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Of Kings and Pawns A Star Trek: The Next Generat
Kevin Karmann presents
A new story of:
Star Trek: The Text Generation
A Star Trek: The Next Generation/Doctor Who story
"Of Kings and Pawns"
Written by: Kevin Karmann
INTRODUCTION
------------
Star Trek: The Text Generation is a series of files, mostly
written by Kevin Karmann, that includes Star Trek stories, parodies,
and other files. These files, including any sequel to this story
that I might write, are/will be available on The Bridge BBS (402)
293-8207. The only other file in this collection thus far is
"Star Trek: The Election," a parody by Kevin Karmann.
This story came about on Circuitnet Science Fiction in December,
1991. I observed that the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode,
"A Matter of Time" had a certain resemblance to Doctor Who in some
ways. In fact, many stations in the United States broadcasted that
episode on November 22, 1991, exactly 28 years to the day after the
premier of Doctor Who in England. Whether this was, in a small way,
a tip of the hat to the long running British television show is still
unknown.
In response to my observation, someone commented what it would
be like to see the TARDIS on the bridge of the Enterprise. Although
I had heard of two other Star Trek/Doctor Who stories, I had never
seen them. So, I did think it about and responded with a short piece
on how I thought the TARDIS would get onto the bridge. Suddenly,
I found myself receiving requests for more. I continued the story
going for about four installments, but to the regret of the people
of Circuitnet, I found that it was too monumental a task at that
time. Later, in August 1992, after many more requests, I decided
to finish the story. As I expected, it did turn out to be a rather
large project. Yet, I'm very satisfied with the end result. Certain
scenes were extremely fun to write, even though the story had a serious
tone. I thank everyone on Circuitnet Star Trek and Circuitnet Science
Fiction for their encouragement. Without them, this story would most
likely not exist.
Before we get into the story itself, it might be best if I explain
my choice of characters. Since the Enterprise-D of Star Trek: The Next
Generation was the form of Star Trek discussed, it seemed best to use
that version. The choice of the Sylvester McCoy Doctor was a bit
harder. Sylvester hasn't been exactly my favorite Doctor, although I
did like the way he played the character. However, he was the closest
thing to a current Doctor at the time, making for a logical choice to
meet The Next Generation crew.
For further notes on specific ideas represented in this story,
see my afterword. Also, if there are any questions, I can be contacted
on Circuitnet Star Trek and Circuitnet Science Fiction, RIME Star Trek
and RIME Doctor Who, Fido Star Trek and Fido Star Trek: The Next
Generation, and Wildnet Star Trek. However, you have the best chance
of reaching me via Circuitnet Star Trek or RIME Star Trek. Even if
you don't have any questions, just stop by and say "Hi." (That is,
if you aren't already receiving this file by one of the aforementioned
networks.)
I also state here that this story may be printed anywhere. I
hereby give my permission for this story to be reprinted, as a file
or on paper, as long as all the text, including this introduction
is retained. Star Trek: The Next Generation is, of course, copyright
of Paramount Pictures. Doctor Who is copyright of the British
Broadcasting Corp.
Now let's get to the real fun stuff, the Star Trek: The Next
Generation and Doctor Who story, "Of Kings and Pawns."
"Of Kings and Pawns"
(Enterprise flies by [in deep space] voice of Picard can be heard.)
Picard <voice only> : "Captain's log, Stardate 45601.4: The
Enterprise has been assigned to transport a diplomat
from Starbase 145 to Taurus XIII. We have nearly completed
the journey and most of the crew is taking advantage of the
chance to relax."
(In Ten Forward, Data and Worf sit around a table with a three
dimensional board between them. Many of the pieces have been
moved, indicating the game is well underway. Guinan stands
along the side looking over them. Data picks up a piece, moves
it, and removes one of Worf's pieces.)
Data : "In three moves, checkmate will be a very likely possibility,
Lieutenant."
Guinan : "Perhaps it's time to call it quits, Worf."
Worf : "A warrior does not give up." (He moves a piece.)
Guinan : "Sometimes discretion is the better part of valor."
(Data makes a move.)
Worf : "Honor is more important than valor." (He moves again.)
Data : (He makes another move) "You are currently in check."
Guinan : "If your sure that's what you want to do, Worf..."
Worf : "A Klingon fights to the end, regardless of the outcome.
However, a game such as Parrises Squares is more of a game
for a warrior." (He makes a move.)
Data : "When factoring in my strength, endurance, and speed,
it is unlikely that you would be able to best me in such a
physical arena. In fact, with your recent back injury, there
would be a 14.3% chance of it resulting in permanent injury."
(He makes a move, taking one of Worf's pieces.) "Checkmate."
(As Data barely completes the word "Checkmate," when the intercom
chirps.)
Picard <Voice> : "All bridge officers, report the bridge immediately."
(Data and Worf immediately get up and head for the door. The
scene changes the bridge of the Enterprise, Picard and Ro are at
their usual places. Unnamed officers step aside as Data and Worf
take their places.)
Picard : "We've been picking up some type of temporal distortion.
I thought it best to be prepared."
(An alarm goes on Worf's console and he checks something.)
Worf : "Captain! There is another temporal distortion in the
immediate area!"
Picard : "Another distortion? Where?"
Worf : "Right here on the bridge, sir." (Worf holds up his hand
and points to Data's left.) "There."
(A pha-shoo, pha-shoo [or however you'd describe the sound the TARDIS
makes] can be heard and suddenly the TARDIS appears.)
[End of teaser]
(Opening sequences. A nebulae appears and a comet streaks by.)
Picard <Voice> : "Space...the final frontier. These are the
voyages of the starship Enterprise. Its continuing
mission: to explore strange new worlds; to seek out new life and
new civilizations; to boldly go where no one has gone before."
(The Enterprise takes off, going into warp.)
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The Next Generation
(Actors' names appear.)
[End of opener.]
[Beginning of Act I]
(Credits are shown. The episode title "Of Kings and Pawns," appears.)
Data : (Getting up and walking over to the TARDIS) "Intriguing. it
appears to be a box that was used on ancient Earth in the 20th
century to contact authorities. Specifically, it fits the
description of what was used in Britain, called a 'police phone
booth.'"
(The door to the TARDIS opens to reveal the Sylvester McCoy Doctor
and Ace.)
Doctor : "A police box." (Data stares at him, perplexed.)
"They were called police boxes, in 20th century Britain."
Picard : "What do you think you are doing on my bridge?"
Doctor : "Right now, standing, actually. Oh...you mean why am I
here...? It seems you are transporting an old foe of mine.
You know him as Diplomat Strame, but he is, actually,
universally known, at least in my universe, as the Master."
(Worf walks down from his position and joins Picard and Data in
front of the Doctor and Ace. He holds a tricorder, which he
is eyeing cautiously.)
Picard : "You are asking me to believe that Diplomat Strame is
a criminal? I assure you he has been..." (He is interrupted
by Worf.)
Worf : "Captain! I have detected an unidentified explosive..."
(He points the tricorder at Ace's backpack.) "There!"
Doctor : "Ace, have you been making nitro-9 again?"
Ace : (Looking down slightly) "Yes, professor. But, you never
can be too careful..."
Worf : (leaning over Ace and slightly growling) "No, you cannot."
Doctor : "You'd best give the backpack to him."
Ace : "But, professor..." (Picard and the Doctor stare at her,
while Worf growls a bit more.) "Oh well." (She takes it
off and hands it to Worf.)
Doctor : (Turning back to Picard) "I apologize. I hope this does
not affect my case. I realize what I'm saying sounds strange,
but please give me a chance to be heard."
Picard : "I shall. Mr. Worf, have all senior officers report
to the main conference room immediately."
(The scene shifts to the conference room, apparently several
minutes later. Picard, Data, Worf, Crusher, Geordi, and Riker are
sitting at their usual places. The Doctor and Ace, who is looking
a little down, are sitting at the far end of the table. The door
opens and Troi walks in.)
Picard : "Ah, Counselor. I'd like you to meet the Doctor and
Ace..." (Troi shakes hands with the Doctor.) "I don't
believe you ever did tell us anything beyond the title of
'Doctor.'"
Doctor : "Anything else is not necessary. I am simply the
Doctor."
Troi : (She sits.) "I just came from seeing Diplomat Strame."
Picard : "He is the reason I have called this conference,
Counselor. It would seem the Doctor, here, has some
information he'd like us to be aware of."
Doctor : "Yes. The man known as Strame is really known as the
Master. He is, among other things, a master of disguise,
as well as a threat to this entire universe."
Picard : "This universe?"
Doctor : "There are many possible universes, of course. In fact,
the Master and I are here from an entirely different version
of what you would call reality."
Riker : "The diplomat's people, the Larians are very private,
but all he has ever promised is to bring peace to Taurus
XIII and sway them toward peace with the Federation, instead
of the Romulans, who the Taurusians have been leaning towards
of late."
Doctor : "I assure you Commander, his intentions are not
honorable. Also, his people are my people. We are
both Time Lords."
Crusher : "When he came aboard I performed a thorough physical on
him and he does appear to be a Larian. Of course,
we have never come into actual physical contact with
a Larian before that."
Picard : "And, therefore, we have no records of what a Larian
physiology would be like?"
Crusher : "Other than the records that Diplomat Strame brought
with him, no. They haven't even allowed us to see
their physical appearance until now."
Picard : "Mr. Data, have there been any sensor scans of the
Larians?"
Data : "None that have been successful, sir. Even during
the first contact 28.4 years ago, they maintained
a sensor dampening shield that could not be
penetrated. It was maintained in a fashion that
resembled a Romulan cloaking device. However, it
only masks the readings of the interior of the ship and
not the ship itself. In fact, the only contact that
was allowed during the first 14 years and 3 months
afterward was by a system of sounds, similar to old
Earth Morse Code."
Picard : "Counselor, you were just with the Diplomat. What
did you sense?"
Troi : "The only feeling I was able to discern was one of peace.
He really believes he can help the Taurusians."
Doctor : "However, as your own evidence attests, nothing is
known of the Larians. There is no evidence that
the Larians even exists."
Picard : "You are not suggesting that Diplomat Strame made up
an entire race, are you?"
Doctor : "I would not put it past him."
Crusher : "You said your physiology should be similar to that
of Diplomat Strame. Would you be willing to test that?"
Doctor : "I don't see why not."
Picard : "Very well, make it so."
(Crusher, the Doctor, and Ace leave.)
Picard : "Counselor?"
Troi : "He seems to be confident that Diplomat Strame is who he thinks
he is. But there is something else. He seems to be hiding
something. I even sense something...disturbing about him."
Riker : "And the girl?"
Troi : "Other than the fact that she is a little depressed, I could
sense nothing else from her."
Riker : "It seems as though neither one can be trusted right now."
Picard : "Considering our past experiences with time travellers,
Number One, that's a fair assumption."
Geordi : "Captain, with Data's help I may be able to find a
way to break through the Larian cloaking device next
time we encounter it."
Picard : "Very well, dismissed."
(Everyone begins to leave, except Troi, who turns around as she
reaches the door.)
Picard : (He Straightens his tunic [the "Picard Maneuver"] as he
stands) "Yes, Counselor?"
Troi : "When I was talking to the diplomat, he demonstrated a
tradition among his people that is common among races
that value honesty--he stressed the importance of eye
contact."
Picard : "And you feel that he is truthful?"
Troi : "Yes, I do." (She leaves)
(The scene changes to a personal quarters on the Enterprise. The
shadowed figure of a man can be seen on one side of the room. The
door chime sounds.)
Man : "Come."
(Troi walks in.)
Troi : "He has arrived, as you suspected."
Man : "Yes, I thought he would. And Captain Picard?"
Troi : "He is suspicious of both you and the Doctor."
Man : "Then that will have to be corrected." (Stands up and
walks out of the shadows, revealing the Anthony Ainley
Master.)
[End of Act I]
[Beginning of Act II]
(Scene of the Enterprise flying through space. The captain's ready
room is then shown, with Picard sitting behind his desk. The door
chime buzzes.)
Picard : "Come."
(Diplomat Strame [the Master] walks in.)
Strame : "We met when I first came aboard, but it is a custom among
my people to acquaint ourselves with the ones in charge.
Your Counselor Troi was a good start in this area, but
it is your trust that I value most."
Picard : "That is quite flattering, but trust is a thing that
develops over time. It must be earned."
Strame : "That is true. That is why my people have the custom
of looking directly in the eyes of those who we are
talking. We find it enriches that trust. Would you
look deeply into my eyes?"
(Picard looks directly into Strame's eyes.)
Strame : "Very good. You see, you must trust me. You need to
trust me. Placing your trust in me, is something you
have to do."
Picard : "I...must trust you. I..." (Turning away.) "This
is nonsense! You are trying to hypnotize me."
(He reaches to tap his communicator.)
Strame : "I am so sorry, Captain. I failed to realize. I am
slightly telepathic and sometimes I unintentionally
use it. It should cause no problems with empathes,
such as your own Counselor Troi. I did not mean to
offend."
Picard : "You understand, then, that I must alert my Security
Chief, Mr. Worf, of this, as well as the rest of the crew."
Strame : "I quite understand. Good day." (Strame leaves.)
(The scene changes to the bridge. The turbolift whooshes closed
[assumably after Strame]. Picard then can be seen coming from his
ready room.)
Picard : (He walks over to Worf.) "Alert the crew to be careful of
Diplomat Strame. He has demonstrated some type of telepathic
hypnosis."
Worf : "Aye, sir."
(Picard walks down to the Captain's seat and sits down. Riker, who
had been sitting in the Captain's seat, moves over to his usual place
to the captain's right.)
Riker : "A problem?"
Picard : "Yes, Number One. It seems the more I get to know of our
guests, the less I think of each of them. However, for now
I would be satisfied to have that...thing" (indicating the
TARDIS) "off my bridge."
Riker : "I think that can be arranged." (He taps his communicator.)
"Mr. O'Brien, there's an object here on the bridge that
would be better suited for storage in Cargo Bay 4. Worf
will send you the coordinates."
O'Brien <voice> : "Aye, sir."
(The TARDIS can be seen glimmering in the transporter beam. The beam
gets stronger for a second and then diminishes.)
Riker : "Is there a problem, Mr. O'Brien?"
O'Brien <voice> : "I don't think it can be transported, sir. I've
checked and rechecked my readings and as I transport it, it
seems bigger on the inside than on the outside."
Picard : "It would appear there's even more to this Doctor than
time travel."
Riker : "Well, then, we'll just have to find another way to move
this thing. Maybe anti-grav units."
(The scene changes to Engineering. Geordi sits in front of a
terminal to the right of the matter/anti-matter reaction chamber.
Data stands by him, also observing the schematic Geordi has called up
on the screen. The schematic is of a ship. The matter/anti-matter
reaction chamber pulsates as it normally does.)
Geordi : "I just don't get it! We've been over these readings at
least twenty times already. There just doesn't seem to be any
weak spots to this form of cloaking."
Data : "However, the Larian ships have some form of shielding or
cloaking ability that allows our sensor scans not to function,
there should be a way to penetrate that field."
Geordi : "Data, how many times has the Federation come into contact
with the Larians?"
Data : "At present, only eight encounters, including the message
that called the Enterprise to meet with Diplomat Strame's ship
at Starbase 129."
Geordi : "Only eight encounters in twenty-eight years?"
Data : "That is correct."
Geordi : "There must've been some indication of what Larian ships
use to hide their interior from our scans. With technological
advances alone, the different configurations of the ships would
have given some indication. Where are the schematics of the
other ship types, anyway?"
Data : "There are no other ship designs."
Geordi : "What?"
Data : "Only one type of Larian vessel has ever been encountered.
In fact, there is no difference in design for any of ships."
Geordi : "No difference at all?"
Data : "Every detail is exactly the same for each ship."
Geordi : "That's impossible!"
Data : "None the less, the ships are identical in all respects.
Perhaps the Larians have developed a way to produce identical
ships."
Geordi : "What about Strame's ship? Haven't the staff of Starbase
129 discovered anything about it?"
Data : "It disappeared soon after his arrival."
Geordi : "Disappeared?"
Data : "The exact words in the Starbase log were 'vanished into
thin air.'"
Geordi : (He yawns.) "This all seems too bizarre, Data."
Data : "Considering the manner in which the Doctor's TARDIS seems
to work, the disappearance of Strame's ship should not
be surprising. That is assuming, of course, that the Doctor
is, in fact, Larian. However, your exhaustion indicates that
we should continue this later."
Geordi : "I guess your right, Data. We've been at this for hours."
(He gets up and, with Data, leaves Engineering.)
(The scene shifts to sickbay. The Doctor is just getting up from an
examination bed, the readings from which Doctor Crusher is studying.
A nurse escorts Ace into the room.)
Nurse : "She's completely human."
Ace : "That's what me and the professor have been trying to tell you.
He's the Time Lord!"
Doctor : "And fit as a fiddle, I believe if the readings are correct."
Crusher : "You can read these diagnostic beds?"
Doctor : "Oh, that's a skill I picked up once."
Crusher : "You were right about your health. It seems you are
in perfect condition--for a Larian."
Doctor : "Or a Time Lord."
Crusher : (She sighs.) "Or a Time Lord. Nurse Sladen will escort
you to your quarters." (The nurse, The Doctor, and
Ace leave.)
(Crusher studies the readings on the wall a bit. Within a minute
after the Doctor's departure, "Strame" comes in and walks up to
Crusher.)
Strame : "Doctor."
Crusher : (She turns.) "Oh, Diplomat Strame. I wasn't expecting you."
Strame : "I just spoke to your Captain. I'm concerned about his
health. Here, look in to my eyes." (Crusher does so.)
"It is important that you do as I say."
Crusher : "I will do as you say."
Strame : "Good. Your Captain has a very strong will. I would wager
the Klingon does also. The android and the blind man would be
impossible to control. But with you, Counselor Troi, and, once
I get a chance to talk to him, Commander Riker, I'll have a fine
hold on this crew." (He laughs.)
[End of Act II]
[Beginning of Act III]
(Another shot of the Enterprise flying through space. The scene
changes to Ten Forward. Riker is sitting alone at a table, drinking
a blue beverage. Someone suddenly stands in front of his table.)
Person : "May I join you, Commander?"
Riker : "Diplomat. Yes, you may."
("Strame" sits.)
Strame : "I must apologize once again for my telepathic prompting with
your captain. It was purely unintentional."
Riker : "Throughout my years in Starfleet, I have seen many races with
unique abilities."
Strame : "Then you believe me?"
Riker : "I think it is possible, yes."
Strame : "But you do not trust me?"
Riker : "At this point, I'm not willing to judge anyone."
Strame : "I see."
(Troi enters through the doors to Ten Forward.)
Strame <slightly raising his voice> : "Counselor."
(Troi walks over to Strame and Riker's table.)
Troi : "It is good to see Commander Riker and you talking."
Strame : "Yes, it is. Would you care to join us? You don't mind,
do you, Commander?"
Riker : "Not at all." (He gets up and brings another chair.)
(Troi sits down.)
Strame : "The Commander and I were just discussing trust. I have
a suggestion that might help increase our trust of one another.
You do trust Counselor Troi, don't you, Commander?"
Riker : "Yes."
Strame : "Then if she monitors our discussion, there should be
no danger of hypnosis due to telepathic contact. Is that
correct Counselor?"
Troi : "Yes, if there is any I could sense it. However, there
is no need to do it if you feel it is too much of a danger,
Will."
Riker : "No, I think Strame has a point. Very well, Strame."
(He looks directly into Strame's eyes.)
Strame : "Good. My people are the kind to stand up to the
challenges of life, as I can tell are you."
Riker : "I face the challenges that I come into contact with
as best I can. Deanna?"
Troi : "He is not using any telepathic abilities currently."
Strame : "I would not dream of doing such a thing. I only
wish for peace for Taurus XIII, as I do with you.
I find eye contact, such as this, increases the chances
of success dramatically. Wouldn't you agree, Commander?"
Riker : "The idea seems sound enough." (He appears to be a bit
groggy.)
Strame : "Of course, if I were to use eye contact for hypnosis,
that would be using it for control. Do you feel controlled?"
Riker : "Y-yes." (His eyes seem distant.) "I am at your
disposal, diplomat."
Strame : "Good, now there are other places you need to be right now.
I will contact you soon, in private, with specific orders."
(Troi and Riker get up and Strame smiles.) "Farewell, Commander,
Counselor, I enjoyed our talk." (Riker and Troi leave.)
Strame : "Good, now there are other places you need to be right now.
I will contact you soon, in private, with specific orders."
(Troi and Riker get up and Strame smiles.) "Farewell, Commander,
Counselor, I enjoyed our talk." (Riker and Troi leave.)
(Strame takes another sip of his drink. He is only to be slightly
startled by a voice from behind.)
Voice : "Your new here."
(Strame turns to see Guinan.)
Strame : "Yes, madam...?"
Guinan : "I'm Guinan, the bartender here."
Strame : "Ah, it's a pleasure to meet you."
Guinan : "I noticed you were talking to Commander Riker and
Counselor Troi."
Strame : "Yes, I'm a diplomat. I must be familiar with the crew, if I
am to work properly with them."
Guinan : "I'd imagine." (Strame starts to look concerned, for some
reason.)
Strame : "I really must be going." (He abruptly stands and leaves.)
(Guinan raises her hand to her chin.)
Guinan : "I wonder..."
(The scene changes to the bridge. The TARDIS is now gone.)
Data : "I have discovered an anomaly in the readings from
Cargo Bay 4."
Picard : (He gets up from his chair and walks over to the Ops
console to stand beside Data.) "Where we stored the Doctor's
police box?"
Data : "As well as the equipment Diplomat Strame wished brought
aboard."
Picard : "He was insistent about bringing it aboard by shuttle, too.
Could it be another time machine?"
Data : "That is unknown. At this point, the readings can not be
determined to be separate. If it is another time machine,
it is too close to the other to get a clear reading."
Picard : "Continue monitoring it."
Data : "Aye, sir."
(Worf's communicator chirps.)
Crusher <voice> : "Crusher to Worf."
(Worf taps his communicator.)
Worf : "Worf here."
Crusher : "I've discovered some things about the Larians that you
might be interested in seeing."
(Picard, sitting in the captain's chair, taps his communicator.)
Picard : "Anything that I should be concerned about, Doctor?"
Crusher : "No, not at present. However, I still would like Worf to
go over these readings."
Picard : "Very well."
(Worf heads for the turbolift. The scene changes to sickbay, as Worf
enters.)
Crusher : "The information I think you'll find interesting is in
here." (Crusher leads Worf into the back part of sickbay, into
a laboratory. The door closes behind them. She pushes something
on a terminal and words appear on the screen.)
(Worf scans the information.)
Worf : "There is nothing unusual about these readings."
Crusher : "Yes there is, right here." (She points at something on
the screen with her left hand and rests her right on Worf's
shoulder. As she does so, a hiss can be heard.)
(Worf's eyes widen and he instinctually turns, grabbing Crusher's
right hand. A hypospray is forced to fall out of her hand.)
Worf : "Doctor, what..." (He collapses.)
(Crusher picks up the hypospray and puts it in her pocket. She then
leaves the room, and walks up to one of the nurses.)
Crusher : "Lieutenant Worf will be busy for some time. He's not to
be disturbed."
Nurse : "Aye, Doctor."
(The scene changes to a private quarters. The Doctor and Ace are
there. The Doctor is fiddling with a panel beside the door, with
much of it taken apart. Ace is sitting on the couch across the room.)
Doctor : "Imagine, locking us in and posting a guard. As if we were
prisoners."
Ace : "If you would've let me keep the Nitro-9, we wouldn't be stuck
here now."
Doctor : "Nonsense. Do you realize the damage you could cause on
a ship like this?"
(Ignoring the Doctor's question, Ace stands and walks to stand beside
him.)
Ace : "What do you think you can accomplish with the door anyway,
Professor?"
Doctor : "I'll have it open any moment now."
Ace : "How can you be so sure?"
Doctor : "My past."
Ace : "What about your past?"
Doctor : "My past which is in the future."
(Ace shrugs and rolls her eyes. Suddenly the door open.)
Doctor : "There!"
(A security officer walks in, phaser drawn.)
Security officer : "I am sorry. Lieutenant Worf has ordered you to
stay in these quarters."
Doctor : "So he did." (Walks up to the security officer.) "I realize
how this must seem, but it really isn't as it seems." (Ace, who
has snuck around behind the security officer, hits him over the
head with an panel the Doctor removed to access the door control.
The security officer collapses.) "Ace! I'm sure that was
unnecessary."
Ace : (She shrugs.) "You wanted us to get out of here, right?"
Doctor : (He sighs.) "All right, then. First, we'd better find where
the Master is."
(The Doctor and Ace exit through the door. Once in the corridor, the
Doctor presses a button on the control panel to the door, causing it
to close. He and Ace walk on down the corridor. The scene changes
to the bridge again. Crusher and Troi walk onto the bridge from
the turbolift and stand before Picard.)
Picard : "Doctor, Counselor."
Crusher : "We have to talk, Jean-Luc."
Picard : "Have you discovered anything about those readings?"
Crusher : "Worf is still looking into that."
Troi : "I think we should talk in private, Captain."
Picard : "Very well." (He gets up, doing the "Picard maneuver" as
he does so, and walks to his ready room. Crusher and Troi follow.)
Troi : "Doctor Crusher and I are concerned."
Picard : "About this time travelling Doctor or Diplomat Strame?"
Crusher : (She leans on his table slightly.) "About neither,
actually. We're concerned about you, Jean-Luc."
Picard : (He raises an eyebrow.) "Me?"
Troi : "The Doctor and Strame both seem deceptive. And if they
are of the same race and have the ability to control others,
there is no reason to think you would be immune to both."
Picard : "You think I might be controlled. You would be able
to sense that, would you not?"
Troi : (She starts walking around one side of Picard's desk.)
"Perhaps. In fact, there is a definite sense of inner
conflict in you."
Picard : (He stands.) "Nonsense. I would know if I was
being controlled."
Crusher : (She walks around the other side of Picard's desk.)
"You would tell us the that even if you were being controlled."
(She removes I hypospray from her pocket.) "I must relieve
you of command."
Picard : (He reaches up and taps his communicator.) "Picard to
Worf." (There is no answer.)
(Picard tries to reach for his communicator again, but Troi stops him.
Before he can break her hold, Crusher pushes the hypospray into his
shoulder. He collapses. She then steps back and crouches down
by Picard's unconscious body, tapping her communicator as she does so.)
Crusher : "Crusher to Data."
Data <voice> : "Yes, Doctor?"
Crusher : "Counselor Troi and I require your assistance."
Data <voice> : "On my way." (The door opens within seconds. He
immediately sees Picard.) "The Captain?"
Crusher : "Troi determined he was being controlled."
Data : "By whom?"
Troi : "I wasn't able to determine that."
Crusher : "Needless to say, I had to relieve him of command."
Data : "That would be the standard process. He resisted?"
Crusher : "Yes, I had to sedate him." (She raises the hypospray.)
"If you would take him to sickbay, I'll notify Commander Riker."
Data : (He goes over to Picard and easily lifts him.) "I shall
make sure the Captain will not harm anyone and that he, himself,
will not come to harm." (He leaves.)
Crusher : (She taps her communicator.) "Crusher to Riker."
Riker : "Riker here."
Crusher : "The plan was successful."
(The voice of the Master then comes through the communicator, from
Riker's end.)
Master : "Excellent."
[End of Act III]
[Beginning of Act IV]
(The Enterprise again soars through open space.)
Riker <voice> : "Ship's Log, Stardate 45606.2, First Officer Riker
reporting: I have just taken command for Captain Picard, who
has been relieved of command by Doctor Crusher. Hopefully,
she will soon be able to find a way to free him of the evil
influence that he is being control by. Although Counselor
Troi has informed me that there is no proof of which of our
visitors is responsible for the current situation, we are
using all available means to determine whether the Doctor
or Diplomat Strame is guilty. Needless to say, the Doctor's
recently discovered escape has only complicated matters.
Meanwhile, we are approaching Taurus XIII and will arrive
within the hour."
(The scene changes to main engineering. Geordi is studying a
computer screen with a diagram of a Larian ship on it. Data, his
hands at his side folded like fists, approaches and stands
beside Geordi.)
Geordi : "Hi, Data. I'm glad to see you. I've been going over
these Larian schematics backwards and forwards, and there
seems to be some strange anomaly that I just can't put
my finger on."
(Data says nothing, but swiftly reaches up and pulls of Geordi's
communicator. Holding the communicator in front of him, he
closes his hand and a crunching sound can be heard.)
Geordi : "Data!"
Data : "I must apologize for the necessity of doing that as swiftly
as possible. However," (He opens his other hand to reveal two
new communicators.) "with one of these you will be able to
maintain contact with necessary personnel."
Geordi : "But, why, Data?"
Data : "One of our guests apparently has control over the minds of
several Enterprise officers. These communicators will allow
us to keep in contact without having to go through the main
computer."
Geordi : "But to do that..."
Data : "I had to recalibrate them to send on one band, not commonly
scanned by the Enterprise computers."
Geordi : "The other communicator?"
Data : "It is for Worf. I suspect you will find him in sickbay, where
he was last seen. Ask for him there."
Geordi : "What makes you think I can be trusted?"
Data : "The affect of the mind control can be averted by those with
strong wills or who would be otherwise unaffected by direct
optical hypnosis. Your VISOR should provide you with sufficient
protection."
Geordi : "Okay, I'll do it. Is Captain Picard affected?"
Data : "I cannot comment on that at the present time. If you, with
Worf, could meet me in Cargo Bay 4 in thirty minutes, we will
work out a plan to find and stop the responsible party."
Geordi : "I'll see you then."
(Data and Geordi leave, going their separate ways. The scene changes
to Data's quarters, where the lights are dim. A figure stands in the
darkness as Data enters.)
Data : "I have successfully completed phase 1 of the operation."
Picard : (Coming out of shadow) "Very good, Mister Data. Now, we
had best make our way to Cargo Bay 4. We will, of course,
have to be careful to avoid Security. They are most likely
looking for us, since we never showed up at Sickbay."
Data : "Aye, sir." (He starts for the door, then stops and turns.)
"Sir, should we not try to convince the crew that it is Commander
Riker, Counselor Troi, and Doctor Crusher who are being
controlled?"
Picard : "I doubt that your observation that Doctor Crusher and
Counselor Troi were acting unusual would be enough to sway
the minds of the entire crew. Presently, there is no
reason to polarize the crew's opinions of who is and is not
being controlled. Also, we need to find who is controlling
them. It might not be easy while they know they have the
disadvantage."
Data : "Very well, sir." (He and Picard leave.)
(The scene changes to a corridor. The Doctor and Ace are walking
along it.)
Ace : "I tell you, Professor, we're lost."
Doctor : "Nonsense. These corridors all look alike. At any rate,
we won't find the TARDIS or the Master if we stay in one place."
Ace : "But we won't find them either if we're caught. We've already
avoided a lot security officers."
Doctor : "Then we'll just have to keep doing it, won't we?"
(Suddenly he stops, and holds up his hand to signal Ace to do the
same.)
Doctor <whispering> : "Quickly, over here." (They step down a side
corridor as a Security Guard passes.)
Ace : "See? We can't do that forever."
(Suddenly, a security guard comes around the corner from the other
direction. At first he's surprised, but then he draws his phaser.)
Security guard : "Stop! You're coming with me to see Commander
Riker."
(The Doctor and Ace raise their arms and start walking ahead of
the Security officer. The scene changes to sickbay, where
Geordi enters. He approaches a nurse.)
Geordi : "I'm looking for Worf."
Nurse : "Doctor Crusher said he isn't to be disturbed."
Geordi : "I'll take full responsibility."
Nurse : "Doctor Crusher really should be notified."
Geordi : "Why? Worf isn't being treated for a medical problem,
is he? How long has he been here?"
Nurse : "Since Doctor Crusher left a half-hour ago."
Geordi : "Look, this a Security matter and it's important I see him
immediately."
Nurse : "Okay, he's in the lab, back here." (The nurse leads
Geordi to the lab door and presses the button. There is
no response from the inside.)
Geordi : "Are you sure he's in there?"
Nurse : "Yes, this is the room."
(Geordi presses another button on the side of the door and it opens.
He and the nurse go inside. Geordi immediately sees Worf's body
and runs over to it. He quickly feels for Worf's pulse.)
Geordi : "He's okay. Do you have anything that can wake him?"
Nurse : "Yes, but Doctor Crusher..."
Geordi : "He needs to be treated right now. It's important."
Nurse : "I don't know, but..." (The nurse goes and brings back
a hypospray.) "this should wake him up."
(The hypospray hisses against Worf's arm. His eyes suddenly
pop open and he throws Geordi back into a table.)
Worf : "Commander! My apologies. I thought you were...someone
else." (He helps Geordi up.)
Geordi <winded> : "That's okay, but next time be a little gentler."
Worf : "A warrior is not gentle."
Geordi : "Right now, we've got work to do." (He and Worf leave.)
(The scene changes to the corridor outside of sickbay. Worf is
affixing the new communicator to his uniform.)
Worf : "I must find Doctor Crusher."
Geordi : "I know how you feel, but Data wants us to meet him in
Cargo Bay 4."
Worf : "Doctor Crusher is being controlled. She cannot be
allowed to roam the ship unattended."
Geordi : "It looks to me like Data thinks it important that
you're there. We don't really know who's being controlled
other than Doctor Crusher right now."
(The Doctor and Ace, followed by the Security guard, still
with phaser drawn, come down the corridor.)
Security guard : "Lieutenant Worf, these two escaped and I
was just taking them to Commander Riker for questioning."
Worf : "You will release the Doctor and his companion to my
custody. I'll make sure they get to Commander Riker."
(He draws his own phaser.)
Security guard : "Aye, sir." (He leaves.)
Doctor : "Thank you."
Worf : "There is no need to thank me. I'm going to do as I say.
However, it may be useful if Commander Data questioned you
first."
(They walk on down the corridor. The scene changes to the
bridge. Ro is at the conn. Riker sits in the command chair, with
Troi in her usual spot at his left. Seated to his right, in Riker's
usual seat, is Doctor Crusher.)
Ro : "We're approaching Taurus XIII, sir."
Riker : "Take us out of warp and establish standard orbit around the
planet, Ensign."
Ro : "Aye, sir."
Crusher : "Soon Diplomat Strame will have the chance to see how
well his strategy will work."
Riker : "Yes, he will."
Tactical officer : "We are being hailed, sir."
Riker : "On screen."
(The main view screen changes from the view of the greenish planet to
a face of a Taurusian. He is basically a human with dark hair, except
that two bones go from the top of his nose to the middle part of the
top of his head. The resulting affect makes it look like the bone
structures are large eyebrows.)
Taurusian : "I am Sl'itone of Taurus XIII. We welcome the United
Federation of Planets starship Enterprise."
Riker : "I'm Commander William T. Riker commanding the Enterprise."
Sl'itone : "Commander? I was under the impression that a certain
Captain Picard was your leader."
Riker : "He is. However, recent events have forced me to take
command."
Sl'itone : "I am sorry to hear of your Captain's misfortune. Diplomat
Strame is traveling on your ship, is he not?"
Riker : "He will be down at the earliest possible opportunity."
Sl'itone : "Very good. Until then, Commander." (Screen goes back to
a view of the planet.)
(The scene changes to Cargo Bay 4. Picard and Data walk through the
door. Data is holding a tricorder. Both Picard and Data wear phasers,
as well as another device on the other side of their uniforms.)
Data : "The readings I discovered earlier are emanating from the
Doctor's vehicle, sir. However, the other, overlapping, reading
is also present." (He points at some barrels.) "Behind those
barrels."
Picard : (Unholsters his phaser) "Let's approach with caution, Data."
(Data takes out his phaser, too, and holds it in one hand and the
tricorder in the other. As they walk, he studies the readings.)
Data : "Captain, a life sign has just appeared from out of, basically,
thin air. There has been no transporter activity, however. The
reading is of a..."
Strame : (He walks from behind the crates, holding a small object
in his hands which is pointed directly at Picard and Data.) "I
believe the word you are looking for, Data, is 'Larian.' Or,
more appropriately, 'Time Lord.'"
Picard : "Time Lord? That means that the Doctor was telling the
truth."
Master : "An annoying habit he started long ago. Yes, I am the
Master. Not that it will matter to you for much longer.
Be quite assured, Commander, that this weapon, which
compresses the tissue it comes into contact with, would be
sufficient to stop you. I would hate to kill you before
I was ready."
Picard : "We are part of this plan of yours?"
Master : "Yes, quite so. Walk with me." (He allows Picard and
Data to get in front of him and follows them toward the
other end of the cargo bay.) "Your petty politics with
the Taurusians and Romulans will soon be disrupted. A
Federation starship captain taken hostage by the Romulans
could cause much chaos. As would a Federation ship attacking
a Romulan warbird in non-Federation space. The resulting
war would provide many opportunities for an outsider to
take control of one government or the other. Or, even
both."
(Suddenly the door opens behind the Master. Worf, Geordi, the Doctor,
and Ace come through the doorway. The Master turns. Quickly he
fires a shot at them. Seeing him, however, Geordi and the Doctor
jump to one side and Worf and Ace to the other. Data quickly leaps
forward, knocking the weapon from his hand. The Master quickly runs
toward where his TARDIS is being stored. Worf, using a barrel for
protection, fires a phaser blast at the Master, which misses.)
Doctor : "Your letting him get away." (He starts running around
the corner, as does everyone else.) "There! That's his
TARDIS." (The Master's TARDIS looks like a big box, presumably
what "Strame" had brought aboard. The door closes as the
Master enters.)
Worf : "He will not have the opportunity to leave." (He fires
a phaser blast at the TARDIS, which hits, but has no affect.
The Master's TARDIS starts taking off and soon fades.)
Doctor : (He points a finger at Picard.) "You have unleashed
a terror on this universe!"
[End of Act IV]
[Beginning of Act V]
(The Enterprise orbits the planet. On the bridge, Worf's console
starts to beep. The tactical officer there quickly takes some
readings.)
Tactical officer : "There's a temporal distortion of some kind in
Cargo Bay 4, sir."
Troi : "The Doctor?"
Riker : "It could be."
Tactical officer : "The distortion has changed it's location. It's
now outside the ship."
Riker : "A police box?"
Tactical officer : "No. It seems to be a Larian ship. We are being
hailed, sir."
Riker : "On screen."
(The Master appears on the screen, behind him typical TARDIS decor.)
Riker : "Diplomat, how did you get aboard the Larian ship?"
Master : "Very easily, in fact. You've seen what my people are
capable of when the Doctor appeared. Having a Larian ship appear
shouldn't seem that difficult."
Ro : "Isn't it strange that his ship can get here so easily, yet he
needed us to get him here?"
Riker : (Standing up and walking between the conn and Ops consoles.)
"I don't think it's our place to ask, Ensign."
Master : "Your Ensign Ro is correct. My people merely wanted me to
come by a manner that would not intimidate neither the Federation
or the Taurusians. I, however, have work to do."
Riker : "I wish you luck in your negotiations with the Taurusians.
Riker out." (He signals the tactical officer to cut
communications.)
Tactical officer : "The Larian ship is again disappearing, sir.
Another faint reading, however, has developed elsewhere."
Riker : "Keep monitoring it."
(The scene changes to Cargo Bay 4. Geordi and Data are studying the
console which controls the transporter. Everyone else is simply
waiting for them to come up with something.)
Picard : "I assure you, Doctor, all measures were taken to stop
the Master."
Doctor : "All measures? You could've listened to me when I first
warned you!"
Geordi : "I don't think we've lost him. Yet, at least."
Picard : "You've found something?"
Geordi : "With Data's help, I've managed to connect into tactical
on the bridge. A few minutes ago, a Larian ship appeared."
Picard : "A Larian ship?"
Data : "Yes, sir. As is usual in contact with the Larians, sensors
could not penetrate it's haul."
Picard : "Cloaked."
Geordi : "In a way. Data and I have discovered that it doesn't
appear to be related to a Romulan cloaking device."
Data : "The Doctor's police box adds to this theory. Scans have
yet to yield any information as to it's contents."
Doctor : "Of course! The Larian ships that you have come into
contact with have not been ships at all, but TARDISes, like
my own."
Picard : "This would allow false readings?"
Doctor : "Your scanners would only show it's outer dimensions, not
the inner ones, which would be completely different."
Picard : "Then we have been encountering Time Lords for the past
28 years, not Larians?"
Doctor : "I imagine so, although it has most likely been only one
Time Lord--the Master."
Data : "Intriguing. No more than one Larian ship has been
encountered at any one time."
Picard : "But how could he manage this for 28 years?"
Doctor : "He would not need to do that. He would only need to
carefully plan his appearances. Using his TARDIS, he has
the capacity for time travel. Therefore, he only made
appearances when necessary."
Picard : "Mister LaForge, where is the Larian ship at this time?"
Geordi : "It's disappeared, sir."
Picard : "Then we've lost him."
Geordi : "Not yet. A second reading turned up after he disappeared.
It seems to be similar yet different in a way."
Data : "There is no physical sign of the ship's presence. Only
a similar reading to what the Larian ship made when it appeared,
as if it is now cloaked."
Picard : "The Romulans!"
Data : "That is entirely possible, sir."
Picard : "Can we transport into the Romulan ship or the Larian ship?"
Geordi : "Without knowing the correct dimensions of either, we could
easily transport into the haul of the ship."
Doctor : "Then we'll just have to use my TARDIS, won't we? Come
along, Ace."
Picard : "Mister Data, Mister Worf, come with me. Mister LaForge,
you will stay here and beam us back upon our command."
Data : "Due to Commander Riker's current state, I must warn you
that you will be headed into a dangerous situation."
Worf : "A situation not for a commanding officer."
Data : "That is correct. You are too important, Captain."
Picard : "This may require diplomatic experience. I may be needed."
(He follows the Doctor into the TARDIS. Worf shrugs and he
and Data follow.)
Data : "Fascinating. The inside seems to be larger than the outside."
Doctor : "It doesn't only seem that way. It actually is that
way. The TARDIS is dimensionally transcendental."
(Ace is still looking around outside the TARDIS. Upon seeing her
backpack, her eyes brighten. She runs to retrieve it.)
Ace : "'ere it is." (She picks up the backpack.)
Doctor <from the TARDIS> : "Ace, come along!"
Ace : "Coming, Professor." (She runs into the TARDIS, closing the
doors behind her. The TARDIS starts to make the usual sounds and
and soon disappears.)
(The scene changes again to the main bridge.)
Tactical officer : "Another time distortion, sir. It's the Doctor's
police box."
Riker : "He's escaping. Lock on phasers. Fire!"
(Beams of light come from the phaser banks, hitting the TARDIS.
The only effect, however, is that the TARDIS is turned on end and
starts floating on it's side. The scene changes to the inside of the
TARDIS. The Doctor, Picard, and Data manage to hold on to the TARDIS'
controls. Worf and Ace, however, are thrown around the room as spins
around them. The Doctor throws a switch and floor is once again in the
correct place.)
Doctor : "I knew I should have fixed that chameleon circuit.
It won't matter in a minute, though. I've recalibrated so that
we can get inside where the Romulan ship should be."
(The TARDIS again makes the take off sounds and then it can be
heard "landing.")
Doctor : "Let's see what we have here." (He presses a control and
the TARDIS' viewscreen comes to life. They can see the
inside of a Romulan ship. There is no one in the immediate
vicinity of where they landed.)
Picard : "It looks clear enough."
Doctor : "Yes. Let's take a shot at finding the Master." (He pulls
down the door opening lever and the door opens. Everyone exits
the TARDIS. Worf and Data hold their phasers at the ready. They
cautiously walk a ways. Suddenly they hear voices.)
Master <voice only> : "I tell you, it can still work."
Other person : "Strame, the Federation has uncovered our presence, as
well as your hand in an attempt to turn the Taurusians against
them. They will not let you make your move."
Master : "Ah, but I still have some confederates on the Enterprise."
Other person : "Who?"
Master : "Only the current commander of the vessel. He will attack
you as soon as you show yourselves. With your shields, you should
be able to resist the attack easily. An unprovoked attack on
the Federation's part will turn the Taurusians in your favor."
(Picard signals Data and Worf to go forward around the corner. Worf
and Data do so.)
Worf : "Do not move."
(Three Romulans as well as the Master stand there. Two of the
Romulans, apparently guards, stand at each side of the third. The
third Romulan sits in a chair and is very decorated. The two
guards pull and aim their disrupters, but Worf and Data fire before
the guards have a chance to do anything. The guards slump forward.)
Worf : "I said not to move. You would be strongly advised not
to try to do so."
Romulan : "So I see."
Picard : (He comes around the corner, with everyone but Ace, who has
wandered off, behind him) "I assure you that your plan is known
to us."
Romulan : "Obviously. How did you get aboard this ship?"
Picard : "That should not be your concern at the moment. In fact,
right now you should withdraw from Taurusian space."
Master : "Don't listen to him. He is obviously acting alone. I
left his ship in the command of his first officer, after having
him relieved of command."
Doctor : (He gets closer to the Master and looks at him accusingly.)
"Oh? Have you also told the Romulan about your plan to instigate
war between the Federation and the Romulans? About how you plan
to take over during the resulting chaos?"
Romulan : "Is this true?"
Master : "Of course not!"
Picard : "If there was no deception on your part, then why do you need
to hide aboard this ship? Why were you preparing to leave the
Enterprise prior to being discovered?"
Romulan : "Were you trying to come here before then?"
Master : "I was, but I needed to make plans with you. We needed to
finalize our operation."
Picard : "You have already lied to him. I doubt even a Romulan would
even trust a liar."
Romulan : "There is merit in what you say."
Master : "No!" (He runs out of the room, pushing the Doctor aside
as he does so. The Doctor pursues him.)
Picard : "Mister Data, Mister Worf, guard the Romulan." (He rushes
after the Doctor and Master.)
Worf : "But Captain..." (Picard, however, is gone.)
(Meanwhile Ace is looking around. She is wearing her backpack.
Suddenly a Romulan appears behind her.)
Romulan : "Stop!"
Ace : "Here!" (She throws a some nitro-9 toward him and it explodes.
Suddenly the entire ship starts to shake. The Master, Doctor, and
Picard are shaken up, as well as Data and Worf in another part
of the ship.)
Data : (He's looking at his tricorder.) "A chain reaction explosion has
started. The ship is decloaking and has no shield power. Within
minutes, this reaction will cause a matter/anti-matter explosion."
(From space, the ship can be seen decloaking. The scene changes to
the Enterpise's bridge.)
Tactical officer : "Romulan Warbird decloaking, sir. It has no
power to it's shields and weapons are not active."
(The turbolift can be heard opening and closing. However, no
one seems to notice, due to their concern with the situation at hand.)
Riker : "Lock on phasers and prepare to fire."
Tactical officer : "But sir, their ship looks like it's in danger!"
Riker : "You have your orders."
(Suddenly, a voice comes from the direction of turbolift. Although
not loud, the voice is firm with conviction.)
Voice : "No."
Riker : "Who?" (He turns to look for the first time at that area of
the bridge for the first time since the person arrived. He sees
Guinan standing in front of the turbolift.) "Guinan! Get off
the bridge immediately. This is a combat situation, not the place
for a bartender."
Guinan : "I don't think so. You're being controlled."
Riker : "Me? That's ridiculous!" (Inclining his head toward the
tactical/security officer, Riker continues.) "Mr. Courtney,
remove Guinan from the bridge."
Courtney : (He walks up to Guinan.) "I am sorry, but I'm afraid
you'll have to come with me."
Guinan : (She shakes Courtney off.) "Your being controlled, by
Diplomat Strame. I'm sure your still in there. And, who knows?
You might just be able to overcome it."
Riker : "If I'm being controlled, how would you know?"
Guinan : "Simple. I talked to Strame."
Riker : "And he told you that he's controlling me?"
Guinan : "In those words, no."
Riker : "Then how?" (He rubs his forehead, as if strained.)
Guinan : "Let's just say that I'm a fair judge of personalities.
Would Commander William Riker, for example, attack a defenseless
ship? Think about it, Commander." (She turns and leaves the
bridge on her own. Riker soothes his head with his hands, as
if he has a headache.)
Courtney : "Are you all right, sir?"
Crusher : (She removes a hypo-spray from her pocket.) "This should
relieve any pain Commander Riker is feeling."
Riker : "No!" (He knocks the hypo out of Crusher's hand.) "I
won't let the Master control me any more!"
Troi : (She whips out a phaser and points it at Riker.) "Too bad."
(The scene changes to the Romulan ship. The Master, as well as the
Doctor and Picard, who are in pursuit, are tossed around as the
ship lurches. The Master starts climbing up a ladder to the next
deck. The Doctor starts to follow, but is thrown off the ladder by
another explosion, which causes the ship to shake. Picard helps him
up.)
Picard : "Let him go. It appears that this vessel is danger. We
must leave."
Doctor : "But we can't let the Master..." (He stops in mid-sentence,
as if he something has occurred to him for the first time.) "Ace!"
(Suddenly, Ace comes racing down the hall.)
Ace : "Right here, Professor."
Doctor : "What is going on here?"
Ace : "Oh, nothing unusual, really. Just some explosions."
Doctor : "Explosions? You haven't been using Nitro-9 on this ship,
have you?"
Ace : "You see, Professor, it's like this..."
Doctor : "Never mind, now. We have to get out of here!"
(The scene changes to Data, Worf, and the Romulan Commander.)
Data : (He turns a switch on the strange device on his belt and
a red light lights up.) "This device will boost my communicator's
power, allowing me to communicate with Geordi aboard the
Enterprise."
Worf : "I suggest you act quickly."
Data : "Of course." (He taps his communicator pin.) "Data to
Geordi."
Geordi <Voice is a bit garbled> : "I'm reading you, Data."
Data : "The Romulan ship appears to be in danger. We require
emergency beam out immediately."
Geordi <Voice still garbled> : "I'm trying to get a lock on each
of you now."
(The scene changes to the bridge. Troi is about to pull the trigger
of the phaser, but Courtney pulls his, as well, ready to fire. Troi
quickly changes her aim and fires, hitting Courtney. Courtney falls
back and slumps over, unconscious. Riker, however, swiftly knocks
the phaser out of her hand. Ro grabs the phaser, pointing it at
Troi.)
Ro : "Move beside Doctor Crusher, now!" (Troi complies.)
Riker : "Thanks, Ensign."
Ops officer : "Sir! Transporter activity in Cargo Bay 4."
Riker : "Who's using the transporter there, Mister Levene?"
Levene : "Unknown."
Riker : "Lock out the transporter there." (Levene quickly moves
his hands across the Ops console. Riker taps his communicator.)
"Riker to Cargo Bay 4. Identify yourself."
(The scene changes to Cargo Bay 4. Geordi stands in front of a
cargo transporter console. He seems surprised, at first, at the
transporter lock out, as well as Riker's call. He reaches up
instinctively to activate his communicator, but realizing that it
isn't a regular communicator, he press a portion of the console.)
Geordi <A bit unsure> : "Sir?"
Riker : "Mister LaForge? What's going on down there?"
Geordi : "I don't have time to explain. I need the transporter
right now or Data, Worf, and the Captain are in extreme
danger!"
Riker : (There is a brief pause.) "Very well. But I expect a full
report as soon as possible. Riker out." (Geordi starts working
frantically at the transporter console again.)
(The scene changes to Data, Worf, and the Romulan Commander.)
Worf : (He has his phaser pointed at the Romulan.) "You will come
with us."
Data : (He examines his tricorder readings, as the ship shakes
again.) "The explosions will reach the matter/anti-matter core
in exactly 9 seconds. 8 seconds. 7 seconds. 6 seconds.
5 seconds. 4 seconds."
Worf : "We shall die as warriors."
Data : "2 seconds..."
(The transporter beam suddenly encompasses them and they disappear.
From space, the Romulan ship can be seen exploding in a tremendous
explosion. The scene changes to Geordi.)
Geordi : "Come on. Come on." (Three transporter beams form into
Data, Worf, and the Romulan Commander. The transporter console
chimes and Geordi quickly taps that portion of the panel.)
Riker <Voice> : "Mister LaForge?"
Geordi : "Commander, I'm not sure how to say this, but..."
(Data and Worf, as well as the Romulan Commander, prodded by Worf,
come down. Worf leans over the console, seeing Geordi's discomfort.)
Worf : "The Captain is dead."
(The scene changes to the bridge.)
Riker : "What? Worf, are you..." (He is interrupted by the sound
of the TARDIS. It suddenly appears on the bridge, in a slightly
different location than it did previously. The door opens and
the Doctor, Ace, and Picard exit the TARDIS onto the bridge.)
"Captain! Lieutenant, the Captain has just come aboard, quite
alive."
(Picard walks up to Riker.)
Picard : "Data and Worf?"
Riker : "They're apparently fine, sir. What happened to you?"
Picard : "It's a long story, Number One. For now, I have to
thank the Doctor. Without him, I wouldn't be alive."
(However, the sound of the TARDIS can be heard as it leaves.)
"It appears as though the Doctor has other concerns he needs
to attend to."
(A scene of the Enterprise orbiting Taurus XIII, presumably later.)
Picard <Voice only> : "Captain's Log, Stardate 45609.7: Our recent
encounter with the Doctor and his nemesis, the Master, seems to
have had no ill effects on my crew. Both Counselor Troi and
Doctor Crusher eventually recovered from the Master's control.
The Taurusians, upon learning the Romulans' plan and hearing
a confession from the Romulan Commander have been convinced
of the peaceful motives of the Federation."
(The scene changes to Picard's ready room. The door chime buzzes.)
Picard : "Come."
(Riker walks in as the door opens.)
Riker : "The Enterprise is ready to depart, sir."
(Picard stands, straightening his uniform in the process.)
Picard : "Very well, Number One."
Riker : "Sir, I was wondering..."
Picard : "About what?"
Riker : "What became of the Master?"
Picard : "There wasn't time to investigate that matter."
Riker : "Do you think he left the universe, as the Doctor would say?"
Picard : "It's a big universe, Number One, but if he ever does return,
we'll be able to handle him. And if we need a little help, the
Doctor might even be able to lend us a hand."
(They leave the ready room. The scene pulls out of the ready room,
via the window. The Enterprise is shown leaving orbit and heading
out into space.)
[The End.]
AFTERWORD
---------
First, I'd like to explain why some of the things in this story
came out the way they did. My technical knowledge of Star Trek:
The Next Generation comes mostly from the Mike Okuda/Rick Sternbach
Star Trek: The Next Generation Technical Manual. Doctor Who
technical knowledge comes, for the most part, from only watching some
of the Doctor Who stories.
The reason the sensors did not work on either the Doctor or
Master's TARDIS was because of the nature of the TARDISes. The
sensors were simply not equipped to deal with a bigger area within
a smaller area. The end result caused the no readings to come back
from the TARDIS. The transporter, of course, didn't work due to the
same principle. The only thing that was being transported was the
outside of the TARDIS, while the inside remained intact.
Another troublesome matter is the Master's ability to create an
entire race of aliens, the Larians. However, all of the Larian ships
were exactly alike and the encounters occurred only infrequently. It
would seem at least possible that the Master used his TARDIS to travel
to different periods and influence the Federation gradually in this
manner.
Some of Data's actions may seem a bit strange. His disobeying
Doctor Crusher seems a bit unusual, but I think he realized that
Picard was not at fault. At the very least, he probably thought
Picard deserved a chance to explain considering the accusation Picard
had earlier made about the Master's hypnotic powers.
The reason Data had to replace the communicators of those who
resisted the Master has to do with the nature of shipboard
communication. Communications are normally routed through the
computer and can be used to locate anyone aboard the Enterprise
who wears them. Data, realizing stopping the Master would be
impossible without private communications, rewired several
communicators to eliminate computer contact. All of the
communicators were set to the same channel. Since the ship's computer
also amplifies the signal of communicators that are not aboard the
ship, the more primitive communicators naturally didn't have the range
that an ordinary communicator would. This is the purpose of the device
that Data and Picard wore; it amplified the signals from long
distances.
Doctor Who fans will note that I inserted a few "in-jokes."
Hopefully, this will make up for the fact that the Doctor didn't
have a larger role than he did.
What's next? I have several ideas for parodies and other
stories. I even have plans for two other stories. I'm not
promising anything, but my next story might be with Jon Pertwee's
Doctor. When can you expect to see it? It might be some time,
especially considering the time it took to write this story.
I hope you enjoyed this story as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Kevin Karmann
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