"Star Trek: Before Destruction"* Copyright 1991 by Michael Rossi To all potential "Acting" Agents/Trek fans: March 1, 1993 (Yes, believe it or not, I'm addressing you who are reading this!) Before you read this novel "Star Trek: Before Destruction!" I would like to inform you of my intentions in contacting you this way. I am attempting to have this novel published by Pocket Books, and I have need of your assistance in accomplishing this. It is my hope that when you finish reading this you will be willing to become my potential "Acting" agent. I will explain in detail further down. It is also my hope that this will be rewarding for...

Star Trek: "Before Destruction!"* - An Original Novel By Michael Rossi Author's Note: The following story takes place immediately after the 'Vintage' Trek episode entitled "Requiem for Methuselah". It also ties into the entire Trek world, thankfully created by the late Gene Roddenberry. Specific episodes that are referenced prominently are: "Requiem for Methuselah", "Whom Gods Destroy", "Day *f the Dove" and "Errand of Mercy". As with all works in the Trek universe, this one takes a few liberties... but only a few, and maintains the "Character" and "Spirit" that has made Trek my favorite world of imagination. Although this sto...

*** PROLOGUE *** Captain James Tiberius Kirk, of the Starship Enterprise, yielded finally to the merciful, if often elusive, hand of sleep. Dr. Lenard McCoy had helped him on his way. His cabin was darkened as he sat behind his desk with his head down atop folded arms. The sleeves of his gold and black Captain's uniform were still moist from the tears he was unable to hold back any longer. Though asleep, he was neither at rest nor at peace. Phantasms of his tormented heart were there to greet him as he entered the place of his dreams. Behind him, like a chiselled monolithic sentinel, stood the Vulcanian Science Officer, Spock. He look...

*** ONE *** Captain's personal log, Stardate: 5845.9. "It has been mere hours since we have left orbit around Holberg 917g, yet my memory of it seems to fade with our increasing distance. Holberg, was not on our intended agenda but a necessary break from our course, for on its surface in crude form was the vital mineral "Ryetalyn" which when refined was the main ingredient for a cure to Rigellian Fever. A landing party from the Enterprise had contracted Rigellian Fever weeks ago and the virus had swept the crew, which made our need one of desperation. Upon arrival at the out-of-the way planet, Myself, First Officer Spock and Dr. Leona...

*** TWO *** Light-years away, at the edge of Federation-occupied space, defense outposts guard a zone of space currently designated as 'off-limits' to all vessels, Federation or otherwise. This Neutral Zone separates the United Federation of Planets from the ruthless and powerful Klingon Empire. Both galactic powers were initially allowed by treaty to peacefully enter the Zone. But tensions between the two opposing forces had escalated to such a point that no contact between the two powers could be called peaceful or productive, by either government. The Zone had become a central point for espionage and counter-intelligence, makin...

*** THREE *** The dark grey Klingon ship came about and joined the two D-7 cruisers, taking the point of their wing-formation. They headed for the ship coming out of the Federation Neutral Zone into Klingon space. No questions would be asked, no favors granted. The ship was to be destroyed. Kang sat in his command chair, no stranger to battle. Dark joy beat in his breast, as he awaited the confrontation before him. He was the hunter in search of his prey. His Klingon blood surged through him, heightening his senses, honing his awareness. He was lightning waiting to be unleashed. "Helmsman, increase speed to warp 8!" commanded Kang. "Incre...

*** FOUR *** Enterprise shone like a pearl against a black velvet sky. She remained stationary as the smaller ship, dart-like in appearance, approached. Static electricity discharged with various degrees of intensity, arcing, almost dancing about them, in bright blue bolts. They were enfolded by the dark and dense cloud of particles that had once been Elba II. On the bridge of the Enterprise, damage control was completing repairs to the ship's injuries, sustained while reaching the Petroski solar system. "Bridge to Engineering. Mr. Scott, repairs are about done up here. How are things coming on your end?" spoke Jim Kirk to his chief e...

*** FIVE *** The star was dark in comparison to those of similar size and mass. Like all stars, this one was shrinking as it burned. Though at a much slower than average rate of decline, entropy would still have the final word against it. Seven planets were held in its gravitational pull, orbiting in close proximity to the burning fiery giant. The first and closest planet was named Tuj Wa, or "Hot One", without much imagination. Its molten surface was not always so, but over thousands of years, as its orbit decayed, it was drawn closer to the star and would soon become fuel for it. The second planet, Ka Zsaholt, was named after a legendar...

*** SIX *** "Permission to come aboard," requested Captain James T. Kirk, as he stepped down from the shuttlecraft, his First Officer behind him. "Permission granted, Captain," the young ensign stated. "If you will follow me, I'll escort you to the briefing room." The Captain followed, as did the Enterprise's Science Officer. A team of 'Intelligence Grey' clad officers filed aboard the Columbus with antigravs to carry the cargo to their specialized analysis chambers. "This way, Sirs," the junior officer said as they rounded the corner, leaving the Javelin's hanger bay behind. "It must be pretty dusty out there. Our bay...

*** SEVEN *** The Klingon cruiser Fury defolded from hyperspace followed closely by the Intruder's ship. They were only on the rim of the territory claimed by the Klingonese, yet if traffic had not been diverted, they would have already encountered many spacefaring merchants, miners and trade vessels of all kinds. The Trinary System before them had been the agreed rendezvous site. Specifically, they were to meet in orbit around the ninth planet of the system. Kang stepped onto the bridge in full dress uniform. This consisted of black armor and cape with the red family crest of his House of Klinzhai, on his chest. His armor hid many we...

*** EIGHT **** Captain's log, Stardate: 5850.3. We are 8 hours, 15 minutes from the planet Organia. Our mission is contingent upon the answers I receive from the inhabitants of the planet. To be an ambassador of good will or the weapon of their destruction will be decided in just nine hours. My crew is only aware of our destination. I am sure that when I give the command for self-destruct, there will be questions that I am unable to answer, and fears I will be powerless to quell. Lieutenant Grensk, who is accompanying us on our voyage, is a puzzle I have yet to solve. Uhura could find no record of his existence when I gave her instruc...

*** NINE *** The Imperial Throneship Thunder dwarfed by far the brave vessel from Federation space. Blinking running lights were the only sign that these ships were under power and at the ready to enter battle on any given moment. The invisible deflector screens of both ships dropped simultaneously, on cue, as they reached the pre-arranged transfer point. Like two silent statues, they remained motionless, dispassionate to the rest of the universe. The Emperor stood on the dimly lit transporter platform with a guard on each side and a third directly behind, with his back towards the Emperor. All but the Klingon monarch had weapons drawn, a...

*** TEN *** The white streak that was Enterprise blazed like a stray bolt of lightning through the vacuum of space. She was on a heading that would bring her into a still-disputed area of the galaxy. The Federation claimed it. The Klingon Empire claimed it, but the Organians controlled it and named it the Neutral Zone. Hence, ownership of any tract of space or any planet within that region must be acquired by peaceful, productive occupation. This was in accordance with the treaty signed by both claimants. Violent aggression by either party was forbidden, and would, by the self- appointed arbitrators / enforcers, be stopped. Since the ...

*** ELEVEN **** The new Emperor stood facing the vast expanse of space stretching forth from his window, to perhaps infinity. He allowed himself the luxury of a few moments alone to relax before he faced the Klingon Fleet commanders and revealed his plans for them to carry out. Though his authority was absolute in his empire, there would undoubtedly be questions toward his mental health if he proceeded on his intended course without sharing some details of his grand design with them. His gaze shifted from the ominous void, to the mighty Klingon armada coming into view. The smile of the wolf crossed his face as he saw the awesome might of ...

*** TWELVE *** Kang left the war room behind him and walked the corridors of the Throneship alone. 'Alone', he thought to himself, he had never been so alone before. He had faced the terror and the glory of the void beyond. He had braved the vast expanses of space and seen the wonders that they held, but always with his wife and crew beside him. Now he would return to his ship, outcast in his heart, alienated from his wife and ship because of the knowledge that he now carried with him, the knowledge that he dared not share. He prepared himself for the dishonor of the 'lie' that he would have to tell his crew, for he was no...

*** THIRTEEN *** The Starship Enterprise slowed, approaching a low-altitudinal orbit around the world below. It was within one kilometer of touching the blue planet's atmosphere; a caress that would be far from gentle if she were to come closer. James Kirk, Spock and Dr. McCoy, walked together down the hall leading to the transporter room. Jim, in his formal dress- green uniform, held a copy of the Peace Treaty and the Starfleet Order sending him to Organia. They walked abreast down the long corridor, each in his own thoughts; Kirk about what he would say to the powerful beings they were about to revisit; McCoy about his patient, Mont...

*** FOURTEEN *** The Starship Javelin slowed as it neared the Neutral Zone, where it took its place ahead of the other cruisers. The Federation Fleet had arrived at the border of the Zone mere hours earlier. Large and small craft alike faced the invisible boundary that had been established as a buffer to prevent war. Small armored fighter craft swarmed and darted about the perimeter of the fleet in battle formation, ready to engage the enemy at a moment's notice. Six Constitution-Class Starships were there with twenty- two destroyers in protective formation around them. The cruiser Javelin readied its weapons and with the rest of the ...

*** FIFTEEN *** The Enterprise pulled herself higher above the planet that she orbited. Her shiny hull lifted upwards and away from the strong gravitational pull of the blue world she very nearly embraced. Up into the star-spangled sky, where she was placed into a safer, standard orbit. The damage that she had sustained within her tubular- shaped propulsion unit was unnoticeable from the exterior. She still looked as if she could fight with the best of them, for, by most accounts, she was the best of them. In sickbay, Dr. M'Benga stood over Commander Montgomery Scott's bed and continued to argue with the Chief Engineer about not g...

*** SIXTEEN *** The Imperial Cruiser Fury had intercepted the uncoded Starfleet message declaring the possibility of 'peace' between the two opposing powers. It caused a great amount of controversy among Kang's crew. They, much like their Federation counterparts, were first struck by unbelief. Kang had told them that it did in fact appear to be true, but alluded to the fact that there might be something strangely wrong with the Emperor. He said it in such a way as to avoid any suspicion of treason. It came out the way Kang had intended, as concern for his Emperor's well-being. Wanting to inform them all along of the treach...

*** SEVENTEEN *** Earth was in its mid 23rd century, as counted from the approximate birth date, of their Christ. The inhabitants of this beautiful planet had nearly destroyed themselves numerous times throughout their bloody 6000 year history. Most recently their greatest planetary dilemma was tackling the fear of a gradual 'Global Warming'. They had spent nearly one-hundred years of effort in an attempt to replenish the Ozone layer, only to find that there was no real 'warming' taking place. The genuine problem was that increasing amounts of deadly multi-spectrum radiation had been entering the atmosphere, slowly irradia...