Dark Territory: Aftershocks
- Thread starter DarKush
- Start date
Part Three: Hell Breaks Loose
*******
PART THREE:
HELL BREAKS LOOSE
Inside the Extradimensional Fissure
“Processing is complete,” one of the masked figures said, its voice devoid of emotion.
“The biometric examination can now commence,” voiced another. That one seemed to vanish into the heavy shadows.
“What is this all about?” Zene fought to keep the rising hysteria out of his voice. He pulled against the bindings that tied him to frigid, operating table. “What are you doing to me?”
The outline of a shadowed face pressed against the transparent faceplate of the bulky, blood red helmet it wore. It’s only noticeable adornment was a mysterious, black fractal triskelion above the face plate. “We didn’t violate the master race’s domain on multiple occasions. We would never be so foolish to foster war among the Primacy.”
“Primacy? What’s the Primacy?”
“You will find that out soon enough,” the alien leaned back. Its spindly arms reached above Zene, somewhere into the darkness. There was a soft whirring and then a brief flash of light, as a machine bearing several sharp needles bore down on him. Zene’s scream ripped through the room as the needles stitched into his flesh. Mercifully he passed out before the second phase of the examination began.
*******
USS Cuffe
Inside the Extradimensional Fissure
Though Lt. Seb N’Saba was satisfied that his prediction of doom was apt, he thought it was inappropriate to gloat in the face of their imminent deaths. As soon as the Cuffe had eased the ragged, crackling universal rip into another dimension, the ship was grasped by the tremendous forces of the dark matter inversion residing within.
Currently the ship was being hurtled forward at speeds defying the ship’s engines and structural integrity. Both Gralf at Operations and Lt. Uhnari at the Engineering terminal were working frantically to keep the ship from rattling apart at its seams.
Thankfully, Lt. Uhnari’s shield modifications beforehand were helping maintain the protective cocoon around the ship so far, but the shrieking of the overstressed hull was growing louder. The trembling on the deck plates had also grown more pronounced.
“Try engines, full reverse again,” Glover’s voice grated over the creaking struts.
“Sir I don’t think that would be advisable,” Lt. Uhnari’s voice was strained. The Haliian pushed back several errant strands over hair that had fallen across her sweaty face. “To initiate full warp power against such a powerful opposing force might short circuit the warp engines. We’re lucky it didn’t do so before.”
“Damn I was afraid of that,” the captain surmised. “What do you propose?”
“Stop fighting it and go with the flow,” Uhnari said. “What’s the worse that could happen?” She said facetiously.
“Yes, Haliian, what’s worse than what is presently occurring,” Subcommander Rusina replied. The Romulan woman was sitting at one of the aft consoles. The terminal had been restricted to prevent her from accessing it. Even the current alliance with the Romulans during the war had its limits. N’Saba was impressed with the haughty tone in the Romulan woman’s voice. “Besides being flung across dimensions, perhaps forever.”
“It’s a privilege, not a right to be on the main bridge,” Glover said with a steely quiet. “If you don’t have anything productive to add, keep your lips shut.” The Romulan glared at the captain, folding her arms, and exhaling loudly, but said nothing. Lt. Harper, sitting beside her, chuckled.
The comely Worra completed the aft section troika. She sat regally in her seat, her snout twitching as she gathered her thoughts. N’Saba was looking forward to hearing what the woman had to say, even though she had already rejected him. His ocular implants had made him unworthy mating stock.
“Captain we have to do something,” Lt. Commander Cherenkov replied. “We don’t know where this tunnel ends. We might not ever return home again.”
“True,” Glover replied, looking at the First Officer. “However, we might at least be able to find out what happened to the Tuscarora,” he said. “Before the war, Starfleet was in the exploration business. Perhaps putting that old hat back on might get us through this mess.” With that he turned back to the screen and the enveloping darkness.
*******
*******
PART THREE:
HELL BREAKS LOOSE
Inside the Extradimensional Fissure
“Processing is complete,” one of the masked figures said, its voice devoid of emotion.
“The biometric examination can now commence,” voiced another. That one seemed to vanish into the heavy shadows.
“What is this all about?” Zene fought to keep the rising hysteria out of his voice. He pulled against the bindings that tied him to frigid, operating table. “What are you doing to me?”
The outline of a shadowed face pressed against the transparent faceplate of the bulky, blood red helmet it wore. It’s only noticeable adornment was a mysterious, black fractal triskelion above the face plate. “We didn’t violate the master race’s domain on multiple occasions. We would never be so foolish to foster war among the Primacy.”
“Primacy? What’s the Primacy?”
“You will find that out soon enough,” the alien leaned back. Its spindly arms reached above Zene, somewhere into the darkness. There was a soft whirring and then a brief flash of light, as a machine bearing several sharp needles bore down on him. Zene’s scream ripped through the room as the needles stitched into his flesh. Mercifully he passed out before the second phase of the examination began.
*******
USS Cuffe
Inside the Extradimensional Fissure
Though Lt. Seb N’Saba was satisfied that his prediction of doom was apt, he thought it was inappropriate to gloat in the face of their imminent deaths. As soon as the Cuffe had eased the ragged, crackling universal rip into another dimension, the ship was grasped by the tremendous forces of the dark matter inversion residing within.
Currently the ship was being hurtled forward at speeds defying the ship’s engines and structural integrity. Both Gralf at Operations and Lt. Uhnari at the Engineering terminal were working frantically to keep the ship from rattling apart at its seams.
Thankfully, Lt. Uhnari’s shield modifications beforehand were helping maintain the protective cocoon around the ship so far, but the shrieking of the overstressed hull was growing louder. The trembling on the deck plates had also grown more pronounced.
“Try engines, full reverse again,” Glover’s voice grated over the creaking struts.
“Sir I don’t think that would be advisable,” Lt. Uhnari’s voice was strained. The Haliian pushed back several errant strands over hair that had fallen across her sweaty face. “To initiate full warp power against such a powerful opposing force might short circuit the warp engines. We’re lucky it didn’t do so before.”
“Damn I was afraid of that,” the captain surmised. “What do you propose?”
“Stop fighting it and go with the flow,” Uhnari said. “What’s the worse that could happen?” She said facetiously.
“Yes, Haliian, what’s worse than what is presently occurring,” Subcommander Rusina replied. The Romulan woman was sitting at one of the aft consoles. The terminal had been restricted to prevent her from accessing it. Even the current alliance with the Romulans during the war had its limits. N’Saba was impressed with the haughty tone in the Romulan woman’s voice. “Besides being flung across dimensions, perhaps forever.”
“It’s a privilege, not a right to be on the main bridge,” Glover said with a steely quiet. “If you don’t have anything productive to add, keep your lips shut.” The Romulan glared at the captain, folding her arms, and exhaling loudly, but said nothing. Lt. Harper, sitting beside her, chuckled.
The comely Worra completed the aft section troika. She sat regally in her seat, her snout twitching as she gathered her thoughts. N’Saba was looking forward to hearing what the woman had to say, even though she had already rejected him. His ocular implants had made him unworthy mating stock.
“Captain we have to do something,” Lt. Commander Cherenkov replied. “We don’t know where this tunnel ends. We might not ever return home again.”
“True,” Glover replied, looking at the First Officer. “However, we might at least be able to find out what happened to the Tuscarora,” he said. “Before the war, Starfleet was in the exploration business. Perhaps putting that old hat back on might get us through this mess.” With that he turned back to the screen and the enveloping darkness.
*******
Re: Part Three: Hell Breaks Loose
*******
USS Defiant
Vilkatis Minor System
“Sensors are detecting an Alshain warship sir, Huntress-class assault cruiser,” Lt. Okala said.
“Do we hail them now?” Lt. Ry’malk asked.
I should’ve hailed them a long time ago, Braener thought. But Commander Cherenkov did make a good point. Despite his adherence to Starfleet regulations, Keith didn’t consider himself a fool either.
And he knew it could be dangerous to reveal their unauthorized presence in Alshain space even if they were providing a humanitarian service. So, he had waited until the Defiant’s sensors were within range of the Alshain vessel, and had confirmed no other vessels were lying in wait, before he would contact them.
“Contact them now Mr. Ry’malk.” Braener ordered.
“Receiving a response,” the Saurian replied after a few seconds. “Audio only.”
“On speakers.”
“Federation vessel,” the voice sounded tinny and metallic. “This…. is Weapons Officer…. Yab of the…. SFS…. Yantai….” Static would garble the man’s message every few seconds, and Braener heard him repeating himself. “We…were…attacked….thought it….was you at first….”
“We would never do something like that,” the captain protested. The weapon’s officer’s laugh scraped through Defiant’s sound system.
“But….you….would….invade….”
“No, we’re not invading anything,” Keith cut the man off. “Our long range sensors picked up your distress call and we responded.”
“So…quickly?” The skepticism was thick, even across space.
“Would you care that we leave?” The captain asked.
“No….”
“Prepare to receive a medical team shortly,” the captain said. He paused to nod at Ry’malk. The Saurian contacted Dr. Bashir. “Weapons Officer Yab, I take it you are in charge?”
After nearly a minute of static-filled silence, Yab replied. “Yes.”
“Who attacked your vessel?”
“We…don’t know….” The Alshain replied. “We were investigating spatial anomalies…. inside Vilkatis Minor when….. one of them struck us with a burst of energy. It ….knocked….. out main power and shields. Fortunately our…. engines… had enough power ….to effect our escape.”
“So, it was an anomaly? Not a vessel?” Braener pressed.
“I…can…provide you…more details…once aboard,” Yab said.
“Okay,” the captain relented. The pain in the weapon’s officer’s voice was obvious. “Standby for our medical team.”
“Standing…by,” Yab said. Braener made for the door, but Lt. Ry’malk outpaced him. The Saurian quickly reached the turbolift, somewhat blocking Keith’s entry.
“What are you doing Lieutenant?” Braener asked.
“Sir, your place is on the bridge,” the Saurian gently replied. “I’ll lead the Away Team.”
“Don’t bring up regulations at a time like this Mr. Ry’malk.” The Saurian’s large, yellow eyes blinked nervously.
“He’s right sir,” Lt. Okala uncharacteristically spoke up. The young Bajoran had been doing a lot of that lately, Braener realized. “According to your Starfleet regulations…”
“I know the regulation Lt. Okala,” Braener replied. “I was merely choosing to ignore it.”
“At a critical time like this that would be…unadvisable,” Ry’malk said. “The Alshain could very well be laying a trap still, and Defiant needs her captain more than its tactical officer or even chief medic at this time.”
“Besides, you wouldn’t want Commander Cherenkov to assume command in the event that something happened aboard the Yantai,” Okala replied.
“Good point,” Braener grumbled. “Mr. Ry’malk just keep your wits about you,” the captain advised. The shipboard lights flickered, before brightening.
Braener looked at Lt. Okala at the operations console. “What was that lieutenant?”
The young Bajoran had a confused look on her face. “The cloak has been deactivated sir.”
“I didn’t order it lowered yet,” Braener groused. He angrily tapped his combadge. “Commander Uhnari you’re jumping the gun a little bit.”
“I don’t know what you mean sir,” Uhnari replied, “but if it is in reference to the cloaking device, I didn’t do that.”
“Then who or what did?” Braener asked.
“I’m attempting to discover that now,” Aquiel replied.
“Sir,” Okala interrupted. “A ship to ship transport has just been initialized.”
“Someone beamed off this ship?” The captain asked for emphasis. He already suspected the answer.
“Yes,” Okala replied, checking her instrumentation again. “Commander Cherenkov.”
“Damn,” Braener really wanted to punch something. “Ry’malk, let’s go.”
“But sir…” the Saurian protested.
“Captain, I’m detecting another massive power surge throughout ship’s systems,” Okala reported. The lighting across the bridge’s terminals blinked and flashed with frenzy as the charge tore through them. After the wave had passed, Okala said, “Beginning damage assessment now.” Ry’malk had quickly retaken his seat and was running a check on Defiant’s tactical systems.
“What about engines?” Braener asked, activating his compin. “Commander Uhnari?” He frowned after he didn’t get a response. He tried again.
“Sir, shipboard communications are down,” Okala said. “And so is just about every other system except shields, life support…and the cloaking device.”
“That’s too damn coincidental,” Braener replied. “It had to be Cherenkov.” Ry’malk shot out of his seat.
“He got us again,” Lt. Hetis wryly replied. The Boslic had been the pilot of the Defiant when Cherenkov had stolen its cloaking device a year ago.
“Sir, I think I should lead the Away Team. With the problems Defiant is currently experiencing, you are needed here,” the Saurian argued.
“You can’t handle Cherenkov on your own,” Braener replied, wincing at the harshness of his assessment. “That’s not a knock on you Lieutenant; it’s just that Cherenkov’s a different breed. And I fear that what he’s doing or attempting to do on that Alshain cruiser could be a bigger danger to us than this power failure I have no doubt he manufactured.”
“Sir, I can handle him,” Ry’malk declared, unconsciously puffing out his thin chest.
“Let’s go,” Keith repeated, his tone brooking no debate. “Okala you have the conn until I return. Effect repairs to ship’s systems immediately. Also, send someone down to reestablish contact with Commander Uhnari.”
“Aye sir,” Okala moved to take the center seat.
*******
SFS Yantai
Primary Corridor
Commander Cherenkov quickly glanced at the corpses littering the main hall leading to the cruiser’s bridge. He was long inured to the sight and smells of carnage. The Alshain had fought valiantly, but they had been no match for the aliens that had slaughtered them, which made what he had to do all the more justifiable.
He hurried through the hall, holding his fold-out Flaxian disruptor at the ready. The doors to the bridge had been melted open, and he stepped carefully onto the command deck, avoiding the metal edges that still dripped in some areas.
He knew that Braener would be on to him in seconds, so he had had to infect the ship’s systems, save shields, life support and the cloak, with another computer virus, similar to the one he had used to shut down the Defiant and DS9 almost a year ago when he borrowed the ship’s cloaking device to save Captain Glover. The duration of his virus was much shorter, and he hoped less even damaging. He didn’t like the thought of leaving the ship, and Aquiel, vulnerable in the middle of Alshain space.
Ivan quickly found Yab, slumped in the throne-like command seat. The Alshain’s breathing was ragged, the large hole in his chest making sucking sounds with each labored breath.
“Are…there any….left?” The canid asked. “Am…the last…one?” Ivan merely nodded, without replying. He walked around the Alshain to one of the few functional consoles. Ivan took a tricorder from the knapsack slung over his shoulders and attached it to the terminal. Its ornate board flickered as the download began.
“You’re…not going to help me?” Even though the man’s voice was fading, the accusation was still damning. Ivan did his best to ignore him. He turned away from Yab, and returned his attention to the information scrolling down the console’s screen.
“Well, are you just going to let this man die?” The cultured voice of Dr. Bashir was aghast.
Without turning around, Ivan aimed his disruptor at the gurgling Alshain and fired, the weapon’s officer’s life ending with a quiet yelp. “Actually Doctor, I was going to let nature take its course, but since you felt the need to tag along, I knew you would insist on keeping the man alive, a futile effort that would waste time. However, on the off chance that your genetically enhanced abilities could save Weapons Officer Yab, I couldn’t leave any witnesses.”
The tricorder chirped once the download was complete. Ivan retrieved, placed it back in his bag, and turned around to face the phaser Dr. Bashir had pulled on him. Ivan was more unnerved by the disgusted look on the face of Aquiel. The Haliian was standing at the doorway to the bridge, a hand covering her mouth, and her beautiful eyes widened in shock.
“Aquiel…you shouldn’t be here,” he said, stepping forward. He stopped when Bashir waved his gun.
“I’m not falling for that one,” the doctor said. “Stay where you are.”
“Ivan….how could you?” Aquiel gasped. “You…you just murdered that man.” Bashir whipped around, quickly putting his gun to the side.
“Commander Uhnari, what are you doing here?” Bashir asked. “You’re not part of this as well.”
“No,” Ivan snapped. “She’s not like us.” He said, drawing a suspicious glance from Aquiel.
“What does that mean Doctor Bashir?”
“Nothing, it means nothing,” the medic replied. Ivan brushed past him, reaching out to Aquiel. But the Haliian backed away.
“Don’t touch me!” She wailed. “Don’t dare come near me!”
“You heard her!” Bashir bellowed. “Stop right there!” He pointed the phaser at Ivan again. “Don’t make me use this.”
Ivan whipped around. He grabbed Bashir’s gun hand, squeezing his wrist. Instead of hearing bone snap or the medic whimper, Bashir used his free hand to smash into Ivan’s temple. The Russian’s eyes watered, but he maintained his balance.
“Forgot that quickly that I’m enhanced?” Bashir replied. “I’m not as fragile as the normal human, though I might pretend otherwise.” He stuck the emitter cone into Ivan’s face. “I want answers,” Bashir’s voice took on an uncharacteristic menace, “Now!”
********
*******
USS Defiant
Vilkatis Minor System
“Sensors are detecting an Alshain warship sir, Huntress-class assault cruiser,” Lt. Okala said.
“Do we hail them now?” Lt. Ry’malk asked.
I should’ve hailed them a long time ago, Braener thought. But Commander Cherenkov did make a good point. Despite his adherence to Starfleet regulations, Keith didn’t consider himself a fool either.
And he knew it could be dangerous to reveal their unauthorized presence in Alshain space even if they were providing a humanitarian service. So, he had waited until the Defiant’s sensors were within range of the Alshain vessel, and had confirmed no other vessels were lying in wait, before he would contact them.
“Contact them now Mr. Ry’malk.” Braener ordered.
“Receiving a response,” the Saurian replied after a few seconds. “Audio only.”
“On speakers.”
“Federation vessel,” the voice sounded tinny and metallic. “This…. is Weapons Officer…. Yab of the…. SFS…. Yantai….” Static would garble the man’s message every few seconds, and Braener heard him repeating himself. “We…were…attacked….thought it….was you at first….”
“We would never do something like that,” the captain protested. The weapon’s officer’s laugh scraped through Defiant’s sound system.
“But….you….would….invade….”
“No, we’re not invading anything,” Keith cut the man off. “Our long range sensors picked up your distress call and we responded.”
“So…quickly?” The skepticism was thick, even across space.
“Would you care that we leave?” The captain asked.
“No….”
“Prepare to receive a medical team shortly,” the captain said. He paused to nod at Ry’malk. The Saurian contacted Dr. Bashir. “Weapons Officer Yab, I take it you are in charge?”
After nearly a minute of static-filled silence, Yab replied. “Yes.”
“Who attacked your vessel?”
“We…don’t know….” The Alshain replied. “We were investigating spatial anomalies…. inside Vilkatis Minor when….. one of them struck us with a burst of energy. It ….knocked….. out main power and shields. Fortunately our…. engines… had enough power ….to effect our escape.”
“So, it was an anomaly? Not a vessel?” Braener pressed.
“I…can…provide you…more details…once aboard,” Yab said.
“Okay,” the captain relented. The pain in the weapon’s officer’s voice was obvious. “Standby for our medical team.”
“Standing…by,” Yab said. Braener made for the door, but Lt. Ry’malk outpaced him. The Saurian quickly reached the turbolift, somewhat blocking Keith’s entry.
“What are you doing Lieutenant?” Braener asked.
“Sir, your place is on the bridge,” the Saurian gently replied. “I’ll lead the Away Team.”
“Don’t bring up regulations at a time like this Mr. Ry’malk.” The Saurian’s large, yellow eyes blinked nervously.
“He’s right sir,” Lt. Okala uncharacteristically spoke up. The young Bajoran had been doing a lot of that lately, Braener realized. “According to your Starfleet regulations…”
“I know the regulation Lt. Okala,” Braener replied. “I was merely choosing to ignore it.”
“At a critical time like this that would be…unadvisable,” Ry’malk said. “The Alshain could very well be laying a trap still, and Defiant needs her captain more than its tactical officer or even chief medic at this time.”
“Besides, you wouldn’t want Commander Cherenkov to assume command in the event that something happened aboard the Yantai,” Okala replied.
“Good point,” Braener grumbled. “Mr. Ry’malk just keep your wits about you,” the captain advised. The shipboard lights flickered, before brightening.
Braener looked at Lt. Okala at the operations console. “What was that lieutenant?”
The young Bajoran had a confused look on her face. “The cloak has been deactivated sir.”
“I didn’t order it lowered yet,” Braener groused. He angrily tapped his combadge. “Commander Uhnari you’re jumping the gun a little bit.”
“I don’t know what you mean sir,” Uhnari replied, “but if it is in reference to the cloaking device, I didn’t do that.”
“Then who or what did?” Braener asked.
“I’m attempting to discover that now,” Aquiel replied.
“Sir,” Okala interrupted. “A ship to ship transport has just been initialized.”
“Someone beamed off this ship?” The captain asked for emphasis. He already suspected the answer.
“Yes,” Okala replied, checking her instrumentation again. “Commander Cherenkov.”
“Damn,” Braener really wanted to punch something. “Ry’malk, let’s go.”
“But sir…” the Saurian protested.
“Captain, I’m detecting another massive power surge throughout ship’s systems,” Okala reported. The lighting across the bridge’s terminals blinked and flashed with frenzy as the charge tore through them. After the wave had passed, Okala said, “Beginning damage assessment now.” Ry’malk had quickly retaken his seat and was running a check on Defiant’s tactical systems.
“What about engines?” Braener asked, activating his compin. “Commander Uhnari?” He frowned after he didn’t get a response. He tried again.
“Sir, shipboard communications are down,” Okala said. “And so is just about every other system except shields, life support…and the cloaking device.”
“That’s too damn coincidental,” Braener replied. “It had to be Cherenkov.” Ry’malk shot out of his seat.
“He got us again,” Lt. Hetis wryly replied. The Boslic had been the pilot of the Defiant when Cherenkov had stolen its cloaking device a year ago.
“Sir, I think I should lead the Away Team. With the problems Defiant is currently experiencing, you are needed here,” the Saurian argued.
“You can’t handle Cherenkov on your own,” Braener replied, wincing at the harshness of his assessment. “That’s not a knock on you Lieutenant; it’s just that Cherenkov’s a different breed. And I fear that what he’s doing or attempting to do on that Alshain cruiser could be a bigger danger to us than this power failure I have no doubt he manufactured.”
“Sir, I can handle him,” Ry’malk declared, unconsciously puffing out his thin chest.
“Let’s go,” Keith repeated, his tone brooking no debate. “Okala you have the conn until I return. Effect repairs to ship’s systems immediately. Also, send someone down to reestablish contact with Commander Uhnari.”
“Aye sir,” Okala moved to take the center seat.
*******
SFS Yantai
Primary Corridor
Commander Cherenkov quickly glanced at the corpses littering the main hall leading to the cruiser’s bridge. He was long inured to the sight and smells of carnage. The Alshain had fought valiantly, but they had been no match for the aliens that had slaughtered them, which made what he had to do all the more justifiable.
He hurried through the hall, holding his fold-out Flaxian disruptor at the ready. The doors to the bridge had been melted open, and he stepped carefully onto the command deck, avoiding the metal edges that still dripped in some areas.
He knew that Braener would be on to him in seconds, so he had had to infect the ship’s systems, save shields, life support and the cloak, with another computer virus, similar to the one he had used to shut down the Defiant and DS9 almost a year ago when he borrowed the ship’s cloaking device to save Captain Glover. The duration of his virus was much shorter, and he hoped less even damaging. He didn’t like the thought of leaving the ship, and Aquiel, vulnerable in the middle of Alshain space.
Ivan quickly found Yab, slumped in the throne-like command seat. The Alshain’s breathing was ragged, the large hole in his chest making sucking sounds with each labored breath.
“Are…there any….left?” The canid asked. “Am…the last…one?” Ivan merely nodded, without replying. He walked around the Alshain to one of the few functional consoles. Ivan took a tricorder from the knapsack slung over his shoulders and attached it to the terminal. Its ornate board flickered as the download began.
“You’re…not going to help me?” Even though the man’s voice was fading, the accusation was still damning. Ivan did his best to ignore him. He turned away from Yab, and returned his attention to the information scrolling down the console’s screen.
“Well, are you just going to let this man die?” The cultured voice of Dr. Bashir was aghast.
Without turning around, Ivan aimed his disruptor at the gurgling Alshain and fired, the weapon’s officer’s life ending with a quiet yelp. “Actually Doctor, I was going to let nature take its course, but since you felt the need to tag along, I knew you would insist on keeping the man alive, a futile effort that would waste time. However, on the off chance that your genetically enhanced abilities could save Weapons Officer Yab, I couldn’t leave any witnesses.”
The tricorder chirped once the download was complete. Ivan retrieved, placed it back in his bag, and turned around to face the phaser Dr. Bashir had pulled on him. Ivan was more unnerved by the disgusted look on the face of Aquiel. The Haliian was standing at the doorway to the bridge, a hand covering her mouth, and her beautiful eyes widened in shock.
“Aquiel…you shouldn’t be here,” he said, stepping forward. He stopped when Bashir waved his gun.
“I’m not falling for that one,” the doctor said. “Stay where you are.”
“Ivan….how could you?” Aquiel gasped. “You…you just murdered that man.” Bashir whipped around, quickly putting his gun to the side.
“Commander Uhnari, what are you doing here?” Bashir asked. “You’re not part of this as well.”
“No,” Ivan snapped. “She’s not like us.” He said, drawing a suspicious glance from Aquiel.
“What does that mean Doctor Bashir?”
“Nothing, it means nothing,” the medic replied. Ivan brushed past him, reaching out to Aquiel. But the Haliian backed away.
“Don’t touch me!” She wailed. “Don’t dare come near me!”
“You heard her!” Bashir bellowed. “Stop right there!” He pointed the phaser at Ivan again. “Don’t make me use this.”
Ivan whipped around. He grabbed Bashir’s gun hand, squeezing his wrist. Instead of hearing bone snap or the medic whimper, Bashir used his free hand to smash into Ivan’s temple. The Russian’s eyes watered, but he maintained his balance.
“Forgot that quickly that I’m enhanced?” Bashir replied. “I’m not as fragile as the normal human, though I might pretend otherwise.” He stuck the emitter cone into Ivan’s face. “I want answers,” Bashir’s voice took on an uncharacteristic menace, “Now!”
********
Re: Part Three: Hell Breaks Loose
********
Shuttlecraft Chaffee
Cherenkov’s ministrations had also deactivated the transporter, forcing Braener to utilize the ship’s shuttlecraft. The captain eased the small vessel through the bowels of the Defiant, pointing it in the direction of the drifting Alshain warship. Ry’malk was sat in the co-pilot seat. Behind him was a security team. Braener expected a firefight.
Before he had left Defiant, Okala had informed him that two other transports had occurred during the power surge, and now Dr. Bashir and Lt. Commander Uhnari were missing. He could only assume the three were in cahoots somehow, and he couldn’t wait to put them in custody so he could hear the whole story.
Braener rocketed the shuttle forward. “Sir,” Ry’malk said seconds later, a red light beeping furiously on his console, “Sensors are detecting a massive antimatter build up in the engines of the Yantai.”
“Damn,” Braener said. “Are we in transporter range?” Cherenkov hadn’t had enough time, or either the inclination to sabotage the Chaffee’s systems.
“Not yet sir,” Ry’malk replied.
“Well will be within in range of the ship before it explodes,” Braener asked, his voice coated with frustration.
“Calculating,” Ry’malk glanced down at his terminal. When he looked back up, his large eyes were filled with resignation.
“No, I’m not going to let our people die on that ship,” the captain declared, urging more power to the shuttle’s engines.
“Captain, I can’t be certain Chaffee’s shields can withstand the Yantai’s destruction. I recommend we return to Defiant immediately.”
Keith glared at the blinking Saurian. He hoped to wear down the young man’s resolve, or to snatch some brilliant scheme from the ether like one of the legendary captains of yore, but he couldn’t think of anything. The idea that he couldn’t do anything to save three fellow officers from dying galled him.
Plus, Braener was none too pleased at the prospect of the loose ends being left untied. But Braener knew he had a responsibility to get as much of his crew home alive as possible, and that is what he intended to do.
“Let’s get back to the Defiant,” he mumbled.
*******
Alshain Shuttle, Eluder-class
Ivan rode the crest of the explosion, shutting of the small craft’s engines as the shockwave pushed it forward.
“You did that didn’t you?” Aquiel accused. “You sabotaged the Yantai’s engines just like you did Defiant’s?”
“Not quite,” Cherenkov admitted. “The virus I used on the Defiant should completely be expunged in a few hours. But I left shields, cloak, and life support intact. With the ablative armor, Defiant should’ve been able to weather the destruction of the Yantai, but with Braener in charge, you can never be too certain.”
“At least he doesn’t murder helpless people in cold blood,” Uhnari replied. He glanced at her out of the corner of his eye.
“You sure about that?” Uhnari opened her mouth to respond, but then he gently ridged brow wrinkled as she thought about Ivan’s statement.
Though Ivan knew Braener wasn’t a murderer, Aquiel didn’t and she would have to give him the benefit of the doubt for the moment. He felt like a jerk manipulating her like that, but he didn’t feel like arguing nor did he want to feel her damning gaze on his back.
“Rest assured Commander Uhnari, we only have to worry about one murderer here,” Dr. Bashir declared. The medic sat in the third seat forming a delta-shaped forward compartment on the small vessel.
Ivan didn’t like having Bashir behind him, but he was confident that Bashir wouldn’t try anything since Ivan was the only one conversant in Alshain script to pilot the shuttle.
“I’m even less sure about that statement than I am about Braener,” Ivan said. “I’m sure you’re employers aren’t so squeamish about murder. Right doc?” Bashir sat back, folded his arms and fumed.
“What is he talking about doctor?” Aquiel asked. “What employers?” But the medic remained tight-lipped. Ivan was happy for the pall of silence now hanging over the Eluder’s spacious bridge as he hunted for the subspace rupture, with help from the Yantai’s databanks. Once he found it, he would have one more task to perform. With selfish morbidity, Ivan found himself somewhat glad that Aquiel would be with him at the end.
********
********
Shuttlecraft Chaffee
Cherenkov’s ministrations had also deactivated the transporter, forcing Braener to utilize the ship’s shuttlecraft. The captain eased the small vessel through the bowels of the Defiant, pointing it in the direction of the drifting Alshain warship. Ry’malk was sat in the co-pilot seat. Behind him was a security team. Braener expected a firefight.
Before he had left Defiant, Okala had informed him that two other transports had occurred during the power surge, and now Dr. Bashir and Lt. Commander Uhnari were missing. He could only assume the three were in cahoots somehow, and he couldn’t wait to put them in custody so he could hear the whole story.
Braener rocketed the shuttle forward. “Sir,” Ry’malk said seconds later, a red light beeping furiously on his console, “Sensors are detecting a massive antimatter build up in the engines of the Yantai.”
“Damn,” Braener said. “Are we in transporter range?” Cherenkov hadn’t had enough time, or either the inclination to sabotage the Chaffee’s systems.
“Not yet sir,” Ry’malk replied.
“Well will be within in range of the ship before it explodes,” Braener asked, his voice coated with frustration.
“Calculating,” Ry’malk glanced down at his terminal. When he looked back up, his large eyes were filled with resignation.
“No, I’m not going to let our people die on that ship,” the captain declared, urging more power to the shuttle’s engines.
“Captain, I can’t be certain Chaffee’s shields can withstand the Yantai’s destruction. I recommend we return to Defiant immediately.”
Keith glared at the blinking Saurian. He hoped to wear down the young man’s resolve, or to snatch some brilliant scheme from the ether like one of the legendary captains of yore, but he couldn’t think of anything. The idea that he couldn’t do anything to save three fellow officers from dying galled him.
Plus, Braener was none too pleased at the prospect of the loose ends being left untied. But Braener knew he had a responsibility to get as much of his crew home alive as possible, and that is what he intended to do.
“Let’s get back to the Defiant,” he mumbled.
*******
Alshain Shuttle, Eluder-class
Ivan rode the crest of the explosion, shutting of the small craft’s engines as the shockwave pushed it forward.
“You did that didn’t you?” Aquiel accused. “You sabotaged the Yantai’s engines just like you did Defiant’s?”
“Not quite,” Cherenkov admitted. “The virus I used on the Defiant should completely be expunged in a few hours. But I left shields, cloak, and life support intact. With the ablative armor, Defiant should’ve been able to weather the destruction of the Yantai, but with Braener in charge, you can never be too certain.”
“At least he doesn’t murder helpless people in cold blood,” Uhnari replied. He glanced at her out of the corner of his eye.
“You sure about that?” Uhnari opened her mouth to respond, but then he gently ridged brow wrinkled as she thought about Ivan’s statement.
Though Ivan knew Braener wasn’t a murderer, Aquiel didn’t and she would have to give him the benefit of the doubt for the moment. He felt like a jerk manipulating her like that, but he didn’t feel like arguing nor did he want to feel her damning gaze on his back.
“Rest assured Commander Uhnari, we only have to worry about one murderer here,” Dr. Bashir declared. The medic sat in the third seat forming a delta-shaped forward compartment on the small vessel.
Ivan didn’t like having Bashir behind him, but he was confident that Bashir wouldn’t try anything since Ivan was the only one conversant in Alshain script to pilot the shuttle.
“I’m even less sure about that statement than I am about Braener,” Ivan said. “I’m sure you’re employers aren’t so squeamish about murder. Right doc?” Bashir sat back, folded his arms and fumed.
“What is he talking about doctor?” Aquiel asked. “What employers?” But the medic remained tight-lipped. Ivan was happy for the pall of silence now hanging over the Eluder’s spacious bridge as he hunted for the subspace rupture, with help from the Yantai’s databanks. Once he found it, he would have one more task to perform. With selfish morbidity, Ivan found himself somewhat glad that Aquiel would be with him at the end.
********
Re: Part Three: Hell Breaks Loose
********
USS Cuffe
Inside the Extradimensional Fissure
“If this isn’t the ass end of the multi-verse I don’t know what is,” Dr. Rieta Cole observed with her customary acerbity. Captain Glover smiled at the British woman’s observation. She had come up to the bridge to attend to several of the bridge crew injured during their journey through the dark matter inversion.
And she had been forced to stay after power had shut down on the bridge and throughout the ship. The bridge was now outlined in a spectral light courtesy of Cuffe’s auxiliary generators.
“Well put Rieta,” he said. There had been no proverbial light at the end of the tunnel. In fact, the Cuffe had been dumped into a perfect void.
“Thanks,” she replied with a smile of her own, the corners of her almond eyes crinkling. The chestnut brown skinned woman was very attractive, with an electric smile, and alluring mole right above the right corner of her mouth. She was one of the few women Terrence had encountered that made him almost regret getting married. Whenever he thought that though, he felt instantly guilty.
His wife Jasmine still hadn’t fully recovered, mentally or physically from the Dominion attack in the Tyra System over a year ago. She was currently assigned to the Corps of Engineers on Earth. He hadn’t seen her in months. The last time he had been able to visit her; Jasmine wasn’t the same woman he had married. She had become withdrawn, colder.
Terrence hoped the time Jasmine spent with her sister and nephew while she was stationed on Earth would do her some good, and maybe resurrect the person he had wed.
“Our sensors are totally blind,” Lt. Seb N’Saba said. Liaison Officer Worra’s breath hitched loudly; obviously N’Saba’s word choice reminded the woman of his ocular implants. With commendable aplomb N’Saba ignored the gasp.
“My readings also confirm that not only are the sensors inactive, but the life support, environmental systems, and structural integrity field have been shut down as well,” Gralf added.
“The weapons banks are no longer charged,” Lt. Meldin crisply replied. “And photon torpedoes are inoperative.”
“Engines are kaput as well,” Lt. Uhnari chimed in from the bridge’s engineering console.
“Great,” Lt. Commander Cherenkov said. “What are we going to do now? Wait until the neighbors come to greet us?” Cole laughed at the Russian’s uncommon stab at black humor. Cherenkov frowned, drawing a small smile out of Glover, even though the captain despite his darkening mood.
“We don’t have much of a choice,” Glover grimly replied. “But I want this ship back running before any Welcome Committee arrives people!”
********
Alshain Shuttle, Eluder-class
Aquiel gasped. There it was. Just like before. Another rip across space-time. Another aperture into the dark matter realm. “They’re back,” she whispered.
“Who’s back?” Dr. Bashir asked.
“The aliens,” Aquiel murmured.
“What aliens?”
“Enough with the twenty questions doctor,” Commander Cherenkov growled. “Long story short, while both Aquiel and I served on the USS Cuffe, we encountered a hostile alien vessel inside of a dark matter inversion similar to this, in the Vilkatis Minor System.
Starfleet Command sent me to investigate the possibility that another opening had emerged after our sources inside the Alshain Science Observatory reported strange energy readings consistent with what the Cuffe’s sensors had detected. This was supposed to be a quiet reconnaissance mission, but your Captain Braener and some incompetent Alshain have prevented that from happening.”
“Why the ruse?” Bashir asked.
“I’ve already told you too much,” Ivan said. “But I felt it was necessary so you’ll know what danger you’ve placed yourself in.”
“I’m not a coward,” Bashir stated, “I’ve risked my life for the Federation more than once.”
“And you shall do so again,” Cherenkov promised. “I’m just sorry that Aquiel has to be a part of this.”
“You should’ve trusted me more,” the Haliian said, the words cutting through Ivan’s hardened pose. “I have as much experience, maybe more dealing with these aliens than you.”
“I’m not arguing with you about that,” Ivan replied. “But I knew this was likely a one-way trip for me. I didn’t want to take you with me. But I guess I don’t have a choice now.”
“What are you talking about Ivan?” Aquiel couldn’t keep the fear out of her voice.
“Check my bag,” he said, nodding at the brown bag resting by his chair. Aquiel reached down, grunting as she lifted the deceptively light knapsack. She reached into it and pulled out two smooth cylinders.
“What are these?” She asked.
“Yes Commander, what are they?” Bashir added.
“Don’t know your handiwork eh?” Ivan said. He placed the shuttle on autopilot and turned around. “The cylinder in your left hand is an anti-verteron generator.” He paused to allow the realization to sink in.
“How is that possible? Who made this?” Uhnari asked.
“I’m not at liberty to say,” Ivan said. “But it’s obvious that Command took special interest in your theories on how to close the dark matter inversion and made it a reality.”
“And the other cylinder?” The doctor pressed.
“That’s a modified tricobalt explosive,” Cherenkov said matter-of-fact.
“A subspace weapon,” Bashir hotly charged. “And wasn’t the whole pretense of this excursion based on a lie about stopping the Alshain from testing subspace weapons? Don’t you find that a bit absurd?”
“Tricobalt devices are legal according to the Khitomer Accords Doctor Bashir,” Ivan coolly replied. “I suggest you step down off your soap box.”
“What are you going to do with it Ivan?” Aquiel asked.
“I’m going to activate it and fling it through the dark matter inversion before I close the wormhole with the anti-verteron generator.”
“You don’t have a clue what a subspace weapon will do if it interacts with dark matter do you?” Bashir asked.
“No, and I don’t intend to stick around to find out,” Cherenkov said.
“You could create untold damage, destroy millions, if not billions of innocent people,” the doctor flared.
“What came out of that first inversion certainly wasn’t innocent, or friendly. It tried to kill us. And now another portal has opened. At least one ship, the Yantai was nearly destroyed. It’s all the proof I need to complete my mission.”
“I can’t allow that!” Bashir pulled his phaser. Ivan sighed.
“Let’s not start this again,” Cherenkov replied.
“Turn this ship around,” the doctor warned.
“Please don’t tell me you’re appalled by genocide. Didn’t Section 31 try to wipe out the Changelings,” Ivan asked.
“Yes,” Bashir admitted. “But I helped stop them.”
“And now you’re one of them,” Cherenkov’s grin was nasty. “Strange bedfellows eh?” Bashir’s finger hovered over the trigger button. Aquiel’s head was turning back and forth as if she was watching a furious springball match.
“Ivan, what’s Section 31? Julian, what do they have to do with the Founders?” Neither man answered. They were both locked in a battle of wills.
“This mission is going to happen Bashir,” Ivan stated. “Even Section 31 would see these aliens as a potential threat. In fact, I’m surprised they didn’t inform you about this.”
“I’m not a section lackey,” Bashir declared. “I’m a sentient being. Genocide is wrong, no matter what cause or justification you try to drape around it.”
“So, allowing these aliens, aliens that appear to possess technology that puts the Dominion and maybe even the Borg to shame, and has already acted in a hostile manner can simply be talked to? Don’t be so naïve,” Cherenkov snorted. “A show of force might be all the talking required to keep them away from our galaxy.” Ivan back around. He retook manual control of the eluder.
“I’m warning you,” Bashir said. He placed the phaser against Ivan’s temple.
“I’m sorry Julian,” Aquiel whispered before she shot him. Bashir flew out of his seat, hitting one of the compartments curving walls. Aquiel rushed to his side, taking a medical tricorder from Bashir’s bag. She scanned him.
“Is he all right,” Cherenkov asked.
“Yeah,” she mumbled, “No thanks to you.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Even though he knew full well what Aquiel was referring to.
“You know damn well what I’m talking about,” Uhnari snapped. Ivan put the shuttle back on autopilot. Aquiel was standing over the prone Bashir, her lithe body quaking with anger. “You just can’t trust me to save your life,” she said.
“No, that’s not it at all,” Ivan said, inching towards her. He didn’t want to frighten her. He so desperately wanted to hug her, to protect her. But every time he tried, he messed it up. “I-I was just trying to protect you.”
“I’m an adult,” Aquiel said. “I can protect myself. I’ve been doing so for a very long time now. I…I shared my past with you not just for my own catharsis, but for yours as well. I wanted you to know that I’m not some fragile little thing. That you can be yourself around me, that you can show me the rough world you reside in. I can handle it. But what did you do with the trust I extended to you? You shat on it!”
“That’s not true,” Ivan said weakly, not able to discard his own incredulity.
“Even you don’t believe that,” she spat.
“You’re right,” he admitted. “I-I’ve mangled things again. But we can discuss that later. I have a mission to complete.”
“We have a mission to complete,” Aquiel said.
“We?” Ivan asked, confounded.
“You seriously didn’t think you knew how to handle an anti-verteron generator without irradiating yourself did you?”
“Well…actually, yeah I did.”
“Sometimes you can be so typically male,” Aquiel frowned.
“Just sometimes,” Ivan smiled slowly. Aquiel rolled her eyes.
“Take care of Julian why I get familiar with these doomsday devices,” the engineer said, taking both machines and finding a corner in the aft section of the eluder.
“Aye, aye sir,” Ivan replied, before he got to work.
********
********
USS Cuffe
Inside the Extradimensional Fissure
“If this isn’t the ass end of the multi-verse I don’t know what is,” Dr. Rieta Cole observed with her customary acerbity. Captain Glover smiled at the British woman’s observation. She had come up to the bridge to attend to several of the bridge crew injured during their journey through the dark matter inversion.
And she had been forced to stay after power had shut down on the bridge and throughout the ship. The bridge was now outlined in a spectral light courtesy of Cuffe’s auxiliary generators.
“Well put Rieta,” he said. There had been no proverbial light at the end of the tunnel. In fact, the Cuffe had been dumped into a perfect void.
“Thanks,” she replied with a smile of her own, the corners of her almond eyes crinkling. The chestnut brown skinned woman was very attractive, with an electric smile, and alluring mole right above the right corner of her mouth. She was one of the few women Terrence had encountered that made him almost regret getting married. Whenever he thought that though, he felt instantly guilty.
His wife Jasmine still hadn’t fully recovered, mentally or physically from the Dominion attack in the Tyra System over a year ago. She was currently assigned to the Corps of Engineers on Earth. He hadn’t seen her in months. The last time he had been able to visit her; Jasmine wasn’t the same woman he had married. She had become withdrawn, colder.
Terrence hoped the time Jasmine spent with her sister and nephew while she was stationed on Earth would do her some good, and maybe resurrect the person he had wed.
“Our sensors are totally blind,” Lt. Seb N’Saba said. Liaison Officer Worra’s breath hitched loudly; obviously N’Saba’s word choice reminded the woman of his ocular implants. With commendable aplomb N’Saba ignored the gasp.
“My readings also confirm that not only are the sensors inactive, but the life support, environmental systems, and structural integrity field have been shut down as well,” Gralf added.
“The weapons banks are no longer charged,” Lt. Meldin crisply replied. “And photon torpedoes are inoperative.”
“Engines are kaput as well,” Lt. Uhnari chimed in from the bridge’s engineering console.
“Great,” Lt. Commander Cherenkov said. “What are we going to do now? Wait until the neighbors come to greet us?” Cole laughed at the Russian’s uncommon stab at black humor. Cherenkov frowned, drawing a small smile out of Glover, even though the captain despite his darkening mood.
“We don’t have much of a choice,” Glover grimly replied. “But I want this ship back running before any Welcome Committee arrives people!”
********
Alshain Shuttle, Eluder-class
Aquiel gasped. There it was. Just like before. Another rip across space-time. Another aperture into the dark matter realm. “They’re back,” she whispered.
“Who’s back?” Dr. Bashir asked.
“The aliens,” Aquiel murmured.
“What aliens?”
“Enough with the twenty questions doctor,” Commander Cherenkov growled. “Long story short, while both Aquiel and I served on the USS Cuffe, we encountered a hostile alien vessel inside of a dark matter inversion similar to this, in the Vilkatis Minor System.
Starfleet Command sent me to investigate the possibility that another opening had emerged after our sources inside the Alshain Science Observatory reported strange energy readings consistent with what the Cuffe’s sensors had detected. This was supposed to be a quiet reconnaissance mission, but your Captain Braener and some incompetent Alshain have prevented that from happening.”
“Why the ruse?” Bashir asked.
“I’ve already told you too much,” Ivan said. “But I felt it was necessary so you’ll know what danger you’ve placed yourself in.”
“I’m not a coward,” Bashir stated, “I’ve risked my life for the Federation more than once.”
“And you shall do so again,” Cherenkov promised. “I’m just sorry that Aquiel has to be a part of this.”
“You should’ve trusted me more,” the Haliian said, the words cutting through Ivan’s hardened pose. “I have as much experience, maybe more dealing with these aliens than you.”
“I’m not arguing with you about that,” Ivan replied. “But I knew this was likely a one-way trip for me. I didn’t want to take you with me. But I guess I don’t have a choice now.”
“What are you talking about Ivan?” Aquiel couldn’t keep the fear out of her voice.
“Check my bag,” he said, nodding at the brown bag resting by his chair. Aquiel reached down, grunting as she lifted the deceptively light knapsack. She reached into it and pulled out two smooth cylinders.
“What are these?” She asked.
“Yes Commander, what are they?” Bashir added.
“Don’t know your handiwork eh?” Ivan said. He placed the shuttle on autopilot and turned around. “The cylinder in your left hand is an anti-verteron generator.” He paused to allow the realization to sink in.
“How is that possible? Who made this?” Uhnari asked.
“I’m not at liberty to say,” Ivan said. “But it’s obvious that Command took special interest in your theories on how to close the dark matter inversion and made it a reality.”
“And the other cylinder?” The doctor pressed.
“That’s a modified tricobalt explosive,” Cherenkov said matter-of-fact.
“A subspace weapon,” Bashir hotly charged. “And wasn’t the whole pretense of this excursion based on a lie about stopping the Alshain from testing subspace weapons? Don’t you find that a bit absurd?”
“Tricobalt devices are legal according to the Khitomer Accords Doctor Bashir,” Ivan coolly replied. “I suggest you step down off your soap box.”
“What are you going to do with it Ivan?” Aquiel asked.
“I’m going to activate it and fling it through the dark matter inversion before I close the wormhole with the anti-verteron generator.”
“You don’t have a clue what a subspace weapon will do if it interacts with dark matter do you?” Bashir asked.
“No, and I don’t intend to stick around to find out,” Cherenkov said.
“You could create untold damage, destroy millions, if not billions of innocent people,” the doctor flared.
“What came out of that first inversion certainly wasn’t innocent, or friendly. It tried to kill us. And now another portal has opened. At least one ship, the Yantai was nearly destroyed. It’s all the proof I need to complete my mission.”
“I can’t allow that!” Bashir pulled his phaser. Ivan sighed.
“Let’s not start this again,” Cherenkov replied.
“Turn this ship around,” the doctor warned.
“Please don’t tell me you’re appalled by genocide. Didn’t Section 31 try to wipe out the Changelings,” Ivan asked.
“Yes,” Bashir admitted. “But I helped stop them.”
“And now you’re one of them,” Cherenkov’s grin was nasty. “Strange bedfellows eh?” Bashir’s finger hovered over the trigger button. Aquiel’s head was turning back and forth as if she was watching a furious springball match.
“Ivan, what’s Section 31? Julian, what do they have to do with the Founders?” Neither man answered. They were both locked in a battle of wills.
“This mission is going to happen Bashir,” Ivan stated. “Even Section 31 would see these aliens as a potential threat. In fact, I’m surprised they didn’t inform you about this.”
“I’m not a section lackey,” Bashir declared. “I’m a sentient being. Genocide is wrong, no matter what cause or justification you try to drape around it.”
“So, allowing these aliens, aliens that appear to possess technology that puts the Dominion and maybe even the Borg to shame, and has already acted in a hostile manner can simply be talked to? Don’t be so naïve,” Cherenkov snorted. “A show of force might be all the talking required to keep them away from our galaxy.” Ivan back around. He retook manual control of the eluder.
“I’m warning you,” Bashir said. He placed the phaser against Ivan’s temple.
“I’m sorry Julian,” Aquiel whispered before she shot him. Bashir flew out of his seat, hitting one of the compartments curving walls. Aquiel rushed to his side, taking a medical tricorder from Bashir’s bag. She scanned him.
“Is he all right,” Cherenkov asked.
“Yeah,” she mumbled, “No thanks to you.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Even though he knew full well what Aquiel was referring to.
“You know damn well what I’m talking about,” Uhnari snapped. Ivan put the shuttle back on autopilot. Aquiel was standing over the prone Bashir, her lithe body quaking with anger. “You just can’t trust me to save your life,” she said.
“No, that’s not it at all,” Ivan said, inching towards her. He didn’t want to frighten her. He so desperately wanted to hug her, to protect her. But every time he tried, he messed it up. “I-I was just trying to protect you.”
“I’m an adult,” Aquiel said. “I can protect myself. I’ve been doing so for a very long time now. I…I shared my past with you not just for my own catharsis, but for yours as well. I wanted you to know that I’m not some fragile little thing. That you can be yourself around me, that you can show me the rough world you reside in. I can handle it. But what did you do with the trust I extended to you? You shat on it!”
“That’s not true,” Ivan said weakly, not able to discard his own incredulity.
“Even you don’t believe that,” she spat.
“You’re right,” he admitted. “I-I’ve mangled things again. But we can discuss that later. I have a mission to complete.”
“We have a mission to complete,” Aquiel said.
“We?” Ivan asked, confounded.
“You seriously didn’t think you knew how to handle an anti-verteron generator without irradiating yourself did you?”
“Well…actually, yeah I did.”
“Sometimes you can be so typically male,” Aquiel frowned.
“Just sometimes,” Ivan smiled slowly. Aquiel rolled her eyes.
“Take care of Julian why I get familiar with these doomsday devices,” the engineer said, taking both machines and finding a corner in the aft section of the eluder.
“Aye, aye sir,” Ivan replied, before he got to work.
********
Re: Part Three: Hell Breaks Loose
********
USS Defiant
(Main Bridge)
Four Hours Later….
“Sorry sir, the warship was completely atomized,” Lt. Okala said. “And the explosion, coupled with the myriad radiation within this expanse has blocked any ion trails even if the three were able to escape via shuttlecraft.”
Braener wasn’t ready to let his theory go yet. Cherenkov, not to mention Uhnari and Bashir were all far too resourceful to just die so easily. “Send a coded message to Admiral Monica Covey, Federation Legation, Alshain Proper.”
Ry’malk’s eyes widened. “Uh…Sir, that message is bound to be tagged by the nearest Alshain surveillance post. It would blow our cover sir.”
“Plus, long range subspace communication is virtually impossible inside this system,” Okala added.
“Fine,” Braener huffed. “Prepare to take us out of the system, full impulse. Mr. Ry’malk drop a locator beacon at this location. I want to be able to find it when we return.”
“Aye sir,” the Saurian began preparing the beacon. Once he was finished, Braener reluctantly ordered the Defiant out of Vilkatis Minor.
*********
Inside the Extradimensional Fissure
“You?” Sutahr Q’Shayl strained against his bonds, his rage blotted out his pain. He roared in frustration as the restraints held. “I should have known the Founders were behind this! It was foolish of the alliance to think you would willingly give up your plans to conquer our space!”
The Vorta standing before him merely looked at him with a curious glint in his translucent blue eyes. The small pale humanoid was dressed in a dark robe, with an odd marking branded on his forehead. Q’Shayl had never seen a Vorta with such a marking.
“I serve new gods now,” the Vorta replied, “and soon you will too.”
“You will never bend my will, or turn my faith,” Q’Shayl declared. “I would rather die.”
“And it is that valor you and your crew displayed that has impressed my masters,” the Vorta said. “Your synaptic scan only confirmed that your race will serve the Primarchs far better than the Cardassians did the Founders.”
“Alshain serve no one!” Q’Shayl pushed forward, snapping his massive jaws at the Vorta. The humanoid remained unfazed.
“They will,” the Vorta calmly said. “Especially if they don’t know it.” Leaving that cryptic statement hanging in the air, he exited the room.
********
USS Cuffe
Captain’s Ready Room
It felt like they had spent days inside the void, instead of hours. And despite the hard work of the crew, only rudimentary power had been restored to many of the ship’s systems.
Captain Glover scoured the latest reports. He drained his cup of raktajino, gagging after the cold sludge went down his throat. There were few things worse in the universe than cold Klingon coffee. His door chime buzzed.
After he gave the command, Ensign Rojas crossed the threshold. Terrence smiled. “Juanita, what’s up?” The young woman barely acknowledged the greeting. She stopped resolutely in front of his desk. She carried a padd in her hand.
“Captain, sir…” the woman paused, wavering. Glover’s smile quickly turned into a frown.
“What’s wrong ensign?” She held the padd out to him. Glover’s frown broke into a humorless grin.
“You’ve got to be joking?”
“No sir,” she nodded. “I think it’s best this way. If I just resign my commission after we return to Federation space. I would like to avoid a court martial, but if you think I deserve one.”
“What are you talking about?” Juanita looked at him with a quizzical expression.
“You know what I’m talking about sir,” she said.
“No, I don’t,” the captain replied. “Care to fill me in?” The young helm officer loudly swallowed.
“Well…it’s about me, and Lt. Uhnari,” she began. Glover cut her off.
“I thought you got over your differences,” the captain said. “That’s why I sent you to Engineering.”
“Not quite,” she admitted.
“How… ‘not quite’?” Glover ground his teeth.
“I…uh…I told her she would never be as good as Pedro was…and then I hit her,” the woman mumbled, a penitent look on her face. “I’m so sorry….”
“You what?” The captain was out of his seat. “You hit her? You struck a superior officer?”
Juanita shrank back. “Yes…yes sir I did,” she said, her eyes growing moist. “I-I know I’ve let you down.”
“Damn right you have,” Terrence snapped. “Ensign, this isn’t the playground. You’re an adult, a Starfleet officer, and your conduct today was totally unbecoming.”
“I know,” she murmured, lowering her head in shame.
“I’m not accepting this resignation,” the captain said. “And I’ll talk with Lt. Uhnari about whether she wants to bring you up on charges. I’ll fully support whatever decision she makes. If you weren’t Pedro’s sister I would leave you to the wolves myself.”
“I apologize sir,” Juanita pleaded.
“I’m not the one you need to apologize to,” Glover replied curtly. “And I suggest you get to mending fences right now.”
“What about the navigational calibrations,” Rojas said.
“You heard what I said,” the captain rumbled.
“Yes sir,” Juanita meekly replied as she backed out of his office. When Glover sat back down, he had a smile on his face.
“Hopefully I put enough fear into her to get her to do the right thing,” he said into the ether, hoping that Pedro could hear him out there, wherever he might be. “She’s a fine officer, but a little foot in the ass from time to time has never hurt anyone. I just wish I could kick our way out of this void. Any suggestions?”
********
********
USS Defiant
(Main Bridge)
Four Hours Later….
“Sorry sir, the warship was completely atomized,” Lt. Okala said. “And the explosion, coupled with the myriad radiation within this expanse has blocked any ion trails even if the three were able to escape via shuttlecraft.”
Braener wasn’t ready to let his theory go yet. Cherenkov, not to mention Uhnari and Bashir were all far too resourceful to just die so easily. “Send a coded message to Admiral Monica Covey, Federation Legation, Alshain Proper.”
Ry’malk’s eyes widened. “Uh…Sir, that message is bound to be tagged by the nearest Alshain surveillance post. It would blow our cover sir.”
“Plus, long range subspace communication is virtually impossible inside this system,” Okala added.
“Fine,” Braener huffed. “Prepare to take us out of the system, full impulse. Mr. Ry’malk drop a locator beacon at this location. I want to be able to find it when we return.”
“Aye sir,” the Saurian began preparing the beacon. Once he was finished, Braener reluctantly ordered the Defiant out of Vilkatis Minor.
*********
Inside the Extradimensional Fissure
“You?” Sutahr Q’Shayl strained against his bonds, his rage blotted out his pain. He roared in frustration as the restraints held. “I should have known the Founders were behind this! It was foolish of the alliance to think you would willingly give up your plans to conquer our space!”
The Vorta standing before him merely looked at him with a curious glint in his translucent blue eyes. The small pale humanoid was dressed in a dark robe, with an odd marking branded on his forehead. Q’Shayl had never seen a Vorta with such a marking.
“I serve new gods now,” the Vorta replied, “and soon you will too.”
“You will never bend my will, or turn my faith,” Q’Shayl declared. “I would rather die.”
“And it is that valor you and your crew displayed that has impressed my masters,” the Vorta said. “Your synaptic scan only confirmed that your race will serve the Primarchs far better than the Cardassians did the Founders.”
“Alshain serve no one!” Q’Shayl pushed forward, snapping his massive jaws at the Vorta. The humanoid remained unfazed.
“They will,” the Vorta calmly said. “Especially if they don’t know it.” Leaving that cryptic statement hanging in the air, he exited the room.
********
USS Cuffe
Captain’s Ready Room
It felt like they had spent days inside the void, instead of hours. And despite the hard work of the crew, only rudimentary power had been restored to many of the ship’s systems.
Captain Glover scoured the latest reports. He drained his cup of raktajino, gagging after the cold sludge went down his throat. There were few things worse in the universe than cold Klingon coffee. His door chime buzzed.
After he gave the command, Ensign Rojas crossed the threshold. Terrence smiled. “Juanita, what’s up?” The young woman barely acknowledged the greeting. She stopped resolutely in front of his desk. She carried a padd in her hand.
“Captain, sir…” the woman paused, wavering. Glover’s smile quickly turned into a frown.
“What’s wrong ensign?” She held the padd out to him. Glover’s frown broke into a humorless grin.
“You’ve got to be joking?”
“No sir,” she nodded. “I think it’s best this way. If I just resign my commission after we return to Federation space. I would like to avoid a court martial, but if you think I deserve one.”
“What are you talking about?” Juanita looked at him with a quizzical expression.
“You know what I’m talking about sir,” she said.
“No, I don’t,” the captain replied. “Care to fill me in?” The young helm officer loudly swallowed.
“Well…it’s about me, and Lt. Uhnari,” she began. Glover cut her off.
“I thought you got over your differences,” the captain said. “That’s why I sent you to Engineering.”
“Not quite,” she admitted.
“How… ‘not quite’?” Glover ground his teeth.
“I…uh…I told her she would never be as good as Pedro was…and then I hit her,” the woman mumbled, a penitent look on her face. “I’m so sorry….”
“You what?” The captain was out of his seat. “You hit her? You struck a superior officer?”
Juanita shrank back. “Yes…yes sir I did,” she said, her eyes growing moist. “I-I know I’ve let you down.”
“Damn right you have,” Terrence snapped. “Ensign, this isn’t the playground. You’re an adult, a Starfleet officer, and your conduct today was totally unbecoming.”
“I know,” she murmured, lowering her head in shame.
“I’m not accepting this resignation,” the captain said. “And I’ll talk with Lt. Uhnari about whether she wants to bring you up on charges. I’ll fully support whatever decision she makes. If you weren’t Pedro’s sister I would leave you to the wolves myself.”
“I apologize sir,” Juanita pleaded.
“I’m not the one you need to apologize to,” Glover replied curtly. “And I suggest you get to mending fences right now.”
“What about the navigational calibrations,” Rojas said.
“You heard what I said,” the captain rumbled.
“Yes sir,” Juanita meekly replied as she backed out of his office. When Glover sat back down, he had a smile on his face.
“Hopefully I put enough fear into her to get her to do the right thing,” he said into the ether, hoping that Pedro could hear him out there, wherever he might be. “She’s a fine officer, but a little foot in the ass from time to time has never hurt anyone. I just wish I could kick our way out of this void. Any suggestions?”
********
Re: Part Three: Hell Breaks Loose
********
Alshain Shuttle, Eluder-class
Coming out of the dark matter inversion funnel, Ivan cursed. Lt. Commander Uhnari leaned forward in her seat, peering over his shoulder. “Oh gods,” she whispered.
Before them spread a disjointed, malformed array that resembled a gargantuan oil spill. It and the several large, segmented ships docked to it glowed with an eerie bioluminescence. “Should I wake the Doctor?” Aquiel asked.
Cherenkov shook his head. “It’s best we do this and get out of here as quickly as possible. Load the tricobalt bomb in the forward torpedo tube.”
“I did that half an hour ago,” the Haliian replied. Ivan rewarded her with a grin.
“My girl,” he said, reaching back and caressing her face. “I’m sorry about not being up front with you earlier.”
“We’ll discuss that later,” Aquiel brusquely replied. “Right now I think it’s best if you launch the bomb so we can get the hells out of here.”
“A woman after my own heart,” Ivan muttered before he ejected the explosive.
*********
USS Cuffe
Main Bridge
As soon as the red alert blared, Glover shot out of his seat, exiting his ready room before his crew called him. He glanced at the main viewer.
Through a thin coating of static he saw a large, dark oblong shape that seemed to be glowing within. “I take it something’s approaching us,” the captain surmised as he reclaimed the center seat.
“Yes sir,” Lt. Commander Cherenkov tightly replied. “And it’s approaching fast.”
“What are the sensor readings on that thing?” The captain asked.
“We’ve only got short range sensors operational so far,” Lt. Gralf replied, with obvious consternation. “And they are not yet in range.”
“So, we don’t know if they are coming in with weapons hot or not?” The captain turned around in his seat to look at Lt. Meldin. The Benzite nodded in the negative, dipping his head also in frustration.
“What should we do sir,” Ivan asked.
“What’s the status of our weapons and shields?” Glover inquired. After Meldin informed him, the captain gripped his armrests tightly. He ordered the Benzite to raise Cuffe’s shields, but to hold off on charging the phaser banks. “Let’s trying hailing them,” he voiced out loud. “Perhaps they are just as lost as we are.”
The ship responded after the third hail. The static-filled viewscreen changed slightly into a higher resolution, but still grainy picture. An alien somewhat resembling a Terran serpent glared back at them with vertical-slit black eyes. “You have defiled Primacy territory. Prepare to be boarded.” He sat back in his seat, angered by the temerity of the creature’s demand. He glanced at Ivan.
“Did you hear that?” He asked. The Russian grimly nodded. Seconds later the ship rocked. “Well, now we know these guys aren’t friendlies. Let’s respond in kind.”
********
Inside the Extradimensional Fissure
Sarkos kneeled before the gigantic holograms of the Primarch Council in the station’s inner sanctum. One of the Primarchs, a blue plumed avian stepped forward to speak with him.
Sarkos looked up with a beatific smile on his face. “How best might I serve you?” He asked, still pleased that the Primarchs had requested he be in their presence again. The avian Primarch looked down on him. His beak moved, but Sarkos only heard the words in his mind.
Even his former gods, the Founders, couldn’t communicate telepathically. It was one of the many flaws he had come to discover about those false gods. He hoped one day to return to the Gamma Quadrant and liberate his brethren, and all the subject worlds of the Dominion from the pretenders. And then he would show them the true way and the real gods.
After the avian had finished speaking, Sarkos nodded. “Yes, milord, the processing is complete. The biometric data gathered should allow us to create species-specific nanoviruses for all of the despoilers.” The Primarch spoke again.
Sarkos stammered, “I-I…am not-uh-certain how long it will take. The Alpha and Beta Quadrants are home to several powers that could present some impediments to your plans, though they could never rival you.” He paused, looking up to see if his words had angered the feathered deity. The Primarch nodded, urging him to go on. “We-we have but a small sampling of those species,” he admitted. “The viruses will wreak untold damage, with fatalities in the trillions, but it will not cleanse those quadrants completely. More subjects will be needed.”
The Primarch opened his beaked mouth, and then closed it. He looked to the other Primarchs. Sarkos could read the distress on their myriad faces.
“Leave,” he asked, “I don’t understand,” Sarkos replied, on the verge of hysteria. To see his deities so riled had shaken him greatly. The holograms rippled and then vanished, leaving Sarkos to answer the questions growing in his mind himself.
**********
********
Alshain Shuttle, Eluder-class
Coming out of the dark matter inversion funnel, Ivan cursed. Lt. Commander Uhnari leaned forward in her seat, peering over his shoulder. “Oh gods,” she whispered.
Before them spread a disjointed, malformed array that resembled a gargantuan oil spill. It and the several large, segmented ships docked to it glowed with an eerie bioluminescence. “Should I wake the Doctor?” Aquiel asked.
Cherenkov shook his head. “It’s best we do this and get out of here as quickly as possible. Load the tricobalt bomb in the forward torpedo tube.”
“I did that half an hour ago,” the Haliian replied. Ivan rewarded her with a grin.
“My girl,” he said, reaching back and caressing her face. “I’m sorry about not being up front with you earlier.”
“We’ll discuss that later,” Aquiel brusquely replied. “Right now I think it’s best if you launch the bomb so we can get the hells out of here.”
“A woman after my own heart,” Ivan muttered before he ejected the explosive.
*********
USS Cuffe
Main Bridge
As soon as the red alert blared, Glover shot out of his seat, exiting his ready room before his crew called him. He glanced at the main viewer.
Through a thin coating of static he saw a large, dark oblong shape that seemed to be glowing within. “I take it something’s approaching us,” the captain surmised as he reclaimed the center seat.
“Yes sir,” Lt. Commander Cherenkov tightly replied. “And it’s approaching fast.”
“What are the sensor readings on that thing?” The captain asked.
“We’ve only got short range sensors operational so far,” Lt. Gralf replied, with obvious consternation. “And they are not yet in range.”
“So, we don’t know if they are coming in with weapons hot or not?” The captain turned around in his seat to look at Lt. Meldin. The Benzite nodded in the negative, dipping his head also in frustration.
“What should we do sir,” Ivan asked.
“What’s the status of our weapons and shields?” Glover inquired. After Meldin informed him, the captain gripped his armrests tightly. He ordered the Benzite to raise Cuffe’s shields, but to hold off on charging the phaser banks. “Let’s trying hailing them,” he voiced out loud. “Perhaps they are just as lost as we are.”
The ship responded after the third hail. The static-filled viewscreen changed slightly into a higher resolution, but still grainy picture. An alien somewhat resembling a Terran serpent glared back at them with vertical-slit black eyes. “You have defiled Primacy territory. Prepare to be boarded.” He sat back in his seat, angered by the temerity of the creature’s demand. He glanced at Ivan.
“Did you hear that?” He asked. The Russian grimly nodded. Seconds later the ship rocked. “Well, now we know these guys aren’t friendlies. Let’s respond in kind.”
********
Inside the Extradimensional Fissure
Sarkos kneeled before the gigantic holograms of the Primarch Council in the station’s inner sanctum. One of the Primarchs, a blue plumed avian stepped forward to speak with him.
Sarkos looked up with a beatific smile on his face. “How best might I serve you?” He asked, still pleased that the Primarchs had requested he be in their presence again. The avian Primarch looked down on him. His beak moved, but Sarkos only heard the words in his mind.
Even his former gods, the Founders, couldn’t communicate telepathically. It was one of the many flaws he had come to discover about those false gods. He hoped one day to return to the Gamma Quadrant and liberate his brethren, and all the subject worlds of the Dominion from the pretenders. And then he would show them the true way and the real gods.
After the avian had finished speaking, Sarkos nodded. “Yes, milord, the processing is complete. The biometric data gathered should allow us to create species-specific nanoviruses for all of the despoilers.” The Primarch spoke again.
Sarkos stammered, “I-I…am not-uh-certain how long it will take. The Alpha and Beta Quadrants are home to several powers that could present some impediments to your plans, though they could never rival you.” He paused, looking up to see if his words had angered the feathered deity. The Primarch nodded, urging him to go on. “We-we have but a small sampling of those species,” he admitted. “The viruses will wreak untold damage, with fatalities in the trillions, but it will not cleanse those quadrants completely. More subjects will be needed.”
The Primarch opened his beaked mouth, and then closed it. He looked to the other Primarchs. Sarkos could read the distress on their myriad faces.
“Leave,” he asked, “I don’t understand,” Sarkos replied, on the verge of hysteria. To see his deities so riled had shaken him greatly. The holograms rippled and then vanished, leaving Sarkos to answer the questions growing in his mind himself.
**********
Re: Part Three: Hell Breaks Loose
**********
USS Cuffe
Main Bridge
The first blow was a love tap compared to the second. The second blast spun the starship around with such force that it threw Glover from his chair. He smacked the deck hard, the wind forced from his lungs. Adding insult to injury, Ensign Rojas fell on top of him seconds later.
He gently helped the young woman to her feet and back to her chair. He was glad that Gralf hadn’t fallen on him. The stout Xindi-Arboreal was hanging on to the sides of his console. Working out his stiffness, Glover quickly checked the bridge. Several consoles were fried, with wisps of smoke floating above them. Several of the bridge crew was banged up, but it didn’t appear too serious and he was thankful for that. “What’s our status?”
“Shields blinked out momentarily, but now are back up to 30%, and we still got phaser banks,” Meldin replied. “I wish the photon or quantum torpedoes were back on line.”
“Me too.” Glover looked upward. “Lt. Uhnari,” he called into the voice activated communication system. There was no response. Glover tried again.
“Something’s wrong,” Ivan replied. The captain nodded, looking at Gralf.
“Mr. Gralf, why have we lost communication with Main Engineering?”
“Well sir,” the Arboreal squeaked after a few seconds. “You know when that creature told us to prepare for boarding….well, he wasn’t joking.”
“Damn,” Terrence cursed. “How many?” Before Gralf could answer, three holes appeared on the bridge, fore, center, and aft. Tall, lean reptilians rushed out of them, brandishing weapons. “Damn,” Glover said again.
********
Alshain-Shuttle, Eluder-class
Aquiel heard a mental warning before the ships took action, almost just like before, but this time more intense. The segmented vessels surrounding the station had begun to disembark. She saw the silvery-white visage of a four nacelle Starfleet ship, Cheyenne-class that had been blocked by one of the larger vessels.
That too had begun to disembark, joining the small armada now headed toward them. “Detonate the bomb,” she nearly screamed, her fingernails digging into Ivan’s shoulder. “Now!”
*********
USS Cuffe
Corridor outside Main Engineering
Aquiel had felt them, somehow in her mind, as slick and nasty as oil before they had appeared. She had left her station, knowing she wouldn’t have time to explain. All she knew, all she felt, was that she had to leave.
Barreling out of Engineering, she ran into Counselor Ellan and a Vulcan crewman she didn’t know. The Deltan absorbed the blow with surprising ease. “You felt it too,” he said. Aquiel nodded, looking at the Vulcan. He dipped his head in acknowledgement too.
“What are we going to do?” She asked.
“I think you already know,” Dr. Cole pounded down the hallway. “Someone on that ship is communicating with us, helping us. Touching the minds of crewmen with telepathic abilities.”
“I didn’t know you were a telepath?” Aquiel said, shocked by the revelation. She looked at Ellan, but the Deltan merely shrugged.
“You didn’t ask,” Cole sharply replied. “It’s not something I like to talk about.”
“Fair enough,” Uhnari said. “But what does this have to do with my Canar. And how would you know about the Canar to begin with? It’s not something we Haliians casually discuss.”
“Forgive my nosiness,” Cole said, tapping her temple. “Sometimes I can be a bit of a roamer.” Aquiel felt violated.
“You had no right,” the engineer huffed.
“Sue me,” the doctor retorted. “I like to get a feel for my patients and sometimes other things surface.”
“How dare you,” Uhnari stepped to the woman. Cole held her ground.
“Ladies, we don’t have time for this,” Ellan said as gently as possible.
“I concur,” the Vulcan replied with a flat voice. “Stopping the incursion onto our vessel is the highest priority.”
“And I have the solution,” Cole promised. “I think.”
*********
USS Cuffe
Main Bridge
“Damn,” Glover muttered softly, as the invaders forced him to his knees. He kneeled beside Lt. Commander Cherenkov. The Russian’s face was beet red with murderous rage. All of the bridge crew had been rounded up and placed in front of the main viewer. They were kept stationary by several armed guards.
The lead reptilian, shorter and squatter than the rest of his contingent, had made himself comfortable in Glover’s seat. He casually inspected the armrest displays on Terrence’s chair, his forked tongue darting out every few seconds. A triskelion was branded into the center of his hornskin forehead. The other reptilians also had the brand.
Every few minutes a portal would open on the bridge and another serpent-warrior would step out. They would converse with the lead reptilian and then disappear again. Finally the leader spoke, his voice sibilant and oddly soothing, “We have secured all essential areas,” he spoke passable Federation standard. “This vessel will net us more raw materials to serve the Primarchs.” Glover winced, not liking his ship or his crew being referred to as raw material.
“And how exactly will my ship serve these Primarchs?” Glover asked, risking retaliation from the leader or one of his guards, but not caring.
“You are leader? Yes?” The squat reptilian asked. Despite the groan coming from the back of Ivan’s throat, Glover nodded. He attempted to stand, but one of the guards waved a crackling baton in his face.
“Well, leader,” the reptilian said. “We are….scientists….explorers….conquerors. We shall learn a lot from this vessel…and your crew.”
“We are also scientists and explorers,” Terrence offered, feeling there might be a way to salvage this dire situation. “We would be more than happy to share information with you, to tell you anything you would like to know.”
“Excellent,” the reptilian said. “Then tell me why some wearing your symbol joined with our enemies to drive a wedge through the Primacy several turns ago?”
“Symbol? What are you talking about?” Glover asked. The questions were totally left field. The reptilian pointed at the chevron shaped communicator on his chest. “Exactly how long ago?”
“And tell me why more such as you invaded this sector of Primacy space less than a cycle ago?” Glover immediately knew the alien was referring to the missing Federation taskforce.
“I…I can explain,” Terrence said. “We are in the middle of a great conflict….and unfortunately in the goal of trying to bring that conflict to an end; we accidentally opened a doorway into this transdimensional realm. All we wish to do is to find our missing comrades and return home with them. If any damage or injury resulted from their arrival I promise you just compensation.”
The alien snorted. “The time for cooperation has long passed. The Rikeet and the Nyree have made much headway in the Primacy due to your past incursions. Now it is the Koloi’s turn. We shall prove our worthiness, and this prize shall silence all who felt our membership was a mistake,” crowed the alien, whom Glover guessed belonged to a race called the Koloi.
“I won’t allow you to take this ship,” Glover declared. Ignoring the baton wielding guard, the captain stood up. “I suggest you leave now and we’ll head back to our space, no harm done.”
The alien laughed. That pissed Terrence off to no end. He stepped forward, paused when another baton was placed in front of his face. Glover grabbed the wrist holding the baton and squished the rubbery skin until the wrist snapped.
As the baton dropped, Glover threw the grunting Koloi into the nearest reptilian. Cherenkov and Juanita were already on the move. Ivan had picked up the fallen baton and quickly found a guard to use it on. Worra’s howl split his ears, but it jumpstarted the rest of the crew.
Terrence headed straight toward the center seat. The squat Koloi was ready for him. With impressive agility, the reptilian had jumped up on the seat, legs apart, with both feet finding purchase on the armrests. He held a baton in one hand and a wicked dagger in the other.
Glover pulled up, remembering his Mok’bara training from his days aboard the Klingon warship Dorna. He circled the seat, oblivious to the melee going on around him, as the Cuffe’s bridge crew fought to reclaim the ship. Many weren’t faring well, Glover could tell out of the corner of his eye.
“I suggest you surrender now leader,” the squat Koloi hissed. “We control all key sectors of this vessel. With but a command I could have your crew executed.” Terrence evilly grinned. Something told him to play the man’s bluff and that’s just what he did.
“Do it,” Glover said. The alien blinked.
“You can’t be serious,” the Koloi said, with genuine perplexity. “You would risk the lives of hundreds so easily.”
“Yes,” Terrence bluffed, but deep down he wondered if maybe there was more truth in his lie than he cared to admit.
“Perhaps your species is truly as worthy of joining us as the Nyree argue,” the Koloi pondered. “But unfortunately you will not be among them.” He held the arm holding the baton up and nuzzled the band on his wrist. “Kill them all,” he hissed right as Terrence charged him.
********
**********
USS Cuffe
Main Bridge
The first blow was a love tap compared to the second. The second blast spun the starship around with such force that it threw Glover from his chair. He smacked the deck hard, the wind forced from his lungs. Adding insult to injury, Ensign Rojas fell on top of him seconds later.
He gently helped the young woman to her feet and back to her chair. He was glad that Gralf hadn’t fallen on him. The stout Xindi-Arboreal was hanging on to the sides of his console. Working out his stiffness, Glover quickly checked the bridge. Several consoles were fried, with wisps of smoke floating above them. Several of the bridge crew was banged up, but it didn’t appear too serious and he was thankful for that. “What’s our status?”
“Shields blinked out momentarily, but now are back up to 30%, and we still got phaser banks,” Meldin replied. “I wish the photon or quantum torpedoes were back on line.”
“Me too.” Glover looked upward. “Lt. Uhnari,” he called into the voice activated communication system. There was no response. Glover tried again.
“Something’s wrong,” Ivan replied. The captain nodded, looking at Gralf.
“Mr. Gralf, why have we lost communication with Main Engineering?”
“Well sir,” the Arboreal squeaked after a few seconds. “You know when that creature told us to prepare for boarding….well, he wasn’t joking.”
“Damn,” Terrence cursed. “How many?” Before Gralf could answer, three holes appeared on the bridge, fore, center, and aft. Tall, lean reptilians rushed out of them, brandishing weapons. “Damn,” Glover said again.
********
Alshain-Shuttle, Eluder-class
Aquiel heard a mental warning before the ships took action, almost just like before, but this time more intense. The segmented vessels surrounding the station had begun to disembark. She saw the silvery-white visage of a four nacelle Starfleet ship, Cheyenne-class that had been blocked by one of the larger vessels.
That too had begun to disembark, joining the small armada now headed toward them. “Detonate the bomb,” she nearly screamed, her fingernails digging into Ivan’s shoulder. “Now!”
*********
USS Cuffe
Corridor outside Main Engineering
Aquiel had felt them, somehow in her mind, as slick and nasty as oil before they had appeared. She had left her station, knowing she wouldn’t have time to explain. All she knew, all she felt, was that she had to leave.
Barreling out of Engineering, she ran into Counselor Ellan and a Vulcan crewman she didn’t know. The Deltan absorbed the blow with surprising ease. “You felt it too,” he said. Aquiel nodded, looking at the Vulcan. He dipped his head in acknowledgement too.
“What are we going to do?” She asked.
“I think you already know,” Dr. Cole pounded down the hallway. “Someone on that ship is communicating with us, helping us. Touching the minds of crewmen with telepathic abilities.”
“I didn’t know you were a telepath?” Aquiel said, shocked by the revelation. She looked at Ellan, but the Deltan merely shrugged.
“You didn’t ask,” Cole sharply replied. “It’s not something I like to talk about.”
“Fair enough,” Uhnari said. “But what does this have to do with my Canar. And how would you know about the Canar to begin with? It’s not something we Haliians casually discuss.”
“Forgive my nosiness,” Cole said, tapping her temple. “Sometimes I can be a bit of a roamer.” Aquiel felt violated.
“You had no right,” the engineer huffed.
“Sue me,” the doctor retorted. “I like to get a feel for my patients and sometimes other things surface.”
“How dare you,” Uhnari stepped to the woman. Cole held her ground.
“Ladies, we don’t have time for this,” Ellan said as gently as possible.
“I concur,” the Vulcan replied with a flat voice. “Stopping the incursion onto our vessel is the highest priority.”
“And I have the solution,” Cole promised. “I think.”
*********
USS Cuffe
Main Bridge
“Damn,” Glover muttered softly, as the invaders forced him to his knees. He kneeled beside Lt. Commander Cherenkov. The Russian’s face was beet red with murderous rage. All of the bridge crew had been rounded up and placed in front of the main viewer. They were kept stationary by several armed guards.
The lead reptilian, shorter and squatter than the rest of his contingent, had made himself comfortable in Glover’s seat. He casually inspected the armrest displays on Terrence’s chair, his forked tongue darting out every few seconds. A triskelion was branded into the center of his hornskin forehead. The other reptilians also had the brand.
Every few minutes a portal would open on the bridge and another serpent-warrior would step out. They would converse with the lead reptilian and then disappear again. Finally the leader spoke, his voice sibilant and oddly soothing, “We have secured all essential areas,” he spoke passable Federation standard. “This vessel will net us more raw materials to serve the Primarchs.” Glover winced, not liking his ship or his crew being referred to as raw material.
“And how exactly will my ship serve these Primarchs?” Glover asked, risking retaliation from the leader or one of his guards, but not caring.
“You are leader? Yes?” The squat reptilian asked. Despite the groan coming from the back of Ivan’s throat, Glover nodded. He attempted to stand, but one of the guards waved a crackling baton in his face.
“Well, leader,” the reptilian said. “We are….scientists….explorers….conquerors. We shall learn a lot from this vessel…and your crew.”
“We are also scientists and explorers,” Terrence offered, feeling there might be a way to salvage this dire situation. “We would be more than happy to share information with you, to tell you anything you would like to know.”
“Excellent,” the reptilian said. “Then tell me why some wearing your symbol joined with our enemies to drive a wedge through the Primacy several turns ago?”
“Symbol? What are you talking about?” Glover asked. The questions were totally left field. The reptilian pointed at the chevron shaped communicator on his chest. “Exactly how long ago?”
“And tell me why more such as you invaded this sector of Primacy space less than a cycle ago?” Glover immediately knew the alien was referring to the missing Federation taskforce.
“I…I can explain,” Terrence said. “We are in the middle of a great conflict….and unfortunately in the goal of trying to bring that conflict to an end; we accidentally opened a doorway into this transdimensional realm. All we wish to do is to find our missing comrades and return home with them. If any damage or injury resulted from their arrival I promise you just compensation.”
The alien snorted. “The time for cooperation has long passed. The Rikeet and the Nyree have made much headway in the Primacy due to your past incursions. Now it is the Koloi’s turn. We shall prove our worthiness, and this prize shall silence all who felt our membership was a mistake,” crowed the alien, whom Glover guessed belonged to a race called the Koloi.
“I won’t allow you to take this ship,” Glover declared. Ignoring the baton wielding guard, the captain stood up. “I suggest you leave now and we’ll head back to our space, no harm done.”
The alien laughed. That pissed Terrence off to no end. He stepped forward, paused when another baton was placed in front of his face. Glover grabbed the wrist holding the baton and squished the rubbery skin until the wrist snapped.
As the baton dropped, Glover threw the grunting Koloi into the nearest reptilian. Cherenkov and Juanita were already on the move. Ivan had picked up the fallen baton and quickly found a guard to use it on. Worra’s howl split his ears, but it jumpstarted the rest of the crew.
Terrence headed straight toward the center seat. The squat Koloi was ready for him. With impressive agility, the reptilian had jumped up on the seat, legs apart, with both feet finding purchase on the armrests. He held a baton in one hand and a wicked dagger in the other.
Glover pulled up, remembering his Mok’bara training from his days aboard the Klingon warship Dorna. He circled the seat, oblivious to the melee going on around him, as the Cuffe’s bridge crew fought to reclaim the ship. Many weren’t faring well, Glover could tell out of the corner of his eye.
“I suggest you surrender now leader,” the squat Koloi hissed. “We control all key sectors of this vessel. With but a command I could have your crew executed.” Terrence evilly grinned. Something told him to play the man’s bluff and that’s just what he did.
“Do it,” Glover said. The alien blinked.
“You can’t be serious,” the Koloi said, with genuine perplexity. “You would risk the lives of hundreds so easily.”
“Yes,” Terrence bluffed, but deep down he wondered if maybe there was more truth in his lie than he cared to admit.
“Perhaps your species is truly as worthy of joining us as the Nyree argue,” the Koloi pondered. “But unfortunately you will not be among them.” He held the arm holding the baton up and nuzzled the band on his wrist. “Kill them all,” he hissed right as Terrence charged him.
********
Re: Part Three: Hell Breaks Loose
********
Alshain Shuttle, Eluder-class
Commander Cherenkov hesitated, his finger hovering over the detonator. “That’s one of ours.” The Russian said. “I bet you it’s the Tuscarora. Maybe our people made it after all.”
“Do it now,” Uhnari urged. “For an instant I felt something, almost like back on the Cuffe. If there are Starfleet officers on that ship, or anywhere on that station they’re not Starfleet anymore.”
“Then what are they?” Ivan asked, exasperated.
“Something else,” Aquiel shivered. “And those bug-looking ships headed our way certainly aren’t Starfleet issue.”
“You’re right about that,” Ivan turned his attention back to the detonator. Before he could press it, he grunted, slumping onto the navigation console. The air sizzled with burnt ions. Aquiel turned to see the emitter cone of a phaser shoved in her face.
“I won’t be a party to genocide,” Dr. Bashir intoned. “I don’t care what the reasons are.”
“Fine,” Uhnari said. “But we have to do something. Those ships bearing down on us will be here any second.” Bashir looked at the screen, and then blinked.
“Oh shit,” he murmured as the cockpit darkened.
**********
USS Defiant
Alshain Space
“How do they know we’re here?” Captain Keith Braener asked. Lt. Okala shrugged. As if they heard him, the voice issued over their intercom again.
“Cloaked vessel, this is the Starforce Ship Vrakar. We traced the polaric radiation trail you acquired since you left the Vilkatis Minor System to this destination. Halt, decloak, and explain your violation of Alshain sovereignty. If you do not, I will be forced to fire on you. You have one minute.” The basso voice intoned.
“This is just great,” Braener mumbled. “Is there anyway that we can get word to Starfleet Command without tipping off the Vrakar?”
“Sorry sir,” Lt. Okala sadly stated. The earnest young woman was already in the doldrums about not catching the polaric ions that attached themselves to the Defiant.
I guess I’m going to have to do this one on my own, Braener thought. “Do you think we can outrun or outfight them?” He asked Lt. Ry’malk.
“Certainly the Defiant is capable of both,” Ry’malk replied. “Though the Hunter-class heavy destroyer packs a lot of fire power. We also can be sure that the Vrakar has already called for back up.”
“Yeah,” Braener said glumly. “I was thinking the same thing.”
“So, what are we going to do sir?” Lt. Hetis asked. The Boslic pilot was nervously tapping her console. I think she wants to race, Braener slightly smiled. But it time to bite the bullet.
“Hail the Vrakar,” he sighed.
***********
USS Cuffe
(Chief Engineer’s Cabin)
A spectral figure was patiently waiting for them in the center of Aquiel’s room. She gasped in horror, but Counselor Ellan gasped in startled delight.
“Lt. Simus!” he nearly squealed, running to the Vulcan. He ran right through the projection. The dark-skinned, dreadlocked Vulcan turned towards the man. He was wearing one of the recently discontinued Starfleet uniforms, a golden tunic with a black band across the shoulders.
“Counselor Ellan…it is agreeable to see you again.” After Ellan had rejoined the group, the Vulcan turned back around to face the rest of the group.
“Ellan knows you, but I’m stumped,” Uhnari said.
“Lt. Simus was the former Tactical Officer aboard the Cuffe,” Dr. Cole said, provoking a raised eyebrow from the Vulcan. “He was presumed killed in action five years ago in the Tong Beak Nebula.”
“How do you know that?” Aquiel asked.
“I read the old personnel files,” the medic replied. “It never hurts to look before you leap. You might consider trying that sometimes Lieutenant.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Uhnari asked hotly. “Peeking into my head again without permission?”
“I don’t have a lot of time,” Simus said, with such annoyance that it made everyone pay attention. “My vessel is on the edge of the range of communication. My colleagues would like to keep their role in this affair secret.”
“Where are you at? Who are these colleagues? Is Lt. Hunal with you?” Ellan asked.
Simus ignored him. “Lt. Uhnari, I will need you to retrieve your Canar now.” The woman went into her bedroom and brought the crystalline shard into the living quarters. “It is an imperfect conduit, but it will have to do.” Aquiel didn’t like the sound of that. To her, the Canar was as beautiful as any piece of art she had ever seen.
“What are you planning on ‘doing’ with my Canar?” The Haliian suspiciously asked.
“It isn’t me,” Simus said. “It will be you. All of you.”
“I don’t understand,” Ellan said.
“The aliens that have boarded the Cuffe are as susceptible to psionic energy as many other species. Under my instruction the Canar can be turned into a psionic drainer that can be used to incapacitate the invaders.”
“What’s going to happen to my Canar as a result?” Aquiel asked. “Or to us?”
“I am not certain,” the Vulcan told the truth. “But the needs of the many….”
“I’ve heard that one before,” Dr. Cole rolled her eyes. “Let’s get on with it.”
*********
SFS Vrakar
Main Bridge
Sutahr Dasa M’Durr smiled, his sharpened teeth glistening. “You made a prudent choice Captain Braener. To keep the peace we need more men like you.”
“We received intelligence that Cardassian militants were using the Vilkatis Minor System as a hideout. We entered on the side where the border between the Exarchate and the Son’a Imperium hasn’t been clearly demarcated.”
“I am inclined to believe your story,” M’Durr lied. “Since you have decloaked at my request. But I will now escort you to our nearest orbital fortress until the matter can be officially settled.”
Braener’s face briefly twisted in annoyance. “That sounds acceptable,” he managed to say before he shut off communications.
M’Durr immediately told his Weapons Officer. “Keep the exciser cannons primed on that ship at all times. At the slightest hint of perfidy, vaporize them.”
*******
********
Alshain Shuttle, Eluder-class
Commander Cherenkov hesitated, his finger hovering over the detonator. “That’s one of ours.” The Russian said. “I bet you it’s the Tuscarora. Maybe our people made it after all.”
“Do it now,” Uhnari urged. “For an instant I felt something, almost like back on the Cuffe. If there are Starfleet officers on that ship, or anywhere on that station they’re not Starfleet anymore.”
“Then what are they?” Ivan asked, exasperated.
“Something else,” Aquiel shivered. “And those bug-looking ships headed our way certainly aren’t Starfleet issue.”
“You’re right about that,” Ivan turned his attention back to the detonator. Before he could press it, he grunted, slumping onto the navigation console. The air sizzled with burnt ions. Aquiel turned to see the emitter cone of a phaser shoved in her face.
“I won’t be a party to genocide,” Dr. Bashir intoned. “I don’t care what the reasons are.”
“Fine,” Uhnari said. “But we have to do something. Those ships bearing down on us will be here any second.” Bashir looked at the screen, and then blinked.
“Oh shit,” he murmured as the cockpit darkened.
**********
USS Defiant
Alshain Space
“How do they know we’re here?” Captain Keith Braener asked. Lt. Okala shrugged. As if they heard him, the voice issued over their intercom again.
“Cloaked vessel, this is the Starforce Ship Vrakar. We traced the polaric radiation trail you acquired since you left the Vilkatis Minor System to this destination. Halt, decloak, and explain your violation of Alshain sovereignty. If you do not, I will be forced to fire on you. You have one minute.” The basso voice intoned.
“This is just great,” Braener mumbled. “Is there anyway that we can get word to Starfleet Command without tipping off the Vrakar?”
“Sorry sir,” Lt. Okala sadly stated. The earnest young woman was already in the doldrums about not catching the polaric ions that attached themselves to the Defiant.
I guess I’m going to have to do this one on my own, Braener thought. “Do you think we can outrun or outfight them?” He asked Lt. Ry’malk.
“Certainly the Defiant is capable of both,” Ry’malk replied. “Though the Hunter-class heavy destroyer packs a lot of fire power. We also can be sure that the Vrakar has already called for back up.”
“Yeah,” Braener said glumly. “I was thinking the same thing.”
“So, what are we going to do sir?” Lt. Hetis asked. The Boslic pilot was nervously tapping her console. I think she wants to race, Braener slightly smiled. But it time to bite the bullet.
“Hail the Vrakar,” he sighed.
***********
USS Cuffe
(Chief Engineer’s Cabin)
A spectral figure was patiently waiting for them in the center of Aquiel’s room. She gasped in horror, but Counselor Ellan gasped in startled delight.
“Lt. Simus!” he nearly squealed, running to the Vulcan. He ran right through the projection. The dark-skinned, dreadlocked Vulcan turned towards the man. He was wearing one of the recently discontinued Starfleet uniforms, a golden tunic with a black band across the shoulders.
“Counselor Ellan…it is agreeable to see you again.” After Ellan had rejoined the group, the Vulcan turned back around to face the rest of the group.
“Ellan knows you, but I’m stumped,” Uhnari said.
“Lt. Simus was the former Tactical Officer aboard the Cuffe,” Dr. Cole said, provoking a raised eyebrow from the Vulcan. “He was presumed killed in action five years ago in the Tong Beak Nebula.”
“How do you know that?” Aquiel asked.
“I read the old personnel files,” the medic replied. “It never hurts to look before you leap. You might consider trying that sometimes Lieutenant.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Uhnari asked hotly. “Peeking into my head again without permission?”
“I don’t have a lot of time,” Simus said, with such annoyance that it made everyone pay attention. “My vessel is on the edge of the range of communication. My colleagues would like to keep their role in this affair secret.”
“Where are you at? Who are these colleagues? Is Lt. Hunal with you?” Ellan asked.
Simus ignored him. “Lt. Uhnari, I will need you to retrieve your Canar now.” The woman went into her bedroom and brought the crystalline shard into the living quarters. “It is an imperfect conduit, but it will have to do.” Aquiel didn’t like the sound of that. To her, the Canar was as beautiful as any piece of art she had ever seen.
“What are you planning on ‘doing’ with my Canar?” The Haliian suspiciously asked.
“It isn’t me,” Simus said. “It will be you. All of you.”
“I don’t understand,” Ellan said.
“The aliens that have boarded the Cuffe are as susceptible to psionic energy as many other species. Under my instruction the Canar can be turned into a psionic drainer that can be used to incapacitate the invaders.”
“What’s going to happen to my Canar as a result?” Aquiel asked. “Or to us?”
“I am not certain,” the Vulcan told the truth. “But the needs of the many….”
“I’ve heard that one before,” Dr. Cole rolled her eyes. “Let’s get on with it.”
*********
SFS Vrakar
Main Bridge
Sutahr Dasa M’Durr smiled, his sharpened teeth glistening. “You made a prudent choice Captain Braener. To keep the peace we need more men like you.”
“We received intelligence that Cardassian militants were using the Vilkatis Minor System as a hideout. We entered on the side where the border between the Exarchate and the Son’a Imperium hasn’t been clearly demarcated.”
“I am inclined to believe your story,” M’Durr lied. “Since you have decloaked at my request. But I will now escort you to our nearest orbital fortress until the matter can be officially settled.”
Braener’s face briefly twisted in annoyance. “That sounds acceptable,” he managed to say before he shut off communications.
M’Durr immediately told his Weapons Officer. “Keep the exciser cannons primed on that ship at all times. At the slightest hint of perfidy, vaporize them.”
*******
Re: Part Three: Hell Breaks Loose
I like how you move from past to present as smoothly as you do--transitions like that can be very difficult to pull off and you've done so nicely. This is an intricate weave of plots and counterplots here and I'm looking forward to seeing how it plays out. Finally, can we read something in the name you've chosen for the Alshain captain--M'Durr?
I like how you move from past to present as smoothly as you do--transitions like that can be very difficult to pull off and you've done so nicely. This is an intricate weave of plots and counterplots here and I'm looking forward to seeing how it plays out. Finally, can we read something in the name you've chosen for the Alshain captain--M'Durr?
Re: Part Three: Hell Breaks Loose
DF,
I appreciate your comments about the shifting between time periods. I was worried about that being confusing. I'm glad it's not for you. Hopefully it's the same way for other readers.
Hmmm. I guess you could read something into M'Durr's name. However, that might come to fruition in future stories.
Dnoth, regarding Ivan's ego. Right now it's the least of his worries.
DavidFalkayn said:
I like how you move from past to present as smoothly as you do--transitions like that can be very difficult to pull off and you've done so nicely. This is an intricate weave of plots and counterplots here and I'm looking forward to seeing how it plays out. Finally, can we read something in the name you've chosen for the Alshain captain--M'Durr?
DF,
I appreciate your comments about the shifting between time periods. I was worried about that being confusing. I'm glad it's not for you. Hopefully it's the same way for other readers.
Hmmm. I guess you could read something into M'Durr's name. However, that might come to fruition in future stories.
Dnoth, regarding Ivan's ego. Right now it's the least of his worries.
Re: Part Three: Hell Breaks Loose
*******
USS Cuffe
Main Bridge
Captain Terrence Glover sacrificed his arm, grunting in pain as the blade slashed into the meat of his left bicep. Charging full on, with his momentum the captain barreled into the Koloi, pinning him against the guardrail behind the command seat. The Koloi forcefully exhaled, his foul breath curling Terrence’s nostrils.
With a swift right upper cut he knocked the Koloi to the floor. The alien scrambled away from him, circling, seeming quite used to moving on all fours. Terrence forced himself not to hold his bleeding arm. He tried to keep his attention as much as possible on his opponent, but out of the corner of his eye he saw both Worra and Lt. N’Saba tearing into one of the hapless Koloi.
The woman ripped the serpent-warrior’s arm right out of its socket and began eating its scaly flesh. N’Saba severed the other arm, but threw the useless limb away. Unfortunately, more portals had opened onto the bridge and Koloi soldiers had poured through them.
Fortunately, Ivan had fought his way to the weapon’s locker stored on the bridge and he and Subcommander Rusina were mowing down as many as they could. Glover jerked his head in Juanita’s direction when he heard the woman cry out. The woman was hanging on to the guardrail leading up from the command well. One of the Koloi had sunk its fangs into her shoulder. “Juanita, no!” Glover would be damned if he lost Pedro’s sister.
For a split second he forgot the head Koloi. In that lapse, the squat Koloi struck. First the venom hit the captain in the side of his face, and then the reptilian sprung. Glover fell back into his seat, wiping madly at his burning face, the squat Koloi snapping at him, its fangs dripping with acidic saliva.
Fighting against his own agony, Glover jutted his forearm into the Koloi’s neck, holding him back as far as he could. But his strength was fading. He tried the Vulcan neck pinch on the alien, but it didn’t work. And the Koloi, sensing it had gained the momentum laid its weight on Terrence, pushing his arm back.
The captain twisted in the seat, but there was very little room to maneuver. His left arm flapped almost uselessly. And he could feel the fire from the knife wound seeping into his blood stream. Poison, he realized, his eyelids growing heavy. The blade must’ve been poisoned.
Before Glover’s right arm gave out, the Koloi leader was whisked away. Holding the hissing alien by the scruff of his neck, Lt. Seb N’Saba opened the reptilian’s neck with a claw from his other hand. Then the Alshain Science Officer quickly flung the writhing man away from them both. He leaned down into the captain’s face, sniffing.
“You’ve been poisoned,” N’Saba surmised.
“How-how can you tell?” Glover was finding it hard to talk. He could feel his throat muscles closing.
“It’s some type of venom with paralytic properties,” N’Saba said, “I must you and Ensign Rojas to Sickbay immediately.” Before Glover could say another word, N’Saba threw him over his broad shoulders like a sack of potatoes. He also scooped up Juanita, whose limp body was at the bottom of the command well steps. The alien Terrence believed that had bitten her appeared slumped against a bulkhead, a wicked phaser burn across its midsection.
Ivan, Rusina, and Meldin appeared to have matters well in hand. Glover was able to manage a grin before his universe went black.
*********
USS Cuffe
Chief Engineer’s Cabin
The four Cuffe officers held onto the Canar, opening their minds and allowing them to merge as Simus had instructed. It was a disturbing experience for Aquiel. The sharing of minds had always been an intimate thing for her, something she had shared with not even a handful of people in her lifetime. But now to be so open, so exposed, with no corner of her life, of herself closed to three literal strangers was appalling to her. But she struggled to maintain her focus. The four had been tasked to pour their psionic energies into the Canar, using it as a conduit for a wave of telepathic energy that would take out the alien invaders.
She had imagined that a shockwave of energy would emerge from the Canar and overtake the ship. But the shard served as more of a gateway, a black hole that drained the psionic energies from others. The four Cuffe officers had to determine which belonged to the invaders and which belonged to their colleagues.
The massive flow of thoughts and emotions was nearly overwhelming. Aquiel seemed to have experienced a thousand lives in a matter of seconds. She quivered with the mental strain, blood started to drip from her nose. She struggled not to loose herself down the drain along the invaders.
“That’s the last one,” she heard Ellan whisper. “We’ve got to stop…we’ve got…” The Canar shattered, silencing all words and all thoughts.
*********
Alshain Shuttle, Eluder-class
“Time for this ship to live up its designation,” Lt. Commander Aquiel Uhnari said as she nudged Commander Cherenkov’s insensate form out of the pilot’s chair. “Hold tight doctor,” she commanded.
“Don’t worry about me,” Bashir replied, his eyes still glued to the main viewer. One of the bug ships hovered over them, while the others were moving to encircle them. “Just get us out of here while we still got time.” Aquiel eased the shuttle around, activating the impulse engines. While she had been preparing the weapons, she had done a crash course on the shuttle’s systems. Despite the nearly indecipherable runic script, most of the Alshain technology worked the same as its Federation equivalents.
“Will do,” Uhnari said, “but first.” She pressed the detonator.
**********
Inside the Extradimensional Fissure
Sarkos watched the explosion light up the void from the main lab. Several of the newest test subjects watched it with him.
“At least it will soon be over,” Zene said with resigned relief. Sarkos looked at him, a pitying expression on his alabaster face.
“For you,” the Vorta said, “But my gods will deliver me.”
“Yeah,” Ceven croaked. “They’re doing a bang up job of that,” the Bolian laughed as the massive subspace tear rippled toward the station. Sarkos didn’t respond. He merely turned back to the window and waited for deliverance.
**********
*******
USS Cuffe
Main Bridge
Captain Terrence Glover sacrificed his arm, grunting in pain as the blade slashed into the meat of his left bicep. Charging full on, with his momentum the captain barreled into the Koloi, pinning him against the guardrail behind the command seat. The Koloi forcefully exhaled, his foul breath curling Terrence’s nostrils.
With a swift right upper cut he knocked the Koloi to the floor. The alien scrambled away from him, circling, seeming quite used to moving on all fours. Terrence forced himself not to hold his bleeding arm. He tried to keep his attention as much as possible on his opponent, but out of the corner of his eye he saw both Worra and Lt. N’Saba tearing into one of the hapless Koloi.
The woman ripped the serpent-warrior’s arm right out of its socket and began eating its scaly flesh. N’Saba severed the other arm, but threw the useless limb away. Unfortunately, more portals had opened onto the bridge and Koloi soldiers had poured through them.
Fortunately, Ivan had fought his way to the weapon’s locker stored on the bridge and he and Subcommander Rusina were mowing down as many as they could. Glover jerked his head in Juanita’s direction when he heard the woman cry out. The woman was hanging on to the guardrail leading up from the command well. One of the Koloi had sunk its fangs into her shoulder. “Juanita, no!” Glover would be damned if he lost Pedro’s sister.
For a split second he forgot the head Koloi. In that lapse, the squat Koloi struck. First the venom hit the captain in the side of his face, and then the reptilian sprung. Glover fell back into his seat, wiping madly at his burning face, the squat Koloi snapping at him, its fangs dripping with acidic saliva.
Fighting against his own agony, Glover jutted his forearm into the Koloi’s neck, holding him back as far as he could. But his strength was fading. He tried the Vulcan neck pinch on the alien, but it didn’t work. And the Koloi, sensing it had gained the momentum laid its weight on Terrence, pushing his arm back.
The captain twisted in the seat, but there was very little room to maneuver. His left arm flapped almost uselessly. And he could feel the fire from the knife wound seeping into his blood stream. Poison, he realized, his eyelids growing heavy. The blade must’ve been poisoned.
Before Glover’s right arm gave out, the Koloi leader was whisked away. Holding the hissing alien by the scruff of his neck, Lt. Seb N’Saba opened the reptilian’s neck with a claw from his other hand. Then the Alshain Science Officer quickly flung the writhing man away from them both. He leaned down into the captain’s face, sniffing.
“You’ve been poisoned,” N’Saba surmised.
“How-how can you tell?” Glover was finding it hard to talk. He could feel his throat muscles closing.
“It’s some type of venom with paralytic properties,” N’Saba said, “I must you and Ensign Rojas to Sickbay immediately.” Before Glover could say another word, N’Saba threw him over his broad shoulders like a sack of potatoes. He also scooped up Juanita, whose limp body was at the bottom of the command well steps. The alien Terrence believed that had bitten her appeared slumped against a bulkhead, a wicked phaser burn across its midsection.
Ivan, Rusina, and Meldin appeared to have matters well in hand. Glover was able to manage a grin before his universe went black.
*********
USS Cuffe
Chief Engineer’s Cabin
The four Cuffe officers held onto the Canar, opening their minds and allowing them to merge as Simus had instructed. It was a disturbing experience for Aquiel. The sharing of minds had always been an intimate thing for her, something she had shared with not even a handful of people in her lifetime. But now to be so open, so exposed, with no corner of her life, of herself closed to three literal strangers was appalling to her. But she struggled to maintain her focus. The four had been tasked to pour their psionic energies into the Canar, using it as a conduit for a wave of telepathic energy that would take out the alien invaders.
She had imagined that a shockwave of energy would emerge from the Canar and overtake the ship. But the shard served as more of a gateway, a black hole that drained the psionic energies from others. The four Cuffe officers had to determine which belonged to the invaders and which belonged to their colleagues.
The massive flow of thoughts and emotions was nearly overwhelming. Aquiel seemed to have experienced a thousand lives in a matter of seconds. She quivered with the mental strain, blood started to drip from her nose. She struggled not to loose herself down the drain along the invaders.
“That’s the last one,” she heard Ellan whisper. “We’ve got to stop…we’ve got…” The Canar shattered, silencing all words and all thoughts.
*********
Alshain Shuttle, Eluder-class
“Time for this ship to live up its designation,” Lt. Commander Aquiel Uhnari said as she nudged Commander Cherenkov’s insensate form out of the pilot’s chair. “Hold tight doctor,” she commanded.
“Don’t worry about me,” Bashir replied, his eyes still glued to the main viewer. One of the bug ships hovered over them, while the others were moving to encircle them. “Just get us out of here while we still got time.” Aquiel eased the shuttle around, activating the impulse engines. While she had been preparing the weapons, she had done a crash course on the shuttle’s systems. Despite the nearly indecipherable runic script, most of the Alshain technology worked the same as its Federation equivalents.
“Will do,” Uhnari said, “but first.” She pressed the detonator.
**********
Inside the Extradimensional Fissure
Sarkos watched the explosion light up the void from the main lab. Several of the newest test subjects watched it with him.
“At least it will soon be over,” Zene said with resigned relief. Sarkos looked at him, a pitying expression on his alabaster face.
“For you,” the Vorta said, “But my gods will deliver me.”
“Yeah,” Ceven croaked. “They’re doing a bang up job of that,” the Bolian laughed as the massive subspace tear rippled toward the station. Sarkos didn’t respond. He merely turned back to the window and waited for deliverance.
**********
Re: Part Three: Hell Breaks Loose
**********
Alshain Shuttle, Eluder-class
Right before the tricobalt bomb exploded, Aquiel had activated the impulse engines, ramping them to full impulse. The blast threw the shuttle back toward the fissure’s entrance. She struggled hard to gain control of the ship and to steer it in the appropriate direction.
She was just able to turn it toward the opening when the eluder rattled again. “I think we’ve got company,” Bashir said, his voice rising slightly. Uhnari was surprised the man was even speaking to her after she activated the bomb. “My sensors indicate that one of the alien vessels is on an intercept course.”
“Wake up Ivan right now,” Uhnari snapped. “We need his expertise.” Julian didn’t argue. He hopped out of his seat and grabbed a hypo from his kit. He applied it to Cherenkov’s neck. The man was alert in seconds.
“What happened?” He asked, with just a hint of grogginess in his voice. After Uhnari quickly answered, the Russian took the empty seats beside Bashir and brought weapons on line. The deck plates thrummed. Seconds later, he gruffly said, “Just launched two photon torpedoes at the pursuing ship. Direct hits. Little damage.”
“Wonderful,” Aquiel drolly replied. “How many torpedoes do we have?”
“Only two more,” Ivan replied. “We’ve also got a fore and aft exciser cannon.”
“How about trying that?” Bashir offered.
“Already did,” Cherenkov said, with not a glimmer of rancor in his voice at the medic. “Similar results as the torpedoes.”
“I wish we had a quantum onboard,” Aquiel grumbled.
“You’re preaching to the choir Aquiel,” Ivan deadpanned. “But if you can get us into the funnel we should go to phase two of the plan.”
“You got it,” Uhnari promised. The shuttle juked a blast from the oncoming ship as it shot into the funnel. Unfortunately the segmented warship followed them in.
“Is the anti-verteron device ready?” Ivan asked.
“Shall I do the honors or you?” The Haliian asked with mock sweetness.
“Hey, you said I would get irradiated if I did it,” Cherenkov said.
“Do either of you really think it’s a good time to be so unserious?” Bashir admonished.
“Doc, I can’t think of a better time,” Ivan said. As Aquiel slid out of the pilot’s seat, Ivan took over the helm. She went to the back and placed the anti-verteron cylinder on the eluder’s transporter pad. She activated the weapon before beaming it into the funnel.
She took a seat behind Ivan. She rubbed his shoulder. “I hope this works,” she whispered. He took one of his hands off the controls and wrapped it in hers.
“I do too,” he said, with less confidence than he had ever displayed before. For the first in a long time, if ever, Aquiel felt Ivan trusted her, because he was showing her his vulnerability. And if it was to be their last time together, Aquiel didn’t feel that it would be a wasted one.
**********
USS Cuffe
Main Bridge
Lt. Commander Cherenkov assumed command. “Hail the alien ship,” he barked. Lt. Meldin rushed to his console, stepping over the bodies of the unconscious Koloi. Ivan ignored the ringing in his own head as the static on the main screen resolved into the visage of another Koloi.
“Where is Alcaid Kamon?” The reptilian gruffly asked.
“If you want him and the rest of your soldiers back,” Ivan smiled. “I suggest you power down your weapons.”
“And if I don’t?” The reptilian challenged. Cherenkov’s gaze hardened.
“Then I toss Kamon and the rest of your soldiers into space,” the Russian said.
“How do I know they aren’t already dead?”
“If you thought that, we wouldn’t be having this conversation,” Ivan replied. “Odds are you felt the same thing we all did, to some effect. However, whatever it was did a number on the Koloi aboard, but at least left us conscious.”
“How do you know of our race?” The reptilian’s voice was troubled. Ivan merely smiled.
“Return our warriors,” the reptilian commanded.
“No,” Ivan said, prompting a noticeable cough from Lt. N’Saba. He ignored it. “I will not hand over your soldiers until you promise me you will not attack.”
The reptilian’s lips twisted in disgust. He glared at Ivan for interminable minutes. The Russian held the stare. Eventually the alien relented. “You have my word.” He sissed.
“Here is how we are going to proceed…” Ivan began, outlining his plan.
**********
Alshain Shuttle, Eluder-class
“They followed us in,” Aquiel said, her gently ridged brow wrinkling with concern. She looked to Ivan. “What are we going to do now?” Seconds later the ship was pelted with a barrage from the bug ship, shaking the eluder almost to its ramparts.
“Stick to the plan,” Cherenkov said through gritted teeth. “Launch the anti-verteron device.”
***********
Dorylaa swarmship
The Dorylaa commander ignored the frenzied chittering of his alates and drones. He wrapped the gossamer wings around his carapace-covered torso in wonderment. His compound eyes didn’t need the assistance of the ship’s eye to see the small device that materialized in a flash from the retreating vessel.
But he did have to avert his gaze seconds later when the device erupted. Almost instantly he realized what had happened, and he chided his sensor officer for reporting to him after the fact.
The device had seeded the corridor; its dark walls were now alight with fiery seeds. The fire was ripping the tunnel apart. It wouldn’t be long before their way home had collapsed on top of them.
The Dorylaa commander made an unspoken promise to his Queen that he would take the vessel that had wreaked such destruction with him into oblivion.
**********
**********
Alshain Shuttle, Eluder-class
Right before the tricobalt bomb exploded, Aquiel had activated the impulse engines, ramping them to full impulse. The blast threw the shuttle back toward the fissure’s entrance. She struggled hard to gain control of the ship and to steer it in the appropriate direction.
She was just able to turn it toward the opening when the eluder rattled again. “I think we’ve got company,” Bashir said, his voice rising slightly. Uhnari was surprised the man was even speaking to her after she activated the bomb. “My sensors indicate that one of the alien vessels is on an intercept course.”
“Wake up Ivan right now,” Uhnari snapped. “We need his expertise.” Julian didn’t argue. He hopped out of his seat and grabbed a hypo from his kit. He applied it to Cherenkov’s neck. The man was alert in seconds.
“What happened?” He asked, with just a hint of grogginess in his voice. After Uhnari quickly answered, the Russian took the empty seats beside Bashir and brought weapons on line. The deck plates thrummed. Seconds later, he gruffly said, “Just launched two photon torpedoes at the pursuing ship. Direct hits. Little damage.”
“Wonderful,” Aquiel drolly replied. “How many torpedoes do we have?”
“Only two more,” Ivan replied. “We’ve also got a fore and aft exciser cannon.”
“How about trying that?” Bashir offered.
“Already did,” Cherenkov said, with not a glimmer of rancor in his voice at the medic. “Similar results as the torpedoes.”
“I wish we had a quantum onboard,” Aquiel grumbled.
“You’re preaching to the choir Aquiel,” Ivan deadpanned. “But if you can get us into the funnel we should go to phase two of the plan.”
“You got it,” Uhnari promised. The shuttle juked a blast from the oncoming ship as it shot into the funnel. Unfortunately the segmented warship followed them in.
“Is the anti-verteron device ready?” Ivan asked.
“Shall I do the honors or you?” The Haliian asked with mock sweetness.
“Hey, you said I would get irradiated if I did it,” Cherenkov said.
“Do either of you really think it’s a good time to be so unserious?” Bashir admonished.
“Doc, I can’t think of a better time,” Ivan said. As Aquiel slid out of the pilot’s seat, Ivan took over the helm. She went to the back and placed the anti-verteron cylinder on the eluder’s transporter pad. She activated the weapon before beaming it into the funnel.
She took a seat behind Ivan. She rubbed his shoulder. “I hope this works,” she whispered. He took one of his hands off the controls and wrapped it in hers.
“I do too,” he said, with less confidence than he had ever displayed before. For the first in a long time, if ever, Aquiel felt Ivan trusted her, because he was showing her his vulnerability. And if it was to be their last time together, Aquiel didn’t feel that it would be a wasted one.
**********
USS Cuffe
Main Bridge
Lt. Commander Cherenkov assumed command. “Hail the alien ship,” he barked. Lt. Meldin rushed to his console, stepping over the bodies of the unconscious Koloi. Ivan ignored the ringing in his own head as the static on the main screen resolved into the visage of another Koloi.
“Where is Alcaid Kamon?” The reptilian gruffly asked.
“If you want him and the rest of your soldiers back,” Ivan smiled. “I suggest you power down your weapons.”
“And if I don’t?” The reptilian challenged. Cherenkov’s gaze hardened.
“Then I toss Kamon and the rest of your soldiers into space,” the Russian said.
“How do I know they aren’t already dead?”
“If you thought that, we wouldn’t be having this conversation,” Ivan replied. “Odds are you felt the same thing we all did, to some effect. However, whatever it was did a number on the Koloi aboard, but at least left us conscious.”
“How do you know of our race?” The reptilian’s voice was troubled. Ivan merely smiled.
“Return our warriors,” the reptilian commanded.
“No,” Ivan said, prompting a noticeable cough from Lt. N’Saba. He ignored it. “I will not hand over your soldiers until you promise me you will not attack.”
The reptilian’s lips twisted in disgust. He glared at Ivan for interminable minutes. The Russian held the stare. Eventually the alien relented. “You have my word.” He sissed.
“Here is how we are going to proceed…” Ivan began, outlining his plan.
**********
Alshain Shuttle, Eluder-class
“They followed us in,” Aquiel said, her gently ridged brow wrinkling with concern. She looked to Ivan. “What are we going to do now?” Seconds later the ship was pelted with a barrage from the bug ship, shaking the eluder almost to its ramparts.
“Stick to the plan,” Cherenkov said through gritted teeth. “Launch the anti-verteron device.”
***********
Dorylaa swarmship
The Dorylaa commander ignored the frenzied chittering of his alates and drones. He wrapped the gossamer wings around his carapace-covered torso in wonderment. His compound eyes didn’t need the assistance of the ship’s eye to see the small device that materialized in a flash from the retreating vessel.
But he did have to avert his gaze seconds later when the device erupted. Almost instantly he realized what had happened, and he chided his sensor officer for reporting to him after the fact.
The device had seeded the corridor; its dark walls were now alight with fiery seeds. The fire was ripping the tunnel apart. It wouldn’t be long before their way home had collapsed on top of them.
The Dorylaa commander made an unspoken promise to his Queen that he would take the vessel that had wreaked such destruction with him into oblivion.
**********
Re: Part Three: Hell Breaks Loose
**********
USS Cuffe
Main Bridge
Cherenkov had waited until the Cuffe was at the mouth of the dark matter inversion before he transported the Koloi back. “Get us out of here,” he said half a second later. Lt. Harper had assumed Juanita’s post, and she quickly plotted in a course. The ship warped into the tunnel. Immediately, the same forces that had hurdled into the funnel worked in reverse. Surprisingly, the Koloi warship didn’t follow them.
Once the Cuffe had been spat out of the funnel, Ivan had Gralf confirm that they had returned to the Vilkatis Minor System. After the Arboreal Xindi had, Ivan contacted Sickbay. He wanted the captain’s permission before he acted on his next idea.
************
USS Cuffe
Sickbay
Medtech Victoria Pham smiled down on the captain. “Lt. Pham?” Glover asked weakly, disoriented. “What-what are you doing on the bridge?”
“You’re in Sickbay sir,” the young woman said with a gentle smile. “You’ve been poisoned.”
“Poisoned?” Terrence’s voice rose with alarm as memories of the Koloi invaders resurfaced. He tried to sit up, but his body was wracked with pain. Lt. Pham carefully pushed him back on the biobed.
“You’re going to be fine,” Dr. Cole stepped over to him. The woman didn’t look so hot herself. Her hair was unruly, her face haggard. It looked almost as if the woman had aged several years in the span of a few hours. Lt. Pham quietly left the Chief Medical Officer alone with the captain.
“What happened to you?”
“Long story,” she tried to smile, but the twinkle wasn’t quite there. “In fact, if it hadn’t been for you, I might not be able to retell it to you one day,” the doctor offered.
“I-I don’t understand,” the captain said. The woman wrapped one of her hands around his and squeezed it. She looked deeply into his eyes, and somehow Glover felt an outpouring of warmth that he knew was coming from her. But how that was possible, he didn’t have the slightest idea.
“You will,” she promised. “And before you ask, the others are fine too. You and Lt. Rojas received the most venom. I’m prepping Juanita for surgery now. There was some minor damage to her autonomic system, but she’ll be fine.”
“That’s….good,” Terrence said, relieved that he hadn’t failed Juanita like he had Pedro. “What about the Koloi?”
“The reptile invaders?” Cole asked, her expression souring. “That’s their name huh?”
“Yeah, where are they?”
“It might be best to ask Commander Cherenkov that question,” the medic replied. The captain immediately tapped his chest. His chevron wasn’t there.
“Where’s my communicator?”
“We removed your uniform during the bioscan,” Cole replied. “I’ll contact him for you,” before she could tap the chevron attached to her uniform, the ship’s intercom system activated.
“Lt. Commander Cherenkov to Sickbay,” the Russian’s voice was strong, and authoritative. Terrence, in his weakened condition felt just a smidgen of envy that the Russian had weathered the Koloi onslaught better than he. Being the captain, he should’ve been sitting tall in the saddle. As it were, he was laid out in Sickbay. Cole acknowledged the summons. “Is Captain Glover awake?” The commander asked.
“I’m here,” Glover said, after clearing his throat. “Though whether I’m awake is another story.”
“I need to speak with you sir,” the Russian said. “It’s about the dark matter inversion.”
“Come on down.” Glover said, trying to sit up again. But his body betrayed him. Cole scowled at him.
“Don’t overdo it,” she admonished.
“I don’t know any other way to do it,” he grinned.
**********
Alshain Shuttle, Eluder-class
“This little beauty certainly lives up to its name,” Commander Cherenkov said as he jerked the shuttle’s controls, taking it into a wild spin to avoid another volley from the advancing bug ship.
“That was close,” Aquiel said. The Haliian was holding on to the wall beside her for support. “I’ve been doing some scans as best I could with this Alshain equipment. That ship is powered by zero point energy, similar to the one we encountered years ago.”
“Zero point energy?” Dr. Bashir asked, incredulous. He seemed eager to contribute something, even if it was skepticism. “I thought that was only theoretical.”
“For us, it is,” Cherenkov replied. “But not for those guys.”
“Also Julian, dark matter was considered theoretical too,” Aquiel added.
“And we’re knee deep in the stuff right now,” Ivan quipped. He tapped in new coordinates as the eluder almost collided with a mass of dark matter. The stuff was collapsing all around them as the anti-verterons smashed against the verterons which helped stabilize the tunnel.
“How much time do we have before this whole thing falls in on itself?” Bashir asked. Cherenkov looked at Aquiel. The Haliian shook her head.
“We don’t know,” Ivan replied.
“That’s just wonderful,” the doctor muttered.
“Didn’t you join Starfleet to discover things?” Cherenkov asked.
“Yes,” Bashir said, with open suspicion. “Why do you ask?”
“Just think of this as one more thing to discover,” the Russian replied.
“Hopefully it won’t be the last,” Julian retorted.
***********
**********
USS Cuffe
Main Bridge
Cherenkov had waited until the Cuffe was at the mouth of the dark matter inversion before he transported the Koloi back. “Get us out of here,” he said half a second later. Lt. Harper had assumed Juanita’s post, and she quickly plotted in a course. The ship warped into the tunnel. Immediately, the same forces that had hurdled into the funnel worked in reverse. Surprisingly, the Koloi warship didn’t follow them.
Once the Cuffe had been spat out of the funnel, Ivan had Gralf confirm that they had returned to the Vilkatis Minor System. After the Arboreal Xindi had, Ivan contacted Sickbay. He wanted the captain’s permission before he acted on his next idea.
************
USS Cuffe
Sickbay
Medtech Victoria Pham smiled down on the captain. “Lt. Pham?” Glover asked weakly, disoriented. “What-what are you doing on the bridge?”
“You’re in Sickbay sir,” the young woman said with a gentle smile. “You’ve been poisoned.”
“Poisoned?” Terrence’s voice rose with alarm as memories of the Koloi invaders resurfaced. He tried to sit up, but his body was wracked with pain. Lt. Pham carefully pushed him back on the biobed.
“You’re going to be fine,” Dr. Cole stepped over to him. The woman didn’t look so hot herself. Her hair was unruly, her face haggard. It looked almost as if the woman had aged several years in the span of a few hours. Lt. Pham quietly left the Chief Medical Officer alone with the captain.
“What happened to you?”
“Long story,” she tried to smile, but the twinkle wasn’t quite there. “In fact, if it hadn’t been for you, I might not be able to retell it to you one day,” the doctor offered.
“I-I don’t understand,” the captain said. The woman wrapped one of her hands around his and squeezed it. She looked deeply into his eyes, and somehow Glover felt an outpouring of warmth that he knew was coming from her. But how that was possible, he didn’t have the slightest idea.
“You will,” she promised. “And before you ask, the others are fine too. You and Lt. Rojas received the most venom. I’m prepping Juanita for surgery now. There was some minor damage to her autonomic system, but she’ll be fine.”
“That’s….good,” Terrence said, relieved that he hadn’t failed Juanita like he had Pedro. “What about the Koloi?”
“The reptile invaders?” Cole asked, her expression souring. “That’s their name huh?”
“Yeah, where are they?”
“It might be best to ask Commander Cherenkov that question,” the medic replied. The captain immediately tapped his chest. His chevron wasn’t there.
“Where’s my communicator?”
“We removed your uniform during the bioscan,” Cole replied. “I’ll contact him for you,” before she could tap the chevron attached to her uniform, the ship’s intercom system activated.
“Lt. Commander Cherenkov to Sickbay,” the Russian’s voice was strong, and authoritative. Terrence, in his weakened condition felt just a smidgen of envy that the Russian had weathered the Koloi onslaught better than he. Being the captain, he should’ve been sitting tall in the saddle. As it were, he was laid out in Sickbay. Cole acknowledged the summons. “Is Captain Glover awake?” The commander asked.
“I’m here,” Glover said, after clearing his throat. “Though whether I’m awake is another story.”
“I need to speak with you sir,” the Russian said. “It’s about the dark matter inversion.”
“Come on down.” Glover said, trying to sit up again. But his body betrayed him. Cole scowled at him.
“Don’t overdo it,” she admonished.
“I don’t know any other way to do it,” he grinned.
**********
Alshain Shuttle, Eluder-class
“This little beauty certainly lives up to its name,” Commander Cherenkov said as he jerked the shuttle’s controls, taking it into a wild spin to avoid another volley from the advancing bug ship.
“That was close,” Aquiel said. The Haliian was holding on to the wall beside her for support. “I’ve been doing some scans as best I could with this Alshain equipment. That ship is powered by zero point energy, similar to the one we encountered years ago.”
“Zero point energy?” Dr. Bashir asked, incredulous. He seemed eager to contribute something, even if it was skepticism. “I thought that was only theoretical.”
“For us, it is,” Cherenkov replied. “But not for those guys.”
“Also Julian, dark matter was considered theoretical too,” Aquiel added.
“And we’re knee deep in the stuff right now,” Ivan quipped. He tapped in new coordinates as the eluder almost collided with a mass of dark matter. The stuff was collapsing all around them as the anti-verterons smashed against the verterons which helped stabilize the tunnel.
“How much time do we have before this whole thing falls in on itself?” Bashir asked. Cherenkov looked at Aquiel. The Haliian shook her head.
“We don’t know,” Ivan replied.
“That’s just wonderful,” the doctor muttered.
“Didn’t you join Starfleet to discover things?” Cherenkov asked.
“Yes,” Bashir said, with open suspicion. “Why do you ask?”
“Just think of this as one more thing to discover,” the Russian replied.
“Hopefully it won’t be the last,” Julian retorted.
***********
Re: Part Three: Hell Breaks Loose
***********
USS Cuffe
Sickbay
Lt. Commander Cherenkov had hurried down to Sickbay to inform the captain of his plan. After he was finished, Glover nodded sagely. “Put it into effect.” He said, his voice more strained than he liked.
“But sir,” interjected Lt. N’Saba, who had insisted on accompanying the First Officer. “We might be denying ourselves a golden opportunity. The few rudimentary sensor scans we were able to make of the Koloi vessel reveal that it is powered by some type of zero point energy. They have found a way to harness an almost unlimited supply of energy. Think of the possibilities, the great advances that could be made, without the limitations and pollution caused by the warp drive? We are obviously dealing with an advanced species here. Who knows what other type of technology they possess? If we could build on the goodwill Commander Cherenkov has established with the Koloi presently in charge, it might lead to a lasting, beneficial relationship.”
Despite having been in a life and death struggle mere hours ago with the Koloi, and the fact that the captain, Juanita, and even Worra had been stricken by their venom, the Science Officer in N’Saba couldn’t be contained. Glover nodded, considering his options. “I’m sorry Mr. N’Saba, but it’s what else the Koloi might possess that concerns me. We can’t take the chance of allowing an advanced, potentially hostile species entryway into our galaxy.”
“Captain, if I might speak freely I think you are being short sighted,” the Alshain huffed.
“Because I appreciate your scientific interest I’m going to let that one slide,” Glover said. “But my decision stands. Mr. Cherenkov. I want you to put together a team and figure out a way to seal the rift.”
The Russian nodded. “I’ll get on it immediately sir.” He motioned to Lt. N’Saba. The Alshain left the room while Ivan made his way over to Lt. Uhnari. Glover watched the man as he leaned down toward the Haliian. She was sitting up on the biobed, holding something that looked like a blackened crystal. The captain noticed how Ivan’s posture and demeanor changed around the engineer, how even his features softened.
“Looks like somebody’s got a crush on somebody,” he whispered. There was a soft cough behind him. Glover turned to see a smiling Dr. Cole. Her luster had seemed to return.
“Being nosy Captain?” She playfully asked, her almond eyes crinkling.
“Hey, captain’s prerogative,” he shot back.
**********
USS Cuffe
Conference Room
“An anti-verteron beam is a great idea,” replied Lt. Mercer, Aquiel’s stand-in from Engineering, “however we don’t have the technology here to create stable anti-verterons. Attempting to do so would probably blow up the ship.”
“Yeah,” Ivan scratched his neck. “That’s what Lt. Uhnari said as well. “So, what about the second option?” The scratching must have been contagious because Mercer began to scratch his bearded chin.
“Hmmm, igniting the sirillium lining the inversion would make it inaccessible, but I’m not sure it will close the rift.”
“At least it’s a start,” Cherenkov leaned back in the captain’s chair. It felt surprisingly good to sit in Captain Glover’s chair, but Ivan would never admit it. “Anyone else got anything to add?” He looked around the room.
Lt. N’Saba was still sulking about Glover rejecting his plan. The canid had folded his arms across his broad chest, his ears drooping down. Lt. Harper shook her head and shrugged. Lt. Pham, likewise standing in for Dr. Cole, looked similarly stumped.
The Romulan Subcommander Rusina quipped. “I didn’t take Wormhole 101 at War College.”
“Perhaps if we create a subspace rift to interact or counteract with the current rift they will cancel each other out,” Lt. Gralf suggested. Ivan’s attention spiked.
“That sounds like an intriguing idea Mr. Gralf,” the Russian said with somewhat embarrassing excitement. “What do you propose?”
“Aiming a polaric ion burst at the rift,” the Arboreal said. “This expanse is teeming with it, and a directed burst might create something akin to a matter-antimatter reaction.”
“I like it,” Cherenkov nodded. He looked around the room. Even N’Saba had a smirk on his face. Only Rusina was frowning. Ivan asked her why.
The Romulan replied. “What Lt. Gralf is proposing sounds like a possible violation of the Polaric Test Ban Treaty of 2268. The Star Empire will not allow such a violation to go unchallenged.” The Federation and the Romulan Star Empire were two of the signatories of the treaty, which had been drafted after the Romulan planet Chaltok IV had been nearly destroyed due to a polaric ion energy experiment.
“I think the Romulan Senate would give us the benefit of the doubt considering the situation we are in.” Ivan was proud of himself that he didn’t roll his eyes.
“Don’t be so sure of that,” Rusina retorted. “If you attempt to use polaric ion energy I will report it.”
“Report away,” Cherenkov said. “Because that is exactly what we’re going to do.”
***********
***********
USS Cuffe
Sickbay
Lt. Commander Cherenkov had hurried down to Sickbay to inform the captain of his plan. After he was finished, Glover nodded sagely. “Put it into effect.” He said, his voice more strained than he liked.
“But sir,” interjected Lt. N’Saba, who had insisted on accompanying the First Officer. “We might be denying ourselves a golden opportunity. The few rudimentary sensor scans we were able to make of the Koloi vessel reveal that it is powered by some type of zero point energy. They have found a way to harness an almost unlimited supply of energy. Think of the possibilities, the great advances that could be made, without the limitations and pollution caused by the warp drive? We are obviously dealing with an advanced species here. Who knows what other type of technology they possess? If we could build on the goodwill Commander Cherenkov has established with the Koloi presently in charge, it might lead to a lasting, beneficial relationship.”
Despite having been in a life and death struggle mere hours ago with the Koloi, and the fact that the captain, Juanita, and even Worra had been stricken by their venom, the Science Officer in N’Saba couldn’t be contained. Glover nodded, considering his options. “I’m sorry Mr. N’Saba, but it’s what else the Koloi might possess that concerns me. We can’t take the chance of allowing an advanced, potentially hostile species entryway into our galaxy.”
“Captain, if I might speak freely I think you are being short sighted,” the Alshain huffed.
“Because I appreciate your scientific interest I’m going to let that one slide,” Glover said. “But my decision stands. Mr. Cherenkov. I want you to put together a team and figure out a way to seal the rift.”
The Russian nodded. “I’ll get on it immediately sir.” He motioned to Lt. N’Saba. The Alshain left the room while Ivan made his way over to Lt. Uhnari. Glover watched the man as he leaned down toward the Haliian. She was sitting up on the biobed, holding something that looked like a blackened crystal. The captain noticed how Ivan’s posture and demeanor changed around the engineer, how even his features softened.
“Looks like somebody’s got a crush on somebody,” he whispered. There was a soft cough behind him. Glover turned to see a smiling Dr. Cole. Her luster had seemed to return.
“Being nosy Captain?” She playfully asked, her almond eyes crinkling.
“Hey, captain’s prerogative,” he shot back.
**********
USS Cuffe
Conference Room
“An anti-verteron beam is a great idea,” replied Lt. Mercer, Aquiel’s stand-in from Engineering, “however we don’t have the technology here to create stable anti-verterons. Attempting to do so would probably blow up the ship.”
“Yeah,” Ivan scratched his neck. “That’s what Lt. Uhnari said as well. “So, what about the second option?” The scratching must have been contagious because Mercer began to scratch his bearded chin.
“Hmmm, igniting the sirillium lining the inversion would make it inaccessible, but I’m not sure it will close the rift.”
“At least it’s a start,” Cherenkov leaned back in the captain’s chair. It felt surprisingly good to sit in Captain Glover’s chair, but Ivan would never admit it. “Anyone else got anything to add?” He looked around the room.
Lt. N’Saba was still sulking about Glover rejecting his plan. The canid had folded his arms across his broad chest, his ears drooping down. Lt. Harper shook her head and shrugged. Lt. Pham, likewise standing in for Dr. Cole, looked similarly stumped.
The Romulan Subcommander Rusina quipped. “I didn’t take Wormhole 101 at War College.”
“Perhaps if we create a subspace rift to interact or counteract with the current rift they will cancel each other out,” Lt. Gralf suggested. Ivan’s attention spiked.
“That sounds like an intriguing idea Mr. Gralf,” the Russian said with somewhat embarrassing excitement. “What do you propose?”
“Aiming a polaric ion burst at the rift,” the Arboreal said. “This expanse is teeming with it, and a directed burst might create something akin to a matter-antimatter reaction.”
“I like it,” Cherenkov nodded. He looked around the room. Even N’Saba had a smirk on his face. Only Rusina was frowning. Ivan asked her why.
The Romulan replied. “What Lt. Gralf is proposing sounds like a possible violation of the Polaric Test Ban Treaty of 2268. The Star Empire will not allow such a violation to go unchallenged.” The Federation and the Romulan Star Empire were two of the signatories of the treaty, which had been drafted after the Romulan planet Chaltok IV had been nearly destroyed due to a polaric ion energy experiment.
“I think the Romulan Senate would give us the benefit of the doubt considering the situation we are in.” Ivan was proud of himself that he didn’t roll his eyes.
“Don’t be so sure of that,” Rusina retorted. “If you attempt to use polaric ion energy I will report it.”
“Report away,” Cherenkov said. “Because that is exactly what we’re going to do.”
***********
Re: Part Three: Hell Breaks Loose
***********
Alshain Shuttle, Eluder-class
Stars beckoned beyond the tunnel’s exit. Ivan activated the ship’s warp engines. They had been propelled by the tunnel thus far. With the added propulsion of the warp drive, the shuttle rammed out of the inversion.
Unfortunately the bug ship was close behind. Ivan swung the shuttle around. He quickly grinned at Aquiel as he faced the oncoming warship. “Time for my next trick.”
*********
USS Cuffe
Main Bridge
The neatest thing about the design of a Nebula-class starship was the additional module sitting either atop or below the primary hull. The module could be used for a variety of functions. The Cuffe’s module sat atop its superstructure. Lt. Commander Cherenkov had ordered it to be converted into an additional weapons platform to help ignite the sirillium more quickly. The deflector dish beneath the saucer section was collecting polaric ions to hurl at the rift once it had been set afire. Ivan’s compin chirped.
“Module conversion is complete,” Lt. N’Saba said. Seconds after Ivan had acknowledged him, his communicator chirped again.
“We have collected enough polaric ion energy,” Lt. Gralf stated. “Awaiting the order.”
“Good work,” Ivan said. “Mr. N’Saba you go first.” The Russian sat back and watched the show.
*********
Alshain Shuttle, Eluder-class
“Bringing the exciser cannon online now,” Aquiel said. “It’s ready to fire when you are.”
Ivan activated the shuttle’s lone cannon without commenting. The cannon spat gobs of destructive energy at the bug-ship. The gobs pelted against the bug-ship’s shields.
“Are they slowing down,” Dr. Bashir asked. “I don’t think this is working.”
“Yeah,” Ivan said, his voice tight. “I guess it’s time for plan B.”
“And what’s that?” Aquiel and Bashir asked the same time.
“Time for the Big Sacrifice,” Ivan muttered.
“Okay,” Aquiel said quietly. “What do you need us to do?”
“Leave,” Ivan replied.
“What?” The two asked again in response.
“There is one lifepod in the back. I want you two on it,” Ivan said.
“You can’t be serious?” Bashir was incredulous.
“Ivan, no! I won’t let you kill yourself. We’re all leaving together,” Aquiel protested. “I’m not going to leave you, not just after I found you again.”
“Sorry Aquiel, there isn’t a lot of time,” Ivan glanced back at her, his eyes hard as blue ice. “I’ve got to stop that ship from coming through. Now, I’m giving you an order: Take the lifepod and vacate the shuttle now!”
“I thought you were a rogue officer,” Bashir rejoined.
“You’re not helping doctor,” Ivan admonished. “You know this is the right thing to do, the only card we have left to play.” The medic scowled, but eventually nodded his head.
Bashir turned to Aquiel, his voice softening. He touched her arm. “Aquiel, he’s right. We have to leave. Let the commander finish his mission.”
Aquiel pulled away from Bashir and clutched Ivan’s shoulder, her fingernails digging into his flesh. “I won’t let you go.” Ivan put the ship on autopilot and turned around to face the crying Haliian.
“It’s too late,” Ivan grated. “I’m letting you go. I have to. But know that I never knew love, or could even conceive of the idea until I met you.” He pulled her into his arms and kissed her. Then he pushed her away. She stumbled against Bashir who rushed to hold her upright. “Sorry,” Ivan winced. “I can be a bit melodramatic at times.”
“Ivan,” Aquiel reached out, “Please…I….”
“Go,” he turned away from her, his voice cracking. “Just go.” Bashir gently nudged the Haliian aft. Before she stepped into the lifepod, Aquiel screamed, “I love you too! I love you Ivan. I always will.”
He didn’t acknowledge her. Ivan waited until the lifepod was safely away before he aimed the shuttle square at the bug-ship’s bow. He murmured a quiet prayer for Aquiel and Dr. Bashir before he drove the shuttle into the heart of the alien vessel.
**********
***********
Alshain Shuttle, Eluder-class
Stars beckoned beyond the tunnel’s exit. Ivan activated the ship’s warp engines. They had been propelled by the tunnel thus far. With the added propulsion of the warp drive, the shuttle rammed out of the inversion.
Unfortunately the bug ship was close behind. Ivan swung the shuttle around. He quickly grinned at Aquiel as he faced the oncoming warship. “Time for my next trick.”
*********
USS Cuffe
Main Bridge
The neatest thing about the design of a Nebula-class starship was the additional module sitting either atop or below the primary hull. The module could be used for a variety of functions. The Cuffe’s module sat atop its superstructure. Lt. Commander Cherenkov had ordered it to be converted into an additional weapons platform to help ignite the sirillium more quickly. The deflector dish beneath the saucer section was collecting polaric ions to hurl at the rift once it had been set afire. Ivan’s compin chirped.
“Module conversion is complete,” Lt. N’Saba said. Seconds after Ivan had acknowledged him, his communicator chirped again.
“We have collected enough polaric ion energy,” Lt. Gralf stated. “Awaiting the order.”
“Good work,” Ivan said. “Mr. N’Saba you go first.” The Russian sat back and watched the show.
*********
Alshain Shuttle, Eluder-class
“Bringing the exciser cannon online now,” Aquiel said. “It’s ready to fire when you are.”
Ivan activated the shuttle’s lone cannon without commenting. The cannon spat gobs of destructive energy at the bug-ship. The gobs pelted against the bug-ship’s shields.
“Are they slowing down,” Dr. Bashir asked. “I don’t think this is working.”
“Yeah,” Ivan said, his voice tight. “I guess it’s time for plan B.”
“And what’s that?” Aquiel and Bashir asked the same time.
“Time for the Big Sacrifice,” Ivan muttered.
“Okay,” Aquiel said quietly. “What do you need us to do?”
“Leave,” Ivan replied.
“What?” The two asked again in response.
“There is one lifepod in the back. I want you two on it,” Ivan said.
“You can’t be serious?” Bashir was incredulous.
“Ivan, no! I won’t let you kill yourself. We’re all leaving together,” Aquiel protested. “I’m not going to leave you, not just after I found you again.”
“Sorry Aquiel, there isn’t a lot of time,” Ivan glanced back at her, his eyes hard as blue ice. “I’ve got to stop that ship from coming through. Now, I’m giving you an order: Take the lifepod and vacate the shuttle now!”
“I thought you were a rogue officer,” Bashir rejoined.
“You’re not helping doctor,” Ivan admonished. “You know this is the right thing to do, the only card we have left to play.” The medic scowled, but eventually nodded his head.
Bashir turned to Aquiel, his voice softening. He touched her arm. “Aquiel, he’s right. We have to leave. Let the commander finish his mission.”
Aquiel pulled away from Bashir and clutched Ivan’s shoulder, her fingernails digging into his flesh. “I won’t let you go.” Ivan put the ship on autopilot and turned around to face the crying Haliian.
“It’s too late,” Ivan grated. “I’m letting you go. I have to. But know that I never knew love, or could even conceive of the idea until I met you.” He pulled her into his arms and kissed her. Then he pushed her away. She stumbled against Bashir who rushed to hold her upright. “Sorry,” Ivan winced. “I can be a bit melodramatic at times.”
“Ivan,” Aquiel reached out, “Please…I….”
“Go,” he turned away from her, his voice cracking. “Just go.” Bashir gently nudged the Haliian aft. Before she stepped into the lifepod, Aquiel screamed, “I love you too! I love you Ivan. I always will.”
He didn’t acknowledge her. Ivan waited until the lifepod was safely away before he aimed the shuttle square at the bug-ship’s bow. He murmured a quiet prayer for Aquiel and Dr. Bashir before he drove the shuttle into the heart of the alien vessel.
**********
Re: Part Three: Hell Breaks Loose
**********
Alshain Lifepod
“He’s….gone,” Dr. Bashir said quietly. “I’m so sorry.” The man looked away from the pod’s small port window as the shockwave washed over the lifepod, shaking it fiercely. He moved to hug Aquiel, but she waved him away. She balled up in a fetal position inside the cramped pod, oblivious to everything around her as she rode out the wave. Her thoughts were on Ivan, the taste of his lips still lingering, but the feel of his strong arms fading far too rapidly.
She had been such a fool to turn him away before, she now understood he was trying to protect her, he always had been attempting to do so, even if his methods were crude. No one had ever protected like that since her parents’ deaths, not even Geordi.
Aquiel had always had to be the strong one, for Shianna, for herself. But never had someone wanted to take on that burden…until Ivan. And now he was gone. She finally mustered the courage to look out the port window.
The Haliian gasped. There was nothing there. Not even debris. The rift was gone. “What happened?” She turned to Bashir.
“I’m not quite sure,” the medic said. “There was a tremendous flash and then…nothing....I can only assume that the explosion somehow sealed the subspace rupture. Commander Cherenkov completed his mission,” he said with respectful solemnity.
“Yes, he did,” Aquiel managed to smile a little. If there was anyway that Ivan would’ve wanted to die, it would probably be this way, in service to Starfleet. Helping others. But a shadow intruded upon her thoughts. “Doctor…you and Ivan seemed to have an interesting relationship. What is Section 31?”
Bashir blanched. “It’s best you don’t ask that question.”
“I’m sorry doctor, I already have,” Aquiel rejoined, “and it seems we have nothing but time on our hands.” She paused, her brave front faltering. “Besides….I think we both might need something to take our minds off things until we get back home.”
“Be careful what you wish for,” the medic warned before he began his dark tale.
*********
USS Cuffe
Main Bridge
The turbolift doors opened. Captain Glover and Lt. Uhnari limped out of the elevator. Glover immediately took a gander at the main viewer, while Aquiel looked at Ivan, sitting proud in the captain’s chair. The man was gazing at her as well.
Glover coughed, and Ivan jumped with a start. He quickly vacated the captain’s chair and Glover settled into the seat. “Catch me up XO,” he asked Cherenkov. Aquiel came to stand beside Ivan.
“It’s sort of self-evident,” replied Subcommander Rusina, standing beside the First Officer’s seat. Her reply prompted a scowl from the captain. “It’s beautiful in a very destructive way,” the Romulan added, oblivious to the captain’s disapproval. A rainbow of energy was pouring from the ship’s ventral deflector, pasting over the rift. In the part that hadn’t been zippered yet, Aquiel could see a beautiful gaseous fire. The plan was working beautifully.
As if he was reading her mind, Lt. Commander Cherenkov subtly grasped her hand and squeezed it. The unexpected gesture was very gentle, and much appreciated. “Thank you,” he whispered. Aquiel nodded, unable to speak as a warm fire suffused her. “It’s almost as beautiful as you are.”
***********
USS Cuffe
Conference Room
Three Days Later….
“It’s quite amazing,” Lt. Seb N’Saba crowed. “The data we were able to glean from the tunnel and the transdimensional void with our limited sensor capability. It appears that both the inversion and the void contained temporal properties.”
“And what does that mean exactly?” Ivan asked. He had been a soldier for most of his career, and theories and scientific phenomena weren’t his strong suit. The Alshain looked at him with faint disdain.
“It means Commander that we went back in time,” the Science Officer said.
“What?” Glover asked, leaning forward in his seat. “How was that possible?”
“It appears that the inversion was a pathway into time as well as into another dimension,” Lt. Gralf spoke up, earning a snarled lip from N’Saba.
“Yes,” the Alshain quickly butted in. “My department is still studying the temporal stresses on the ship’s hull. It appears that we went through several periods of time, possibly millennia.”
The captain sat back, the shock on his face evident. “Why didn’t we feel anything?” He looked at N’Saba, Gralf, and then around the room. “Did anyone feel different?”
“I speculate that the polaric radiation the Cuffe had been literally wading in as soon as we entered the Vilkatis Minor System insulated us from the temporal changes,” Gralf retook center stage. “Polaric ions have temporal properties, and perhaps we were somehow inoculated.”
“I agree,” N’Saba huffed, jutting out his jaw in petulant displeasure at being trumped by the Arboreal. To the captain’s credit, he ignored the two childish intellectuals. Ivan didn’t know if he could be so magnanimous.
“This is quite interesting indeed,” Glover said. “So, it’s possible that the hostiles we just faced lived millennia ago? I don’t like to think about the technology their descendants might possess today if they mastered zero point energy thousands of years ago. N’Saba and Gralf, I want your departments working together on this. Make it your top priority. I want a comprehensive report to present to Rear Admiral Salk as soon as we return to Starbase 375.” Both men nodded curtly.
“Does anyone have anything else to add?” The captain asked. Ivan looked around the table. He saw Aquiel and Dr. Cole sharing a furtive glance, but neither spoke up. Cherenkov wasn’t sure if he should bring it to the captain’s attention or not. He decided to give Aquiel the benefit of the doubt. Perhaps it was something personal between the two women.
“Fine,” Glover clapped his hands. “Let’s get back to work people.” As the senior staff began standing up, Glover said, “Dr. Cole, a moment of your time?”
Well, it didn’t seem like Ivan was the only one with eagle eyes. The captain must have picked up on the secret glance as well. Cherenkov resolved not to broach the topic with Lt. Uhnari. If it was something important enough he was sure he would find out soon enough.
Besides, he had something more important he wanted to discuss with her. Sidling up beside her as they stepped on to the bridge, the First Officer asked, “Care to have dinner?”
***********
Alshain Lifepod
“You know, I was completely floored when I learned of the existence of Section 31,” Bashir replied. “But you seem to be taking it in stride.”
“Let’s just say, I’ve had a somewhat jaded life,” Uhnari replied. “The idea of a secret group obsessed with maintaining the Federation’s way of life at all costs isn’t that hard to conceive. I think we sometimes live under an illusion that we are so much better than the Romulans, Klingons, Cardassians, or other galactic powers. When in reality, the differences are more by degree.”
“Well, that’s a pretty cynical way of looking at the universe,” Julian retorted.
“This coming from a man that works for a super secret organization that nearly killed his girlfriend’s mother,” Aquiel fired back. Julian shrank against one of the pod’s curving walls.
“That was a low blow,” he angrily replied.
“I know,” she said. “I’m sorry; sometimes my mouth gets ahead of my brain.” The medic sighed.
“Well, it’s not like it isn’t true,” he looked away from Aquiel. “I-I just don’t know what I’m going to do. I’m in too deep now. I know too much. I was trying to do the right thing. Trying to clear the name of an innocent man, and I’ve done so many dirty things in the attempt that I don’t think I’ll ever be clean again.”
Aquiel reached out to him. “You’re a good man Julian. Time will bear that out. Believe me.”
“You think so?” He cautiously looked to her for approval. She nodded and smiled.
“Yeah, I do, but I also think you need to tell Ezri about this. All of it.”
“No, I can’t do that. I don’t want to put her in danger,” Bashir protested, animatedly shaking his head. “I can’t do that to her.”
“Don’t you think it’s a little too late for that?” Uhnari challenged. “Especially after what one of those bastards did to her mother on New Sydney.”
“It’s just….I don’t want her to think less of me,” Julian admitted.
“Look I’ve just been through this with Ivan,” Aquiel said quietly, her voice breaking. “It’s better to put everything out in the open. Love doesn’t survive on fear and secrets. I believe your love for each other is stronger than Section 31, or whatever.”
“Okay,” Bashir said. “I’ll think about it.”
“Good,” Uhnari said. Before she spoke again, the pod’s proximity alert beeped. She checked the small display screen. “I’ve got good news and bad news Doc.”
“What is it? What’s happened?”
“Good news first: our pod has been spotted,” Aquiel said. “Bad news: it’s an Alshain warship.”
***********
**********
Alshain Lifepod
“He’s….gone,” Dr. Bashir said quietly. “I’m so sorry.” The man looked away from the pod’s small port window as the shockwave washed over the lifepod, shaking it fiercely. He moved to hug Aquiel, but she waved him away. She balled up in a fetal position inside the cramped pod, oblivious to everything around her as she rode out the wave. Her thoughts were on Ivan, the taste of his lips still lingering, but the feel of his strong arms fading far too rapidly.
She had been such a fool to turn him away before, she now understood he was trying to protect her, he always had been attempting to do so, even if his methods were crude. No one had ever protected like that since her parents’ deaths, not even Geordi.
Aquiel had always had to be the strong one, for Shianna, for herself. But never had someone wanted to take on that burden…until Ivan. And now he was gone. She finally mustered the courage to look out the port window.
The Haliian gasped. There was nothing there. Not even debris. The rift was gone. “What happened?” She turned to Bashir.
“I’m not quite sure,” the medic said. “There was a tremendous flash and then…nothing....I can only assume that the explosion somehow sealed the subspace rupture. Commander Cherenkov completed his mission,” he said with respectful solemnity.
“Yes, he did,” Aquiel managed to smile a little. If there was anyway that Ivan would’ve wanted to die, it would probably be this way, in service to Starfleet. Helping others. But a shadow intruded upon her thoughts. “Doctor…you and Ivan seemed to have an interesting relationship. What is Section 31?”
Bashir blanched. “It’s best you don’t ask that question.”
“I’m sorry doctor, I already have,” Aquiel rejoined, “and it seems we have nothing but time on our hands.” She paused, her brave front faltering. “Besides….I think we both might need something to take our minds off things until we get back home.”
“Be careful what you wish for,” the medic warned before he began his dark tale.
*********
USS Cuffe
Main Bridge
The turbolift doors opened. Captain Glover and Lt. Uhnari limped out of the elevator. Glover immediately took a gander at the main viewer, while Aquiel looked at Ivan, sitting proud in the captain’s chair. The man was gazing at her as well.
Glover coughed, and Ivan jumped with a start. He quickly vacated the captain’s chair and Glover settled into the seat. “Catch me up XO,” he asked Cherenkov. Aquiel came to stand beside Ivan.
“It’s sort of self-evident,” replied Subcommander Rusina, standing beside the First Officer’s seat. Her reply prompted a scowl from the captain. “It’s beautiful in a very destructive way,” the Romulan added, oblivious to the captain’s disapproval. A rainbow of energy was pouring from the ship’s ventral deflector, pasting over the rift. In the part that hadn’t been zippered yet, Aquiel could see a beautiful gaseous fire. The plan was working beautifully.
As if he was reading her mind, Lt. Commander Cherenkov subtly grasped her hand and squeezed it. The unexpected gesture was very gentle, and much appreciated. “Thank you,” he whispered. Aquiel nodded, unable to speak as a warm fire suffused her. “It’s almost as beautiful as you are.”
***********
USS Cuffe
Conference Room
Three Days Later….
“It’s quite amazing,” Lt. Seb N’Saba crowed. “The data we were able to glean from the tunnel and the transdimensional void with our limited sensor capability. It appears that both the inversion and the void contained temporal properties.”
“And what does that mean exactly?” Ivan asked. He had been a soldier for most of his career, and theories and scientific phenomena weren’t his strong suit. The Alshain looked at him with faint disdain.
“It means Commander that we went back in time,” the Science Officer said.
“What?” Glover asked, leaning forward in his seat. “How was that possible?”
“It appears that the inversion was a pathway into time as well as into another dimension,” Lt. Gralf spoke up, earning a snarled lip from N’Saba.
“Yes,” the Alshain quickly butted in. “My department is still studying the temporal stresses on the ship’s hull. It appears that we went through several periods of time, possibly millennia.”
The captain sat back, the shock on his face evident. “Why didn’t we feel anything?” He looked at N’Saba, Gralf, and then around the room. “Did anyone feel different?”
“I speculate that the polaric radiation the Cuffe had been literally wading in as soon as we entered the Vilkatis Minor System insulated us from the temporal changes,” Gralf retook center stage. “Polaric ions have temporal properties, and perhaps we were somehow inoculated.”
“I agree,” N’Saba huffed, jutting out his jaw in petulant displeasure at being trumped by the Arboreal. To the captain’s credit, he ignored the two childish intellectuals. Ivan didn’t know if he could be so magnanimous.
“This is quite interesting indeed,” Glover said. “So, it’s possible that the hostiles we just faced lived millennia ago? I don’t like to think about the technology their descendants might possess today if they mastered zero point energy thousands of years ago. N’Saba and Gralf, I want your departments working together on this. Make it your top priority. I want a comprehensive report to present to Rear Admiral Salk as soon as we return to Starbase 375.” Both men nodded curtly.
“Does anyone have anything else to add?” The captain asked. Ivan looked around the table. He saw Aquiel and Dr. Cole sharing a furtive glance, but neither spoke up. Cherenkov wasn’t sure if he should bring it to the captain’s attention or not. He decided to give Aquiel the benefit of the doubt. Perhaps it was something personal between the two women.
“Fine,” Glover clapped his hands. “Let’s get back to work people.” As the senior staff began standing up, Glover said, “Dr. Cole, a moment of your time?”
Well, it didn’t seem like Ivan was the only one with eagle eyes. The captain must have picked up on the secret glance as well. Cherenkov resolved not to broach the topic with Lt. Uhnari. If it was something important enough he was sure he would find out soon enough.
Besides, he had something more important he wanted to discuss with her. Sidling up beside her as they stepped on to the bridge, the First Officer asked, “Care to have dinner?”
***********
Alshain Lifepod
“You know, I was completely floored when I learned of the existence of Section 31,” Bashir replied. “But you seem to be taking it in stride.”
“Let’s just say, I’ve had a somewhat jaded life,” Uhnari replied. “The idea of a secret group obsessed with maintaining the Federation’s way of life at all costs isn’t that hard to conceive. I think we sometimes live under an illusion that we are so much better than the Romulans, Klingons, Cardassians, or other galactic powers. When in reality, the differences are more by degree.”
“Well, that’s a pretty cynical way of looking at the universe,” Julian retorted.
“This coming from a man that works for a super secret organization that nearly killed his girlfriend’s mother,” Aquiel fired back. Julian shrank against one of the pod’s curving walls.
“That was a low blow,” he angrily replied.
“I know,” she said. “I’m sorry; sometimes my mouth gets ahead of my brain.” The medic sighed.
“Well, it’s not like it isn’t true,” he looked away from Aquiel. “I-I just don’t know what I’m going to do. I’m in too deep now. I know too much. I was trying to do the right thing. Trying to clear the name of an innocent man, and I’ve done so many dirty things in the attempt that I don’t think I’ll ever be clean again.”
Aquiel reached out to him. “You’re a good man Julian. Time will bear that out. Believe me.”
“You think so?” He cautiously looked to her for approval. She nodded and smiled.
“Yeah, I do, but I also think you need to tell Ezri about this. All of it.”
“No, I can’t do that. I don’t want to put her in danger,” Bashir protested, animatedly shaking his head. “I can’t do that to her.”
“Don’t you think it’s a little too late for that?” Uhnari challenged. “Especially after what one of those bastards did to her mother on New Sydney.”
“It’s just….I don’t want her to think less of me,” Julian admitted.
“Look I’ve just been through this with Ivan,” Aquiel said quietly, her voice breaking. “It’s better to put everything out in the open. Love doesn’t survive on fear and secrets. I believe your love for each other is stronger than Section 31, or whatever.”
“Okay,” Bashir said. “I’ll think about it.”
“Good,” Uhnari said. Before she spoke again, the pod’s proximity alert beeped. She checked the small display screen. “I’ve got good news and bad news Doc.”
“What is it? What’s happened?”
“Good news first: our pod has been spotted,” Aquiel said. “Bad news: it’s an Alshain warship.”
***********
Re: Part Three: Hell Breaks Loose
***********
USS Cuffe
Conference Room
“I know why you weren’t in Sickbay during the Koloi attack,” Glover jumped right into the thick of things as soon as the doctor had sat in the left hand chair closest to his. “You, Lt. Uhnari, Counselor Ellan, and Crewman Salus were saving the ship. Now why you wanted your part excised in that, I haven’t got a clue. Care to tell me?”
“Who told you?” Rieta frowned.
“I’m the captain,” Terrence grinned. “I’m omniscient remember?”
“No, I didn’t know that,” the doctor said, without her usual humor. Glover’s smile faded. He became all business.
“It is standard practice to report significant events on this ship,” the captain said, his voice coarsening. “Why the others did, and you didn’t, I want to know why.”
Rieta sighed. “It’s not something I want to talk about.” She folded her arms.
“You don’t have a choice,” Glover said. “Unless you want me to charge Lt. Uhnari for writing a false report.” Cole’s eyes widened in shock.
“What do you mean?”
“Her report didn’t mention you at all. Whereas both Ellan and Salus reported you were part of their telepathic foursome. And that you also conversed with a hologram bearing the likeness of Lt. Simus.” Glover paused as memories of his long vanished friend flickered through his mind. He didn’t know what to make of the reports, but it gave him hope that Simus and maybe Hunal and the other members of the away team had survived the incident in the Tong Beak Nebula. Maybe one day, after the war was over, he would be able to find out for certain.
“You can’t bluff me,” Rieta replied. “I know you wouldn’t punish Lt. Uhnari.”
“And how can you be so sure?” Glover challenged. “Have you read my mind?”
“I-I never,” she began. Glover reached across the table and grasped her hand.
“Don’t lie to me Rieta; I know you’ve touched my mind before. It was you that I felt in Sickbay. You supplying me with support, with…concern,” the man’s voice faltered. “You care for me don’t you?”
The medic cleared her throat. “I-I shouldn’t. I know.” She wrapped her hand tightly in his.
“It’s okay,” Glover said gently. “I know a thing or two about forbidden feelings.” He slowly pulled his hand away. “Some bridges must never be crossed.”
“You’re right,” she sighed.
“So, how long have you been a telepath?”
“All of my life,” the woman finally admitted. “My parents did their best to raise me, but eventually they sent me to a private academy on Betazed, hoping I might feel more at home around other telepaths. I did, but I still missed them. I still missed being around humans. That’s why I joined Starfleet the first time, in large part.”
“And is that also why you left the Fleet?”
“Somewhat,” she revealed. “It was just too much. Not only the thoughts of humans, but of other aliens onboard ship and then the many species encountered during our missions. I just couldn’t function effectively. So I retreated back to Betazed. Probably would’ve stayed there for the rest of my life if it weren’t for the damned Dominion.”
“Rest assured, we’re going to win this war and drive the Jem’Hadar from Betazed,” Glover’s face hardened. “We’ll get you home again.”
“Actually,” Rieta’s familiar smile returned. “I think I’ve found a new home now. Out here, helping people, injecting a little bit of hope and reassurance every now and then along with my prescriptions isn’t such a bad thing.”
“Reading people’s thoughts without permission is,” Glover admonished.
“I’m sorry for that, I’m still learning,” Cole offered. “Ellan, Lt. Uhnari, and Crewman Salus have all volunteered their time to teach me various techniques to suppress and control my telepathy. The Betazoids are generally freer flowing with the sharing of thoughts. And the few mental controls I learned became somewhat relaxed during my years among them.”
“I think you’ll do just fine,” the captain sagely remarked.
“You’re certain I’ll be fine,” Cole said.
“Stop that,” Glover warned, undercutting the admonishment with a grin. Cole shrugged.
“Old habits die hard.”
**********
Federation Legation
Ward Room
Alshain Proper
April 2377
Admiral Monica Covey was a cauldron of emotions. Gratefulness and compassion warred with anger and embarrassment. The crew of the Defiant didn’t look any different. They looked tired and beaten in a way that she had never seen them before, and never wanted to see them again. They sat around the table, as silent and solemn as stones.
She wished there was something she could say to them, but she couldn’t imagine a speech that would make up for what had happened to them over the last several weeks. Besides, she didn’t want to give the Alshain and lone Romulan standing over them, at the head of the table, anything more to report back to their masters.
“Continuing to impound the Defiant doesn’t help us get past this faux pas,” the admiral tried again. She was also standing, feeling more confident on her feet. She formed the head of their small triangle. The Defiant crew looked on mutely.
“Also, the Star Empire will look most unfavorably on the Exarchate if it persists in keeping the cloaking device we loaned the Federation,” the Romulan official said. He paused to glare at Covey and the Defiant’s crew, “Despite its obvious misuse.”
Subminister Toj H’Tima snorted dismissively at their concerns. “It is in the interests of maintaining peace that Chairman T’Riav has agreed; against public opinion might I add, to release the warmongering crew of the Starship Defiant. However, the chairman was quite explicit, the warship stays. Let it be a sign that the Alshain will defend their sovereignty with undue diligence and tenacity.”
Before Covey could respond, the lupanoid turned smoothly to the Romulan. “Senator Nerio, the chairman has decided to grant the request of your government. The cloaking device is ready for transport to your vessel upon your command.”
Nerio deeply bowed. “Chairman T’Riav has earned the respect of the Praetor and all of the Empire this day. Hopefully this is a sign of a more fortuitous partnership in the coming years between our peoples.” Covey did a poor job hiding her grimace.
“The Chairman voiced similar wishes,” H’Tima returned the Romulan’s bow.
“I shall take my leave of you then,” Nerio brusquely acknowledged Covey and the other Starfleet officers before he ordered his ship to teleport him. H’Tima turned to them, his demeanor turning frosty.
“These violators have been given seventy-two hours to leave Alshain space,” he told the admiral. The words drove a spike through many of the Defiant’s crew. Captain Braener looked up, lightning flashing through his blue eyes. But Covey silenced him with a hard stare.
“How is that going to be possible when Chairman T’Riav has denied entrance to Starfleet or even Federation vessels in light of this incident?” Covey asked.
“That’s your problem,” H’Tima sneered before he activated his own transporter beam.
“I told you so,” Admiral Covey muttered to no one in particular.
THE END
***********
USS Cuffe
Conference Room
“I know why you weren’t in Sickbay during the Koloi attack,” Glover jumped right into the thick of things as soon as the doctor had sat in the left hand chair closest to his. “You, Lt. Uhnari, Counselor Ellan, and Crewman Salus were saving the ship. Now why you wanted your part excised in that, I haven’t got a clue. Care to tell me?”
“Who told you?” Rieta frowned.
“I’m the captain,” Terrence grinned. “I’m omniscient remember?”
“No, I didn’t know that,” the doctor said, without her usual humor. Glover’s smile faded. He became all business.
“It is standard practice to report significant events on this ship,” the captain said, his voice coarsening. “Why the others did, and you didn’t, I want to know why.”
Rieta sighed. “It’s not something I want to talk about.” She folded her arms.
“You don’t have a choice,” Glover said. “Unless you want me to charge Lt. Uhnari for writing a false report.” Cole’s eyes widened in shock.
“What do you mean?”
“Her report didn’t mention you at all. Whereas both Ellan and Salus reported you were part of their telepathic foursome. And that you also conversed with a hologram bearing the likeness of Lt. Simus.” Glover paused as memories of his long vanished friend flickered through his mind. He didn’t know what to make of the reports, but it gave him hope that Simus and maybe Hunal and the other members of the away team had survived the incident in the Tong Beak Nebula. Maybe one day, after the war was over, he would be able to find out for certain.
“You can’t bluff me,” Rieta replied. “I know you wouldn’t punish Lt. Uhnari.”
“And how can you be so sure?” Glover challenged. “Have you read my mind?”
“I-I never,” she began. Glover reached across the table and grasped her hand.
“Don’t lie to me Rieta; I know you’ve touched my mind before. It was you that I felt in Sickbay. You supplying me with support, with…concern,” the man’s voice faltered. “You care for me don’t you?”
The medic cleared her throat. “I-I shouldn’t. I know.” She wrapped her hand tightly in his.
“It’s okay,” Glover said gently. “I know a thing or two about forbidden feelings.” He slowly pulled his hand away. “Some bridges must never be crossed.”
“You’re right,” she sighed.
“So, how long have you been a telepath?”
“All of my life,” the woman finally admitted. “My parents did their best to raise me, but eventually they sent me to a private academy on Betazed, hoping I might feel more at home around other telepaths. I did, but I still missed them. I still missed being around humans. That’s why I joined Starfleet the first time, in large part.”
“And is that also why you left the Fleet?”
“Somewhat,” she revealed. “It was just too much. Not only the thoughts of humans, but of other aliens onboard ship and then the many species encountered during our missions. I just couldn’t function effectively. So I retreated back to Betazed. Probably would’ve stayed there for the rest of my life if it weren’t for the damned Dominion.”
“Rest assured, we’re going to win this war and drive the Jem’Hadar from Betazed,” Glover’s face hardened. “We’ll get you home again.”
“Actually,” Rieta’s familiar smile returned. “I think I’ve found a new home now. Out here, helping people, injecting a little bit of hope and reassurance every now and then along with my prescriptions isn’t such a bad thing.”
“Reading people’s thoughts without permission is,” Glover admonished.
“I’m sorry for that, I’m still learning,” Cole offered. “Ellan, Lt. Uhnari, and Crewman Salus have all volunteered their time to teach me various techniques to suppress and control my telepathy. The Betazoids are generally freer flowing with the sharing of thoughts. And the few mental controls I learned became somewhat relaxed during my years among them.”
“I think you’ll do just fine,” the captain sagely remarked.
“You’re certain I’ll be fine,” Cole said.
“Stop that,” Glover warned, undercutting the admonishment with a grin. Cole shrugged.
“Old habits die hard.”
**********
Federation Legation
Ward Room
Alshain Proper
April 2377
Admiral Monica Covey was a cauldron of emotions. Gratefulness and compassion warred with anger and embarrassment. The crew of the Defiant didn’t look any different. They looked tired and beaten in a way that she had never seen them before, and never wanted to see them again. They sat around the table, as silent and solemn as stones.
She wished there was something she could say to them, but she couldn’t imagine a speech that would make up for what had happened to them over the last several weeks. Besides, she didn’t want to give the Alshain and lone Romulan standing over them, at the head of the table, anything more to report back to their masters.
“Continuing to impound the Defiant doesn’t help us get past this faux pas,” the admiral tried again. She was also standing, feeling more confident on her feet. She formed the head of their small triangle. The Defiant crew looked on mutely.
“Also, the Star Empire will look most unfavorably on the Exarchate if it persists in keeping the cloaking device we loaned the Federation,” the Romulan official said. He paused to glare at Covey and the Defiant’s crew, “Despite its obvious misuse.”
Subminister Toj H’Tima snorted dismissively at their concerns. “It is in the interests of maintaining peace that Chairman T’Riav has agreed; against public opinion might I add, to release the warmongering crew of the Starship Defiant. However, the chairman was quite explicit, the warship stays. Let it be a sign that the Alshain will defend their sovereignty with undue diligence and tenacity.”
Before Covey could respond, the lupanoid turned smoothly to the Romulan. “Senator Nerio, the chairman has decided to grant the request of your government. The cloaking device is ready for transport to your vessel upon your command.”
Nerio deeply bowed. “Chairman T’Riav has earned the respect of the Praetor and all of the Empire this day. Hopefully this is a sign of a more fortuitous partnership in the coming years between our peoples.” Covey did a poor job hiding her grimace.
“The Chairman voiced similar wishes,” H’Tima returned the Romulan’s bow.
“I shall take my leave of you then,” Nerio brusquely acknowledged Covey and the other Starfleet officers before he ordered his ship to teleport him. H’Tima turned to them, his demeanor turning frosty.
“These violators have been given seventy-two hours to leave Alshain space,” he told the admiral. The words drove a spike through many of the Defiant’s crew. Captain Braener looked up, lightning flashing through his blue eyes. But Covey silenced him with a hard stare.
“How is that going to be possible when Chairman T’Riav has denied entrance to Starfleet or even Federation vessels in light of this incident?” Covey asked.
“That’s your problem,” H’Tima sneered before he activated his own transporter beam.
“I told you so,” Admiral Covey muttered to no one in particular.
THE END
Re: Part Three: Hell Breaks Loose
Oh, suck! ...Not the story, it was great. But Ivan's dead, the Defiant is now under control of the Alshain, and her crew is surely going to have a hellofa ride home via third party transports (presumably). Not to mention Aquiel and Bashir's situation.
Covey is going to have her work cut out for her. If Starfleet doesn't bring the ax upon her head.
Very well done story! I look forward to seeing how some of this pans out in future tales.
Oh, suck! ...Not the story, it was great. But Ivan's dead, the Defiant is now under control of the Alshain, and her crew is surely going to have a hellofa ride home via third party transports (presumably). Not to mention Aquiel and Bashir's situation.
Covey is going to have her work cut out for her. If Starfleet doesn't bring the ax upon her head.
Very well done story! I look forward to seeing how some of this pans out in future tales.
