Two Worlds (Star Trek)

[Jaenera Targaryen]

Disclaimer: I do not own Star Trek it belongs to ViacomCBS.

Two Worlds

Prologue​

AD 2378

Annika scrunched up her eyes at the insistent beeping from her bedside terminal, until she finally couldn’t resist waking up anymore. Blinking her eyes in the darkness of her cabin, it only took a moment for her eyes to adjust to the minimal light available, and simultaneously rolling to one side on an elbow while pushing back her sheets, punched at the glowing icon on her terminal.

“Annika, here.” She said, rubbing at her eyes as the holographic display lit up, though at audio-only to preserve her dignity.

“Sorry to disturb your sleep, captain.” The voice of her XO came through the channel. “But we’re picking up a subspace distress signal not far from where we are now.”

“How far?” Annika asked, already getting up from bed and stretching her limbs to shake the remaining sleepiness off.

“Approximately fifteen parsecs,” the XO answered. “But that number increases with every second. It looks like whoever's sending the distress signal is travelling at warp.”

Annika hummed at that, heading to her cabin’s toilet to freshen up. It wouldn’t do to go on the bridge all haggard, even if she was in uniform. Fortunately, there was also a terminal built into the wall next to the sink, so she could continue the conversation while washing up.

“Anything on sensors?” Annika asked.

“We’re scanning as we speak,” the XO continued while she washed her face. “But we’re still too far, and like I said, whoever is sending the signal is travelling at warp.”

“…go to yellow alert.” Annika immediately ordered before wiping her face with a towel. “Put us on intercept course, Warp 2. I’ll be up on the bridge as soon as I can.”

“Yes, captain.”

Annika sighed as the channel closed, and then filled a glass with water to rinse her mouth with. “So much for a quiet border patrol,” she thought while rinsing her mouth. “Then again, Breen space is only some parsecs away. Damn coldblooded bastards…not even ten years after the end of the war, and they’re already pushing our buttons.”

Spitting out the water in her mouth, Annika wiped at her mouth with a towel before taking a brush to straighten out her hair. Leaving the toilet afterwards, she grabbed her uniform jacket and trousers off a ready rack, pulling the latter on first before putting on her boots, and then left her cabin while pulling on her jacket and pinning it in place.

“Now then,” she thought as she proceeded at a quick pace down the corridor, and waving off crewmembers saluting her as she passed. “Time to be heroes.”
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“Captain on the bridge!” the yeoman on duty shouted as Annika stepped off the turbolift, and proceeded to the command chair in the middle of the bridge.

“At ease.” Annika said while taking her seat. “Jut, what’s the situation?”

“We’re closing in as we speak.” Commander Jut Ganac, Annika’s XO, replied while turning his seat at the front of the bridge to address her directly. “But while we’re still too far to get detailed readings from our sensors, though as we close in we’re getting more details from the distress signal.”

Annika blinked at that, and then narrowed her eyes. “Someone’s trying to jam the signal?” she asked.

“Afraid so, captain.” Jut said with a nod. “As for the details…it’s a freighter by the name of the Yoshiko Maru, and they claim to be carrying refugees from a colony in the Bajoran DMZ. Also, the ones attacking them…? It’s the Dominion.”

“How the hell…?” Annika asked in surprise. “This far from the DMZ…? And why now?”

“I don’t know, captain.” Jut said with a shrug. “But we’ll only be able to figure it out once we get there and see for ourselves.”

“Well said,” Annika said with a nod. “Red alert: shields up, all hands to general quarters, and standby on phasers and quantum torpedoes.”

Immediately the bridge lights dropped to battle settings, and sirens rang across the ship to sound the crew to general quarters. The bridge crew were already in their safety harnesses, and moments later, the tactical officer spoke up.

“Captain,” Lieutenant Morgan Melendez began. “All sections report general quarters.”

“Understood,” Annika said with a nod. “Vasror, bring us to Warp 5. Put us right on top of those Jem’Hadar bastards!”

“Aye, captain.” Lieutenant Vasror said. “Bringing is up to Warp 5.”

“Captain,” the sensor officer, Lieutenant Benjamin Saul, warned. “I’m reading the Yoshiko Maru and the pursuing Dominion vessels have dropped out of warp.”

“The Jem’Hadar must have knocked out the Yoshiko Maru’s engines.” Jut said. “They’re probably being boarded by now!”

“Vasror!” Annika barked, but the helmsman was already on it, piloting the Seoul to the battlefield. It took just over a minute, and then the Seoul was dropping out of warp. Annika’s eyes were immediately drawn to the stricken freighter-turned-refugee ship in the middle of a trio of Dominion vessels, plasma venting in streams from molten gashes cut into the ship’s rear, its engines dark and lifeless.

Then her eyes turned to the three Dominion vessels, which she immediately recognized as Jem’Hadar Battlecruisers. “Hail them.” Annika ordered even as the three battlecruisers broke formation and moved to swarm her ship.

“Captain, they’re moving to surround us.” Jut warned.

“Vasror,” Annika ordered. “Take evasive action. Zhessesi, anything?”

Ensign Zhessesi turned from the communications console. “No response,” she said. “But I’ve got a channel open.”

“Dominion vessels,” Annika said loudly and firmly. “This is Captain Annika von Kreutzer of the Federation Cruiser Seoul. You are trespassing and committing hostile action in Federation space in violation of the Treaty of Bajor. Stand down, and prepare to be…”

Annika broke off as the Seoul shook, Dominion polaron beams hammering at her shields. “Taking evasive pattern Delta-Nine.” Vasror reported from the helm.

“…so it’s a fight they want.” Annika growled. “Return fire with phasers, and find me the enemy’s shield modulations!”

The Seoul rolled and banked across the battlefield, polaron beams and disruptor rounds flashing through space to either splatter against her shields or fly harmlessly into the void. Then orange light lanced through space as the Seoul returned fire, splattering against the Dominion vessels’ shields.

Torpedoes flashed through space in response, and the Seoul’s point-defense guns came to life, burst phasers sending orange pulses stitching across space. Explosions tore through space as the Dominion torpedoes were shot down, but the Seoul shook as the energy surges hammered at her shields.

“Shields holding at eight-three per cent!” Melendez warned, only for the ship to shake again at another hit. “Correction: shields at seventy-seven per cent!”

“Fire a torpedo spread!” Annika barked. “Give them something to worry about! Targeting pattern, Echo-Five!”

Blue light flashed through space as the Seoul let loose a volley of quantum torpedoes, the Dominion vessels nimbly attempting to evade, but more than half still struck true. The shields of two battlecruisers held, but the shields on the third ship weren’t so sturdy, and phaser strikes sheared one of her wings off.

It returned fire with torpedoes, but the Seoul evaded nimbly. Then she returned fire, and taking out the Dominion vessel’s main engines.

“Fire a tricobalt device.” Annika spat.

Melendez complied, and though the crippled battlecruiser tried to evade, her mobility was shot to hell by the damage already taken. The tricobalt device smashed into her primary hull before detonating, and reducing the battlecruiser to superheated debris flying through space.

The remaining battlecruisers doubled their efforts, firing volleys of torpedoes at the Seoul. Again, the Federation dodged or shot down most of them, but several met their mark, and causing the ship to shake and the holographic displays in the bridge to briefly flicker. “Shields down to sixty-seven per cent!” Melendez warned.

“How’s it going on those shield modulations?” Jut demanded.

“I’m still working on it.” Saul replied. “I need more time…give me a minute, two at most.”

“Torpedoes, fire!” Annika ordered in reply.

Again, quantum torpedoes lashed out, the Dominion ships desperately evading, finally remembering the toll those weapons had reaped of their forces during the war. No doubt, the crews were fresh, green, and untried, which would explain why only three battlecruisers were on a raiding mission.

Still…

…that left too many questions unanswered, not least of which was the sheer distance this area of space was from the Bajoran Wormhole.

“I have it!” Saul shouted in triumph. “Their shields are operating at a modulation of 273.9!”

“Adjust our torpedo and phaser frequencies to match!” Annika ordered as the Seoul shook again. “Target their primary reactors: fire when ready!”

Melendez adjusted the Seoul’s weapon modulations, and then fired. This time, phaser beams carved through the battlecruisers’ shields as though they weren’t even there, and sending molten metal and superheated debris flying into space. Then quantum torpedoes lashed out, and despite the Dominion’s desperate efforts to evade, much like with the Seoul’s phasers, the Dominion shields didn’t even flicker as torpedoes flew through them and smashed into the battlecruisers’ hulls.

Blinding light flashed through space…

…and the Dominion was gone.

“We did it!” Jut triumphantly said, and matching exclamations went up from the rest of the bridge crew. For the most part: Annika just sighed, and then drew herself up.

“Don’t relax just yet.” She chided. “We still have a disabled refugee ship on our hands. Vasror, bring us in to optimum transporter range, but not so close that we’ll be at risk if that ship’s warp core goes off. Saul, anything?”

“Their engines are toast, captain.” Saul said. “Warp and impulse both…they still have maneuvering thrusters, though. Not that that’s going to be of much use.”

“Communications are down.” Zhessesi chimed in. “Most likely as a result of enemy fire.”

“I’m reading one hundred and forty-seven life signs aboard.” Saul added. “Mostly Human, Betazoid, and Andorian…but I’m also reading thirty-six Jem’Hadar.”

“Can you get a transporter lock on them?” Jut asked.

“Yes, sir.” Saul replied.

“Captain,” Jut began. “We should transport them into one of our cargo bays, and reduce the oxygen levels to just below their atmospheric tolerance levels. That should keep them out of trouble until we can get them somewhere secure.’

“And we can get some answers as to how and why they’re here.” Annika said with a nod. “Good idea, commander. Get in touch with life support, and get it done. Saul?”

“I have transporter locks.” Saul said. “Transferring to transporter control.”

Annika brought up her command interface, and pressed an icon on the holographic display. “Transporter control,” she said. “Report.”

“We have them locked in.” the reply came. “Standing by for the commander’s orders.”

“Jut?”

“We’re reducing oxygen levels now…” Jut said, on the line with life support. “…there. They should start passing out the moment they’re in the room.”

“Transporter control,” Annika began. “Energize.”

“Energizing…transport complete.”

“Well done.” Annika said with a nod.

“Major H’au,” Jut said to the commander of the Seoul’s marine complement. “I want a platoon of marines on guard around that cargo bay at all times. Heavy weapons authorized: keep them in that room, and if you can’t, well, that’s just too bad.”

“Understood, commander.”

Jut looked back at Annika, who nodded approvingly at him before looking back at Saul. “The refugees?” she asked.

“…I have locks on all of them.” Saul replied. “But I’m reading thirty of them having faint life signs.”

“Have transporter control send those thirty to medical.” Annika ordered. “Inform Doctor Pel that we’ve got injured coming in.”

“Aye, captain.” Saul said with a nod. “Should I have transporter control send the remaining refugees to another bay? At a safe distance from the Jem’Hadar, of course.”

“Yes, that sounds good, lieutenant.” Annika said with a nod. “I’ll head over there myself, reassure the refugees. Commander, you have the bridge.”

“Understood, captain.” Jut said.

Annika nodded, and getting off her seat, proceeded towards the turbolift.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“Major.”

“Captain.”

Accompanied by a squad of Federation Marines in full powered armor, Annika stepped into the cargo bay where the refugees had been transported into. Here and there, she could see members of her crew, mostly enlisted, but including a couple of officers directing efforts to assist the refugees. Some were providing first aid, others were handing out towels and spare clothes, and others more were distributing food and drink.

As their sensors had earlier indicated, the refugees were an eclectic mix of species, Human (or Betazoid, hard to tell by sight without getting close) mostly, though Andorians could be seen here and there. A ripple of apprehension went through the refugees at her arrival, and Annika gestured for the marines to wait outside the room. They stomped out, but for Major H’au, who nevertheless holstered his heavy disruptor rifle before removing his helmet.

“Who’s in charge here?” the Caitian rumbled loudly.

“I am.” A matronly woman approached, and Annika quickly noticed the dark irises of a Betazoid background. “My name is Dammexe Hal. I represent the refugees of…well, formerly of the Yoshiko Maru.”

“Miss Hal,” Annika said with a nod and a reassuring smile. “I am Captain Annika von Kreutzer of the Federation Cruiser Seoul. Rest assured, Miss Hal. As of this moment, you and your people are under the protection of the UFP Navy. I’m still not sure how and why you were forced to flee your homes, but I’m certain it has something to do with those Dominion ships that were attacking your ship.”

“…y-yes.” Hal hesitantly replied, and the captain tilted her head curiously.

“Is something the matter?” she asked.

“You…you’re from Starfleet, yes?” Hal asked back. “And this ship…it’s a Starfleet vessel? A Federation vessel?”

Annika briefly looked confused. “Yes,” she said. “This ship is a vessel belonging to the United Federation of Planets. As for Starfleet…well, I assume you refer to the Federation Navy, so yes, I am an officer of the Starfleet, and the commanding officer of this ship.”

“I…I see.”

Annika raised an eyebrow, even more so at the troubled expression on the woman’s face. And that of the other refugees now that she thought about it. A chirp drew her attention though, and she nodded once at the Betazoid woman. “Excuse me.” Annika said, before walking away a polite distance. “Doctor Pel? You have something for me?”

“Yes, captain.” The doctor replied. “I’ve been treating the injured from the Yoshiko Maru, and that was when I noticed something…unusual.”

“Oh?”

“Captain…if these readings I’m getting from blood work are right,” the Vulcan said. “These refugees – or rather the Human ones – are Naturals.”

“And that’s a problem, why?”

“Captain…there are no known Natural Human settlements in the DMZ.” Pel said. “Something is not right here, one way or another.”

“…what?”
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

A/N

Just a pure Star Trek story. An olive branch, you could say, after the last one.

 

[Deleted member]

I look forward to both stories in parallel. Nice start!

 

[Deleted member 88]

Did you get any inspiration from the Myriad Universes Seeds of Dissent?

 

[Tryglaw]

That's a very fascinating take on "internal" Star Trek crossover (sort of).
I certainly hope to see more of this.

 

[Bear Ribs]

Hmm. Star Trek where everybody's an augment vs. the OTL?

 

[Yinko]

Are you editing the new chapters as you re-release them? I ask because most cross-posts are done all at once.

 

[Jaenera Targaryen]

Are you editing the new chapters as you re-release them? I ask because most cross-posts are done all at once.

Actually, no. I'm spacing them out to give readers time to pace themselves.

 

[Jaenera Targaryen]

Disclaimer: I do not own Star Trek it belongs to ViacomCBS.

Two Worlds

Chapter 1​

“Well,” Jut began as he entered the conference room and carrying a dataslate with him. “I just got off the line with sector command. A fine sweep of the Yoshiko Maru’s course with the subspace sensor network confirms that they literally popped out of nowhere in the middle of the sector. Of course, that’s not really possible, so they made an in-depth scan of that area of space. And lo and behold, there’s a wormhole that shouldn’t be there. At least, it wasn’t there until a couple of days ago, though the Yoshiko Maru and her pursuers didn’t pass through until some hours ago.”

The Cardassian officer threw up his hands in exasperated resignation, before handing the dataslate to Annika. “No disrespect intended, commander,” H’au rumbled. “But there’s no need to be so theatrical.”

“Can’t help it,” Jut said with a shrug. “This is the kind of thing that happens to the science and exploratory corps, and to free operators, but not the Federation Navy.”

“Not really,” Annika said while speeding through the report from sector command. “I mean, it’s uncommon, but it happens to the odd cruiser or frigate that strays off the beaten path too far.”

“Speaking of which,” Jut said with a nod before turning back to the marine officer. “How’s dissection of their computers going?”

“I’d be much more confident if we had synthetic support,” H’au replied. “But we don’t. That said, our cyberwarfare suites don’t see any indications that the data in their navigational and other computers are falsified in any way. Between the wormhole and what we’ve found…they might really be from an…alternate universe.”

“And what exactly have you found out, major?” Annika asked.

“Well, they’re from four years in the past based on their chronometers,” H’au replied. “But their charts indicate that what we consider the capital sector of the former Holy Empire is the Bajoran Sector of their Federation. That, and not only is it torn by war between their Federation and the Dominion, but the latter are allied with an independent Cardassian Union.”

“…while I’m glad to hear that much of the Cardassian Expanse was able to avoid conquest by the Holy Empire,” Jut began with wide eyes. “Seriously? They allied themselves with the Dominion? What the fuck?”

“Language, commander.” Annika chided.

“Sorry, captain.”

“In any case,” Annika said with a nod at her XO. “Based on what we’ve found, there’s reason enough for sector command to bump this up to HQ on Earth. Our orders are to bring the derelict refugee ship back to sector command for further investigation, and to keep the Jem’Hadar prisoners contained.”

“And the refugees?” Jut asked.

“They might not be citizens of our Federation,” Annika said. “But they’re still citizens of the Federation. They’re to be treated with all their due rights and courtesies, at least until we can get to sector command. Once we arrive, we’ll hand them over to civilian care and jurisdiction.”

Jut and H’au nodded in understanding. “The science corps will be investigating the wormhole further.” Annika continued. “We’ll need to know everything we can before any of the powers-that-be make a final decision.”

“You won’t get into trouble for this, captain?” H’au asked with some concern. “If they are from an alternate universe…”

“The Prime Directive doesn’t apply.” Annika said with a raised hand. “They’re warp-capable, they’re in interstellar space, and in a region recognized as sovereign Federation territory by known interstellar polities. As for the Temporal Prime Directive…we didn’t know at the time that they were from an alternate past, and in any case they were sending out a general distress signal on all subspace frequencies. And as you all know, in such a case, both naval regulation and historical precedent mandates we come to their assistance.”

“The only complication then is…” Jut softly began.

“Yes,” Annika said with a nod. “Do we continue to interfere, or not?”

“…this is going to be headache for whoever gets to answer that.” Jut said with a wince.

“No doubt,” Annika said. “But right now, we focus on our orders. Commander, head up to the bridge, and get the Yoshiko Maru in tow. Once it’s secure, set course for the sector capital, maximum warp.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Jut said with a nod.

“Major,” Annika continued. “Double-check your men’s positions around the Jem’Hadar’s prison. I don’t want anything going wrong.”

“Understood.” H’au said with a nod of his own.

Annika nodded, and then took a deep breath. “Well then,” she said. “You have your orders. As for myself, I’ll go and speak with Miss Hal to brief the refugees on their situation. And to reassure them, of course, that we’ll do everything to keep them safe and sound. If there’s nothing more, then dismissed.”
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hal looked up from the dataslate Annika gave her, and stared at the captain in disbelief. “This…you expect us to believe this?” the Betazoid asked. “We flew through a wormhole and ended up in an alternate universe? I mean…I know those exist but…you really say that’s what happened?”

“That’s what all the evidence points to.” Annika said before giving a reassuring smile. “Look, I don’t blame you for disbelieving, because it really is unbelievable. But I really am telling you the truth. That said, I’m not so naïve to ask you to take the word of someone you just met at face value.”

“But…?” Hal prompted.

“You’re a Betazoid, aren’t you?” Annika asked. “A telepath and an empath…so this once, I’ll let you into my mind, and have you see the truth for yourself.”

Hal stared at the captain for a long moment, and then taking a deep breath, nodded. Then the two women locked eyes, Annika soon feeling a strange, scratching sensation in her head, like an itch she couldn’t quite reach. Images came to mind almost at random, starting with the recent battle with the Dominion, and from there the battles during the war with the Dominion and the Holy Empire years ago.

Then the images flashing through Annika’s head went back to the present, about the staff meeting from earlier, to compiling a report about the battle and refugees before that, and an alien sense of shock and dawning realization echoed into her from her link with the Betazoid. But beneath it all there was still disbelief, an understandable reluctance to accept such an improbable fact, and more images flashed through Annika’s mind, Hal trying to see if the captain was someone to trust.

Annika let Hal see her memories in a gesture of trust, though not all. Military and state secrets, private memories both bright and dark, things better left forgotten or at least unspoken…Annika blocked Hal off, thinking about and going through a series of nth-degree fractal equations to scramble the telepath’s probes. Surprise echoed…followed by understanding and acceptance, to which Annika reciprocated by bringing up some cherished memories…her husband and children…her parents and grandparents…bright spots in her childhood and youth, and of her career as well…

“…you’re telling the truth.” Hal finally said in a whisper, and breaking off mental contact. “How…I mean…a wormhole…we didn’t know there was a wormhole there…”

“Neither did we.” Annika said. “And you couldn’t have known. We’ve checked your ship’s sensor suites. They’re good for a freighter, but aren’t anywhere near military-grade, to say nothing of science ship-grade. You couldn’t have detected that wormhole, whether at warp or not, unless a ship went in or out of it right in front of you.”

“We were running from the Dominion too.” Hal added wistfully. “That’s probably something else that kept us from noticing the wormhole…but to fly through it at warp without realizing…?”

“One in a million…” Annika said before giving a shrug. “…a rough estimate, I’ll admit, but unfortunately, you just hit that one.”

Hal chuckled and shook her head. “I wouldn’t say it’s unfortunate.” She said. “We didn’t exactly stand a chance against the Dominion once they caught up with us. If we hadn’t gone through the wormhole and drawn your attention…it doesn’t bear thinking.”

“No, it doesn’t.” Annika grimly agreed, well knowing the Dominion’s sheer cruelty and callousness towards prisoners. Though you’d rather be caught by them than by the Bajorans. There were zealots, and then there were zealots.

“So what now?” Hal asked after a deep breath.

“We’re headed for Eboria…” Annika began, only for the surprised Betazoid to interrupt in surprise.

“Eboria?” she echoed. “But that’s the capital of the Maxia Sector. We should still be in the Bajoran Sector.”

“Yes, well,” Annika said with a cough, and restraining the reflexive reaction to being interrupted on her own ship by someone who wasn’t a superior officer. “It seems the wormhole doesn’t just cross between alternate universes, but also up and down the…well, for lack of a better way to call it, time axis, as well. It’s now 2378, three years after the Dominion War ended, and four years in the future from your perspective.”

“And on the other side of Federation space from Bajor.” Hal said with a nod. “Well…it could be worse. We could have ended up in Cardassian Space, or Romulan territory. Or worse: The Gamma or Delta Quadrants.”

Even Annika couldn’t help but wince at the thought of ending up in either the Gamma or Delta Quadrants. The former had the Dominion, and the latter the Borg and gods know who and what other threats that might be lurking. That said…

“Ending up in the Cardassian Expanse isn’t really a bad thing, at least in our universe.” Annika said. “The Cardassians have been members of the Federation since the 2300s, and while it wasn’t exactly easy going at first, they’ve since adjusted to and fully embraced the ideals of peace, unity, and cooperation that the Federation represents.”

Hal stared at Annika for several moments, and then chuckling, shook her head with a genuine smile, the first Annika saw the other woman give her since she arrived aboard the Seoul. “Normally,” Hal began. “I’d be very skeptical at the idea that Cardassians could become genuine members of the Federation. But between what I saw in your mind earlier, and what you said in all honesty just now…I’ve got no choice to believe you.”

“…glad to see that no matter what else might be different,” Annika said after a moment. “Some things are still the same, such as what the Federation stands for.”

“Agreed, captain.” Hal said before taking a deep breath. “Apologies for my earlier interruption, and this derail. History lessons can wait…you were saying we were headed for Eboria?”

“Yes,” Annika said with a nod. “Once there, accommodations will be provided, and arrangements for the future will be decided with your input. You might not be citizens of our Federation, but you are still citizens of the Federation, and due all the rights and privileges guaranteed by the Federation Charter.”

“I’m grateful to hear that.” Hal said with a smile. “And I’m sure the others will be grateful as well.”

“Speaking of which,” Annika began. “How are things for you all here?”

“We’re managing well so far.” Hal replied. “Your crew’s been very helpful and always polite. Thank you for the meals you provided earlier, along with the fresh clothes for so many. It’s done wonders for everybody.”

“I’m just glad to be of help.” Annika said with a smile. “We’re still preparing accommodations, so I’d like to ask you to ask your people for a little more patience until we can set them up. Even at maximum warp, it’ll take us some time to get to Eboria, you see.”

“I understand, captain.” Hal said with a nod. “Just leave it to me.”

“Thank you,” Annika said with a nod. “Oh, and one more thing. While some of the injured will have to stay in the medical bay for observation from what Doctor Pel tells me, most should be released in the next few hours.”

“That’s good to hear.” Hal said with another nod. “I’m sure those here who have friends or relatives in the medical bay will be very happy to hear that.”

“I’m sure they would.” Annika said with a nod of her own. “If there’s nothing more, Miss Hal?”

“Of course, captain. I wouldn’t want to keep you from your duties.”

“Well then, I take my leave.”
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“How are your patients?” Annika asked as she visited the medical bay a couple of hours later, and after most of the injured had been released. “The remaining ones, at least.”

“They are stable.” Doctor/Lieutenant-Commander Pel said, while leading the way to his office. Annika followed, the doctor pressing an icon for privacy on his desk’s holographic display, and setting up a force field around the room. “I can’t give any details, doctor-patient confidentiality…”

“I understand.” Annika said with a nod.

“…this is the first time I’ve treated Natural Humans.” Pel said. “I must admit it was challenging in many ways. First, their regeneration ability is less effective than what Humans today have, and their immune systems similarly less effective. Infection and blood loss were well advanced by the time they arrived in the medical bay, unsurprising given the conditions aboard the Yoshiko Maru.”

“That makes me wonder a lot, though.” Annika said while walking to the windows, and looking out across the bay, watched as nurses and other doctors busied themselves with attending the sedated patients in their bio-beds. “Immune and regeneration enhancements over the Homo sapiens baseline are among our most basic augmentations.”

“Indeed,” Pel agreed. “From my studies on the history of the Human Augmentation Project, that was in fact the original goal. The development of a true, Trans-Human species as a goal was only a later evolution of the program.”

“Quite,” Annika said with a nod. “My concern though is how the other Federation could have missed implementing such a basic and useful gene-mod. The known Natural settlements across the galaxy at least have the excuse that they were sundered from the mainstream of Human civilization by non-Human intervention in our pre-warp years. But the other Federation is at least as advanced as we are.”

Doctor Pel entwined his fingers together in thought. “With all due respect, captain,” he began. “Your logic is flawed. It seems you assume the development of science and technology to be a linear path. This is incorrect. It is entirely possible for the other Federation, or indeed, other species and cultures, to achieve comparable levels of technological achievement without developing certain technologies. Your species’ degree of developing and adopting genetic augmentation, for instance, is unprecedented among known species. Other examples include the Romulans’ use of artificial quantum singularities as power sources in place of matter-antimatter reactions, or the Borg’s assimilation technology.”

“…I see your point.” Annika momentarily admitted with a sigh. “Though I wonder then, how will they react to the knowledge that we – the Humans of this universe – all have such extensive genetic modification. Whether with wonder or apprehension…it’s concerning either way.”

“Logically-speaking,” Pel said. “It is simply a matter of fact that your species in this timeline have undergone such extensive genetic modification.”

“The Human race whether augmented or not isn’t the most logical one in the universe, doctor.” Annika quipped.

“…true.” Pel admitted after a moment. “If so, then I would suggest invoking the Prime Directive as a control measure in the event of an overreaction in either direction.”

“…I see.” Annika said after a moment of thought. “If they embrace augmentation, the Prime Directive can be used to justify denying a potentially-destabilizing full release of data pertaining to genetic engineering technology. And if they react with revulsion, then the Prime Directive can be used to deny them the right to condemn us for our choices in developing our culture and civilization.”

“Indeed, captain.” Pel said with a nod. “Though the Prime Directive is limited in its scope here, as Humanity in both universes are warp-capable species, it does provide for a stabilizing element from which to resolve the issue in a rational and logical fashion.”

Annika nodded. “Well said, doctor.” She said while heading back to his desk. “Going back to your patients…”

“Depending on their degree of recovery by tomorrow morning,” Pel said. “Then I should be able to release them from my medical bay.”

“And if not,” Annika said. “Would it be possible to arrange visits from relatives and loved ones?”

“That would depend on their condition.” Pel said. “And I must insist on strict visiting hours, and that the visitors be in a hygienic state.”

“Reasonable conditions,” Annika said with a nod. “Thank you for your consideration, doctor.”

“As you are well aware, captain,” Pel began. “It’s not so much that we Vulcans don’t feel, as much as we almost never show much less act on what we feel. I completely understand how concerned my patients’ relatives and loved ones feel even as we speak.”

Annika smiled. “True.” She said.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

AD 2374 (Prime Timeline)

“Greetings and salutations, mon capitaine!” a very familiar (and infuriatingly at that) figure in a Starfleet Admiral’s uniform greeted Captain Jean-Luc Picard in the Enterprise-E’s ready room.

“Q…” Picard growled in recognition. “I have no time for your games, Q. Not here, not now…perhaps you might not have noticed, but Humanity is facing something of a crisis at the moment.”

“Oh you wound me so, captain!” Q said with theatrical gestures, and now wearing a Grecian costume of all things. “The pain is such that it makes me want to take my own life!”

“Q: what do you want?” Picard growled.

Q tutted, wagging a finger in the air and now wearing the clothes of a Renaissance scholar. “As touchy as ever, I see.” He chided. “You need to liven up and have a life, my dear captain. You’ll live longer, and you’ll even get to keep what’s left of your hair. How about finally making a move on that doctor friend of yours? It’s not as though there’s nothing between you and her, and while she might just be another lowly primate, she’s still quite a beauty by the standards of your kind. Or have you forgotten the lessons learned during our last meeting?”

“That is none of your business.” Picard coldly said, a vein throbbing on his temple. “And once again, I ask: what do you want?”

“I came to see an old friend.” Q quipped, leaning against the desk and once again wearing a Starfleet Admiral’s uniform. “And yes, I am aware of your Federation’s plight against those unruly shapeshifters from the other side of this galaxy. What a bunch of bitter busybodies…anyway, on that note, I’m here to give you some good news!”

“Really?”

“Yes!” Q said with a beaming smile that did absolutely nothing to reassure Picard. “Though I suppose whether it’s good news or not depends on how open-minded your kind and this experiment you call the Federation are.”

“We are quite open-minded, thank you very much.” Picard hotly retorted. “The Federation is a nation of many species, cultures, and faiths…”

“Yes, yes, I’m sure it is.” Q irritably interrupted with a wave of his hand. “By your word, of course. And it’s high time that’s put to the test.”

“…what are you planning, Q?” Picard asked suspiciously.

“Remember, captain.” Q replied in all seriousness. “If your species and those who follow you are ever to be truly ready to face the challenges out here in the cosmos, to be worthy of the future you all desire, you need to keep an open mind. Not just in the way you realized during the last time we met, but in other ways as well.”

“What do you mean?”

Q tutted, shaking his head and wagging fingers in the air again. “Now,” he began. “Why would I give the answers in advance? That would ruin the whole purpose of the test, wouldn’t it? Just remember: keep an open mind. So long as you do, then help and new friendships are just over the horizon, old doors you once thought forever closed might open once again, and unnecessary trouble might just be averted.”

Q smiled. “Relax, captain.” He said reassuringly. “You’ve passed all my tests before. Why would this one be any different?”

And on that note, Q was gone. Picard was not reassured.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“Another test?” Commander William Riker asked. “Oh boy, here we go again.”

“I’m more concerned about the hint Q gave about this ‘test’ he’s planning for us.” Doctor Beverly Crusher said with a concerned tone. “The last time involved a temporal anomaly, and one that stretched back to early Earth, and prevented life from ever evolving on our planet. This time though…the way he mentioned help would come so long as we keep an open mind…”

“He mentioned that new friendships would come with it too.” Picard mused at the head of the table. “I wonder if this help involves an encounter with a new species, one that might just be willing and able to join the fight against the Dominion.”

“Somehow I get the feeling that asking someone you just met to join in on a fight to the death isn’t going to make for a promising First Contact.” Riker remarked. “That said, that might just be what Q means about keeping an open mind.”

“That,” Counsellor Deanna Troi chimed in. “Or their appearance might not portray them in the best light at first glance…or ourselves, for that matter. First impressions are very important when starting new relationships, whether among people or groups of people. It could be that ‘open mind’ on Q’s part involves not letting first impressions ruin what could have been a promising First Contact.”

“Or it could be both.” Riker said, and Troi nodded to concede the fact.

“Perhaps it would be best to review the First Contact Protocols currently in use.” Lieutenant-Commander Data suggested. “Said protocols assume a peacetime state of affairs, and ample time to develop relations and learn of each other’s cultures in. But at present, the Federation is in a state of war with the Dominion and the Cardassian Union.”

“That’s not a bad idea.” Picard said with a nod. “Data, work with Counsellor Troi and see to preparing a preliminary draft of a modified set of First Contact Protocols for when the Federation encounters a new species in wartime.”

“Yes, sir.” Data said with a nod, and Troi nodded in agreement as well.

“The rest of what Q said is also rather concerning too.” Doctor Crusher said. “Old doors once thought forever closed might open once again, and unnecessary trouble might just be averted…just what did he mean by them?”

“Unnecessary trouble could refer to the consequences of a failed First Contact.” Data opined. “The preceding statement though makes heavy use of figurative language. And as with all forms of figurative language, there is a large number of possible meanings each with their own unique potential consequences and possible implications.”

“Maybe Q was referring to something we always thought to be impossible?” Lieutenant-Commander Geordi La Forge asked. “And that whoever we’ll be meeting could show us that it’s not so impossible after all?”

Data tilted his head in thought, and then nodded in agreement. “That is a possible, even probable meaning, for Q’s figurative language.” He said.

“What about Starfleet Command, sir?” Riker asked. “I assume you also informed them of this development?”

“Not yet, but I will soon, yes.” Picard said with a nod. “Though I would expect that Fleet Admiral Shanthi, along with Admirals Paris and Hayes, won’t exactly be what you would call thrilled by the notion of Q stirring the pot up.”

“That’s an understatement.” Riker said with a grin, a grin that failed as his attempt to liven up the situation similarly failed.

“In any case,” Picard said. “All we can do is to take care and be ready for whatever it is that Q has in store for us. Once the modified First Contact Protocols are ready, I’ll submit them along with my report on my recent encounter with Q, as well as my recommendations for the future. In the meantime, we’ll carry on with our assigned duties. Dismissed.”
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

A/N

Yes, the AU Federation still has the Prime and Temporal Prime Directives. Neither of them are bad ideas per se, it’s just that the application of the former in the prime timeline can be just so…asinine, at times, and in one case in Enterprise, horrifyingly cold-blooded. And in the case of the latter, it’s not enforced as strictly as it should be (time is not a toy), with the Temporal Prime Directive getting broken whenever convenient.

On other notes, we’re also getting to see some of the differing details of the AU Federation. Q also makes an appearance, referencing his past lessons to Picard (and by extension, Humanity).

 

[Tryglaw]

I would very much like to see more of this.

 

[Doomsought]

Yes, the AU Federation still has the Prime and Temporal Prime Directives. Neither of them are bad ideas per se, it’s just that the application of the former in the prime timeline can be just so…asinine, at times, and in one case in Enterprise, horrifyingly cold-blooded. And in the case of the latter, it’s not enforced as strictly as it should be (time is not a toy), with the Temporal Prime Directive getting broken whenever convenient.

It kind of makes sense as the prime directive is actually a Vulcan concept rather than a human one. I think a Federation that grew up without the Vulcans would be rather more interventionist. That is also why it is so cold blooded, because of the Vulcan fear of emotional involvement being mixed into things.

 

[Knowledgeispower]

Honestly this story will probably be much more my cup of tea than your other one on this site @Jaenera Targaryen. Alternate UFPs are always interesting.

 

[Jaenera Targaryen]

Disclaimer: I do not own Star Trek it belongs to ViacomCBS.

Two Worlds

Chapter 2​

Nicholas sat in his bunk, staring across their accommodations area to a young…enlisted? Yes, enlisted, that’s what she was, an enlisted woman…and what a surreal notion that was. Not that it was the only surreal thing, it was just the most recent, and not even the most surreal thing of their current situation.

First was being forced to run from an invasion by hostile aliens from the Gamma Quadrant, then getting chased across light-years of space by those same hostile aliens from the Gamma Quadrant, and then somehow flying entirely by accident into a wormhole that no one had known about before. And that wormhole didn’t just lead to another part of the galaxy – though a thankfully close part of the galaxy at that – it apparently led to an alternate universe, and they’d arrived a few years in the future from their perspective.

…interdimensional travel was weird.

Thankfully though, the Federation still seemed to exist here, though it was…different. Apparently, Starfleet didn’t exist, or at least, existed in different ways. Instead of a single Starfleet, the Federation had a dedicated military arm tasked with defending its people and territory, and a separate science and exploratory arm for, well, scientific research and deep space exploration.

That certainly explained why the enlisted woman was, well, an enlisted woman. They were on a military ship, after all, though Nicholas didn’t know how to completely feel about that. Oh he was grateful, if they hadn’t turned up when they did, they’d be toast against the Dominion, what with the Yoshiko Maru’s engines shot out from behind them, but still…

…it didn’t feel right, having a separate military, or indeed, the Federation having an organization that had fighting wars and battles as their first priority.

Making the enlisted woman even more surreal was her uniform. Nicholas had visited a few exhibitions of Federation history in the past, and among those exhibitions was one featuring the evolution of Starfleet uniforms over time to the ones used in the present day. If there was one surreal trait that was immediately obvious and shared between all the men and women of the Seoul, no matter what their species might be, it was that the uniforms they wore were all but identical to the ones used by Starfleet during the late-23rd​ Century.

Albeit favoring ultramarine over burgundy, but that was a superficial thing at best.

“Excuse me, miss!” Nicholas found himself calling, and then getting to his feet as the enlisted woman turned to him curiously.

“Yes, can I help you, sir?” she asked while approaching. And there was yet another surreal thing about the (Human) men and women aboard this ship. Nicholas couldn’t quite put his finger on it, but there was a…unreal, air about them.

Though that was probably just their already surreal situation getting to him.

“Um…yeah…” Nicholas began hesitantly, before coughing to regain his composure. “I was just wondering you see…what was that thing you were using earlier?”

The enlisted woman looked confused for a brief moment, and then understanding, gave him a smile. “This?” she asked while bringing up a holographic display and interface over her forearm. “This is my multi-tool.”

“Multi-tool?” Nicholas asked curiously. “Is that like a tricorder?”

“…I’ve never heard of a tricorder before.” The enlisted woman said with mild confusion. “Though they could be the same, with the tricorder being a multi-tool’s analog in your home universe.”

“Uh-huh…so what does a multi-tool do?”

“At the most basic level it’s a communication device,” the enlisted woman explained, and tapping at her multi-tool’s interface to demonstrate. “Whether for personal or network communications, and in multiple formats, such as audio, visual, and digital, among others. Of course, given the interstellar nature of modern society, it integrates a universal translator among other support features.”

“I’m guessing from what you said there's more to it than that.” Nicholas said, and by this point other refugees were moving closer, curious and interested in the enlisted woman’s explanation.

“Well, it also functions as a computer.” She said, and demonstrating by pulling up a number of programs, from writing and recording ones, to data processing and even entertainment ones. “And like I said earlier, the multi-tool supports network communications, so it can join the ship-wide computer network and function as a portable terminal. Though of course, as a personal device, network access and other functions are limited for security purposes.”

“Does it have sensor functions too?” an Andorian asked.

“Basic ones, yes.” The enlisted woman answered with a nod. “Temperature, air pressure, and the like, though given my occupation as serving in space, I added other functions such as oxygen and carbon dioxide sensors, as well as radiation sensors for both normal electromagnetic and higher-level emissions. In fact, multi-tools specifically-designed for scientific, medical, and other specialist roles, have features fine-tuned for the purpose they’re meant for.”

A ripple of amazement went through the gathered refugees. “But,” another Human asked. “I mean…I don’t see how or where the hologram’s being projected from…”

In response, the enlisted woman turned off the holographic display and interface, and angling her hand just so, caused light to flash off a series of dermal implants on her hand. “The user component is usually implanted into the skin of a hand,” the enlisted woman said. “And incorporates a neural interface that allows for basic functions to be controlled by thought. Anything more than basic functions though require additional cybernetic modification for purely thought-based control.”

“So…” Nicholas said in shocked disbelief. “…all that…is contained in those tiny implants?”

“No…this is only the user component.” The enlisted woman shook her head. “The operating component is located in a nth-dimensional quantum space, phase-shifted therein after assembly, and then synchronized with and anchored to the implants that make up the user component.”

The stunned silence that greeted the enlisted woman’s explanation was profound, and thoroughly confused her. “Did I say something wrong?” she asked.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“Thank you all for coming.” Annika said with a smile, and welcoming the delegation from the refugees into the Seoul’s conference room. “I know you’re all still recovering from your brush with the Dominion, but now that things have begun settling down, I think now is a good time for us all to sit down and talk.”

“You’ve done so much for us already, captain.” One of the delegates – an Andorian – said. “It’s the least we could do to repay you by agreeing to having a talk with you.”

“Even so, thank you very much for your time.” Annika said, before gesturing to Doctor Pel, who gave a small but stoic bow. “I’m sure some of you recognize him by now, but for those who don’t, this is Lieutenant-Commander Pel, the Seoul’s chief medical officer, though he prefers to go by ‘doctor’ instead of his rank.”

“Yes, of course,” another one of the delegates – Human, this time – said with a nod and a smile. “He did a great job patching up my sister. Damn Dominion thugs…”

“While your ire towards the Dominion is understandable,” Pel began. “It would not do to dwell upon it overlong. Hatred begets only hatred, and that is not something any of us should seek.”

The Human set his jaw, but nodded in understanding, and let out a breath as Hal put a comforting hand on his shoulder. “In any case,” Annika said, while gesturing to her yeoman. “Please be seated. If you wish for anything to drink, please inform Yeoman Brown here, so that she can accommodate your needs.”

The delegates sounded off their preferred drinks, and moments later the yeoman was carrying a tray with steaming mugs and frosted glass from the replicator. She served the captain and doctor first, the former with coffee and the latter tea, before serving the delegates. Then giving a polite bow, stepped back to stand against a wall.

Annika took a drink of her coffee, and then replacing the mug on her saucer, gave the delegates a smile. “Now then,” she said. “For starters, I’m sure you’ll be pleased to know that we’re only five days away from Eboria at Warp 9.975. And I’ve received word from the planetary government that residential spaces have been prepared and await your arrival, and that a committee has been formed to address your needs and circumstances. Yeoman Brown?”

“Yes, ma’am.” The yeoman said, before approaching the delegates and handing Hal a dataslate.

“Those are the details of the accommodations on Eboria,” Annika said. “Along with a preliminary outline for a plan with regard to your and your people’s circumstances. The committee would be most grateful to receive your input even before our arrival, so that work can proceed more earnestly upon your arrival.”

“Thank you, captain.” Hal said with genuine gratitude. “I’ll be sure to review the details at length after this meeting, and have a response ready for transmission by the end of the day.”

“Take your time, Miss Hal.” Annika said with a nod. “Haste makes waste, as the old saying goes.”

“You may have a point there, captain.” Hal conceded with a nod. “I’ll be sure to keep that in mind.”

Annika nodded, and then drew herself up. “Now then,” she said. “Let’s get down to the meat of the matter. While Doctor Pel and his staff were performing their duty on your injured, they noticed an intriguing trend among their patients. Before we continue, here and now let me assure you on my honor as a Federation officer that no stigma exists whatsoever in our society between those Augmented and those who are not. Such sentiments died in nuclear fire during the Third World War, and what was left vanished in the post-atomic horror that followed.”

The Betazoid and the Andorian looked curious at the captain’s words, but the Human seemed to have caught her meaning, and now looked apprehensive. “What do you mean, captain?” the Human delegate asked.

“What is the status of the genetic engineering field in your universe?” Annika asked back.

The Human delegate looked disinclined to answer, while the Andorian delegate just looked confused. Hal, though, only looked curious, and was ultimately the one to answer. “The Federation has no unified policy on the issue,” She said. “And prefers to let its member species and polities police the field as suits their culture, so long as their study and application of the field does not violate any of the Federation’s standards on general scientific research. Most use it to prevent any hereditary diseases or birth defects from manifesting, though on the upper end of the scale, the Denobulans enthusiastically embrace the field, not just using it to prevent hereditary diseases or birth defects, but also to correct genetic faults and improve individual traits and abilities.”

“And on the lower end, the United Earth Government strictly prohibits the use of genetic engineering to tamper beyond absolute necessity the genetic template of the Human species.” The Human delegate anxiously said. “Why? Is it different here?”

“It is, actually.” Annika admitted. “Most of what you said applies to the Federation here as well, though not so much the Denobulans and United Earth.”

“In what way?” the Human delegate even more anxiously demanded.

“Private genetic research is absolutely forbidden if that’s what you’re worried about.” Annika answered. “But genetic research is extensively carried out by both the Denobulan and United Earth Governments, both individually and in cooperation with each other, aimed at constant, directed, and steady improvement of our gene-templates.”

“Oh God,” the Human delegate said, shrinking back in horror from Annika before glancing fearfully at Brown. “You’re Augments, aren’t you? Every last ‘Human’ on this ship is an Augment!”

“Augments?” Hal asked incredulously. “Augments as in the ones said to have triggered the Eugenics Wars on Earth centuries ago? Or like the group of exiles led by the warlord Kan or something a century ago?”

“Khan,” Annika corrected. “His name was Khan Noonien Singh, founder and first Sovereign of the Great Khanate. Yeoman, please head down to the mess and see if the cook has some brandy available. Our delegate here could use something to brace himself with, it seems.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Brown said with a nod before sharply striding from the room.

“Are you out of your minds?” the agitated Human delegate demanded. “Do you have any idea how dangerous tampering with the Human DNA is? Didn’t you learn anything at all from the Eugenics Wars? Don’t you know how immoral what you’re doing is?”

“Morality and ethics are very complicated topics, honored delegate.” Pel said. “Especially when it comes to different species, as it will always involve varying degrees of cultural relativism to determine.”

Pel paused, and then turned back to Annika. “Captain,” he continued. “I suspect I might have determined the point of divergence between our timelines. Specifically, Miss Hal’s mention of Sovereign Khan as being an exile.”

“So it would seem.” Annika said with a sigh. “From the sound of things, the Great Khanate must have joined the Eugenics Wars during their timeline, instead of staying neutral as in our timeline.”

“Indeed,” Pel said with a nod. “And in so doing, left Humanity in their timeline without any positive examples of Augments to moderate their opinions on genetic engineering.”

“…I think I’m starting to see the bigger picture here.” Hal said with a firm glance at her subordinate to keep him quiet. “And I’m sure we would get more done by actually talking with and understanding each other than we would by pointing fingers and shouting across the table.”

Pel nodded. “That is a logical assumption.” He said.

“I agree.” Annika said while sitting back in her seat, and taking a drink. “I’d say it’s your turn to ask questions, Miss Hal.”

“Very well then,” Hal said. “To start with, how far have you augmented yourselves?”

“Quite far,” Annika answered immediately. “We don’t have to worry about hereditary diseases or allergies anymore, the genes for such have virtually-disappeared from the Human genepool. Our immune systems have also improved to the degree that most pathogens that could affect us are deliberately-engineered ones, such as those used in bioweapons. That, or something like the influenza virus or its interstellar cousins. Despite our geneticists’ best efforts, viruses like influenza are still somehow able to get around our defenses and put us in bed.”

Annika paused and shrugged. “Nobody’s perfect.” She said.

“Humanity’s regenerative abilities have also been vastly-improved over the 21st​ Century – Earth Standard – Human baseline.” Pel added. “While Humans can’t regrow limbs or eyes for that matter without external assistance, it would require very heavy trauma to cause a Human to bleed to death. Spinal damage that could cause permanent paralysis for baseline Humans are also recoverable for Humans today.”

“We can also grow lost adult teeth back, provided the gums and jaw aren’t damaged.” Annika said. “And they almost never deviate anymore.”

“Approximately sixty per cent reduced rate of orthodontic deviation, to be specific.” Pel corrected, and Annika conceded the point with a nod.

“That is…impressive,” Hal said. “Though as I recall Augments were also supposed to be very strong.”

“Again,” Annika said. “Based on the 21st​ Century baseline for Natural Humans before the Third World War, our augmentations give us an overall improvement of five hundred per cent in all physical categories. Though that is a fairly inaccurate number, given the sheer variety between the physical abilities of various individuals.”

“It’s also the upper limit for physical Human augmentations.” Pel said with a nod. “Without significant alterations to the fundamental Human form, no further physical augmentations are possible, at least at present.”

“No real need for it anyway.” Annika said with a shrug.

“That’s all well and good,” the Human delegate said shortly. “But I’m more concerned that you’re forgetting – or didn’t learn – the biggest lesson of the Eugenics Wars, and why Augmentation is banned for good reason: superior ability breeds superior ambition.”

Annika’s face hardened at that, and she glared sharply at the Human delegate, who simply scoffed. “Truth too much to swallow for you, Augment?” he sneered.

“Honored delegates,” Pel began with a conciliatory tone. “It would be wise to avoid saying such things before the Humans of this timeline. While it no doubt has a different context in your timeline, here such slogans were used by the NCF of Earth’s Third World War to justify the mass murder of over three hundred million men, women, and children, for the sole reason that their genes had been artificially altered.”

The Human delegate’s face blanched, his expression becoming one of mixed shock, horror, and regret. “…I…apologize, for my thoughtless remarks.” He finally said.

Annika nodded curtly. “Perhaps we ought to take a break,” she finally said. “Say…twenty minutes, to cool our heads?”

“That seems like a good idea.” Hal said.

“Agreed.” Pel said with a nod.

Annika nodded as well. “Well then,” she said while pushing her chair back from the table. “Let us adjourn.”
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Brown and Pel looked on in concern as Annika poured a near-brimming glass of Orion Brandy for herself, and drank it down in one go. Then she refilled her glass, and did the same again. Not that they were afraid of the captain getting drunk, as Augment Humans simply couldn’t get drunk. Their metabolisms processed the alcohol much too quickly for that to happen.

“…three hundred years…” Annika finally said. “…it’s been over three hundred years since the Third World War and the complete and utter discrediting of the NCF and their poisonous, Luddite, and fascist ideology, and then I get that piece of rhetoric thrown in my face. Gods damn it…”

“Captain,” Pel began. “While I understand you are justifiably-offended by the words spoken to you, please keep in mind that the delegate was unaware of the context such a slogan has in our timeline. As both you and I know, things are very different in their universe.”

“…if it weren’t for the fact that the NCF wouldn’t have the brains to become an interstellar civilization,” Annika darkly said. “Or at least one that wouldn’t have been put down within a generation by their neighbors for simply being pure, utter evil, I’d say that the NCF won their timeline’s Third World War. That, and we’ve already established that the point of divergence between our timelines was long before then.”

“As you say, captain.” Pel said with a nod. “Nevertheless, and I apologize for any offense potentially caused, I would remind you to remember your position and obligations as a Federation officer. Please keep that in mind, and act appropriately.”

“Doctor,” Annika said while glancing at him. “You’ve been part of my crew for years now, even before the Dominion War. Saying something like that is never going to offend me. You’ve more than earned the right to do so.”

Pel nodded once at the captain, and Annika sighed. “Well, this is going to be fun.” She said while reclining her seat. “Five more days to Eboria, and we’ve got around a hundred Naturals with prejudices against Augments. Granted, they have reason to if the Great Khanate actually joined the other Augment-ruled nations during the Eugenics Wars, but still…this is going to be a pain in the ass.”

“If I may say so, captain,” Pel began. “You should not take reactionary action. Say, for instance, put a guard around the refugees’ accommodations. That said, it would not do to be incautious either.”

“True,” Annika said with a nod. “And it’d be unfair to the non-Humans present, seeing as Betazoids and Andorians don’t seem to share the Naturals’ prejudices.”

“As you say, captain.”

“…very well,” Annika said after a few moments’ thought. “We’ll discreetly place them under surveillance, and all crew members are to move and work in pairs among the refugees, just in case.”

“That would be a prudent, but restrained, measure to take, captain.” Pel agreed.

Annika nodded, and then opened a channel to her XO with a thought to her multi-tool. “Jut,” she said. “There’ve been new developments, not all good, so I need you to implement the following orders.”
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

As planned, the refugees’ delegation returned to the conference room after twenty minutes, the Human delegate looking suitably-chastened. Though she didn’t let it show, Annika amused herself at the apparent fact that the man couldn’t bring himself to look her in the eyes.

“Captain,” Hal began. “Before we begin, I’d like to offer you my full and sincere apologies for my subordinate’s words and action. You and your crew have treated us with nothing but the utmost courtesy, and it is only right that we return the favor. Rest assured, captain, that the previous episode will not happen again.”

“I’m glad to hear that.” Annika said with a nod. “With that said, let us move on, instead of dwelling on the past.”

“Yes, captain.”

Annika nodded again, and waited until the delegates were all seated before speaking up. “There are two reasons why I brought up the question of genetic augmentation in the first place.” She began. “First is out of courtesy: things seemed to be different in your timeline, and you deserved to know if that truly was the case, in order to avoid unpleasant surprises further down the line. Second, I’d like to ask for the cooperation of your ship’s doctor, and assist Doctor Pel in developing vaccines for your people before we arrive at Eboria.”

“Vaccines?” the Human delegate asked curiously. The Andorian delegate though, just nodded in understanding.

“That makes sense.” He said. “None of us have been to Eboria before, so we might be at risk of contracting some local diseases we’ve never encountered before after arriving.”

“Indeed,” Annika said with a nod. “Normally, this would only be a problem for the non-Humans among the refugees, but with the Human refugees being Naturals and with weakened immune systems from wartime conditions…”

The Human delegate looked like he’d swallowed a lemon whole as Annika trailed off, while Hal and the Andorian delegate both nodded in understanding. “We understand, captain.” Hal said. “I’ll speak with Doctor Merram on returning to our accommodations, and have him proceed to the medical bay as soon as possible.”

“Thank you, that is most appreciated.” Annika said.

“On the contrary, captain,” Hal said with a nod. “We should be the ones to be grateful, seeing as you’re doing so much for us.”

“It’s my duty as a Federation officer.” Annika said while sinking back into her seat. “That said, I was wondering if you might help me with something else.”

“Oh?”

“Yes…” Annika said with a nod before narrowing her eyes. “…I was wondering if you could tell me all you know about the current situation on the other side of the wormhole. That is, how is the war going for your Federation?”
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“What’s the name of that war god of your people, captain?” Jut asked while staring at the tactical display hours later. “Loki?”

“Odin,” Annika corrected. “Loki is the god of mischief and mayhem…Odin is the god of war, among other things. And please stay focused.”

“Right, captain…” Jut said before taking a deep breath. “And I thought we had it bad back then. To think the Dominion’s actually threatening Vulcan itself, and also threatening to open a second front to the galactic south in the Bolian Sector.”

“To be fair,” Annika said. “We couldn’t stop the Dominion and the Bajorans from overrunning the Cardassian Expanse and the Tzenketh-Talara-Tama Corridor either. Or for that matter, actually putting Tellar under siege.”

“I see your point, captain.” Jut conceded.

“The situation does look bad,” Annika said. “But I’d like to have faith in our fellows on the other side of the wormhole. They’ll get through this, and come out of it stronger and wiser. But, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t help if we can. This war will cost them dearly, as it did us. And no matter the lessons and experiences our fellows will get out of the war, death is nothing to be cherished. If our help can save even the smallest fractions of lives that would otherwise have been lost, then it’s something worth doing.”

“We’re already involved anyway,” Jut agreed. “Once we saved those refugees, that is.”

“That said,” H’au began. “That’s not our decision to make, or even high command’s. We must wait for the prime minister and cabinet to make the final decision.”

“I’m sure the prime minister will see the need to extend a helping hand.” Annika said. “If nothing else, it’s possible the Dominion might notice the wormhole leading to our universe before the other Federation pushes them back, and send more ships through.”

“Better we hit them first instead of letting them make the first move, huh?” Jut said before nodding his head slowly. “There’s something I can get behind.”

“As can I.” H’au said with a nod of his own. “Being the one in possession of the initiative is a critical advantage.”

“I’m sure high command thinks the same way, as does the defense minister.” Annika said. “All we can do now is wait, and let them do their jobs. And do our own jobs in the meantime. Speaking of which, how’s that matter I asked you to do earlier?”

“The security system’s been updated.” Jut said. “We should be able to keep an eye on the refugees and notice any potential trouble from the Naturals acting on their prejudices in advance. The crew members assigned to assist the refugees have also been given their orders, whether Human or not, to always go around in groups of at least two or three individuals.”

“Best not let them get a chance to take hostages if they ever decide to start trouble.” H’au rumbled approvingly. “Though if nothing else we can transport them out if it comes down to it, and then sealing off that section of the ship, use the same oxygen trick we used to knock the Jem’Hadar out. If it worked on Jem’Hadar, it should work on them as well.”

“Good point,” Annika said before sighing. “Though I strongly hope that it never comes to that.”

“As do I, captain.” Jut said.

“Likewise.” H’au said, and Annika nodded.

“Thank you.” She said. “Now then, what else is on our agenda?”
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

A/N

Some technobabble, then the truth comes out (mostly, only the physical augmentations were mentioned, at least for now), before a Natural did the equivalent of proudly screaming Nazi slogans in front of a Russian/Israeli career officer.

 

[Knowledgeispower]

Ooph looks like Canon Star Trek humanity's anti augument bias will bite them and the rest of the Federation in the butt if they're not willing to overcome it. Still having a Ally that's effectively safe behind a wormhole(speaking of which the alternate Federation better start fortifying the hell out of with mines(definitely ones that are remote controlled/IFF enabled so that they don't kill friendly vessels), several hundred weapons platforms, maybe tow in a couple starbases(or better yet star fortresses)and a couple flotillas of ships and ideally doing this for both sides so they can use the thing without being stuck in a choke point themselves, actually it might be a better idea to fortify the far side more extensively since it doesn't benefit from being a chokepoint)

 

[Jaenera Targaryen]

Ooph looks like Canon Star Trek humanity's anti augument bias will bite them and the rest of the Federation in the butt if they're not willing to overcome it.

That it will, as that's basically what this 'test' by Q is all about. Open-minded not in the sense that the cosmos is bigger than they think (as was the case with the trial at the end of TNG), but whether or not the Prime Federation is able to see and accept that their prejudices are born of and suitable only to their circumstances.

And if they cannot...

...well, it only means they're not ready yet to travel the stars. Q snaps his fingers, and Prime Humanity goes back to killing each other with swords and spears on Old Earth. The Augments look on with sad acceptance, much like Kirk and Co. looked on with sad acceptance as the Thasians took away Charles Evans in the episode Charlie X. Q makes some token remarks of condolence, before sending them back to their timeline.

Then he sits down, chats a bit with Picard, and maybe offers Picard a way to set things right.

 

[Knowledgeispower]

That it will, as that's basically what this 'test' by Q is all about. Open-minded not in the sense that the cosmos is bigger than they think (as was the case with the trial at the end of TNG), but whether or not the Prime Federation is able to see and accept that their prejudices are born of and suitable only to their circumstances.

And if they cannot...

...well, it only means they're not ready yet to travel the stars. Q snaps his fingers, and Prime Humanity goes back to killing each other with swords and spears on Old Earth. The Augments look on with sad acceptance, much like Kirk and Co. looked on with sad acceptance as the Thasians took away Charles Evans in the episode Charlie X. Q makes some token remarks of condolence, before sending them back to their timeline.

Then he sits down, chats a bit with Picard, and maybe offers Picard a way to set things right.

The Prime Federation should be able to do so I guarantee it, Prime Humanity on the other hand...well it's a good thing they are only part of the Federation since I don't give them a perfect chance to overcome their prejudices which given the stakes is bad.

 

[Jaenera Targaryen]

The Prime Federation should be able to do so I guarantee it, Prime Humanity on the other hand...well it's a good thing they are only part of the Federation since I don't give them a perfect chance to overcome their prejudices which given the stakes is bad.

Yes, this is true. When all is said and done, the prejudice against genetic engineering is a Human one. We even see it here, with the Betazoids and Andorians from the Prime timeline more curious than concerned about how the AU Humans widely practice genetic engineering on themselves.

That, and Section 31 doesn't share the prejudice, as shown by their eagerness to recruit Bashir. I wouldn't be surprised if other Augments were already part of Section 31.

 

[Deleted member 88]

The prejudice comes from the fact the augments were in trek history tyrants and bloody thirsty monsters, whose ambitions were actually matched by their abilities.

Of course this doesn't mean every augment is Khan Noonien Singh, but it was seen as better to treat them all potential Khans than not.

 

[TyrantTriumphant]

What does NCF stand for? I couldn't find anymore about them so I assume they are a faction unique to you AU.

Also, what's with the referencing of Odin and Loki? Are the these alternate humans neo-pagans or something?

 

[Jaenera Targaryen]

What does NCF stand for? I couldn't find anymore about them so I assume they are a faction unique to you AU.

They are something I came up with, yes. And since this isn't SB or AH, I can reveal what NCF means without starting a flame war: Neo Conservative Front. Essentially what happens when the Christian Right and Fundamentalist Islam join together to back the opposition against the Augment bloc dominating Eurasia and extending feelers into Oceania and Western Europe

Also, what's with the referencing of Odin and Loki? Are the these alternate humans neo-pagans or something?

Annika is. Considering what I said earlier, while they aren't dead religions, Christianity and Islam in the AU 24th Century aren't as prominent as they used to be.

 

[Knowledgeispower]

They are something I came up with, yes. And since this isn't SB or AH, I can reveal what NCF means without starting a flame war: Neo Conservative Front. Essentially what happens when the Christian Right and Fundamentalist Islam join together to back the opposition against the Augment bloc dominating Eurasia and extending feelers into Oceania and Western Europe



Annika is. Considering what I said earlier, while they aren't dead religions, Christianity and Islam in the AU 24th Century aren't as prominent as they used to be.

Given how they enacted a genocide that dwarfs what Mao,Hitler, and Stalin did combined in said Alternate Star Trek Universe I can see how those religions wouldn't have the same levels of popularity(at least portionally speaking, in absolute terms they must be vastly larger than they are today in the real world) as they would have in the Prime Timeline or today

By the way how different are the Starship designs of the Alternate Federation from their Prime Counterparts in terms of aesthetics and design? Moreover I'm assuming that even the military's ships carry decent science equipments and departments what with Star Trek's tendency to have negative space wedges seemingly everywhere