Headlong Flight

by Dayton Ward

  “You’re not going to be sick, are you?” asked Konya, his eyes narrowing.

  Tropp cleared his throat before replying, “It is certainly not my intention, though one cannot always predict these sorts of things.”

  “Doctor,” said Worf from the cockpit, “if you are ill, we will have to return to the Enterprise.”

  Holding up a hand, the Denobulan replied, “No, Commander. That will not be necessary.” He reached to the control pad on his wrist and tapped a sequence on its recessed keys. “I am adjusting the mixture of my life-support system to increase my oxygen intake. That should remedy the issue.” A moment later, Chen watched Tropp seem to relax and settle back into his seat.

  “Better?” she prompted.

  The doctor nodded. “Yes, thank you. If the issue persists, I have remedies in my medical kit.”

  Worf glanced over his shoulder. “You are certain, Doctor?”

  “Yes, Commander. Please do not allow me to hinder our mission.”

  Appearing satisfied, the first officer turned back to his controls. “Proceeding on course.”

  The Spinrad chose that moment to shake a second time, followed by a new low rumbling that seemed to course along the shuttlecraft’s hull.

  “For a planet with no atmosphere,” said Cruzen, “this one puts up quite a fuss.”

  Without diverting his attention from his console, Taurik replied, “The electromagnetic disruptions we are encountering appear to emanate from the subterranean power source we detected earlier. Sensor readings from the Enterprise were inconclusive, but now that we are closer the origin is evident. These readings do not indicate a naturally occurring phenomenon, but instead an artificial origin. I suspect our flight difficulties will only increase the closer we move to the surface.”

  “That’s not very encouraging,” said Konya.

  Over the open communication channel, Captain Picard said, “Number One, we’re attempting to track your course to the surface, but our sensors are still encountering their own interference. I’m leaving it up to you to continue or abort the mission at your discretion.” The open channel emitted static, indicating the continuing problems with the quantum energy and its ability to interfere with communications as well as sensors and transporters.

  “Understood, Captain,” replied Worf, and Chen thought she detected the smallest of pauses, as though the Klingon were weighing his options, before he added, “The turbulence we are encountering is within tolerable levels, Captain. I recommend we proceed, at least for the moment.”

  “Very well. We’ll continue to keep this channel open. Commander La Forge is working on clearing the remaining interference. Are your sensors picking up anything new from the surface?”

  Taurik replied, “We are able to scan the surface structure we detected during the Enterprise’s initial sensor sweeps. There is still some interference, but readings show an internal atmosphere approximating Class-M conditions.”

  “That’s a relief,” said Cruzen, tapping her environmental suit’s chest plate. “Maybe we’ll be able to peel ourselves out of these things.”

  Taurik continued his report. “Power readings are growing more intense as we approach the structure, sir.”

  “What about life signs?” asked the captain.

  “Readings are indistinct, though we are able to confirm that the structure is the only location on the planet within our sensor range that indicates life-form readings.” The Vulcan added, “This does not rule out the possibility of areas shielded from our sensors, either as a natural effect of the interference we are experiencing or as a deliberate countermeasure.”

  “We’re having the same problem, Commander,” said Lieutenant Dina Elfiki over the channel. “Commander La Forge and I are still working to reconfigure the sensors, but it’s slow going.”

  Picard added, “In other words, proceed with caution, Spinrad.”

  The shuttlecraft trembled around them again, and this time the effect was sufficient that Chen reached for the edge of her seat in an attempt to steady herself.

  “Inertial dampers and artificial gravity systems just experienced a power fluctuation,” reported Taurik. The Vulcan’s left hand was moving across the main console in front of him while his other hand moved to the interface panel on the bulkhead to his right. “Routing power from noncritical systems to compensate.”

  As though responding to his report, another tremor rattled the Spinrad and another shift in the drone of the compact vessel’s engines coursed through the passenger cabin.

  “Propulsion systems are now reacting to the interference,” reported Taurik.

  Holding on to his own seat, Konya said, “All right, now my stomach is starting to get queasy.”

  Tropp said, “I have a treatment for that, Lieutenant.”

  “Kidding, Doc.”

  “Increasing power to deflector shields and modulating their frequency,” said Taurik. Chen watched his fingers move across several controls on his console, and a moment later the rough ride began to level out.

  “Excellent work, Commander,” said Worf.

  The engineer replied, “It is a temporary measure, sir. Modulating the shield frequency allows us to mitigate the interference, but not completely protect us from it. According to our sensor readings, the effects will continue to increase as we maintain our descent toward the surface.”

  “Mister Worf?” prompted Picard, and Chen heard the concern in the captain’s voice.

  “We are maintaining course and speed, Captain,” replied the first officer.

  A beeping tone from the console caught the attention of everyone, and Taurik indicated a new flashing indicator.

  “Power readings from beneath the surface, sir. They appear to be rising. The increase is slow, but steady. I am unable to establish a sensor lock on the source of energy output.”

  Worf replied, “Continue to monitor those readings.”

  “I can do that, sir,” said Chen, Curious as to what she might be missing, she moved from her seat and shifted to one closer to the cockpit. She reached for the compact workstation behind Taurik and activated its control interface.

  “Power levels are definitely increasing,” she said after instructing the console to tie into the shuttlecraft’s sensor array. “Some of these readings are topping the scale. I’ve never seen anything like them.” She pulled up another scan. “Commander Worf, the sensor clutter is starting to clear up a bit. I’m able to get a better look at the surface structure and the life-form readings. There’s an area at the structure’s far end that looks like it might be a landing bay.” With a tap of her controls, she sent the information to the cockpit’s center console.

  “The entrance appears to be a reinforced pressure hatch,” said Taurik after a moment. “I am detecting an atmosphere beyond that door, and what appear to be small craft with chemical fuel–based propulsion systems. If it is a landing area, then it likely requires a depressurization sequence before the hatch can be opened.”

  Cruzen asked, “So, do we get out and knock?”

  “Are we certain the people inside are even able to respond to our presence?” asked Tropp.

  “That is a very astute question,” replied Taurik, “and one for which I do not yet have an answer.”

  Worf said, “We will maneuver closer and see if there is a reaction to our approach.”

  Straining to look past the first officer and his console and through the Spinrad’s forward viewing ports, Chen was just able to make out the jagged peaks of dark mountains, which would be all but invisible if not for the computer-enhanced displays, the shuttlecraft’s exterior illumination, and perhaps any external lighting from the structure they were approaching. However, Chen was sure she was noticing . . . something else.

  “Where’s the light coming from?” she asked.

  Taurik replied, “Uncertain. With no sun, there
should be no natural ambient light, but the entire surface appears to possess an odd luminosity. My only theory is that it must be an effect of the nebula, or perhaps the quantum fluctuations and other electromagnetic readings we are detecting.”

  “What about radiation?” asked Worf. “Are we in any danger from exposure?”

  Checking the readings for herself, Chen replied, “Doesn’t look that way, sir.”

  Over the intership, Lieutenant Elfiki said, “We’re double-­checking the readings, but so far you’re in the clear.”

  Even with the Spinrad’s inertial damping systems, Chen still imagined she felt herself pulled to one side as Worf guided the shuttlecraft in an arc and maintained the vessel’s descent. The mountains filled the forward viewing port now that the shuttle had dropped below the taller peaks, and Chen saw the unmistakable curves and straight angles of an artificial structure looming in the near darkness.

  “There we go,” Chen said, only then realizing that she had risen from her seat in order to afford herself a better look through the cockpit’s canopy. As expected, she could see light sources—both interior and exterior—at various points along the construct’s surface, illuminating the ground and nearby foothills. It was not a single building, but instead a series of smaller structures positioned close together and connected by conduits that Chen assumed were access tunnels. The exterior walls of each building rose straight from the ground, with flat roofs topped with what might be equipment clusters.

  “Be it ever so humble,” she said, to no one in particular. “Somebody calls this place home.”

  “We’re close enough now that somebody could be looking out a window and see us,” said Konya, and Chen turned to see that he had moved from his own seat and was now standing behind her.

  Another tone sounded in the cabin, this time from Chen’s workstation, and she shifted her stance so she could examine the new indicator. “Commander Worf, the power levels are continuing to rise, and now sensors are showing an increase in the rate at which they’re building.”

  “Could it be a reaction to our presence?” asked the first officer. “Some kind of defensive measure?”

  “I don’t think so, sir.” Chen reviewed the sensor telemetry again. “I’m not seeing anything that could be construed as a weapon, or any sort of shielding. The structures look to be fairly robust, but they’re just . . . well . . . sitting there, sir. No real protection against the elements or attack or anything.”

  Cruzen said, “Which is pretty weird when you think about how truly alone they are all the way out here, however many light-years from wherever they’re supposed to be.”

  “Sure,” said Chen, “in this dimension, but if they’re from a different one? For all we know, there’s an entire solar system surrounding us on some parallel plane of existence. How’s that for crazy?”

  “My head hurts just thinking about it,” replied Konya.

  A rapid sequence of alert tones made them all turn their attention to the cockpit, where Taurik was pointing to another indicator on his console. “An incoming communication, sir. From the surface.”

  Worf said, “Captain Picard, are you receiving this new transmission?”

  “Affirmative, Number One, but the signal is very weak and laced with interference. As you’re closer, you may fare better with a response.”

  “Aye, sir.” Gesturing for Taurik to open the appropriate frequency, the first officer raised his voice. “This is Commander Worf of the Starship Enterprise, representing the United Federation of Planets. We are here on a peaceful mission of exploration, and we detected your planet and its energy readings. We also intercepted your earlier communication. If you are in distress, we are prepared to offer assistance.”

  The first response to his call was a burst of static, which was replaced by a steady hum laced with a stream of hiss. That also dissolved in favor of what to Chen’s ears sounded like a female voice.

  “Unidentified vessel, you are in great danger. We urge you to leave us immediately for your own safety. There is nothing you can do for us in the time rem—”

  The rest of the response was lost amid a new burst of static just as the Spinrad rocked with sufficient force to send Chen and Konya tumbling backward into the shuttle­craft’s passenger compartment. A quick hand grasping the edge of her workstation kept Chen from falling to the deck, but Konya suffered the indignity of tripping over Doctor Tropp’s feet and dropping onto his back.

  “Lieutenant!” snapped the Denobulan, who was already leaning forward and reaching to assist the security officer.

  Holding up a hand, Konya said, “I’m fine, Doc. Wounded pride, is all.”

  “What’s happening?” shouted Chen over a new alarm that had begun blaring inside the cabin. Then her eyes fell on her console’s sensor readings. “The subsurface power readings are spiking!”

  Around them, the shuttlecraft’s entire frame was shuddering in protest as every light and console indicator flickered. The steady thrum of the Spinrad’s engines deteriorated into a chaotic fit of coughs and sputters, and her stomach lurched as the artificial gravity wavered for a frantic moment before returning to normal.

  “Spinrad, what’s your status?” asked Picard over the comm channel.

  Taurik, his gaze fixed on his controls, tapped a control and the klaxon stopped. “The quantum fluctuations are intensifying and beginning to interfere with our onboard systems.”

  “We need to move away from the power source,” said Worf, who was already moving his hands across his own console. “Increasing power to thrusters.”

  Chen dropped back into her seat, one hand gripping her console as she used the other to call up a status report for the shuttle’s onboard systems.

  “I’m starting to think we may have a problem,” said Cruzen.

  Another alarm sounded, and Chen scanned the cockpit console to locate its source, but then the cause for the alert became obvious as the Spinrad’s engines died.

  “Impulse drive is offline,” reported Worf.

  Taurik said, “With only maneuvering thrusters, we will be unable to achieve escape velocity.”

  “What about the warp drive?” asked Konya. Chen cast a glance over her shoulder and saw that he had pulled himself from the deck and returned to his seat.

  “No,” replied Taurik. “Quantum fluctuations are strong enough that they would interfere with our ability to generate a subspace field. Further, given our proximity to the planet’s surface, attempting such an action would be inherently hazardous.”

  Another wave of power fluctuations coursed through the shuttlecraft’s interior. Lights and consoles flickered, and the Spinrad seemed to drop several meters and list to port before regaining its attitude. Chen turned in her seat to see Tropp looking toward the cockpit. Concern clouded his features.

  “What about landing?” asked the Denobulan.

  Worf said, “That may be our safest option, assuming we can maintain power and control.” Without looking away from his console, he called in a louder voice, “Everyone assume crash positions. We will attempt to land close to the structure.”

  • • •

  Pushing himself from his command chair, Picard stepped closer to the forward conn and ops stations, his gaze riveted on the bridge’s main viewscreen and the image of the planet depicted upon it. He imagined he could see the shuttlecraft Spinrad, attempting to maintain control as Worf and Commander Taurik endeavored to bring the tiny vessel to a safe landing.

  “Mister Worf?” he prompted.

  The first officer’s voice boomed through the intership, “All power systems are being disrupted. We are making our final descent now.”

  “We’ve still got a sensor lock on them, Captain,” said Lieutenant Aneta Šmrhová, the Enterprise’s chief of security, from where she stood at the main tactical station behind and just to the left of the captain’s chair. “Their co
urse is erratic, but they’re holding steady for a controlled landing.”

  “Mister La Forge,” said Picard, without looking from the screen. “Transporters?”

  Working at one of the bridge’s rear engineering stations, Geordi La Forge replied, “Not from this distance, Captain; not with the elevated quantum fluctuations and electromagnetic interference.”

  “Can we move closer?” asked Lieutenant Dina Elfiki, turning in her seat at the science station. “The planet has no atmosphere, after all.”

  Lieutenant Joanna Faur looked first to the young science officer before turning her attention to Picard. “It’d be risky, sir. We’d be subjected to the same interference the shuttlecraft’s dealing with.”

  “But only for a few moments,” countered Glinn Ravel Dygan, the young Cardassian exchange officer who currently manned the ops station to Faur’s left. “If we modulate our deflector shield frequency in a manner similar to what Commander Taurik did with the shuttlecraft, we should be protected long enough to descend to a safe transporter distance.”

  Picard turned toward La Forge. “Geordi?”

  “It could work,” replied the chief engineer, “but it’d be a hell of a rough ride, and that’s before we’d have to drop the shields to beam them out of there.” He nodded to Dygan. “It would only have to be for a couple of minutes.”

  For the briefest of moments, Picard considered the notion that it had taken just about that same interval of time for the Spinrad to encounter its own difficulties, but he quickly dismissed the errant thought when he heard Worf over the speakers, his voice laced with static.

  “Spinrad to Enterprise. We are on the ground. The shuttle itself has sustained damage, but life-support systems are functioning, and we have no significant injuries.”

  “Stand by, Number One,” said Picard. “We’re putting together a retrieval plan.” He looked to La Forge. “Make your preparations.”