling and floor panels, the building itself seemed to have held up surprisingly well. The going was not overly difficult, yet Riker decided that care was warranted in navigating the hallways. Data, now in the lead, suddenly stopped, his free hand signalling the others to halt in place. Riker edged forward to confer with the android. "What?" he whispered, barely audible. Data understood him perfectly. "The tricorder registers three lifeforms in the room at the end of the hall." He was pointing to a large, reinforced door set into the wall. "Human?" The android actually frowned. "The readings suggest humanoids, sir, but the shielding in these walls is making scans difficult. I can ascertain that they have no weapons, however." A reading suddenly changed on the tricorder. "They appear to be moving rapidly within the room now, sir. It is probable that they know we are here, and are moving for cover." Riker motioned for Worf to move up. When the Klingon was abreast of him, he indicated the door with a nod of his head. "We've got company. You're on point. Phasers on stun, but holstered. Data says that they're not armed. Let's be careful, though." Worf nodded and proceeded to the large door. The door itself was nondescript, the distinguishing feature being a large red handle. The Klingon grasped the handle and pulled the door open a fraction, then peered through the crack he had created. Riker, standing a few meters behind him, waited as the security chief completed a rudimentary visual sweep of the room. Worf had the door almost halfway open at this point, then turned his head to look at Riker. The first officer swallowed the lump in his throat, then moved forward. They entered the room together. The chamber was similar in appearance to the rest of the building that they had seen. Rubble and refuse littered the floor. There was an alcove at the rear of the room, where the debris had been recently cleared away. Standing, alone, in the center of the alcove was a machine of some kind. Riker's eyebrows rose as he beheld the mechanism. It resembled an ancient computer bank, the likes of which had not been seen outside a museum since the late 1990's. First things first, however. Straightening his posture, he called out in a normal voice, "We know that you're in here, and we mean you no harm. You can come out, now. I promise you that it's safe." There was a shuffling sound from behind one of the piles of rubble as a figure emerged. A human, with blonde hair, dressed in rough-hewn clothing, stepped forward. The uncertainty was evident in the man's eyes as he studied Riker. Then he turned to gaze at Worf. "What the hell is that?" Riker held up his hands. "It's alright. I said that we wouldn't hurt you." Another man stood up behind the pile. This one was dark haired, but dressed similarly to the first human. He took in the two Starfleet officers with a quick glance, also pausing when he looked at Worf. "Nice head, pal." The blonde man motioned for the other to be quiet. "Who are you people? It's obvious that you're not from around here." He nodded to Worf, "Plainly obvious." Riker couldn't help but grin at that. "I'm Commander William Riker, first officer of the USS Enterprise. This is my security officer, Lieutenant Worf." The blonde man's eyes suddenly widened. "Where did you come from? Where is your ship? Where are the rest of your people?" Riker held his hand up, again. "Whoa, slow down. Who are you two?" "My name is Virdon, Alan Virdon. This is Peter Burke." He pointed to his companion, who waved. "We've been looking for someone like you since we got here. We're hoping that you might be be able to help us, help us to get home." Riker shrugged. "It's possible. But maybe I could ask that the third member of your party come out? We know there are three of +ou." Virdon seemed hesitant to comply. Finally, he turned to the hiding place. "Galen, come on out. It's okay." The third figure to emerge from hiding caused Riker to gasp, audibly. It was an ape. A chimpanzee, to be precise. A large chimpanzee. Dressed in a leather suit, it wore a rucksack on it's back. It stood almost completely upright. Virdon spoke again. "This is Galen." "Hello." Galen said. "Oh my god." Riker croaked. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Author's Disclaimer and Acknowledgments: A few pseudo-legal matters to attend to: Copyright Acknowledgments. STAR TREK, STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION, USS ENTERPRISE are trademarks of Paramount Pictures, Inc. PLANET OF THE APES is a trademark of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All other copyrights and trademarks associated with the properties listed above are hereby acknowledged and respected. 'Evol-Q-tion' is copyrighted (c) 1992 by Dayton Ward. This story is in no way intended to infringe on the established copyrights and trademarks of Paramount Pictures or Twentieth Century Fox. This story is for entertainment purposes only and is not intended for sale. This story may be freely distributed, subject to the following conditions: (1) The copyright notices listed above and the author's name must accompany all copies of the story. (2) The story may not be modified in any form without the express written consent of the author. (3) No charge other than reasonable distribution compensation be charged. Please send any comments to 'NetRunr'. Evol-Q-tion A wacky, wacky departure from your standard, everyday STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION stories. by Dayton Ward -------------------------------------------------------------------- "Critics are raving about 'Evol-Q-tion'....." - "It was deep. Really deep. I mean that it was, ya' know, deep. Ya' know?" - Beavis, MTV. - "A literary masterpiece. Ward deserves to sail the stars with the likes of Heinlein and Clarke." - some guy who delivered me pizza. - "It sucked." - Crow T. Robot, Satellite of Love. - "We can make a movie out of this! All we need is a love interest between Galen and Doctor Crusher, maybe add a few car chases. And dancing girls, we need dancing girls....." - Unnamed ABC programming executive. - "Even I could do better than this." - William Shatner, author of the 'Tek' novels. - "Who wrote this piece of $#*@ ?" - Mrs. Ward. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you enjoy this story, I would also ask that you take a chance on the first story that I have written, entitled "The Road Less Traveled," available in four parts in the data banks. It's my speculation as to what might be the FINAL mission of Captain Kirk after the events of Star Trek VI. There is also a part five addendum, titled 'CrossRoads,' that takes the story one step further. It is not necessary to read this with 'Road,' as it was written well after the first story and answers questions many people had asked me. I would appreciate any comments that you may have on either story. The four parts of "Road" ask the reader to submit comments to 'YourNameHr', but I have since deleted that screen name, so please send any correspondence to 'NetRunr'. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Author's Disclaimer and Acknowledgments: A few pseudo-legal matters to attend to: Copyright Acknowledgments. STAR TREK, STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION, USS ENTERPRISE are trademarks of Paramount Pictures, Inc. PLANET OF THE APES is a trademark of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All other copyrights and trademarks associated with the properties listed above are hereby acknowledged and respected. 'Evol-Q-tion' is copyrighted (c) 1993 by Dayton Ward. This story is in no way intended to infringe on the established copyrights and trademarks of Paramount Pictures or Twentieth Century Fox. This story is for entertainment purposes only and is not intended for sale. This story may be freely distributed, subject to the following conditions: (1) The copyright notices listed above and the author's name must accompany all copies of the story. (2) The story may not be modified in any form without the express written consent of the author. (3) No charge other than reasonable distribution compensation be charged. Please send any comments to 'NetRunr'. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Evol-Q-tion ----------- Chapter Two ----------- Is it possible that they could be piecing it together? No. They suspect nothing. They have no idea what they're dealing with. Why are we allowing this to continue? It is always interesting to see how these humans adapt to the unexpected. It can be quite entertaining on occasion. If it amuses us to observe these events, why did you punish the other? Because he was rash in his actions. He should have consulted the group before proceeding. Besides, he needs a good dose of humility. It may help to alleviate some of his obnoxious behavior. But isn't that contradictory to what you told him? I suppose that it is. But it is amusing also, don't you think? * * * * * "You talk?" It required physical effort on Riker's part to reign in his acutely open mouth. "Of course I do. Why shouldn't I?" The chimpanzee actually appeared to be annoyed at the first officer. "Well, it's just that where we come from, apes don't speak. They don't wear clothes, either." Galen looked positively indignant as he replied. "And where exactly do you come from?" Riker shook his head. "That's a little difficult to explain, actually. What about you?" Virdon had been studying Riker and Worf during the conversation. Finally, he spoke up. "You're not from this planet, are you?" "That depends on what planet this is." The blonde man looked quizzical. "Earth. This is the planet Earth." "No. No way. That is impossible. There is absolutely no way that this is the same planet I was born on." "I know how you feel. We were born here, too. About a thousand years ago." Riker and Worf exchanged glances. Then refocused their attention on the three strangers. "What are you talking about?" "Pete and I are astronauts. We were on a mission to Alpha Centauri when we encountered some kind of electrical storm, so we attempted to activate our onboard automatic return program. We made it back here, but we entered some kind of a time warp. "According to our ship's chronometers, this is the year 3085. Of course, that's when the clocks stopped working. It could be farther into the future. I don't know." Riker shook his head. "3085? Then how the hell did we get here?" He tapped his communicator. "Riker to Data. Come on in, everything's okay here." "On our way, Commander." the android's voice replied. He turned back to Virdon. "We seem to have hit some kind of time warp, also. We're from the twenty-fourth century." Virdon looked perplexed. "You say that you're from Earth of the twenty-fourth century? Now, that's impossible." At that, they were interrupted by the arrival of Data and LaForge into the chamber. Riker made the introductions. "What is that on your face, sir?" Galen had stepped closer to Geordi, examining his VISOR. "It's a device that allows me to see. Without it, I'm blind as a bat." Burke, in turn, had turned to scrutinize Data. "What the hell are you?" Data's head cocked slightly as he answered, "I am an android, sir." Virdon had begun pacing the room, shaking his head as he walked. "Something isn't right, here. According to everything we know, there's no way that Earth could have produced the type of technology that you people are carrying, unless you're part of a civilization that managed to escape the wars." "What wars, Mister Virdon?" "The wars that handed this planet to the apes, Commander." * * * * * The man reeled under the force of the blow, falling to the ground. One hand immediately went to the side of his head. The blow had broken the skin above his right ear. Blood had begun to flow, but he imagined that it would momentarily be the least of his problems. The savage strike that had sent him to the ground had been delivered by one General Urko, a massive gorilla that also happened to be the chief of police. His absolute hatred of all things human was well known. He automatically assumed them all to be liars, so why not quell his frustrations by beating one to death now and then? "I will ask you once more, human. They were seen entering this city. A chimpanzee, accompanied by two humans. The ape and these humans are renegades. Have you seen them?" The man had indeed seen the individuals that the gorilla sought, but he was reluctant to betray them. However, the fact that his wife and son were being held at gunpoint by two of Urko's soldiers battled with his convictions. Urko had climbed down from his horse and stepped up to the fallen man. Reaching down, he grabbed the human by the front of his handwoven shirt, lifting him to dangle almost a foot above the ground. Looking into the man's eyes, he waited for an answer. But he did not intend to wait long. Finally, the human answered meekly, "Yes, sir. I have seen the ones you are looking for. They came to the city yesterday, and they went into the white building, the ones with the stone steps." Urko released the man without a word. As the man tumbled back to the ground, the gorilla signaled to his two soldiers. The rifle barrels swung to point at the hapless human. * * * * * Galen had taken the liberty of answering Riker's question. "You see, this world was once ruled by man, but due to a rather complex set of circumstances, his empire fell, and the apes rose in his place." Riker was stunned. "When did this happen?" Galen shook his head. "We really don't know. That's why we're here now." Virdon indicated the machine in the alcove. "That is a computer memory bank. We found one like it in what's left of Oakland. It told us of how some scientists had managed to stockpile vast storehouses of knowledge on computer tapes in various cities around the world. We didn't have time to get to what was stored in that city before the apes found us. We barely got away that time." "I take it that apes and humans don't get along in this time period." Riker already knew the answer. "For the most part, no. There are some apes that are sympathetic to humans. Mostly, though, humans are used for slave labor and things of that nature. "The humans that we've encountered seem to be more docile, even more primitive than humans of mine or your time. They have no spirit, and only average intelligence. Pete and I have been on the run practically since the minute we got here. The apes are afraid that we might somehow inspire the humans of this time to rebel against them and take the world back. They deny any knowledge of a time when humans were superior to apes, and are scared to death of any man-made technology. They destroyed the computer we found in Oakland, along with the cache of information that it pointed us to. We figured that there might be one of these", indicating the ancient computer, "somewhere in this city. We're hoping it can give us some answers." Burke had moved back to an area behind the computer. "We managed to construct a crude battery out of some copper and insulation we found outside. We did the same thing in Oakland. We were almost ready to start it up when you guys showed up." Data moved forward. "Perhaps I can be of some assistance." The android examined the makeshift construction briefly, then looked up to Riker. "This unit will be sufficient to power the machine for a limited time, Commander." Virdon reached for a series of switches on the computer's front panel. Status lights began to blink, and the machine emanated a barely audible hum. Riker, meanwhile, was still trying to sort it all out. "How could we have done this to ourselves in so short a time? After the advances that we had made? I can't believe it." Geordi was deep in thought. "Maybe the captain's guess was right. Maybe we have been thrown into an alternate timeline, or something. It's happened before, that is, if we can believe Sela." "Well, from what we've seen so far, I'm not about to rule anything out at this point." Data looked up from his tricorder to speak to Riker. "Sir, I believe that I can scan this machine's secondary storage facilities and save that information in my tricorder. We would then be able to access it via the ship's computer. It would be a much faster process than allowing the unit to access the information at it's own speed." Riker nodded. "Do it." Galen in the meantime had moved to join Worf. The chimpanzee studied the security officer in silence for several moments. "What manner of being are you, sir?" Worf turned to study the smaller form of the ape. "I am a Klingon. My race spawns from a planet in another part of the galaxy." "Really? I have read of such things in some of the books I had found. But, I never thought that it could really be possible." The Klingon's reply was cut short by Galen's sudden shift of attention. "Alan! Someone's coming!" Virdon and Burke immediately began to scramble about the chamber. "Come on, Commander, we've got to find someplace to hole up." Geordi was inspecting the readouts on his tricorder. "I've got ten figures moving onto this level, most likely from above. At the rate they're moving, they'll be here in about three minutes." Riker pointed to Worf. "Cover the hatch." He moved over to where Data was standing, still entranced in the haphazard data transfer that he had managed to create. "This process will take another thirty seconds to complete, Commander." "Forget it. We've got to get out of here." The android looked at his superior officer. "Sir, if those individuals that are approaching are indeed apes, they may see fit to destroy this machine, and all the information that it contains will be lost." Riker exhaled with a frustrated sigh as he nodded for Data to continue. Turning to Virdon, "Is there a way out of here without going past them?" "Yeah, I think so, but we'll have to move fast. If those are gorillas, they'll be more of them around outside. If it's who I think it is, they may already have the building surrounded." Riker tapped his communicator. "Riker to Enterprise." There was no response. He repeated the call, received the same result. Geordi looked up from his tricorder. "The shielding in these walls might be interfering with communications. We'll probably have to get outside to call the ship." Data closed his tricorder and holstered it. "Download complete, Commander." "Good. Let's get the hell out of here." * * * * * With Virdon leading the way and Worf bringing up the rear, the group exited the chamber into the rubble-strewn hallway. Geordi was monitoring the advance of their uninvited visitors. He pointed down one of the dark passageways. "This way." Moving quickly yet quietly, they managed to make it back outside, stopping just inside the door to study the street before moving from cover. The area appeared to be deserted. Riker waited for Worf to exit the building before speaking. "Alright, Mister Virdon, we're transporting back to our ship." He moved to tap his communicator when a voice suddenly echoed. "Halt!" All seven swung around, searching for the voice. Even though he had heard Virdon, Burke and Galen describe it, he still wasn't ready for the mental shock of a gorilla, dressed in leather, sitting on a horse and pointing a rifle at him from the far end of the street. Let alone a squad of them. "Scatter!" Virdon's whispered order was barely heard, yet fully understood. Everyone dove for the cover of the rubble piles and partially demolished buildings. Rifle shots rang out as the group split up and headed in seven different directions. The horse-mounted gorillas yelled as they began galloping up the street. From behind the protection of a pile of smashed concrete, Riker pulled his phaser and aimed it at one of the approaching ape soldiers, pressing the firing stud. Click. He tried it again, and again the weapon refused to fire. Without looking back, he headed for the nearest building. Riker had almost made it when the bullet took him in the left shoulder. He was thrown to the ground by the force of the impact, a fireball forming in his body where the bullet had entered. He struggled to get to his feet, his left arm dangling uselessly at his side, when the horse came alongside of him. A large boot lashed out to strike him in the chest, sending him back down to the street. Then, the darkness came. * * * * * The two gorilla soldiers made their way cautiously down the narrow alley on foot. The confines of the passageway had forced them to leave their horses outside. They had seen the large, dark skinned figure in the strange clothes run in this direction when the fugitive group had scattered. However, there was no one in the alley now. One of the gorillas stopped to poke his head into the first open doorway that they came to. His mistake. Worf exploded through the doorway, propelling the ape into his companion and sending them both to the ground. As they fought to disentangle themselves from each other, the Klingon stepped forward and with two well-placed punches, sent them both to unconsciousness. A quick frisk of the two soldiers yielded two pistols, in addition to the rifles each of them had been carrying. He also helped himself to one of the bandoleers of ammunition that they also wore. Slinging the rifles across his shoulders, he made his way down the remainder of the alley, brandishing a pistol in each of his massive hands. * * * * * Data had sprinted across the open street with his inhuman speed to a nearby building, where he then proceeded to climb the stairwells four levels to the roof. From his vantage point, he could see the three gorillas dismount from their horses and move to where the unconscious form of Commander Riker lay. He could see that though his wound was not immediately fatal, it would cause serious complications if not treated soon. Seeing no alternative, he drew his phaser and aimed. Click. He pulled the weapon closer to inspect the power indicators. The tiny gauge registered a full charge. A quick inspection of the unit revealed no damage or fault. Something was preventing the phaser from firing. Meanwhile, the apes on the ground had taken Riker and thrown him across the back of one of the horses. They were preparing to move somewhere. At the moment, his options were limited. With no weapons, he stood a good chance of being damaged by the projectiles that the apes' rifles were firing. Without a working phaser, he could not take down the gorillas from a distance. It was obvious that the apes intended to take Commander Riker prisoner, or they would have simply killed him outright already. He tapped his communicator. "Data to LaForge." Geordi immediately responded in a low voice. "I'm here, Data." "Are you in trouble?" "Not at the moment. I managed to give the two that chased me the slip, but I think that they'll double back in a minute or two." The android nodded. "The ape soldiers have injured Commander Riker and taken him prisoner. I would suspect that they intend to take him somewhere for interrogation." "We have to do something." "I agree, Geordi, but I have discovered that something is preventing our phasers from operating." Worf's voice suddenly broke into the conversation. "Commander Data, I have disabled two of their soldiers and acquired their weapons. I am currently in a position to ambush the apes carrying Commander Riker." Data looked over the short wall of the roof in an attempt to locate the security officer. As he did so, he saw a group of six more gorilla soldiers maneuver to take up positions with the other three. "Negative, Lieutenant. You are outnumbered and outgunned." "But sir, I......" Data cut him off. "That is an order, Lieutenant. Stand by to return to the ship." He glanced briefly at his tricorder. "Commander Riker's communicator is still functional. I will have him beamed up. Do either of you know the location of Virdon, Burke and Galen?" Geordi answered first. "I saw Burke head into a building just to the right of where we scattered. I don't know about Galen and Virdon." "Attempt to locate them. They will transport back to the ship with us." * * * * * "You got it, Data. LaForge out." LaForge stood to make his way from his hiding place when he heard the movement behind him. Then, there was the voice. "Halt." * * * * * Fear began to manifest itself in the belly of General Urko as he grabbed the unconscious human by the hair to inspect it's face. More humans in strange clothes. This one's clothing reminded him of the silver clothing worn by the dead human they had found in the spacecraft that had crashed several months ago: an abominable machine that had also brought Virdon and Burke into his world. Now, more of these astronauts were popping up, seemingly everywhere. Three of them were still on the loose, along with the fugitives he had sought all these many months. He let the human's head drop and turned to his soldiers. "Sergeant. Take him to my headquarters. Find Doctor Zaius and inform him that I have a prisoner for interrogation." The gorilla sergeant nodded as he moved to carry out the orders, anxious to be away from his angry superior as quickly as possible. Urko had become obsessed with capturing the fugitive humans over the months since they had escaped from Ape City. Urko turned to study the buildings surrounding him. They were here, somewhere, hiding. Most likely watching him as his soldiers carried their companion away. Show yourselves, so that I may kill you and be done with it. * * * * * Peter Burke watched the gorillas as they led the horse carrying Commander Riker down the street. When the troop of soldiers moved from his field of vision, he stepped away from the window. It was time to plan the next move. He would wait two hours, then return to the computer room. Alan and Galen would know to go there, and the new humans could surely find them if they had already done so once before. "Mister Burke." He whirled to face the voice, only to see the android, Data, standing in the doorway. "It is time to leave. We are going back to our ship." "Have you seen Alan and Galen?" Data nodded. "Lieutenant Worf found them in another building. They are uninjured. However, Commander Riker has been shot and taken prisoner by the gorillas." Burke's expression grew wild, almost panicked. "You have to get him away from those guys, now. They'll take him to General Urko. He's the Chief of Police, and has no love for humans. Riker will be interrogated, possibly killed, if Urko has his way." Data held up his hand. "We will be able to rescue him." He reached up to tap his communicator. "Data to LaForge." * * * * * Geordi stood with his hands held in the air as the three gorilla soldiers approached him. One was talking to his companions, "See? I told you one of them was in here." They moved to surround the engineer. "What is that thing on his face? I've never seen anything like it. Do you suppose he's one of General Urko's as-tro-nauts?" One of the soldiers shook his head. "He doesn't match the description. He may be another one, though." The first gorilla looked back to Geordi. "No sense in asking you anything. You'd probably lie. All humans lie." He pointed to one of his fellow apes. "Bind his arms." The second soldier removed a length of rope from his belt and moved to tie Geordi's arms behind his back. He was just finishing the knot when a voice erupted from the air. "Data to LaForge." All three apes jumped at the sound of the voice. A quick scan of the area revealed no one else. They were alone. "Geordi, are you there?" The leader of the apes, a sergeant, focused his attention on the unusual piece of jewelry on the stranger's chest. The voice was coming from the pendant! The sergeant reached out to rip the metal voice-maker from his captive's shirt. As his fingers closed around the device, a chirping sound emanated from it. "What is this, human?" The voice returned. "Geordi? Is that you?" The gorilla failed to hide his shock. "What trick is this? Where are you? Show yourself!" * * * * * Data turned to look at Burke. "I believe that Commander LaForge may be in some difficulty." Burke nodded in agreement. "Sounds like he's been captured, too. We need to help them." "We need to contact Lieutenant Worf and find your companions. Where will they take Commander Riker and Geordi?" Burke paced the littered room. "Urko most likely has a headquarters somewhere nearby. He'll have your friends taken there for interrogation. He'll probably have Dr. Zaius there, too." "Zaius?" "He's the Minister of Science. He will most likely be the one element that keeps Urko from killing them outright. He'll really want to get his paws on all the nifty gadgets you guys are carrying. Data's communicator chirped. "Worf to Data." "Go ahead, Lieutenant." "I have located Virdon and Galen, sir. We are standing by for instructions." The android considered the options for a moment. "One moment. I need to inform the captain." He tapped his communicator again. "Data to Enterprise." He was rewarded with the captain's voice. "Picard here. Go ahead, Commander." "Captain, our away team has run into serious difficulty. Commander Riker and Commander LaForge have been captured by....the indigenous population." There was an uncomfortably long period of silence. Then, "Return to the ship immediately, Mister Data." "But, sir, I...." "Now, Commander." Data's reply was hesitant. "Yes, Captain. Data to Transporter Room Three. Lock onto mine and Lieutenant Worf's signals. Five to beam up." Burke looked around, confused. "Where are we going? Where's your ship?" Data only had time to direct a finger upward before the transporter beam engulfed them both. ------------- Chapter Three ------------- "What is your name, Human?" Riker struggled against dizziness and nausea. His vision careened in and out of focus. His shoulder throbbed where the bullet had entered. A chimpanzee had cleaned and dressed the wound after he had been brought to this room, but he had received no other medical attention. They wanted him alive, yet not necessarily comfortable. He was tied to a chair that one of the gorilla soldiers had brought at the order of the general he now faced. General Urko had removed his helmet at the start of the interrogation and placed it on the small field desk a few meters in front of Riker. The large gorilla paced back and front before him now, obviously growing more angry at each passing moment that failed to elicit information from him. Urko stopped pacing and grabbed Riker by the hair, forcing the first officer to look directly into the rage-filled eyes. "I will ask you again, what is your name?" Riker relented, a little. "Riker, my name is Riker." Urko released Riker's hair. "There, you see, that was not so difficult after all, was it? We will be able to get along much better now. Tell me, Riker, where are you from?" "I come from a far away village. It's called...Disneyland." "Disneyland?" "Yes, it's a beautiful place, with castles and rivers and forests to walk in. I think that you would like it." The gorilla leaned closer, curiosity now replacing the hate in his eyes. "Humans like you live in this Disneyland?" "Oh, yes. There are many of us. We live and work together." "Where is this place that humans live and work?" Riker paused for a moment. "Somewhere...somewhere over the rainbow." The rage returned as realization sank in. "Lies! More human lies!" He pulled back a giant arm to deliver what Riker was sure would be a killing blow. He tensed and waited. "Urko!" The voice had come from the door. At the threshold stood what appeared to be an orangutan, dressed in a long leather coat with matching pants. He obviously possessed some authority, because Urko lowered his fist, albeit grudgingly. The orangutan approached Riker and studied him for a few seconds. Then, turning to face Urko, said, "I wish to speak with the prisoner alone for a few moments." "He should be executed! He is a menace, just like Virdon and Burke!" The new arrival stood his ground. "I said I will question him myself. Perhaps you should return to searching for the fugitives. They could not have gotten far." The gorilla muttered something inaudible as he picked up his helmet and left the room. The orangutan turned to face the lone remaining gorilla soldier. "Post yourself outside, and close the door. I will call if I need you." The soldier did as he was told. When the door had closed, the ape turned back to his inspection of Riker. "I am Doctor Zaius, Minister of Science. Who might you be?" Riker, though still on guard, was slightly more comfortable talking to this new ape. From what he had observed, chimpanzees performed medical, administrative and scientific functions. Gorillas appeared to be utilized solely for military and police matters. That left the orangutans, who must occupy the positions of leadership, such as this one appeared to do. "My name is William Riker." Zaius nodded. "Very well, William Riker. That appears to be some sort of uniform that you're wearing. What army do you represent?" Riker shook his head. "I am not part of any army. We are not here to hurt anyone." "We?" Riker's mind raced. "Yes, I am a scout for our exploration party. The rest of my people are onboard a ship, out at sea." Zaius' eyes narrowed. "Is that so? Then perhaps you can explain why our soldiers reported seeing four humans dressed like yourself, walking on one of the streets with three known fugitives?" Riker kept silent. "I know what you are, William Riker. You are an astronaut, just like Virdon and Burke. You have come here from some other time. Did you come here to find them?" Sounds good enough to me. "Alright. Yes, we were sent here to find Virdon and Burke. We were very worried about them." "Just like those two, you are a danger to my way of life. You represent what man used to be, before the dark time in man's history, before ape rose and relieved him as ruler of this world. Your ways mean destruction and death for us, and we don't want you here." Riker was stunned. "I don't understand what you're talking about." The orangutan was pacing back and forth across the small room now. "How can you not understand! It is the way of man to wage war on himself! Yours is the only species that does this. It is in your nature to destroy yourselves." Realization dawned. "Oh Lord...." Zaius nodded. "Yes, you destroyed yourselves, with your weapons and your machines. You destroyed everything! The apes rose from the ashes of what was your world, and began anew. Now, the humans of this time know their place. We have a balance here. You and your fugitive friends would upset that balance. I cannot permit that to happen, even if it means killing you and your friends." "We come from a time when waging war on ourselves has long past, Doctor. We direct that effort to the exploration of space, to searching for other intelligent life. We...." Riker's sentence was cut off. "Lies! You would infect the stars with your destructive ways? I will not hear anymore of this!" Zaius stopped his pacing to stare directly at Riker. "How many more of you are there? How many more humans like you are on the loose?" "Just the four of us. I don't know what happened to the others. We scattered when your soldiers came after us." Zaius' features brightened slightly. "Well, let us see if we can't help you in that area." He turned to the door, "Guard! Bring the other human here." Riker's eyes widened as the door opened to admit the gorilla soldier, pushing Geordi into the room. LaForge's VISOR and communicator were missing. Come to think of it, so was his own. The ape thrust LaForge into another chair next to Riker. He quickly tied the engineer's hands to the chair and, with a visual cue from Zaius, left the room again. "Commander Riker?" Geordi's blind eyes darted about, hopelessly. "I'm here, Geordi. I'm okay. Are you alright?" "I've been better, if you know what I mean. They took my VISOR. I don't know where it is." Riker turned to Zaius. "Doctor Zaius, my friend was wearing a device on his face when he was captured. It allows him to see. May we have it back?" Reaching into a pocket of his coat, Zaius produced the VISOR. "You mean this?", indicating the prosthesis. "This thing allows you to see, human?" Geordi nodded. "Cursed human magic." Before Riker could utter another word, the orangutan proceeded to crush the VISOR with his bare hand. * * * * * Worf and Data led their visitors to the conference lounge, where they then proceeded to await the arrival of Captain Picard. The captain had given express orders that no attempt be made to retrieve Riker or Geordi for the time being. Galen was awestruck at the idea of viewing his homeworld from orbit. Virdon and Burke, no doubt used to the view, were more interested in the ship they now found themselves aboard. Virdon shook his head. "It's amazing to think that your society managed to build something like this, while the rest of the world fell apart." Worf had nothing in the way of a reply, so he sat silent in his chair. Data, meanwhile, was intent on the computer screen before him. The doors at the far end of the lounge parted to reveal Picard. Worf and Data immediately came to their feet. Virdon, Burke and Galen looked expectantly at this man who emanated authority. His very presence instilled respect. The captain approached the newcomers. "I'm Captain Jean-Luc Picard. My science officer tells me that you have quite a tale to tell." He directed the group to take seats as he moved to the head of the conference table. Virdon proceeded to repeat his story to the captain, supplying as much detail as he could. Their arrival in this strange world; apes as masters and humans as servants. Picard was silent through it all, listening intently as Virdon unraveled the entire tale, with Burke and Galen offering supplemental information when it was warranted. When Virdon had finished, Picard was left at a loss for words. "Extraordinary." was all he was able to say. When he had let the facts, as they had been related to him, sink in, he turned to his science officer. "Mister Data, I understand that you were able to download information from a computer storage bank. What were you able to learn?" "The data bank that we encountered was intended mostly as a guide to the actual repository of information that it told us about. I have been able to determine the location of the cache. It is in a cavern several hundred meters below what was known as 'Candlestick Park.' It was a coliseum where people went to observe various sporting events in the twentieth and early twenty-first centuries. We will no doubt be able to ascertain just what did happen during the period that Colonel Virdon and Major Burke were away from Earth." At this, Worf spoke for the first time during the meeting. "Sir, I respectfully submit that our first priority should be locating Commander Riker and Commander LaForge. Commander Riker has been wounded. He may be in need of medical treatment. I...." He fell silent as Picard raised a hand. "Lieutenant, I have instructed Tactical to monitor their coordinates until such a time that they are isolated. We have not yet determined that we are indeed dealing with the planet Earth. Until that can be proven, I consider the Prime Directive to be in full effect." He did not, however, convey his personal anxiety at the thought of two of his officers at the hands of the apes. Data spoke again. "Captain, I have continued to encounter difficulty with sensor readings and navigational systems. I have repeatedly attempted to determine our location based on known astrogational charts, and the computer refuses to confirm or deny this." "Might there be some kind of interference that would account for these malfunctions?" The android shook his head. "None that we have been able to identify. Of course, the fact that the sensors are malfunctioning would account for inaccurate or incomplete information. Also, on the planet surface, I attempted to use my phaser, but it also malfunctioned. I was not able to determine the cause, as the unit appeared to have no damage and a full power cell. It simply did not fire." Picard shook his head. "These anomalies and malfunctions are connected somehow. We must have encountered something that would explain them. I want Science and Engineering departments examining all possibilities. I'll want a briefing at 0600 tomorrow." "Aye, sir." Virdon spoke once more. "Captain, I have something that might help us to figure out what happened to Pete and I." He reached into a pouch hanging from his woven belt and withdrew a metallic disk, no larger than a poker chip. "This is the computer log from our ship. it might explain how we got here. I've been hoping we would run into someone who could interpret it." He handed the disk to Data, who examined it briefly. "I am unfamiliar with this storage method. However, I will consult the ship's computer for information." He rose and, with a cursory nod from Picard, left the room. "Mister Worf, assign quarters for our guests." Looking to Virdon and Burke, he smiled slightly as he continued, "I'm sure that it's been quite a while since you had a comfortable place to sleep and decent food to eat. Mister Worf will see to it that you are provided with everything that you might require." Burke's face threatened to split open from the massive smile that appeared on his face. "You have no idea, Captain." Virdon's face remained passive, however. "Captain Picard, I'd like to join Mister Data while he's examining our log disk. I might be able to help." Picard nodded. "I'll see to it that you are given a guide to help you get around." Galen looked to the captain, also. "I for one would love to look around, if that's possible, Captain. I am quite frankly amazed at the demonstrations of technology that I have seen." Picard's smile widened. "Of course. If there is nothing else, I would ask that you remain here momentarily while I speak with my security chief. Mister Worf, would you join me in my ready room?" The Klingon replied tersely as he rose from his chair, "Aye, sir." As the two officers left, Burke relaxed in his chair. "Now this is the life. I can't get over this ship. It's monstrous." Virdon nodded as his mouth twisted into a slight grimace. "I know, but how could they have built it? They said that they're from the 24th century. But everything that we've learned says that's impossible." Burke shook his head. "Just because every place that we've been to has apes in control and humans as unintelligent slaves doesn't necessarily mean that it's that way all over the planet. Surely somebody must have ridden out the wars. If those scientists had time to cache all that information around the world, there must have been groups that went into hiding before the war." Virdon shrugged. "I don't know. Even if they can help us to get home, what good will that do? If this is what we've got to look forward to, why bother?" * * * * * "Mister Worf, believe me when I tell you that I sympathize with your feelings in this matter. However, we must remember who we are and what we represent." The Klingon remained silent for a moment, then nodded his head respectfully to his captain. "Understood, sir. If I may ask, what do you intend to do?" Picard pursed his lips as his mind formulated the answer. "Once Mister Data has analyzed Colonel Virdon's computer disk, I intend for you and he to beam down, along with our guests, to the location designated by that data bank you found. Once there, hopefully we can obtain some answers to this puzzle." At that, the intercomm signaled. "Ro to Captain Picard." "Picard. Go ahead." The ensign's voice was full of energy. "Sir, sensors indicate that Commanders Riker and LaForge are currently isolated." "Are you sure?" "Affirmative. However, their communicators have been removed from their persons. We traced them while they were still wearing them, then simply followed the two human life signs in closest proximity when the badges were removed." Picard nodded. "Very good. Alert Transporter Room Two to beam them directly to Sick Bay immediately." There was a pause as Ro carried out the orders. Then, her voice returned. "Captain, the Transporter Room reports that they can't lock onto them." "What do you mean?" The ensign's voice seemed harried. "She says that there isn't any malfunction that she can locate, just that when she energizes the beam, nothing happens." The captain exhaled sharply. "Damn. Very well, Ensign. Have Engineering perform a level 1 diagnostic on the transporter systems." "Aye aye, sir. Ro, out." Picard began to pace the ready room. "There was no sign of malfunction when the away team went down, or when you and Mister Data returned to the ship. These 'selective' malfunctions of our equipment are beginning to worry me, Mister Worf." The Klingon eyed his captain warily. "Are you suggesting that something on the planet may be affecting our equipment?" The captain halted his pacing, pursing his lips and shaking his head. "No, Lieutenant. I hardly believe that anything down there could influence our systems. For the last few hours, I have felt as though we were being toyed with. A specific system only seems to malfunction when we attempt to utilize it. There is an intelligence at work here." * * * * * After their questioning with Doctor Zaius, Riker and LaForge were herded from Urko's command post and thrown into the back of a horse-drawn carriage. A cage, built from tree limbs and lashed together with lengths of roughhewn hemp rope, became their temporary home as the two officers were flung unceremoniously into it. One of the two gorilla soldiers that had brought them out closed the door to the cage and secured it with a crude padlock and a piece of rusty chain. Riker winced at the pain that shot through his shoulder as he landed on it. A cursory check of his bandage showed that the gunshot wound had begun to bleed again. Placing his hand over the dressing, he applied pressure. They were flung about again when the soldier applied his whip to the team of horses pulling the carriage. Riker was forced to release the pressure on his wound in order to grab one of the cage's bars for support. Geordi, blind without his VISOR, had a harder time trying to find a handhold. Riker watched the city fall behind them as the carriage moved out onto the dirt trail. Soon, the trees and hills effectively hid the deserted city from view. "Wonder where they're taking us." Geordi asked. Riker shrugged, then realizing that his companion couldn't see the gesture, replied "I don't know. One of the soldiers mentioned something about a city. They've probably got some more interrogation planned for us." "Yeah. That Urko has it in for us, doesn't he?" "Virdon said that most of the apes don't like humans. But, this general seems to have a specific problem with us. I think it's because of what Virdon said, about the apes being afraid of all man-made technology." "Remember when Zaius crushed my VISOR? He said something about it being 'cursed human magic.' Maybe they're afraid that our technology will somehow influence the humans here, help them to overthrow the apes." Riker nodded. "Could be. I guess we'll find out soon enough." * * * * * Picard had convened the meeting with Data and Worf in the conference lounge along with Counselor Troi, as well as Virdon, Burke and Galen. Troi had been shocked to meet Galen at first, but had, after experiencing the chimpanzee's friendliness and genuine curiosity, come to like him. She was equally at ease with the two astronauts, but had sensed Virdon's uncertainty about the whole situation. He seemed on edge, not willing to completely trust these newcomers. Just prior to the meeting, Ensign Ro delivered a distressing report: they had lost sensor contact with Riker and LaForge. The crewman on duty explained that he had run diagnostics on the equipment, to no avail. One moment he had been tracking them, the next, nothing. No explanation could be found. Yet another in a series of unexplained shipboard systems' malfunctions. Of course, the captain had ordered a level 1 diagnostic of all sensor and scanning systems. He cleared his throat, signalling the start of the meeting. "Mister Data, what were you able to learn?" The android leaned forward, clasping his hands together as he spoke. "The events that Colonel Virdon and Major Burke have related to us are accurate, at least as far as they can ascertain. According to the log from their spacecraft, they left Earth on November 2, 1981, and encountered an unknown type of electrical storm while enroute to Alpha Centauri. This storm evidently had the effect of catapulting them through time to the present. When they attempted to activate their onboard automated return programs, the time distortion effect had already occurred, so they were brought to the planet below. The log lists the date of the crash landing as 3085." Picard held up his hand. "Are you saying that this planet is indeed Earth, of the year 3085?" "So far, there has been nothing to dispute that observation, sir." The captain digested this information. Then, looking back at his science officer, "What information did you acquire from the storage bank on Ea...the planet?" "Apparently, the turn of events that led to the downfall of the humans and the rise of the apes began over a thousand years ago. Using the log disk as a guide, this would put the events as occurring during the late twentieth century, probably sometime in late 1970's. A plague swept the planet, killing all of the dogs and cats. As humans began to desire some sort of household pet to replace these animals, they turned to small apes," he glanced over at Galen before continuing, "chimpanzees, for instance. It appears that the plague which decimated the cat and dog population also affected the various ape species as well. It seemed to have the effect of stimulating various areas of the brain, causing them to evolve more quickly. This, coupled with close interaction with humans, allowed them to learn at a startling rate." "How long did this process take?" "It is not possible to be precise, sir, since we are not sure when the plague originated. However, the records that we found on the planet indicate that over the course of the next ten years, the apes had reached a plateau of intelligence that allowed them to perform menial tasks, such as housekeeping or courier service. Eventually, a government body was enacted to control the training and distribution of apes as inexpensive labor." "Slavery." Picard whispered the word. The android nodded. "That is correct, sir." Galen snorted. "It's no wonder that apes hate humans so much now." Data nodded again. "Apparently so, since in the year 1991, the apes revolted and began burning cities and terrorizing nearby countrysides." Picard was now sitting up in his chair, his hands placed on the conference table. "What happened after that?" "Sometime around the turn of the century, global thermonuclear war erupted. The data banks had no information regarding who may have started the conflict. As a result, many major population centers were destroyed and rendered uninhabitable for decades afterwards. That is where the information from the data bank ends, sir." Galen sat up at this point. "Captain Picard, my ancestors wrote of villages where the humans and apes attempted to live in harmony with one another. It was a strained relationship, at the best of times. However, over the centuries, humans began to withdraw from these villages and founded their own communities. As the years passed, humans became more and more passive, while the apes continued to evolve more aggressive tendencies. Now, it is an almost complete role reversal from the events that Mister Data described. Apes are the masters of humans. Humans are servants and laborers." Picard pursed his lips. "Are there no records of these events?" The chimpanzee shook his head. "I'm afraid not. Almost anything that can show that humans once ruled apes has been destroyed, and those articles that have not are illegal to possess. The very thought that an ape was once inferior to a human is considered treason in our society. I have seen books with pictures showing your cities and your machines. To even possess such a book is an offense punishable by death." Counselor Troi spoke for the first time. "Haven't the humans attempted to stage revolts against their masters? Surely this must have occurred to someone." Virdon, silent until now, spoke up. "I have a theory about that, Captain. The same plague that killed the cats and dogs, what else could it have done? Maybe, while it sparked accelerated evolution in the ape population, it also retarded intelligence in the humans?" "The humans here have almost no aggressive tendencies whatsoever." It was Burke who was speaking now. "They run in fear from the apes. There's no way they're going to stage a rebellion or anything along that line." Galen spoke again, "That is an interesting observation. Ancient texts written centuries ago tell of battles and skirmishes between apes and humans. This does not seem consistent with the humans of this time." "It is possible" Data replied, "that the plague that initiated these events is still present in some form, possibly passed on genetically from one generation to the next. As time passes, it may be causing a reversal of natural evolution. Humans would become less and less intelligent, while the apes continue their accelerated forward evolution." Picard exhaled audibly. "Extraordinary. To think that a world could undergo such a radical upheaval." Galen snorted, again. "You will forgive me, Captain Picard, if I do not share your view of my home. You must remember that this 'arrangement' has been in place for over a thousand years, if your calculations are correct. Long before any of us was born. To us, this is the natural order of things." "Yes, of course, please forgive me. It was not my intention to insult you or your people. You must understand that this is indeed a shock to us." The chimpanzee nodded. "Apologies are not necessary, Captain. I have learned during the past several months that humans have many good qualities. At least, these two do." He indicated Virdon and Burke, who smiled back. Picard tugged at his uniform jacket. "What we need to attempt to determine now is, whether or not this is indeed the planet Earth and if so, how these events came to be. Obviously, this is not history as we know it." Data replied to this. "There are two possibilities at this time, sir. The first is that somehow, history was interfered with sometime before the late twentieth century, setting these events in motion. The second is that we have somehow been transported into a parallel dimension. This possibility is remote, however. There is one anomaly, which could theoretically support either argument. Though the databanks contained historical accounts of every space mission launched, including the one that Mister Virdon and Mister Burke embarked on, there there is no record in Federation memory banks of a mission to Alpha Centauri in 1981. In the history as we know it, Earth had not even sent a manned mission to any of the other planets in the Sol system by this time. There are service records for two air force officers by the name of Burke, Peter J. and Virdon, Alan M., but they never took part in any manned space missions." Picard tugged at his uniform tunic. "You say that one theory is intentional interference in Earth history. Do the Romulans or the Cardassians have access to some form of time travel capability that would allow them to do this?" The android shook his head. "Intelligence reports to date have not revealed any such venture by either race, sir. That does not discount the possibility, however." "What about the Borg?" this from Worf. Picard's blood grew cold at the thought. But, logic quickly took over. "I don't think so, Lieutenant. If the Borg are responsible, they wouldn't waste time with genetic manipulation of various Earth species. They would simply 'assimilate' the human population and destroy everything else." The captain rose from his chair and began a slow circuit around the conference table. "I believe that we should operate under the second premise that Mister Data presented. Therefore, if this is not Earth, then we will have to devise a plan to rescue Commander Riker and Commander LaForge. Even if it is an Earth of a parallel universe, we are still honor bound to observe the Prime Directive." Worf sat forward in his chair. "Captain, the damage has been done. The...indigenous population has already seen our devices and our clothing. They must be aware that strangers are among them. We know that they are aware of man's spaceflights prior to the apes' uprising. Why can we not just beam them out?" "They may not be aware of our technology, Mister Worf. You reported that your team's phasers did not function on the planet. The communicators may have been discovered, but only if one of the apes saw one of our people using one. We have not received any transmissions from the planet since your return. Sensors have detected no phaser fire. We must, therefore, assume that they have not discovered anything as of yet. Until such a time that the away team is isolated, there will be no attempts at a rescue." The tone of Picard's voice was such that further debate was not welcomed on the subject. "In the meantime," the captain continued, "I want you to accompany Commander Data and our guests back down to the surface, to investigate this cache that the computer bank mentioned." The security chief rose and nodded his head respectfully. "Aye, sir. I would suggest that Commander Data and I outfit ourselves in clothing similar to the indigenous humans." "Make it so." -- Still interested? Then stay tuned as it starts to get really weird in -- -- the next chapter or so. I promise not to draw this out forever, ok? -- Evol-Q-tion A wacky, wacky departure from your standard, everyday STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION stories. by Dayton Ward -------------------------------------------------------------------- Author's Disclaimer and Acknowledgments: A few pseudo-legal matters to attend to: Copyright Acknowledgments. STAR TREK, STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION, USS ENTERPRISE are trademarks of Paramount Pictures, Inc. PLANET OF THE APES is a trademark of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All other copyrights and trademarks associated with the properties listed above are hereby acknowledged and respected. 'Evol-Q-tion' is copyrighted (c) 1993 by Dayton Ward. This story is in no way intended to infringe on the established copyrights and trademarks of Paramount Pictures or Twentieth Century Fox. This story is for entertainment purposes only and is not intended for sale. This story may be freely distributed, subject to the following conditions: (1) The copyright notices listed above and the author's name must accompany all copies of the story. (2) The story may not be modified in any form without the express written consent of the author. (3) No charge other than reasonable distribution compensation be charged. Please send any comments to 'NetRunr'. -------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ Chapter Four ------------ Data and Worf, accompanied by Virdon, Burke and Galen, materialized within a cavernous tunnel. The two Starfleet officers wore rough hewn clothing similar to Virdon and Burke. Looking around them, the landing party could see giant concrete and metal beams that formed a criss-cross matrix throughout the giant chamber. It was at this level that the once proud sports complex was supported. Worf removed his phaser and scanned the immediate vicinity. Sensors had detected no lifeforms within a one-mile radius of their current position, but the security chief was taking no chances after their last encounter. He still fumed over the captain's decision not to launch a rescue operation. His training told him that Picard's ruling was proper for this situation, but his loyalty to Riker and LaForge waged war over it. This fact made for an unpleasant Klingon. Data had begun scanning the area with his tricorder. Virdon and Burke scrutinized their surroundings, attempting to locate signs or landmarks that might be helpful. Galen simply stared, awestruck, at this latest example of human technological achievement. The readouts on Data's tricorder changed. "This way." he said, turning to move down one of the gargantuan passageways. The others followed, with Worf bringing up the rear. The corridor dead-ended after two hundred meters. They stood facing a concrete wall. No doors or other means of entry presented themselves. Data adjusted the controls on the tricorder. "This wall is two point three meters thick." With that, he reached into the burlap knapsack slung over his shoulder and retrieved his phaser, adjusting the power setting. Taking aim, he fired at a point on the wall at ground level. This time, the weapon emitted its familiar beam of energy, and the android proceeded to carve an opening into the wall. He cut a rough approximation of a door into the concrete. When he had finished, he returned the weapon to his pack. Placing both hands on the section that he had cut, he pushed. Concrete scraped against concrete as Data proceeded to push the severed section into the next chamber. Air rushed out as a vacuum seal was broken. The android continued to push with his inhuman strength, with Worf stepping up to add his formidable Klingon muscles to the task. When a sufficient opening had been created, Data stepped into the room beyond. It was like stepping into a museum mockup. Since the room had been vacuum-sealed, there was little of the dust and none of the debris that they had encountered everywhere else. Rows of computer tape banks and disk drives lined the walls. Printers stood in the center of the room. A smaller room sat to the right side of the main chamber, separated by a glass window. The smaller office held computer consoles and terminals, with their ancient keyboard interfaces. The room looked as if the personnel manning it had simply stepped out for a moment, rather than having died over a thousand years ago. Lighting panels adorned both walls and ceiling, illuminating the entire room. "The lights. This place has it's own power source." It was Virdon, immediately heading to the back of the room. Burke moved to the small control room. Galen simply stood, transfixed, his mouth hanging open. Burke sat down at one of the consoles and began typing at the keyboard. Data moved into the room and watched over his shoulder as the astronaut attempted to access the computer system. "The terminal wasn't on when we came in, but it fired right up when I hit the power switch. All we have to figure out now is how to log on." Data watched, fascinated as Burke worked with the ancient console. He had only seen a unit of this type in a museum. Burke, however, manipulated the terminal as though he was born for it. "You seem very adept with this equipment, Major." The dark haired astronaut smiled at that. "I majored in computer science in college, and played with my own personal computer at home. The software on this system is pretty standard. We used this stuff at NASA and at most major military data processing installations. Each user usually has to have his or her own account and password. But there are ways to get in, if you know about the quirks in the software. Of course, this stuff is light years behind what you folks have to play with." Virdon stepped into the room. "Get anything, Pete?" As if on cue, the monitor suddenly displayed a menu with several selections. "Bingo." Most of the options on the menu meant nothing, even to the astronauts. Virdon pointed at the next-to-last selection. "That has to be it." The option was labeled 'ENCYCLOBASE'. Burke keyed the option. At once, tape and disk drives in the larger room came to life. Printers began spewing forth pages and pages of data. They all went to the printers and began inspecting the output. "It's just dumping everything stored in the banks. They wanted somebody to find that menu." Information regarding every conceivable topic, from scientific principles to sports statistics, was being printed. Diagrams and blueprints for a myriad of machines were generated. The sum of human knowledge, at least, until the downfall of humans on this planet, had been reduced to cold, impersonal data. Virdon had collected an armload of the printouts and had begun analyzing it. "There's enough information here to build an entire civilization." Data had been using his tricorder to scan the information directly from the tape and disk banks. He had contacted the Enterprise and established a link to the ship's main computer via the tranceiver assembly in his tricorder. The information he was scanning was being loaded directly into the Enterprise main computer memory core. "Lieutenant Worf, I suggest that you take the others and scout the remainder of this complex. This upload process will take several hours to complete." The Klingon nodded and gestured for Virdon, Burke and Galen to follow him, and Data was left alone with the ancient computers. * * * * * It was almost dusk when the wagon approached a large wooden bridge that traversed a wide river. Riker could see the outlines of buildings on the other side. In sharp contrast to the large, towering buildings of the ruined city they had come from, with their glass and steel and plastics, these buildings were low profiled. The tallest of them rose only two stories from the ground. They were rounded, with few angles evident anywhere, and appeared to have been made from stone, or baked mud. Dim light could be seen emanating from some of the windows, which were nothing more than roughly formed holes in the walls. The driver pulled the wagon to the front of one of the buildings. Unlike the other structures that were grouped together, this one sat isolated. Crude wooden bars covered the windows. A guard stood vigil outside the heavy wooden door. "This must be the local jail." Riker whispered, for the benefit of Geordi. "I think we're in trouble." The driver waved to the guard at the door to accompany him as he moved to the rear of the carriage. While one guard trained his rifle on the two prisoners, the other unlocked the door and swung it open, unholstering his pistol in the process. "Get out." the ape ordered. Riker helped Geordi to step down from the cage. The gorilla seemed to understand the engineer's predicament, because he did not interfere with this, or when the blind man was helped into the building. The two officers were led down a long, dimly lit corridor. Riker could see that the only illumination was provided by what appeared to be crude oil lamps. They passed wooden doors with small windows cut into them. Must be the cells, thought Riker. He could not tell if any of the rooms were occupied. Finally, they came to the last door in the corridor. It was almost identical to the ones that they had passed. The guard produced a ring of keys and inserted one into the door lock. With a grunt, the ape pulled the heavy door open, and the second soldier indicated the room beyond to Riker with his rifle. Riker did has he was told, leading Geordi by the arm into the cell. The door was slammed shut after them, and they could hear the key turn in the lock. "Where are we?" asked Geordi. "A jail cell, I guess. Pretty dark in here." There was no artificial light. The only source of illumination was the little moonlight that filtered through the tiny window set high on the wall. Some sort of hay covered the floor. A small pot sat in one corner. Riker turned to survey the back portion of the cell, the darkest area of the room. To his surprise, a figure sat reclining against the wall! It was impossible to distinguish features, but the other occupant of the cell was human. "Hello." said the first officer tentatively. The figure stood and began to approach him. Riker could make out what appeared to be a Starfleet uniform. Then, his eyes widened in utter shock. "Well hello to you! Welcome home, Billy-boy!" replied Q. * * * * * Data's tricorder emitted a chirping tone, signifying the completion of the information transfer from the ancient computer complex to the Enterprise memory banks. He closed the unit and returned it to his burlap sack. He had begun to peruse the stacks of printed output when Worf, Galen and the two astronauts returned from their survey of the surrounding area. "There is nothing else of consequence in the tunnels within the three hundred meter circle that we patrolled. We also found no evidence of a proper entrance to this room. They sealed the chamber behind these walls intentionally." "No doubt to avoid a chance entry by undesirable elements." Data commented. "The data transfer is complete. I suggest that we return to the Enterprise and begin analyzing the information." Worf stepped up. "Sir, now that we have obtained the information stored here, should we not begin to formulate a plan to rescue Commander Riker and Lieutenant Commander LaForge?" "We will have to consult the captain on that, Lieutenant. He was very specific in his wishes to treat that matter with caution." Virdon, Burke and Galen had been talking amongst themselves during the exchange between Worf and Data. Virdon then stepped forward to address the two Starfleet officers. "Commander Data, it might be possible for Pete, Galen and I to check out their condition. If I'm right, your friends will be taken to Central City, where Urko has his headquarters. We have friends there that can hide us. Besides, we look more like the local humans than either of you." The android considered this for a moment. Then, he reached into the folds of his clothing to produce his comm badge. "Data to Enterprise." "Picard here. Go ahead, Commander." "Sir, Colonel Virdon has volunteered to attempt to ascertain the condition of Commander Riker and Commander LaForge. He believes that he has a better chance of doing so than any of our people." There was a pause. "Very well. Colonel Virdon, where do you believe that our people have been taken?" The astronaut stepped closer to the communicator. "Captain Picard, if Urko follows his normal pattern, your officers will be taken to his headquarters in Central City. That's a large ape village about a two day walk south from here." "Ensign Ro has located the city and the transporter room has the coordinates. We can beam you undetected to a secluded area, and you can walk from there." Virdon smiled. "Thanks, Captain. We'll do what we can." "Your assistance is appreciated, Colonel. Take Commander Data's communicator, so that we can stay in touch with you. We will transport when you're ready. Picard, out." Data handed the comm badge to Virdon, who gathered his companions. Galen was beside himself with excitement. "They're going to move us again?" "You got it, pal." Burke smiled. "You know, I could get used to this. Sure beats walking everywhere." Virdon touched the face of the communicator. "Enterprise, we're ready." A new voice replied. "Stand by, initiating transport now." Then, the two astronauts and their ape companion were engulfed by the transporter effect. At the same time, Data and Worf were also retrieved and returned to the ship. * * * * * "What the hell are you doing here?" Riker was asking Q. "Now it all makes sense. You've been playing games again, haven't you?" Q looked at Riker with a look of mild astonishment. "Why, Commander Riker, I have done no such thing. I can explain everything, I assure you." Geordi had maneuvered himself to stand next to Riker, having followed the commander's voice. "We should've figured on something like this." Q was walking around the cell, waving his arms as he spoke. "I was bored, so I decided to go back into your history and watch some of your so-called 'accomplishments.' You really can be an arrogant people sometimes, did you know that? Launching yourselves into space in little tin cans and calling yourself 'pioneers.' Stomping out into a galaxy that didn't invite with your preconceived notions about how superior you were compared to other cultures, other worlds." Riker rolled his eyes and exhaled audibly. "We've been over this before, Q. We know how much you think of us humans." "Oh, but my dear Commander Riker, we haven't been over it in quite this manner. I decided to see how the mighty human race would react if they weren't the king of their little hill anymore." Making a sweeping gesture with his arms, he began to chuckle, "I must say, you've outdone yourselves this time." Riker stepped forward, until his face was only inches from Q's. "You are responsible for all this?" Q shrugged, stepping back slightly. "I can't take all the credit. I merely went back into your history and rearranged a few minor events. Then, I simply sat back and watched. I had no idea that humans and apes would eventually clash, and even I was surprised when the humans went 'belly-up' in the ensuing conflict. I watched as the years went by, and the situation became even more and more desolate for you, then I decided that I wanted to see my old friends deal with this situation in your own unique way. So, I just plucked you from your normal position in the time stream and brought you forward to this time. I thought it was a wonderful idea, myself." He looked downward slightly. Riker interpreted that gesture as meaning that there was more to the story. "But?" he prompted. The old Enterprise nemesis began to pace the cell. "The continuum didn't entirely approve of my little 'experiment'. They were quite upset at the idea of me altering the course of history on your little planet." Q paused for a second, thinking, then continued, "You know, they can be quite dull sometimes. Your captain would make an outstanding member of the continuum, since they're all just like him." Riker knew that there had to be more to this. "Alright, assuming I believe you, if the Q continuum didn't like what you did, then why are we still here? Why isn't everything back to normal?" Q actually appeared nervous at this point. "Well, you see, um, that is...." Realization dawned on the first officer's face. "They decided to punish you by sticking you down here with us, didn't they? They want you to have to ask us for help to get out. That's it, isn't it?" The familiar indignant expression returned to Q's face. "How dare you even think that I would ask you for help. Once was humiliating enough for me, thank you very much. They didn't exactly enlighten me as to why they did it, other than that they were upset." Will stepped closer to the entity. "Are we to assume now that because the continuum is upset with you, and that you're here, stuck in this cell, that they have taken your powers again?" Q rolled his eyes. "Very good, Commander. That only took ten minutes for you to deduce. A new record for you, if I'm not mistaken. I was wonderi.....umph!" Riker's knuckles stung where they had made contact with Q's jaw. Q sank to the floor of the cell like a bag of rocks. Still shaking his hand to ease the momentary stab of pain, Will grinned like a hyena. "That's something I've wanted to do since we first met." Q staggered to his feet, rubbing the area of his jaw that was already beginning to swell. "You will pay for your impudence, human. I will not be a helpless mortal forever, and when I do regain my powers, I will even the score." The first officer shrugged. "I'll take my chances. Until then, sit down and shut up, unless you have a plan for getting out of here." * * * * * Virdon, Burke and Galen materialized in a small clearing. The forest stretched in all directions. After standing in place for a few moments to make sure that they were alone in the woods, Virdon pulled the communicator pin from his belt and activated it. "Enterprise, this is Virdon. We've touched down ok." Picard's voice echoed from the badge, "Very good, Colonel. According to the transporter room, you are approximately two miles north of the city. Good luck." "Thanks, Captain." The astronaut returned the communicator to his belt, making sure that it was secure. Then, he turned to the others. "Two miles, he said. That's about an hour and a half, if we take our time and don't run into any patrols." Burke shook his head. "I'd bet that Urko has stepped up patrols, especially near the city. He doesn't know about this little 'beaming' trick these folks have. He'll be thinking that if anyone is going to try to get those guys out of the city, they'll be on foot." Virdon nodded. "We'll just have to take it slow and see what happens. Let's go." With Alan in the lead and Burke bringing up the rear, the three fugitives began a slow march out of the clearing, disappearing into the dark of the forest. * * * * * The lone guard paced the length of the corridor, in an effort to stay awake. It had been nearly thirty-six hours since he had last slept. With the word that the fugitives had been sighted in one of the forbidden cities, and the subsequent capture of the three new arrivals, with their strange clothing, Urko had roused all available guards in an effort to foil any rescue attempt that might be made. He had ordered more soldiers to patrol the city and the surrounding areas. He had also ordered road blocks to be set up, searching all vehicles that attempted to enter or leave the city. With all of the excitement, it was very unlikely that he would sleep for at least the next several hours. There was not even a fellow soldier posted inside the headquarters at this late hour to help pass the time. The guard was reduced to endless pacing of the hallways in an attempt to stay alert. As he turned the corner leading to the cells placed furthest back in the building, the gorilla stopped, listening. Sounds of struggle were coming from the last cell, the one containing the as-tro-nauts. The soldier trotted the remaining distance to the door and peered through the tiny window. He was just in time to see the face of the bearded human thrust against the door with a heavy thud. A pained expression crossed his face, to be followed by a look of pure rage. The soldier watched as the human turned and launched himself across the cell, attacking the other human with the strange red and black clothing. "Stop fighting, humans!" The guard pounded on the door in an effort to add weight to his words. The two humans continued their fight, paying no heed to the ape. The guard briefly considered poking the barrel of his rifle into the tiny cell and firing a warning shot. However, he deemed that act to dangerous. General Urko had left explicit instructions from Doctor Zaius that the prisoners were not to be harmed. The chance of one of them being hit by a stray round was very high in the confined area of the cell. That left no alternative. Reaching across his body with his left hand, the soldier unhooked his keyring and quickly found the key corresponding to the cell door. Inserting the key, he turned it and yanked open the door. Then, brandishing his short club in his left hand and his rifle in his right, he quickly stepped through the door. If the two dueling humans had noticed his entrance, they made no indication of it. They continued to wrestle with one another and throw each other across the cell. The guard raised his arm to strike the closest human to him, the one with the beard. "Now, Geordi!" Crouched down low near the door of the cell, LaForge waited, brandishing the steel pot in his two shaking hands. Trying to gauge his position from the guard on hearing alone, the engineer stepped up and swung with all his might. Had he been able to see, the blow might have been a killing one. As it was, Geordi was able to connect a glancing hit with the side of the ape's skull. It was enough, however to cause the soldier to reel with the impact, dropping his weapons and falling to his knees. Riker didn't wait. He immediately struck out with a booted foot, finishing the gorilla's journey to unconsciousness. After checking to make sure of the guard's condition, only then did he examine his own shoulder. The wound had begun to bleed again, albeit slightly. The first officer stripped the guard of his pistol belt and rifle bandoleer, then picked up the fallen rifle. A quick examination of the crude weapons revealed that they loaded easily. Slinging the rifle over his uninjured shoulder, he then touched LaForge on the arm with the bandoleer. "Here, Geordi, sling this over your shoulder. It's extra ammo for the rifle." Q was watching as all this transpired. "What are you planning now, my dear Commander?" Riker glared at the entity-turned-nonentity, "We're getting the hell out of here, somehow. We'll hijack a wagon or something. Even if we have to walk out of here on foot, we're leaving. I need your help, Q, to get Geordi out of here. It's no secret that I don't like you, but right now, I need you." Q exhaled sharply. "Well, since I am without my powers, my best hope for leaving these dreadful accomodations is by accompanying you. Lead on, Mister Riker." Riker sighed audibly as he took a cursory look down the hallway. There was no sign of any other guards. Instructing Q to lead LaForge, he unholstered the pistol and proceeded out of the cell, stopping long enough to lock the door, thereby leaving the unconscious guard trapped. Taking their time, it took nearly two minutes to navigate the hallway back to the front of the headquarters. It appeared deserted. "Urko must have every available guard out watching for rescue parties. It's too bad that none of our equipment is here." "I'll bet my money on Zaius having it." replied Geordi, "I just hope that he treats it better than my VISOR." "My guess is that he'll have any roads into the city blocked. Our best bet is to just head for the forest. "It's dark, so that'll help cover us." After a few minutes of searching, they found another door in the rear of the building that led outside. Making sure that the candles in the hallway were extinguished, Riker opened the door slightly. A few moments of observation showed no activity outside. Trying to watch all directions at once, the first officer led his motley party from the building and across a small clearing, where the trio then disappeared into the forest. * * * * * "Halt!" The shot rang out, echoing through the night air. Virdon, Burke and Galen immediately dove headlong into the underbrush, scurrying away from the voice. Ape eyes were more sensitve than human, so the darkness only provided partial concealment. Scrambling through the forest in search of a hiding place, the three fugitives ran with all possible speed. Galen could only barely keep up as Virdon led the group through twists and turns in the dense foliage. Suddenly he stopped. Burke's eyes were wide in the dim moonlight that filtered through the trees. "What?" Virdon stooped low and stared into the darkness. "Come on!" He trotted through a particularly thick grouping of bushes and disappeared. Burke and Galen were close behind. Alan had managed to find a depression that was concealed by the brush. The low area would make the best possible hiding place, given the lack of time. They spread out flat in the bottom of the ditch and waited, trying to bring their ragged breathing under control. It was only minutes later that they heard the slow, methodical steps of the gorilla. The ape was still several dozen meters away, moving erratically, but definitely heading in their direction. Burke cupped his hand to Virdon's ear, whispering, "Call the ship and let's get out of here." As slow as he could, Alan began to maneuver to retrieve the communicator from his belt pouch, but immediately thought better of it. Any noise made at this distance from the sentry would be audible to the gorilla's acute hearing. "He's getting closer." The fugitives held their collective breath as the soldier stepped into view, barely twenty meters away. They watched as he made a slow visual circuit of the area. His rifle was out, and they knew that his finger was on the trigger. ------------ Chapter Five ------------ :: Captain's Log: Supplemental. It has been nearly two hours :: :: since we last heard from Colonel Virdon and his companions. :: :: I am not worried at the moment, as they are no doubt quite :: :: efficient at eluding the ape patrols. But I am becoming :: :: increasingly worried at our inability to locate Commander :: :: Riker or Commander LaForge. :: :: Meanwhile, Lieutenant Commander Data has informed me that :: :: he has discovered some startling new facts during his study :: :: of the information gleaned from the data banks stored under :: :: the old sports complex. :: Data stood by the viewscreen at the far end of the conference lounge's curved table. Picard sat at his customary position at the opposite end of the table. Also in attendance: Counselor Troi, Doctor Crusher, and Lieutenant Worf. The empty chairs normally occupied by Riker and LaForge made their absence felt even more keenly. Picard nodded to his second officer. "Please begin your briefing, Mister Data." The second officer touched the keypad located next to the viewscreen, which promptly displayed a graphic map of what everyone recognized as North America. Overlaying the map was a complex gridwork, outlined in red. "This grid depicts an extensive underground tunnel system, linking every major city and military installation on the continent." The captain leaned forward in his chair. "Is this a blueprint of some sort? I am not familiar with this tunnel network." "That is understandable, sir. This system does not, or never did exist on Earth. It is another example of the differences between the planet below that may be Earth, and the 'actual' Earth that we are familiar with. "This system does exist on this planet. We were able to penetrate far enough with the ship's sensors to verify this. However, they are heavily shielded, and we will be unable to transport directly into one of the tunnels without extensive modifications to the transporter systems. I therefore recommend that we transport down to one of the entrances and enter the complex from the surface." "What do you hope to find?" "Perhaps the tunnels will help us find a civilization that has more advanced technology than what we have encountered so far." Picard pursed his lips slightly. With the apes now aware of the existence of more humans with advanced intelligence, namely, members of the Enterprise crew, away team missions were becoming increasingly dangerous. But, there appeared to be no other way to investigate this latest discovery. "Very well, proceed, Mister Data. However, I want a minimal away team." The android nodded and with a glance to Worf, exited the conference lounge with the Klingon on his heels. Beverly spoke for the first time during the meeting. "Data said that Will had been wounded with one of their projectile weapons. He's probably lost a lot of blood. We've got to find him, Jean Luc." "We will have to put our faith in Commander LaForge to help see Commander Riker through this until we can locate them, Doctor." I hope that's soon, he amended silently. * * * * * Riker, LaForge and Q had been traversing the forest in the darkness for several hours, pausing periodically to hide from the numerous gorilla patrols that seemed to be everywhere. They stumbled from the thick underbrush to emerge into a small clearing just as the first rays of sunlight began to filter through the trees. Suddenly, Riker stopped. "I think I need to sit down." He fairly collapsed to the ground. LaForge followed the sound of his ragged breathing until he could kneel next to his companion. "Commander, are you alright?" Riker inspected his crudely bandaged wound. There was no fresh bleeding, but he was certain that he had probably already lost more blood than was safe. That, plus the exertion of fleeing through the forest had deteriorated his condition to the point that he felt utterly exhausted. He tried to hide the concern in his voice as he replied. "I'm okay, Geordi. I must be out of shape. Remind me to visit the gym more often when we get back." The engineer wasn't fooled. Reaching out tentatively, he placed the back of his hand on Riker's forehead. "You're running a fever, sir, and it's not just this walking. I think we should rest here for a little while." Will wasn't in the mood to argue. Q, meanwhile, was standing and wiping perspiration from his face. He viewed his damp hand with an expression of complete disgust. "I don't see how you humans can stand your bodies, the way they continuously leak fluids from every pore and orifice. It's positively revolting." Trying to change the subject, Riker sat up slightly. "Wonder where we are." "Don't ask me, you're driving." replied Geordi with a slight smile. Will scanned the forest. "I don't know which direction we were moving in when we broke out of jail, and I know that we took a lot of twists and turns through the woods. But, according to the sun, we're moving northwest, now. I think we should try to make it back to San Francisco. Maybe we can find some way to contact the ship there." He shrugged, forgetting that Geordi couldn't see it. Q rolled his eyes. "That would be suicide, Riker. Those ruins must be crawling with those filthy apes. It would be like walking in front of a firing squad." "Beats hiding out here in the bushes." Geordi said. "I say we go for it, after you get some rest, Commander." Riker nodded agreement. "So noted, Doctor LaForge." He shifted his weight in an effort to find a more comfortable position. "It's going to be a long walk to the city, even assuming we're going in the right direction. We'll need to find some water, somehow." Q had suddenly put his hand to his stomach. "My stomach just made that strange sound again. Does that mean I'm hungry?" Geordi smiled at bit. "Probably. I know I could use something. We haven't eaten since before we beamed down." Riker nodded. "Alright, then. Q, if you would, please scout around and see if you can come up with something to eat? There must be some kind of berries or something growing out here." Q exhaled. "Very well, human. But don't believe that this is a new habit of mine, assisting helpless mortals. I have a reputation to guard, after all." * * * * * They watched as the gorilla completed a visual survey of the area, then stepped off at a steady march back the way he had come. They waited for an additional few minutes in silence until they could be reasonably sure that the soldier was out of earshot. Burke let his breath out with a whoosh. "That was closer than we've been in awhile. Too close, for me, in case you're wondering." Virdon shifted his weight off of his right hip, which had begun to go numb from laying still in the same position for that extended period. "Tell me about it. I could hear him breathing, he was so close." The astronauts and their chimpanzee companion quietly emerged from their hiding place. They were alone, at least, as far as they could tell. Alan reached into his belt pouch and removed the crude compass that he had fashioned a few months before and examined it briefly. Pointing off into the forest, he said, "Alright, we're going that way." He set off at any easy pace through the trees. Darkness was beginning to be replaced with the morning sun as it peeked through the forest canopy. Alan figured that they were thirty minutes walking distance from Central City. It would be fortunate, though improbable, if they avoided further patrols from here on in. * * * * * "Escaped?" Urko stalked the interior of the police headquarters, furious. He had returned to find his building deserted, save for the lone, incompetent guard that was unconscious in the cell last occupied by the human fugitives. Unconscious until a boot to the guard's back had returned him to full wakefulness. "Fool! How could you be duped by a human? Which one was it? The blind one? The wounded one? A blind human and his injured companion managed to escape and incapacitate you in the process?" The hapless guard could do nothing but stand, silent, as his superior vented his frustration. If he were lucky, he would only lose one or two of his stripes. If he were lucky. The general finally began to calm down. Turning to his lieutenant, he barked orders. "Kurson, take a detail and head back to the old city. They might be trying to regroup there. I want that machine we found destroyed. If you find the humans, kill them on sight." Kurson nodded. "Yes, Urko. But what about Doctor Zaius?" "I will take care of Zaius. You just go, now." * * * * * "This way." Data pointed with his free hand toward a low-rising hill about thirty yards from where they had materialized. In his right hand, his ever-present tricorder. He and Worf set off toward what the instrument identified as an entrance to the vast network of tunnels the ancient computer logs had mentioned. Once there, nothing resembling an entry of any kind presented itself. Data scanned the area, both with his eyes and his tricorder. "The entrance must be concealed. It will take a moment to pinpoint it." After a few seconds, he pointed at an outcropping of rock. "The tricorder indicates that it is behind that rock formation. It may have been deliberately covered up." Worf growled low in his throat as he retrieved his phaser from his burlap rucksack and adjusted the power setting. Taking careful aim at the hillside, he fired. The weapon emitted it's familiar burst of energy and immediately began to disintegrate the boulder. A few seconds later, a hole large enough for them both to walk through, side by side, was visible. As the two officers approached, Data could see that jagged rock met a finished surface a few feet into the hillside. Indeed, this had been a fashioned entrance at one time, intentionally covered up by persons and for reasons unknown. The path into the hillside disappeared into the darkness beyond. Worf reached into his rucksack and withdrew a personal flashlight. Taking the point, he aimed his light down the tunnel. The path immediately began to slope downward into the bowels of the hill. Walking was not difficult, as the path was wide and free of obstructions. There was no ornamentation of any kind on any of the walls, floor or ceiling. After several minutes of walking in silence, Data called out to Worf, "Lieutenant, stop, please." Worf did as he was asked, turning back to face the android. Data looked down the passageway for an additional moment before continuing. "The illumination in this tunnel is increasing." Worf turned his flashlight off. It was just noticeable, but it was there. Switching the unit back on, they continued on down the tunnel, navigating the twists and turns. Experimenting, Data pulled his communicator from the small pouch at his belt and keyed it. "Data to Enterprise." The response was immediate. "Picard here. Go ahead, Commander." The captain's voice was broken up slightly by background static, but still audible. "I was merely testing our communications capabilities, Captain. Lieutenant Worf and I are proceeding down a tunnel, and we are approaching an area that appears to have it's own source of illumination." "Very good. Leave this channel open. We are experiencing some minor breakup in your transmission, but you are still quite readable. I want continuous reports on what you find, Commander." "Understood, sir." Data left the communication link active, pinning the badge to his burlap shirt. It was bright enough in the tunnel at this point that Worf's flashlight was no longer necessary. Finally, after a few more turns in the passageway, the tunnel opened into a huge, brightly lit chamber. Lighting panels, similar to the ones found in the underground computer complex, lit up the room. However, unlike the computer room, everything in this chamber was covered in centuries' worth of dust and grime. It did nothing to stifle Data's curiosity, though. "Captain, we have reached what appears to be a termination point for the transcontinental tunnel system. There are tracks for an advanced locomotive system covering large portions of the floor, and disappearing into numerous tunnels, each heading in a different direction. There are two transports in the room, one appears to be placed to head in an easterly direction, the other to the south." Data consulted his tricorder briefly. "If I am perceiving the layout of this room correctly, the probable destination of the southbound vehicle could have been Los Angeles, whereas the eastbound vehicle could go as far as New York City. These destinations are, of course, according to the diagrams provided by the computer logs that we have studied." "Of course, Mister Data. Is there any sign of life?" "No, sir. The tricorder has not picked up any life signs, and this area does not appear to have been occupied by anyone in quite some time." There was a brief pause. "What do you suggest?" "I would consider using one of the transport vehicles to ascertain if anyone is at one of the other termination points. They may live underground, in similarly shielded areas, which affect our sensors' ability to locate them." The agitation was barely evident in the captain's voice as he replied. "I am not in full agreement with you, Mister Data, but I respect your judgment. Proceed, but stay in constant contact with the Enterprise during the journey." "Yes sir. I believe that the Lieutenant and I should embark on the transport vehicle that is aimed to the east. It may provide us a radically different area to explore than the vehicle that only goes to Los Angeles." "Agreed. Proceed, with caution, Commander." "Understood, Captain." Data and Worf made their way to the transport vehicle, which sat on its platform with a side door standing open. It was necessary to step up into the vehicle from the platform. Once inside, they proceeded to the front of the transport, which housed the maneuvering controls. Data spoke for the benefit of Captain Picard, as well as Worf. "We have found the control center of the craft, Captain. All of the controls are labeled in English. There is also a graphic display on the control panel." Scanning the board for a moment, Data pushed a button labeled 'Start Sequence'. Immediately, the entire cabin came to life. Displays and lights began to hum and glow with all manner of information regarding operational status of the transport. The display at the center of the main control panel began relaying information. "SYSTEM SELF CHECK COMPLETED. ALL SYSTEMS FUNCTIONAL. INPUT DESTINATION: " The cursor blinked, awaiting an answer. Data looked at Worf skeptically. "I wonder what the system considers a valid destination." The Klingon stared at the screen for a few seconds. Then, indicating the old fashioned keyboard below the screen, replied, "Perhaps the vehicle's computer can assist you in determining that answer." Data nodded at this, and entered a simple command to the console: "HELP". The screen immediately responded. "VALID DESTINATIONS ALONG THIS ROUTE INCLUDE: DENVER, KANSAS CITY, CHICAGO, CINCINNATI, NEW YORK CITY. INPUT DESTINATION: " "Ah." Data said simply. Worf looked at the android with a puzzled expression. The second officer typed in an answer: "NEW YORK CITY." The transport began to move. Almost immediately, they could feel the vehicle begin to pick up speed at an impressive rate. The two officers moved to the seats that must have been designed for the car's command crew as an indicator on the control panel began to increase it's value. 100. 200. 300. 400. Data pointed to the gauge, which leveled off at 600. "That must indicate our current rate of speed. At this rate, we should arrive in New York City in approximately in four hours, forty minutes." Having overheard the conversation, Picard cut in. "Very good, Commander. Doctor Crusher has just informed us of a way that we may be able to locate Commander Riker and Commander LaForge. It may be possible to lock onto the urvidium implants that connect Geordi's VISOR. Since that particular substance is unique to the planet at this time, we should be able to find them in this manner." Data nodded, then replied. "My compliments to Doctor Crusher, sir. That is a possibility that I had not considered." "We'll let you know. Picard, out." * * * * * Tracking the blind one's implants. That was quite imaginative. Yes. They continue to impress us with their creativity and ability to improvise. Should we interfere? No. Let them succeed this time. They really are doing quite well, aren't they? * * * * * Ensign Ro's face lit up as a readout on her console suddenly changed. "Got them, Captain." Picard rose from his command chair to move alongside Ensign Ro. She was keying commands to her console. "Coordinates fed to the transporter room, sir." Motioning Counselor Troi to accompany him, the captain was already moving for the forward turbolift. "Excellent, Ensign. Have them beamed directly to Sickbay, and notify Doctor Crusher. Also, contact Colonel Virdon and his party and have them beamed aboard. Since we've found the away team, there's no reason to subject them to any more danger." "Aye, sir." Picard and Deanna entered the turbolift, and the he ordered the computer to direct the car to Sickbay. After a few moments, the lift came to a halt and the doors opened, allowing them to exit. They made their way down the corridor, the captain leading with his usual purposeful stride. The doors to Sickbay parted at their approach. Beverly Crusher was already bent over the form of Will Riker. She had activated a sterile field over the first officer and was busy cleaning and closing the wound inflicted by the gorilla soldier's rifle. "A crude projectile weapon, Captain. Very ugly. However, I'm replacing the blood he lost and I've managed to arrest infection, so it should heal nicely. There won't even be a scar." She turned to look down at Riker, "Unless, that is, you think that the ladies will fall for it?" Riker couldn't resist the smile. "That's alright, Doctor. I think I'll let this one go. I'd hate to have to tell my date that I was too slow to avoid an ape with a gun." Picard moved to the next diagnostic bed where Geordi was lying, having suffered no serious injuries. "They roughed us up a bit, sir. But other than Commander Riker's wound, that's the worst of it." One of the medical assistants had retrieved his spare VISOR from Geordi's quarters. "I'll have to see about getting a new one of these, though." His hand went up to indicate the prosthesis. "One of the apes did a number on my other one." The captain smiled slightly. "Well, you're safe. That's important enough for me. Where is your companion. Ro said that there were three of you?" Riker and Geordi exchanged glances, then looked at Beverly. Finally, Will spoke up. "Well, sir, you're not going to believe this, but...." "Ah, my dear Captain!" Picard's face went white. He whirled to face his old nemesis. "Q? What the devil are you doing here?" Q looked stunned, placing a hand to where a human hear would be. "That's the thanks I get for saving the lives of your people, Jean Luc? How ungrateful." Looking to Riker for explanation, Picard prompted with his typical expression. The first officer quickly responded. "He's almost right, sir. He did help Geordi and I when we escaped. We wouldn't have been able to pull it off without him." The next several minutes were spent with Riker, Geordi and Q relaying the entire sequence of events. Picard stood still throughout the entire explanation. Finally, glaring at Q, he spoke. "So, you finally went too far. The continuum got fed up with the childish games that you seem to thrive on. Yet, rather than restore everything to what it should be, they renounce your powers and cast you in with us. Your people are no better than you are, Q. We are performing for the entire continuum this time, not just you." Q rolled his eyes. "You always find a negative way of seeing things, don't you, Jean Luc? You know, if you'd learned at an earlier age to view things more optimistically, you might still have your hair." Picard wasn't taking the bait. "What exactly are we supposed to do here, Q?" "I honestly don't know. I was merely going to watch you squirm your way through this little show I put on for you. Then, eventually, I would have restored everything to what you consider 'normal.' Now that I have been sentenced to eternal boredom in your company, I am at a complete loss to answer your question, Mon Capataine." Turning to Counselor Troi, the captain prompted, "Your assessment, Deanna?" "He seems to be telling the truth, Captain. I have had difficulty reading his emotions in the past, except for the other occasion where he was cast out from the Q continuum. Of course, he could be broadcasting these emotions for our benefit." Picard turned back to face Q. "It seems, loathe as I am to admit it, that I am in your debt. I thank you for your efforts in coming to the aid of my officers." Q smiled mischievously. "That must have been quite painful to say." "More than you will ever know." Doctor Crusher had completed healing Riker's wound, and the first officer sat up on the bed, rotating his arm experimentally. Finally, smiling at the doctor, he said, "Good as new." "Not quite, Will. I want you to take it easy over the next day or so, until it's had time to knit completely." Meanwhile, Picard had turned back to face LaForge. "Geordi, you were saying that they were quite disturbed by your VISOR?" "Yes, sir. It was as if they were deathly afraid of anything remotely technical. The one ape, Doctor Zaius, called it 'cursed human magic.'" "Doctor Zaius?" Riker nodded. "Yes, sir. He called himself the Minister of Science. I would've figured that he'd be thrilled to examine any one piece of our equipment." His face suddenly lost some of its color. "Our phasers and communicators. They took them." Geordi shrugged. "It's not like they can hurt anything. The phasers didn't work when we were down there. No damage that I could find, just no result when you pulled the trigger." Picard held up his hand. "Don't be too sure. Commander Data and Lieutenant Worf have visited the planet twice since you were captured, and they have reported no malfunctions of their equipment." "It must be the continuum." All eyes turned to face Q, who rolled his eyes. "Don't you see? They're toying with you, Picard. They're watching to see how you deal with the unexpected. Taking away some of your technological crutches just when you need them most." The captain nodded. "Yes, I suspected something of this sort, earlier. But I must admit that I had not considered your meddling as the cause." At that moment, the ship's intercomm interrupted them. "Bridge to Captain Picard." "Picard, here. Go ahead, Ensign." "Colonel Virdon and his party are beaming up now, sir." "Very good. Please inform them that I would like to meet with them after they've had an opportunity to clean up and eat. Have you heard anything from Commander Data?" "Just usual check-ins, sir. They report nothing out of the ordinary has happened since the transport vehicle left San Francisco." "Thank you, Ensign. Carry on." Turning to his recently returned away team, "Those instructions are for you, also. We will meet in the conference room tomorrow at 0700." He directed his attention to Crusher, adding with a slight smile, "That is, once you're finished with them, Doctor." With that, the captain turned and exited the Sickbay. -------------------------------------------------------------------- To be Continued............. Evol-Q-tion ----------- Chapter Six ----------- Doctor Zaius sat in his study, a small oil lamp on the corner of his desk providing the only illumination. He was absorbed in a metallic device that had come from one of the new group of human fugitives, the ones with the strange uniforms. It vaguely resembled a hand weapon of some sort, but the science minister was reluctant to test it. Another of the strange weapon-like devices lay on his desk, along with two strange pendants, and a larger, box-like device that had a flip-open lid. Inside, the box had an impressive array of controls, none of which stood out to Zaius as the means to activate it. The comfort of his solitude was broken by the entrance of General Urko, barging through the study door. The gorilla was his usual grumpy self. "There has been no sign of them, Zaius. It's as if they simply disappeared from the face of the earth." Zaius nodded quietly. "I fear that these new humans may be even more dangerous than even Virdon and Burke. These devices that we took from them: we found nothing like them in the ship that Virdon and Burke arrived in, and neither one of them has ever been seen operating anything like them. I think that the humans that made these are more advanced technologically. Perhaps that means that they came from a time even more distant than the other astronauts." "More distant?" Urko was puzzled. "Yes, since we know that man's knowledge eroded prior to his downfall. It's the only explanation." The general had picked up the other device like Zaius was inspecting in his massive hand. "Could this be a pistol of some kind?" Zaius shrugged. "I don't know." Leonard, a human servant in Zaius' charge, entered with a plate of food. "Master, do you wish to eat?" The orangutan waved the servant to place the tray on his desk. "Go to bed, Leonard, I won't be needing you anymore tonight." The human bowed his head slightly and turned to leave the study. As he did so, Urko aimed the strange contraption at him and pushed one of the buttons under his thumb. A beam of light burst from the object and Leonard promptly slumped to the floor. "Urko!" Zaius scrambled from behind his desk to where the fallen human lay. He placed one hand on Leonard's chest. After a second or two, he glared at the police chief. "He is alive. That was totally unnecessary, Urko." "Yes it was. Now we know that it is a weapon. A very weak one, at that. A weapon should be capable of killing." Zaius grabbed the device from the gorilla's hand, studying it more closely. "A weapon that merely disables, without killing. This is unusual. Why would a human design such a weapon?" "I don't know, Zaius, and I don't care. We need to stop being so curious about these humans and concentrate on destroying them!" "Urko, we need to capture them and question them. Think of what we could learn. We would know how to keep this sort of technology", he was waving the weapon in the air now, "from spreading to the humans of this time. If we don't learn to defend ourselves from this knowledge, it will surely destroy us." * * * * * Ten Forward was beginning to fill up, as crewmembers coming off-shift began to filter in. It was a ritual that occurred every eight hours, every day. Guinan was long used to it. She came around the open end of the bar and approached one of the tables that was positioned near a bay window, looking out ahead of the ship. The Enterprise moved slowly, it's synchronous orbit matching the rotation of the planet. But, the bartender wasn't interested in the view. She was, however, most interested by the man at the table. Alan Virdon sat quietly, sipping his drink and taking in the view. He had cleaned up after they had returned from the planet, and dressed in standard shipboard recreational attire. She watched him for a few moments, then moved to stand where he could see her. "I'll bet that drink tastes pretty good to you." The astronaut looked up, then smiled slightly. "You have no idea. It's been a long time since I had a good bourbon. This stuff tastes a little funny, though." Guinan took the seat across the table from him. "It's called synthehol. It's an artificial form of alcohol that gives you the pleasure of real liquor, without the unpleasant side effects." "Pete'll be glad to hear that. Hope you folks have a good supply of it." She smiled at that. "I guess that a lot of this is a little overwhelming to you." A nod from Alan. "Like this ship. It's fantastic. It's like something out of one of the books I used to read when I was a kid. Your Mister Data says that all of this" he waved his hand to indicate the planet below, "isn't supposed to have happened. No apes, no upside down Earth, it's all wrong." "Wrong to us, maybe. Not for you." The astronaut shrugged. "I have to admit I like your version of things better than mine. I wonder what my life was like on your Earth. Data says that Pete and I were never astronauts. I'd like to know just what I ended up doing." "Maybe we can find out." She motioned for him to join her as she got up and moved to the end of the bar. Touching the keypad there, she spoke, "Guinan to Counselor Troi." There was a brief pause. "Troi. What can I do for you, Guinan?" "I've got Colonel Virdon with me. He was wondering what Colonel Virdon was like in our version of history." "Please tell the colonel to meet with me in my office. I'd be happy to help." Alan smiled as Guinan replied. "Thank you, Deanna." She keyed the control pad again to sever the communication. Turning to Virdon, "You're all set." * * * * * "Computer, search military personnel records of the United States Air Force, circa 1980 Old Earth Calendar, for the file on Colonel Virdon, Alan M." "Stand by." was the reply from Deanna's computer terminal. It was only a few brief seconds later that the computer responded again. "File retrieved. Please indicate display mode." "Audio, and recap highlights only, please." "Virdon, Alan Michael, 271694361, Colonel, United States Air Force. Born August 11, 1945, Topeka, Kansas. Commissioned a Second Lieutenant April 24, 1967 and entered flight officer program. Served in Vietnam conflict, where he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Disappeared while on training maneuvers off the east coast of Florida, on November 2, 1981." "November 2nd? That was the date we left Earth for Alpha Centauri! Can this thing pull up Pete's file?" Deanna motioned for him to speak to the terminal himself. He cleared his throat. "Computer, do you have an Air Force Personnel File, same time period, for a Major Peter Burke?" "Affirmative. Burke, Peter Joseph, 961208758, Major, United States Air Force. Born December 12, 1948, Hackensack, New Jersey. Commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Air Force July 10, 1970 and entered the flight officer progam. Participated in Vietnam conflict. Disappeared while on training maneuvers off the east coast of Florida, November 2, 1981." Virdon was stunned. "That's incredible! You mean that neither of us was ever seen again?" The computer replied, "The reason for their disappearance was never ascertained, and neither officer was ever seen again." He shook his head. It dovetails rather nicely with our little incident, doesn't it?" Deanna nodded. "I wonder if Q is aware of this coincidence." * * * * * "Well of course I was aware of it. That's what being omniscient is all about." Q appeared to be fairly annoyed at the Counselor. He paced the area in front of the command well on the bridge. Captain Picard watched him as walked back and forth over the small area. Riker exhaled and looked to his captain, waiting for the inevitable reaction. Q was still talking. "They were the ideal candidates. They and their third companion. All three of them disappeared in your 'Devil's Triangle'. They were never heard from again, so why not utilize them constructively?" Burke glared at the non-entity with contempt. "Tell that to Jonesy. I'm sure he thinks differently about the whole thing." Picard looked to Virdon for explanation. "Jonesy was the third member of our crew, Captain. He died when our ship crashed." The captain's expression grew cold at this. "Q, I will add that name to the list of human beings that you have callously allowed to be murdered for the sake of your antics. You will answer for these crimes against us one day, I promise you." "Spare me your hopeless bravado, Picard. We both know that I will continue to thrive and flourish eons after you have crumbled to dust." "If the continuum sees fit to allow you back in. I hope for your sake that it comes to pass." * * * * * The journey had been uneventful. While Worf attempted to rest, Data reviewed the information he had gathered and stored in his tricorder, as well as his own memory banks. The only thing that had happened was the report from Captain Picard that Q was present and that he was responsible for their current predicament. Data attempted to understand this obsession of Q's to continually interfere in the affairs of humans, the Enterprise crew in particular. He found that he could summon no answers. "We are slowing down." Worf pointed to the readout showing the vehicle's velocity. Data had to merely look out the viewport to verify this new development. The transport car emerged from the tunnel into a wider receiving area remarkably similar to the one they had left in San Francisco. As it slowed to a halt, the display screen on the main control panel flashed, "ARRIVING NEW YORK CITY." They scanned outside of the car, looking for some signs of habitation. There were none. Unbuckling their seat restraints, the two officers left the cabin and moved for the exit. Worf reached out to the wall, depressing the one lone switch next to the door. It cycled open, a ramp emerging from the side of the car and lowering itself to the receiving platform. As he stepped from the vehicle, Data flipped his tricorder open and scanned the area. Worf's hand was already placed at his belt, where his phaser was hiding. He listened and watched for any signs of movement. Other than the two of them, there was nothing. "Indeterminate life signs." Data was saying as he turned a slow circle, the tricorder out in front of him. He looked up from the device to point toward one of the eight tunnels that terminated at the receiving station. "The strongest readings are coming from that direction, Lieutenant." They set off toward the tunnel, Data alternating his full attention between the path they were perusing and the tricorder in his hand. Worf, on the other hand, was straining all of his senses to determine whether or not they were alone. The tunnel was almost identical to the one they had traversed from the surface before. The same lack of visual landmarks. One key difference that Data noticed was where the first tunnel had sloped down from the world above, this one stayed level. As they progressed further from the receiving station, Worf reached for his flashlight. Data, however, held his arm. "Wait. The illumination in this tunnel is much greater than the first tunnel we encountered. According to the tricorder, it should open into a larger area within two hundred meters." Sure to his word, they emerged from the tunnel several minutes later, and stopped dead in their tracks. Before them, stretching on for as far as they could see, were the ruins of a city. They could see collapsed buildings, decimated streets with the remains of some sort of ground transportation vehicles that had rusted away hundreds of years ago. Looking up, Data could see that the entire area was covered with what appeared to be a ceiling of solid rock. The top portions of some of the taller buildings seemed to disappear into the ceiling, bonding with the very stone itself. "This must be what remains of New York City. The nuclear holocaust must have caused the land masses to shift, covering this entire area with debris. The intense heat and energy discharged by nuclear detonations would have been sufficient to cause this. It is also highly improbable that anyone on the surface at the time of the attack survived." Suddenly, the captain's voice interrupted them. "What are you seeing, Commander?" "We have found the remains of what would be New York City, Captain. The entire region seems to have suffered a massive shifting of land mass. This city is buried under solid rock." "Have you detected any life signs?" "My tricorder is registering life forms, sir, but they are inconclusive. It is difficult to ascertain whether they are human or ape. Whoever they are, it is probably safe to assume that they migrated here from somewhere else, possibly even utilizing the tunnel system like we did. There are a large number of life forms, though, scattered in various structures throughout the area. I would like to investigate further." "Very good. However, use discretion, Mister Data. Continue to leave this channel open." Another reading presented itself on Data's tricorder. "I am detecting a modest sized radiation source, coming from one of the buildings. It is plutonium." "A power source?" Worf asked. "I do not believe so. Radiation output is far below what a nuclear reactor would generate. Let us proceed onward." As the pair stepped forward, they were startled to see a gigantic wall of flame appear, from nowhere. The fire raged all across the chamber in front of them. Worf backed away from the intense heat he felt. "Where did it come from?" Data was studying the fire with his own eyes, as well as the tricorder. "The tricorder does not register the presence of this phenomena. There is nothing on the ground to fuel a fire of this size, and I do not feel any heat radiating from it." Worf looked at the second officer with a shocked expression. Beads of perspiration had appeared on the Klingon's face. "But, I can feel the heat!" Confused, Data stepped toward the flames. Closer, until he was engulfed by them. Then, he was gone. Worf merely stood by and watched with horror. Then, Data reappeared, walking almost casually from the fire. "It would appear that this an illusion, Lieutenant. Possibly a holographic projection of some sort. There is nothing to fear." As if on cue, the flames vanished. They did not die out, they simply were no longer there. It was as if they had never existed. The two officers looked at each other, then continued forward, heading off in the direction indicated by the tricorder. As they proceeded, they couldn't help but examine the surroundings, marveling at the destructive power that the ancient nuclear weapons had exhibited. Data wondered what it must have felt like to be instantaneously incinerated. Data's tricorder led them down several streets, each one bearing mute testimony to the cataclysm that had taken place all those hundreds of years ago. Then, they were approaching what would have once been a large, majestic building. Several of the stone pillars were crumbling, and strange ivy clung everywhere. Carved into the stone above the huge, arch-shaped double doors, was the inscription: Saint Patrick's Cathedral. The building had held up quite well, considering the torture it surely had been subjected to. "The reading is coming from inside this structure." Data closed the tricorder and replaced it in his rucksack. Then, he reached for one of the massive doors' handles. When he pulled, the door opened quite easily. Pausing to look inside briefly, he nodded to Worf and stepped inside. He stopped to study the interior of the church. There were three rows of twenty pews each. Long cooled molten rock had flowed into the building through various windows and hallways to bond with the interior of the church. It gave the large chamber the appearance of a cave. Data moved toward the altar area in front of the pews. Sitting alone in the altar was a control console, the likes of which neither officer had seen before. It consisted of various switches, that seemed to be made from crystal. The switches were of different colors and shapes, the most prominent being a large red one in the center. "I am unfamiliar with this console configuration." Worf merely grunted, trying to watch the door, as well as the various passageways that stretched from the cathedral. Data studied the panel for another moment. "This console is generating power. I believe I will experiment with it." He reached for the large red switch. "STOP!" Worf and Data whirled as one to look at the stone pathway that crossed over the altar area. Standing there, alone, was what at one time might have been called a human. It was humanoid in appearance, but similarities immediately began to end. They could see eyes, nose and mouth, but no discernible ears. Veins and muscle tissue were visible on the nearly transparent skin. It was still glaring at them. "Step away from that panel. You have no business there." The two officers stepped back slowly. Worf's hand was still hovering over where his phaser was placed on his belt, but a look from Data kept him from drawing it. "We did not mean any disruption or harm. We come in peace." The newcomer studied them for a few seconds. "You are not like other humans. You," he pointed at Worf, "are like no one, human, ape or underdweller, that I've ever seen before." Data replied, as congenially as he thought was possible. "We are visitors. We arrived using the transcontinental tunnel system. We are explorers. Am I to assume that you refer to yourselves here as 'underdwellers'?" "That is correct. My name is Mendez. I am the leader of this community. We have chosen to guard ourselves from the evils of the world above by living down here. We do not want visitors. You bring death and destruction with you." "That is not true, sir. We are here to gather information about this...city. Is the world above controlled by ape factions?" "Of course, as it has been for hundreds of years. Why do you ask?" Data pressed forward. "What is the status of humans in this region?" The underdweller looked puzzled. At least, that's what it looked like to Data. "Humans exist as servants for the apes. Some are also used for scientific research, and the gorillas use others as targets for their military exercises. Quite barbaric, actually." He stopped to look at Worf. "You are wary that I might be concealing a weapon. Rest assured, I am not. I understand your concern. I felt the same way, at first. It's not as if we receive visitors from space everyday." Worf looked to Data, then they both returned their gaze to the underdweller. "How do you know this?" Mendez pointed to Worf. "It was in his thoughts." Looking directly at the Klingon, "Your name is Lieutenant Worf, security chief of a vessel called the Enterprise. You are of a species known as Klingon, born on a planet very far from this one." He then looked back to Data. "Your thoughts, however, are closed to me. I cannot read them." "That is no doubt because I am an android, sir. An artificial life form. My name is Lieutenant Commander Data, and I am the second officer aboard the Enterprise. Are you also responsible for the illusionary wall of flames that we encountered when we first entered this area?" Mendez appeared to smile. "Yes. We have developed some rather intriguing telepathic abilities over the last few hundred years. Tell me: where you are from, does man still wage war on his brother?" "No. We have learned that war is wasteful of lives. We have formed a lasting peace with the civilizations of hundreds of worlds. We have, on occasion, been resorted to armed conflict in order to defend ourselves. Otherwise, we devote our energy and resources to exploration and bettering the quality of life." "Your thoughts" replied Mendez, pointing at Worf, "confirm what your companion says. I find you to be trustworthy people. Perhaps we can learn from one another." Data nodded to the underdweller. "That would be excellent, sir. Perhaps you can explain the significance of this." He pointed to the console at the altar. Mendez descended the sloping pathway around to the front of the altar where Data and Worf stood. With that haunting smile, he placed his hand on one of the panel's switches, a small blue one, and pushed it. "This is the instrument of my god, Mister Data." A low hum could now be heard, as machinery concealed below the floor came to life. They watched as a a portion of the floor at the rear of the altar slid aside, and a tall, slim, rocket emerged. It was gold-colored, pointed at the top, with three fins at the base. Data was sure it was a missile of some type. The missile was free of any markings, save for two Greek letters, Alpha and Omega, painted in black on one of the fins. "This is the material form of my god, the Great Bomb." Worf was stunned. "You worship a bomb?" "That is correct, Mister Worf. This instrument represents all the evils of man, the awesome destructive capabilities that he once possessed. We offer ourselves to it's service, so that we might learn from our ancestors' errors, and create a better life for ourselves." "Intriguing." was all that Data said. He was, of course, scanning all of this with the tricorder. He had also consulted his memory banks, finding no correlation of this particular weapon with any known missile ever created on Earth. Another product of this possibly altered timeline, no doubt. * * * * * "A bomb?" Virdon asked. He was seated, along with Burke and Galen, as well with the Enterprise senior officers, in the conference room. "I wonder if it's still functional." Picard pursed his lips slightly, still listening to the events as they transpired on the planet's surface. Their only link with the away team at the moment was through Data's communicator. Then, he realized that Data was most likely recording the events. "Computer, establish a link with Commander Data's tricorder on the planet's surface. Transfer all information recorded in the past ten minutes to the terminal here." He motioned for Geordi to activate the viewscreen at the far end of the conference room. The computer responded promptly. "Link established. Transfer complete." Geordi keyed the viewscreen keypad and began browsing through the information. After a few moments, he turned back to the group. "Got it, Captain." A computer-generated image of the missile appeared on the viewscreen. Virdon and Burke, after studying the display, looked at each other. "Oh my god." was Burke's first reaction. Picard prompted for more. "You are familiar with this device?" Virdon nodded. "Yes Captain, and I think we may have a big, big problem. That is the Alpha-Omega bomb. There was only one made, because only one would be necessary. That single weapon is capable of destroying the entire planet in minutes." The look of shock was clearly evident on the faces of the Enterprise crew. "Are you certain?" "Oh yes, I'm sure. That baby will fry the atmosphere, setting up a chain reaction that will toast this planet", he snapped his fingers, "like that." Riker shook his head. "Why build something like that? No matter who would use it, everybody loses." Burke nodded in agreement. "It was a scare tactic, on a major scale. It was meant to scare the various world powers into abiding by existing weapons' bans and testing. Guess it didn't work too well, though, huh?" Picard rose from his chair to get a closer look at the viewscreen. "Is it possible that the weapon is still functional?" Geordi pointed to the screen, which now reflected the readouts currently displayed on Data's tricorder. "According to the readings that Data's getting, it can be armed and launched from it's current position." Geordi switched back to a view that showed both the missile and the control console. Virdon pointed to the console at the bottom of the screen. "That's the arming and launch console for the bomb. That controls everything. If the detonation system inside the bomb itself is still active, they could light that baby up anytime they wanted." Riker, in turn, shook his head. "Incredible. A planet where apes rule over humans and mutants control doomsday bombs. Quite a little playground you've built, Q." Before Q could reply, there was the familiar flash of light that normally accompanied the entrance and exit of Q. This time, however, it marked the appearance of a second entity. He was dressed just like Q. Of course, this meant that he wore a Starfleet Captain's uniform, since that was what Q was wearing. He had blonde hair and was slightly shorter than Q. Q looked at the new arrival as a huge smile broke onto his face. "Q!" The new arrival cast a scorning look at Q. "I don't know why you're being so cheerful. You've got a lot of explaining to the continuum to do when this is over." Picard studied the new arrival. "Do you mean to say that you are a member of the Q continuum, also?" The visitor smiled back at the captain. "I am Q, too." Riker exhaled sharply. "Wonderful." The captain paused to look at his first officer out of the corner of his eye, then turned his full attention to Q2, as he now thought of him. "Why have you come here?" Q2 began strolling about the conference lounge casually studying the sculptures of the various Enterprises, hands clasped behind his back. "You could say that I've come to liven things up a bit. We've been watching you, Picard. You've done fairly well, all things considered. But, there's so much more to see, and well, quite frankly, I haven't got all millenium to wait for you to get on with it." "Do you mean that there's more to what's going on the planet below?" Having reached the viewscreen where Geordi was standing, Q2 turned to look back at the captain, folding his arms in the process. "What, you think that because this one", pointing to Q, "rearranged a few minor events in your otherwise dull history, you up and destroy yourselves and get taken over by the local zoo, that's all? Oh no, my dear Captain, it gets even better in the future." Picard looked back at Q. "What is he talking about?" Q2 answered for him. "You think that the humans of this Earth have sunk as far as they can go? They've only scratched the surface. What happens in another thousand years? How far can Man regress? Let's look, shall we?" The captain's eyes widened. "No, wait!" Q2 snapped his fingers. Troi bolted from her chair as she saw the blinding flash of light. When the light had receded, Picard, Riker, Burke, Virdon, Galen, Q and Q2 were gone. She looked at LaForge, who could only say, "Uh oh. Here we go again." ------------- Chapter Seven ------------- They appeared in a small valley, overgrown with lush vegetation. Picard immediately noticed an abundance of fruit growing on vines hanging from many of the shrubs. In the distance, they could hear the sound of a nearby waterfall. It was a most serene setting. He had arrived with Riker, as well as the two astronauts and Galen. Oh, and of course, Q. The captain noticed the conspicuous absence of the other Q. Turning to Q, he asked pointedly, "Where is your friend?" "I don't know. Just like him to drop us into this and then just up and disappear. Typical." Picard's expression didn't waver with the delivery. "Obviously not a character trait of your species." The look the captain received by way of reply could have burned a hole through solid tritanium. "Captain Picard, look." It was Virdon, and he was pointing down into the valley. There, they could see what appeared to be a group of humans, picking there way through a field, stripping fruit from the odd tree here and there. This in itself was not surprising. However, it was the way that they behaved got Picard's attention. "They're savages." Riker whispered. He was right. The humans they now watched behaved more like a pack of hungry wolves than an organized grouping of intelligent beings. They were dressed in an oddball assortment of rags and animal skins. Their hair was long and matted, and the males had beards that reached nearly to their waists. As they watched, they noticed that there was no verbal communication other than grunts and howls. "Dear Lord..." was all that Burke could say. Picard looked to Q for an explanation. "Have we been brought further into this world's future, Q?" The former entity nodded. "Yes, approximately another one thousand years into the future, give or take a decade. Humans have reverted to a nearly primal state. Centuries of the plague mutating again and again have wiped the minds from your race. The tables are now completely turned. Where man once stood supreme, now rule the beasts." Riker scowled at Q. "That's very catchy, Q. Did you come up with that yourself?" "I must admit that I didn't. I seem to remember reading it somewhere..." * * * * * Mendez had vanished. Indeed, several things had vanished. The Alpha Omega bomb was no longer at the altar. Data and Worf looked first at one another, then about the inside of the chapel's sanctuary. Data did notice several things, however. "Lieutenant, the woodwork that constitutes the railings and pews in this church seems to have aged considerably." Worf snorted. "It has been here over a thousand years, Commander." The android shook his head. "No, I mean to say that it has aged considerably in the last few seconds. Look." He pointed out areas that only moments before had been polished wood fixtures. Now, they crumbled, rotting away. Worf took that as a suggestion to investigate the chapel more closely. The chamber was much dirtier, less brightly lit, and had more refuse cluttered in the corners. Worf also pointed to the cathedral doors, which were now secured by a large wooden beam across the entire doorway. Barricaded. Data noticed that the console that controlled the missile, still in its familiar place, appeared to be in a sad state of repairs. Some of the crystal switches were no longer illuminated. Others flickered dimly. Worf stepped back to stand next to Data. "What do you suppose has happened?" "I believe that we have somehow been transported forward in time, while still occupying the same position in space." "But why?" Data shook his head again. "I do not know." He reached up and keyed his communicator. "Data to Enterprise." The answer was immediate. "Enterprise. LaForge here. What's up, Data?" He was surprised to have received a reply. This meant that if his hypothesis was correct, the Enterprise had traveled through time with the away team. "Geordi, has anything unusual happened?" "I'll say. Another Q just showed up and whisked away the captain, Commander Riker, the two astronauts and Galen, as well as our Q. We've located them on the planet surface, but we can't contact them. Why are you asking?" "It would seem that Q has transported us through time again. From the looks of the surrounding area, I would hypothesize that we have traveled forward." "That makes sense. The second Q said something about seeing what Earth would be like in another thousand years. We have you pinpointed. Do you want us to try and beam you up?" Data considered the option for a nanosecond. "I believe that we are safe for the moment. However, we will attempt to avoid any confrontations with the local population, just in case." Data could hear the tone change in his friend's voice. "Okay, Data. But be careful. LaForge out." "Commander. Someone is coming." Worf was looking towards one of the several tunnels that terminated here. Data looked about the chamber, and motioned for the Klingon to follow him. He led the security chief to a small, dark niche in the wall furthest from the wall. It was partially obscured from a stone stalactite that reached almost to the ceiling. There, they crouched down and waited. They did not have to wait long. A lone figure, dressed in a simple, pale white suit, emerged from one of the tunnels. It was a male, and he wore a hood that covered his hair and ears. His face was the only skin that was visible, for the newcomer also wore matching gloves. Data could see the face clearly. It bore no marks, no imperfections. It was as if the man were wearing a mask. He made his way to the altar and the console that sat there. Reaching out, he keyed the blue button on it. Data and Worf heard the now familiar hum of energy as the Alpha Omega bomb rose from its resting place. They watched as it ascended into view, still seated on its mobile launching pad. It's once highly polished casing was now dull, dirty. Data could see corrosion and rust on the edges of the fins. The missile appeared to be in good shape overall, however. He had already confirmed, prior to the appearance of the stranger, that the console was still functioning. It was reasonable to assume that the weapon remained operational. They watched as the figure knelt at the altar. He was silent for a few moments, head bowed in prayer. Data listened, but could here no words come from the underdweller. At least, Data thought of him as an underdweller. Since the newcomer's back was to them, they could not see if his lips were moving. Finally, the kneeling figure rose, arms spread. He appeared to look directly at the Alpha Omega missile. He then spoke his first audible words since entering the room. "I reveal my inmost self unto my god." The two officers watched as the underdweller reached up to pull the hood of his suit. There was no hair, or skin, for that matter. The residents of this subterranean world had mutated even further over whatever span of time had passed. Veins and muscle tissue were clearly visible instead of skin. The underdweller was still facing the altar when they heard the sound. WHUMP! Something solid had impacted against the cathedral doors. They buckled slightly, but held. It was only a matter of time before they gave altogether. * * * * * Picard had opted to keep a respectful distance from the band of primitive humans, content to watch them as they fed, hoping to learn something. Anything. Turning to Q, he said, "Very well, Q. What are we supposed to have learned here?" "Why Jean Luc, consider this an overdose of humility. Perhaps, in the future, humans won't be so smug and wrapped up in your air of superiority. There are races in the galaxy that are far, far more intelligent and advanced than Humanity can ever aspire to be. However, unlike your people, who believe that we should all live together like one big happy family, some will treat you exactly as you see these humans being treated: primitive savages. Riker looked down into the valley once more. "These humans don't look mistreated. Granted, they're more primitive than the ones we encountered before, but out here, in the wilderness, where there are no apes to bother them? I don't see...." He was interrupted by a thunderous howl that erupted from a heavily wooded area, north of where they stood. "Uh oh." was all that Burke could spit out. Galen pricked his ears. "Horses. A lot of horses. We'd better get out of here." It did not take anyone long to realize that Galen meant that the horses were thundering directly at them. The group stood between the forest and the valley where the humans had been feeding. They turned to see the humans begin to run wildly out of the valley, away from the ominous cry coming from the forest. "Run! Follow the humans!" Picard ordered has he started off down the slight downhill grade. The rest of the group took off in pursuit. The humans that they followed bounded through the brush with surprising speed. A few of them looked back the way they had come, and the Enterprise party could see the sheer terror in their eyes. On the run, Picard reached up to tap his communicator. "Picard to Enterprise! Beam us up immediately!" Thankfully, there was a response. "LaForge here, Captain! We're locking onto you now." Picard stopped his party once they had entered a field of tall grass that help to conceal them from view. Looking back the way they had come, they could see the first gorillas, on horseback, emerge from the forest. They had rifles out and were racing down the hill toward the valley. Galen turned to look in the direction that the primitive humans had taken. "I hear something!" They all stopped moving about, straining to hear what the chimpanzee was talking about. It was faint at first, but gradually increased in volume: a high-pitched whistle, followed by something striking the grass. Riker, the tallest of the group, chanced a look. "I think they're more gorillas. They moving on line. I think they're acting as beaters. They're about two hundred meters away. Some of the humans've turned and started back this way." Burke was straining to look, too. "We're trapped." Picard was talking into his communicator again. "Enterprise, do you have a lock on us?" Geordi's voice was stressed as he replied. "We've got your coordinates, Captain, but the transporter systems are not engaging. I think you have the Q to thank for that." All eyes turned to the one-time entity, who looked as worried as the rest of them. "Well, don't look at me. It's the other Q you should be mad at." Picard made a decision, hoping for the best. "Head west. We'll try to outmaneuver the beaters. Our chances are better than against the horses." Once again, the Enterprise party set off through the grass. * * * * * Data could see the underdweller's face as he turned to face the cathedral doors. Bloodshot eyes and rotted teeth were the facial high points. There was neither a nose nor ears. The underdweller frantically began to replace his mask and hood. WHUMP! The sound again. This time, the doors moved inward even further. They only had a few more seconds. Data adjusted his tricorder. Whispering to Worf, "A large number of humanoids are gathered outside the door. I am reading weapons, similar to the ones that we encountered before. It is proable that they are ape soldiers." Worf's phaser seemed to materialize in his hand. WHUMP! The doors exploded inward, the wood beam shattering in the center. Gorilla soldiers began pouring into the breach. They formed a skirmishers line in front of the altar, effectively surrounding the underdweller. Two more figures entered the cathedral, following the soldiers. One of them was a gorilla, most likely in authority, for he wore a leather helmet that was similar to the one Data had seen General Urko wearing. The other was an orangutan. "It's a human!" This from one of the soldiers that stood with his weapon trained on the underdweller. They were understandably shocked at the site of a human such as this one was. They were even more shocked when the human spoke. "This is the instrument of my god.", his arm sweeping to indicate the Alpha Omega bomb. Some of the apes stepped back, a look of shock evident on their faces. Several of them said the same thing: "It speaks! The human speaks!" The ape in apparent authority stepped forward, pointing to the underdweller. "Your god, eh? Well, it looks as if your god didn't save you. Arrest that creature. And destroy that thing." He pointed to the missile, sitting silently on it's altar/launch pad. "No!" The underdweller whirled to move to the control console. He reached for the switches, hitting an orange one, then reaching for the large red one. He never made it. He was cut down by a blast of gunfire. The gorilla with the helmet had grabbed a rifle from one of his soldiers and fired five rounds at the human, who fell, dead by the time he had hit the floor. "So much for the talking human." Worf had tensed to lunge into the open when the underdweller had been murdered. Only the persistent hold that Data had on his shoulder kept him still. Meanwhile, Data's tricorder, still in active scanning mode, beeped. "Lieutenant, there are two more humanoids approaching. One from the far left tunnel, above the sanctuary floor, the other from the far right tunnel, near that organ." Data pointed to the large, dilapidated pipe organ that rested in a corner of the cathedral. Growling, Ursus then turned his fire on the missile. Bullets ricocheted off the outer casing of the device, they in turn bounced off the stone interior of the building. The orangutan stepped forward after the gorilla had ceased fire. "Ursus! That is a machine built by Man! You can't destroy it with a clip of bullets. It will kill us all!" The gorilla, Ursus, whirled on his companion. "If we can't shoot it down, then we'll haul it down! Soldiers, bring block and tackle! I want that thing brought down!" Gorilla soldiers immediately brought forth ropes and a pulley device, rigging it to lower the missile onto its side. As they went about this task, Data and Worf watched the gorilla, Ursus, step up to the control console. As the missile was lowered onto its side, the gorillas controlling the block and tackle lost control, briefly. The missile fell the last few feet, landing with the clang of metal on rock. Smoke poured forth from the bomb's interior as the centuries old cobalt casing was cracked. Ursus studied the strange crystal panel, with all of it's multicolored switches. Only one switch remained in the up position: the red one. Captivated by the warm glow it emanated, he reached out a tentative hand to push it. CLANG! CLANG! CLANG! Everyone in the chamber, Data and Worf included, turn to see a human, dressed in rags, beating on the pipe organ with the butt of a rifle. Soldiers opened fire as he ducked behind it, bullets burrowing into the organ's side. The human jumped up to return fire, only to duck back down as the apes fired back. "That human seems to be more agressive than the ones we have previously encountered." Data observed. "He is outnumbered. We can help him." Worf was barely restraining himself. However, the lone human had begun to score hits on his opponents. Several of the gorillas had dropped, easy prey while out in the open, compared to the protection afforded the human by the organ. "Ursus! There's another one!" The orangutan had pointed to the other side of the cathedral, to a position behind a large column. Instantly, Ursus took aim and fired. Another human, this one dressed in a white shirt with matching trousers, fell from where he had been crouched. Slowly, he got up, clutching his chest, where blood had begun to flow freely. He stood up, facing the orangutan. "Taylor?" the ape asked, sounding incredulous. At that moment, a shot rang out, and Ursus gasped painfully, falling to the ground, dead. The shot had come from the other human, still pinned down behind the organ. That proved to be his fatal undoing, though. Data and Worf has the human began struggling with his rifle, apparently attempting to clear a jam. That was all the gorillas needed. The collective group of remaining soldiers opened fire, catching the human in a crossfire. He was dead before he hit the ground. * * * * * "Commander LaForge! Sensors detect a small craft has left the planet's surface, accelerating toward orbital velocity." Geordi stepped up from his command chair and moved to stand behind Ensign Ro. "What kind of ship, Ro?" The Bajoran compared the image the sensors were feeding her console against the computer's data banks. "The ship doesn't match anything in the Federation ship recognition database. Sensors show three life forms aboard. At this rate, it will just barely achieve orbit." * * * * * Picard had led his party deeper into the grass, trying to get around the line of bush beaters that was rapidly closing the gap. Some of the primitive humanoids had rushed past them, around them, sometimes over them as they fled blindly away from the beaters, not comprehending that they were being driven towards the open ground, and the apes on horseback. Suddenly, he stopped. A gorilla, wielding what looked like a large piece of bamboo, stepped into a small clearing in the grass. As the ape turned, he was startled to see the clean shaven human in the strange red and black clothes. He was even more surprised to see a larger human, dressed in similar clothing, lunge at him. Riker hit the ape with the full weight of his body, sending them both tumbling. The gorilla was stronger, however, and immediately gained the upper hand, rolling on top of the first officer, hands reaching for the human's throat. Burke jumped forward, sending the simian flying with a karate kick to his head. As the ape attempted to stumble to his feet, the astronaut placed another well-aimed kick to his head, ending the gorilla's tenuous hold on consciousness. As Burke helped Riker to his feet, Picard was watching the valley. The apes on horseback and the beaters had closed the gap between them that there was no way they could escape. He could see as humans were led into the trapping nets that were laying in wait as they emerged from the grass. They were trapped. "Alright Q. I think it would be a good time to make up with your fellow Q and get my people out of this." "I'm telling you, Picard, that they won't listen to me. They'll intervene when they feel it is necessary." The captain could feel even his legendary calm demeanor deteriorating. He tapped his communicator again. "Picard to Ent..." he never completed the call. At that instant, six gorillas, all swinging the bamboo sticks, came through the grass, swatting at the Enterprise party. Throwing arms up to protect their heads, they were forced backward, toward the clearing. They fairly stumbled out onto open ground, where the nets waited. The gorillas manning the nets immediately closed the trap, effectively pinning their quarry to the ground. The apes seemed not to mind that one of their trapped beasts was in fact a chimpanzee. "I am an ape, you fools! Let me out of this!" Picard tried to reach his communicator, in vain. Riker did manage to tap his, though. "Riker to Enterprise! Beam us up!" The gorillas stopped dead, their eyes wide. "He spoke! The animal spoke! Kill it! Kill them all!" The apes dropped their hold on the net and reached for rifles, clubs, whatever weapon they happened to be carrying... * * * * * "Zaius!" The human staggered forward towards where the orangutan stood, next to the control console for the Alpha Omega bomb. The blood poured from between his fingers where he clutched his chest, staining the white material of his shirt. "It's Doomsday, Zaius. The end of the world. But not if you help me." The ape watched as the human approached him. "Help you? I cannot help you, Taylor. Man is capable of nothing but destruction. That weapon", he pointed to the bomb, "is testament to that fact." The human, Taylor, was nearly abreast of Zaius now. Data and Worf could see the agony in his face as the life drained from him. But somehow, through the pain, Taylor managed to call up a look of disgust, directed at the ape. "You bloody bastard." Then, he turned toward the control console, which sat, patiently. Toward the red switch. "He intends to detonate the device." Data reached for his commbadge, still pinned to his burlap shirt. "Data to Enterprise. Emergency beam up, now." Taylor stumbled the remaining distance to the console, as Zaius suddenly realized what he was doing. "Taylor, no!" as the human fell across the console, his hand pushing the red switch. "Data to Enter..." * * * * * "...prise." Data and Worf found themselves laying on the deck in front of the bridge main viewscreen. A startled bridge crew rose to help them, but were immediately treated to a second surprise: Picard, Riker and Q also appeared, laying prone on the deck. Geordi rushed forward to help the captain. "What the...?" A blinding light suddenly caught them all offguard. All eyes turned to see the entire planet surface began to light up, the atmosphere literally melting away. "Shields up!" yelled Picard. The computer had already compensated the intensity level on the viewscreen, as well as raising the shields. They watched as the planet below literally burned itself to a cinder. Ensign Ro, still manning her Ops console, looked up. "Captain! Massive shockwaves approaching!" She keyed the shipwide intercomm. "All personnel, brace yourselves for impact!" Seconds later, the entire ship lurched. The red alert sirens began wailing and people went tumbling in all directions as the artificial gravity systems fought to compensate. The stars on the viewscreen turned into blurs of streaking light as the Earth disappeared from view. In fact, to Picard, everything in his view seemed to blur, to streak, to stretch out of proportion. He tried to yell out above the din. "Miiiiisssttteeerrr Daaaatttaaaa....." Time seemed to slow down. His movements were as if he were moving in slow motion. Then, it stopped. The lurching ceased as abruptly as it had began. "Computer, cancel red alert." Picard commanded as he lifted himself from the deck. "Damage reports." Worf had already moved up the ramp to the upper bridge stations, taking his usual position at Tactical. "Reports coming in, Captain. No damage. Minor injuries throughout the ship. I am notifying sickbay." The captain nodded for the security chief to proceed. "Mister Data, please attempt to determine where we are, this time." He looked down at the deck, where Q was still pulling himself to his feet. A voice from the upper bridge deck sounded out. "No need for that, Captain Picard. We are back in your normal time period. You are on course for Earth, just as you should be." It was Q2, still dressed in a Starfleet Captain's uniform. Picard turned back to Data. "Confirm that. Access the nearest time beacon." Data, sitting at Conn, keyed the necessary instructions to the console. "He is correct, sir. We are on course for the Terran system, speed is Warp 4. Time beacon shows Stardate 46573.4. For all intents and purposes, nothing has happened." Riker was looking about the bridge. "What happened to Virdon, Burke and Galen?" "Virdon and Burke were returned to their proper timeframe. Since Earth never became a planet ruled by apes, Galen never really existed. He's...gone. Everything is as it should be." Geordi spoke up. "We tracked a small ship leaving the planet, just before you all appeared and the planet exploded. But it disappeared when the shock waves hit us." "Yes. That ship figures prominently in the history of the Earth you just saw destroyed. You'll be amused to learn that the craft came to Earth of the year 3955 from the year 1972, having entered a time warp of it's own. It carried four astronauts, one of which was the human that detonated the Alpha Omega bomb. "Anyway, the ship was found by three chimpanzee scientists that managed to learn enough about it to launch it into space. Just in time, as you saw. The same shock wave that brought you here sent them through time, as well. However, they traveled back to Earth of the year 1973, where one of them gives birth to the ape that eventually leads the ape revolt, resulting in Mankind's downfall, all over again. Quite a masterful bit of drama, don't you think?" Picard stepped forward to glare at the second Q. "Why? Why do your people see fit to toy with other life forms at every opportunity? We are living, intelligent beings, not playthings for your enjoyment. Why this predilection for abusing other species, rather than other, more constructive pursuits?" The Q shrugged. "In some ways, you appear all-powerful to other, less advanced races. Why do you not intervene to help them?" "You know the answer. We choose not to interfere, in any way, with the natural progression of a civilization. You, on the other hand, view the universe as your own personal playground, playing with lives without conscience or remorse." "That is where you are wrong, Captain. This one", he indicated Q, "is guilty of that, and he will be punished for what he's done. However, this scenario that he created did give us more insight into your character. "Even though you knew it was the planet Earth, however grossly out of order everything was down there, you still abided by your Prime Directive. A directive that, in the reality presented to you, was never created. I will agree that the Humanity you represent would never have let something as horrid as the destruction of your own home world. But there was a time when you lived with that possibility every day. You have proven that your species has grown beyond that." Picard was not impressed. "We are growing tired of constantly having to prove ourselves to you. Treat us as intelligent beings, or leave us." Q2 smiled. "We elect to leave you for now. However, I cannot promise that we won't meet again. Rest assured though, that Q will be disciplined." Q looked appropriately humbled. "Well, Captain, until next time." Q2 snapped his fingers. The familiar flash of light, then both Q's were gone. "Thank God." was all Riker could say. "I tend to agree with you, Number One." replied the Captain as he took his seat in the command chair. "That was one experience I hope we never have to repeat, Will. The thought of how close we came to total annihilation, at our own hands, before we finally achieved world peace is astounding. And to see what might have happened afterward..." -------- Epilogue -------- :: November 2, 1981 - Old Earth Calendar :: :: Over the Atlantic Ocean, 50 miles east of Florida, :: :: United States, Planet Terra :: "Blue Team, this is Mister Big. What do you boys say we call it a day? First round's on me." The voice of the air traffic controller's voice sounded in Alan Virdon's helmet speaker. They had been flying maneuvers for the better part of three hours. His fuel was getting low, and his back and regions south were getting tired of sitting. "Sounds good to me, Mister Big. Open the gate, 'cause we're on our way." Looking out through the right side of his canopy, he could see Peter Burke giving him the thumbs up, followed closely by his friend's voice. "What are we doing hanging around up here, Boss? The beer's getting warm." Alan laughed as he turned his head to wave to the wing man on his left, Major Tony Jones. "How about you, Jonesy? Rather drink a cold one, or defend our country from communist aggression?" The reply was instant. "I think the old grizzly bear will hold off the invasion until after Happy Hour, Colonel. Lead on." The three fighters turned as one as they adjusted their course to return to base. ---- FINI ---- One Final Word... A few problems arose while writing this story (aside from its ever being filmed being totally out of the question). We, as viewers, know the fate of the Earth as a planet of apes. We know what happens to Taylor, Brent (that other human) and the rest of them. So, I decided not to have the ST crew interact with those folks, and thereby preserving the story as we already know it. The fates of Virdon, Burke and Galen were never revealed, however (the show was cancelled), so I had a -little- bit more freedom of movement. That's why the story takes place more in that timeframe than in the latter, in case you were curious....... =8-O If you enjoyed this story, then I would ask that you try 'The Road Less Traveled," available in four parts in the data banks. It's my speculation as to what might be the FINAL mission of Captain Kirk after the events of Star Trek VI. It is also my first attempt at writing, in any form. There is also a part five addendum, titled 'CrossRoads,' that takes the story one step further. It is not necessary to read this with 'Road,' as it was written well after the first story and answers questions many people had asked me. I would appreciate any comments that you may have on either story. The four parts of 'Road' ask the reader to submit comments to 'YourNameHr', but I have since deleted that screen name, so please send any correspondence to 'NetRunr'. ------------------------------------------------------------------- The following sources were consulted for various background information: - Beneath the Planet of the Apes, by Michael Avallone, Bantam Books, 1970. - Outlines of Tomorrow: A Chronological History of the Planet of the Apes, by James Whitmore, Marvel Comics' Planet of the Apes Magazine #11, 1975. - Star Trek Spaceflight Chronology, by Stan and Fred Goldstein, Pocket Books, 1980. - The OMNI Space Almanac, by James McAleer, 1984. - The Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion, by Larry Nemecek, Pocket Books, 1992. - The Star Trek: The Next Generation Technical Manual, by Rick Sternbach and Michael Okuda, Pocket Books, 1992. - The Star Trek Master Timeline, by Kasey Chang, latest revision 1992.