This is a repost of a story that I wrote about three years ago simply as a Star Trek fan and in particular, a ‘Scotty’ fan. In the light of James Doohan passing this week, I’m resubmitting it to honor man that gave life to the character he helped to create and to give a futuristic meaning to the title, “Miralce Worker”.
This is a non-erotic story
“Captain’s Log, Stardate 46526.3. The Enterprise is on an emergency mission to Utari IV, an isolationist system on the far side of the Vani Nebula. An unexpected virus has decimated hundreds of thousands of inhabitants on that planet in the last 3 weeks. It is spreading at an exponential rate and could claim the rest of the population within days. We are transporting the only known serum that has been found to be effective against this disease. Since the nebula disrupts most of the ship’s systems, the Enterprise has been forced to skirt the edge of the nebula instead of taking the most direct route. I have asked Mr. La Forge for the highest sustainable warp until we reach Utari IV.”
************
“Mr. Data, what’s the ETA to the Utari system?” asked Captain Jean-Luc Picard.
“Two hours and four minutes at warp 9.15, Sir,” answered the golden android.
“Geordi, what’s the status of the warp engines?” asked Commander William Riker.
“They’ll get us there, Commander, but we’re going to need maintenance while in orbit,” answered the Chief Engineer over the Com system.
“Captain, we are receiving a hail from Utari IV. It is from Viceroy Willim,” said Chief Security Officer Worf.
“On screen, Lieutenant,” ordered Picard.
The view screen came to life and the image of a male humanoid with elephant sized ears appeared.
“Enterprise, are you reading this transmission?” pleaded Viceroy Willim.
“Yes, Viceroy, we’re reading you,” replied Picard.
“Captain, how much longer before you reach us? In the last hour alone over half a million people have died in hospitals all over the planet. By the end of the day we will have lost one fifth of the population, worldwide.”
Picard and Riker exchanged looks as Will jumped up out of his seat and headed toward the turbo lift. “Engineering,” he snapped, as the doors slid shut.
“We’re still two hours away, Viceroy. We’ll do everything possible to reduce that time.”
“Thank you Captain.” Willim said as the screen switched back to a star field.
“Picard to sick bay.”
“Sick bay here, Captain,” answered Chief Medical Officer Beverly Crusher.
“Do you have everything you need to make this transfer of the serum?” Picard asked. “The virus is spreading even faster than the worst predictions.”
“Mr. Worf has coordinated the distribution of the serum through six cargo bays. From there it will be beamed to the designated coordinates as each one comes into transporter range.”
“Thank you, Dr. Crusher.” Picard said. “Mr. Worf. Make absolutely certain you have anticipated every contingency. I want this transfer to go as quickly as possible without disruptions.”
“Aye, Sir. Mr. Data and I have gone over the distribution plan step by step. There should be no problems,” answered Worf.
“Very good.” He said as he turned toward ‘Ops’. “Mr. Data, has there been any increase in speed?”
Data tapped his console a few times. “No, Sir. We are still at warp 9.15,” he replied.
“Bridge to engineering.”
“Aye, Sir,” Riker responded over the Com.
“Status, Number One.” Picard barked.
“The Chief Engineer is resisting all my efforts to increase speed.”
“Mr. La Forge?” asked the Captain, waiting for an explanation.
“Captain, we have maintained this speed for over 12 days. The manuals recommend no more than 6. We’re lucky we haven’t lost a nacelle due to overload. We are at 99.7% power. The warp core can’t handle any more.” Geordi sighed, as he looked back at the warp core, knowing this was the longest it had ever produced that much power. He shook his head knowing what was coming next from his Captain, but he had to say it.
“Geordi, a million more people may die by the time we reach Utari IV. We have to do everything we can to reduce that number and relieve the suffering of these people. Cut all non-essential systems. Evacuate and shut down decks if need be, just get more speed.”
After a few moments of silence, the reply came from La Forge, “Aye, Sir.”
A minute later, Worf, standing at the security station announced, “Captain, my status board is showing systems being shut down all over the ship. Commander Riker has ordered the evacuation of decks 10 through 21.”
“Ship’s speed is increasing, Captain. We are now at warp 9.3. Speed is still increasing, now at warp 9.42 and holding,” Data informed Picard.
“What is our revised ETA now, Data?” asked Picard.
“One hour and six minutes, Sir,” replied the android.
“Mr. Worf, have the decks 10 through 21 been evacuated, yet?”
“It has just been completed, Captain. All personnel accounted for,” replied Worf.
“Cut all power to those decks as well as life support,” Picard ordered.
He got up from his command chair and walked to Data and helmsman Lieutenant Ruth Wesley.
“Keep your eyes on the power, Lieutenant. As soon as power becomes available, transfer it to the engines. Mr. Data, keep me apprised of status,” he said as he peered over each of their shoulders.
“Speed is now 9.5, 9.6, speed is now 9.72 and holding,” said Data.
The Com chirped. “Engineering to Captain Picard.”
“Go ahead Number One,” he replied
“That’s all there is, Captain. Let’s hope we don’t need that tow.”
“Agreed. ETA, Mr. Data?” asked Picard.
“At this speed, thirteen minutes and ten seconds.”
Picard returned to his chair with a sense of satisfaction.
“Captain, long range sensors are picking up a vessel at extreme range on the fringe of the nebula,” Data reported. “The ship doesn’t appear to be headed toward any known destination.”
“Mr. Worf?” Picard asked.
“Unable to determine vessel design at this time. It is not transmitting an ID beacon, and is traveling at sub-light speed. It is probably an automated freighter that is off course,” replied the Klingon.
“Make a note of the location of the vessel and we’ll investigate when our mission is complete.”
“Aye, Sir,” growled Worf.
“Captain, we are approaching Utari. The first few transport coordinates have just come into range,” reported Lieutenant Wesley.
“Mr. Worf, notify Viceroy Willim and begin transport. Lieutenant, plot an orbit that will take us over the transport sites as quickly as possible,” Picard said, looking at Ruth.
“Aye, Sir,” replied both Worf and Ruth Wesley.
“Captain, Viceroy Willim is on audio,” said Worf. Picard gave him a nod and a channel was opened.
“Captain, reports are starting to come in that they have received their shipments way ahead of schedule. Many hundreds of thousands of lives may have just been saved. I have a gift from the Utari people, to The United Federation of Planets. A shuttle has been dispatched to your ship, and it should arrive shortly. It’s just a small token of thanks for going so far out of your way on this mission of mercy. Again, thank you.” The channel closed.
“Transport of the medicine to the planet has been completed, Captain,” Worf said.
“Very well. Put us into a standard orbit, Lieutenant Wesley.” He hit his Com badge. “Number one?”
“Yes, Captain,” replied Ricker.
“Please arrange to redistribute power to the systems and restore power to the lower decks.”
“Aye, Sir.”
“Oh, and would you revive Mr. La Forge and tell him I said ‘Well done’?”
Will turned to look at Geordi who was over by the warp core, banging his head against the wall.
“I’ll be sure to tell him,” smiled Ricker.
“Mr. Data, let’s check out that shuttle,” said Picard as he headed to the turbo lift. “Shuttle bay three,” he said as Data joined him in the lift.
* * *
They waited out side the shuttle bay until the readings showed that it had been repressurized. The door opened and there sat an older style shuttle that appeared to be well maintained.
Data held up his tricorder and passed it over the craft. “There appears to be a container in the aft compartment that is shielded from my scans.”
“Shielded?” asked Picard, with his curiosity piqued to a higher level.
“Yes, Sir. It is not emitting any harmful radiation so either the shield is doing what it is designed to, or the contents are not radioactive. I would advise caution, Captain,” stated the golden android.
“Mr. Data, why would the Utarians wish us harm after bringing them the medicine they so desperately needed?” Picard asked, as he motioned Data to open the aft hatch.
Data opened the hatch and both he and Picard stood in disbelief. The container nearly filled the aft compartment. It had symbols and markings that indicated that it contained the most rare and most sought after substance in the galaxy.
Wars had been fought over it.
Gold pressed latinum was worthless next to it.
They opened the container, still unable to believe what they were seeing.
The container was filled with pure dilithium crystals.
Data held up his tricorder and confirmed the contents.
“Captain, there is more dilithium here than is currently being used in all of the Federation,” stated Data.
“Now we know why they’re isolationists,” stated Picard. “Have Mr. Worf get a security crew down here to store the crystals in cargo bay 8. Have them seal and shield it. I don’t want anyone scanning us and finding out what we’re carrying,” he said, holding up a huge crystal. “No mention of this is to be made to the rest of the crew. Schedule a senior staff meeting at 19:00. In the mean time, research everything you can about Utari IV. I’ll expect a report then. Oh, and ah, make sure you arrange to have this shuttle returned,” said Picard, placing the crystal back in the container.
“Aye, Sir,” replied Data.
************
“Captains Log supplemental, all indications are that the spread of the plague ravaging Utari IV has been halted. Repairs have begun on the engines. A vessel was detected at extreme range on our journey here. I intend to investigate as soon as we can leave orbit.”
************
At 19:00 Picard entered the conference room. Seated at the table were Riker, Data, La Forge, Dr. Crusher, Worf, and Counselor Deanna Troi.
“Viceroy Willim has reported that the spread of the plague has stopped. Many critical cases have shown signs of improvement. I consider our mission here a success. As you may have heard, the Utarians gave us a ‘gift’ for the Federation’s help. It is that ‘gift’ that has prompted this meeting,” said Picard. “Mr. Data?”
“What the Captain is referring to, is 21,000 kilograms of pure dilithium,” said Data, as if he were talking about a basket of flowers
Riker’s jaw hit the table. Troi
pointed to Geordi and Dr. Crusher grabbed a hold of him before he fainted. Worf looked concerned.
Data continued, “As you know, the Utarians are a non-aligned species. They are also extreme isolationists. We are the first Federation ship to have visited here in 60 years. The first contact ship, The Komack, was mapping the Vani Nebula when they discovered the system. They found a strong dampening field around the planet. It allowed transporter function but sensor readings were nearly impossible. The Utarians greeted the Komack by sub-space radio and then wished it well on its’ continued journey. Having been denied a first contact meeting, they left.”
“A long way, out of their way for nothing,” said Riker.
Data continued, “The Utari system is at the extreme edge of Alpha Quadrant. The Klingons, Romulans and the Cardassians have no settlements for over 200 parsecs. The Vani nebula also serves as a natural shield to sensors. Unless you were traveling in this direction, you would never know that this system exists. The dampening field was still operating when we arrived. If this truly was a ’small token’, then we know what they were trying to hide.”
“Dilithium has a unique and powerful sensor signature. If Utari IV is that dilithium rich, no matter how isolated you are from others, nebula or no nebula, somebody is going to find you. Once that happens, you have invasion after invasion. I would have figured out how to hide myself too,” said Geordi.
“Why did they specifically ask the Federation for help?” asked Troi.
“I doubt that they’ve been contacted by anyone else. If any of the Empires had been there before, that damping field would have been an open invitation to investigate. There wouldn’t have been anyone down there to have contracted the plague,” answered Riker.
“Dr. Crusher, what is the medical status on Utari?” asked Picard.
“Right before this briefing, I contacted the Minister of Health, and he told me that deaths due to the plague has ceased. It’s a very quick acting serum,” she replied.
“Mr. La Forge, how are the diagnostics doing on the engines?” asked Picard, as he turned toward Geordi.
“We should be restarting the warp core by 07:00. After a few final checks we should be ready to leave by 08:00,” answered La Forge.
“Good. It’s going to be a long trip back and I still want to investigate that ship,” said the Captain. “No one is to discuss this matter with anyone outside this room. No mention of it in personal logs. We can’t even chance relaying this to Star Fleet over sub-space. We will be returning to Star Fleet Command after our investigation of that vessel. Dismissed.”
“Mr. Worf,” Picard said, as the others exited the room. “Have you had any luck with the sensor readings on that ship?”
The Klingon shook his head. “No, Sir. The distance of the ship as well as its proximity to the nebula has made it impossible to identify. All we know for certain is that it is there.”
Picard nodded and Worf left the room.
************
“Captain’s Log, Stardate 46526.9. Commander La Forge has completed his repairs and he reports that the warp engines are at full readiness.”
************
“Lieutenant Wesley, break orbit and set course for the unidentified ship, warp 6. Engage,” ordered Picard.
The Enterprise leapt into warp. For a few hours, things were quiet on the bridge. Data broke the silence.
“Captain, I am beginning to receive some information on that vessel.”
“Is it a freighter, Data?” asked the Captain.
“I do not believe so Sir, however I’m getting an indication that this may be a Federation vessel, possibly a Starship.”
“A Federation vessel? I thought the Komack was the only Federation vessel to be out this far. I’m pretty sure that it returned,” stated Riker, looking at Picard.
“That is correct, Commander. It was decommissioned and scrapped 28 years ago,” replied Data.
“Life signs?” asked Picard.
“None detectable at this distance,” replied Data. “It is moving at .15 of light and, if these readings are correct, it is without power.”
“I’ll be in my ready room. Let me know as soon as you learn anything new.”
“Aye, Sir,” replied Riker.
* * *
The Com chirped. “Captain, we have new information on that vessel and are almost within visual range.”
“Acknowledged, Number One,” answered Picard.
The Captain entered the bridge from his ready room. “Report.”
“It’s defiantly a Federation vessel, Captain. It’s an old style Constitution class,” reported Ricker.
“Constitution class? They started making them before they were using stardates. Which one is it?” asked Picard.
“We don’t know yet, Sir,” answered Riker.
“What we do know is that this was one of the original 12 deep exploration starships. Only two made it back from the 5 year missions assigned in the early 2260’s,” said Data. “Our namesake, NCC-1701, which continued in service for several years afterward and the Excalibur, NCC-1705 which was damaged in a war game exercise with Dr. Richard Daystrom’s M-5 computer in 2262, Stardate 4729.4. It was beyond serviceable repair and was retired to the fleet museum.
“To be stationed on one of those original starships was considered to be the best assignment available. Command was assigned only to the very best officers,” said Riker.
Tapping his keyboard Data continued, “No life signs are onboard. All power plants are dead. Ship’s ambient temperature is the same as open space. The ship appears structurally sound. Other than the identity of the vessel, nothing more can be ascertained until we board.”
“Captain we are now in visual range” barked Lieutenant Worf.
“On screen.”
The faint image of a vessel with a saucer shaped section, a fuselage, and twin cylindrical warp nacelles appeared tumbling slowly against the stars on the view screen.
“There is no doubt that that is a Federation vessel and an old one,” said the Captain to no one in particular. “But which one?”
“Captain, we are close enough to use the tractor beam to steady the vessel,” said Data.
“Can that ship handle our tractor beam?” asked Picard, concerned.
“It is structurally sound, Captain,” replied Data.
“Make it so.”
The ship on the screen came to a halt right side up relative to The Enterprise.
“Lieutenant Wesley, bring us along side of that ship and illuminate it please. I want to know who she is,” said Picard.
The Lieutenant tapped some keys on her console and the image of the ship grew on the view screen. A strong light came on, and shined on its’ left nacelle.
“NCC-1703. The USS Lexington,” said Riker. Lieutenant Wesley suddenly looked like she had seen a ghost.
“Mr. Data, do you have any information on the Lexington?” asked Riker.
“Yes, Sir,” he said glancing at Wesley seated next to him.
“The USS Lexington was the fourth Constitution Class Starship built. It was one of the 12 original deep space starships built in that class, which were the most advanced and prominent of their time. It was commissioned on August 21, 2222. Stardates were not in use yet. It started its’ 5 year mission in 2258, Stardate 1717.5 and never returned. The last known position of the ship was in the Deneb system, in 2265, Stardate 5932.2, over 8000 light years from here. The last Commander of that ship was Commodore Robert Wesley,” he said, as all eyes turned to look at Ruth who stared fiercely ahead.
“Thank you Mr. Data. Lieutenant Wesley, will you join me in my ready room?”
They entered the room and Picard said, “Have a seat Lieutenant.”
She sat, still looking very stiff.
“Ms. Wesley, are you alright?” he asked.
“Yes, Captain. Thank you,” she replied, not looking him in the eye.
“I take it from your reaction that that name has a meaning to you.”
“Mr. Data knew. That’s why he was watching me when he told you the story of The Lexington. Commodore Wesley was my great grandfather. Along with Captain Kirk and Fleet Captain Garth, my great grandfathers’ tactics and command style are required reading at the Academy,” she said. “No one ever knew what happened to him. The last report he sent was that they were answering a distress call in the Kalib system, 6 light years from their position in the Deneb system. Nothing was ever heard from them again,” she said.
“Do you wish for some time to collect your feelings?” he asked, looking at her for signs of an emotional display.
“No thank you, Captain,” she said as she held her hand up. “Although I honor his accomplishments, I didn’t know him, I only know ‘of’ him.”
“Very well, Lieutenant, return to your station.” Picard said, satisfied that she had regained her control.
“Thank you, Sir,” Ruth said as she stood and left the room.
Picard hit his Com badge, “Mr. La Forge report my ready room.”
“Aye, Sir,” came the reply.
************
“Captains Log Stardate 46527.3. The Enterprise has found a first generation starship, The Lexington. As inexplicable as it may seem, it is 8000 light years from its last reported position. We are continuing to run scans before we deem it safe to beam an away team aboard.”