Alternate timeline

The Star Trek Expanded Universe Database is for fanon and related content. See Memory-Alpha.org for the canon Star Trek wiki.

existence of the expanded universe
dimension - history - space - time - time-space continuum - universe
alternate reality
alternate dimension - alternate timeline - parallel universe - pocket universe - quantum reality - subspace and hyperspace

An alternate timeline is a tangential space-time continuum, typically created upon the alteration of one or more events in the "past". Alternate timelines are frequently the result of unintentional temporal interference. There are many types of alternate timelines, but most of those observed fit into two main categories, "closed" and "open".

Contents 1 Closed timelines 2 Open timelines 3 Fan films 4 Fan fiction 4.1 Individual stories 5 Related topics 6 External links

[edit] Closed timelines

Closed timelines occur when an alternate timeline is created then eliminated through actions of "external" agents. Typically, the participants within these timelines are unaware of any change, either upon the creation of the alternate timeline, or once the timeline reverts to its "true" form, unless shielded from those changes by temporally sensitive materials (see chronitons, temporal shields). Since this is the case, most incidents of closed timelines go unreported, except by the Department of Temporal Investigations. Such timelines usually involve a cyclic aspect (action in the original timeline altering the past/future, creating an alternate timeline, an object/person unaffected by the temporal change travelling to/already present in the past/future to ensure the original timeline is re-established).

[edit] Open timelines

An open timeline is better described as a parallel universe. As a result of quantum determinism, every event that can occur, will occur in alternate universes. (TNG: "Parallels") These alternate timelines differ from closed timelines as the events continue to influence the timeline they altered, without "external" interference. The mirror universe is an example of such an alternate timeline, which has become a primary focus for Federation scientists.

Many fans believe Star Trek: Enterprise takes place in such a timeline, effected either by the Temporal Cold War or events of Star Trek: First Contact. This seems unlikely, as Archer is heard referencing the trading post of Rigel X in a 24th century holoprogram in "These Are the Voyages..." (This involves the series premiere "Broken Bow", which introduced the Temporal Cold War). Some consider "These Are the Voyages..." to also be set in this alternate timeline, which would explain inconsistencies compared to the events of TNG: "The Pegasus".

[edit] Fan films

Fan film episodes involving alternate timelines:

• Star Trek: Hidden Frontier
  • "Two Hours"
• Star Trek: New Voyages
  • "In Harm's Way"

[edit] Fan fiction

Fan fiction series set in alternate timelines are depicted in the following:

• Star Trek: Arcadia
• Star Trek: Pendragon

[edit] Individual stories

• Star Trek: Daedalus
  • "Infinite"
  • "Split Infinities"
  • "All the Myriad Ways"
• Star Trek: Pioneer (PNR)
  • "The World at the Edge of Time"
  • "Destiny of Freedom"
• Star Trek: Phoenix-X
  • "Phoenix Restoration"
  • "Secret Shuttles, Part IV"

[edit] Related topics

• Temporal anomaly
• Temporal mechanics
• Time

[edit] External links

• Alternate timeline article at Memory Alpha, the canon Star Trek wiki.
• Alternate timeline article at Memory Beta, the non-canon Star Trek wiki.