Unknown Planet

 

            “Captain, we’ve reached the unknown planet 2A461,” Data stated. “Our scans indicate intelligent life on the surface. This is the source of the power beam that we’ve been following.”

            “Good, thank you, Data,” Captain Picard said as he tugged down on his uniform. They had discovered a strange power source shining a beam of light deep into space. This planet appeared to be where it had originated from. Picard knew that they would need to investigate. “Lieutenant Worf, hail the planet.”

            There was a beep and Worf answered, “There is no answer, Captain.”

            “Number One, assemble an away team to investigate.” Picard nodded to Commander Riker.

            Immediately, Riker stood up and said, “Data, Worf – you’re with me.” Together, the three walked off the bridge toward the transporter room.

            When they beamed onto the planet’s surface, Riker’s first impression was of heat. It was stiflingly hot here. Tugging uncomfortably at the edge of his collar, he said, “Data, do you have a lock on that power source?”

            “Yes, sir. It is emanating from this direction.” Data immediately headed off into a thick jungle. There was a path of sorts, but it was overgrown with vines and weeds. The three officers followed this path for several meters until it ended at a seemingly solid rock wall. Data took readings with his tricorder. He appeared slightly perplexed.

            “What is it, Data?” Riker asked when Data didn’t say anything.

            “This wall appears to be made of hardened diamonds. The power source is definitely behind it, but there is no way in. The wall is several meters thick.”

            “Would our phasers be able to penetrate it?”

            “Yes, but that is not advisable. I suggest that we seek out the life forms of this planet and get some answers from them.”

            “Shouldn’t we have met some by now?” Worf asked in his deep voice.

            Data consulted his tricorder. “There are three life forms 124 meters away from us in a large clearing.”

            Riker nodded his head, saying, “Lead the way.”

            With the help of their phasers, the Enterprise officers cut a path through the thick jungle. Soon, they reached the clearing and were astounded by what they saw. Data rapidly took readings with his tricorder while Riker and Worf were left speechless.

            After several moments, Riker recovered his voice and asked, “Are those...dragons?” The massive creatures towered over the crew of the Enterprise. As the curious foreigners watched, the creatures breathed flames on the foliage around them. Instead of being burned, however, the flames seemed to make the plants grow bigger.

            Data analyzed several more readings in his tricorder before he answered Riker’s question. “They do appear to be similar to the creatures in fairy tales that are known as dragons, but these are not mythological. They are using their fire to generate the habitat around them. Interesting.”
            “Will we be able to communicate with them?” Riker asked with eyebrows raised.

            “I would advise against that, sir.” Worf was studying the dragons with their massive wings folded against their backs. The talons on each dragon were very impressive, even for Worf.

            Data opened his mouth to answer, but he was interrupted by one of the dragons themselves.

            “What are you doing in our jungle?” The voice came from the dragon nearest to them. Its red scales gleamed in the sunlight as it studied the three officers.

            Stepping forward, Riker answered, “We followed a beam of light from deep in space. We’ve come to investigate the source and wondered if you had any answers for us.” Outwardly, Riker appeared calm and in charge, but his hands were balled into fists as he addressed the dragon that was four times as tall as he was.

            The dragon stopped to think for a moment while the green and blue dragons looked on curiously. “Oh, you mean the diamond portal.” He nodded his head as he explained. “We have recently arrived at this planet for colonization, but it wasn’t exactly suited to our needs. We have put a lot of firepower into terraforming it to make it more comfortable for us. We had to create a conduit for the planet to shed the excess power from our flames. Without it, this planet would explode.

            “Interesting,” Data said again. “For the amount of power to flow through the conduit to attract our attention, your flames must be powerful, indeed.”

            The dragon nodded his great head. “We are sorry to attract your attention. As soon as we finish terraforming, the excess power will stop.” He focused his orange eyes on the crew members. “After that, we wish to be left alone in peace.”

            Riker nodded curtly and said, “That shouldn’t be a problem. We’re on our way and won’t be bothering you anymore.”

            They turned around and started back the way they’d come. When they gave their report to Captain Picard, he looked curious. “Dragons, you say? Well, this will be an interesting report to give to the Federation.” He took his seat on the bridge. “Ensign, set a course for our previously arranged assignment.”

            There was a moment when the ensign tapped on the console. “Course laid in, sir.”

            Picard held up his hand and said, “Engage!”