From: “Alex Moon” Newsgroups: alt.startrek.vs.starwars Subject: [FANFIC] Across The Void Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2000 22:49:01 -0600 _ _ _ _ _ _ He felt pain. It welled up in his abdomen, spreading out through his limbs to his fingers and toes. It was a hot, dull pain, slowly pulsing in rhythm with his heartbeat. He was floating, which meant that the artificial gravity was out. Slowly he opened his eyes, gummed over from dried blood. The bridge was dark; the only light coming from a nearby star, barely more than a painfully bright spark. Straining, he could make out black shapes floating around the bridge; bodies. The power was out, and he realized that the familiar hum of life support was absent. He became worried. He had no idea how long he had been unconscious, or how bad the ship's damage was. Reaching down, he brought his lightsaber up and ignited it. With a snap-hiss, the room was bathed in a violet glow. Everywhere blackened, charred panels, spattered with blood, provided grisly evidence. The corpses of the bridge crew, including the captain and first officer, hung in midair. Closing his eyes, he felt out with the Force. He sobbed when he felt no other life forms on the ship. Master So-jinn had been meditating in his quarters when the disaster had occured. The two had been in route to Aldaraan when the small cruiser they had booked passage on had struck some sort of energy disturbance. A brief ride had followed, then they were thrown back into space. They came out in a dense asteroid field. Kicking against a nearby wall, he floated over to the bridge window, in order to get a view of the hull. He stared out, watching space tumble around him. Behind the ship, there was a long, sparkling trail of hull. Below him, there was only twisted girders and deck plates. Sighing, he awaited his slow death, hoping someone would reach him in time. Across the Void: Chapter 1 Standing at his console, Cadet James Kahn was engrossed in reports coming in when a shadow fell across his vision. He looked up into the smiling face of Danny McCall. Standing nearly six-foot-two, McCall had red hair and piercing blue eyes. His face seemed to be permanently frozen in a wide grin, as if he thought the entire universe a great joke for his amusement. His one weakness was a short temper combined with stubbornness that had earned him more than a few bruises during his life. Kahn was smaller, with black hair and dark green eyes. The two had been friends since their first day at Starfleet Academy, when they had been assigned as roommates. McCall said, “So, what do you say to having a little fun after your shift ends? A guy in engineering has rigged up a little vacuum still, and he owes me a favor. I figure we can find a little, out of the way jefferies tube, play some good ol' rock and roll, and get completely blasted out of our minds.” Kahn smiled. “You go ahead, Danny. I have other things to do. You know Lyta Terese? “Blonde, big tits, works in astrometrics right? “Yup, she's having dinner in my quarters tonight.” “You fucking dog!” McCall laughed. “Good for you. I'll drink to that, even if it is alone.” “Excuse me gentlemen, but is there something you would like to share with us?” They jumped at the sound of Commander Riker's voice. Engrossed in their conversation, the two hadn't even realized he had appeared beside them. They quickly stood at attention. “I will pretend that I didn't hear anything,--” There was a hint of a smile as Riker spoke. “As I am sure any other crewmembers will as well.” Kahn flushed when he realized that everyone on the bridge was staring at them, most trying to ward off laughter. “However, for future reference, the rules on this are strict, and two bright young cadets with promising futures would do better than to get caught being stupid, and possibly jeopardize their careers.” Kahn spoke, “Sir, we thank the Commander for his advice. We are proud to be allowed to serve onboard, and fully realize that this privalige can be revoked at any time. We would not do anything that would bring discredit on either this ship, or her crew.” McCall nodded an agreement. “Good,” Riker said; he turned to McCall. “Mr. McCall, as it seems you have too much free time, I would suggest you report to sickbay at once. I'm sure Dr. Crusher will find use of you, seeing how you were assigned to her staff.” McCall nodded, “Permission to be dismissed, sir?” He asked. “Granted.” Turning, McCall strode from the bridge. Riker walked away and took his seat once again. A smiling ensign walked by. “Good work, Cadet.” She whispered. Right then Kahn wanted to throw himself out an airlock. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ [Captains Log: After years of war, I am pleased to be commanding a scientific mission once again. The Enterprise has just entered the Praggis system, where we will study a unique solar event. The entire crew is excited, and I feel this will be good for moral.] Sitting back in his command chair, Picard sipped at his cup of tea, enjoying the pure beauty of space. Ahead of them, the star Praggis burned furiously. “Data, what is the estimated time until the first effects can be seen?” He said. Data responded, “The Wanderer Star will reach effect in twelve hours, Captain. At that time, we should see increased solar flare activity. Approximately thirteen hours after that, the stars should begin mass exchange.” “Excellent.” Picard said. There was a beep on the console. Data spoke, “Sir, I am detecting a small object adrift near the Praggis asteroid belt. It appears to be artificial. I read one life-form aboard.” “On screen.” On the main viewer, an image of the ship appeared. She was no more than wreckage, twisted metal ending abruptly into open space, as if she had lost most of her hull. “Data, can we beam the life-form aboard?” “I am afraid not, sir. The radiation from the star is disrupting our targeting. In addition, the ship's hull appears to be made of several strange materials, which are also blocking our ability to beam through.” “Bring us in close, then lock on with a tractor beam. Pull it into shuttle bay two.” “Yes sir.” The starship swung around heading on course for the wreck. As she bore down, a blue beam lanced out and grabbed the ship, dragging it into an open bay. Inside the bay, several engineers rushed forward carrying plasma torches. Soon a glowing circle was formed. Geordi motioned to the crews. “Alright boys, let's give her one good hit. Go!” Six men leaned against the circle, and with a large clank it collapsed inward. Two security guards rush in, phasers drawn. Behind them came Crusher, carrying a medical kit. The inside was darkened, bodies lay everywhere. Scanning with her tricorder, Crusher quickly moved to a figure lying near one of the windows. It was a young man, no more than 18, with red- blonde hair, and green eyes. He was wearing a black jumpsuit, covered by dark green robes. A white belt was clasped around his waist, attached to which were several objects, including one that looked like a weapon, as well as a long cylinder. He was barely alive, his skin pale, his breathing shallow. Crusher tapped a communicator, “Crusher to sick bay: Prepare to receive one patient, male, possible radiation poisoning. He's unconscious, but in stable condition.” She turned as Geordi approached behind her. “Another few minutes, and there would have been nothing we could do.” Geordi nodded, “Now we need to know, who is he?” _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ In space, a wormhole danced, leaping across the stages of space and time. Whether drawn by fate, the force, or sheer random luck, it appeared once again, in the future, in a galaxy where two powers raged in a bloody war. It settled down, letting its other end connect as well. Time wore on, and the wormhole waited. Across the Void, Chapter 2 Painfully, he awoke. He was alive. Reaching out with the Force, the apprintice felt around him. He was in a room; there were three people, two ignoring him, one vaguely worried; a woman. He was lying on a bed of some sort, relativly soft. He felt the woman's attention turn to him. "He's coming around. Cadet McCall, get me two cc's of Trimacyclonine at once." He could feel someone standing over him. Something cold pressed against his neck; confused, nervous, his instincts took over. Opening his eyes, he rolled off the bed, landing in a crouch. Even as he hit the ground, he rolled back, pushed off with his legs, and performed a low backflip, landing in a defensive stance. In front of him, the three people stood staring, slackjawed. One, the woman who he had sensed before, finally spoke. "I won't hurt you." She said. "I was merely trying to help." She raised her hands, showing him the device. It appeared to be a form of hypospray. He glanced over at the other two, who hadn't moved, then studied the woman closer. She was obviously a physician, considering the surroundings, as well as her dress. She was tall, with red hair, apparently in her late thirties or early forties. He spoke, "I won't hurt you. I'm sorry if I startled you." She looked relieved when he said that. He guessed it had more to do with him speaking Basic than with his words themselves. She reached up and tapped a small object resting over her left breast; a communicator. "This is Crusher to Picard." "What is it doctor?" A voice replied. "Our guest is awake. I think you should come down here at once." "I'm on my way." Picard replied. _ _ _ _ _ By the time Picard walked into sickbay, the man had calmed down and was sitting quietly on a bunk. Crusher walked over to meet him. "I managed to convince him to sit, but he apparently doesn't want to speak with me. His only words were 'I need to speak with your captain at once.' " Picard walked over and stood next to the man. He said, "I am Captain Picard of the Federation starship Enterprise. May I ask you a few questions?" The man looked up. "I am Jedi-Knight Alexander Moon. Thank you for rescuing me Captain Picard, but I am afraid that I will have to use your communication equipment. I must contact the Jedi counsel at once, and inform them of the tradgedy that has just occured." Picard frowned, "I am afraid I have no idea what you are talking about. If you would explain who this 'Jedi Council' is, we might be able to help you locate them." Moon was shocked. They hadn't heard of the Jedi! Impossible! "Surely you must know of the Jedi Council! Anyone in the Republic knows of the Jedi. The galaxy for that matter." He said. Picard and Crusher exchanged glances, then Picard spoke. "We found your ship drifting on the edge of an asteroid field. It was badly damaged, and you almost didn't survive. Tell us, is the 'Republic' galactic in nature?" Moon nodded. Picard drew Crusher to one side. When they were out of earshot, Crusher whispered fiercely. "Dammit Jean-Luc, what they hell kind of question was that?" "A hunch, Beverly. He's human, but acted suprised that we wouldn't know who 'Jedi' are. More than that, his statement about everyone in the galaxy knowing. Finally, I had data run a series of analysis' on the field. We picked up low levels of tachyon and cronoton particles dispersing at a high rate. They might have been left over from a wormhole." Crusher nodded slowly, thoughtfully, then spoke, "That would also explain the damage to his ship. If they came across a wormhole suddenly, then they might have been flung into that asteroid field with their shields still down." "Right," Picard agreed. "Until such time as we know more, I suggest we treat him as such. The first thing we should do is try and discover more about where he comes from. I would suggest we start by working out how he knows our language." "Agreed. I ran some scans while he when he settled down, and he appears to be in perfect health. As long as he comes in for checkups occasionally, I think we should assign him quarters." Picard nodded agreement. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Moon was in his new quarters, sitting cross-legged on the floor, when his door chimed. "Come in." He said. The doors opened with a soft swish, and in stepped a dark-haired woman. The back of Moon's mind tickled slightly when she looked at him. he thought. It took mere moments for him to set up a mental block against her probe. The woman frowned slightly, then spoke. "I am Deanna Troi, the Enterprise's councilor. Captain Picard wanted me to give you a tour of our ship." Moon smiled. "That was very thoughtful of the captain. I will have to remember to thank him when I get the chance." He stood, and set a small PADD on a bedside table. "What are you reading?" "What? Oh, this," Moon looked down at the PADD in his hand. "I was just studying your language and culture. I think I have your language, plus the basics of Klingon down pretty well." Troi looked suprised. "That's quite a feat." Moon grinned sheepishly. "I sorta have this talent for languages. I guess it's because I grew up in Galas. The city is the commerce hub for an entire sector." He buckled his utility belt around his waist, then donned his robes. "Shall we go?" He said. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ They took a long, slow tour of the ship. Troi pointed out anything and everything that was of any interest, and no strategic value. Moon returned a patient smile, asking polite questions, and intently studying his surroundings. Finally, they arrived at the holodecks. "You say that you program thousands of scenarios into these things?" Moon asked. "The holodecks are capable of creating almost anything desired by the user, and allowing them to interact with it. Do you have something similar where you come from?" "Oh, sure," Moon said. "We use them more in our daily lives though. There are better ways of finding entertainment than immersing yourself in a fantasy world." "What do you use them for?" "Well, the Republic recently finished the Holonet. It is a device that allows holographic transmissions across the galaxy in real- time." Troi's jaw dropped slightly. "I'm impressed," she said. "Our subspace communications are nowhere as fast." Moon nodded absently. "Do you mind if I try something?" he asked. "Go right ahead." "Thanks." Moon cleared his throat, then spoke. "Computer," he said. "Create six figures, arranged in a circle four meters in diameter. Make them humanoid. Arm each with a short range energy weapon, firing pulse shots." The figures appeared. Moon nodded in satisfaction. "Computer, on my command, the figures should begin firing on my position continually for ten seconds. stagger the shots, and mark where any are deflected. Make the shots as real as possible." "What are you doing?" Troi asked. "Seeing if this thing is good for a workout," Moon replied, shedding his robe. He removed his lightsaber from his belt, and brought it up. With a snap-hiss, the violet blade extended. Behind him, Troi gasped. He smiled, "Computer, activate program." Across the Void, Chapter 3 _ _ _ _ _ _ The wormhole appeared; for an instant opening to reveal the churing sea of energy within. In that instant, a ripple in the Force went out, spreading through space. It passed out of the system, and throught the star systems around it. In one of those systems, the ripple passed through a large Imperial battle station, and through those inside. One, a untrained boy strong in the Force, watched his master and a sith lord duel to the death. "Ben?" He whispered. The old master saw him, smiled briefly. Straightning from his stance, he brought his lightsaber up, saluting his opponant. He closed his eyes. The ripple passed through them. For the boy, Force-sensitive, but untrained, it was no more than a slight feeling. For the two masters, bound so tightly, it was pain. The old master gasped, took a step back. The black robed Sith Lord dropped his weapon and hunched over clutching his head. In that moment, the boy struck. His mouth twisted into angry determination, the boy raised the blaster to his shoulder, and fired two shots. The first struck the Sith lord in the side, the second in his head. He fell, dead before he hit the ground. Soldiers, gathered to watch the Sith lord, their master, turned and began firing. The boy fired back, killing one. A blaster bolt struck him in the shoulder, and he fell. Behind him, a voice was crying, "Luke, Luke..." _ _ _ _ _ _ "...Luke! Hey Luke, wake up!" "Huh? What the..." Luke sputtered and sat up. Wiping water from his eyes, he glared at his two friends. "Thanks," He muttered sarcasticly. "Next time just shake me." "We did," Biggs said, grinning. "You wouldn't wake." He set down a pitcher and stood up. Wedge tossed Luke a flightsuit and said, "Get ready. We've got briefing in ten minutes." The two hurried out of the barracks. Luke quickly dressed, and followed after his friends. "How long was I asleep?" He asked. Biggs replied, "Six hours." "That long?" Luke asked with shock. Biggs shrugged his shoulders. "Ask him," he said with a slight nod toward Wedge. "I was trying to get some shut-eye too, remember." Wedge, now the focus of Luke's attention, grinned sheepishly. "I was in ops for a briefing when the word came down to cancel all raids," he said. "The Emperor must have gotten wind of where we were, because we started jumping as soon as the last patrol touched down." The three approached the doors to the pilot briefing room. Wedge said, "I was talking to one of the comm operators, who said that some of the high level channels have gone crazy. Whatever's happening is big, and it looks like the entire Alliance is gearing up to go." They entered the briefing room. It was packed to overflowing, full of officers and pilots. At the front, near the display moniter, Mon Mothma stood speaking quietly to Ackbar. Ben Kenobi stood against one wall with Han and Leia. He was dressed for travel, and a bag sat at his feet. On every face there was painted a grim portrait. Finally, Mon Mothma stepped away, and motioned for attention. She spoke. "At 0300 hours today, the inevitable happened. The Death Star destroyed Mon Calamari." There was shock throughout the room. "Knowing this attack was coming, the Mon Calamari have evacuated many of their people off-world. However, casualties are expected to run into the tens of millions. "Second, the Emperor has discovered our location. Two-thirds of the Imperial fleet have been set to hunt us out. It is thus clear that we are no longer safe in this galaxy. Scattered as we are, we are no match for even a single ISD." It was the truth. The Alliance had packed the frigate Revolutionary with the entire Rebel command staff, as well as Red Squadren's x-wings, and Blue Squadren's y-wings for protection. However, if they were caught and forced to fight their way out, the chances for survival were hopelessly slim. Luke turned his attention back to Mon Mothma, who was again speaking. "In light of this situation, the Mon Calamari have dedicated their entire fleet for our use. The ships are reletivly unarmed, but are capable of being upgraded." "Excuse me, ma'am," one of the pilots interupted, "but where are we going to find a place to upgrade them. You just said that the Empire was in an all out hunt for us. A fleet that big would just draw attention." "As I said before, we are no longer safe in this galaxy. Therefore, our only choice is to flee it. Captain Ackbar?" The Mon Calamari took Mon Mothma's place, spoke to the assembly. "A patrol in the Fer'Xia system has located a spacial anomaly. It appears to be a tunnel in space-time. Preliminary scouting by probes indicates that it leads to a location far outside our own galaxy. The tunnel appears to be stable, and it is large enough for the entire fleet to be brought through." Ackbar stepped back, and Mon Mothma spoke again. "The Mon Calamari people are also hunted by the Empire. They will be coming with us." She looked at the assembled crew. "We will jump into the Fer'Xia system at 2200 hours. We will come out of lightspeed 100,000 kilometers from the anomaly. The rest of the fleet will also arrive at that time. The Defiance, the Freedom, and the Talliar, will move through the wormhole and secure the other end. We will take up position on our side, and protect the Mon Cal transports until they have escaped through the tunnel. After that, we will enter the anomaly. "I don't know what we will find on the other side, but I suggest that you all get as much rest as you can now. You may not get much of a chance later on. You are dismissed." The officers and pilots began to disperse. Leaving his two friends, he pushed his way through the crowd. He found Ben Kenobi near one of the doorways, talking to several high ranking members of the Alliance. They saw him approach, and excused themselves. "Master Kenobi." Now that Luke was a Jedi apprentice, he was required to address Ben in the formal manner. "You are leaving?" Ben smiled. "Only for a short while, young Padawan. If we are to leave, I must find someone before we do." Luke started to speak, to say he would be ready to go within minutes, but was interrupted before he could. "You must stay here," Ben said. "I won't be gone long enough to disrupt your training, and the Alliance will need your piloting skills more." Luke nodded. Kenobi smiled, and gave Luke a pat on the shoulder. "Good. Now, Han and Leia have agreed to take me on the Falcon, and I must leave soon. I suggest that you take Mon Mothma's advice, and get some rest. I'll meet you on the other side." He turned and left. Han followed. Leia put her hand on his arm. "Be careful out there. I don't want to loose a family I just found out I had." She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek, then left. Luke watched her leave, and sighed. Kenobi had revealed their relationship, how they had been seperated at birth. The experience had helped them to grow closer. Turning, Luke looked over the briefing room. Only a few people remained, talking in small groups. Shaking his head, Luke knew, deep in his gut, that all before was nothing; and that the real fight was about to begin.