StarTrek Before Destruction

"Star Trek: Before Destruction"* Copyright 1991 by Michael Rossi To all potential "Acting" Agents/Trek fans: March 1, 1993 (Yes, believe it or not, I'm addressing you who are reading this!) Before you read this novel "Star Trek: Before Destruction!" I would like to inform you of my intentions in contacting you this way. I am attempting to have this novel published by Pocket Books, and I have need of your assistance in accomplishing this. It is my hope that when you finish reading this you will be willing to become my potential "Acting" agent. I will explain in detail further down. It is also my hope that this will be rewarding for...

Star Trek: "Before Destruction!"* - An Original Novel By Michael Rossi Author's Note: The following story takes place immediately after the 'Vintage' Trek episode entitled "Requiem for Methuselah". It also ties into the entire Trek world, thankfully created by the late Gene Roddenberry. Specific episodes that are referenced prominently are: "Requiem for Methuselah", "Whom Gods Destroy", "Day *f the Dove" and "Errand of Mercy". As with all works in the Trek universe, this one takes a few liberties... but only a few, and maintains the "Character" and "Spirit" that has made Trek my favorite world of imagination. Although this sto...

*** PROLOGUE *** Captain James Tiberius Kirk, of the Starship Enterprise, yielded finally to the merciful, if often elusive, hand of sleep. Dr. Lenard McCoy had helped him on his way. His cabin was darkened as he sat behind his desk with his head down atop folded arms. The sleeves of his gold and black Captain's uniform were still moist from the tears he was unable to hold back any longer. Though asleep, he was neither at rest nor at peace. Phantasms of his tormented heart were there to greet him as he entered the place of his dreams. Behind him, like a chiselled monolithic sentinel, stood the Vulcanian Science Officer, Spock. He look...

*** ONE *** Captain's personal log, Stardate: 5845.9. "It has been mere hours since we have left orbit around Holberg 917g, yet my memory of it seems to fade with our increasing distance. Holberg, was not on our intended agenda but a necessary break from our course, for on its surface in crude form was the vital mineral "Ryetalyn" which when refined was the main ingredient for a cure to Rigellian Fever. A landing party from the Enterprise had contracted Rigellian Fever weeks ago and the virus had swept the crew, which made our need one of desperation. Upon arrival at the out-of-the way planet, Myself, First Officer Spock and Dr. Leona...

*** TWO *** Light-years away, at the edge of Federation-occupied space, defense outposts guard a zone of space currently designated as 'off-limits' to all vessels, Federation or otherwise. This Neutral Zone separates the United Federation of Planets from the ruthless and powerful Klingon Empire. Both galactic powers were initially allowed by treaty to peacefully enter the Zone. But tensions between the two opposing forces had escalated to such a point that no contact between the two powers could be called peaceful or productive, by either government. The Zone had become a central point for espionage and counter-intelligence, makin...

*** THREE *** The dark grey Klingon ship came about and joined the two D-7 cruisers, taking the point of their wing-formation. They headed for the ship coming out of the Federation Neutral Zone into Klingon space. No questions would be asked, no favors granted. The ship was to be destroyed. Kang sat in his command chair, no stranger to battle. Dark joy beat in his breast, as he awaited the confrontation before him. He was the hunter in search of his prey. His Klingon blood surged through him, heightening his senses, honing his awareness. He was lightning waiting to be unleashed. "Helmsman, increase speed to warp 8!" commanded Kang. "Incre...

*** FOUR *** Enterprise shone like a pearl against a black velvet sky. She remained stationary as the smaller ship, dart-like in appearance, approached. Static electricity discharged with various degrees of intensity, arcing, almost dancing about them, in bright blue bolts. They were enfolded by the dark and dense cloud of particles that had once been Elba II. On the bridge of the Enterprise, damage control was completing repairs to the ship's injuries, sustained while reaching the Petroski solar system. "Bridge to Engineering. Mr. Scott, repairs are about done up here. How are things coming on your end?" spoke Jim Kirk to his chief e...

*** FIVE *** The star was dark in comparison to those of similar size and mass. Like all stars, this one was shrinking as it burned. Though at a much slower than average rate of decline, entropy would still have the final word against it. Seven planets were held in its gravitational pull, orbiting in close proximity to the burning fiery giant. The first and closest planet was named Tuj Wa, or "Hot One", without much imagination. Its molten surface was not always so, but over thousands of years, as its orbit decayed, it was drawn closer to the star and would soon become fuel for it. The second planet, Ka Zsaholt, was named after a legendar...

*** SIX *** "Permission to come aboard," requested Captain James T. Kirk, as he stepped down from the shuttlecraft, his First Officer behind him. "Permission granted, Captain," the young ensign stated. "If you will follow me, I'll escort you to the briefing room." The Captain followed, as did the Enterprise's Science Officer. A team of 'Intelligence Grey' clad officers filed aboard the Columbus with antigravs to carry the cargo to their specialized analysis chambers. "This way, Sirs," the junior officer said as they rounded the corner, leaving the Javelin's hanger bay behind. "It must be pretty dusty out there. Our bay...

*** SEVEN *** The Klingon cruiser Fury defolded from hyperspace followed closely by the Intruder's ship. They were only on the rim of the territory claimed by the Klingonese, yet if traffic had not been diverted, they would have already encountered many spacefaring merchants, miners and trade vessels of all kinds. The Trinary System before them had been the agreed rendezvous site. Specifically, they were to meet in orbit around the ninth planet of the system. Kang stepped onto the bridge in full dress uniform. This consisted of black armor and cape with the red family crest of his House of Klinzhai, on his chest. His armor hid many we...