by Barbara Conrady

Author’s note: This story is not part of the Matter Of Life And Love Universe. It takes place in an alternate universe where, similarly to what once happened in the Florida Universe, the Alphans from Year One and Year Two meet. You may notice that some Year-One-events of Space:1999 never happened in this story’s Year One universe. I took the liberty of writing off-canon here.

This story was inspired by the Year One episode Another Time, Another Place.

Prologue

Helena Koenig was standing in the doorway of the small house, gazing up into the sky.

It was grey again. Heavy dark clouds had been hovering over their valley for the last couple of days, and today was no different. What am I looking for? she mused. Why can’t I help but search the sky lately, as if I expected something to fall down from above…

She shook her head at herself and tried to focus back on the world around her when she felt a gentle tugging at her arm. She turned around. Milena Morrow, her seven year old goddaughter, was standing beside her and gave her a woeful look out of big brown, slightly almond shaped eyes. “I’m hungry, Aunt Helena,” the little girl complained. “Can you make me some noodles?”

Helena smiled gently at the girl. “Of course, sweetie. I didn’t notice it was lunchtime already.” She sighed. “Time seems to go by faster and faster every day.” She smiled again, patted Milena’s black curly head and went back inside, busying herself at the stove while the girl watched her, chatting incessantly.

It had been ten years since they had settled in the valley of Santa Maria, on a planet which hardly resembled their home world, Earth as they had known it. But it had become their home again. They had established a community, similar to the one they had had back on Moonbase Alpha, but yet different in many ways…

Families had grown and thriven, new lives had come to this world while other lives had been lost. The Alphans had seen everything nature could offer – bitter coldness, scorching heat, violent storms, heavy showers of rain, gleaming sunlight and beautiful rainbows.

A committee of five people, elected every year, was in charge of the community’s administration. Commander John Koenig had made this decision along with his senior staff shortly after Operation Exodus had been carried out.

John… To Helena it seemed like only yesterday that he had told her with a happily beaming smile they would be able to live on Earth again, even though it had turned into a different Earth from the one they had known. Many compromises – and sacrifices – would have to be made, but they had flourishing nature around them, fresh air to breathe, clear water to drink, grass to walk upon…

The night Operation Exodus had been determined, John had asked her to marry him.

Five years…

“Hmmmm? What’s in five years, Aunt Helena?” Milena demanded to know.

“Oh!” Abruptly, Helena was pulled back into reality. She hadn’t noticed she had spoken out loud those last few words. She smiled at the little girl who was now sitting opposite her at the table, devouring soup with buckwheat noodles, tofu and vegetables.

“It’s nothing important, sweetie,” Helena said softly. “I’ve been a bit absentminded.”

Slurping an extra long noodle up into her mouth, the girl pensively watched the woman across the table she had known all her life. She adored her Aunt Helena, but she could be a bit strange sometimes. “Why do old people always stare into space and talk to themselves?”

Helena’s head fell back as she burst into hearty laughter, almost spilling her own bowl of noodle soup. From Milena’s point of view, a woman of fifty years naturally had to appear old. The fact that she mostly wore plain dark clothes and her hair pulled back into a bun certainly didn’t make her look any younger.

“What’s so funny?” Milena asked puzzled.

Helena got her breath back and smiled at her little companion again. “It’s not really funny, but – what you said made me laugh!” she tried to explain, a warm twinkle shining in her blue-green eyes. “And I want to thank you. I really needed a laugh now.”

Looking even more puzzled, Milena nodded slowly and slipped from her chair. “I’ve finished, Aunt Helena. Can I go to the Kanos’ now? Mike and Percy are already there.”

Helena nodded, still smiling. “Okay. But remember to be back at six. Your Mom and Dad will be home by then.”

“Yes ma’am!” With a high-spirited whoop the girl skipped away, her black curls flying in the wind.

Helena found herself standing in the doorway again, her eyes following her goddaughter until she was out of sight. Sandra, Paul and their children had grown very close to Helena’s heart in the course of years. She and John had tried to have children, but it hadn’t worked… When she had to realize that she would never have children of her own, she was sad at first, but then learnt to accept it. She continued her busy, fulfilled life, side by side with the man she loved – until he was torn away from her, forever…

Resolutely shaking her head, she turned around and went back inside. What’s the matter with me today?! Brooding over the past won’t get me anywhere! She began to clean up the table and put the dishes into the sink. Pouring water over the empty bowls, she suddenly paused and looked up from her work.

It’s been exactly five years today. THAT’s what’s the matter with me.

She suddenly felt the need to drop everything and rush to Medical Center. I hate off duty days! she silently screamed.

It was no use. She had promised the Morrows to stay at their house today and look after the children. In the course of years, Sandra had become her dearest friend and confidant, and she couldn’t have loved Milena, Mike and Percy any more if they were her own children.

Chapter 1

“Moonbase Alpha status report. Four hundred days after leaving Earth’s orbit. Dr. Helena Russell recording. Two days ago, our moon has gone into orbit of a planet Computer announced as ‘Earth’, but it has soon become clear to us that this planet is not the Earth we have known. A number of environmental catastrophes has led to the almost complete devastation of the planet, leaving only an area of one point two million square kilometres habitable, located in the area which once was Europe. In this area, a valley named Santa Maria has been colonised by a group of people who informed us that they have been through exactly the same experiences as we have: Living on Moonbase Alpha, getting blown out of Earth’s orbit, drifting through space for a long time until they finally found themselves back in Earth’s orbit and carried out Operation Exodus. The only plausible explanation for this amazing encounter is that we have entered a parallel universe – another inexplicable phenomenon we have come across during our journey through space…”

Helena paused, gazing pensively at the recorder. Then she turned the machine off, sighed and ran her hands through her fine blonde hair. “Inexplicable phenomenon…” she repeated to herself in a low voice.

A buzz from the door of her office in Medical Center startled her. “John!” A smile lit up her face. He entered, returned her smile and gently put his arms around her. He looked as tired as she felt.

“Still feels kind of unreal, hmm?” he said softly.

She nodded, looking up into his blue eyes with a thoughtful expression. “You can say that again. I’ve just tried to describe it for my status report, but I don’t seem to find the right words…”

He nodded, his look resting on her. “You know… we mustn’t set our hopes too high,” he cautioned.

“I know,” Helena said earnestly. “How are the preparations going?”

“Good,” John replied. “The Administration Committee of Santa Maria knows our recon team will land tomorrow.” He sighed. “It’s taken ages to convince them we are no weird species of aliens trying to fool them – and to convince us of their real human nature too, for that matter!” He gave a short laugh that showed his amazement yet acceptance of the situation, reluctant as it was. “Tony and some of the others have been spending all their time discussing with them, answering their questions, e-mailing all kinds of material about us, and so on and so forth. I can’t blame them though…”

Helena shook her head. “We certainly can’t. No wonder they are wary of us! Just imagine…” She paused, shaking her head again. “I really thought we had seen everything by now, but this??”

“Helena.” His hands gripped her arms more tightly as he looked intensely into her blue-green eyes. Concern was written all over his face. “Are you really ready for this?”

“John.” Her eyes met his, calmly and confidently. “I’ve told you before, and I’m telling you now: I am ready.” She smiled reassuringly at him.

He was still gripping her arms, looking into her eyes. “You know what you will have to face.”

“I know, John,” she said softly, not smiling anymore. “I will have to face… my other self.” She frowned. “How crazy that sounds,” she murmured.

John frowned too. “I really don’t know if it’s a good idea for you to come tomorrow,” he grumbled.

“Tomorrow or any other day – what difference does it make, John? If all goes well and we settle there, I’ll have to face the – other Helena every day.” Her arms went around his waist. “I wish you wouldn’t worry so much,” she said gently. “It won’t be so bad. Remember, Sahn has already spoken to her other self.”

“But that was via monitor,” John mumbled. “Meeting each other in person will be different.” He sighed again. “Anyway, Sahn’s… that other Sandra’s husband, Paul Morrow, is one of the Administration Committee members. He seems quite competent. Tony, Alan and I had a long talk with him via monitor. We’re really lucky that their communications equipment is still functioning so well.”

His hands were still resting on her arms, so he felt her stiffening lightly. “You and Alan…” she murmured, avoiding his look. “How did… I mean… how was Morrow’s reaction to…” She stopped, looking insecure, almost a bit scared.

He laughed softly, but not in a ridiculing way. He slightly bent down and brushed his lips against hers before he spoke again. “You mean, how was his reaction to seeing two ghosts?”

She watched him expectantly, gazing into his eyes.

“Well, he and the others were a bit startled at first,” John admitted with a light grin. “But they recovered quickly.”

Helena nodded slowly. “It’s all so… amazing, and hard to imagine,” she said thoughtfully. “Four of us have other selves on that… Earth planet. You, Alan, Sahn and me. But only Sahn’s and my other selves are still there since… the other John and Alan died in an Eagle crash.”

“Yes… I know it all sounds a bit crazy,” John replied with a frown that revealed how insecure he felt himself about the whole situation. “But we have to use this chance. We’ll take all precautions we can.”

“And if it works… we might find our new home there,” Helena said cautiously.

“If it works,” John repeated, a trace of hope mingling with the serious, concerned look in his eyes.

“I’m sure you’ll have many more questions, Commander Koenig, but I suggest we’ll take you on a tour around the valley so that you, Captain Carter and Dr. Russell can see everything,” Paul Morrow said as the group of Earth Alphans led their visitors out of the small building where the conference had taken place.

“Thank you, Mr. Morrow, I think we’d like that.” John seemed a little more relaxed than he had been at the point of their arrival. Things promised to go smoothly. The Earth Alphans were still rather cautious and apprehensive, but friendly and willing to offer their cooperation. The establishing of a new Alphan community in Santa Maria’s neighbourhood seemed more and more possible. Alan Carter smiled as he followed John and Paul outside, accompanied by David Kano and Tanya Alexander, two other members of the Administration Committee.

Helena took a step towards the door to follow the group, then hesitated and turned around, facing the one person who was still inside the room.

“Professor Bergman,” she said softly. “Before I take a look around the valley, I’d like to meet… your chief medical officer.”

The English professor with silvery sideburns nodded with a light smile, apparently not surprised. “Certainly, Dr. Russell. I’ll gladly take you to Dr. Koenig’s quarters. I know she would like to see you too.”

Helena’s eyes flickered at the sound of the name Dr. Koenig, and she quickly glanced in John’s direction, but he was standing outside, deeply engrossed in a conversation with Paul Morrow and Tanya Alexander. Returning Victor Bergman’s smile, she briefly told John she would see him later, then let the professor lead her to a small house with long white curtains covering the doorway.

Motionlessly, Helena Koenig was seated at her desk. She tried to collect herself, getting prepared for what was going to happen the next instant.

She didn’t have to wait long. A shadow appeared on the curtains, remaining outside the door.

“Come in!” Helena called, her voice sounding more secure than she felt.

The woman who entered the room made Helena feel as if she was looking into a mirror, seeing a reflection of herself ten years ago.

The woman was wearing an Alphan uniform with a blue jacket on top of it Helena had never seen before. Her blonde hair was a little longer than Helena had used to wear it while living on Alpha. It framed her face in a soft wave.

Two pairs of blue-green eyes were fixed upon each other.

“I’ve expected you to come,” Helena softly greeted her guest. “Please, have a seat.”

The younger woman slowly approached and sat down on a white chair near the desk where Helena was seated.

“I…” the younger Helena started hesitantly. “Forgive me, I don’t know what to say.”

The older woman nodded. “I feel the same,” she said in a low voice.

“We are…” the younger woman swallowed, then went on. “We are the same person… but still we are different. Do you understand this?”

Slowly, her other self shook her head. “Nobody understands this,” she said almost in a whisper. “We’ll just have to try… to accept this.”

“Accept…” her visitor repeated the word quietly and thoughtfully. “Yes. I believe you’re right.” Suddenly she looked worried. “I’m sorry!” she burst out. “All this… all what happened during these past few days… our appearance here… my appearance here in your world…”

She was interrupted by the other woman who had raised her hand in a calming gesture. “You are not intruding,” she said softly. “I can’t explain this feeling, but I don’t see you as a threat.” Her blue-green eyes rested calmly on her younger self. “I can’t explain this,” she said softly. “But I’ve got the feeling it was… meant to be this way.”

“You mean…” Helena Russell looked at the woman who was facing her, radiating peace and serenity. “You mean… something brought us here?”

The younger woman’s words struck a chord deep inside Helena’s soul, stirring up a memory she couldn’t locate. “Yes,” she nodded. “I don’t believe our meeting was a coincidence.”

The younger Helena was silent for a second, then met the other woman’s look with an air of relief in her expression. “I’m glad you see it that way,” she said softly. “I’ve been wondering about the same thing.”

The two women exchanged a shy smile. Then the Alphan Helena’s look wandered across the room and was caught by the big loom standing in a corner. “You’re weaving?” she asked.

Her older self smiled. “You’ll be surprised to hear how many domestic abilities I’ve developed in the course of years, ever since we settled here,” she said. “Weaving, sewing, cooking… although my job at the Medical Center we’ve established here has always been my top priority.”

The Alphan Helena nodded understandingly. “I’ve never been much of a housewife,” she admitted.

“Me neither.” The older woman paused for a second, then watched her visitor intently. “Do you know I married?” she asked softly.

“Yes.” Two pairs of blue-green eyes met. “You married John Koenig.” A trace of sadness flew over the younger Helena’s face. “I’m so sorry about what happened… Helena,” she said, hesitantly speaking out the name for the first time.

Helena felt a wave of warmth and empathy radiating from her visitor, filling her with gratitude and a feeling of comfort she hadn’t expected. She swallowed. “There was so much to do, even after he died,” she said in a slightly husky voice. “We all… tried our best to carry on, live in the present and build our future.” She felt her heart throb, wishing she could control it. “He’s… here, isn’t he?” she whispered.

Helena Russell took her commlock from her belt. “He is here. I can call him if you’d like to…”

“No! No, wait…” Helena Koenig seemed startled, almost shocked. “Not now, please. Not today. I… I’m not ready.” She felt embarrassed, hoping the other Helena didn’t notice her emotional turmoil. She closed her eyes for a moment, trying to collect herself.

“I understand,” she heard the younger woman’s gentle voice. “I understand how you feel.”

Of course. She should understand. She is with John too. I know it. How could she not be with him? My other self, and John’s other self, in a different universe – together. And now they are going to live here. How ironic.

She tried to breathe deeply.

“Are you all right?” she heard her visitor’s voice again, closer this time. When she opened her eyes, she saw Helena Russell standing next to her chair, bending down with concern.

“Oh!” She cleared her throat, hastily pulling herself together. “Yes, I’m fine.” She forced herself to smile.

The younger Helena still looked concerned. “I think I’d better leave now,” she said. “I hope I didn’t disturb you too much.”

“No, not at all.” Helena got up and looked into her younger self’s eyes. “I’m glad you came to see me… Helena.” She cautiously reached out and took the other woman’s hands in hers. The two women stood facing each other, different and yet the same. One wearing a uniform with jacket and trousers, the other one wearing a loose-fitting dark brown robe, her long hair pulled back into a bun.

“You think you can do without me for a minute, Alan? I just need to have a look…” John quickly turned his head backwards, to the Eagle’s passenger section.

“Yeah, no problem, John. Take your time.” Alan Carter grinned, then turned his attention back to flying. Nodding his thanks to him, John took off his seat belt and left the command module.

He found Helena sitting in her seat, staring in front of herself, obviously lost in thought.

“Hey,” he said softly as he sat down beside her. “Everything okay?”

“Hmmmmm…?” She looked at him, a bit puzzled, as if she had just woken up from a vivid dream. “Oh, John!” She gave him a quick smile, passing her hands through her hair. “I was… thinking.”

“About your meeting with… the other Helena?” he asked a bit cautiously. “How did it go?”

She hesitated for a moment, staring down. “It’s so… hard to describe,” she said in a hushed voice. “She was… me. And still, she was somebody else.” She shook her head slowly.

John frowned, trying to understand what was going on in Helena’s mind at the moment. For a split-second, he caught himself feeling almost happy that his own other self was not alive anymore. With a twinge of guilt, he shook off the disturbing feeling and focused his attention back on the woman next to him.

“Was she… very shocked to see you?” he asked.

“No, not at all,” Helena replied. “She said she had expected me to come. She was… actually very kind and friendly to me.” She paused, thinking. “There was something… wise and understanding about her,” she said slowly. “Even though she admitted she didn’t really understand what this all means either.”

“Mmhmm I see,” John mumbled, rubbing his chin. “Do you think… well…” He cleared his throat. “Do you think it will… uhm… upset her to see me?”

Helena raised her head and looked into his eyes. “I can’t tell what her reaction will be like, John,” she said frankly. “I only know…” She suddenly paused, averting her eyes, playing with the bunch of golden-yellow roses Professor Bergman had given her just before they left. “I only know it will be difficult for her,” she concluded the sentence.

John nodded thoughtfully. “Well, we’ll get through that somehow.” He noticed he sounded more confident than he felt. “We will get used to each other. All of us.”

Helena turned back to him with a light smile. “I’m sure we will,” she said softly.

He returned her smile, then patted her hand and got up. “I’d better be back in the command module. See you later.”

Still smiling, she nodded at him. “See you later.”

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Since October 12, 2006