"True" Christianity....with a slant

—-> Dedicated to the tropers of OTC. May our ability to accept each others' differences here on the internet be carried over into Real Life

(Captain’s Log: Stardate 22820.12. The planet Deneb IV, home of the Farpoint colony, has formally applied to join the United Congregation of Planets. A deeply devout society, the Denebians are also highly advanced, as Farpoint has developed dilithium enrichment and replicator technology that has baffled even the most knowledgeable Congregation scientists.

Therefore, Christfleet Command has determined that a good breaking-in mission for my newest posting, the starship Enterprise, would be to visit Deneb IV and listen to the Denebians request personally, as well as learning more about Farpoint colony’s capabilities)

Captain Maxima: Rather..sticky orders…wouldn’t you say, Number One?

Commander Carciofus: (regards the captain quizzically) In what way, sir? They seem pretty straightforward to me. Formally hear Deneb’s pitch to join the Congregation.

Maxima: While trying to snoop around the Farpoint colony and unlock its secrets. Seems rather shifty for an ostensibly God-fearing fleet, no?

Carciofus: Well, sir, I didn’t find anything in the Bible that condemns being curious.

Maxima: (chuckles) Quite right Number One. (an alarm starts beeping) Helm, report.

Lt. Joeyjojo: Sir, sensors are detecting….I’m not sure what. Bearing 212, mark 3.

Carciofus: What do you mean you’re not sure what?

Joeyjojo: Sensors are registering something whose dimensions would equal a K glass planet, but other than that I read no electromagnetic, tachyon, or pulse emissions and no mass readings.

Maxima: Seems to me the sensors aren’t sure about what it is either. Prepare to run a level….

Joeyjojo: SIR! Whatever it is deploying a forcefield directly in front of us! Collision imminent.

Maxima: Full stop! All engines!

(The Enterprise let’s out a high pitched whine as Joey hits the brakes and brings the ship screeching to a halt. Everyone on the bridge is nearly thrown out of their seats, but otherwise they’re okay. Meanwhile, on the viewscreen is a shimmering curtain-like wall, directly in front of the Enteprise. At least the way it looks on the viewer, it would seem to stretch in all directions, cutting the Enterprise off from any forward motion.)

Maxima: Helm?

Joeyjojo: I’m sorry Captain, but other than some fluctuating readings, the sensors are yielding no substantial data on this….thing.

Maxima: Hm. Try opening a cha….

(There is a bright light on the bridge. When it fades, the strangest sight appears. It would appear to be a Baptist minister…holding a copy of the Bible and dressed in a purple robe with a cross on it)

Unknown Minister: REPENT! Ye sinners!

(The entire crew looks at the intruder baffled).

Maxima: I beg your pardon?

Unknown Minister: The Lord says “Woe!” unto to those who disobey. Therefore, ye are commanded to repent and go back to your land.

Maxima: You appear to misinformed sir. This is a starship of the United Congregation of Planets. We only take orders from Christfleet Command.

(The Minister suddenly narrows his eyes at the Captain)

Minister: Then the Lord’s hand will smite thee with all his hatred.

(The Minister raises his hands to do…something…to the Captain. But one of Maxima’s quick thinking security officers draws his phaser.

But..before he’s even raised it all the way, the weapon vanishes in a ray of light. The Minister turns to the security officer and points to him. And in the blink of an eye, the security officer is frozen solid; falling to the ground in a frosty and unmoving heap.

The whole bridge is stunned by this.)

Carciofus: RED ALERT! Security we have an intruder! Report to the bridge at once. Set phasers to…..

(The Minister points at Maxima’s first officer and freezes him solid the same way, and Carciofus falls to the floor in place.

A heartbeat later the turbolift doors open to reveal more armed security personnel, but before they can step out, a shimmering wall of energy, similar to the one blocking the Enterprise, springs up in the doorway trapping them in the turbolift.)

Maxima: ENOUGH! I am the commander of this ship. Your business is with me. Leave my crew alone.

Minister: (turns to face Maxima) Hm. Very well, brave one. Let’s step away from this primitive spacefaring vessel and discuss this in private.

(Suddenly, there is a ray of light. And the the bridge of Enterprise fades away.....)

edited 4th Mar '12 3:06:56 PM by TheStarshipMaxima

Christians don't really have the need the obligation to impose their belifs.

Chrisitans have the duty to preach the word of God to every creature. That is to tell everyone about salvation.

I know this isn't exactly the best place to talk about that... But I can say that when a christian is preaching he isn't trying to judge you but he is trying you to get saved.

This isn't the place to talk about teology at all. But I will tell you that a christian earns nothing for converting anyone really... it's mostly love driven

edited 28th Feb '12 8:17:23 PM by FallenLegend

Exactly. Aaaand...I think I found another character for my story....

(When the light fades, Maxima finds himself standing in an open air plaza. The weather is warm and balmy, the sun shining. He is surrounded on all sides by what would seem to at least 500 people, possibly a thousand. Some look like peasants, other are ornately dressed. He himself finds that his red Christfleet uniform and and captain's pips have been replaced by yellow sackcloth with elaborate trim, rather comfortable actually

There are a group of officials; no...Maxima realizes they are clergy. Their expressions are inscrutable. They eye him like a lab rat, a dirty sock, or a quaint old cassette player, and everything in between.

Standing over him in the middle of this is the Baptist minister, only know he looks like a grand Catholic cardinal.)

Strange alien Minister/Cardinal: Better?

Maxima: This is supposed to be private?

Minister/Cardinal: (chuckles) It couldn't be more private, mon capitan. We are completely outside the realm of what you feeble mortals call time and space. This place has been fully duplicated from your history in order that your simple primate brain may digest it better.

Maxima: I'm touched. And who are you, exactly?

Minister/Cardinal: I am Q.

Maxima: (regards "Q" for a moment waiting for more. When he sees there's not going to be any further explanation, he motions to the crowd) And them?

Q: They are the Q?

Maxima: (blinks) Well...okay, then. Right.

Q: And why don't you identify yourself, heretic.

Maxima: 'Heretic'? I am Captain Maxima, commander of the Holy Starship Enterprise.

(The formerly restrained crowd breaks into howls, ranging from laughter to indignation).

Q: The "Holy Starship Enterprise"?

Maxima: Yes, representing the United Congregation of Planets. A peaceful coalition of Bible-following worlds.

(The crowd explodes into peals of rage. Maxima can't understand the language, but he knows full well the sentiment of "Kill him". Q silences the other...Q)

Maxima: Why exactly am I here, Q? What do you want with me and my ship?

Q: You can't tell where you are?

Maxima: I took history in the Academy Q, I recognize the Spanish Inquisition. This is a knock off the Plaza Mayor in Madrid.

Q: Well done mon capitan. I'm surprised you evangelicals actually studied secular things like history.

Maxima: You still haven't told me why I'm here.

Q: (voice booming) You are here to answer for the crimes of Christianity.

Maxima: What? What are you talking about?

(Q snaps his fingers. With a flash of light a scroll appears. He reads from it)

Q: You Christians are accused of the following crimes; hypocrisy, jealousy, greed, using your dusty book full of fairy tales about a dustier sky-god to justify rape, pillaging, and murder. You are guilty of using your outdated beliefs to control and bribe governments. You are guilty of using your Scriptures to try and enslave people and force them to feed your own egos.

In short, you are a grievously savage pack of fanatics.

(The crowd has fallen silent. Q hands the scroll to Maxima)

Q: What do you have to say for yourself, heretic?

Maxima: I have nothing to say. Nothing about those charges refer to me or my crew.

(The crowd actually starts to hurl objects in Maxima's direction. He feels something wet on his face, and realizes he's being spit on. Some dogs start barking at his heels.

Q bangs a gavel that makes a booming noise all over the plaza and the valley beyond)

Q: You would stand there and deny all the blood that's been shed, all the people that have been killed, all the wars started, all the ravages that have been caused by the Book you fanatics hold?

Maxima: For creatures of your ability, you Q are hopelessly outdated. I'm sure you realize this is 300 years ago. And besides all this, we're not Catholics. And by the way, I myself are classified as an American.

(Q leans down to Maxima, to the point their noses almost touch)

Q: (whispering) Well then let's take a look at American history, shall we?

(Maxima suddenly finds himself buried under a pile of rocks. He can feel his ribs and sternum cracking. He tries to let out a wail of pain, but his diaphragm is caught in a vise grip)

Q: (stands over him laughing). So a bunch of you cross wavers show up in a new country, looking for "opportunity" and instead you start a bunch of witch trials. (Maxima tries to shout, but can only manage a dull, wet, wimper) Oh, but wait, guessing from your so-called ethnic background, you'll love this next chapter in your history....

(Maxima suddenly finds himself standing in a hot dusty field. He's dressed in hand-me-down coveralls and wearing a straw hat. He notices his holding a bag of cotton. He's surrounded by other people, men and women, yound and old, all dressed similarly. And all colored. He notices Q sitting nearby on a verandah, sipping a mint julep.)

Q: That's right, boy. Your God apparently saw fit to encourage slavery. It's his will, boy. Didn't you know?

Maxima: What is it you want me to say?! Like any group of people, we've made mistakes.

Q: But unlike other lunatics, you all now seek to bring your madness to the stars. No, my dear Captain, you "Christians" have infected far too much of the galaxy already. It is time to stop you before your God-sponsored misery engulfs any more of the universe.

Maxima: We only seek to spread the love of Christ while learning from others, including those who don't believe as we believe, even though we might not agree with them.

Q: (roars with laughter) And that's the funniest joke of all them all!

(Maxima now finds himself strapped to a cross, surrounded by what looks to be several centurions. It takes him a blink of an eye to realize what is happening)

Maxima: What the....?!

Q: The very leader your wayward clique follows met his end thus. Being beaten and nailed to a cross because he dared to suggest that perhaps you all should be nice to each other for a change.

Maxima: (genuinely scared of what's happening to him) Christians didn't nail Jesus to a cross. He was executed by religious zealots who hated what he was teaching a gospel of love rather than power and domination.

Q: In other words a bunch of people just like the the Christians.

(To emphasize the point, a nail is hammered right into Maxima's left hand, pinning him to the cross.

He let's out an extended peal of pain as blood flows from his hand.

...And suddenly, it's over.

Maxima is back in the Plaza Mayor on a warm beautiful day. He's dressed in his uniform. He immediately holds up his left hand, and clutches his chest. There's no pain or damage in either.

The plaza is silent as the other Q watch. Q leans in to address the clearly shaken Maxima.)

Q: Behold the truth of your faith, Captain. And this is but a taste of it. Now I ask you again, what do you answer to the charge of Christians being a grievously savage pack of fanatics?

Maxima: (deep breath) We are guilty.

(The gathered crowd explodes in applause. Q silences the Q)

Q: I must say Captain, I'm surprised. Your kind are not known for their ability to admit to their hypocrisy. But you see now why we must make it our business to keep you Christians from going further in the cosmos.

Q: So the decision of the continuum stands, Christianity is to be turned back to it's own star system, never to leave.

Maxima: The sentence is unfair.

Q: (regarding the mortal before him). In what way mon Capitan? We have seen the history of misery that followers of this faith, like yourself have caused. Why should you be allowed to continue?

Maxima: Simply because something has happened, doesn't mean it has to happen again.

Q: Oh. You people have been pulling this nonsense for the last two plus millenia. What proof can you offer, other than your cheap word, that Christianity is capable of anything better.

Maxima: Us.

(There is restless murmuring in the crowd. Q eyes the captain quizically)

Q: You??

Maxima: We are the proof that Christianity is better than it's worst examples. We truly come in peace, wherever we go.

Q: Even when dealing with your enemies, Captain? The Muslim Star Empire; or perhaps your newest rivals the LGBT Alliance?

Maxima: Whoever. We come in peace.

Q:(over the agitated crowd) You honestly believe what you're saying, don't you Captain?

Maxima: (looks the powerful alien in his face) Of course I do, because it's the truth. Any fair an impartial judge would see it. (Q actually gasps at the Captain's boldness. And further, I dare you to prove me wrong.

(The plaza falls as silent as a cemetary. Q seems to fall out of his chair)

Q: Excuse me? You mere mortal challenge us to judge truth.

Maxima: (Smirking) What's the matter Q? Worried that if you judge us fairly, we might prove you wrong.

(The plaza literally vibrates with the crowd's angry roaring)

Q: Very well mon Capitan! We accept your proposal. You and your fellow Christfleeters will be judged to see if you offer proof the Christianity is capable of something other than destructive dogma. If this is true, you will be allowed to continue your little trek through the stars. (The crowd murmurs angrily) But....there's something else. If you are found guilty of being just as savage and hypocritical as your forebears, Christianity will banished back to Earth. Aaaaaand....we will destroy your ship.

(The crowd starts to applaud. Q looks at Maxima, whose expression is unchanging)

Q: Still offering willing to wager the lives of your crew on proving your theory?

Maxima: It's no theory, and it's not a wager. And I'm assured that any fair judgement will vindicate us.

Q: So be it Captain. We will do as you suggest. And your current mission will give you an ample opportunity to show just how notorious you Christians are.

Maxima: Or to show just how ignorant you are of us.

Q: HA! We'll see. Scurry on back to your little vessel, Captain. And may your "god" have mercy on your soul.

(With a flash of light, Maxima is back on the Enterprise)

Carciofus: Sir!? Are you okay?

Maxima: I am. And you seem to have thawed out as well, Number One.

Carciofus: Well it would seem.

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Fallen Legend: He seemed to thaw out a moment ago, sir.

Joeyjojo: At about the same moment the energy curtain disappeared. No other casualties or damage reported.

Carciofus: Sir, where were you.

Maxima: Having a talk with a being known as the Q. There'll be a meeting of all senior staff in an hour, I'll explain it then. Helm?

Joeyjojo: Sir.

Maxima: Resume course for Farpoint station. Warp 5.

Carciofus: Sir, just like that? We just had First Contact with a powerful and hostile lifeform and we're just going to get back to some run-of-the-mill scout mission at Farpoint?

Maxima: Ah, but Number One, I'm told our mission there might not be so "run-of-the-mill".

Carciofus: Understood sir. But you really should get to sickbay and get checked out.

Maxima: I'm fine Number One. (Maxima turns to go to his ready room)

Carciofus: I'm sure sir, but it would be best I think if you go.

Maxima: (turns to face his first officer) Mr. Carciofus, does a captain's rank mean anything to you at all?

Carciofus: (stiffening slightly) Aye sir. But his safety means a good deal more.

Maxima: (smiles) Indeed. (turns to Fallen Legend) Looks like I'm taking a trip with you to sickbay.

Fallen Legend: He'll be back on duty within the hour.

(As Maxima and Legend head to sickbay, the Enterprise resumes it's journey toward Deneb IV)

Lt. Commander Nocturna: So Let Me Get This Straight..., some very powerful creatures...

Carciofus: Wait, I thought it was one creature?

Nocturna: Whatever.....basically took you through time back to the Inquisition, then to the Antebellum south, and then to ancient Rome???

Fallen Legend: Well, we didn't detect any chronometric radiation that would've been typical of any shift through time, theoretically.

Maxima: I got the feeling that these/this Q didn't so much as send me through time so much as, recreate in full detail.

Lt. tsstevens: What, like the holodeck?

Joeyjojo: Kinda reminds me of Green Lantern.

(There is a sprinkling of giggles at Joey's statement, but it fades as the crew continues to worry about their disturbing encounter)

Nocturna: Captain, I recommond we abort the mission. Considering the power these..this..thing demonstrated, it's clear they'll destroy the ship if we continue to Deneb.

Carciofus: Disagreed. Precisely because of their display of power, I tend to believe that if they wanted to destroy us they would have.

Fallen: But it did subject the Captain to graphic experiences of torture. And it did say that they'll destroy the ship.

Carciofus: ....if we fail this "test".

Tsstevens: Yeah, about that...what test is this exactly?

Maxima: Apparently he feels Christiankind is savage and violent and a threat to the wider galaxy. A threat that must be contained.

Carciofus: And he's going to test us to prove that Christians aren't anything like that?

Maxima: Yes.

Joeyjojo: And we're just taking this creature's word that he'll judge us fair? Sir, begging your pardon, but that seems about as bright as trusting a scorpion to be nice and not sting.

Maxima: A calculated risk lieutenant.

Nocturna: We will be receiving new orders from Christfleet.

Maxima: Commander, we already have orders from Christfleet. And I expect that we will continue to carry out those orders. Understood.

(A chorus of "Aye, sir"s)

Maxima: Very well. Stand by yellow alert. Number One, prepare a landing party to go the surface when we reach Deneb.

Carciofus: Will do, sir.

Maxima: Very well. Thank you for your time. Dismissed.

(Everyone files out of the conference room. Maxima is getting ready to leave when he notices his first officer lingering behind.)

Maxima: What's on your mind, Number One. (he sees that Carciofus wants to speak, but is extremely hesitant) Listen, I know we're serving together for the first time, but you can always know that my officers can speak plainly to me. Talk to me.

Carciofus: (deep breath) Sir, I have misgivings about casting ourselves as the yardstick of Christianity's progress.

Maxima: (thinks about this) You believe I made a mistake in making my deal with Q.

Carciofus: Yes sir, I do. It's difficult for all of us in the Congregation to agree on what is "true" Christianity. Let alone some alien that already hates us.

Maxima: Well, Number One, in Christfleet, we'll constantly come across those who don't understand or hate our ideals. No point trying to hide from it. I say, we go about our business. If we are to be damned, then let us be damned for who we are.

Carciofus: And you're going to keep this up all the way? To the bitter end?

Maxima: (smiling as he gets up out of his seat and tugs his uniform to straighten it) I see nothing bitter in that, Number One.

Captain's Log: Stardate 22902.12. The Enterprise has established orbit of Deneb IV. We have had no further contact with the mysterious entity known as Q.

While we were already curious about the Denebians, I harbor a feeling that the mysteries of their incredible technology also holds the key to how we are to be judged.

(Carciofus, Joeyjojo, and Nocturna arrive in the Enterprise's transporter room. Maxima addresses the away team one last time)

Maxima: Remember, you are to carry out your mission as normally as you would have without our special guest visit. However do be a little more circumspect in checking out Farpoint. Additionally, restrict all communications to encrypted channels.

Carciofus: Understood, sir. We'll be back in a few hours.

Maxima: (nods at Carciofus and turns to the transporter chief) Alright chief. Beam them down.

(The transporter chief acknowledges and initiates the transporter sequences. The transporter glows to life and shines shimmering light on the away team. After a moment it fades and they disappear.)

A few things I'd like to point out: The bible never really did encourage slavery, as far as I can tell. In fact, he took the Jews OUT of slavery, and he says to be a SERVANT; that is, a willing participant in such service. Also, I have to say that "Q" didn't judge fairly in the first place; the atrocities of some "Christians"(who, in my opinion, aren't truly that) shouldn't account for the whole. The same idea applies when people say we shouldn't be racist or sexist; or, in a more similar light, the Muslim faith, which is full of radicals, and full of peaceful members who denounce the former. (Though I must say, why "Q" didn't pick them first is anyone's guess...)

Other than that though, I really like this. ^_^ Keep up the good work.

My first review. And it wasn't "This SUCKS!". Thanks, man.

Well, this is why I thought "Encounter at Farpoint" was such a good parallel. That Q didn't judge humanity fairly at all either. And yet, a lot of what he said about mankind was true, wars over resources, wars over tribal god-images, "the same story over and over again".

But it was true, human history is full of graphic shit. And likewise, those who've claimed the name of Christ, have been guilty of some of the worst crimes against humanity. And while I too question the "Christianity" of some of the people who were involved, to many people they know no difference between, say Rick Santorum and the nameless Christians who feed the hungry and clothe the poor.

Hopefully, our Enterprise will be able to prove Christianity as worthy like thre real Enterprise did for humanity on the whole.....

edited 29th Feb '12 8:45:06 PM by TheStarshipMaxima

(Commander Carciofus, Lt. Commander Nocturna, and Lt. Joeyjojo are seated in the dining hall of the Capital Chamber in southern Farpoint. There's a feast spread out before them. Dining with them is the Magistrate of the colony and his fellow ruling administrators)

Magistrate: Well, what do you think Commander?

Carciofus: This is nothing short of amazing. Even on Earth, preparing a banquet like this would be a major undertaking.

Magistrate: (chuckling) Banquet?? No, Commander this was just a little something we threw together. When Christfleet told us you were on your way, we raced to make sure we could have something to show. (looks over at Joeyjojo) Lieutenant. You seem to be not enjoying your steak.

Joeyjojo: No, no. It's fine. It's just uh.....

Nocturna: Joe, what is it?

Joeyjojo: Magistrate, your honorableness, I mean no offense. It's just that, make back home we take our steaks rare. (the Magistrate and his officials look at him blankly) Meaning cooked less.

Magistrate: Ah. Yes. I forgot you Earth folks like meat raw, for some odd reason. Don't worry we'll fix it.

Joeyjojo: No, no! Really. It's not a problem.

Magistrate: Lieutenant, it'll take us a few seconds to fix.

(The Enterprise officers look a little confused at this)

Nocturna: You can make a new steak that fast??

Magistrate: (laughing) No. We're going to fix the one the Lieutenant has.

Nocturna: You're going to uncook a piece of meat??

Magistrate: (pulls a device that looks similar to a tricorder) In a word, yes.

(He points the device at Joeyjojo's plate and activates it. With a hum, a ray of light hits Joey's steak, giving it a strange green glow. Even after the Magistrate shuts off the beam, the steak still has an eerie 'fallout' afterglow which slowly fades. When it does, Joey simply stares at his plate, clearly unsure about eating from it)

Magistrate: It's quite alright, Lieutenant. After all, we wouldn't poison a Christfleet officer just as we're applying to join the Congregation.

Joeyjojo: (nods) Well, okay. (He cuts another piece of his steak and finds it's just the perfect pink inside). Wow. That's impressive.

Nocturna: I can't even begin to figure out the physics behind it. How do you manage to pull off such a precise and yet intensive molecular alteration?

Magistrate: Ah, commander it's a very involved process that would be difficult to understand.

Nocturna: Magistrate, with resepct, I am a lieutenant commander in Christfleet. I'm sure you could tell me about the process.

Magistrate: Eh. Maybe later Commander. Right now, we have much to discuss with our entry to the United Congregation.

Carciofus: Magistrate, it would be a fantastic opportunity for the Congregation to have a member world in this sector and of course (gestures to Joey's plate) your high-level of tech acumen would be a great boost to us.

Magistrate: Indeed, indeed. It would be a blessing and an honor to join. And believe me Commander, we are capable of so much more than simply making meals to your liking. We've recently developed some upgraded phaser systems and shield generators. Things that should come in handy when you have run-ins. Like with the Muslims.

Carciofus:(momentarily confused) I'm sorry Magistrate. I didn't think we were at war with the Muslim Empire.

Magistrate: Not yet. And hopefully never. But it always helps to be prepared, don't you think?

Nocturna: Agreed. But right now, we're trying to focus on maintaining peace, not fighting wars.

Magistrate: Well, even the Scripture is clear that one must be prepared. And like I said, hopefully you won't have to use it.

(The away team doesn't argue with the logic. As they finish their meal, a striking young woman walks in)

Aondeug: Your Honorableness, the overhaul on the water processing facility proceeds as expected. The updates you asked for.

Magistrate: (taking the data padd from the young woman) Ah. Thank you Ms. Aondeug.

(As the Magistrate quickly reviews and signs the documentation, Aondeug glances at the away team. She and Carciofus meet each other eyes and keep them for the briefest of moments. The Magistrate signs the paperwork and the young woman leaves without another word. Carciofus watches her leave silently)

Nocturna: That sounded like an interesting project, your water processing facility.

Magistrate: Yes, yes. We've been able to purify several hundred thousand gallons of water in a day shift. We've been finding it even works in some of the toxic water located in the western swamps.

Joeyjojo: This can have huge implications in the ecological restoration efforts of several of our worlds, including Earth.

Magistrate: Well, Lieutenant, when you're done with your meal that can be the next stop on our tour.

(As the meal concludes, Nocturna catches Carciofus stealing a glance down the hall where the young woman who came in earlier is taking to some other people)

Nocturna: (smiling) Hey Commander, quit drooling. You're making us look bad.

Carciofus: Isn't part of our mission getting to know the locals?

Nocturna: Oh. The old "friendly first contact" excuse. Whatever. (laughs) If you can tear your eyes off her for a moment, could you pass me some more greens please?

(Meanwhile, back aboard the Enterprise)

Lt. Tsstevens: Sir, we've been trying to modulate the sensors to detect the approach of these.....

Maxima: Q.

Tsstevens: Right. However the materialize on the ship, it's got us stumped. But we're working on it.

Maxima: I know you are. (pauses) What have your scans of the Farpoint Colony revealed?

Tsstevens: (thrown by the change in subject) Uh, well...It's quite remarkable. The colony has an inverted phase shield that protects most of it from solar radiation and even extreme weather discharges. Sir, with little tweaking it would put our shields to shame.

Maxima: Hm, anything else?

Tsstevens: Also, from just what we can see from orbit, their buildings structural integrity is impressive. By my calculations a level four quake wouldn't take them down.

Maxima: (whistles) That is impressive.

Tsstevens: I'm stumped as to how they could've pulled all that off.

Maxima: Well, what can I say Lieutenant? We just have to acccept we're not the smartest people in the galaxy after all. (smiling)

Tsstevens: Um. No sir. That's not what I meant. I mean, it just doesn't..fit. (Maxima waits for him to elaborate) Well, sir, it was only a few years ago these folks needed regular shipments from others just to make it through their winter seasons. At one point they even tried to forge an alliance with the Muslim Empire.

Maxima: (nods) I recall.

Tsstevens: And now they've jumped basically the '60s to the 21st century. And yet there've been no major research facilities constructed in the last 10 years, few major capital projects, and limited raw materials.

Maxima: (scratches his chin) So, do you think they're getting help? Perhaps there's another, more advanced, civilization pushing them along?

Tsstevens: (face wrinkling) That was my initial thought. But then I thought to myself, if they've already got a partnership deal with a civilizaion with that kind of capability...the...what do they need with us?

Maxima: (shrugs) Well, even though the Congregation might not be the most advanced society out there, I think we offer....

Intercom interrupting the Captain's statement: Bridge to the Captain.

Maxima: (taps his combadge) Go ahead.

Ensign Abstractamatics: Sir, long range have detected a ship approaching the planet. She's pulling Warp 6.

Maxima: (thinking) Have we identified it?

Abstractamatics: Too far away sir. She'll be in range to make a positive ID within the hour. However, we have identified as a Pridefleet vessel. Century-class cruiser.

Maxima: (looking at Tsstevens) Pridefleet.

Tsstevens: The United LGBT Alliance. (a pause) Why are the coming to Deneb.

Maxima: (to Tsstevens) Good question. (into com) Ensign have we hailed them?

Abstractamatics: We sent the standard ID request. No response sir.

Maxima: ETA on its arrival?

Abstractamatics: 30 hours, present speed and heading.

Maxima: (folding his hands) Thank you Ensign. Maxima out. (to Tsstevens) Well, this Q entity did say our current mission would be significant. This would seem to bear him out.

Tsstevens: Sir, would you like me to initiate a Yellow Alert?

Maxima: (thinks it over) No. We have no cause. Right now, all we know is that the LGBT's are sending a ship. For all we know they could be interested in doing business with Deneb just as we are.

Tsstevens: Sir, Deneb is a conservative planet, not exaclty one the Alliance would want to add. Further, they generally go out of their way to be anywhere we aren't.

Maxima: (nods) All excellent observations Lieutenant. Nevertheless, let's give them a chance to answer our calls before we change ready status.

Tsstevens: Aye, sir.

Maxima: I do want you to send an encrypted message to the away team notifying them of this development.

Tsstevens: Aye sir.

(The Lieutenant leaves the ready room to carry out his orders. Maxima gets up from the table and walks over to the window, where he ponders this chain of events as he takes in the view of Deneb and it's three moons).