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Table of Contents
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Before you send any questions or complaints about the story, read this first!
Now that you've read the story, I wish to explain a few items, my thought processes and the sources that I used. First, the sources: The Star Trek Encyclopedia by Michael and Denise Okuda, 2016 (STE); Star Trek Chronology: The History of the Future by Michael and Denise Okuda, 1996 (STH); Star Trek Concordance by Bjo Trimble, 1976 (STC); Star Trek Blueprints by Franz Joseph Designs, 1974 (STB); Star Trek Starfleet Technical Manual by Franz Joseph, 1975 (STM); the Premiere Movie Script Library Collector's Editions; and the novelization of ST III.
- I based Saavik's emotions, relationships and other non-Vulcan behaviors on the fact that she was not a full-blooded Vulcan. In STE, it is stated that she was half Vulcan and half Romulan. This explains her show of emotions in Wrath of Khan. The bonding mentioned was shown in Search for Spock. As a side note, the early drafts of Voyage Home had Saavik pregnant with Spock's child. I chose not to use that, as it complicates things considerably.
- The timing of the orbits around Romulus is based on two assumptions. First, Romulus is approximately the same size as Earth, which most Class M planets seem to be. Second, the standard orbit time of the I.S.S. is about 91 minutes. The dialog in the story explains a slightly higher and slower orbit which gives the rescue team more time to work; about two hours per orbit.
- All crewmembers mentioned in the story (apart from a few guests) were featured in the original series, the animated series and the first six movies (STE and STC). A complete crew list is provided in this section.
- The Enterprise B, as described in the story, is the same one as depicted in the movie Generations. Since it was a natural progression of ship designs, I saw no need to alter that. My descriptions of where various divisions are in relation to each other were based on STB. Not exactly accurate, but since I could not find any plans of the 'B,' it's the best I could do.
- The inclusion of Harry Mudd was intended to give the man some much needed respect. He was always a rascal, but never really that bad. Before we said goodbye, I wanted him to exit with redemption and dignity. After all, there can be a bit of good even in the worst of people.
- The presence of the Klingons during the mission would be a natural progression of events as depicted in ST VI. Therefore, this is the first time the new ally would be part of a Federation mission. As the alliance was still fairly new, some differences would remain, hence the incident with Kef and Dar would be understandable. Of course those differences carry into the Next Generation timeline.
- Scotty's appearance is explained by his return from 'retirement' to be part of the Enterprise B construction. After an assumed loss during a crash while on the Jenolen, I'm merely extending that story line to speculate a return to his own timeline, following his visit to the Enterprise D. This way he would not feel out of place. (Yes, he was on the 'B' in Generations, but we're not concerned with anything after ST VI, right?)
- As far as the status of the Enterprise crew is concerned, it's a long process of extrapolating, or even guessing, about their assignments after leaving the original '01, ‘01-A or ‘01-B. Some are natural progressions such as Uhura in charge of the Epsilon Array, Sulu making Admiral after two five-year missions on Excelsior, Chekov and Saavik getting their own commands and so on. Just for variety and to make the story more interesting, Kyle, Riley, Rand and others are shown how they got to the mission, but my main objective was to spotlight each one, no matter how briefly, prior to, during and after the mission.
- I thought we'd take a peek at Next Generation through the admission scenes with Uhura and the Betazoids plus other little notes of interest. This was another natural progression of events in Federation history.
- The major briefing, with most of the players, so to speak, was set in the same briefing room that was featured early in ST VI. In that scene, they called the top officer of Starfleet, the C.N.C. or Commander in Chief. I didn't care for that title as it was inconsistent with the Federation form of government. In our time, in the U.S. anyway, the Commander in Chief is a civilian, the President. Since the Federation seems to be set up in a similar manner, the Federation President would technically be the Commander in Chief. So Walking Bear is referred to as the Admiral of the Fleet or the 'old man,' affectionately, by Starfleet personnel.
- Scotty's heavier accent is logical. Since he is stationed back on Earth, at his home of Scotland, no less, then the rich accent would be reacquired. I've experienced something like this personally in other people, so I know that it's not out of the question. As for the specifics, I obtained a book on Scots and Gaelic language accents and used it as my source. Since my family is Scottish, it's a matter of personal pride. If I did get something wrong, it wasn't due to a lack of research or love of work and I apologize.
- Same thing with Chekov. I wanted him to be a real Russian, but not as ridiculous as portrayed in the rebooted movie where the computer can't understand what he's saying. It was a cheap laugh at the expense of the character and actor, a real Russian no less. By the way, there is no accent while he uses the universal translator on Romulus.
- Spock's inclusion was a must for several reasons. First, he's obligated to help Kirk due to his own rescue by Kirk, who risked career and life in the process. Second, we get to see a resolution to the Spock/Saavik bonding as hinted in ST III. Third, I have a chance to explain some of the Spock/Sarek issues. The two were estranged at the time of the events depicted in Next Generation, but this was in direct contrast to the appearance of a reconciliation as seen towards the end of ST IV. Lastly, I get to explain why Spock left Starfleet to join the Diplomatic corps. Evidently, it wasn't to make Sarek happy.
- In the last episode of Next Generation's first season, the Romulans state they have been busy elsewhere. This is why they have been out of the picture for so long. The civil war and other issues I brought up in the story explain this absence, at least in part. At the very least, it gives us something to consider as a possibility.
- Kirk's absence of about eight years is a difficult issue for him for a number of reasons. I used Carol Marcus to illustrate the point since she wasn't mentioned after ST II. In Generations, she's replaced by someone called Antonia. It seems as if Carol is truly lost! I gave Kirk an emotional scene having to deal with a personal loss. One where he couldn't 'cheat death,' even though he had personally done so himself. To me, somehow David's loss almost seemed superficial. Kirk just learned of his existence then loses him within days. While clearly affected by the loss, I thought losing Carol Marcus would be deeper, more emotional and far more personal. Perhaps it would be indicative of his feeling of being out of place upon his return home after being 'dead.'
- The idea of naming schools and such after Kirk is not unreasonable as there is precedence for it today. Most logical, though, is the building at the Academy named for him. After all, according to the original series, he did spend some time there as an instructor (STC). All of those things I wrote about were simply to illustrate how important he was to Starfleet, Earth and the Federation as a whole. We never learned of anything like that from Generations or even in Next Generation. I always thought that was a mistake. At the very least, it was a glaring omission.
- Scotty and Uhura's relationship was inspired by a couple of scenes in ST V. The two seemed like a natural fit, much more so than the Uhura/Spock match in the reboot movies. Uhura informs Scotty she's ready to tell him of feelings hidden for a long time. To coin a phrase, their relationship is quite logical.
- The setting for "The City on the Edge of Forever" is somewhat ambiguous, if not actually confusing. The STE lists the time period as "in the 30's," Star Trek Chronology and StarTrek.com both give a more definitive 1930, but that can't be right. During the episode, Edith tells Kirk she's wants to go to a Clark Gable movie. Unfortunately, Clark Gable was a virtual unknown in the movie industry in 1930. He appeared on stage from 1924 to 1930 and in some movies, but only as a bit player or an extra in those early years. However, in 1931, he was in twelve movies and became a recognizable leading man. So I adjusted the timeline a bit by setting "City" in 1931. It's not much of a change, but it makes sense considering the Clark Gable reference.
- Kirk's daughter is probably the biggest issue in the story but I believe it is quite possible and believable. There always seemed to be something missing in Kirk's life, a lack of permanence in relationships. Since the death of Carol Marcus was used to illustrate and emphasize Kirk's 'lost years,' the discovery of a daughter gives Kirk a brighter future. It's also a redemption of his own from the loss Edith Keeler. This was from his deeply regretted choice to let her die so the timeline would be restored.
- I acknowledge certain anachronisms in the story only because it makes sense to use them even if they are out of step with the regular Star Trek timeline, perceived or canon. First of these is the reference to the Tal Shiar. They weren't spoken of until Next Generation, but we must assume they existed long before. For the sake of completeness, I therefore mention them. Second, shuttles were all named after notable scientists in the astronomy or theoretical physics fields. While Stephen Hawking wasn't exactly a household name at the time of the original series, I felt he should be included, especially since he made an appearance on Next Generation. Third, Koord speaks of the High Council and other matters in Klingon government. Again, we didn't really learn any of that until the later series, but it seemed appropriate to use the information to help fill out the Klingon's appearance. We knew very little of the Klingons in the original series, so any detail I can add helps to make them more interesting, believable and sympathetic as well.
- Riley gives the transwarp secret to Romulans but this is understandable. STE states Excelsior is a failed experiment and that the ship was converted to standard warp drive.
- STE states that The Treaty of Algeron was originally completed during Kirk's era then amends that, due to dialog in a Next Generation episode. Since no Federation ship was ever fitted with a cloaking device between TOS and TNG, it makes more sense that the treaty was initiated earlier rather than later, so it's part of the story.
- The viridium patch is mentioned in ST VI but for some reason, not listed in STE, so I checked the script. It's there, on page 69, and that's where I got the spelling from as well.
- Starships were named after the following:
- Kearsarge: the only U.S. battleship not named after a state. U.S.S. Kearsarge, BB 5, 1896-1909
- Invincible: six British ships of various types from 1747 through 1980.
- Vikrant: two ships of the Indian Navy, both aircraft carriers.
- Zhukov: name of Russian general, Georgy Konstantinovich Zhukov 1896-1974, a key figure in the defeat of Germany during WWII.
- Lyon: name of ship proposed for WWI but never built, named for the French city.
- Pompey: listed in STM, named for the Pompey the Great, Roman leader.
- The U.S.S. James T. Kirk is commissioned almost immediately after Starfleet acknowledges the death of Kirk. This is not unusual and there is historical precedence, even within Starfleet. Enterprise 1701 was destroyed and another ship, the Yorktown, was recommissioned Enterprise 1701-A. During World War II, this happened when the U.S.S. Hornet was lost. Another carrier was renamed from Kearsarge to Hornet. Also, after the Sullivan brothers were lost, a new destroyer, originally to be named the Putnam, became The Sullivans. It stands to reason that someone as important as Kirk would have a ship named after him as soon as possible and, therefore, the newest ship available, regardless what its original name was, would be renamed for Kirk.
- While creating the timeline, a discrepancy was discovered between three of the sources concerning hull numbers. U.S.S. Yorktown is listed as NCC-1717 in STE. However, it's listed as NCC-1704 in STM and STB. I went with the majority of the sources and used NCC-1704.
- I was a bit confused by the dual launch dates listed in STE. On page 254, Excelsior's launch date is listed as 2284. The very next listing for the Excelsior class, states that the launching of Excelsior was in 2285. I went with 2285 as it coincides with the return of Enterprise after the incident with Khan. As they enter the spacedock, Kirk comments that the Excelsior is waiting for its shakedown.
- To check the ages of people and ships, and create a sequence of events, I used the STE as reference and created a timeline. It's included to show how I arrived at their ages at different points in the story. This is particularly true for Hikaru and Demora, Kirk and Edith, Enterprise B & C and Picard's appearance. Timeline particulars as follows:
- I ignored all Stardates as they are confusing and inaccurate, especially in TOS.
- I also ignored the reboot timeline and all information from the new movie series. It's inconsistent with the major timeline and Star Trek history as we know it and it confuses the entire Star Trek universe!
- Scotty's difficulties with his family over the death of his nephew, Peter, came from the ST III novel.
- McCoy's family history had its beginnings in the ST III novel as well.
- Edith Keeler's age is not given in "City on the Edge of Forever," so I used the age of the actress who portrayed her, Joan Collins. She was thirty-four, so if the story takes place in 1931 that puts Edith's birth year at 1897. My subsequent history of Edith and her daughter are based on this supposition.
- I did the same for Dr. Gillian Taylor. Her age is not given, so I used the age of the actress, Catherine Hicks, who was 35 at the time.
- Scotty's birthdate is not given in the STE, but states he retired at the age of 72 in 2294. That makes him forty-five when he begins the first five year mission. All other ages of the crew are based on those listed in STE.
- Sulu's log in the opening of ST VI states he's just concluded three years of assignments as Captain of Excelsior. Therefore my timeline of Excelsior and Sulu's command is based on this information.
- The main timeline I created got its start based on McCoy's life. His age is given as 137 when the Enterprise-D begins its first mission. Therefore, I backed up from that point to establish the 'McCoy Timeline,' which is the basis for the main timeline. I used standard calendar dates as a cross reference and it runs parallel with the other.
- I assume Saavik is 25 at the time of the encounter with Khan as there is no age or birth year stated for her in the STE.
- The original captain of the Excelsior, Styles, is listed without a first name, so I used the first name of the actor who portrayed him, James B. Sikking.
- In STE, the Enterprise launch date is set at 2245 and Robert April is listed as the first captain for its first five-year mission. Christopher Pike is shown as taking command in 2250 and is captain for two five-year missions. Then STE states Kirk becomes captain in 2263. In addition, Spock says he had been with Pike for eleven years. If Pike commanded two five-year missions, where did the eleventh year come from? Also, why did Pike wait until 2263 to turn command over to Kirk? Meanwhile Kirk's biography states his first command of Enterprise starts in 2264 and ends in 2269. There are a few inconsistencies here. Did Kirk get Enterprise in 2263 or 2264? Did Pike's mission end after ten years or not? Did Spock serve with Pike for eleven years or not? I had devised a timeline that answered those questions and others, when it was suggested that I consult another book that I did not have. While working on the electronic version of the timeline, John Troan discovered an alternative sequence of events in the book, STH. While the authors acknowledged that they, too, used a bit of supposition, I decided to adopt a number of features from STH into my own timeline. Since the Okudas have authored many books on Star Trek over the years, I figured it was a safe bet.
- At the end of ST VI, Kirk says it's the final cruise of the Enterprise under his command and the ship will have another crew. However, command had previously ordered them to return to space dock for decommissioning. According to some, Kirk's tagline was intended as a reference to the Next Generation crew, but that doesn't make sense as he says he's turning over this ship, the 1701-A not the 1701-D. Because of all this, I've done a creative compromise. Enterprise gets decommissioned after another crew takes over for one last five-year mission. (By the way, a reporter in Generations states that Enterprise B is the first Enterprise without Kirk in command in thirty years. However, we know that can't be right as Spock was in command when the Enterprise was being used as a cadet training ship. Now you know why I'm ignoring anything after ST VI!)
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© 2024 Brad McDonald / U.S.S. Kitty Hawk
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