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After watching "First Contact" back in the misty wastes of the past, I decided to write about a similar situation, where the Enterprise was found by others, these others being somewhat more primitive than the UFP. What followed-is what you're about to read. If it's food for thought, cool, if not, shoot, I tried. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% FOUND OUT For decades, it has been seen as Starfleet's mission to find new worlds and new civilizations. However, on some rare occaisions, it is Starfleet's luck to be seen first... "Commander Riker, I believe that there is another spacecraft among the moons of this planet.", said Data. Riker, who was returning from Ten Forward, was as startled as the rest of the crewmen on the bridge when Data made his statement. Riker stalked over to the ops console. "Show me.", replied Riker. "I have been scanning the radio bands in an attempt to better gauge the weather of this Jovian world that we are orbiting.", explained Data, as a particlored globe surrounded by 7 smaller balls appeared on the main viewscreen. "While I was scanning, I noticed a repeating pattern-not unlike the data transmission protocols that we use-emanating from the third moon of the planet.", continued Data. "And? Have we charted this moon yet?", asked Riker tensely. "As a matter of fact, yes, sir. We just passed it 40 minutes ago. I am putting a telescopic view centered on the radio source on the viewscreen now.", answered Data. A fairly typical icy craterscape flashed onto the screen, but with one exception: a spidery craft of shiny metal in the middle. Two huge banks of solar cells projected from the body of this craft, and poles that appeared to be either antennae or instrument booms protruded as well. Also, ominously, two cylinders swiveled from their previous position seemingly above the Enterprise to point directly at them. "Gun barrels! Should we raise shields, commander?", rasped Worf. "That seems to be the best option. Awaken the captain as well.", replied Riker. Worf bent over the security console for a moment, then nodded. "I do not think that those are gun barrels, lieutenant. I have just scanned the craft, and it appears to be similar to the Mariner probes of Earth from many centuries ago. Those are cameras.", stated Data. "Look, it's approaching us!", called the helmsman. It was, indeed creeping towards the Enterprise, a cloud of vapor behind it. "Sir, I am receiving transmissions from the spacecraft and from a planet closer to the sun of this world.", Data interjected. Just then, a disheveled Jean-Luc Picard arrived on the bridge. "What's going on here, Number One, that is so important that I have to wake up?", asked Picard garrulously. Riker replied, "It appears that we have found a companion in this system.", as he pointed to the spinning probe. "I see.", said Picard, " and have you discovered the place of origin of this spacecraft, as well as its intentions?" "Apparently, sir, it's some sort of probe from a planet closer to this system's star. Should we approach this planet? It appears that the civilization there has only just started to travel in space...", replied Riker. "Nevertheless, Number One, it seems that WE are the discovered now. It would seem...unguestlike...not to show up to visit the hosts, wouldn't it?", grinned Picard. "Captain, I'm not sure that this is the best course. What if our..."hosts" are unwilling to deal with us?", asked Riker. "I wouldn't really consider that, Number One. Look at what they're having their probe do.", answered Picard. The spacecraft was spinning in order to place it's banks of solar cells in a direct line from itself to its homeworld. "After all, they're only giving us a signpost!", mused Picard. "Helm, proceed at half impulse to the position determined by Data's signal receptions and the probe's direction.", ordered Riker. The helmsman, a serious-minded Andorian, bent over the console, and looked at Picard. "Course and speed laid in, sir.", he said. "Engage. Number One, Mr. Worf, and Mr. Data, to my conference room; oh, helm, notify the others of my staff to go to the conference room as well.", Picard said. Inside the conference room, the finest of the Enterprise's crew sat, deep in thought as Data patiently explained the ocurrences of the past few moments. "Data, can we get detailed scans of this planet that is the probe's origin? I'd like to know what sort of life form that we might have to deal with.", asked Dr. Crusher. "It will take a while to get close enough to use the instruments at their full power, but it is possible that I can display some of the grosser characteristics of the world.", answered Data. He motioned to Geordi, who stepped over to the android, and after a momentary whispered conference, a furious flurry of hunt-and-peck typing-the classic hacker style, mused Riker-ensued. After 45 seconds, the two looked at each other, and a picture of a varicolored, but mostly water-blue and chlorophyll world appeared on the conference room screen. "Had to do a little ad hoc image enhancement there for the green...", murmured Geordi under his grin. "So, Data, Doctor, as our two ranking science officers, what can you tell the rest of us about this world and the things upon it? It does appear to be a fairly clean-looking world given its level of technology.", said Picard after a moment. Dr. Crusher was the first to respond. "We have at least a day or two before we enter orbit about the planet. By that time, I'm sure the people in linguistics can decipher their language and put it into the Universal Translator. As for us in life sciences, we'll do what we can. I'd like to start right now, actually.", she said. Data nodded in agreement, and Picard looked around for a moment and said, "Very well. Please give me a full report as soon as you can. In the meantime, I will be on the bridge personally for much of the time." After a day, Picard, impatient as ever when confronted with the unknown, called a second conference. This time, the conferees had results rather than requests. The first to speak was Data. "During the past day I, with the assistance of the engineering department, have been able to study the physiochemical details of this planet. It is about 1.1 Earth masses, but still only one Earth radius, leading it to have a higher surface acceleration. The atmosphere is thicker and more humid, and the continents lower than those seen on Earth. Swamps cover much of the "Northern" continents, both approximately the size of Earth's South America. Due to the heavier humidity and the planet's distance from its sun, approximately eight tenths of an astronomical unit, we have been able to make several accurate guesses as to the average surface temperature of this world, all in the neighborhood of 20 degrees [measurements are in metric when possible]. Spectroscopic scans reveal that this world's atmosphere is quite similar to Earth's, save for some slight excess methane, water vapor, and dioxide of sulfur.", he said. "We in the life and social sciences have been fairly busy as well,", Dr. Crusher announced, "and in my opinion, the "people" who we're about to visit are a most fascinating group. As we have approached the planet, we have been able to pick up their radio and television broadcasts, and the universal translator worked on the problem of translation for about 6 hours. We've found that one of the stronger channels was an educational channel, providing the basics of what we might see as a high school education to those who watch it. This was a windfall, as it has been providing us with a lot of baseline information that we can use. The intelligent inhabitants of this world call it Darkonta, and themselves the Worglups. Worglups are similar to the amphibians of Earth in anatomy, and evolved about a million years ago. Captain, I recall that you remarked as to the clean appearance of this world last we met." "I said something of that sort, yes.", replied Picard. "Well, it seems that the Worglups have very sensitive skins, and gave up the use of fossil fuels almost 3 centuries ago, shifting over at first to hydroelectric, then augmenting it with tidal energy, and finally have become a planet of hydrogen burners. While this makes the planet more humid than it was before, it has been worth it for the Worglups. As to the other life forms on Darkonta's surface, the most advanced non-sentient life forms seem to be other amphibianoids, some as large as an ox and used as beasts of burden in ancient times. There are several orders of fishlike creatures swimming in Darkonta's huge seas, some ranging up to the size of an Earth pilot whale. Also, there are seagoing amphibianoids that the ancient Worglups worshipped, called gigas, that might even be as large as the largest of the Earth's dinosaurs. Several insectoid orders exist as well, and it is these that the Worglups mainly fed upon until they learned agriculture millenia ago.", Dr. Crusher continued, "And their society must have changed radically. In fact, the anthropologists find these creatures most interesting in that regard. You may recall that in Earth's 19th and 20th centuries, historians and anthropologists had found a sequence of how civilization proceeds-from family groupings, to clans or tribes, then on to nations and a world government. Well, these Worglups have bypassed the painful period of nationalism, and became a world government while still tribal. Each tribe, after a 10 year period of warfare 2700 years ago, has a specific job dictated to it by the Gundans, the head, and priestly, tribe. As their technology developed, tribes that were once at the base level of farming were "redesignated" by the Gundans leader." "That must mean that it's a fairly restrictive society.", grumbled Riker. "Not exactly, Commander,", said Dr. Crusher, "the Gundans tribe knew well that a single tribe doing a single function could possibly paralyse their hold on society, and places 3 tribes in a single redesignation, letting the competitive instincts take over. Rivalry in occupation is held as admirable. Also, mating is rather interesting, with a concept of a sacred tribal bog for each tribe. It is a near-virtue to capture a female from a rival tribe and have her...breed for your tribe.". Her face soured at that, but she continued. "The education of the offspring is done by a chosen member of the individual tribe, overseen by a Gundans "observer"; the tadpoles are taught their duties almost as soon as they become mature. If the Federation considers relations with these beings, I'd advise them to tread _very_ carefully." "And why is that?", asked Picard, "Are their beliefs similar to the Mintakans or other xenophobes?" Dr. Crusher replied, "On the contrary. The Worglup religion has a belief in many worlds, each of them as a stage in development-" "And they are their own pinnacle, I'm sure.", rumbled Worf. "Actually, Mr. Worf, no. The highest form for them is an intelligent wnaderer of space-similar to the Gumtu entity we and the Romulans encountered not long ago. The fact that we are more accomplished at space travel than they may possibly make them put us on a sort of pedestal-we're seen as superior beings of a limited sort.", Crusher answered testily. A bleeping emanated from the intercom. "Communications to Captain Picard-this is Communications Officer Sturax speaking.", it sqwawked. The captain hit his communicator. "Picard here. What's the matter?", he asked. "We are getting a beamed transmission from the planet to us. We're feeding it through the translator-ah, no, it's a visual transmission- putting it on the screen in the conference room now.", Sturax said. All the heads turned to face the screen as it went from its usual black to what was apparently a studio, with a group of vaguely humanoid, spotted, slimy skinned beings gazing directly into the camera. "I've seen these markings before, captain. They're Gundans folk. I wonder what they're going to do...", murmured Dr. Crusher. As she explained who the beings were, they began a slow gronking, and almost as soon as this was being heard by the tortured ears of all present, Data keyed in the universal translator, asking it to translate that which had been previously heard as well. Out of the speaker grille, the following was heard. "Most honored divine body, we implore you to show us mercy upon your new visitation. Harm us not, we ask of you, as we have only tried to obey the precepts of our fathers as best we can. Show us, we beg, that thy mercy and thy benevolence is truly boundless. Continue thy grand journey through the heavens, and pity us with a gift from thy grand stores as thou hast done in times past with our world and our lives. Amen.", the speaker monotonously sqwawked. The screen went blank, and an EOT blip was heard from the speaker. The stunned party shook for a moment, and Riker was heard to say, "Damn. Not only have they found us, but they already worship us. Now what? Leave them to the tender mercies of any tramp spacer who bumbles along?" Picard thought for a moment, and replied, "Certainly not. The right thing to do, I feel, is to explain to them that perhaps we might be more _technically_ advanced, but certainly not spiritually." "Sir, they view the entire idea of space travel as divinely granted. Saying that will destroy their entire culture. Perhaps hedging on the issue might be best-establishing diplomatic relations will take much too long.", said Dr. Crusher. "But the commander is right. Another spacecraft might well happen into this system, and possibly take advantage of their beliefs. An official presence, backed up with Starfleet muscle, will prevent that.", replied Worf. "I think I've got the inklings of an idea. Dr. Crusher, I'd like to speak to the person who did most of the research on Worglupian culture, as soon as can be arranged. The rest of you, please return to your posts, or to your quarters. Thank you for your knowledge during the briefing; I'll see all of you tomorrow at the start of the second shift, please?", announced Picard. The "night" shift and "morning" shift passed somewhat uneventfully for most on board the Enterprise. As the bells rang for "afternoon" shift, the group gathered in the conference room. Standing by the captain's side was a slim Caitian wearing the blue uniform of a scientist, who nodded affably to Dr. Crusher as she entered. "Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I have spent several hours with Ensign Kaasi, a social scientist, who has been doing the major research on Worglup culture. She has been develping a strategy for establishing governmental relations between the Federation and the people of the world below. Ensign?", Picard said welcomingly. The Caitian bowed slightly and began. "One of our major problems with starting this series of affairs is that Lt. Commander Troi is on sabbatical on Alpha Centauri for the 470th conference of psychoanalysts. Her help would have been most invaluable at this point, but I have nevertheless created a strategem for diplomacy. First, we should try to establish two-way video contact, and tell them that we are of the second spacefaring stage-manned flight-and that we are representatives of a group of a people in such a stage who go about exploring the void of Holy Space. We should also inform them that we are willing to help them in their advance as well. Hopefully, that ought to be enough to convince the Gundans leaders that we are beneficial for their sakes, and enough for us to begin the standard technological transfer/potential UFP memberworld procedure." "What if they are hostile instead?", asked Riker. "Unlikely at best, sir. Their religion has been a solid pillar of society for generations, and to doubt the words of a space traveller would be close to heresy, particularly if they came only to help.", Kaasi replied. "Are there any other problems with this scheme?", asked Picard. "If they wanted us to appear in person-what then?", asked Geordi. "Once again, sir, the advantage of finding a civilization that worships extraterrestrials. They'd never lay a hand on you in harm.", said Kaasi, "Are there any other questions, sirs?". "I don't think so, Ensign. Please return to your station.", said Picard, "And thank you for a most enlightening lecture.". The ensign bowed to the assembly again and left, tail twitching. Data said, "Given that it has been almost one of their rotation cycles since their message to us, would it not be appropriate for us to make our reply to them?". "Quite so, Mr. Data. In fact, I think we'll do that right now. Gentlemen, let's welcome our new friends.", said Picard as he rose from his seat, and strode into the bridge. The backup crew left as the companions of Picard soon took their places. "Mr. Worf, please find an antenna large enough to receive our signal, and send this message down to it: To the leaders of Darkonta, the Gundans: We are voyagers in space, yet mortal as you are, we being in only the second stage. This craft is one filled with explorers and scientists, people who are eager to help you in our quests for the infinite. We only ask that there be only friendship and respect between our 2 peoples. Please reply.". "Immediately, sir.", replied Worf, an after a few moments, he nodded and said, "Download completed. I think that they will be most...astonished to hear this.". It didn't take long for the reply to be broadcast. Worf, noticing the transmission light, instantly sent the video message to the screen. The same group of Gundans leaders appeared on the screen, this time looking far less frightened, and one stepped forward to say, "It is most fortunate for us that you have appeared. You have offered us the chance to advance our low state faster than anytime known before, and we joyfully accept. Please reply on this same wavelength, and tell us what we must do to gain these holy gifts.". Picard and the rest of the crew beamed with joy. He said to Riker, "I wish all first contacts were this easy. Now, it's a matter of beaming down to have the Gundans examine and sign the treaty of protectorateship.". He turned to face the viewscreen. "Leaders of the Gundans, the ways of my people are that when an agreement has been reached, that the leaders of both groups should see each other in person. I and several of my aides would like to travel from our ship to see your people and explore your world.". The Gundans looked perplexed, and talked among themselves for a moment, but eventually the leader stepped forth. "If we are to see each other, why should it be upon unholy dirt and not in Holy Space? Can you not bring us to your craft of wonders?", asked the Gundans. "Certainly. In fact, I will arrange it immediately. You will be upon my ship in a twinkling of an eye. May our meeting in the flesh be as pleasant as this one over space.", replied Picard. He turned to Worf, and said, "Worf, lock on to their coordinates and have them beamed to transporter room 3.". Worf nodded as Picard and Riker left the bridge, leaving Data to take command. Picard and Riker, along with Chief O'Brian and a small contingent of security men, arrived at the transporter room in a few minutes. Worf spoke over the intercom telling O'Brian the coordinates of the representatives of the Worglups. It did not take long for the creatures to arrive, wide-eyed and quite frightened by the whole experience. Picard, clutching a universal translator in his left hand, beamed and said, "Welcome, my friends. This will be a historic day for both your world and mine as well. We have much to discuss." "Indeed, Sacred Traveller through the Void. We are most pleased to be here, and humbly ask why you wish to see us here and now.", they replied. When they discovered that it was the device that Picard was holding in his hand and squawking as they spoke, and speaking as he squawked, the leader pointed to it and asked, "Is there a demon in this...thing?" "No. This is a device that my people's inventors made that takes words of one people, and turns them into words of another's.", Picard explained. The Gundans blinked for a moment in wonder, and Picard continued. "My people are always interested in the ways that other peoples live by, and some of them would like to go down to the surface and explore. Would it be possible for an expedition to be set up?" "This is why you have brought us up here?", asked the leader. "Not really. You see, I would like to propose a treaty between my people and yours, one that will improve your lives as well as letting us explore your homeworld.", Picard said. "It seems fitting that you should propose this. Let us see this treaty, please?", replied the leader. "Come with me, my friends.", Picard headed off to the conference room, where the treaty, printed in both languages, lay upon the table. The Gundans found it different to sit in the seats, but definitely worth doing. "What are these chairs made out of? They feel as the skins of consorts!", said one of them. "It is a material called leather, made from the skins of animals. Please, make yourselves comfortable.", said Picard. The Gundans settled down, and the leader snagged the treaty, and read it out loud. "This treaty states that the leaders of the planet of Darkonta agree to join the protectorate of planets under the United Federation of Planets. The United Federation of Planets promises to aid the people of Darkonta in developing their natural resources, battling any plagues and widespread illnesses, aiding in their technological development however possible. In return, the United Federation of Planets asks for payment for these services, being a mere 10% of all produced resources that it could have use for, as well as the right to send explorers to wander the surface below, attempting to discover what they may about the planet Darkonta and its people without coercion from either side. "It sounds as if you are being lenient with us, Great Traveller. We become as star wanderers, and your people scarcely receive a tithe of our bounty. I, as leader of all Worglups and their leaders the tribe of Gundans, will sign this treaty. How does a person sign this thing?", he said. "It is an easy thing.", said Picard. He handed a pen to them, signed the treaty as representative of the UFP, and the Worglup copied his grip, and signed his name as well. "Now, that wasn't all that difficult, was it?", beamed the captain. "Indeed so, Traveller. How does this aid begin, and when does it start?", asked the leader. "A small party of my people will join you on the surface, and they will be able to help you, and also call out for help to us if the problems below are extreme. Consider them as ambassadors.", replied Picard. He turned to Riker, and asked him, "Commander, has a group of development and sociological personnel been formed yet?". "Yes, sir. They're ready to beam down as soon as the Worglups would prefer to leave.", he answered. "Good.", said Picard. He turned to the Worglups, who were talking among themselves, and said, "My friends, the group who will help you has been assembled. Would you care to meet them before you arrive home?". "Yes, of course, Traveller. However, we want to tell our people of your great charity, and to do that we want to be home.", said the leader. "Not a problem. You will meet them in the same room that you arrived in.", said Picard. The group got up and left the conference room, and back to the transporter room. Assembled there was a group of ensigns and lieutenants, along with their gear-mostly sociologists and tech types- who snapped to attention when Riker and Picard entered. "These are our helpers?", asked one of the Worglups, "They looked as scared as children.". "For some, it is their first time on a mission of this sort. We have, however, put some experienced folk in.", said Picard. The group members introduced themselves to the Worglups, who nodded, and said to them, "Because of what you are to do for us, we can only marvel. Our world is staggered in debt. You are coming as angels, as we have dreamed...Please, honored visitors, consider Darkonta as your home, and do the things that all do with their home: make it better, and brighter, and richer. Please, come home with us. Honored Traveller, let us go home!". The leader waved his arms expansively all through this speech, and applause rang in the room. "Since you wish to go home, friends, it is homeward bound for all. Good luck, goodbye, and farewell.", said Picard, strainedly. Playing a divinity grates on my nerves, he thought. Crooking a finger to Chief O'Brien, he and the others left as the group of Worglups and Feds went to a planet deep into celebrating its fortune, the fortune of being found out. THE END %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% -- Craig\The Moonman\Levin Pedro Alcazar moonman@buhub.bradley.edu House Of The Moss Rose, Barony of Illiton, Middle Kingdom "Space is big, space is dark, you'll always find a place to park!" -Burma Shave

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