Star Trek Coda

Chapter 12: The beginning of the journey, or the end?

FEDERATION FLEET, YEAR 2383, DELTA QUADRANT

The four ships flew into orbit of Utopia Prime. The planet resonated in beauty and peace.

As they arrived, they quickly received a hail from Spock, "on screen!" ordered Janeway.

"Welcome my friends. Welcome William Riker, Kathryn Janeway, Jean-Luc Picard. All of you, welcome. Welcome Jack and Ethan, you have had a long journey. Most of all welcome Jonathan Archer. Welcome home. We have been waiting a long time for you."

Janeway stood resolute and did not allow her confusion to show.

"Thank-you for your kind welcome, Ambassador. As I'm sure you realise we have many questions-"

He cut her off, "I know you have questions, but now is not the time. When you are ready you will find out what you wish to know."

"I have little patience at the moment," replied the Admiral, "so far you have told us near to nothing and expected unquestioning trust."

"I understand your hesitation. I am sending you coordinates to beam down. Bring yourself, Picard, Archer, Jack and Ethan. No more."

"... why should I follow those instructions -"

"The same reason you are considering the truth in what Jack and Ethan have told you, because you are an explorer and you need answers, and the fate of the galaxy hangs in the balance," replied Spock, "as an explorer this will be one of your greatest discoveries. You've always trusted your gut, which tells you that you can trust me now."

She hesitated, "we'll see you soon."

Jack, Ethan, Riker, Picard, Janeway and Archer materialised on the surface. The 24th century transporter was different for Archer. It felt smoother ... and faster. For Jack and Ethan they still weren't used to the transporter at all.

The first thing they noticed was that they were not on a planet at all. It was a floating city. Everything was floating and they were walking on what felt like silk clouds. There were huge trees looking over the path. It felt like they were casting a protective shadow. Everything had a magical glimmer. This place was like nothing they had ever seen. The group from three different generations all had a shared awe in common.

They were approached by Spock and two others. They appeared out of nowhere. He looked at them deeply, "welcome to Utopia my friends."

Janeway was not so resolute now, but she maintained her composure, "Ambassador, this place ... it's stunning. But why are we here?"

Spock led them over to a forested courtyard area and had them sit, "will you do something for me Kathryn?"

"What is that?" she replied.

"I need you to listen to me, with an open mind. And then I need you to trust, not me but your instinct. I know it feels like you are starting a journey, but you're not. You're close to ending a journey, and it's time to see the truth."

Janeway nodded.

Spock looked to Jack and Ethan now, "Jack, Ethan. You're brave beyond measure. I'm proud of you."

They also nodded, because they weren't sure how to reply.

Spock sighed, "a massive attack on peace is about to begin in your home, I think it's best if I show you."

In a blink they were no longer in a courtyard. Not used to holodecks, Jack, Ethan and Archer gasped. They were all in space looking at a massive planet, "New Romulus," muttered Picard.

"Correct," replied Spock.

A massive fleet dropped out of warp and immediately started firing on the planet. They kept going as it turned darker and darker. It burned. The entire world turned red and then black. They all gasped, and held back tears. It was a painful sight to see.

They focused on the ships more, it was Riker who noticed first, "That's Starfleet. What are you showing us?"

"I'm showing you the near future. This is four days from now. Your President is paranoid, and as we speak she is receiving leaked intelligence that the Romulans and Klingons are secretly forming an alliance to attack Earth and take over the United Federation of Planets. The intelligence is irrefutable, and backed with extreme evidence. It is also completely fabricated, by her and her allies. I think you know what happens next."

They were silent for a moment. Picard interjected, "I think you must know we have many questions."

"Who are you?" asked Riker, "how do you know this?"

Spock replied, "we know because we know all. We are here to bring peace as guardians of the universe. We let you find us, because our time is nearly at an end. You have to take charge of your destinies once more and finish the last adventure. Fight the last battle. Complete the last journey."

Archer joined the conversation, "what is this last journey? What do we have to do with this?"

Spock laughed, "We can't tell you what the journey is because that defeats the purpose," his tone went serious again, "it's time for you to end the journey now and as you end the journey you need to save as many as you can. Do you believe in that?"

"Do we believe in what?" replied Janeway.

"Saving as many as you can."

"Of course."

Spock looked at her for a moment, "that is the most important thing for you to remember then," he looked around at all of them, making eye contact, "you're here to save as many as you can, even if it is not who you want to save."

"So what do you want from us now?"

Spock replied, "I am going to send you home."