An Enterprising Return [Narrative]
"Captain, I'm reading an anomalous energy reading off the port nacelle. It appears to be some sort of distortion. The computer estimates an 87.6% chance that it is a fragmented tear in the temporal flux of this galaxy. It is logical to assume that it may be a direct result of the heightened density of the white dwarf at the center of this planetary system," Spock stated as he huddled over his console at the science station on the bridge of the Enterprise NCC-1701.
Captain Kirk sat on the edge of the captain's chair staring off at the monitor, the only view to the space surrounding them from that deck of the ship. His thoughts were on what was out there. And the words of his First Officer went in one ear and out the other. No pun intended, of course.
"Captain?" "Yes, Spock. Sulu! Change heading to one seven six point four, one-half impulse power."
"Aye, Captain," Sulu replied.
Spock stood straight and diverted his attention to Kirk.
"Captain, I recommend we change heading. You're turning us directly into the energy flux."
"You're not afraid, are you, Spock?" Kirk taunted.
"Sir, I am a Vulcan. I do not experience fear."
"You don't experience much of anything," Dr. McCoy mumbled.
Spock quirked a brow.
"I see no correlation between experience and emotions, doctor," Spock replied.
"No. You wouldn't."
"Regardless, it ought to be stated into the record that our current course is recklessly endangering the ship," Spock stated in perfect Vulcan certainty.
"Your concern has been duly noted, Mr. Spock. Sulu, maintain course."
. . . . .
The last thing Spock remembered before his temporary blackout, which, according to computer logs, had lasted no more than 9.42 minutes, was Chief Engineer Montgomery Scott yelling over the comm link about how the engines couldn't handle the strain of the temporal flux. Spock had tried to assist him by calibrating the engines from the bridge, but had been unsuccessful. The red alert lights began flashing and crewmen were being tossed about the ship as they entered the anomalous energy pattern. Both Sulu and Chekov reported that they had lost control of the helm, Uhura began broadcasting on an emergency frequency and then --
Nothing.
Everything had gone quiet.
And when Spock awoke, he was the only crewman left on the bridge.
By all accounts this was most disconcerting, but Spock rarely let such things affect him emotionally. Logic told him that a simple calculation of cause and effect would assist him in discovering the whereabouts of the ship's crew. But there was one thing that bothered him a little. He had experienced something like this before. Something not too long ago.
"Computer, activate main viewing screen."
The screen lit up to show buildings. Skyscrapers, even. And below? A park. A very familiar park. One in which Spock recognized quite quickly as belonging to rather ominous The City.
"Computer, verify time."
"Time unknown. Insufficient data," the computer replied.
"Computer, verify location."
"Location unknown. Insufficient data."
Spock paused for a moment.
"Computer, how many lifesigns aboard the Enterprise?"
"There is one lifesign aboard the Enterprise. Vulcan. First Officer Spock."
Spock sighed. It seemed the universe wished to play games with him again. Well, at least he knew now what to be prepared for. Assuming, of course, that this was the same The City as the last one he had been thrust upon. And assuming that very little had changed since his last being here. But there was only one way to find out.
He equipped himself with a phaser and a tricorder and proceeded to the transporter room.