A Time of Change - Chapter Two

    Shortly afterwards Watt beamed aboard the Valkyrie to see how the repair work was going. He was greeted in the transporter room by Lom.

    “Commander, how are the repairs going?”
    “On time, as always. But with me keeping an eye on them they’ll have to stay on track!”
    Lom escorted Watt into the corridor.
    “There were two communications just before you beamed aboard, one from Babylon 5 and one from an approaching shuttle craft. The shuttle will be here in ten minutes.”
    “A shuttle? From where?”
    “The Enterprise.”

    A few minutes later Watt sat in his ready room. The image of Commander Jeffrey Sinclair, commanding officer of the Babylon 5 station, was on the screen in front of him.

A Time of Change - Chapter One

   For the first time in ages the U.S.S. Valkyrie neared it’s home base, the planet Earth, for a long awaited refit. On the bridge a very relieved Captain James Watt sat in his chair as his ship docked with the McKinley Repair Station. Next to Watt Commander Pendragon smiled.
    “It’ll be good to get some shore leave.” he said. “It’s been a while.”
    “It certainly will number one.” said Watt.
    Then Amarus noticed something on his panel.
    “Captain, I’m receiving a communication from Starfleet Security. Admiral McCarthy is ready to beam aboard.”
    Watt sighed and got to his feet.
    “You have the bridge Commander. Mr. Amarus, you’re with me.”
    Watt and Amarus soon stood in Transporter Room Three. Watt then gave the order for the transporter beam to be energised. Seconds later a rather stern-looking man dressed in the uniform of a Starfleet admiral beamed aboard. The man was Admiral Joseph McCarthy, the head of Starfleet Security.

The Best of Both Worlds - Chapter Four

Magus still had that uneasy look on his face. Reid could tell something was wrong.

    “We should conclude our research here and return.” said Magus. “I definitely think something is wrong.”
    “Can you tell what yet?” asked Reid.
    “No, but I get a feeling we will find out when we return.
    Reid reached into his pocket and activate his transporter device.
    “The beam should be active in the alley we arrived in.” he said. “We’d better hurry.”

The Best of Both Worlds - Chapter Three

   

The jet flew high over the countryside, circling many times. Inside Watt checked the instruments.
    “The energy reading is directly below us. I’ve never seen power like this before.”
    “I see it.” said Cabal. “We will land in the adjoining field.”
    Kurgen landed the aircraft, and soon they were standing in front of the strange energy.
    “What is it?” asked Ant.
    Before anyone could reply the energy began to change. A few seconds later a slightly hazy image began to appear.
    “What is that?” asked Mordred. “It looks like London.”
    Cabal closed his eyes and began to concentrate. A few seconds later his eyes were open.
    “It is what I have been looking for.” he said. “This, my friends, is the gateway to another world.”
    “Are you sure?” asked Kurgen. “It looks just like London.”
    “That is because it is what you would call a parallel world, much like our own. I believe it is there we will find the challenge we need.”
    “Are you saying we should go through that thing?” asked Ant. “You’re bloody mad!”
    Cabal turned and stared coldly at the size-changer.
    “You are either with me or against me. We enter the portal.”
    Cabal then stepped forward and stepping into the portal. He was soon followed by Kurgen, Watt, Mordred and Ant. A few seconds later they were gone from their world.

The Best of Both Worlds - Chapter Two

Yetta was up early the next day. She made her way downstairs expecting to see devastation all around. As she entered the meeting room she closed her eyes. Then she thought she heard music. It was a full orchestra playing. She opened her eyes. The room was spotless. She then made her way through to the living quarters.
    There she found the source of the music. Magus had hired the Royal Philharmonic to play at the wedding later that day, and he had them playing “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” as he conducted. What really took her breath away was the vast array of cleaning implements all doing their own work. She embraced Magus fervently and then kissed him. Magus disentangled himself.
    “Mrs. Goldberg, please remember yourself.” he said jokingly. “I’m old enough to be a very distant ancestor!”
    At that moment Teddy entered.
    “How much did you finally have to drink?” he said disapprovingly.
    Magus looked down at him.
    “Not enough to get drunk. I haven’t been drunk since 1492 when I discovered America.”
    “That was Columbus Doctor.” said Yetta.
    “No, he got there a week after me.” replied Magus. “But I let him have the credit.”
    “If I were you I’d go to the kitchen and see Captain Watt.” said Teddy. “He’s suffering from last night.”
    Magus soon entered the kitchen to see Watt clasping his head. Magus smiled.
    “I have been shot down over Kuwait, been toe to toe with Smasher and Woodwose, and felt the full force of Darkmagus’ power, but that is nothing to compared to the pain I am feeling now!”
    “Maybe you should try my cure for hangovers.”
    Magus opened his hand and waved his other hand over it.  A glass of clear liquid appeared from out of nowhere. He handed it to Watt.
    “A concoction I last used hundreds of years ago. I think Connor McCloud was the last one I tried it on. It worked quite well.”
    Watt drank the drink. A few seconds later he perked up a bit.
    “That feels a lot better. Thanks Phineas.”
    Yetta then entered the kitchen.
    “No breakfast for me today Yetta. I’d better get ready.”
    Yetta looked surprised.
    “You cured his hangover? What did you give him?”
    “Water.”
    “Water? But water isn’t a cure for hangovers.”
    “I know. I merely planted the suggestion into his mind making him think the glass of water could cure his hangover. It worked quite well.”

The Best of Both Worlds - Chapter One

    A small funeral service was taking place in Highgate Cemetery. The service was being conducted by the holy man Godbold. Also present were Paul Solo and his nephew, Steven, James Watt, Katrina Velichev, Arthur Pendragon and Phineas Magus. The funeral was for their friend James Solo, Star Man, who had died during the New Age campaign.
    “Man that is born of woman hath but a short time to live.” said Godbold.
    No one at the service was listening to Godbold. Each were deep in thought, thinking about their list friend and comrade, each had their own thoughts.
    The service finished a short time later. The two Solos went up to Godbold.
    “Thank you.” said Steven. “My father would have been proud of this service.”
    “It’s the least I could do.” Godbold replied. “Even though I didn’t know your father long I came to respect him.”
    Slowly Watt and Katrina walked towards the car that was waiting for them.    “It doesn’t seem right somehow.” said Watt. “Phineas told me this would happen, but it seems that now I’m immortal I’ll be losing a lot of friends.”
    Magus soon caught up with them.
    “Good, I wanted to speak with you.” said Watt. “Kate and I have talked it over and we think we should postpone the wedding. It’s not in good taste to get married shortly after we’ve attended two funerals.”
    Watt did not realise that young Steven had overheard them. He suddenly went rushing after him.
    “Mister Watt, wait!”
    They turned round as Steven ran towards them.
    “I overheard what you said about the wedding. Postponing it would have been the last thing my father would have wanted.”
    They were soon joined by Paul Solo.
    “Steve’s right.” he said. “I think you should go ahead. You’ve been planning this day for months now.”
    “If you’re sure.” said Watt. “What do you think Phineas?”
    “The decision is not mine to make.” said Magus.
    Watt looked at Katrina.
    “We should go ahead. It’s what everyone wants.”

The Passing of The New Age - Chapter Four

    The Valkyrie crew were pushing the engines to the limit and beyond in pursuit of the stolen shuttle. In the conference room Watt sat with Magus to his right and Pendragon to his left. Watt had some questions that needed answering.
    “How long have you known about Hogan’s connection to Darkmagus?” Watt asked.
    “I suspected something when he first came aboard.” Magus replied.
    “Then why the hell didn’t you say something?” snapped Pendragon. “I’ve heard all the old stories about Darkmagus. If they’re true we could be headed towards a full-scale war here.”
    “They are all true, Commander, but there is something that you don’t know about. I believe Tompkins is safe, and he will be back with us when we reach the Procyn system.”
    “Why there?” asked Watt.
    “Because Darkmagus is there.”

The Passing of the New Age - Chapter Three

      Early the next morning Singh carried out a full examination of Hogan. The doctor seemed very happy.
    “Mr. Hogan, I am proud to announce that you are in perfect health, for someone of your age anyway.”
    “Does that mean I can leave sickbay?”
    “It certainly does. I see no reason for you to remain if you’re healthy.”
    Singh activate his communicator.
    “Singh to Watt. Captain, our patient is fit and well and ready to leave sickbay.”
    Watt, who was on the bridge, responded.
    “Understood Doctor.”
    Watt turned to Tompkins at the helm.
    “Mister Tompkins, please show our guest to his quarters.”
    A few minutes later Tompkins arrived in sickbay. He saw Hogan sitting on the examination table.
    “Good morning Mister Hogan. I’m Lieutenant Mark Tompkins. I’m here to show you to your quarters.”
    Upon hearing Tompkins’ name he perked up a bit.
    “Tompkins? Very pleased to meet you.”
    Tompkins showed Hogan out of sickbay. They made their way to the living quarters.
    “It certainly is a remarkable ship you have here Lieutenant.”
    “Please, call me Mark.”
    “Well, Mark, tell me something of your ship.”
    “The Valkyrie is a Wagner-class starship, currently the only one of it’s class in service. It was commissioned ten years ago. Her first commander was Captain Connor McCloud. Captain Watt was first officer then, and was promoted when Captain McCloud was promoted to Admiral.”
    “Why does the name Connor McCloud sound familiar?”
    “Probably because he is an Immortal, born eight hundred years ago, give or take a year or so.”
    They stopped when they came to a door.
    “Here we are.”
    They entered the guest quarters. Hogan looked around. Tompkins walked over to the replicator.
    “This is the food replicator. It will provide any food or drink you want.”
    After gazing around Hogan looked at Tompkins.
    “Would it be possible to take a tour of this ship?”
    “I would have to ask the Captain first, but I don’t see why not. If you wish to contact me press this button on the panel.”
    Tompkins soon left the quarters. Hogan seemed very happy at his surroundings.

The Passing Of The New Age - Chapter Two

 Watt was soon joined by Trospheo in the corridor, and they entered sickbay together. The first thing they saw was the stranger sitting up on the examination table drinking a glass of water. Before they could approach him they themselves were approached by Singh.
    “How is he?” Watt asked.
    “In perfect health, and very hungry.” Singh replied. “I didn’t tell him anything about his current situation. I thought it best to wait for you.”
    “Very well Doctor.”
    Watt then walked over to the stranger, extending his hand as a token of friendship.
    “Hello, I’m Captain James Watt.”
    The stranger seemed very interested when he heard Watt’s name.
    “Hello. Are you THE James Watt?”
    “It depends on which one of us you mean.” said Watt. “Tell me, how did you come to be on that space vessel?”
    “To be perfectly honest Captain I don’t have any idea. All I know is that I was on my way back to Earth.”
    “Can you remember your name?”
    “That I can. Terrence Hogan.”
    “What was the year you made your journey in?”
    “Seems an odd question. It was 2000. Why did you ask that?”
    Watt began to rub his chin.
    “There’s no other way to tell you Mister Hogan, but I’m afraid you’ve been in hibernation for three hundred and seventy years.”
    Upon hearing this new Hogan dropped his glass of water.
    “Are you sure?”
    “By the old calendar this is 2370.” said Watt. “I’ll let you rest now. If you want to talk to anyone Counsellor Trospheo will be happy to help you.”
    Watt left sickbay a few minutes later. He bumped into Magus in the corridor.
    “How is our patient?” Magus asked.
    “Awake and somewhat confused.” Watt replied. “It seems that his sleeper ship was returning to Earth in the year 2000.”
    “Odd. I don’t remember any space missions returning to Earth in that year.”
    “Perhaps you can work with Lom and Sutek in examining that ship.
    “I’ll help them study the information when they bring it back, but I’d also like to keep an eye on our guest. I have a rather strange feeling about him.”

The Passing Of The New Age - Chapter One

    It was a lovely day at the Oval. The occasion was a very special match between an England eleven and a Rest of the World eleven. The England eleven were currently batting. Standing at the slips were Don Bradman, Viv Richards and Allan Border. Behind the stumps was the great West Indian Jeff Dujon, and about to start his run-up was the great Pakistani leg spinner Abdul Qadir, who was about to bowl from the pavilion end.
    The England opening batsmen were still at the crease, having made a stand of nearly one hundred and thirty. The non-striker was none other than Geoff Boycott himself, one of the most outspoken cricketers ever. About to take the strike was a relative newcomer to World cricket - Captain James Watt, commanding officer of the U.S.S. Valkyrie.
    Qadir started his run-up. He bowled. It was his famous googly. Watt made his stroke, a glorious effort that sent the ball through the covers. The crowd began to go wild as the ball went for four, brining Watt’s score to one hundred. Taking off his helmet Watt began to acknowledge the appreciation of the crowd. Boycott then came up to him. He had been stuck on forty for the past thirty minutes.
    “You did well there. Not as good as me though.”
    The drinks interval came straight after. Watt was surprised when he saw that the drinks tray was being carried by his first officer, Commander Pendragon.
    “What’s up number one?” asked Watt, taking a sip of orange squash.
    “The sensors have picked up a drifting vessel nearby. I thought you’d want to take a look.”
    “Vessel?” said Boycott. “What the bloody hell are you talking about?”
    Watt smiled.
    “Computer, save program at this time index.”
    The image began to change. Suddenly the holodeck looked empty as the program was saved in the computer’s memory.
    “Personally I would have picked Graham Gooch as my opening partner.” said Pendragon.
    “I’m beginning to agree with you Commander.”
    The two of them soon left the holodeck.
    “I wouldn’t mind trying that program myself.” said Pendragon. “It looks quite enjoyable.”
    “Personally I think test cricket lost it’s flavour when the Sudan were awarded test status in 2009. It was soon afterwards that records were easily broken. Men of limited ability were hailed as the new Bradman or Botham. Now about this craft.”
    “Yes sir. We picked it up ten minutes ago. There appear to be faint life signs but nothing more.”
    “Very well, I’ll take a quick shower and I’ll join you on the bridge in about fifteen minutes.”