AU Trek

  Captain William Thomas Riker sat looking out the window. The mysterious nebula sprawled out before them, misty, sparkling and almost...inviting. Although their mission in the Typhon sector was one of investigation and insurance, he felt the need to look out and appreciate that there was beauty, as well as power in the universe. He sipped the last of his coffee and stepped out onto the bridge. The Melbourne wasn't nearly as impressive as the Enterprise had been. But there he had been only first officer second in command and Melbourne was HIS ship. The instant he'd stepped out of his office his second in command rose from the captain's seat and stood at attention.

“Easy Commander, we're not exactly at battle-stations.”

“I would almost prefer it if we were.” The young Klingon replied staunchly. “A lack of activity is...difficult to endure. And in this 'neighborhood' of stars...a source of concern.”

“I cannot disagree that something seems almost artificial about this quietness. But we will discover the source of these transmissions, before assuming them to be deliberate threats.”

Commander Worf noted the warning in Riker's tone and sank into his own chair without protest or objection. After a few moments however he ventured. “As Commander Spock was known to say 'lack of information always invites danger'. As a Starfleet officer I am required to tolerate uncertainty. There is no regulation which requires I enjoy it.”

“Fair enough.” Riker conceded. “How is the ambassador doing by the way?”

“Secretary Shelby is prepared to initiate contact should we find opportunity for dialogue. Although her sword are is nearly as restless as my own.” Worf winced and looked down with regret. It was not often he forgot to be conventional. “She anticipates a covert away mission rather than ship to ship dialogue.” He quickly corrected himself.

Captain Riker glanced at him with clear amusement. “I'm not some old burhog like Picard.” He said simply. “Show respect and get the job done and we're good. Beyond that, protocol and fine speech can go to stovo'kor as far as I'm concerned.”

“I realize that sir. But for my people following even conventional rules is included in showing respect for authority. It will take some time before I...act anything like my own personality.”

“Proximity Alert Captain.” Ensign Laren's voice intoned. “Defense systems activated.”

The light on the bridge dimmed slightly as more power was transferred to shield and weapons. Riker stood from his seat and looked out at the space in front of them. “Did we hit something?” He queried.

“No sir, sensors indicate we were simply scanned.” Lt. LaForge reported from navigation. “Origin 070-mark-63 Sir. Distance...Two light years.”

The calmness of the report did not negate the strangeness of its contents.

“Double-check your readings.” Worf barked coldly.

“Already done sir.” The young man answered smoothly. “The resonance field which prompted our yellow alert...comes from the Cor-oba system of the Typhon expanse.”

Everyone on the bridge tensed. The use of advanced technology on a supposedly uninhabited planet was inherently a concern. The name itself however brought with it a sense of mystery and foreboding that no-one could ever explain, but was no less real, almost tangible for being unknown.

“Ensign Laren, set a course, warp 7. Commander Worf, have Shelby message Command and request instructions. Prepare a runabout if her mission is deemed critical. Lt. LaForge, I will expect a battle-readiness report at 1800 hours. I'll be in my office.”

Six hours later they arrived at the source of the disturbance. A fact Ensign Ro Laren professionally and promptly reported to her captain in his ready room. Riker waved her to sit at the chair across his desk, an overture she politely declined. “Elizabeth Shelby has had all tactical and scientific teams running scans and drills since we entered sensor range.” Laren continued without hesitation. “The only unusual thing they've detected was an ancient radio signal on repeat.”

“A copy of the file please?” Riker stated brusquely. Laren tapped her handheld computer to the the Captain's desk and pressed a tab. “Computer...play most recent file entry.” Riker said lazily.

A strong, if faint voice of a man presumably long dead began to speak as if to empty air. “You are defended by wealth, blinded by ignorance and cradled by fear. You will not destroy our property by invasion or belief. But you have no need to fear invasion from us. You imagine we intend to destroy your way of life. Your 'way of life' cannot last and you will fall on your own accord. We want NOTHING to do with your planet or your people. Do not come here again. Whether you want peace or war, any further interference will be counted as exactly that: interference. And met with extreme resistance.”

The transmission ended abruptly. “That pretty much says it all.” Riker stated with glee. “The inhabitants wanted to know who was around their rings. Not liking who they found. They must have been an extremely advanced people, technologically speaking at least for their scanning equipment to still be working. No wonder no one has ever been able to land on that planet.”

“There's only one problem with that conclusion sir.” Laren replied. Riker looked at her coldly. “This transmission was set on a high-band frequency, not on anything approaching a substance transmitter. And according to our instruments, including Lieutenant Data himself...was sent about 70 years ago.”