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Todd Van Buskirk’s latest sci-fi epic, “Pulse of Serenity,” is a Star Trek adventure, completely appropriated from a fan-fiction novel found on fanfiction.net. Van Buskirk took all 50,000 words and performed a simple remix, creating a post-conceptual mind-meld.
A skeleton crew is assembled aboard the Enterprise, on a dangerous mission to the outer limits of time and space, to eradicate a virus infecting the foundation of all energy and matter. Their mission is to save the universe by accomplishing the undoing of Einstein’s infamous E=MC2. Spock’s mind-meld power is the key to the mission’s success, but can Spock process the subjectivity of the virus? The answer lies in the “Pulse of Serenity.”
Pulse of Serenity: A Star Trek Adventure
Excerpt:
"And my part in all of this?" asked Spock.
"There is so much to explain but a meld would give you the certainty you crave. Some of the memories are those that Sonak himself shared with me because he experienced those memories in Amanda's mind before T'Pau changed things. I give you my word, as your father's friend, that I will honour any memory that I touch upon in a meld and will not reveal it," Rouq'al said solemnly and looked into the younger Vulcan's dark eyes.
"I do not doubt you, Rouq'al, then let us meld because it is a two way communication."
"Indeed, Spock, and you are an honour to your father's respect for the truth. Please you may enter my mind and then I will guide you to the specific memory of the pledge T'Pau made," the older man replied and leaned forward to prepare for Spock to initiate the meld.
Spock felt the warmth and respect for him, as an individual, as he entered Rouq'al's mind and then Rouq'al led Spock down into his own memory of the events that led to an agreement over sixty years before. For Spock it was like being an an animated group," the engine apart but uBekaul reached for the meld points as the other three guards held her down because she was struggling so much…Then they all suddenly fell down, all at the same time," he finished, still in shock at what he had seen.
"How?" T'Pau repeated not taking her eyes off T'Curani.
"I screamed in have a purpose find their assumptions have faced opposition that it has the reputah the Federation…"
"Bulittle mannerisms are hip was closed down and prefer a tried and tesion won't bother to try and persuade them differention in the library tapare correct about the wagreement with the big every thing was kept behind closed doors for family eyes only, and it all seemed very low key compared with volatile Human tempers. Fortunately, there had not been many displays of temper amongst the Enterprise group so far, perhaps because they were a mature group of people and most already nd Lieutenant Commandernhabitable planet of thRouq'al suddenly said.
"I don't think that you were really involved in that decision. It was Sonak who thought that it would get T'Pau in a good mood and he could use it as a bargaining chip but, from your memories, he'd not thought out a plan."
"Not at all, neither of us had a plan of action and the events took their own path. We had not anticipated Amanda's emotional response and the way she challenged T'Pau…She was quite fearless," replied Rouq'al with some admiration in his voice.
"She retained some of that feistiness but I think the mind meld changed her. I believe that it calmed her and she only ever appeared devoted to Sarek in what I saw of their relationship. No one ever spoke about Sonak in the family and there are no photographs of him anywhere in the Federation records despite his fame," explained Spock.
"That doesn't surprise me, T'Pau never really liked Sonak because he would stand up to her…But she had said that he was exiled and would be effectively dead to her."
"Yes, I remember when I was ten that there was an official announcement when T'Pau stated that she could no longer feel his life force."
"The carried out specified I couldn't find the code to open this door and it defeated the expertise of Vonlen and T'Fillenza."
"Well I'll try," said Kirk but the keypad did not respond to his genetic scan. "I've no idea what Scotty and Spock have been doing in that area…I'll speak with Spock later," he the planet gives the days to Kirk stated.
"It willonds but what really shher insistence that we are here to speak with you. Had circumstances, beyond our control, not have occurred then we probably would not have troubled you and your officers. However, Sydel and Kever experienced a natural bonding and my own orders have had to take this into account."
The Enterprise officers smooth running of their organisation. We may be wrassigned to Cargo of the ship specialists, but you d."
Sydel nodded and felt rather honoured that Keis is our Chief Experimental Engineer and has modi partners."
"That is good news but of course you e come and sit and let us prepare ourselves for whly pressed his case oncheavy fines. It n explosion but she wile display screen.
"Whe, who are not their bonture of the soil was correct for the sweet potatoeames of chess and tedigfather is Sonak elf worthy of the command of the Enterprise. Now af the Vulcan Space ServHe was explaining thesere the wished for heir that T'Pau desired. But I sfuel and time ressing for his friend.ship.
Meanwhile, back on up of green china tea by end of the Federation and benefits from that poshim transform in eject you, Spock, as I danger to this ou will be in much demais here so he surviving engineerinthat Claydis pilots Amanda's bargaining powly stripped it down so twinkle in his dark eyem here. However, gentlemen, the pleasure is mine b really set in for a feSpock.
"My apologies, Spock, for seeming to ignore you, that was not my intention, but there were more pressing matters," the Admiral said and Spock gave a grave nod in acceptance.
"I would like to say that it is my sincere wish that you will find contentment amongst us on Sheshanu. I ve. We are both fortunaon who you amaze him that and his friends ch member of the Enterpyou wished to make that journey."
"Where's Kever? towards her. When he bwere very affected Babel Conference where son was amongst detection. He had can have our far the Enterprise the scene. Sydel had tolerated a lot of psychic and physical abuse. Their baby died and he never forgave her."
Ullan nodded, "She has shared those memories with me but Kever would never treat her in such an appalling manner. We Sheshanuans would not sanction such an abuse of a bonding would not be a disappointment to his father.
Spoare rumours of or every crew member based on their present systemst batch of crew," McCoy softly said.
"In what wak softly and Rouq'al gave him a searching look andd trying to control.
The older man came and placeor several bombs, is a fascinating ip's crew have been tal the Vulcan Healers hav the situation.
"Hang carefully invested mighlled Britari. Suddenly called to Rouq'al's anise the housing and o work but Mr. Scott is disband. I can Space Service…so why arlude them in decisions.choice for the a starship but a pattern that meet his staff and shawere only Debbie on the very ought of the annual 'DaVulcan men away from hochefs will feel risk being revealed. "Just what have you hidnak. Kirk found himselfat close hand. couples who were fleeing the archaic bonding syste tapped the red, pink ah ease but there was andetection. He had clear atoll area …so sudden. Good had received new Sonak said surprised as he viewed man. When younger at T'Fillenza's features us experienced pilotssharing their table.
Spock like a normal give me and my part in shared with him. It was disconcerting to look upoHuman enclave. Ullan told them of how he had strugbecause they contained your yacht, just ct of the obvious complSonak began to down as indicated ship between Kaliska, be sensible," replied can appreciate that, ty and will be used for both passengers and crew ton and they really wereto soften the all," Sonak answered in retaliation at T'Pau's disy black desks around the outside of the room and ohas done this to them amonitoring the life dly.
"Yes, isn't it, bwhy Rouq'al had two nurses, Daisy with an acrid quality; les, that you are both friends of my son," the oldbeen an incident… some would not respond igsaw of changing times. The Star Fleet I had joinwatched the figure to this escape Scott but Kirk ious of Star Fleet. Sydthat will not stop us sspeak with people she raised Sarek."
"Look, I'm this baby's mother ment that we want Star Fleet to have these revolutthe logical thing Sydel and the already in steady ould see that we could and the Terrans ficers observed the flaexperience at Star Fleeven encouraged them to your ship, they and they had red.
"Perhaps, or thatof Sheshanu and raised on this battle field.
"What do you really tain the estate where tto the large you're plotting forget nlen.
"Good, and you Kever?" Millanus turned his ily groups, or women wisen to take over this rendezvous I do not understathe Spock, Scotty eady occurred. I suppose it can be viewed from afaho gets the positions, oor first bonding but were released by the early dnce of Life' where theyled the office again.
he time to do it. On a normal mission, with a fullt be careful in this matter, the Terrans are very Rouq'al had assured hiwithout running a servilead his two nurses, Daoftware.
""I was not aate sabotage but we don't know when or what the se tentatively of the couple.
They looked up with dvited.
"A most pleasanI am assured we will be the Federation was concTholians and they almos off his computer and dfears that had Ullan replied and his dark eyes twinkled and thenthe rules. We didn't lilisten to your help to those no interference. I waspost when four of its rall how close g of identity discs witwill care for d alone on the main obshad done so do you really s seems a very happy shgave Kirk a searching ld ever entered into Sponsporter range and will then be able to transport Experimental Engineer was rak. T'Pau you cannot shand to oversee the shu a self-confident offic you. In this case, Rouq'al was grateful for the fwill not be crew were reacting the young Spock taking his craft re was a strong possibility that Sonak would travetime and withdrew the bondmate of pened to be on. This th be helpful in their restrained way," commented Mcign of tampering.
"We want… a family alked into a room despite being such a tiny femalewe came into contact with a very hostile race who called themselves the Tholians and they almost killed us…I just can't imagine that they would want to interact with the Federation…"
"But we sent a very detailed report to Star Fleet Command, including the entire sensor recordings of the incident, Captain," Spock said quietly.
"Aye…and what if the computer people at Command decided to experiment with all that data we gave them…" Scotty warmed to the subject.
"The deciphering of that Tholian computer language could mean it could be used to hide detailed commands within any ship's systems. Just think, a star ship mainly relies upon its main frame computer and all its backup systems for everything right down to recycling the air and cleansing the water supply. That's why Engineering deliberately has an independent computer for its section, to prevent a whole ship being totally dependent on the main frame one…but my section's computer looks as if it's been contaminated by this covert programming."
"Can we decipher the code of this virus?" Kirk asked.
"Unknown and we cannot risk jeopardising innocent passengers and crew trying to second guess what has been programmed into the computer systems using this Tholian language," cautioned Spock.
"We should tell Vulcan officer where evdirty dealings behind closed doors between them anfirst name.
"It was to the extent that she will believe Sarek is the facknowledged her as That is the best scenarand Chekov discussing was probably Rouq'al's tion News 24 station. Ieard many dark mutterinistening throng.
Millanus looked up as he sensed s home planet, because ct, the very word held the contact with to close and us had a plan of action and the events took their own path. We had not anticipated Amanda's emotional response and the way she challenged T'Pau…She was quite fearless," replied Rouq'al with some admiration in his voice.
"She retained some of that feistiness but I think the mind meld changed her. Master Pilot," Tom than the safe upbringing of our child," she replied but kept the tone light and still smiled knowing that it would annoy the Vulcans with her vulgar display of unnecessary emotions.
Sonak gave her a penetrating stare, "I don't believe you…Don't interfere between T'Pau and myself over the position of this you to Cargo Bay 5. Wheand the Council bay doors were events that none obvious and another to sign up r who I'm sure will give you all the space to expeship was considered outill take you to your qut we sent a very detaileasily told a But, as I that but we women turned to from the probe monitoring the Enterprise. The pich Sarek and weave a new engine and refining inughts wandered down a dlittle bastards that passengers and crew or as Captain Fleet that I " Sydel admitted to Spos…Good, of course, we wa warmth.
"Sir…" began already open and u're right but I just malso the continuing cely other computer system until we are sure that it ful title. It could carand you still beat us?"e opportunity to seek uadets were used to takert by personally bringie early exploits of theney. Claydis does have the tendency to bury hersel we hope that we will be accepted," confided T'Vevr telling the whole of ut of favour with Star Vulcan and mixed so much for they made over the natural bonders. I have yet to of the sheer death of an events that led had received because steady things so en the studious cadet io-ordinates that they cq'al suddenly interject grow in the uncertain future that lay before him.as well as the Vulcan cver a meal discussing hispered Kirk as he saw his First Officer listeningst are we travelling?"
"Warp 11" Spock calmly repd he wondered just what could compensate for thosesilence filled the stand in her saw of their nce decks using the ventilation shafts and checkedll well and good. He aling room.
"Spock, are o. I have friends who lnd Nogura's nepotism.
n was genuine. There woand medical technician, in shared meals ormed a protective shiet do not even know whatMcCoy smile sadly loss of life ey have had the craft in pieces since you started with the long just can't remember at the moment. I want to run Healers were wise, privacy, ran true involved from the of the word. ticipate any health pro of the last time he saw T'Pau, and the agreement I was there staring at her, o be 'relaxed' Vulcans. They still followed the bathey were outsiders of space, of a once famous and treasured starship.ly, one that T'Pau would want… a family of girls!"and bewildering emotions to the planet t, medicines and medica that the area has been tampered with, especially safe," the Admiral officers also wanted Kirk watched the being about Spock wrist to speak don't know if child. Such things weretriangular leaf design and not just Brienne, who was shown to be eager to go on a boabetter life on e way along the secondary back up systems," Scott Association was absorbed to the Federation ewton survivors is thatEnterprise was to Come, let us go to theut eventually Rouq'al stepped back.
"Come, Motherwould not murder to me. I am honoured tho do."
"Ah, you are boeasy for Star Fleet Command to say that the ships community. It seemed have been far teased.
"Yes…Like I said, Kirk found his voice fimposing silver veined Kever, and we can speaking in such an open manner was not normalauthority.
"All moving steadily the Federation had Pulse of Serenity. emotions of those alked into a room despite being such a tiny femalek hair and beard were tinged with grey but he lookatisfy thirst. Hopefully those in the life pods wocrossed the vastness I have found d the payment for logging your route within Federatain's cabin was over and that suited the First Ofe vegetables in this layour yacht, just said McCoy brightly to e and stopped Sheshanu'me the place where dissressed since Surak's time and the history that youand the passengers ogether in the dining rand physical abuse. she had 'crossed the ltures are very clear but he asked me when it wouldheck the maintenance re…a distant milk run bec did not until Rouq'al shared his memories with meno more, although e beginning of the missfered. We are obviouslybe the loss ere trying very hard to support and reassure the H I must explain that natural bonding has been suppexcept Sydel who, more.
T'Pau stood before introduce my present with my duties…You hearts labouring as the oxygen levels fell.
They e we enjoy watching theanet for many a millennbrought together as answers and not half-truths. He then watched Sydes that were like a tinydo not feel it is my place to speak of matters that others were personally party to and you can receive the truth at first hand."
"You say that Admiral Rouq'al has already brought the 'Pulse of Serenity' early and lies waiting to help if need be?" Kirk pressed on to return to the more important concern, "We need to do a regular and systematic check of the whole of this ship."
"Exactly, Captain, we have been checking… But, as I said, so far we have not found any indication that your essential life systems are not working properly or signs that they have been tampered with." Millanus assured.
"Well I'm going to do my own check on the engineering systems," Scotty spoke up, "I know my bairns and I want to make sure no one has interfered with them."
Millanus and Kever looked a little puzzled, but then Kever's features eased, "Ah, by bairns… you mean your engines…Good, of course, we will help with our own expertise if need be…" Kever suddenly said and Spock nodded and turned to Sydel,
"You explained to your bondmate through your bonding," Spock stated to explain to the humans at the table.
Sydel nodded, "I can assure my fellow on a skeleton crew, orld. Spock sat calmly inOutposters acts as a 'pilot' to help them navigate the anomalies in our space. They call their ship The Phoenix and carried 10 couples on their last journey along with some fancy goods the women wanted. Those left behind are engaged in their own endeavours and three women have set in asylums where your for the once shops that have opened within the enclave attractduties for the e is a large universityto be a fly on the wallental design for a smalthe view didn't disappoint the Vulcan. She was cape was something familiar about the voice but she cT'Curani stared at a personal pronoun etection. He had thoughthat could be himself shared with requent... It would benhad just finished saw the Humans away from Vulcan, liska? It seems a strane that she is being accused of tampering with histthe main lounge as a friend y the whore of my son, who already has a legal andn you'd be turning up,"were fascinated as detects a pattern in an interrupted electronic pulse down there."
Kirk stared at her realising that she was relaying a conversation that she was having in her mind.
"It is normal for bondmates, Captain. I can be in communication with mine at any time unless he is sick, then his body would Spock challenged knowing that the meld would reveaaid, the only real probwould act in such a manner.}
{Spock if you think initially been his w, immediate 'Protocol "
"Our races are not shere in the Federation. Perhaps he will consider mhat is so very important that I am to be stopped iNewton survivors is You might even rush of pain 's wife and his half sika was a planet to stop
The crew of starships engineer then a Captainto doubt Kever, as he chewed and turnedhad witnessed.
A heavy s a great beauty in her youth but that did not sitones that just set up a go and see the contact with turned to the spered.
"I'm not plottt to rescue all the life pods, Captain Kirk, and tbut family and friends finer goods the Enterprise crew to tate and spoke to put them at ease.
"Please be sescenario but we rare mental illness, she is now a childless widow,age carts that will be tion is to give both T'Curani and Rouq'al safe pasdark eyes and instinctively felt that this evacuatexplaining these to at of serious brooding if they knew inside of me and I, have left Vulcan thought that it was a humans. The Admiral show their solidarity for T'Curani? The logical acreplied the commanding towering figure that was sua fixed charge for the passengers that was set by the Sheshanuan Council but the Phoenix is allowed to keep the fare and we receive another fixed sum by the Council for every passenger we carry. We feel we have a purpose and are contributing to the planet that has now become our home. It's not idyllic and the winters are harsh but no one has wanted to return to the Federation. We enjoy the pioneering spirit that we have to use but we don't feel like second class citizens either; we survivors have a representative in the Council and the Healers are eager to learn and help. Healer Ullan is delighted that you have survived Doctor McCoy and I know our little enclave will feel happier too, despite the wonderful efforts of the Healers it's not like having a human doctor."
- Todd Van Buskirk
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