Part of USS Eagle: Mission 1 – Delta Quadrant and Bravo Fleet: Blood Dilithium

Processing

USS Eagle
November 2400
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Bridge

“There's a quantum torpedo signature.”  Ohtani frowned.  ”Sir, the torpedoes were Starfleet issue."

After exchanging bewildering looks with Commander Allen, Kirby began processing what just happened.  “Is there anything left of the science facility?  Any chance there are survivors?”

“There's a large crater where the facility was,” said Hok.  “Initial analysis suggests whoever did this, fired the torpedoes with pinpoint accuracy.  It was like they intended to make sure nothing remained.”

“So no survivors.”

“No, sir.”

What the blazes was happening?  How did a routine supply run turn into a big mystery, a destroyed facility, and probably the loss of the nine scientists working there?

“Haia, I want to know what that ship was you detected.”

“I'll do my best, sir.”

“Nick, do what you can to help.”

“Yes, sir.  We'll get it done,” said Saunders.

While the crew worked, Kirby thought about possible explanations.  Was there a new Delta Quadrant threat previously unknown?

Silent time passed.

“Captain, we have an initial image,” said Saunders.  “We had to do some tinkering in the sensor records to find it.”

“On screen.”

A ship appeared, but it was out of focus.

“Enhancing image,” said Saunders.

Once the ship on the screen was clear, Kirby stood up and stared.  Stunned silence filled the bridge.  It was a Starfleet vessel, Diligent class, NCC-82715.  USS Eagle.

“What is this?” said Weaver, the obvious shock in her voice speaking for everyone on the bridge.

“I know this sounds crazy, but it's the Eagle,” said Saunders.

“Haia?” said Kirby.

“I did some deeper research into the sensor logs and I have an explanation, sir,” said Ohtani.

“Go on,” said Kirby.

“The other Eagle was orbiting above the science facility.  A temporal  wave was moving directly towards it.”

“A temporal wave?” said Kirby, interrupting.

“Yes, sir.  They fired torpedoes at the facility and were struck by the wave.  I don't know exactly what happened from their perspective, but I'd say there was a time jump and we're here seeing a future version of us.”

“Time travel.  I need a drink,” said Weaver.

“Something had to happen to make the captain…” said Allen.  “Excuse me, you, sir, order us to fire on the facility.”

Kirby knew the XO was probably right, but what could that possibly be?  He sighed deeply.  “Is there any way we can find out what happened?”

“I don't see how,” said Ohtani.  “If there was a time jump, and I'm certain there was, that time line doesn't exist anymore.”

“I definitely need a drink,” said Weaver.

“I think we all do,” said Kirby.

 

 

Comments

  • Nice! I was wondering what was going to result. We get some good old-fashioned Doctor Who "TimeyWimeyWibbleyWobbly" explanation, but in this case, it makes sense with the Eagle of before and the Eagle of now. There's enough information given but also plenty left to wonder what would have happened in the timeline that we don't get to see or know anymore. As a reader, it's fun thinking beyond what the author has given us, and you've teased a little bit of that here. Nicely done!

    December 5, 2022
  • Ha! Okay, that was satisfying. I enjoyed the way you steeped the chapter in dramatic irony with the Eagle crew trying to hunt the dangerous new threat to the delta quadrant that was actually just themselves. And then not only did they destroy the outpost they were coming to see, they were also the starship they witnessed vanishing into nothing! Classic Trek right there. Cue the befuddled music track!

    December 5, 2022
  • I agree with Kohl that it was satisfying to read the different dramatic irony that was happening with the Eagle, them trying to figure out what that ship was and why the station was destroyed only to find out it was them. For them now a bigger mystery unfolds as they want to figure out what exactly happened.

    December 7, 2022