So, Mother makes her appearance. Looks like Mech's going to have to grow up if she's going to get through this.
Barely Human: Shadow Plays
- Thread starter CeJay
- Start date
I enjoyed Mech meeting Mother. The imagery of your story is both vivid and compelling - again, I feel like I am in the scene as an interested bystander.
There's a bit of a feel of Jedi Master and Padawan here, too. Not in a bad way, it's just that the masters (e.g. Yoda/Mother) always seem to talk in riddles. Sometimes you just want to whack 'em in the head. Probably not a good idea!
There's a bit of a feel of Jedi Master and Padawan here, too. Not in a bad way, it's just that the masters (e.g. Yoda/Mother) always seem to talk in riddles. Sometimes you just want to whack 'em in the head. Probably not a good idea!
016 – “Just Follow the Treasure Map.”
“I’m sure you appreciate, Mister Masamune, that we don’t always choose our friends. Some are the consequences of our own ambitions, some are made for us and others, well others are simply a matter of necessity,” the stately woman told the chief of San Francisco’s Municipal Safety Department over the large computer screen. “The Grayson’s have been close acquaintances of my family for a very long time. And as you are well aware Mister Grayson himself has always been a great friend of the city on both the local and planetary scale. Now I know about some of his – how should I put it? Radical ideas. But we still live in a free society even if Mister Grayson may not cherish this fact. So I’m afraid that unless you can provide solid evidence for your accusations I have to ask you to reign in your people.”
Masamune wanted to speak but the Lady Major did not give her the chance.
“I do not have the time to discuss this further, Mister Masamune. I asked you to create your special task force due to your reputation to get results and your experience with cyber-crime. These stims flooding our streets are a disgrace for this city and I require you to get rid us from this scourge without making unfounded accusations,” she said and brushed some of her dark hair behind her ear. Her voice had a steely edge but she kept it perfectly even without ever becoming threatening or accusatory.
“I understand and I assure you I will deliver results.”
Her lips curved upwards ever so slightly. “I’m sure you will.”
The link was terminated and the screen faded into a transparent pane along with the other windows. The setting sun outside still provided enough light to illuminate the room, revealing the members of the Cyber Crime Division, CCiD, who had been previously hidden.
Masamune turned to the scattered group.
“Well that’s a story if I ever heard one,” said Tank. “She admits that he’s a complete loon but won’t lift one finger to put him away.”
“What she rightly pointed out,” Slade shot back, “is that he has rights like every other citizen of the Federation. We cannot act without any proof. Federation rights are there for a –“
“Federation rights?” Tank asked with bewilderment. “Have you heard this guy’s so-called lectures? He wants nothing more than get rid of the Federation. He doesn’t even care for any of his –”
“That’s not the point.”
“The point is that this guy is singlehandedly –“
“Gentlemen,” Masamune’s surprisingly forceful voice abruptly ended the conversation. When he continued it was in his more characteristically soft tone again. “Mister Eldex, how is our new project coming along?”
Next to Masamune Eldex was the oldest member of the team. A computer and technology expert, the bald, purple skinned Benzite was in charge of implementing and advising on technology. He sat at one of the work stations, seemingly consumed by his work.
“It is in place,” he said simply
“What is?” Gavin asked, trying to peer over Eldex’s shoulder.
“Put it up on the big screen if you please.”
Eldex did just that and within seconds the room had darkened, the main window transformed into a display screen once again.
“Satellite surveillance?” asked Tank after he realized that he was looking at a high-angle image of 600 Montgomery Street on the large computer screen. “We already know that Black can elude the satellite.”
The image gave a decent view of the main entrance of The Pyramid building and the many people coming and going, seemingly completely unaware that they were being watched.
“Satellites depend on medium range sensors to provide us with visual information of the target area and they can be accessed by multiple users,” explained Eldex. “This data is coming from an interceptor, a small device we developed back on Benzar about eighty years ago. It is so small it’s practically invisible to the naked eye. It floats in the air at about forty meters above ground level and can provide visual information on short range distances.”
“Why haven’t we used this before?” asked Gavin.
“Because we’re not supposed to have them,” Masamune replied.
“Pardon?”
“They violate Federation privacy laws as they’re main purpose is to spy on people without them knowing about it,” explained the Benzite. “We had to discontinue using them after we joined the Federation.”
“The important part is this: Black knows about the satellites and therefore is able to hack into them and prevent us from locating him. He does not know about the interceptors,” Masamune said, seemingly without the slightest moral scruple in regards to violating a Federation directive.
Jackson Slade didn’t look so happy. “If somebody finds out that we’re using these things we’re going to be in all sorts of –“
“There he is” Tank shouted and stepped closer to the screen, pointing at a black-clad man stepping out of the skyscraper. “Goddamnit I knew he was hiding in there.” He turned to look at his team leader with an accusing expression. “Let’s go get him already.”
“Wait,” said Masamune.
Tank couldn’t believe it. “We need to act now,” he insisted. “We cannot afford to let him slip through our fingers again.”
The old man nodded in agreement. “That’s exactly why we shouldn’t be too hasty. As long as he doesn’t know he’s followed we can establish exactly where he will go. He might even lead us to his base of operations.”
“We can link him to Grayson,” said Tank.
“Because he was in the same building? There’s hundreds of offices in there, we have nothing.”
Tank glared at Slade but the latter shrugged it off, keeping his eyes focused on the screen instead.
Black had just gotten onto a jet black hover bike and quickly zipped away.
“No wonder he could move fast using that thing,” observed Gavin.
“Eldex can your interceptor stay with him?” Slade wanted to know.
The Benzite nodded and worked his controls. “We’re fine as long as does not exceed 350 kph and his journey won’t take him longer than five hours.”
“Well let’s see where he takes us then,” said Jackson Slade and watched the screen carefully.
The hover bike was reminiscent of speed bikes of old with powerful combustion engines. However the engine powering this machine was packing a lot more bang and the controls were much more precise, allowing the operator to zip past the slower and mostly automated traffic in the downtown area. Within a few minutes he had reached the New James Lick Skyway, which was suspended some thirty meters above ground and with its twelve lanes of traffic was easily the cities single largest express road.
“He’s heading for the Bay Bridge,” realized Tank. “He going to Oakland.”
True enough just moments after hitting the packed Skyway Black had steered his bike on the bridge connecting San Francisco to the neighboring city.
Slade turned to Masamune. “We might get into jurisdiction problems if we try to take him down there.”
The chief didn’t seem concerned and continued to watch the screen.
Black was not going to Oakland after all. He shot down an off ramp halfway across the bridge in order to get onto a small island in the San Francisco Bay located directly between the two cities.
“He’s going to Treasure Island,” said Gavin.
The sun had now disappeared from the sky entirely and the city was claimed by darkness. The bustling town was usually brightly lit during the night but Black had pulled into an abandoned part of the island were illumination was scarce.
The tiny interceptor was undeterred however, following the heat signatures and the bright red taillight of the hover bike. And then it stopped. Seemingly in the middle of nowhere, close to nothing which could have been of any interest.
“What’s he doing?” wondered Gavin and stepped closer to the screen. “Can we get a closer look?”
Eldex manipulated the controls and the interceptor moved in tighter. The shape of rider was becoming more pronounced. He had stepped off his bike and seemed to survey his surroundings.
Then he drew what appeared to be a nasty looking Klingon disruptor pistol. Gavin recognized it instantly.
The young rookie suddenly froze in terror when he realized that the disruptor was pointed right at him. The super high resolution image made it look all too close for comfort.
Black fired and Gavin instinctively tried to get out of the way, backing into Tank standing behind him.
The screen went black.
“Impossible,” Eldex hissed. “He couldn’t have spotted the interceptor with the naked eye.”
“We need to move out now!” Tank insisted and was already heading for the door.
“Hold on.”
Tank froze and looked at the source of the voice. It had not been who he’d expected. Her voice had been so forceful that it had actually compelled him to stop. All eyes diverted to the Bobbie Case, sitting at her own computer station.
Slade looked at her with impatient eyes. “Well Miss Case, the clock’s ticking.”
She looked at the screen which was now displaying a map of the artificial island. She easily manipulated the information using the data port at her neck which was linked to the main computer.
“Treasure Island rang a bell with me so I looked over my findings from before when we tried to pin him down using the hacker’s signature I found on the satellite,” she explained. On the map Black’s last known position near the Bay Bridge was highlighted with a bright green dot. “Running a search for any terminals accessed in the last few days on Treasure Island I came up with one terminal that showed a very similar signature as the one left behind on the satellite.”
The map highlighted another point on the map, near the east shore of the island.
“That’s the old industrial district,” said Gavin.
Masamune allowed himself a small smile at Case’s findings. “Once again, good work,” he said and then looked at the team leader. “Go.”
Tank was already out the door when Slade acknowledged. “This time we’re going to take some backup,” he said. <Hot Rod, prep the SAFVe for immediate lift-off and pack heavy. We’re going to nab us a treasure.>
_ _ _ _
“I’m sure you appreciate, Mister Masamune, that we don’t always choose our friends. Some are the consequences of our own ambitions, some are made for us and others, well others are simply a matter of necessity,” the stately woman told the chief of San Francisco’s Municipal Safety Department over the large computer screen. “The Grayson’s have been close acquaintances of my family for a very long time. And as you are well aware Mister Grayson himself has always been a great friend of the city on both the local and planetary scale. Now I know about some of his – how should I put it? Radical ideas. But we still live in a free society even if Mister Grayson may not cherish this fact. So I’m afraid that unless you can provide solid evidence for your accusations I have to ask you to reign in your people.”
Masamune wanted to speak but the Lady Major did not give her the chance.
“I do not have the time to discuss this further, Mister Masamune. I asked you to create your special task force due to your reputation to get results and your experience with cyber-crime. These stims flooding our streets are a disgrace for this city and I require you to get rid us from this scourge without making unfounded accusations,” she said and brushed some of her dark hair behind her ear. Her voice had a steely edge but she kept it perfectly even without ever becoming threatening or accusatory.
“I understand and I assure you I will deliver results.”
Her lips curved upwards ever so slightly. “I’m sure you will.”
The link was terminated and the screen faded into a transparent pane along with the other windows. The setting sun outside still provided enough light to illuminate the room, revealing the members of the Cyber Crime Division, CCiD, who had been previously hidden.
Masamune turned to the scattered group.
“Well that’s a story if I ever heard one,” said Tank. “She admits that he’s a complete loon but won’t lift one finger to put him away.”
“What she rightly pointed out,” Slade shot back, “is that he has rights like every other citizen of the Federation. We cannot act without any proof. Federation rights are there for a –“
“Federation rights?” Tank asked with bewilderment. “Have you heard this guy’s so-called lectures? He wants nothing more than get rid of the Federation. He doesn’t even care for any of his –”
“That’s not the point.”
“The point is that this guy is singlehandedly –“
“Gentlemen,” Masamune’s surprisingly forceful voice abruptly ended the conversation. When he continued it was in his more characteristically soft tone again. “Mister Eldex, how is our new project coming along?”
Next to Masamune Eldex was the oldest member of the team. A computer and technology expert, the bald, purple skinned Benzite was in charge of implementing and advising on technology. He sat at one of the work stations, seemingly consumed by his work.
“It is in place,” he said simply
“What is?” Gavin asked, trying to peer over Eldex’s shoulder.
“Put it up on the big screen if you please.”
Eldex did just that and within seconds the room had darkened, the main window transformed into a display screen once again.
“Satellite surveillance?” asked Tank after he realized that he was looking at a high-angle image of 600 Montgomery Street on the large computer screen. “We already know that Black can elude the satellite.”
The image gave a decent view of the main entrance of The Pyramid building and the many people coming and going, seemingly completely unaware that they were being watched.
“Satellites depend on medium range sensors to provide us with visual information of the target area and they can be accessed by multiple users,” explained Eldex. “This data is coming from an interceptor, a small device we developed back on Benzar about eighty years ago. It is so small it’s practically invisible to the naked eye. It floats in the air at about forty meters above ground level and can provide visual information on short range distances.”
“Why haven’t we used this before?” asked Gavin.
“Because we’re not supposed to have them,” Masamune replied.
“Pardon?”
“They violate Federation privacy laws as they’re main purpose is to spy on people without them knowing about it,” explained the Benzite. “We had to discontinue using them after we joined the Federation.”
“The important part is this: Black knows about the satellites and therefore is able to hack into them and prevent us from locating him. He does not know about the interceptors,” Masamune said, seemingly without the slightest moral scruple in regards to violating a Federation directive.
Jackson Slade didn’t look so happy. “If somebody finds out that we’re using these things we’re going to be in all sorts of –“
“There he is” Tank shouted and stepped closer to the screen, pointing at a black-clad man stepping out of the skyscraper. “Goddamnit I knew he was hiding in there.” He turned to look at his team leader with an accusing expression. “Let’s go get him already.”
“Wait,” said Masamune.
Tank couldn’t believe it. “We need to act now,” he insisted. “We cannot afford to let him slip through our fingers again.”
The old man nodded in agreement. “That’s exactly why we shouldn’t be too hasty. As long as he doesn’t know he’s followed we can establish exactly where he will go. He might even lead us to his base of operations.”
“We can link him to Grayson,” said Tank.
“Because he was in the same building? There’s hundreds of offices in there, we have nothing.”
Tank glared at Slade but the latter shrugged it off, keeping his eyes focused on the screen instead.
Black had just gotten onto a jet black hover bike and quickly zipped away.
“No wonder he could move fast using that thing,” observed Gavin.
“Eldex can your interceptor stay with him?” Slade wanted to know.
The Benzite nodded and worked his controls. “We’re fine as long as does not exceed 350 kph and his journey won’t take him longer than five hours.”
“Well let’s see where he takes us then,” said Jackson Slade and watched the screen carefully.
The hover bike was reminiscent of speed bikes of old with powerful combustion engines. However the engine powering this machine was packing a lot more bang and the controls were much more precise, allowing the operator to zip past the slower and mostly automated traffic in the downtown area. Within a few minutes he had reached the New James Lick Skyway, which was suspended some thirty meters above ground and with its twelve lanes of traffic was easily the cities single largest express road.
“He’s heading for the Bay Bridge,” realized Tank. “He going to Oakland.”
True enough just moments after hitting the packed Skyway Black had steered his bike on the bridge connecting San Francisco to the neighboring city.
Slade turned to Masamune. “We might get into jurisdiction problems if we try to take him down there.”
The chief didn’t seem concerned and continued to watch the screen.
Black was not going to Oakland after all. He shot down an off ramp halfway across the bridge in order to get onto a small island in the San Francisco Bay located directly between the two cities.
“He’s going to Treasure Island,” said Gavin.
The sun had now disappeared from the sky entirely and the city was claimed by darkness. The bustling town was usually brightly lit during the night but Black had pulled into an abandoned part of the island were illumination was scarce.
The tiny interceptor was undeterred however, following the heat signatures and the bright red taillight of the hover bike. And then it stopped. Seemingly in the middle of nowhere, close to nothing which could have been of any interest.
“What’s he doing?” wondered Gavin and stepped closer to the screen. “Can we get a closer look?”
Eldex manipulated the controls and the interceptor moved in tighter. The shape of rider was becoming more pronounced. He had stepped off his bike and seemed to survey his surroundings.
Then he drew what appeared to be a nasty looking Klingon disruptor pistol. Gavin recognized it instantly.
The young rookie suddenly froze in terror when he realized that the disruptor was pointed right at him. The super high resolution image made it look all too close for comfort.
Black fired and Gavin instinctively tried to get out of the way, backing into Tank standing behind him.
The screen went black.
“Impossible,” Eldex hissed. “He couldn’t have spotted the interceptor with the naked eye.”
“We need to move out now!” Tank insisted and was already heading for the door.
“Hold on.”
Tank froze and looked at the source of the voice. It had not been who he’d expected. Her voice had been so forceful that it had actually compelled him to stop. All eyes diverted to the Bobbie Case, sitting at her own computer station.
Slade looked at her with impatient eyes. “Well Miss Case, the clock’s ticking.”
She looked at the screen which was now displaying a map of the artificial island. She easily manipulated the information using the data port at her neck which was linked to the main computer.
“Treasure Island rang a bell with me so I looked over my findings from before when we tried to pin him down using the hacker’s signature I found on the satellite,” she explained. On the map Black’s last known position near the Bay Bridge was highlighted with a bright green dot. “Running a search for any terminals accessed in the last few days on Treasure Island I came up with one terminal that showed a very similar signature as the one left behind on the satellite.”
The map highlighted another point on the map, near the east shore of the island.
“That’s the old industrial district,” said Gavin.
Masamune allowed himself a small smile at Case’s findings. “Once again, good work,” he said and then looked at the team leader. “Go.”
Tank was already out the door when Slade acknowledged. “This time we’re going to take some backup,” he said. <Hot Rod, prep the SAFVe for immediate lift-off and pack heavy. We’re going to nab us a treasure.>
_ _ _ _
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Black is a man of surprises...
Looks like Masamune is going to have to pull out all the stops to stop him and probably Grayson.
Looks like Masamune is going to have to pull out all the stops to stop him and probably Grayson.
Good, tense segment. Masamune is an intriguing character. Cautious one moment, then ready to throw out the rules the next.
And what of Black? What is he up to? How did he spot that interceptor?
A very interesting tale! Good writing and nice character work. Looking forward to more!
And what of Black? What is he up to? How did he spot that interceptor?
A very interesting tale! Good writing and nice character work. Looking forward to more!
017 – “Showdown on Treasure Island.”
Mech had been lucky, Whren was on the move and she was close behind.
The Starfleet officer was carful, implying that whatever his journey entailed was something he wanted to keep a secret. But he clearly had not counted on a tail with the kind of skills Mech possessed.
She easily stayed undetected as she followed Whren all the way to what appeared to be a fully automated factory which had shut down for the night. It was a Starfleet subcontractor and Whren easily gained access to the building.
Mech decided on finding a different entry. It was after midnight and the city streets were mostly deserted. Nobody noticed the young woman in a dark leather jacket easily jumping on the roof of the multiple story building.
The maintenance access shaft was protected by an internal security system with a double layered, level five firewall. Mech hacked it in under two minutes.
This wasn’t Starfleet Headquarters, during the day the factory produced parts used in industrial replicators, not exactly a high security installation. Mech took no risks. She unfastened her firearm, noiselessly dropped herself into the now open hatch and made her way down the catwalks.
The interior was packed with frozen assembly lines and industrial robots. The larger cranes looked like eerie statures in the darkness. The smell of unprocessed duranium and poly-plastics permeated the stale air. The factory was divided into a number of different sections. The largest, the open plan assembly hall which took up space from the ground floor to the building’s high ceiling, was empty.
Mech found a nervously pacing Andorian in the much smaller administrative section. Hidden in the shadows, she watched the man for a minute. He looked anxious and not in the least bit comfortable about being there. He wore a civilian tunic and was unarmed and Mech was confident enough that she could overwhelm him in hand to hand combat should it be necessary. She holstered her weapon and stepped into the open.
“Whren?”
The Starfleet officer froze and looked into her direction. He was startled but not as much as she had hoped. He could only see her distinctly female silhouette.
“Who is there?”
She stepped into the meager light coming from the street lamps outside. “Captain Whren?” she asked again.
“Who are you?”
Mech froze. “You don’t know who I am?”
“No,” he shot back. He scrutinized the young woman in front of him closely. “Wait.”
Her hand found the grip of the Glock behind her back.
“Damnit, I told that fool that I am not interested in dealing with his henchman anymore,” said Whren, barely able to contain his rising anger. “If he expects my help in this crazy plan of his he could at least have the decency to do as I asked and show himself in person. You tell him that.”
Mech relaxed slightly and stepped closer. She carefully took in the room as she approached. A lot of shadows but no obvious signs that this was a trap. She could be wrong however. Wouldn’t have been the first time.
“You can talk to me,” she said with faked confidence.
“Do you have any idea what I’m risking by just to coming here? No, of course you don’t. There is much more at stake here than your silly games and I don’t have the time for it,” he said and made for the exit. “You know how to contact me. I suggest you do so when you get serious.”
Mech reached out for Whren’s arm when he passed her by. He flinched at the surprising strength in her grip.
“I need information.”
“You already have everything you need to keep to your side of the bargain. I’ve done what you asked and know it’s time you produced some results,” he said and freed himself from Mech.
It was nothing more than a flicker in the shadows. Whren didn’t even notice it. Mech did but by the time she knew what it was, it was already too late.
It hit her like a freight train and she went flying through the air with such force that her body crashed right through a solid partition and landed somewhere among the machinery in the adjacent assembly hall.
“By Andor!” Whren shouted in surprise and stepped back towards the windows.
The man who had appeared and had so easily disposed of the woman wore dark shades even though the room was filled with darkness. He had run right into her, coming from seemingly nowhere. He didn’t appear to have a bruise on his body.
“What the hell is going on here?”
The man reached into his black coat to reveal a Klingon disruptor pistol.
“Now hold on a minute.” A flash of panic crossed Whren’s face. It passed when he realized that the weapon was not going to be used on him. “I know you,” he realized. “But if you are my contact then who the hell was she?”
Black didn’t speak. He turned his head away and pointed the disruptor into the direction Mech had landed. Once his arm was fully outstretched the disruptor fired a bolt and deadly green energy, zeroed in with meticulous precision on Mech’s prone body.
Jackson Slade had the factory in his sight. He and his team where just one block away and from his position he was sure he could see movements through the windows.
“It looks like our man is inside,” he said.
Tank finished checking his phaser rifle. Like the other five CCiD team members he was dressed in black combat fatigues. “What are we waiting for then?”
<Sly, are you in position?>
<We have reached the back entrance. No sign of the target. We are attempting to hack into the security system now,> reported Sly Martinez.
“I wish we could just use sensors like in the good old days,” Gavin remarked with a smirk.
“A curse on whoever invented scramblers,” said Tank and moved up to Slade. “So what’s the plan?”
The team leader shot another look at the building and then turned to his team. “The plan hasn’t changed. We’re operating under the assumption that our target is inside the building. We have all exits covered. Once Sly has gained access to the security system we breach with two units. Clear?”
All team members acknowledged.
<Slade, we have a problem.> This was coming from Hot Rod who was keeping out an eye from the SAFVe above them.
<What is it?> Slade asked and looked up. His question was answered instantly.
<We’ve got company.>
Two Starfleet shuttles were approaching quickly. They made little effort in staying undetected and sat down directly in front of the factory.
“What the hell are these idiots thinking?” Tank said, gritting his teeth.
Jackson Slade left his cover to run towards the shuttles, stealth no longer any concern. Whatever momentum of surprise they might have had was now gone.
Two dozen Starfleet officers disembarked from their vessels. The commanding officer noticed the approaching commandos and greeted them with a large smile, as if he had been expecting to see them.
“Lieutenant Commander Yaris Lee, Starfleet Security,” the young dark haired officer of Asian descent said so casually one could have thought he had come for a party.
“Jackson Slade, MSD.”
Tank was not nearly as diplomatic. He built himself up to his full six feet and seven inches, causing the much shorter Lee to cringe somewhat. “What are you morons doing? We’re in the middle of an operation here.”
Lee apparently decided to ignore the huge man in favor of Slade who he presented with a data pad. “I apologize for the intrusion but we tracked a wanted criminal to this location and we are here to serve an arrest warrant.”
Slade looked startled by the news but he took the padd nevertheless. He glanced over it only to find confirmation of the officer’s words. He turned away. <Sir, we have a situation here.>
Masamune answered straight away. <I know. I just got the call from Starfleet. They claim our suspect has outstanding warrants in the Klingon Empire, with the Romulans and half a dozen other worlds. Unfortunately, legally speaking this gives them jurisdiction in this case.>
<This is bull,> Tank said who had been listening in. He kept his ground in front of the Starfleet officer even while he was communicating with the others. <How come this is the first time we’ve heard about this? And why do they show up the second we try to make our own move?>
<I have to agree with Tank> Slade admitted. <This is an awfully convenient coincidence.>
The Starfleet officer cleared his throat. “Mister Slade, Starfleet is always concerned to maintain a good relationship with local law enforcement. We would be more than happy to join forces in making this arrest.”
“Join forces?” asked Tank with disbelief. “We were here first. This is our bust, little man.”
Lee did not like the nick name. “I’m trying to extend you some courtesy here,” he shot back angrily. “Something I’m not in the least required to do.”
Slade put a hand on Tank’s massive shoulder before he could retort. “Very well. We will do this together.”
Tank moaned loudly and moved away in disgust.
Gavin in the meantime had found something else that had begun to concern him. He had been watching the Starfleet unit. All of them were wearing their standard black and gold uniforms and wore no heavy arms to speak of. Instead of getting ready to storm the factory, most of them were spreading out in order to keep away the few onlookers their appearance had caused.
<These guys are not ready to go into this building> he broadcasted to the other team members. <If we wait for them we might lose our chance to get our man.>
Tank noticed what Gavin was referring to. <The bastards are stalling for time.>
<Slade, get in there now. We sort out jurisdiction later.> Masamune said.
Jackson Slade nodded. <Sly, how’s it coming?>
<We’re ready to roll over here.>
<Sit tight. We’ll be with you momentarily> Slade turned to Lee who seemed to be instructing a few of his men. “Commander, we need to move now if we want any chance to get this guy. We take the rear entrance you can have the front,” Slade didn’t wait for the reply but indicated his team to move out.
Lee didn’t seem happy with that plan. “Wait, we need to agree on a strategy first,” he called after them. To no avail. The CCiD team had already moved out of sight.
[continued]
Mech had been lucky, Whren was on the move and she was close behind.
The Starfleet officer was carful, implying that whatever his journey entailed was something he wanted to keep a secret. But he clearly had not counted on a tail with the kind of skills Mech possessed.
She easily stayed undetected as she followed Whren all the way to what appeared to be a fully automated factory which had shut down for the night. It was a Starfleet subcontractor and Whren easily gained access to the building.
Mech decided on finding a different entry. It was after midnight and the city streets were mostly deserted. Nobody noticed the young woman in a dark leather jacket easily jumping on the roof of the multiple story building.
The maintenance access shaft was protected by an internal security system with a double layered, level five firewall. Mech hacked it in under two minutes.
This wasn’t Starfleet Headquarters, during the day the factory produced parts used in industrial replicators, not exactly a high security installation. Mech took no risks. She unfastened her firearm, noiselessly dropped herself into the now open hatch and made her way down the catwalks.
The interior was packed with frozen assembly lines and industrial robots. The larger cranes looked like eerie statures in the darkness. The smell of unprocessed duranium and poly-plastics permeated the stale air. The factory was divided into a number of different sections. The largest, the open plan assembly hall which took up space from the ground floor to the building’s high ceiling, was empty.
Mech found a nervously pacing Andorian in the much smaller administrative section. Hidden in the shadows, she watched the man for a minute. He looked anxious and not in the least bit comfortable about being there. He wore a civilian tunic and was unarmed and Mech was confident enough that she could overwhelm him in hand to hand combat should it be necessary. She holstered her weapon and stepped into the open.
“Whren?”
The Starfleet officer froze and looked into her direction. He was startled but not as much as she had hoped. He could only see her distinctly female silhouette.
“Who is there?”
She stepped into the meager light coming from the street lamps outside. “Captain Whren?” she asked again.
“Who are you?”
Mech froze. “You don’t know who I am?”
“No,” he shot back. He scrutinized the young woman in front of him closely. “Wait.”
Her hand found the grip of the Glock behind her back.
“Damnit, I told that fool that I am not interested in dealing with his henchman anymore,” said Whren, barely able to contain his rising anger. “If he expects my help in this crazy plan of his he could at least have the decency to do as I asked and show himself in person. You tell him that.”
Mech relaxed slightly and stepped closer. She carefully took in the room as she approached. A lot of shadows but no obvious signs that this was a trap. She could be wrong however. Wouldn’t have been the first time.
“You can talk to me,” she said with faked confidence.
“Do you have any idea what I’m risking by just to coming here? No, of course you don’t. There is much more at stake here than your silly games and I don’t have the time for it,” he said and made for the exit. “You know how to contact me. I suggest you do so when you get serious.”
Mech reached out for Whren’s arm when he passed her by. He flinched at the surprising strength in her grip.
“I need information.”
“You already have everything you need to keep to your side of the bargain. I’ve done what you asked and know it’s time you produced some results,” he said and freed himself from Mech.
It was nothing more than a flicker in the shadows. Whren didn’t even notice it. Mech did but by the time she knew what it was, it was already too late.
It hit her like a freight train and she went flying through the air with such force that her body crashed right through a solid partition and landed somewhere among the machinery in the adjacent assembly hall.
“By Andor!” Whren shouted in surprise and stepped back towards the windows.
The man who had appeared and had so easily disposed of the woman wore dark shades even though the room was filled with darkness. He had run right into her, coming from seemingly nowhere. He didn’t appear to have a bruise on his body.
“What the hell is going on here?”
The man reached into his black coat to reveal a Klingon disruptor pistol.
“Now hold on a minute.” A flash of panic crossed Whren’s face. It passed when he realized that the weapon was not going to be used on him. “I know you,” he realized. “But if you are my contact then who the hell was she?”
Black didn’t speak. He turned his head away and pointed the disruptor into the direction Mech had landed. Once his arm was fully outstretched the disruptor fired a bolt and deadly green energy, zeroed in with meticulous precision on Mech’s prone body.
* * *
Jackson Slade had the factory in his sight. He and his team where just one block away and from his position he was sure he could see movements through the windows.
“It looks like our man is inside,” he said.
Tank finished checking his phaser rifle. Like the other five CCiD team members he was dressed in black combat fatigues. “What are we waiting for then?”
<Sly, are you in position?>
<We have reached the back entrance. No sign of the target. We are attempting to hack into the security system now,> reported Sly Martinez.
“I wish we could just use sensors like in the good old days,” Gavin remarked with a smirk.
“A curse on whoever invented scramblers,” said Tank and moved up to Slade. “So what’s the plan?”
The team leader shot another look at the building and then turned to his team. “The plan hasn’t changed. We’re operating under the assumption that our target is inside the building. We have all exits covered. Once Sly has gained access to the security system we breach with two units. Clear?”
All team members acknowledged.
<Slade, we have a problem.> This was coming from Hot Rod who was keeping out an eye from the SAFVe above them.
<What is it?> Slade asked and looked up. His question was answered instantly.
<We’ve got company.>
Two Starfleet shuttles were approaching quickly. They made little effort in staying undetected and sat down directly in front of the factory.
“What the hell are these idiots thinking?” Tank said, gritting his teeth.
Jackson Slade left his cover to run towards the shuttles, stealth no longer any concern. Whatever momentum of surprise they might have had was now gone.
Two dozen Starfleet officers disembarked from their vessels. The commanding officer noticed the approaching commandos and greeted them with a large smile, as if he had been expecting to see them.
“Lieutenant Commander Yaris Lee, Starfleet Security,” the young dark haired officer of Asian descent said so casually one could have thought he had come for a party.
“Jackson Slade, MSD.”
Tank was not nearly as diplomatic. He built himself up to his full six feet and seven inches, causing the much shorter Lee to cringe somewhat. “What are you morons doing? We’re in the middle of an operation here.”
Lee apparently decided to ignore the huge man in favor of Slade who he presented with a data pad. “I apologize for the intrusion but we tracked a wanted criminal to this location and we are here to serve an arrest warrant.”
Slade looked startled by the news but he took the padd nevertheless. He glanced over it only to find confirmation of the officer’s words. He turned away. <Sir, we have a situation here.>
Masamune answered straight away. <I know. I just got the call from Starfleet. They claim our suspect has outstanding warrants in the Klingon Empire, with the Romulans and half a dozen other worlds. Unfortunately, legally speaking this gives them jurisdiction in this case.>
<This is bull,> Tank said who had been listening in. He kept his ground in front of the Starfleet officer even while he was communicating with the others. <How come this is the first time we’ve heard about this? And why do they show up the second we try to make our own move?>
<I have to agree with Tank> Slade admitted. <This is an awfully convenient coincidence.>
The Starfleet officer cleared his throat. “Mister Slade, Starfleet is always concerned to maintain a good relationship with local law enforcement. We would be more than happy to join forces in making this arrest.”
“Join forces?” asked Tank with disbelief. “We were here first. This is our bust, little man.”
Lee did not like the nick name. “I’m trying to extend you some courtesy here,” he shot back angrily. “Something I’m not in the least required to do.”
Slade put a hand on Tank’s massive shoulder before he could retort. “Very well. We will do this together.”
Tank moaned loudly and moved away in disgust.
Gavin in the meantime had found something else that had begun to concern him. He had been watching the Starfleet unit. All of them were wearing their standard black and gold uniforms and wore no heavy arms to speak of. Instead of getting ready to storm the factory, most of them were spreading out in order to keep away the few onlookers their appearance had caused.
<These guys are not ready to go into this building> he broadcasted to the other team members. <If we wait for them we might lose our chance to get our man.>
Tank noticed what Gavin was referring to. <The bastards are stalling for time.>
<Slade, get in there now. We sort out jurisdiction later.> Masamune said.
Jackson Slade nodded. <Sly, how’s it coming?>
<We’re ready to roll over here.>
<Sit tight. We’ll be with you momentarily> Slade turned to Lee who seemed to be instructing a few of his men. “Commander, we need to move now if we want any chance to get this guy. We take the rear entrance you can have the front,” Slade didn’t wait for the reply but indicated his team to move out.
Lee didn’t seem happy with that plan. “Wait, we need to agree on a strategy first,” he called after them. To no avail. The CCiD team had already moved out of sight.
* * *
[continued]
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Yeah, that seemed awfully coincidental for two shuttles full of Starfleet security-types to show up. Did Whren have a contingency plan in place? Or is someone else in 'fleet pulling strings here?
And I hope Mech wakes up in time to dodge that disruptor bolt!
She's a cool character and I'd hate for her to get fried.
Nice cloak and dagger segment. Your beginning to bring some of the threads together, though how they relate, I'm still wondering. All in good time, I'm sure.
I like!
And I hope Mech wakes up in time to dodge that disruptor bolt!
She's a cool character and I'd hate for her to get fried.Nice cloak and dagger segment. Your beginning to bring some of the threads together, though how they relate, I'm still wondering. All in good time, I'm sure.
I like!
I'm really enjoying this little insight into the MSD. Looks like even in the 24th century, Fed trumps local
Hi,
I'm new in this forum, and I've been reading around and wondering where do you people post your stories? I've tried AC, Helium hubpages and what not. I absolutely hated them because they had poor fan fiction if you can call it that, and they pay miserably. I'm currently publishing all of my writing on Triond if anyone has herd of them I'd love some feedback. I'm not really a fan fiction writer, I just love to read it. heres a link to My Triond Profile. Take a look, I have some really funny stuff there. Anyways what I'm trying to say is that I make some great money from writing for Triond, they per page view and get me great promotion. What I would really like to see is the fan-fiction section filled with your stories.
Thanks
I'm new in this forum, and I've been reading around and wondering where do you people post your stories? I've tried AC, Helium hubpages and what not. I absolutely hated them because they had poor fan fiction if you can call it that, and they pay miserably. I'm currently publishing all of my writing on Triond if anyone has herd of them I'd love some feedback. I'm not really a fan fiction writer, I just love to read it. heres a link to My Triond Profile. Take a look, I have some really funny stuff there. Anyways what I'm trying to say is that I make some great money from writing for Triond, they per page view and get me great promotion. What I would really like to see is the fan-fiction section filled with your stories.
Thanks
Last edited by a moderator:
Not sure what this has to do with CeJay's story - which probably makes it spam. More importantly, it is illegal for anyone other than the owners and their affiliates to make money out of the Star Trek brand, so posting fanfic to a site that makes money is illegal.
Sorry to interrupt your thread, CeJay
Sorry to interrupt your thread, CeJay
Mech’s landing was harsh and painful but she knew that she couldn’t afford to stay put and tend to her bruises. She wanted to reach for her weapon but it had been flung out of its holster by the impact. There wasn’t time to look for it. Seemingly against the laws of gravity she commanded her body to pick itself off the ground and dive for cover.
Not a second too soon.
A green energy blast disintegrated part of the floor she had occupied just a moment earlier.
Impossibly the man who had fired on her towered above her now. Without any hesitation his thick boot connected with her head, flipping Mech onto her back.
The blow had been devastatingly powerful but she had felt worse. Determined not to let her mysterious attacker strike again, she sprawled out her legs and cut the black-clad man down.
With almost no effort whatsoever Mech managed to jump back onto her feet. She was surprised that her opponent had recovered as quickly as she had.
For a moment they simply stared at each other. She understood immediately that there was much more to this man than first met the eye. But there was no time for deeper thinking on the subject.
The man with the dark sunglasses struck out with such fluid motions and efficient technique that made it appear as if he had been born for martial art combat.
Mech parried the attacks by using her arms and legs like weapons, counting every block and every kick.
Together they moved back and forth more like dancers than combatants using the full space of the large assembly hall, flying from one conveyer belt to the other and using the various machines and robots for cover and as obstacles.
It was a stalemate. Every move she made he matched. Every move he made she matched. Mech had rarely faced an enemy with skills so close or possibly even equal her own.
He easily leaped with her when she tried to get away and find a new opening to strike and she afforded him the same courtesy. He never spoke or for that manner make any noises whatsoever. No grunts or moans not even when her fist struck a powerful blow against his ribcage which she was sure would have caused severe damage to most men.
Mech had enough. She needed to end this now or risk being tired out by her unwavering opponent.
There was one weakness she had quickly indentified. He had her strength and her speed but his technique was unimaginative and mostly limited to mirroring her own moves.
With a powerful shoulder tackle she flattened him onto the conveyer belt and quickly rolled off of him. This of course merely bought her a few seconds of time as he quickly recovered.
It was all she needed. She found the control panel and activated the belt which proceeded to start with a jerk which caused the black-clad man to lose his balance. The main power was offline but Mech had counted on enough residual energy to keep the thing running a bit. The gamble paid off and the conveyor quickly moved him away from her. It was that separation she had wanted.
With a few large large steps she ran towards a nearby tower crane, jumped up five meters and rotated in mid air. She pushed herself off the tower with her right leg to come flying towards her opponent with a dangerously outstretched left leg.
The man had only just regained his footing and was in no position to avoid the incoming Mech who shot through the air like a cannonball.
Her foot found its target, the black-clad man’s neck. Ordinarily such a forceful attack could have killed a man instantly. Her opponent spun around from the impact and then fell forward, and off the conveyor belt and face first into a nearby computer console. Sparks went flying everywhere.
Mech landed gracefully on her feet again. She couldn’t quite tell if the man was dead or merely stunned. She spotted her Glock on the floor and decided to be safe. Picking it up in one swift motion she aimed it at her adversary.
A bright light shone onto the factory floor from outside.
“It’s Starfleet,” she heard Whren shout. “They’re going to enter the building,” he added and appeared at a railing above them. The Andorian froze when he noticed that Mech had won the upper hand. He stared at her with empty eyes.
Mech turned her weapon on him but hesitated.
This gave the blue-skinned man enough time to tap a communicator hidden under his civilian shirt. He dematerialized within a heartbeat.
Never the one to moan over spoiled milk she swirled back around and was mildly surprised to find that the man she had fought had recovered and was on the move again. Part of his wrap-around sunglasses had been smashed and Mech noticed the gray and bulky artificial eyes sitting in his eye sockets.
He jumped to a catwalk some ten meters above him, then jumped again to hold on to a freestanding conduit only to swing himself to yet another catwalk across the hall.
Three shots rang out from the Glock none of which connecting with the man leaping across the hall at inhuman speeds. He dashed out of view.
[continued]
Not a second too soon.
A green energy blast disintegrated part of the floor she had occupied just a moment earlier.
Impossibly the man who had fired on her towered above her now. Without any hesitation his thick boot connected with her head, flipping Mech onto her back.
The blow had been devastatingly powerful but she had felt worse. Determined not to let her mysterious attacker strike again, she sprawled out her legs and cut the black-clad man down.
With almost no effort whatsoever Mech managed to jump back onto her feet. She was surprised that her opponent had recovered as quickly as she had.
For a moment they simply stared at each other. She understood immediately that there was much more to this man than first met the eye. But there was no time for deeper thinking on the subject.
The man with the dark sunglasses struck out with such fluid motions and efficient technique that made it appear as if he had been born for martial art combat.
Mech parried the attacks by using her arms and legs like weapons, counting every block and every kick.
Together they moved back and forth more like dancers than combatants using the full space of the large assembly hall, flying from one conveyer belt to the other and using the various machines and robots for cover and as obstacles.
It was a stalemate. Every move she made he matched. Every move he made she matched. Mech had rarely faced an enemy with skills so close or possibly even equal her own.
He easily leaped with her when she tried to get away and find a new opening to strike and she afforded him the same courtesy. He never spoke or for that manner make any noises whatsoever. No grunts or moans not even when her fist struck a powerful blow against his ribcage which she was sure would have caused severe damage to most men.
Mech had enough. She needed to end this now or risk being tired out by her unwavering opponent.
There was one weakness she had quickly indentified. He had her strength and her speed but his technique was unimaginative and mostly limited to mirroring her own moves.
With a powerful shoulder tackle she flattened him onto the conveyer belt and quickly rolled off of him. This of course merely bought her a few seconds of time as he quickly recovered.
It was all she needed. She found the control panel and activated the belt which proceeded to start with a jerk which caused the black-clad man to lose his balance. The main power was offline but Mech had counted on enough residual energy to keep the thing running a bit. The gamble paid off and the conveyor quickly moved him away from her. It was that separation she had wanted.
With a few large large steps she ran towards a nearby tower crane, jumped up five meters and rotated in mid air. She pushed herself off the tower with her right leg to come flying towards her opponent with a dangerously outstretched left leg.
The man had only just regained his footing and was in no position to avoid the incoming Mech who shot through the air like a cannonball.
Her foot found its target, the black-clad man’s neck. Ordinarily such a forceful attack could have killed a man instantly. Her opponent spun around from the impact and then fell forward, and off the conveyor belt and face first into a nearby computer console. Sparks went flying everywhere.
Mech landed gracefully on her feet again. She couldn’t quite tell if the man was dead or merely stunned. She spotted her Glock on the floor and decided to be safe. Picking it up in one swift motion she aimed it at her adversary.
A bright light shone onto the factory floor from outside.
“It’s Starfleet,” she heard Whren shout. “They’re going to enter the building,” he added and appeared at a railing above them. The Andorian froze when he noticed that Mech had won the upper hand. He stared at her with empty eyes.
Mech turned her weapon on him but hesitated.
This gave the blue-skinned man enough time to tap a communicator hidden under his civilian shirt. He dematerialized within a heartbeat.
Never the one to moan over spoiled milk she swirled back around and was mildly surprised to find that the man she had fought had recovered and was on the move again. Part of his wrap-around sunglasses had been smashed and Mech noticed the gray and bulky artificial eyes sitting in his eye sockets.
He jumped to a catwalk some ten meters above him, then jumped again to hold on to a freestanding conduit only to swing himself to yet another catwalk across the hall.
Three shots rang out from the Glock none of which connecting with the man leaping across the hall at inhuman speeds. He dashed out of view.
* * *
[continued]
No sweat, man.
Shades of The Matrix and Hacker. I'm loving it.I have a guess about Black...but I'll keep it to myself (I'm probably wrong anyway).
Very interesting dynamics here. Great work!
Hmmm...looks like Mech is full of surprises as is Mr. Black. You're achieving here what I didn't think was possible--fusing Star Trek and cyberpunk, CeJay. Very well done!
“What the hell was that?” Slade wanted to know and raised his pulse rifle higher.
“Starfleet?” said Gavin.
But Tank shook his head.
“It came from that direction,” said Martinez and pointed towards a narrow corridor leading deeper into the factory.
“I don’t like the looks of it. According to the blueprints this corridor leads to the main assembly room. Sly, you Parker and Mintrex take position in here. Tank, you and Slim take the south, Gavin and I take the north. All paths should lead us into the central assembly point.”
The team members nodded in acknowledgement.
“Remember that we need our suspect alive. No crazy stunts,” said Slade and shot an accusing look towards Tank.
“You better pray these toy guns can stop this guy,” Tank said. In his massive hands the pulse rifle really did look like it had been made for a child.
The team split up as ordered.
Jackson Slade and Gavin found most of the north part of the building to be large storage rooms, tightly crammed with completed components ready for shipment.
The dark rooms contained too many shadows for Gavin’s liking. “I don’t understand why we couldn’t get the lights turned on. It would make this a whole lot easier.”
Slade walked slowly by the rookie’s side, trying to uncover as much of the surrounding darkness as possibly with the flashlight mounted on his rifle. “Getting the city’s energy net to turn on the power is like negotiating a peace treaty with Tzenkethi. We simply don’t have that time.”
“Sometimes I wonder why we even bother with advanced technology. There used to be a time you could simply flick a switch and …“
A rattling noise just behind the corner made both men freeze.
<We got a possible contact.> Slade announced.
He indicated Gavin to take the long way around while he would proceed forward.
The young operative nodded and slipped into a gap between the stapled components.
Salde carefully approached the corner, flattened his back against the wall and peaked around. He found nothing in the darkness. He quietly counted to five and then pushed off and into the open. The light on his weapon unveiled nothing out of the ordinary. <All clear. Gavin?>
No response.
<Gavin, what’s your status?>
Again nothing.
“Damn,” he mumbled and began to carefully step forward, trying to find a way to rejoin with Gavin. But there wasn’t one. In fact he had stepped right into a dead end. He whipped around. <Hot Rod, do you have fix on Gavin’s location?>
<Negative, I’m picking up interference from his locater.>
<What the hell, Slade?> said Tank. <Where’s the rookie?>
The team leader ignored the question and approached the gap into which Gavin had disappeared into. <Everyone convene on my location now.> he said and then stepped through the gap, rifle at the ready.
It was narrow at first but it quickly widened to allow access into another storage room. A light source caught his attention just around the corner. As before he quietly approached it to see what waited around the bend.
The light source came from a pulse rifle lying on the ground. Just a few meters beyond Black was working on bypassing the security system on a window leading out of the building. He held the rookie agent in the air next to him by the neck using only his left hand. Apparently he applied just enough pressure to keep Gavin from communicating but not enough to prevent him from breathing.
Slade acted quickly. He deactivated the torch on his rifle and activated the laser aim instead. Noiselessly he brought up his weapon to his eye to line up the shot.
The hair thin red laser beam connected with the man’s arm, marking the target.
Slade squeezed the trigger.
The bluish blast was dead on, impacting just a few inches from Black’s elbow. The arm was pushed back and the hand let go of Gavin who dropped painfully to the cold floor.
But the black-clad man moved faster than Slade. In fact he moved faster than anyone Slade had ever seen. Before he could fire again, the man had reached out for Gavin with his other arm, bringing the pit of his elbow around the rookie’s neck and pulling up him to shield himself.
“Let him go now!” Slade shouted and took two determined steps forward.
He stopped when he noticed the unnatural eyes looking back at him, devoid of any human expression. Gavin was fighting for air now. This man had no intention of letting him go. On the contrary.
Heavy footsteps behind him told Slade that reinforcements were nearby but they would come too late to save Gavin’s life.
Jackson Slade was out of options.
An explosion ripped through the air, catching Slade by complete surprise. It was followed by another one and then one more.
Black’s head jerked backwards as it was hit multiple times by a powerful, unseen force. Parts of his face were ripped away on impact.
Slade was paralyzed as he witnessed three gaping holes being blown into the man’s head. The room was dark and he was not close enough to spot all the details but he was reasonably sure that there was neither blood nor bone emerging from the blown up head.
Gavin sacked to the ground and moments later so did Black.
A female figure stepped into the open, holding a pistol shaped weapon.
Slade aimed his rifle at her. “Drop your weapon!”
The woman threw him a curious look.
“LT!” Tank shouted as he stormed onto the scene. “What are you doing here?” he sounded surprised but also delighted by seeing his former commanding officer.
“You know her?” asked Slade unable to keep the astonishment out of his own voice.
Tank nodded as he rushed to the dazed Gavin on the floor.
Mech secured her weapon.
Moments later the room was swarming with the remaining MSD agents. Tank had found with convincingly well hidden relief that Gavin was shaken up but otherwise unharmed. He helped him back onto his shaky feet.
“Thanks,” the young agent managed to say to the woman who had saved his life.
She gave him a short nod but seemed much more interested in the remains of the person whose head she had turned into mush.
Mech knelt down next to the lifeless body and unceremoniously ripped away what was left of his face.
“I’ll be damned. That thing is a full body android,” Tank said when he noticed the artificial skull hiding behind the human looking skin.
“I want to know who you are and what you’re doing here,” said Slade and stepped next to Mech. “This is an official investigation you are interfering with.”
“Cool you head, will ya? She’s on our side. Besides if not for her Gavin would’ve been a goner for sure,” said Tank and shot his team leader an accusing glance, making it clear that he was rather unimpressed with him. He turned to the still preoccupied Mech. Not that we’re not grateful for the help but what exactly brings you here? Don’t tell me the old man finally manage to convince you to come work with us?”
“Work with us?” Slade seemed lost but nobody seemed willing to explain.
Mech shook her head, still studying the android. The duranium bullets of her 9mm had drilled deep holes into the metallic skull which was now coated with a slimy white liquid which dripped off her fingers and onto the floor. “I’m sorry to disappoint but I’m here following my own leads.”
“We’ll be taking it from here.”
The CCiD agents turned around to find Commander Yaris Lee and a dozen Starfleet security guards having entered the room.
Mech used the momentary distraction to quickly slip her nimble hand into the android’s mouth. She retrieved a small device and slipped it into her jacket before standing up and facing the Starfleet detail with the others.
“It is unfortunate that you had to kill him but that can’t be helped, I guess. We’ll be taking care of the body. Please accept Starfleet’s gratitude in assisting us stopping a dangerous, intergalactic criminal,” said Lee and moved through the ranks of the CCiD agents.
“Now wait a minute,” Tank protested. “You can’t just come in here after letting us do all the heavy lifting and then just sweep away our trophy as if you had taken any part in hunt.”
Lee gave the huge bald-headed man a friendly grin. “Your trophy as you quite aptly describe it will serve as a tremendous testimony to our allies that we are quite capable and willing to go after criminals seeking refuge in the Federation. I’m sure the Diplomatic Corps will be extremely grateful to your efforts.”
“I don’t give a rat’s ass about the Diplomatic Corps, you little –“
Slade once again managed to cut off the enraged colossus. “With all due respect, Commander, you are within our jurisdiction here. Any criminal will have to be processed by Municipal Safety first.”
Lee was all too happy to deal with Slade again. He quickly shoved another padd into his hands. “I understand your concerns. As you can see by these directives, signed by the office of the Secretary-General we are within our rights to assume custody of this body at this time,” Lee said and quickly gestured for his men forward to attend to the remains.
Tank looked at his team leader. “You can’t just let them do this.”
But Slade was still looking through the lengthy document when the Starfleet officers had tagged the body. Not a second later it dissolved in shimmering blue lights, transported to a destination unknown.
Tank growled in anger.
“Gentlemen,” said Lee with a satisfied smile on his face. “It was a pleasure working with you.” And just like that he and his Starfleet men disappeared again, leaving the room as quickly as they had appeared.
Slade shook his head with confusion, still looking at padd he had been given. “This can’t be right. This authorization is way out of date.”
That did it for Tank. His massive fist drove into a wall, leaving behind a large dent and scrapping off the skin on his hand. He showed no signs of pain, instead his face was mirroring nothing but pure frustration.
<Slade, bring the team back now,> said Masamune over an open channel. The old man did not sound happy.
The team leader looked pale. <Understood,> he replied and began to issue orders to his men.
“This is going to be one after-action briefing I’d rather sit out,” added Gavin, his voice still raspy from his near strangulation experience.
Mech on the other hand had a playful smile on her lips as if she found this entire situation rather entertaining. Gavin didn’t have the slightest idea what could have put her in such a good mood.
“Starfleet?” said Gavin.
But Tank shook his head.
“It came from that direction,” said Martinez and pointed towards a narrow corridor leading deeper into the factory.
“I don’t like the looks of it. According to the blueprints this corridor leads to the main assembly room. Sly, you Parker and Mintrex take position in here. Tank, you and Slim take the south, Gavin and I take the north. All paths should lead us into the central assembly point.”
The team members nodded in acknowledgement.
“Remember that we need our suspect alive. No crazy stunts,” said Slade and shot an accusing look towards Tank.
“You better pray these toy guns can stop this guy,” Tank said. In his massive hands the pulse rifle really did look like it had been made for a child.
The team split up as ordered.
Jackson Slade and Gavin found most of the north part of the building to be large storage rooms, tightly crammed with completed components ready for shipment.
The dark rooms contained too many shadows for Gavin’s liking. “I don’t understand why we couldn’t get the lights turned on. It would make this a whole lot easier.”
Slade walked slowly by the rookie’s side, trying to uncover as much of the surrounding darkness as possibly with the flashlight mounted on his rifle. “Getting the city’s energy net to turn on the power is like negotiating a peace treaty with Tzenkethi. We simply don’t have that time.”
“Sometimes I wonder why we even bother with advanced technology. There used to be a time you could simply flick a switch and …“
A rattling noise just behind the corner made both men freeze.
<We got a possible contact.> Slade announced.
He indicated Gavin to take the long way around while he would proceed forward.
The young operative nodded and slipped into a gap between the stapled components.
Salde carefully approached the corner, flattened his back against the wall and peaked around. He found nothing in the darkness. He quietly counted to five and then pushed off and into the open. The light on his weapon unveiled nothing out of the ordinary. <All clear. Gavin?>
No response.
<Gavin, what’s your status?>
Again nothing.
“Damn,” he mumbled and began to carefully step forward, trying to find a way to rejoin with Gavin. But there wasn’t one. In fact he had stepped right into a dead end. He whipped around. <Hot Rod, do you have fix on Gavin’s location?>
<Negative, I’m picking up interference from his locater.>
<What the hell, Slade?> said Tank. <Where’s the rookie?>
The team leader ignored the question and approached the gap into which Gavin had disappeared into. <Everyone convene on my location now.> he said and then stepped through the gap, rifle at the ready.
It was narrow at first but it quickly widened to allow access into another storage room. A light source caught his attention just around the corner. As before he quietly approached it to see what waited around the bend.
The light source came from a pulse rifle lying on the ground. Just a few meters beyond Black was working on bypassing the security system on a window leading out of the building. He held the rookie agent in the air next to him by the neck using only his left hand. Apparently he applied just enough pressure to keep Gavin from communicating but not enough to prevent him from breathing.
Slade acted quickly. He deactivated the torch on his rifle and activated the laser aim instead. Noiselessly he brought up his weapon to his eye to line up the shot.
The hair thin red laser beam connected with the man’s arm, marking the target.
Slade squeezed the trigger.
The bluish blast was dead on, impacting just a few inches from Black’s elbow. The arm was pushed back and the hand let go of Gavin who dropped painfully to the cold floor.
But the black-clad man moved faster than Slade. In fact he moved faster than anyone Slade had ever seen. Before he could fire again, the man had reached out for Gavin with his other arm, bringing the pit of his elbow around the rookie’s neck and pulling up him to shield himself.
“Let him go now!” Slade shouted and took two determined steps forward.
He stopped when he noticed the unnatural eyes looking back at him, devoid of any human expression. Gavin was fighting for air now. This man had no intention of letting him go. On the contrary.
Heavy footsteps behind him told Slade that reinforcements were nearby but they would come too late to save Gavin’s life.
Jackson Slade was out of options.
An explosion ripped through the air, catching Slade by complete surprise. It was followed by another one and then one more.
Black’s head jerked backwards as it was hit multiple times by a powerful, unseen force. Parts of his face were ripped away on impact.
Slade was paralyzed as he witnessed three gaping holes being blown into the man’s head. The room was dark and he was not close enough to spot all the details but he was reasonably sure that there was neither blood nor bone emerging from the blown up head.
Gavin sacked to the ground and moments later so did Black.
A female figure stepped into the open, holding a pistol shaped weapon.
Slade aimed his rifle at her. “Drop your weapon!”
The woman threw him a curious look.
“LT!” Tank shouted as he stormed onto the scene. “What are you doing here?” he sounded surprised but also delighted by seeing his former commanding officer.
“You know her?” asked Slade unable to keep the astonishment out of his own voice.
Tank nodded as he rushed to the dazed Gavin on the floor.
Mech secured her weapon.
Moments later the room was swarming with the remaining MSD agents. Tank had found with convincingly well hidden relief that Gavin was shaken up but otherwise unharmed. He helped him back onto his shaky feet.
“Thanks,” the young agent managed to say to the woman who had saved his life.
She gave him a short nod but seemed much more interested in the remains of the person whose head she had turned into mush.
Mech knelt down next to the lifeless body and unceremoniously ripped away what was left of his face.
“I’ll be damned. That thing is a full body android,” Tank said when he noticed the artificial skull hiding behind the human looking skin.
“I want to know who you are and what you’re doing here,” said Slade and stepped next to Mech. “This is an official investigation you are interfering with.”
“Cool you head, will ya? She’s on our side. Besides if not for her Gavin would’ve been a goner for sure,” said Tank and shot his team leader an accusing glance, making it clear that he was rather unimpressed with him. He turned to the still preoccupied Mech. Not that we’re not grateful for the help but what exactly brings you here? Don’t tell me the old man finally manage to convince you to come work with us?”
“Work with us?” Slade seemed lost but nobody seemed willing to explain.
Mech shook her head, still studying the android. The duranium bullets of her 9mm had drilled deep holes into the metallic skull which was now coated with a slimy white liquid which dripped off her fingers and onto the floor. “I’m sorry to disappoint but I’m here following my own leads.”
“We’ll be taking it from here.”
The CCiD agents turned around to find Commander Yaris Lee and a dozen Starfleet security guards having entered the room.
Mech used the momentary distraction to quickly slip her nimble hand into the android’s mouth. She retrieved a small device and slipped it into her jacket before standing up and facing the Starfleet detail with the others.
“It is unfortunate that you had to kill him but that can’t be helped, I guess. We’ll be taking care of the body. Please accept Starfleet’s gratitude in assisting us stopping a dangerous, intergalactic criminal,” said Lee and moved through the ranks of the CCiD agents.
“Now wait a minute,” Tank protested. “You can’t just come in here after letting us do all the heavy lifting and then just sweep away our trophy as if you had taken any part in hunt.”
Lee gave the huge bald-headed man a friendly grin. “Your trophy as you quite aptly describe it will serve as a tremendous testimony to our allies that we are quite capable and willing to go after criminals seeking refuge in the Federation. I’m sure the Diplomatic Corps will be extremely grateful to your efforts.”
“I don’t give a rat’s ass about the Diplomatic Corps, you little –“
Slade once again managed to cut off the enraged colossus. “With all due respect, Commander, you are within our jurisdiction here. Any criminal will have to be processed by Municipal Safety first.”
Lee was all too happy to deal with Slade again. He quickly shoved another padd into his hands. “I understand your concerns. As you can see by these directives, signed by the office of the Secretary-General we are within our rights to assume custody of this body at this time,” Lee said and quickly gestured for his men forward to attend to the remains.
Tank looked at his team leader. “You can’t just let them do this.”
But Slade was still looking through the lengthy document when the Starfleet officers had tagged the body. Not a second later it dissolved in shimmering blue lights, transported to a destination unknown.
Tank growled in anger.
“Gentlemen,” said Lee with a satisfied smile on his face. “It was a pleasure working with you.” And just like that he and his Starfleet men disappeared again, leaving the room as quickly as they had appeared.
Slade shook his head with confusion, still looking at padd he had been given. “This can’t be right. This authorization is way out of date.”
That did it for Tank. His massive fist drove into a wall, leaving behind a large dent and scrapping off the skin on his hand. He showed no signs of pain, instead his face was mirroring nothing but pure frustration.
<Slade, bring the team back now,> said Masamune over an open channel. The old man did not sound happy.
The team leader looked pale. <Understood,> he replied and began to issue orders to his men.
“This is going to be one after-action briefing I’d rather sit out,” added Gavin, his voice still raspy from his near strangulation experience.
Mech on the other hand had a playful smile on her lips as if she found this entire situation rather entertaining. Gavin didn’t have the slightest idea what could have put her in such a good mood.
_ _ _ _
If I were Lee, I'd stay out of Frisco while Tank still lives. It would be safer for him.
As for Lt. Mech, she's handy to have around, and what the hell is the T-101 doing around there?
As for Lt. Mech, she's handy to have around, and what the hell is the T-101 doing around there?
Naa, it's not T-101. It had white fluid, with clearly makes it a "Bishop-style" synthetic person...like from Alien.
Anyway, excellent scene! Now the question becomes: who made "Black" and why? ...And how many pieces with they be in once Tank gets a hold of them.
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