HOME | DD

Description

An idea struck me recently: What if the TNG episode “Contagion” wasn’t Starfleet’s first encounter with an Iconian Gateway? What if they’d discovered an Iconian outpost a century earlier? What if the incident had been so catastrophic that it was classified at the highest levels?

In late-2272, during a mission to scout several new systems outside the Federation, the Hermes-Class U.S.S. Diana, discovered a system with two unique and equally puzzling pieces of technology: the first being the most obvious, an enormous web-like structure around the star, whilst on an M-Class moon stood a solitary one kilometre high tower—both devoid of inhabitants. The Federation Science Council, Starfleet Science, Starfleet Corps of Engineers, and Daystrom Institute immediately pulled together and dispatched a contingent of engineers and scientists to investigate and study both objects.

It took them only a few days to realise that the two were built by completely different races, with the tower predating the web by over 200,000 years (with the web itself being almost 800 years old). The lead archaeologist, Doctor Velma Nkosa, proposed that the tower had been built by the Iconians whilst the web was by another species, the purpose of which was tied to the tower. After a further three months, they discovered the programming for the Gateway network; unfortunately the tower’s energy reserves were depleted and they were unable to get the system active. Doctor Thelinatakorha th’Valrass, the head researcher discovered that the web was actually an energy collector, intended to gather massive amounts of power from the star itself and transmit it to the tower, however it was incomplete.

The teams started working to finish of the energy collector, which would allow them to activate the Gateways and travel anywhere in a matter of seconds without starships. It would take months to finish, but as they worked, Starfleet Command began planning for when they were successful, by pulling together an expedition who could travel through the Gateway and begin a whole new—though both the Federation Council and Daystrom Institute stipulated that any such team would need civilian representation as well.

It was at this time that the U.S.S. Titan, the first in a new line of deep-space explorers, returned to Earth, following a seven-year voyage into uncharted space. Starfleet selected the Titan’s commanding officer, E.J. Robbins, to head up the classified “Gateway Expedition”. Five months later, the web was complete, the expeditionary team was assembled and they all anxiously awaited the dawn of a new age in exploration.

The web was activated and as the energy transferred recharged the tower’s power core, they successfully opened a Gateway. Their adulation and excitement only lasted for an hour, when the team on the web discovered that the energy drain was intensifying and causing the star to destabilise, which would cause it to go nova. Captain Robbins ordered their support ships to evacuate the web (which would need to be done by shuttle due to the structures shields) and fall back to a safe distance, whilst the expeditionary team went through the Gateway to safety.

Working quickly, they managed to stabilise the Gateway and established a secure connection to a location that looked deserted but life-sustaining, then began their evacuation on foot and by shuttle, carrying as much of their supplies as they could. The 312 officers, crew and civilians stepped onto a space station, obviously built by the Iconians, hidden away in a nebula somewhere in the universe, never knowing if they would ever find a way to return home.

The Reliant and Copernicus managed to evacuate the two hundred people from the web in time to get to a safe distance, where they witnessed the star go nova, taking out the entire system. The Federation Council and Starfleet Command, wary of letting of the knowledge of the Iconian Gateway technology getting out to their enemies, developed a cover story about the loss of a terraforming survey mission, officially classed those involved as killed in action, gave their condolences to the families, then closed the file and classified it, with access restricted to only a handful of people.

Yes, I am aware of the similarities to Stargate Atlantis

The Gateway Expeditionary Team
Commanding Officer – Captain E.J. Robbins – Human*, Female
Cool, beautiful and enigmatic, she was the former ‘Number One’ of Captain Christopher Pike and served under him for two five-year tours onboard the U.S.S. Enterprise. First in line to assume command following his promotion, he offered her a new opportunity, command of Starfleet’s newest and largest ship ever build, the U.S.S. Titan, a new breed of deep-space explorers, designed to last for years independently. Her seven-year command was one of the most successful in Starfleet’s history, which was why, upon their return to Earth, she was handpicked to head up the Gateway Expeditionary Team.

Executive Officer – Commander Lana St. John – Human, Female
A brilliant, young up-and-comer, she has pushed herself hard to excel to her current rank and position, eager to get a command of her own before she hits 32. However, all her drive and ambition has come at the expense of her social life, not that she is unfriendly or unpopular she is just a workaholic, too focused on her duties to give much thought or time to life out of uniform. She was assigned to the Expedition so as to learn from Captain Robbins and become a little more seasoned before she is given her first command.

Diplomatic Liaison – Envoy Hyrahn Nur Ekall – Rigellian (6), Male
Assigned by the Diplomatic Corps as their representative, to carry out any negotiations and talks on the behalf of the Federation Council, his position also makes him the ‘ranking’ civilian on the Expedition. Equal parts diplomat, politician and lawyer, he rarely speaks without carefully thinking what it is he will say, and always expresses himself clearly and calmly. Some onboard are wary of him, not knowing just what his agenda is. For him, he is onboard to look out for the best interests of the Federation, something he holds dear to his heart.

Field Operations Commander / Alpha Team Leader – Lt. Commander Xitana Niij – Boslic, Female
Captain Robbins’ former Navigator on the Titan, before which she was a difficult and troubled officer, who had more than a few issues with previous superiors. Robbins took a chance on her and she blossomed into forthright and steadfast officer, something she feels she must repay the Captain for, which was why she asked to accompany her on her classified mission. Put in charge of Field Ops, she would’ve been the one to lead teams through the Gateway, now she leads them away from the station.

Head of Research – Doctor Thelinatakorha th’Valrass – Andorian, Thaan
Better known simply as Thelin, he was a member of the Federation Science Council and part of the first team sent to study the tower and web. Incredible intelligent, he holds four doctorates and eight advanced degrees from the best educational institutes in the UFP, as such it often takes others a while to catch up with how quickly he thinks of things—it also means he has little patience for those who can’t. He was the one who discovered the purpose of the web and performed the calculations to get it operational; as such he harbours a secret guilt about what happened to the Expeditionary team and the system.

S.C.E. Team Commander – Lt. Commander Darius Drake – Human, Male
With a deep fascination in alien technology and a knack for making it work, he was quickly snapped up by the S.C.E. When the mission to the system was announced, he was place in charge of the team studying the tower, which caused him to rethink much of what he’d previously thought about structural engineering and design—not to mention the marvels of the Gateway itself. With boundless confidence and a natural swagger, he draws others to him and inspires them give all that they have in the search for knowledge.

Commander Aerospace Group – Lt. Commander Daniel McCade – Human, Male
Captain Robbins’ former Helmsman on the Titan, he was brash and cocky, but under her guidance he learned patience. When Niij decided to follow Captain Robbins, he did too. Since the Gateway was large enough to accommodate shuttles, and since he is a natural-born pilot, she put him in charge of all flight operations—including the small contingent of starfighters assigned to the Expedition. He takes the importance on his new position seriously, but still likes to be the life of the party when off-duty.

Chief Medical Officer – Lt. Commander Kahlan Marz – Centaurian, Male
A native of Alpha Centauri (not to be confused with the human Proxima Centauri Colony), he was born into a culture that abhors violence—even when necessary. He however knew what he wanted from life, to be a doctor in Starfleet. A man of great patience, peace and compassion there isn’t much that riles him. Though far from naïve, he always tries to see the best in people and give them the benefit of the doubt, something which has burned him in the past, though still endeavours to do.

Lead Archaeologist – Doctor Velma Nkosa – Human, Female
One of the Federation Science Council’s foremost specialists in ancient civilisations, she was among the first to set foot in the tower. She was the one who postulated that it was Iconian in origin, a field of study she has been pursuing for years without results. Fastidious and patient, she is most content when faced with a centuries old puzzle to painstakingly piece together. She likes the tactile sense of her work and so uses paper media to record her thoughts, theories and progress—seeing technology as detaching her from the past.

Chief Tactical Officer – Lieutenant Yuriko Akashi – Human, Female
A sassy and sexy woman, who uses her appeal to her advantage whenever she can—that being said she is also a ruthless tactician and sound strategist. When she sets her sights on a target (be it a hostile ship or handsome man) she always makes sure that she hits it—though rumour has it that she once turned down the advances of James Kirk. Some find her intensity startling and a little too much to handle to begin with, and doesn’t win her many friends—not that she gives much thought to what others think of her.

Chief Communications Officer – Lieutenant Bekk – Denobulan, Male
A hard-working and dedicated officer, he isn’t looking for fame or glory, but rather just to do a good job and make his contribution. He served as a junior communications officer on the Titan, which is where he came to Robbins’ attention, impressed by his work ethic and the quality of his performance, she kept him in mind when she was assigned to the head up the Expedition, and managed to get him reassigned—which came as a shock to him when his new orders came through.

Chief of Security – Master Chief Petty Officer Rotheron M’Rav – Caitian, Male
A non-com veteran, he has served across the length and breadth of the Federation, bore witness too many amazing and horrific things, and made it through every time through sheer dogged determination and stubbornness. He once served with Robbins, when she was a young lieutenant, and though they haven’t served together since, they have remained friends and kept in touch. He wasn’t able to serve on the Titan, being hundreds of light-years away when she launched, but when she offered him an assignment under her new command, he accepted.

Senior Computer / Sensor Analyst – Khov glasch Nogaar – Tellarite, Male
A specialist assigned to study the tower from the Daystrom Institute; he has some very impressive skills behind him, which he wanted to put to practical use—instead of wasting more time in classrooms (which is why he doesn’t have a PhD to his name). Impatient and often grouchy, there is nothing he likes more than complaining as he works—even after he succeeds he anticipates the next problem he’ll be faced with. His somewhat pessimistic manner is something those around learn to use to their advantage, by having him take something on (and fix) that he told them was impossible.

Regional Guide / Field Scout – Adon – Lenathran, Female
A native of the region the Expedition finds itself in, she is the first indigenous alien they meet and warns them of an approaching hostile force. For her help they give her shelter and in turn she vows to help them in any way she can. Something of a contradiction, she can go from as peaceful as a priest to as savage as an animal in the blink of an eye. Her past has been a hard, having called no place home, so she has learned how to survive on her own with only her guile and wits to rely upon.

* Ma’taran clone (it’s complicated)

Description

An idea struck me recently: What if the TNG episode “Contagion” wasn’t Starfleet’s first encounter with an Iconian Gateway? What if they’d discovered an Iconian outpost a century earlier? What if the incident had been so catastrophic that it was classified at the highest levels?

In late-2272, during a mission to scout several new systems outside the Federation, the Hermes-Class U.S.S. Diana, discovered a system with two unique and equally puzzling pieces of technology: the first being the most obvious, an enormous web-like structure around the star, whilst on an M-Class moon stood a solitary one kilometre high tower—both devoid of inhabitants. The Federation Science Council, Starfleet Science, Starfleet Corps of Engineers, and Daystrom Institute immediately pulled together and dispatched a contingent of engineers and scientists to investigate and study both objects.

It took them only a few days to realise that the two were built by completely different races, with the tower predating the web by over 200,000 years (with the web itself being almost 800 years old). The lead archaeologist, Doctor Velma Nkosa, proposed that the tower had been built by the Iconians whilst the web was by another species, the purpose of which was tied to the tower. After a further three months, they discovered the programming for the Gateway network; unfortunately the tower’s energy reserves were depleted and they were unable to get the system active. Doctor Thelinatakorha th’Valrass, the head researcher discovered that the web was actually an energy collector, intended to gather massive amounts of power from the star itself and transmit it to the tower, however it was incomplete.

The teams started working to finish of the energy collector, which would allow them to activate the Gateways and travel anywhere in a matter of seconds without starships. It would take months to finish, but as they worked, Starfleet Command began planning for when they were successful, by pulling together an expedition who could travel through the Gateway and begin a whole new—though both the Federation Council and Daystrom Institute stipulated that any such team would need civilian representation as well.

It was at this time that the U.S.S. Titan, the first in a new line of deep-space explorers, returned to Earth, following a seven-year voyage into uncharted space. Starfleet selected the Titan’s commanding officer, E.J. Robbins, to head up the classified “Gateway Expedition”. Five months later, the web was complete, the expeditionary team was assembled and they all anxiously awaited the dawn of a new age in exploration.

The web was activated and as the energy transferred recharged the tower’s power core, they successfully opened a Gateway. Their adulation and excitement only lasted for an hour, when the team on the web discovered that the energy drain was intensifying and causing the star to destabilise, which would cause it to go nova. Captain Robbins ordered their support ships to evacuate the web (which would need to be done by shuttle due to the structures shields) and fall back to a safe distance, whilst the expeditionary team went through the Gateway to safety.

Working quickly, they managed to stabilise the Gateway and established a secure connection to a location that looked deserted but life-sustaining, then began their evacuation on foot and by shuttle, carrying as much of their supplies as they could. The 312 officers, crew and civilians stepped onto a space station, obviously built by the Iconians, hidden away in a nebula somewhere in the universe, never knowing if they would ever find a way to return home.

The Reliant and Copernicus managed to evacuate the two hundred people from the web in time to get to a safe distance, where they witnessed the star go nova, taking out the entire system. The Federation Council and Starfleet Command, wary of letting of the knowledge of the Iconian Gateway technology getting out to their enemies, developed a cover story about the loss of a terraforming survey mission, officially classed those involved as killed in action, gave their condolences to the families, then closed the file and classified it, with access restricted to only a handful of people.

Yes, I am aware of the similarities to Stargate Atlantis

The Gateway Expeditionary Team
Commanding Officer – Captain E.J. Robbins – Human*, Female
Cool, beautiful and enigmatic, she was the former ‘Number One’ of Captain Christopher Pike and served under him for two five-year tours onboard the U.S.S. Enterprise. First in line to assume command following his promotion, he offered her a new opportunity, command of Starfleet’s newest and largest ship ever build, the U.S.S. Titan, a new breed of deep-space explorers, designed to last for years independently. Her seven-year command was one of the most successful in Starfleet’s history, which was why, upon their return to Earth, she was handpicked to head up the Gateway Expeditionary Team.

Executive Officer – Commander Lana St. John – Human, Female
A brilliant, young up-and-comer, she has pushed herself hard to excel to her current rank and position, eager to get a command of her own before she hits 32. However, all her drive and ambition has come at the expense of her social life, not that she is unfriendly or unpopular she is just a workaholic, too focused on her duties to give much thought or time to life out of uniform. She was assigned to the Expedition so as to learn from Captain Robbins and become a little more seasoned before she is given her first command.

Diplomatic Liaison – Envoy Hyrahn Nur Ekall – Rigellian (6), Male
Assigned by the Diplomatic Corps as their representative, to carry out any negotiations and talks on the behalf of the Federation Council, his position also makes him the ‘ranking’ civilian on the Expedition. Equal parts diplomat, politician and lawyer, he rarely speaks without carefully thinking what it is he will say, and always expresses himself clearly and calmly. Some onboard are wary of him, not knowing just what his agenda is. For him, he is onboard to look out for the best interests of the Federation, something he holds dear to his heart.

Field Operations Commander / Alpha Team Leader – Lt. Commander Xitana Niij – Boslic, Female
Captain Robbins’ former Navigator on the Titan, before which she was a difficult and troubled officer, who had more than a few issues with previous superiors. Robbins took a chance on her and she blossomed into forthright and steadfast officer, something she feels she must repay the Captain for, which was why she asked to accompany her on her classified mission. Put in charge of Field Ops, she would’ve been the one to lead teams through the Gateway, now she leads them away from the station.

Head of Research – Doctor Thelinatakorha th’Valrass – Andorian, Thaan
Better known simply as Thelin, he was a member of the Federation Science Council and part of the first team sent to study the tower and web. Incredible intelligent, he holds four doctorates and eight advanced degrees from the best educational institutes in the UFP, as such it often takes others a while to catch up with how quickly he thinks of things—it also means he has little patience for those who can’t. He was the one who discovered the purpose of the web and performed the calculations to get it operational; as such he harbours a secret guilt about what happened to the Expeditionary team and the system.

S.C.E. Team Commander – Lt. Commander Darius Drake – Human, Male
With a deep fascination in alien technology and a knack for making it work, he was quickly snapped up by the S.C.E. When the mission to the system was announced, he was place in charge of the team studying the tower, which caused him to rethink much of what he’d previously thought about structural engineering and design—not to mention the marvels of the Gateway itself. With boundless confidence and a natural swagger, he draws others to him and inspires them give all that they have in the search for knowledge.

Commander Aerospace Group – Lt. Commander Daniel McCade – Human, Male
Captain Robbins’ former Helmsman on the Titan, he was brash and cocky, but under her guidance he learned patience. When Niij decided to follow Captain Robbins, he did too. Since the Gateway was large enough to accommodate shuttles, and since he is a natural-born pilot, she put him in charge of all flight operations—including the small contingent of starfighters assigned to the Expedition. He takes the importance on his new position seriously, but still likes to be the life of the party when off-duty.

Chief Medical Officer – Lt. Commander Kahlan Marz – Centaurian, Male
A native of Alpha Centauri (not to be confused with the human Proxima Centauri Colony), he was born into a culture that abhors violence—even when necessary. He however knew what he wanted from life, to be a doctor in Starfleet. A man of great patience, peace and compassion there isn’t much that riles him. Though far from naïve, he always tries to see the best in people and give them the benefit of the doubt, something which has burned him in the past, though still endeavours to do.

Lead Archaeologist – Doctor Velma Nkosa – Human, Female
One of the Federation Science Council’s foremost specialists in ancient civilisations, she was among the first to set foot in the tower. She was the one who postulated that it was Iconian in origin, a field of study she has been pursuing for years without results. Fastidious and patient, she is most content when faced with a centuries old puzzle to painstakingly piece together. She likes the tactile sense of her work and so uses paper media to record her thoughts, theories and progress—seeing technology as detaching her from the past.

Chief Tactical Officer – Lieutenant Yuriko Akashi – Human, Female
A sassy and sexy woman, who uses her appeal to her advantage whenever she can—that being said she is also a ruthless tactician and sound strategist. When she sets her sights on a target (be it a hostile ship or handsome man) she always makes sure that she hits it—though rumour has it that she once turned down the advances of James Kirk. Some find her intensity startling and a little too much to handle to begin with, and doesn’t win her many friends—not that she gives much thought to what others think of her.

Chief Communications Officer – Lieutenant Bekk – Denobulan, Male
A hard-working and dedicated officer, he isn’t looking for fame or glory, but rather just to do a good job and make his contribution. He served as a junior communications officer on the Titan, which is where he came to Robbins’ attention, impressed by his work ethic and the quality of his performance, she kept him in mind when she was assigned to the head up the Expedition, and managed to get him reassigned—which came as a shock to him when his new orders came through.

Chief of Security – Master Chief Petty Officer Rotheron M’Rav – Caitian, Male
A non-com veteran, he has served across the length and breadth of the Federation, bore witness too many amazing and horrific things, and made it through every time through sheer dogged determination and stubbornness. He once served with Robbins, when she was a young lieutenant, and though they haven’t served together since, they have remained friends and kept in touch. He wasn’t able to serve on the Titan, being hundreds of light-years away when she launched, but when she offered him an assignment under her new command, he accepted.

Senior Computer / Sensor Analyst – Khov glasch Nogaar – Tellarite, Male
A specialist assigned to study the tower from the Daystrom Institute; he has some very impressive skills behind him, which he wanted to put to practical use—instead of wasting more time in classrooms (which is why he doesn’t have a PhD to his name). Impatient and often grouchy, there is nothing he likes more than complaining as he works—even after he succeeds he anticipates the next problem he’ll be faced with. His somewhat pessimistic manner is something those around learn to use to their advantage, by having him take something on (and fix) that he told them was impossible.

Regional Guide / Field Scout – Adon – Lenathran, Female
A native of the region the Expedition finds itself in, she is the first indigenous alien they meet and warns them of an approaching hostile force. For her help they give her shelter and in turn she vows to help them in any way she can. Something of a contradiction, she can go from as peaceful as a priest to as savage as an animal in the blink of an eye. Her past has been a hard, having called no place home, so she has learned how to survive on her own with only her guile and wits to rely upon.

* Ma’taran clone (it’s complicated)