Date: Sun, 2 Apr 1995 09:36:59 -0800 Reply-To: BrownK Sender: Highlander TV show stories From: BrownK Subject: Princes of the Universe (part 1) This is written by someone else and I am posting it to the list for him. His email address is "CMIKE@IBM.NET". Please send comments and questions to him _______________________________________________________________________________ OK, this is my first attempt at a crossover, so criticize me all you want!! --- Princes of the Universe A Star Trek/Highlander Story Part 1: Duncan Macleod's house in Paris, France Duncan Macleod looked out of his window at the bustling city beneath him. Never in his almost 800 years had he felt so exhilarated by tech- nology. Or hungry as a matter of fact. He looked over at the replicator unit built into the wall and silently cursed Richie for being late. Suddenly, Mac felt the 'buzz' and knew that Richie was near. The doorbell chimed. "Come on in, Richie," Mac said, "its open." "Sorry I'm late, Mac," said Richie Ryan, Macleod's friend and former protege. "Its all right, Richie, were there any problems?" asked Duncan while he waited for the food. "Nope, its all set. We leave tomorrow for Risa on the USS Enterprise, Conner is meeting us at seven in the morning. This trip will do us all some good." "I certainly hope so. I doubt we'll be running into any other immortals in space." "Unless some of those Risian women are after our heads instead of our..." "Come on, Richie, lets eat. I'm starving." "Me too, I just wish it wasn't replicated food. I miss the smell of a charcoal barbecue, the aroma of freshly baked cookies, the-" "Richie, this is the twenty-fourth century, the days of slaving over an open flame are over." "I know, its a shame. I miss the old days, Mac. Remember when our swords were made out of steel?" "Richie, using a steel sword would get you killed faster than if you hadn't met me." Duncan smiled. "Well, technology does has a few redeeming qualities, I mean, at least I can race a gas engine bike again, even if it is on a holodeck. These new ultra-safe-ultra-fast jobs make me laugh. Gimme the roar of an engine any day..." "If it'll make you feel better, we can get out the old swords and go at it for awhile. We can even recreate the old dojo." "We can try it on the ship, I hear they have the latest equipment." "'The latest equipment,'" Duncan scoffed. "I thought you didn't like technology." "Like I said, a few redeeming qualities." "Like being able to go back into the past? Oh, the irony." This made them both laugh. Part 2: USS Enterprise in orbit around Earth "The last transport from the surface is complete, Captain," said Commander William Riker over the comm. "We're ready to depart." Captain Picard looked up from his copy of 'Macbeth'. "Acknowledged, number one. I'll be right in." He put the book down and proceeded to the bridge. "Captain, one of the passengers, a Duncan Macleod, wishes to speak with you, sir," Lt. Commander Data said as the captain took his seat on the bridge of the newly constructed Enterprise NCC-1701-E. "Duncan Macleod? I haven't heard that name in years," replied the captain. "You know him, sir?" asked Riker. "Yes, he was my fencing instructor at Starfleet Academy, one of the best swordsmen I've ever seen. Data, please ask Mr. Macleod to meet me in ten forward at twenty-one-hundred hours." "Yes, Captain," replied Data. "Mr. Worf, you would probably enjoy meeting Mr. Macleod. He was an excellent martial artist, in his day," said Picard. "Yes, maybe he could show you a few tricks, Worf," said Commander Riker with a smile. Worf merely grunted and returned to his duties. Part 3: Conner Macleod's quarters onboard the Enterprise "What time are we meeting the Captain?" asked Richie. "At twenty-one-hundred hours, in the bar," replied Conner. What did he call it, ten forward?" "Yeah, and remember, this is an old friend of mine, so try to be polite, guys," Duncan said, with a slight smirk. Whenever the three of them were together, Duncan always felt he had to apologize to everyone. He usually did, especially when they were around liquor. They always had fun together. "As polite as always, Mac," said Richie. "I'm offended, are you implying that I am anything but polite?" said the elder Macleod, mimicking Duncan's expression perfectly. "You? The famous Conner Macleod, of the clan Macleod be impolite? Where ever would I get that idea? Could it have been your famous duel on Boston Common? Or the time that innkeeper kicked us out because you said the room smelled like old haggis? No, I must be wrong. I apologize." With that, they all started laughing. "Seriously, I hope this little vacation turns out to be as relaxing as the brochures said it would be," said Richie. "Well, its noon now, so I think we have time for a little excursion to the holodeck, don't you?" "Yes, I think a holodeck program is in order. Lets go." "You two go ahead, I'm going to take a tour of the place," said Conner. "OK, we'll catch up with you later. Come on Richie." Duncan and Richie grabbed their swords from their luggage and left. Conner walked out into the hallway and found his way to a turbolift. He took the time to smile at the other passenger, a beautiful red haired woman seemingly in her mid-thirties before telling the computer his destination. "Hello, I'm Dr. Beverly Crusher." "Well met doctor. I'm Conner Macleod." "Nice to meet you," she said, and smiled warmly. Part 4: Duncan and Richie in front of holodeck 12 "That should about do it, Richie," Duncan said. "Lets see." Just as they were about to enter, a figure approached. "Hello, I'm am Lt. Worf, chief of security. You are Duncan Macleod?" "Yes, is there a problem, Lieutenant?" "Not at all, sir, its just that expected someone much older. Captain Picard said you were his fencing instructor, and that you were an excellent swordsman, and since I was off duty, I was wondering if you'd care to join me for my daily training session. That is, if you are not busy," said Worf. "Well, the men in my family have always hid there age well. Richie and I were just about to train a little ourselves, you're welcome to join us, right Richie?" "Sure, I've always wanted to learn how to use a batleth, maybe Lt. Worf could show us?" "It would be an honor," Worf replied. They entered the holodeck. "Excellent job, Richie, it looks just like the old dojo." "Hey, what can I say, I'm good." "What is this place?" asked Worf. "It's my old dojo back on earth, where I used to train years ago." 'If only you knew how many years ago,' thought Duncan. "Its very...nice," said Worf. "Thanks," replied Duncan, ignoring the subtle sarcasm. "OK, Lieutenant, shall we begin?" "Yes. Computer, three batleths." Worf showed Duncan and Richie some basic batleth techniques, and soon Duncan and Richie were doing quite well. "Very good, you show much skill, now I was wondering if you could show me some of your fencing styles," said Worf. "Sure," said Duncan, as he drew his sword. "Now, Richie and I will spar a little. Just try to get a feel for the technique, I don't want to hurt you, yet." Duncan smiled. Worf didn't. "It is doubtful that you could hurt me, I would like to spar with you." "I'll tell you what, if you can beat Richie, I'll spar with you. Deal?" "Great idea, Mac, you get the big Klingon mad and then turn him loose on me. Thanks." "I will not injure you, Richie. You have a deal Mr. Macleod." Worf grabbed his batleth. "Duncan, or Mac, but not 'Mr. Macleod.' Its too formal," said Mac "Very well, Duncan." Richie drew his rapier, and he and Worf began. Worf rushed at Richie with a great deal of force. Richie casually stepped aside and gave Worf a gentle push on the back. Worf crashed into the wall with a thud. He did not appear to enjoy it. Richie smiled, but never let his guard down. This time, Worf took a more careful stance. He parried Richie's initial blows with growing ease, and was soon holding his own. Suddenly, Worf came on with an overhead strike, and Richie's antique rapier blade gave in to the force, shattering to bits. "NO! My rapier!," Richie screamed. "You destroyed my sword!" Richie threw down the broken hilt and grabbed one of the other batleths. His attack was fierce, and drove Worf back several steps. Duncan quickly stepped in and knocked Richie onto his back. "Richie! That's enough! It was an accident," Duncan said, and then helped Richie to his feet. "I am sorry, Richie, I did not mean to break your weapon. I am sure Commander LaForge can repair it, if you wish." "Its OK. I'm sorry I overreacted. I've had that sword for a long time. I means allot to me. Meant allot to me, I mean." Richie stared at the pieces of metal on the ground. "I think we should finish this another time, Lieutenant," Duncan said. "Of course. I'll take you to Commander LaForge, I'm sure he can repair the blade." "Thank you. I guess it was time to get a new blade anyway." Part 5: Bridge "Captain, you have an incoming message from Starfleet Command, sir." "Thank you, ensign, I'll take it in my ready-room," replied the captain. Captain Picard entered his ready-room and keyed in his clearance code. Admiral Borland's visage appeared immediately. "Jean-Luc, we've got a problem," said the admiral. "What is it, Jake? We've only been out of spacedock for a couple of hours." "We received a report from a Bejoran freighter passing through the Corellias System. They received a distress call from Corellias 5, seems there's been some sort of military takeover of the central government." "What does that have to do with us? The Prime Directive clearly-" "The Prime Directive doesn't apply in this case, Jean-Luc. The Federation was in negotiations with the Corellias Government for their dilithium deposits, and they expressed interest in joining us. This military takeover must not succeed, Picard. You know how badly we need resources, now that the Dominion is becoming an increasing threat, and the increase in Maquis activity. You are ordered to proceed directly to Corellias 5 and investigate the situation." "Yes, Admiral." "Take care, Jean-Luc, we'll talk soon." "Good-bye Jake." Part 6: Arboretum "So, where are you from, Conner?" asked Dr. Crusher. "Lots of different places. Originally, the Highlands of Scotland," Conner replied. "How about-" Conner felt the buzz. Duncan and Richie were near. "Are you OK?" "Fine, just a little headache, I get them all the time," Conner said. "Really? You should see a Doctor about that. I just so happen to know one," said Beverly. "Great, I just told a doctor I get headaches," he thought to himself. "Good job, Macleod." He said aloud: "I don't think that'll be necessary, Doctor. I've been-" "No, I insist. Lets go to sick bay right now." "Beverly, really, I-" "No arguments. Come on." "OK, OK, you win. Lets go." They ran into Duncan, Richie, and Worf on the way. "Conner, long time no see," said Richie. "This is Lieutenant Worf, chief of security. And who is your lovely friend?" "Duncan, Richie, this is Dr. Beverly Crusher." "A pleasure, Doctor," said Richie as he took Beverly's hand and kissed it lightly. "Its good to see Starfleet still attracts its share of ravishing women," said Duncan. "Nice to meet you, Doctor." "I'm flattered." Beverly blushed. "This is my cousin, Duncan Macleod, and my friend, Richie Ryan," Conner said. "She was just about to take my to sick bay, would you two like to join us?" Conner gave Duncan a slight nod, to indicate he needed help getting out of this. Duncan gave Conner an exasperated look. "We'd love to, but we have to get Richie a new sword." "Really, what happened?" "You can find out later, Conner, we have a date with a tri-corder." "Have fun," Duncan said, and laughed. =========================================================================