A Leap Too Far - Chapter One

 Captain James Watt had absolutely no idea what was going on. One minute he was on the bridge of the Valkyrie, a Monstron Satan-class ship staring him down the throat, and the next he was in this strange white room. Even his familiar red and black Starfleet uniform had gone to be replaced by something that resembled a white body stocking and a white doctors coat. Watt looked around the room and saw what appeared to be a psychiatrists couch in front of him.
    “Is anybody here?” he called.
    There was no reply. Watt called again. He got the same response. He walked over to the couch and leaned against it. Could this be a trick of the Monstrons? Perhaps some new weapon of which Starfleet had no previous knowledge. He had no idea what was happening to him.

    Sam Beckett had leaped into may lives before, and done many things, but of all his leaps this one seemed the strangest. He was garbed in what appeared to be a red and black uniform. He looked around and there were others dressed in a similar manner. In front of him was what appeared to be a huge television screen, and on the screen was what seemed like a giant space ship. Everything around him seemed like some science fiction movie. Then a man wearing the same colour uniform as his approached him.
    “The Monstrons are waiting for you call Captain.”
    Beckett looked at the man. He was totally confused.
    “Oh boy!”

Princes of the Universe - Chapter Five

Watt, Pendragon, Amarus and Admiral McCloud had gone on ahead of the security team. They were the first to arrive at the entrance to the caverns. The door was in a mess. Amarus walked up to the entrance and examined the black scorch marks on the door.
    “This definitely looks like Cardassian phaser fire.” he said. “And from the looks of this it didn’t take a lot to get through.”
    “Just like the time we were here.” said Pendragon.
    McCloud joined Amarus at the entrance.
    “The elevator is up.” he said. “Pendragon, Amarus, you’re with me.”
    “As am I.” said Watt.
    “This is a dangerous situation we’re going into Captain.” said McCloud.
    “I am quite capable of looking after myself Admiral.” Watt replied.
    The four of them stepped into the elevator. Without any of them doing anything the elevator started to move, going down into the caverns.
    A minute passed before they were in the caverns far beneath the planet’s surface. Amarus was the first to get out. He started to scan the area with his tri-corder.
    “There are twenty-two life forms in the next cavern down that passage way.” he indicated. “Twenty-one Cardassians, and one…well, with readings similar to those of a human.”
    “Then Connor is still alive.” said McCloud.
    McCloud paused as he stood, as if he was trying to listen to something.
    “What’s wrong?” asked Watt.
    “I can’t hear anything.” said McCloud. “That’s what’s wrong. We must hurry.”

Princes of the Universe - Chapter Four

The Cardassian warship neared the first planet of the Epsilon-Beta system.
    “Carry out a full scan of the surface.” ordered Damec.
    His order was carried out. The science officer made his report.
    “A class M planet with no cities or dwellings on the surface. There are many caverns underground however, but something is blocking our scans.”
    “Are there any entrances to the caverns?” asked Damec.
    “There is only one.”
    “Damec to security chief. Form a full assault squad. We are going down to the surface. I’ll wipe out all of these telepaths if I have to. Then McCloud will be mine, as will his knowledge and power!”

Princes of the Universe - Chapter Three

Connor McCloud hurriedly ran around his quarters trying to gather up all that belonged to him, which wasn’t much. It was then that the Elder entered.
    “What are you doing?” the Elder asked.
    “You said yourself that my injuries have healed.” said McCloud. “I see no reason for me to stay.”
    “But you cannot just go.” said the Elder. “How will you leave this world? We have no ships.”
    “But you have communication devices. There are bound to be vessels in this system.”
    “Did not your own Federation deem this system off-limits?”
    “To Federation ships maybe, but there are other spaceships out there.”
    McCloud finished packing his things into the small bag. He then threw the bag over his shoulder and left the room. He march down the corridor and soon came to the room he was looking for, the communications room. The Elder was not far behind him.
    “I beg of you Captain, please remain here. If others were to come here than untold misery would be brought upon our race.”
    “Look, I’m grateful for all you’ve done for me, but I can’t stay here for the rest of my life, which could be a few thousand years. With Capria dead there’s nothing more for me here. I must go.”
    McCloud sat down and the table and switch on the communicator. He did not notice the Elder looking very grim.
    “To anyone within the sound of my voice. This is Captain Connor McCloud on Epsilon-Beta One. I am seeking transport off this planet.”

Princes of the Universe - Chapter Two

 Sisko, Watt and Pendragon walked towards the morgue on D.S.9. The Valkyrie arrived one hour earlier and Sisko, knowing of Pendragon’s vast ancient weapons knowledge, decided to take advantage of this.
    “We’ve never had an incident like this before.” said Sisko. “At least not while I’ve been in command here. Here we are.”
    Sisko led them into the morgue. They were greeted by Doctor Bashir.
    “You know our chief medical officer, Doctor Bashir.” said Sisko.
    “The body’s over here.” said Bashir.
    Bashir opened the morgue draw and pulled it out. The body was covered with a sheet.
    “I haven’t seen a death like this in years.” said Bashir.
    Bashir pulled back the sheet, revealing the body of the decapitated Bajoran. The head had been placed just above the neck.

Princes of the Universe - Chapter One

 Not since the days of old had a battle been seen like this on the planet Bajor…let alone around it!
    Near one of the airlocks on station Deep Space Nine a battle of swords was taking place between old long-time enemies. Between Bajoran and Cardassian. The clang of swords could be heard throughout the airlock. Thrust and parry was met by thrust and parry from the opposite side. The might battle continue for several minutes. Then it appeared that the Cardassian, who was dressed in the uniform of a Gul, a commander, was gaining the upper hand. The Bajoran was getting lower and lower to the floor as the Cardassian was winning this battle of swords. A swipe from the Cardassian’s sword knocked the Bajoran’s sword flying against a nearby wall. The Bajoran was on his knees. He looked up at the Cardassian.
    “Go ahead Damec. Do it!”
    The Bajoran lowered his head. The Cardassian raised his sword.
    “There can be only one!” he cried.
    The Cardassian brought his sword down upon the Bajoran, separating his head from his body. He stood looking down at his fallen foe. He then began to twitch. Down the corridor he could see a glowing light, a form of lightning. The lightning soon covered him. He began to writhe about, as if in pain. He let out a huge cry. After a few seconds the lightning seemed to die down. The Cardassian did not notice the station’s security chief, Odo, and a full security contingent arrive in the corridor. Odo had no idea what had just happened. The Cardassian stare at him coldly. Odo then saw the decapitated Bajoran.

Return to Epsilon - Chapter Four

The view screen in the holodeck went blank. Commodore Throne sat at the head table. He was not a happy man.
    “How long is this going to go on for Commander Sutek?” he snapped. “We have sat here for hours watching these events unfold on the screen. We all know what happened the last time the Valkyrie came here. Why do we need to see the events again? I’m going to move for a mistrial.”

Return to Epsilon - Chapter Three

A recess had been called by Commodore Throne. During this recess Watt returned to the bridge. When he did Amarus called him over to the tactical station.
    “What is it?” asked Watt.
    “We appear to be receiving some sort of transmission from the planet’s surface.” said Amarus.
    “What sort of transmission?”
    “It is a signal I have not seen before, but it is aimed at this ship.”
    “Can you interpret it in any way?”
    “It would take some time.”
    “You have all the time you need. Afterwards, contact me in the holodeck.”
    A short time later the court martial hearing was reconvened in the holodeck. Commodore Throne banged his gavel on the table.
    “This hearing is now in session again.” he said. “Commander Sutek, do you have any other evidence to show in your defence?”
    “I have much more.” Sutek replied. “With your permission I would like to continue with the visual evidence.”
    Throne nodded. The lights dimmed again and the view screen came to life. The scene was once more that of the cave in which McCloud had been held. In this scene McCloud was examining the transparent shielding. The young woman, Capria, sat on the bed.

Return to Epsilon - Chapter Two

Watt walked along the corridors of the Valkyrie. As he walked Pendragon saw him and called out to him. The two of them were soon walking together.
    “I’ve just heard from Starfleet Command.” said Watt.
    “I take it the news isn’t good.”
    “The Attorney General won’t be available to handle this case for another six weeks. Starfleet Command has given Commodore Throne the necessary power needed for this case.”
    “And Captain McCloud?”
    “Is the only other available officer of sufficient rank. The nearest starship is three days away, so it will have to be Throne, McCloud and myself.”
    “I don’t envy you one bit. But maybe we’ll find out why he did it.”

Return to Epsilon - Chapter One

Captain Watt and Commander Pendragon stood in the transporter room of the Valkyrie. They awaited the arrival of a very special guest, an old friend of theirs. Watt gave the order for the transporter beam to be energised, and it duly was. A few seconds later the pattern was fully formed. A disfigured man in a wheelchair sat on the transporter pad. The man was Captain Connor McCloud. McCloud had been severely injured during the test rungs of the new Lohengrin starship. An explosion in the ship’s engine room had left McCloud paralysed from the chest down. Plasma burns to his face had left him horribly disfigured. He now could no longer talk, the explosion having caused irreparable damage to his vocal chords.

The Causality Loop - Chapter Three

The U.S.S. Valkyrie was entering an unchartered area of space on a routine mapping mission. It was during this that some of the crew took time out to relax. Four members of the crew, Pendragon, Magus, Amarus and Singh were doing this at their regular poker game. Magus was dealing. It had been a difficult past few weeks, and each of them were looking forward to this chance to unwind.

The Causality Loop - Chapter Two

The U.S.S. Valkyrie was entering an unchartered sector of space on a routine mapping mission. It was during this that some of the crew took time out to relax. Four members of the crew, Pendragon, Magus, Amarus and Singh were doing this at their regular poker game. Pendragon was dealing. It had been a difficult few weeks, and each of them were looking forward to this chance to unwind.

The Causality Loop - Chapter One

The Valkyrie was spinning out of control. The warp engines had been severely damaged. There was a massive power drain on every system.
    “Unable to regain control Captain.” shouted Tompkins at the helm. “Back-up systems failing.”
    “The warp core is going to explode.” reported Lom at the engineering station. “We’re going to have to dump her.”
    Lom fed the orders into the control panel.
    “The controls are off line.” Lom reported. “I’m unable to dump the core. We’re going to blow!”
    Watt pressed a button on his panel.
    “This is the Captain. All hands abandon ship! All hands…”
    The order was not completed, or carried out. The Valkyrie exploded into a million pieces and more. All crew members were killed.

The Lycanthrope - Chapter Four

Watt walked along the corridors of the Valkyrie. A few minutes later he entered Sickbay. The first thing he saw was Magus standing near the examination table, and Talbot lying on it. Watt approached Magus.
    “Isn’t it about time you told me what went on down there?” said Watt.
    “Lycanthropy.” replied Magus. “Lieutenant Talbot is a lycanthrope.”
    “And responsible for the death of two of my crewmen.” said Watt. “Commander Lom has told me that you have requested more power for the replicators. Why?”
    “Because I believe I may be able to cure Mr. Talbot.”
    “Cure? How?”

The Lycanthrope - Chapter Three

The camp fire blazed as Pendragon and Magus sat either side of it eating their meals. While Pendragon favoured using the replicator that had been beamed down to them Magus insisted on using old fashioned camp-style cooking. It didn’t take long for Pendragon to come round to Magus’ way of thinking.
    “Where did you learn to cook this good, Magus?” asked Pendragon, wiping the gravy off his place with a slice of bread. “That’s the best piece of beef I’ve had in years!”
    “I have met many chefs over the centuries.” replied Magus. “I would have tried my recipe for steak and kidney pudding but for some reason it didn’t quite seem right for tonight.”
    Pendragon looked around and saw Amarus and the other security guards lapping up their meals.
    “Beef obviously isn’t on the Traxxon menu.” said Pendragon.
    Pendragon continued to look around.
    “Where’s Talbot?”
    Magus looked around.
    “I haven’t seen him since we beamed down.” he said. “He’s probably off somewhere trying to get a bit of sleep. He looks like he could use it.”

The Lycanthrope - Chapter Two

Watt sat in his chair on the bridge. The Valkyrie was entering the system that Starfleet had designated the Sierra system. This system was a mainly unexplored sector of space, unmanned probes having been the only vessels sent here by Starfleet. It was hoped that new colonies could be set up in this system.
    “We are approaching the first planet.” said Tompkins at the helm. “Sensors confirm probe readings. Atmosphere poisonous to human life.”
    A few minutes later they approached the second planet of the Sierra system.
    “Probe readings confirmed.” said Tompkins. “Class M planet, similar size to Earth. No life readings, two orbiting moons.”
    “Perfect for a new colony.” said Watt. “Begin primary scans.”
    Amarus started his task. It was a few minutes before the scans were complete.

The Lycanthrope - Chapter One

The Valkyrie was on a rendezvous with the transport ship Dubai. The reason for the rendezvous - standard crew transfer and rotation. A simple enough task, but something on this crew transfer was different.
    As always Commander Pendragon and Counsellor Trospheo were waiting to greet the new arrivals in transporter room three. Pendragon gave the order for the transporter beam to be energized, and a few seconds later some of the new arrivals were on board the Valkyrie.
    “Thos of you who are to be assigned bridge duty come with me.” said Pendragon. “The rest of you go with Counsellor Trospheo.”
    While four people stepped off the transporter pad one young man remained. He appeared to be very nervous, looking around very sheepishly.
    “Is there a problem….?” asked Trospheo.
    “Talbot, Lieutenant Lawrence Talbot, Life Sciences. It’s…nothing. It’s just that I haven’t been on a starship for some time.”

The Iron Man - Chapter Three

After his semi-successful trip to Nottingham University Simon Kennedy contacted James Watt at the Anglo-Force mansion via his car-phone.
    “I’m very sceptical about this Simon.” said Watt. “You agreed that you wouldn’t interfere with our membership recruitment.”
    “But it could solve two problems.” said Kennedy. “Dr. Reid is looking for funding for his group and you are looking for new members.”
    “I’m still not sure. Although I know Paul and Marvel Boy, and I’ve worked with Supercop in the past, I know almost nothing about Daniel Reid.”

The Iron Man - Chapter Two

The U.N. team arrived at the gates of Castle Oklev. Although it had only been a few months since the defeat of Saruman’s forces the castle was very overgrown with weeds. The Brigadier looked surprised when he saw this.
    “I thought you said you defeated Saruman’s forces only a few months ago.” he said. “This castle looks like nobody’s set foot in it for years!”
    “It is no longer protected by Saruman’s magic.” said Burns. “The ravages of time have finally caught up with it.”

The Iron Man - Chapter One

James Watt walked down the corridors of the Anglo-Force mansion. The solemn mood he felt was also felt all over the mansion. To the original members of the group it seemed like the end of an era.
    Watt stopped when he came to a door. He raised his hand and was just about to knock on the door when he heard a voice.
    “Come in James. I’ve been expecting you.”
    Watt opened the door and entered. The first thing he saw was Magus standing over a large trunk. The wizard was hurrying all over the room, packing things into the trunk.